City Council - Regular Meeting

Council on the road to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty. and justice for all.

I call to order this regular session of the Vanna City Council. Having taken role and having a quorum, we will proceed. The first item uh that we have before we get into our new business is our public forum. We have two individuals that have signed up. Two and they're both not talking about swimming, I guess. Uh the first Mr. Henry Sass. Bet you one of them is

Yeah, I bet you one of them is Henry Sassin 1307 Greenmont Hills Drive in Vienna. Uh going through Yes, it's about swim. those individuals are not aware. The uh Parkersburg High School girls got state runner up. Uh and there were several of the boys that uh won their events and there was one I think Levi Moore who set a state record in the 500. He only dropped one second on his last lap in the 500. And some of the uh South kids also meddled. So my hats off to them. And the coach we have that lives in Vienna, her name is Emily Martin. So, want to give you guys a heads up on that. Miss Haley Meredith.

Hi. I'll keep this short, but not as short as Henry. Um, I first want to say congratulations to Officer Cole for his permission today. I'm not going to be able to stand for it, but congratulations. Um, my name is Haley Meredith. I am a Vienna resident. I have lived in one county my entire life, minus the four years I spent in Morgantown. And I am running for the board of education. I represent district B, which is where Vienna votes, and it is Vienna's district, but I will represent the entire county. Um, like I said, I live in Vienna with my husband Craig. We have three children, a 10-year-old, an 8 and a halfyear-old, and a three and a halfyear-old. The older two go to school at public schools. I went to school at public schools and my youngest will go to school at public schools. Um, I truly believe that our school system is the foundation of our community. I think with better schools brings better businesses. It's going to help our home values and it's going to help obviously the future of our children, which I am very invested in. A lot of kids my age, and I say kids even though I'm 39 years old, chose to, you know, move away to different areas. And I'm very proud to be in Wood County and have stuck around in Wood County and be raising my children in Wood County. I'm very invested in it. And the way that I see that I can help out is with this school. Um, I have 17 years in banking experience. I'm vice president in lending at Pleasant County Bank and I'm also the treasurer of our school's PTA. So being in the PTA, I am in the school a lot. I see a lot of what goes on, boots on the ground, the kids, the teachers. And while I hope to be a parent's voice, I really hope to be a voice for the kids and the teachers as well. I think that a fresh perspective is needed. I think that financial responsibility is needed and some accountability and transparency is needed. Um, so while I'm asking for your votes, uh, if you have a friend or family member that lives Williamstown, Southside, anywhere else, they can vote for me, too. It's not just district

specific, it's countywide. So, I look forward to being out and about in the community, getting my name out there, and these signs that you see popping up, they are me, and I'd be happy to answer any questions anytime. I have a Facebook page, and hopefully I'll be hosting some gettogethers and some meet and greets. So, thank you for your time, guys. The minutes from the regular council meeting on February 19th, 2026 have been printed, posted, and circulated. Are there any corrections to the minutes? If not, the minutes will stand approved as posted. Our next treasures report will be at the first council meeting next month. We have no unfinished business, so we will move on to new business. Our first item on the agenda is a resolution of the acknowledgement of the appointment of Lieutenant Joshua Cole to the position of Vienna Police Chief.

Be resolved by common council of the city of Vienna that it hereby acknowledges, affirms, and welcomes Mayor Chad Emmer's appointment Lieutenant Josh Cole. Lieutenant Joshua Cole for the position of police chief of the city of Vienna effective April 17, 2026. Chief annual salary is $85,280 with benefits. Do I have a motion to accept the resolution as submitted? So move. Do I have a second? Second.

