City Council - Regular Meeting

States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I call to order this regular session of the Vienna City Council. Having taken role in having a quorum, we will proceed. The first item that we have this evening on our agenda is to recognize the PHS girls state basketball champions.

Yep.

If I can invite all of you to the front. We've got uh certificates. If we've missed somebody, I apologize and we will get that taken care of, but I think we've got everybody that was on the roster. So, come on up. All right. First off, we've got Coach Chris Murray.

Lauren Flanigan. Thank you. There you go. Thank you so much. You're very welcome. Francis G. Right. Congratulations. Maria G. Congratulations. Keegan Weinberger. Congratulations. Faith Butcher. You move a lot faster than me. Congratulations, Kinsley. Lay Masters on the Masters.

Congratulations, Lucy Klein. Amaya Lewis. Congratulations, Lake Hart. Oh, I know this one. Congratulations, Brooklyn Allen. Congratulations, Kina.

And how do you say it? What was that? Yang. Great. Well, I'm going to mess that up, but congratulations to you. Uh, Melissa Straus, congratulations. Avery Matthews, Chloe Gribble, not here. Gracie Lively, Eden Dour. Congratulations,

Kennedy Porter. Liliana Martinez here. Did we miss anyone? Got We got our We got our managers, Jaden Johnson, Riley Stall, and then our assistant coaches. Did we miss one in the back? No, just our managers.

Okay, we will get you. We we had a roster, but we will get you taken care of. Make sure we get your names and we'll get those out to you guys. Why don't you guys come come up to the front here? Look, on behalf of the entire city of Indiana, not just the city council, but the entire city, we are all exceptionally proud of the accomplishment that you did. We know that this was not a a one-time hit that you go in, you play one game, and you win. It takes an entire season to get you to where you were. And you represent How many live in Vienna? I appreciate you.

It t Yeah, it takes so much work to get to where you guys were able to achieve and we're so very proud of all of that and each one of you played a vital role in all of that. So, from the city of Vienna, congratulations. We look forward to another great season next year, I'm sure. What was the most Anybody have What was the most memorable moment of it all? Who? Oh, there you go. Who got to hold the trophy for the first time?

And again, just thank you from all council. Do you have anything you'd like to say? Congratulations. Thank you guys for having us. Present the ball 256 champion. I'd like to know who are who who are the all stator first and second. We don't really know yet. So they haven't announced it yet. They haven't announced, but we have three first team allers. Then we have captain of the second team first team all statory second team. Um, Kennedy was tournament MVP. They were all tournament team as well. Congratulations.

Um, but I think goodness gracious, I think we were led in scoring by different people. Almost every a lot of times there was somebody else that stepped up at all times. So, and coach, thank you for and obviously there seems to be some chemistry here. That's great. Great kids. Great kids. Get the picture with them. So, what I'm holding is a team bowl signed by everybody. We will display this here at the city building so everyone can see and everybody can celebrate in your success together. Yeah. Well, do you want to be in the middle?

Well, I make me look you want to come in the middle and stand by this.

Don't sit down. I want to get a picture with everybody.

Okay, now everyone. Did you get one? We have probably

some people have to stand on the back step there. I'm going to because I look taller. I've done this once or twice. I know it. Look, I'm going to rise and she's still taller than me.

I'll stand outside.

You don't have to hold. Perfect. Are we ready? Angel, you better tell Are we ready? Hold on.

Ready. One, two, three. Beautiful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you guys.

Our our firehouse is having an open house next door. If you guys want to go over and look at firet trucks or take pictures by fire trucks, they're right across the street. Just tell them the mayor sent you and have a ball. Thank you. And thank you guys very much. Thank you. That was a very nice prayer.

Oh, hey guys, hold on. We missed something and it's all my fault. We did an official proclamation. I got so excited to hand out certificates.

