VIENNA — The City of Vienna has embraced the spirit of Christmas. A drive around town will show that many residents have decorated their homes for the holiday season.

At the Vienna City’s Council’s December meeting, South Ward Alderwoman Brenda Davis said “I love how the community is expressing Christmas with the lights. I love seeing them.”

Vienna has some well-known outdoor Christmas displays and lights decorators. Jim Fick next to the MoDOT facility on Highway 63 N has earned the kudos from local people and beyond for his wonderful outdoor Santa figures, all so well placed and lighted. Across Highway 63 on 8th Street is Lois Wieberg’s beautiful holiday decorations. She’s not far from the lavish outside display by Daniel Stroud on North Coffey Street. There are others, too, as North Ward Alderwoman Reva Hutchison’s family has a yard and porch full of Christmas decorations and lighting on Mill Street near City Hall. City workers also put up 48 Christmas ornaments on the town’s power poles.

Besides Vienna’s Christmas lighting efforts, Davis also complimented the recent Christmas Market Craft and Vendor Show put on the by Historical Society of Maries County (HSMC) at the Knights Hall in November. Davis said the show was huge and there were people who came to the vendor show from all over the pace who were shopping at other businesses in town, too. Davis said she is interested in knowing what the city’s sales tax numbers will be this year. 

In other business at the December Vienna City Council meeting:

—Mayor Tyler “TC” James reported the city purchased a 2008 Ford service truck from surplus property. It replaced the grey truck the city workers use. They plan to sell the plow and sand spreader. 

—Debra Miller of the Vienna PTO approached the council members about a 5K fundraiser on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. using Vienna city streets. She had a map of the proposed route. It will be an open course with two crossings. It will be run by April Second Timing, an event management company. 

Mayor James said Highway 42 is a concern but as long as there is someone to help at the crossing and it is all right with the police department then he is okay with it, too. 

Utilities Superintendent Shon Westart, when looking at the prospective map of the 5K run/walk, suggested staying off of Independence Lane by G&W Foods as it is busy with grocery store traffic, especially on a Saturday. 

Miller asked if the police department or fire department can help with the crossings. Officer Tina Crawford said one of the Vienna PD officers will be on duty. Vienna Police Chief Mike Smith was at the meeting and he said the fire department can help as well. 

Mayor James asked Miller to stay in touch with the police department about the logistics of the race. 

—The council approved Bill No 21-07/Ordinance #223 for renewing the existing franchise and granting for a period of 20 years to Union Electric Company D/B/A Ameren Missouri. City Clerk Karen Duddenhoeffer said she will sign it on Dec. 9, 2021. 

—The council briefly discussed the trash service. They’ve already signed a contract with Republic Services for 2022 and will wait until February to discuss making any changes to the service provider. Westart asked city residents who have issues with the current provider can contact city hall.