I have a motion and a second. As for discussion, I'm going to start off on discussion tonight. uh this process uh was much different for the selection of uh Lieutenant Cole to be chief um than in years past. Uh in years past, it's simply been um conversations between potential candidates and the mayor and um then that gets brought forward. This year was handled, like I said, very differently. Uh we had three candidates that applied for the position and all three candidates uh could have very well and easily served as police chief. The process that they went through was one a physical assessment. Uh each candidate was um to perform the same level of physical assessment that new candidates that were applying to become an officer with the city of Vienna must complete. They were also required to complete the written exam in line with what new candidates are required to complete. There was a records review of past performance. Then there was a board that was conducted that had myself uh recorder Smith who is the police liaison for our council. Uh Chief Pal and Chief Deputy Mike Deans sat on that board. None of us coordinated our questions and each came with a very specific list of questions that they had. Uh at the end of that we had discussion about the various candidates but none of us said who we favored in any of that

capacity. I then asked each board member to um write in their order who they would recommend for the position. Um the process was designed to elevate the most qualified candidate. Uh I know that each one of the candidates that applied were all qualified and could have filled a position. Uh this process was designed to elevate the most qualified candidate. Um and I can tell council this evening through a quantifiable process that uh Lieutenant Cole exceeded on the physical assessment. He exceeded on the written assessment and he was the number one choice by all four board members independently. U Lieutenant Cole has earned this position. Uh it is with great confidence that I bring him uh here this evening for acknowledgement of this council to lead our police department uh into the next generation which I have absolutely no doubt uh that he will do an incredible job uh doing. He has my faith. He has the outgoing faith and confidence of uh Chief Palm and he has the support and confidence of all the officers that he will lead in the next coming years. Um so with that that's my discussion. Does anyone have anyone else have anything they'd like to say?

Oh yeah. Why should I do? Oh yes. So, Lieutenant, you know, and Haley and Tony, um, Haley talked about our young people that stay here and raise their families and live here. I just want to recognize that, uh, seeing you guys come out, get involved. Sorry to the rest of you, but you're more than my elk. But, uh, I just, you know, encourage your friends to be involved. This is exactly what this community needs, and we're seeing results. You know, we saw CBB really had an increase uptick in in activity in the county. just a lot of positive things. So I, you know, congratulations, good luck and uh see you next week. Right. So I just want to thank everybody that uh I think it's really meaningful.

Lieutenant Cole, how long you been a police officer? Uh 15 years. So what would you and your wife come to the podium? I'm used to see I recognized her, you know. There you go. Kathy, this is was this your sixth police chief since this is I think this is my six. Your seven. Oh, never mind.

Well, Gary, it's not really because Gary was here for like 500 years. But anyway, I think you're my fifth or sixth police chief. I can't remember why I count. So, I started with Stevens. We went to George Young. Then we went to uh who am I missing? Mike or Chief Piper and Chief now suiting Chief P. Um, I'm I was working as a prosecutor for a handful of years before uh Josh started as a policeman. And I remember the first time that I met him, I was very impressed. I thought he would do an excellent job. Um, as a police officer, and he has. Um, we you're very we've been very lucky uh in the time that I've been by the prosecutor and city attorney for the city and that we've had excellent police chiefs. That's a fine tradition. that was started by Chief Beam many many years ago and it was carried on by Chief Steven's young Piper pal and I and I expected to continue Chief Cole. Um Mr. Cole is a is a good strong young family man. Um I've seen him uh officers sometimes I've seen officers put in a lot of difficult positions. I've never questioned Lieutenant I've never It's hard for me just not to call him Josh. I've I've never seen Josh make the wrong decision. Um I've seen him make decisions with uh that are in court with the law and also to balance compassion with that. He's a fine he's been a fine officer. Um I think he's been a fine administrator and I think he'll be an excellent police chief. So we're all very fortunate. Thank you for sticking around as long as you have. I expect I expect personally very good things.

Thanks, sir. Anyone else? Would you like to say anything to council before we take our vote? Um, I wasn't really prepared to speak tonight, but I know that's what I do. I've noticed that. Uh, no, I'm uh, you know, thankful for the opportunity. I'm looking forward to it. you know, if you guys choose uh you know, to vote for this tonight, um I I think we expect a lot of good things and I'm just excited for the opportunity.

We appreciate that. Any other discussion? Having a motion and a second, no further discussion. All those in favor of the resolution recognizing and appointing Lieutenant Cole to the position of Vanna Police Chief, signify by raising your right hand. Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations to you and congratulations to your lovely wife. If you two would like to know, you don't have to stay for the rest of the council meeting. Don't have kiddos and responsibilities.