Mr. SK Uh, this is a proclamation honoring the Parkersburg High School Big Red girls basketball team, the 2026 class state champions. Whereas the Parkersburg High School Big Red's girls basketball team demonstrated fierce determination, skill, and resilience throughout the 2026 season. And whereas the Big Red secured the 2026 class A state championship with a hard fought 5953 victory over a talented and competitive Parkerburg South High School Patriots team. And whereas this championship game reflected the highest standards of sportsmanship, intensity, and mutual respect between two outstanding programs representing the Parkersburg community. And whereas the Big Reds rose to the challenge and with conclusion in the fourth quarter, executed under pressure and reclaim momentum to secure the championship victory. And whereas the Big Red's championship run, including three tournament victories, decided by a combined 12 points, reflect their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering competitive spirit. Whereas the Parkersburg South High School Patriot girls basketball team is recognized for an outstanding season and for competing with excellence, determination, and sportsmanship in a championship game worthy of both programs. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor of Vienna City Council that the Parkersburg High School Big Red's girls basketball team is hereby recognized and commended for their achievement as the 2026 West Virginia class girls basketball high school state champions. Thank you very much. I was getting ready to blow right by that. Now go look at fire truck.

Thank you. Thank you guys. That was awesome. Tell Steve Black you're taking a job. Make sure you announce great voice. Great announcer. Oh, Steve, look. You just got a job. I don't need any voice. Mr.

The minutes from the March 12th, 2026 meeting have been printed, posted, and circulated. Are there any additions to the minutes? If not, let the minutes stand as posted. Moving on, we have no unfinished business. Moving then on to new business. The first item on our resol agenda is a resolution approving the 2026 2027 general fund budget and coal severance budgets. Uh this is a resolution approving the 2026 2027 general fund coal severance budget submission to West the West Virginia State Auditor.

Don't break character. It resolved by the common council of the city of Vienna that the general fund and coal sovereigns budget copies of which are attached here too for fiscal year 2026 2027 are hereby approved. The treasur of the city of Vienna is hereby authorized and directed forward the same to the West Virginia state auditor for approval. Let's get ready for the Do I have a motion to accept the budget? So move. Do I have a second? Second.

I have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? Having no other discussion and having a motion and a second, all those in favor of approving the resolution as submitted, please signify by raising your right hand. The resolution passes unanimously. We'll fund it for yet another year, my good friend. Item number two, a resolution authorizing the acceptance of an agreement between the Wood County Economic Development Authority and the City of Vienna

in the amount of $75,000 being resolved by the common council of the city of Vienna that it hereby accepts and authorizes the mayor or his designate to execute any documents as are reasonably necessary to enter into a one-year economic development agreement with the Wood County Development Authority. Purpose of this agreement is to secure the assistance of the WCDA to identify and pursue development incentives, resources, and opportunities as well as to coordinate the logistics of applying and implementing set resources, information, and opportunities to facilitate meetings to prepare for and respond to the economic development opportunities with particular focus on the WPITC property, the former John's Vanville property, the downtown business district, and any other opportunities that may arise within the city for business development consideration. In exchange for the services more commonly specified in the attached draft copy of the agreement, the city of Vienna will pay the WCDA the to some total sum of $75,000 to be paid for equal quarterly installments of $18,750. This agreement can be terminated at any point for any reason. This agreement is exempt from the competitive bid process under West Virginia Municipal Code 105.05 as it is a professional service.

Do I have a motion to accept the resolution as submitted? I guess I know how this vote's going to go. There you go, right? Has everybody made a motion to say having a motion and a second. Um, as far as discussion, Lindsay will give you a moment to just share a little bit about what you've done this past year and what you hope to accomplish in the next year. It's really hard to follow the girls state championship and Russ's announcer voice. I'm going to try to keep it quick. I know I'm standing in between you all and fire trucks. So, um, quickly, I'm Are you blapping someone on my tiptoes? Yeah. Are you on your tiptoes? I am. We'll get you.

