VIENNA — Public Works Director Shawn Westart provided updates on city infrastructure and ongoing projects on Oct. 6, giving members a detailed look at the department’s current priorities and challenges.

Westart said the city’s water leak investigation is ongoing. Staff recently conducted a drone survey to inspect problematic areas, and footage was submitted to Missouri Water for review. He also discussed exploring satellite imagery to detect leaks in real time, a method reportedly used successfully by other Missouri towns. One specific area near recent pavement damage will be dug up later this week for further inspection, though Westart indicated it may not be the city’s responsibility.

“The new thing is satellite imagery,” Westart said. “I’m getting information on it, but there’s a couple towns that used it here in Missouri so far.”

Westart also provided updates on preparations for upcoming events, including water hookups at Vienna City Park to ensure restroom facilities are operational, and an upcoming FEMA site inspection related to spring flooding.

Following the public works report, the council approved the Sept. 8 meeting minutes as well as the financial report, without objection.

A decision on a certificate of deposit maturing Dec. 9 was postponed until the November meeting.

Ordinances were also briefly discussed. The nuisance and tiny home ordinances are reportedly still under review by Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), while the residential care facility ordinance is no longer considered a concern. Personnel handbook updates were also noted and will remain on the agenda for future review.

Council members were informed that Republic Services plans to increase trash rates starting Dec. 1, by 66 cents.

Preparations for the city’s insurance renewal are expected to begin in January 2026, covering all applicable policies.

The meeting, concluded with a motion to move to a closed session citing Missouri Revised Statutes 610.021 subsections nine and thirteen. According to state law, these sections allow public bodies to meet privately when discussing certain confidential topics. Subsection nine covers preparations or discussions related to labor negotiations, which can include strategy sessions about contracts or employee agreements. Subsection 13 allows meetings to be closed when talking about specific personnel matters, such as employee performance, evaluations or other private information about staff members. The city noted these reasons as the basis for closing the meeting to the public.