Thank you.

Thank you. U moving on. Let me ask this question. All right. So items two, three and four are all related uh in the sense um and there's there needs to be some discussion about this. Do we approach this? Do we do do I do two get a motion and a second then have discussion or can we have discussion before we get to these three items? I think as long as council knows when the time comes that they have to vote on each of the items individually, I think it's perfectly reasonable to move um to move and second general budget uh general fund budget provision number six. And you can incorporate your discussions into two, three, and four. Yeah,

correct. Yeah, I think you I think you go with those as long as we make sure that we're clear and we take votes on all on two, three, and four individually because that's how they are. I don't see any problem with Okay. Are you reading the general fund?

Uh going through uh this is general fund budget revision number six. We're looking to take uh $255,000 from capital reserves in account 322 and move them into account 410-58. Capital other uh this is for the appropriations of funds for dispensers planning task orders number one and two which are listed as resolution number one which is item number three on the agenda and task number two which is resolution number four on the agenda.

Do I have a motion? Well, I'll do Okay. Okay. I'll cover all that. Wait, way to think ahead. Do I have a motion to accept general fund budget revision number six? I have a motion in a second. You can write that down in either direction. All right. Now, let let's get into the meat of it and have our discussion. Sam, are you here? Go ahead and and come to the podium. Good evening.

Good evening. So we received these two the we put forward the the request for task orders. Um we received the um the draft of those task orders and have incorporated them into resolutions uh three and four. I sent you an email this past week expressing my personal concern about the cost of what those two task orders were in what they incorporated in what room of flexibility. Uh we have to be able to uh pivot in one way or the the other. U this was not a direct towards you or Thrasher. uh in a negative, but I have a responsibility to do due diligence uh and to make sure that everything that we do to the best of my ability is done with fiscal responsibility. Um in you have to ask the question and you need to get clarification. So on items and we're pulling all of this discussion in but votes will be uh independent. the task orders that were submitted. Let's first hear what you have brought for us this evening. U then I'll open it up to council uh to ask individual questions or to have discussion amongst council.

Sure. And just for the public,

I'm just just for the public does the mayor want to just go over what the two tasks are that we're incorporating that we're talking about going to be talking about as part and parcel of federal vision for city. So the the two task orders and thank you Russ for that. The two task orders that at hand and are are going to be discussed and voted on this evening are one for a bathroom facility, restroom facility uh that will be at Spencer's Landing and the second is for just the stage portion of the multiuse that is not the full uh multi-use facility itself but the stage portion of that uh so those are what the two task orders are dealing with. One restroom facility, one of the restroom facilities at Spencer's Landing and the stage area itself um that is will be incorporated into the entire multi-use facility. Does that enough? Yeah, you're I just want to make sure that the folks that are listening for the thousands in attendance and the millions around the world,

for the millions that viewing in from across the globe, that they know what we're talking. So, go ahead. Take it away.

So, just to kind of reiterate, we we put these together as task orders that fall under the master service agreement that was previously approved at a council. Um you all at the last council meeting had given us direction. We needed task orders for a restroom, building, and the stage as you just described. Um there are a lot of nuances to these. So I'm going to try to go through in detail and explain what each of these includes. So task order number one was for the uh public restroom. And when we are doing this project, we have talked about from the onset and through the planning process that we we want to make sure things are located in in a reasonable location and we're making accommodations for future expansion. We know that this is a project that's going to be built out in many phases. Um, as part of that, when we are doing things like uh surveying and mapping, so the intent of the $15,000 that is listed for SER surveying and mapping is to do topographic feature location uh utility identification on all the entire riverfront property of Spencer's Landing. This also included a baometric survey of the Ohio River for future boat dock facilities, um, which would would be not part of either one of these phases, but future phases. that was around $3,000 of that cost to have that thrown in at this time. It's really um as I've explained to the team that we've been uh working with, you know, trying to save you all cost on mobilization. So, we're not sending survey crews out multiple times. We're going to be there. We're going to get as much information as we can and not only utilize that for service order one and two, but any future design projects that we would undertake as a company for this project. uh geotechnical investigation, which is also under service order number one, actually benefits service order number one and number two. Um that was something I could have broken out and had geotech as part of both projects, but again, that is something that's going to benefit future design work at the property. That's where we'll actually have a uh a drill rig on site that will do borings uh to to figure out