At the legislature, they give me a stool to stand up. So,

um, so, um, thank you all for allowing us the opportunity to have the contract with the city of Vienna for economic development. Um, this past year, the Wood County Development Authority applied for and was awarded another $400,000 in unmatched industrial access road grant dollars and $150,000 in match dollars. So, this brings our total to 800,000 in unmatched dollars and 300,000 in match dollars for the 12th Street Road expansion, which will be going out to bid any day now. Um, the Wood County Development Authority also worked with Mayor Emerich to apply for a federal earmark for the remediation of concrete and rebar on the former John's Manville site, now known as Spencer's Landing. And the mayor and I are pleased to let you all know that we did get a $1 million grant to get the concrete and rebar um taken care of, and we expect the grant paperwork to be available this summer. So, that was good news. We also worked with Mayor Emer to apply for 2027 congressional earmarks through Congressman Riley Moore and Shelley Moore Capito's offices for the multi-use structure at Spencer's Landing. Senator justices have not been released yet, but we will apply for his as well when it comes open. Um Tori and I presented to you not too long ago, but I did want to go over some numbers that she and I have put together about ITC. The total investment at ITC will be $38 million secured to date is $24 million. When we started this, we thought $10 million was going to cover it all. Doesn't that seem silly now?

It seems silly now.

Um, the Vienna Elementary School will be another $27 million investment. The number of students served in year 1, 609 students projected by year three, 900. Child care opening, um, there's 130 seats and I think a hundred are filled, so it's pretty darn near full. um on-site employment at full activation will be 200 plus jobs and we've continued to work with the additive additive manufacturer um at the facility which will be 15 jobs and $5 million in investment. Um also with that that entity will be allowing the students at the ITC to use their very expensive equipment for research and development purposes. So we're excited about that. The development authority paid for a preliminary engineering report for the water and sewer installation on the residential land surrounding ITC. That purr was completed and is being reviewed by the Parkersburg Utility Board as we speak. So, if you'll recall, Parkerburg utility board will serve the water and sewer and those houses will be within the city of Vienna city limits. Um, the development authority continues to work with WVUP on the business side of growth related to the ITC. I actually went through my calendar and counted. I have gone with Tori on 32 site tours at ITC in 20 since last fiscal year. So, we went on 32 tours

and I know a couple of those was like a whole day event. Um, so that's been with prospects, funders, you name it, Nosy Rosies, we've had them up there. Um, we've submitted multiple grants, including an economic enhancement grant through the state of West Virginia and a 2027 federal earmark for the buildout of the second floor of ITC. That funding would pay for a cyber range and cyber attack simulation lab, esports and digital competition facility, collaboration and co-working space, business incubation suites, and expanded computer information technology and computer science classrooms. And then other fun facts, the development authority has 15 active Vienna properties in the database. And if you'll recall, that's free for any person who has a commercial or industrial piece of property or a building within anywhere in Wood County. They can put that in our site free of charge. Doesn't have to be listed with a realtor. Um the development authority has continued to work with the Grand Central Mall and Mayor Emerich to support the Kafaro Company as the new owners. and we conducted BRE visits with Halls Chocolates, the PM Company, the Grand Central Mall, McCaffy's Vienna, and Make a Meal Pizza. And I'm happy to answer any questions that any of you might have.

Yes, I have one. Yes, sir. Um, did I understand you correctly? Vienna Elementary, uh, there'll be 609 students starting. No, that's WVPITC. Oh, okay. Cuz I was wondering what the 900 300 came from. No, they'll be under 600. It says five 500 500 for BN elementary. Okay. Too many. Never too many.

I I just want to as for the record is I want to thank you for your commitment to the city of Vienna. I know that you're spread pretty thin. I passed on everything for county and uh and I just really appreciate the work you've done for the city of V.

I appreciate that. Thank you. I will say it's been good over this past year working with with you and your crew and everything you've done and thank you for your the speed in which you answer you know my texts at all hours when it pops into my head and I look down I go oh it's 11:30 so it's probably not up but more times than not she has responded so I thank you uh for your diligence on that and we look forward to uh continued growth anyone If you ever have questions, call, text me, like Chad said, anytime. Happy to get you an answer if I don't have it and happy to continue working with you. So, thank you.

Thank you. Is there any other discussion? Having a motion and a second. No other discussion. All those in favor of approving the resolution as submitted, please signify by raising your right hand. Motion passes unanimously. That ends the items of business that we have. Do we have any reports from standing boards or committees? Um, well, I have one thing. I'll wait to pass. Yes,

just uh a reminder of the uh swap meet that I spoke of a couple couple weeks ago. Um, this is an event that's uh basically an opportunity if you've got any leftover gear, uh, any kind of sports equipment, uh, baseball gloves, cleats, anything that can be used by somebody else or another child. U, we're having a swap meet event. It's actually going to take place April 4th. Um, there's a flyer out for it on Facebook. They're they're collecting donations up until Wednesday, April 1st, so they have time to get everything organized. Um, the event's going to be down at the rec building. Um, but it's a it's opportunity, like I said, to clean out the garage, get rid of anything, tell tell your friends about it, you know, if you know anybody that's got any sports equipment left over or taking anything and every or all everything, anything anything that you got.