depth of bedrock, identify soil sampling in in the site, identify any areas of concern. Anytime you're going to have a proposed building structure, especially uh the stage that we're talking about, we need to kind of know what we're dealing with as as far as compaction, soil material, and and where rock exists or does not exist. Um after we get through, so that's A and B of service order number one. After we get through that, I have design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration. And and this is where I think I want to be kind of clear with council on on how we organized our fees for both service order one and and two. We are treating we were treating these projects like they would be two individual projects. So and the thought process behind that is uh we at this time do not we cannot speak for the city and and what you all would intend to commit for funding for each part of construction. The most financially feasible, economical way for you all to proceed with these projects would be to do them as one general contract that you would put out to bid and you'd have the same contractor build the restroom and the stage and the road improvements at the same time. Um, the way that these service orders were written is that they would actually be bid out at separate times as different projects. And that's why so I have bidding $8,000 for each of these these service orders that could be done at the same time as one general contract. But if I have to do bidding for two separate projects, uh, we're going to have, and just to explain what bidding means for public projects. So, we have to do a class two legal ad, put out a public notice, run that for two weeks. We hold a pre-bid conference, which I would facilitate. Um, after the pre-bid conference, we would expect question and answer period from the contractors where we're issuing addendums and clarifications to any RFIs that they are asking. And then we would actually do the bid opening conference uh certify the bids provide you a bid tabulation and a recommendation of award. So that becomes very time consuming if I'm doing that twice and

that's why I have bidding on both service orders. But what I'm kind of trying to say is there is cost savings by combining these projects. Same with construction administration. Um that would in entail us basically acting as your agent, managing the contractor through construction. We would facilitate regular progress meetings. We would review all submitts, change order requests, pay applications, and if I'm doing that for two contracts, there's extra time and effort involved as opposed to doing that for one contract. So, a lot of this has to do with how we organize the actual construction bid. If we do this, both of these projects, the stage and the restroom as one general contract, there could be uh significant cost savings for the city if we go about it that way. Um, the other thing that, you know, I would I would pose for council to consider this evening in a re in an effort to re revise these service orders, you know, there are there are things that we could do to just do the design and the permitting at this point and then come back and negotiate bidding and construction administration at a later date if you also choose to do that. And what that would allow us to do is is take a a further approach to the design and permitting process to to actually know exactly what this restroom is going to look like, where it's going to be situated, where our utility connections are going to be. Same with the stage. And then we can give you more accurate cost estimates because at some point we're going to be coming to council and saying, "Here's our opinion of probable construction cost. Uh we want to put this project out to bid and we're going to need to know that there, you know, is funding available for us to do that." Um, so this is this is a tricky thing. Um, and I I appreciate your your comments, mayor. Uh, we do not take this as any any sort of attack. Um, we work with municipalities all over the state and and we respect and appreciate that this is your fiscal responsibility. So, you know, my being here tonight is is not to argue with you over what our fees are, but just to to help everybody understand kind of what our time and effort is is considering as part of these projects. Um, the design and permitting phase, we'll have some flood

plane permitting. The entirety of this property is in the flood plane. So any of these structures will need to be permitted through the local flood plane permit uh coordinator will have state fire marshall approvals for these buildings. Um there could be some health department permitting associated with utility connections extensions to the rest restroom itself. Um but this is all of the uh civil engineering, architecture, structural engineering, mechanical electrical uh plumbing engineering that's required for these structures is all within that design and permitting phase. Um, much like the bidding and construction administration, I have extra time and and effort built into the design and permitting phase because to bid this project, I have to have a full set of construction documents which would include detailed design plans and specifications as well as front-end documents for bidding purposes. There's some time and effort savings there in doing one contract as well because I don't have two sets of plans, two spec books, it's all one one general contract. So, I think just in an effort to kind of help everybody understand, um, you know, we can talk specifics about the the numbers, you know, just looking at at the the project and you all have the plans kind of on two different sides of the room here. So, if we're looking at at the plan here, and I'm going to walk over this way if that's okay, and just point to you all what is going to be included in in these service orders. So service order number one for the restroom. Uh this is the restroom that we were identifying would be tackled as part of service order number one. It's in the green space adjacent to the existing parking lot. We would simply need to do concrete sidewalks, utility connections to connect to that area. And then service order number two is for the stage structure. But part of that contract design and permitting we've also included is design of the service road that would come over to the stage, all the utility extensions, concrete sidewalks that would connect from the the parking area itself, and then all of the associated lighting, uh, electrical services, items that you're you're going

to need for even future projects, but would be done in an effort to, as I said at the beginning, plan ahead, make sure we're not paying ourselves into a corner. We're going to have to do design work on some of these other features that are not part of these contracts as well, just to make sure, you know, where are we going to need future service for electric, uh, water, sewer, and and making sure we have conduits and sleeves in place for those extensions. So, that in essence is is what I had prepared to speak about tonight. Uh, the last thing I will I will kind of leave you with is we often see um in our industry architecture and engineering fees are a percentage a usual percentage of the total construction cost. Um, a lot of times design itself is anywhere from 6 to 12% depending on the complexity, scale, and size of a project, but overarching fees we would expect to see somewhere in the 8 to 15% range. If we valued this at a $1.8 million construction project with which for the road, the utilities, the stage, uh, back of house for the stage, the restroom building itself, we think it's going to be around that. I mean, that's just quick back and napkin numbers that we're pulling. We're in that 15% range of with the $255,000. Um, what I'm kind of told you before that is I think we can get that percentage lower based on that construction cost by combining some of the bidding construction administration efforts. So, um, I certainly want to answer any questions that you all have. Um, we have appreciated the opportunity to work with you all to date and and you know, this is a negotiation process. um you know through the 5G process you've you've selected Thrasher as the most qualified and highest ranking firm to enter into contract negotiations but this is not one-sided this is not me just telling you what I'm going to charge you know we we expect to have some dialogue about that so

so as a point of clarification you pointed to restrooms it was my understanding that it was the restrooms on the opposite side of uh the parking area that either was the the building beside the parking or the building beside the stage area, not on the other side of the park.

So, the restroom that we have put in service order number one was intended to be away from the stage in the multi-purpose area. We I really feel like if you're going to do the multi-purpose area in a different phase, you would want to design and plan that restroom associated with that project. This restroom was intended to to be as as we had understood more general purpose use for park users. So getting it away from that multi-purpose venue closer to the parking lot because if we do the restroom where we're talking about close to the stage, it's really not close to the parking area or any of the other existing elements at the park. Um now that's that's up to you all ultimately. I mean, there's there's got to be dialogue during the design process about specifically where we want to put that restroom. I mean, the master plan calls out multiple restrooms. So,

mayor, for the sake of clarity, could you go up there and show make sure we're talking about the same restroom, please let me stand. Um, so you're you were talking about restrooms over in this area, correct? Right. And I guess I was thinking more restrooms in this area. I understand both points of view, right? It makes good points in terms of, you know, in the same thing. You'd appreciate that restroom there,

but I kind of understand both points

and I can I can get that in maybe it's You know, it's very possible the justification on this fits fits better. I guess I'm not closed off in either in either direction. Um if it if it's the the best thing to I'm not an engineer. Um you know, I'm a good idea fairy at times. Um that comes up with those things, but u and maybe that's that discussion point. Is there in in your professional opinion, is there a um price difference or would there be a price difference on where it was located? We have Craig Mets who is our public works director who knows where all of those things, you know, line up or where the easiest hookups would be. Does that play a factor into some of those design elements of the selection of location?