Are there any other council comments? Yes. Um, I just want to let you know that I will not be in attendance uh for the next council meeting, April the the 9th. I'll try to call in, but there's no guarantee. And then also we need to determine a time for lay the levy that is which will be on Thursday, April 21st. We normally meet in the morning but we have to decide on we typically do that at 8. You guys can discuss the time if you want. That's something you don't have to have on the agenda. Do that now. historically.

What's the date? Uh, April 21st on Tuesday.

And the city attorney doesn't 8 a.m. today. remind everybody about the friends of Vienna upcoming uh huge sale at Wayside in May. We'll be setting that up and getting that all taken care of and that really is a huge sale. Um then I just have one other gold star basically to uh to share tonight. Um Miss Rose, you went and completed a course this past week, did you not? Yeah.

So, uh Tammy on her own and taking initiative uh attended a week-long course on floodplane management uh and she completed the course and she got certified in it. Certificate. Well, you got the certificate. I got the Yeah. To be certified, you have to take a test. Okay. Well, it sounds better if we said no. Never mind. But she completed this course and I just think that shows great initiative on your part and thank you for doing that. So she at least has a certificate. Got some concrete shoes. I just want to point out that the sweet 16 starts at 710.

I'll be really fast. I just want to say and this is a good thing. So, um, I wasn't able to vote on this, but the, uh, council and mayor approved, u, I think it was $8,500 to be given to the Wood County Prevention Coalition, um, for the first three events that took place this year. Um, and I got to say the events, uh, they were a booming success because January we had the Bel Bowl Bowling Bash. We had 140 in attendance. Uh that doesn't ne that doesn't actually include the people who are working the event. That's just the people who showed up. That's uh parents and their children, mostly children. Um that was in January and uh Mayor Emer spoke at that event. So appreciate that. And then also in February, we had a skating party. We had 252 um people, mostly children and their parents attending. 252 at the skating party at the skating rink on Southside. Um, again, huge, huge turnout, great event. Uh, mayor came back and graciously spoke again. Um,

and skated now. Yeah. Got the skates on. And then, uh, at our March event, we had the swimming gym, which was at the YMCA, and we had 120, uh, mostly children and their parents attending that one as well. And, uh, Mr. Skullsac came and gave a great speech for us there. So, it was fun until the kids tried to cover me in towns and push me into the pool. And last but not least, let's all congratulate Tony on the birth of his new baby girl, Chatarina. For the for the is Arya Marie Morrison

and she he sent me a picture and she's a beautiful baby girl and Tony has already said that she's his favorite. Not on the record. four boys and a girl. That's it.

But to finish my finish my last thought, I just wanted to say thank you council. Thank you, Mayor uh Mr. Skogstad for um you know what you guys did. You you really made an impact on these kids' lives. I'm looking forward to a lot of other things happening with the coalition in the near future. And just to give a little plug about the coalition, what it is is it's a group. It's a it's an entity in itself, but it's it's made up of a lot of other uh nonprofit businesses that come as representatives to one meeting um and and really put our minds together with a common goal of promoting positive youth development in our community, in our county, Wood County. And um I can't tell you exactly how many businesses we have represented there, but I I got to say there's close to 30, if not more. And we're always looking for more people to come and join. Um, if if you're interested, there is a uh um there is now a link that you can uh get to my wife can email you for a Zoom. You can get on the meetings during the Zoom call. Um, but the third Friday of every month uh if you're interested, you have my phone number, send me a text message and uh we can get you on the email list to get that link every month and you'll be able to attend if not in person. Then just listen into the background. But it's the third Friday at 9:00 am. We always usually have it over here at the police annex, but it may change in the future. But that Zoom link will always be there. So that's it.