Well, I I think so. One easy immediate thing from a cost savings standpoint is if we did the restroom over by the stage, your electrical power connections are going to be more centralized to that area of the property as opposed to we're going to have a new electric service going over where the original location for the restroom was that I was talking about versus we just have to extend electric service to the uh stage and restroom. I mean, they'd still probably both be on separate meters, but um from a a standpoint of areas of the site you're disturbing and working in, focusing it all in the same area, especially if we're going to do it as one general contract, probably makes more sense from a cost standpoint. Now, Craig, as far as water sewer connections, I don't know if one is closer than the other and saves us a ton of money from that perspective, but

uh the sewer runs along the fence parallel with River Road. Uh the water is there. We need to upgrade the size of line to get to the stage because I think service I have in there now is a 1 in. Okay. So we have 6 in run to the the road entrance road but I have not b underneath that line through. Okay.

So your your water and sewer connections are probably going to be a little bit simpler from a cost standpoint on the original location of the restroom. Um you don't we don't really depending on the exact program for the stage like the back of house area if we were talking about if we have any kind of a performer restroom it's like a private area built into that it'll still need water and sewer as well that's kind of a part of the program that's got to be nailed down and and determined but

um first off I'd just like to say thank you for doing this um when I look at this contract In fact, I'm really pleased that the surveys, the field survey, the high river survey, geotechnical investigation and all that is going to be completed and used in the future. So, to me, that's a big savings that's going to be done. It's going to be in place. We don't have to repeat that. And that um the bometric survey of the high river, am I right in reading this that this would be for any development 12 Street in the future?

No, this would not cover 12th Street. This would be for the entire uh Ohio River frontage at Spencer's Landing. Um, as far as the location of the bathrooms, I'm kind of liking the fact that over by the parking lot because how many We're not going to have a ton of events at the stage. is going to be, like you said, more of a general use park and recreation area. So, I think that'll be more convenient, but I'm not concerned with the cost of running the lines because at some point it's going to have to be run anyway. So, it's a matter of the chicken or the egg, right? And what is more convenient?

Um, as far as the cost of this, when I look at everything you're doing and what's going to be done. It doesn't seem so outrageous to me. But the other thing I have to say is there's no one here except maybe Mr. Leech who's been on council for a long time that's familiar with the cost of building or bidding out design and engineering services and what the normal cost of that is. The only person that I know is Mr. Mets because of the utility board. So can you speak to that at all as far as does this seem like

I did I I did some cost comparison just rough guess just to say hey what would you charge do this and they are well within limits

so I could follow up on that you know Sam I'm listening to you talk about this in just significant ways you would appreciate to streamline what we're trying to do right would result in us needing more upfront cash or we split it into the phase we do, you know, the phase one and then get to the construction project second and we get ready for that, you know. So I think before we talk about whether the number we have is a number we like, I would say, do you am I hearing you say that we could consider a different approach and you would need to give us different numbers with that approach which you seem to favor.

I can give I can be more accurate with what I think my construction administration phase and bidding phase is going to cost because I'll know more about your project at that point. But when you're talking about combining things and all the things you were talking about, you know, and I got you even used the word streamline, right? That um you know, so I guess what I'm asking is do you see a better approach that gives us, you know, a more cost effective um you know, end product because you said from a cost standpoint it it makes sense to move the bathroom, but that didn't mean from the whole standpoint. Right. Right. you're saying you still think what you're talking about is the best design approach for what we're trying to do right now. So that's what I'm asking for is if if if we should say okay because one of the things I'd like to see too what are the components of this stage and some of the more detail that I'm not necessarily asking you for but uh that we could put together to understand the scope of this project because Craig same thing it's like what other ideas creatively can we have maybe to help you and and I know Craig has opinions on this stuff and we haven't talked about it. So I I would suggest it's possible if that's what you recommend that you do kind of go back to the drawing board and say okay here's a different approach that maybe is I think more solid and see if you can manage it is what I'm hearing you say

and I think at given at this point that we have not been given specific hey here's what we are going to spend on phase one and local city funds it's it's very hard for us to even have conversations about okay this is what this stage is going to include because at some point I've got you guys can have great ideas and I've got to tell you you can't afford those ideas. Um but if you have a set of what I call shovel ready design plans that also makes you more attractive to funding sources. Um, if we can get through the design and permitting of these uh structures, there's, you know, there's upcoming grant cycles for different uh state and federal grants that I would recommend and and we've we've committed in the past to helping you all with writing those grants um at no charge. Um, and ultimately I I feel like having a set of design plans shovel ready. Um, you may you may we get through this design process and we come with an estimate and you may say we're just going to build the stage right now. uh or we're just going to build the restroom right now and we're going to apply for a grant for this. But at least you'll have the plans are ready to go and and to those funding agencies that's a big deal. Um because a lot of projects fall apart when they haven't been designed or permitted yet. Um, so that to me I I I think just getting through the design and permitting phase is is your all's biggest hurdle right now that we need to get started on so we can decide what is the stage and the restroom going to be and then we can come back and figure out how are we going to break this into different contracts and I can give you pricing accordingly at that time. One more thing for it is one thing hasn't come up. You know, when you point out where we are, we have to consider our land use covenants and so on. And I know you're aware and probably even have the GPS maps, right?

So that's factored in. Okay. So I just want to make sure I'm clear. So you're recommending instead of doing the five items ABC D and E you're looking to combine and do just AB and city and that would be the survey mapping geotechnical investigation design and permitting. That's correct. What you're suggesting that's correct. Okay. And and then you're also suggesting that those task orders that we have written as PL now it would be combined into one. Yes. Okay.

So, the portion I would need um from task order number two would be the design and permitting which is $85,000. We would need to take a portion of that. That number would come down by combining this into kind of a singular effort for one design package. But we would need to basically take a portion of that funding and put it into task order number one. But we would eliminate bidding and construction administration from both task orders. and and that would be known that we have to come back and negotiate that at a later time. But that's the whole point of why we've done a task order agreement is we have the master service agreement, all of the legal terms and conditions ironed out, but we know this is a multi-phase project and we would have to come back for you all to put this out the bid and negotiate that fee at that time. And then after we look at A, B, and C, uh, then we vote on it and then we can start having the design, I mean the

Yeah, we'll have the we'll be able to look to see what the structure will look like. Yes.

Is that right? And then we'll also be able to look what makes sense of where we want to put it because I'm a little bit surprised that we're going away having a restroom farther away from River Road. To me, I had to From a simplistic point of view, I know that probably not a good angle to to approach, but you know, the one along the the restroom closest to the existing uh structure uh infrastructure, you know, for the plumbing and and the sewer and stuff that would be a lot easier to connect to, I guess, for so that's kind of what I was thinking having the restroom along the the parking lot by by River Road, so it be on the east side. That's what I was That's what we had last month.

Harry, did you have It's It's so nice to have someone like you come in here and look at us and tell us what what's going on and not be reading from notes the whole time. I mean, you're a true professional. Sometimes we have somebody come here and just read the whole thing. You didn't read anything. So, so

really, thank you. I appreciate that. There's small pictures on the table in front of me. Maybe you don't know how to read. Um, but I agree with everything that you set forth. And I agree with Tammy that the restrooms where you have put them would be the best place. I can't imagine going to a concert and have to use restroom go to the stage where watch you anyway. I think it's a lot better to have on the back side for purposes of concerts and that sort of thing. Certainly, it's better for general use to have them on that. So, I'm I'm with Tammy on that.

So, maybe I didn't point clearly. I wasn't talking about the restroom beside the stage. There's a restroom along the fence along the parking area. That's what we were talking That's what I was talking about. Yeah. There the smaller one there by the the playgrounds. Yeah. Yes. And I think if if we were to do it at that location, mayor, we would expand the footprint of that structure. That was intended more as a family style restroom since it's so close to the playground area, but we could expand that to have family restroom and uh you know, completely agree. So,

uh well, thanks for coming up. I know it's a long drive for you, so appreciate you being here to help guide us in this. Um, can you say again real quick what your napkin math was on the the total picture for both? I mean, if we if we went through and went to construction for this and I know like combining kind of what you were thinking there, but what was that number? I heard you say 1.8 1.8 and that gets us the restroom and the stage and the road and all all utility connections. I mean, any general construction contract, you're going to have

erosion and sediment control. Um we have we'll have to handle the storm water appropriately which is going to require piping to the Ohio River with outlets um with that road especially um so any any curbing uh there are some ancillary parking spaces at the stage and a little turnaround area that would have been part of that. So all of all the utility mechanical electrical plumbing work um basically finished product for that service road the stage and the restroom and and my understanding is the the stage was which there was a picture of it it's up there the stage is on

anyways it's going to contain like a a blue room or something is that still part of the design for uh for people to come in. So, it's not it's it's not just like a it's it's an interesting architecturally interesting. I think I stole that word from you. Uh it's architecturally interesting. You use it so well. Yeah. Just claim it for your own movement. Yeah. But that's that's the idea, right? That's so that's what like the 1.8 is getting us a restroom and an ar architecturally interesting stage with the blue room and all the green room. Green room. Yeah. Green room. I'm sorry. A blue room is for sappy. I'm not very

That's right. I mean because I mean admittedly we could do a just a concrete pad with a a canopy structure and that's that's obviously not the price tag of the 1.8 I'm throwing out there. I mean this is factoring in that you will have a back of house green room mechanical room and you know ultimately like the way I kind of see that with the types of performances that you all have talked about in the festivals. I mean, you could even have like a small performer room. I mentioned having like a private bathroom back there uh for between acts. So, yeah. I mean, it's it's not just a canopy over stage.

All right. And um sorry, just a couple more questions. Uh I was trying to do some uh napkin math here, but basically uh getting up to the design and permitting, we're going to be looking at around 150 177. 177. Yeah. 177. Um, but you were also saying that may change a little bit if we're able to to combine both tasks and then um if we agree and voted for that and move forward with that task and you would basically bring us back a shovel ready project to put out the bid and we can make some more decisions at that point. That's correct.

Okay. Um, and you think right around so assuming we'll have some savings, it we we'd probably be that 150 to 170 range right now to get to that shovel ready design. Okay. So, my my last question, well, maybe not my last one, but my next question is um once we get to that shovel ready to design and and I'm going to try and draw on your experience here a little bit, and I'm going to ask you to see the future a little bit too, which I know is impossible. What kind of grant um do you think or grants do you think will be out there as far as moneywise would we be able to use? Do you think we'll get like a 5050 match? Are there for big money grants where we might get, you know, 1.5 million or something. I mean, what what do you think is out there?

The federal funding climate right now is a little bleak. Um, just current administration, and that's not a political statement. That's just that's where we are. Um, there has been a lot of concerns and questions about projects that were funded under previous administrations. um whether they're green infrastructure uh environmentally sensitive projects, trail projects that are not getting probably the attention they did in in recent years, parks would certainly fall within that realm. But the, you know, 50-50 match, for example, land and water conservation fund, we successfully helped many municipalities over the last three, four years get projects off the ground with that funding source. It's a 50-50 grant. It's administered by the Department of Interior. It's fully funded. um like that is that is one that I would encourage you all to apply for. It does have some restrictive covenants that that would come with that funding source. Um it basically, you know, would eliminate you all being able to sell the property in the future. Um so you're making you're making a big decision by applying for that and receiving those funds for the future of this property, which we could fully educate, you know, you all on at a future time. Um I have brought up to the steering committee that we've worked with the abandoned minand economic revitalization fund. Um that program used to be very uh difficult to tap into because you had to do some sort of economic revitalization project on a abandoned mine site which was pre pre-law mining 1970s um before they had all of the you know rules and regulations about reclamation and post mine land use. The thing that has opened up with that money is they they haven't really been spending it fast enough with the the amount that they're getting from the federal government to use in West Virginia. So, they have kind of relaxed the rules to where you don't have to have an abandoned mine feature on your property. If you have one in your county, you qualify for that funding source. So, there are projects that are getting

Amler funding that have no AML features on their property. That is one I would absolutely recommend you all apply for. Um they have funded everything from aquaculture facilities to parks uh hospitality infrastructure for the HCO McCoy trail system in southern West Virginia. Um industrial park projects it it's really if you can show an economic benefit which this property can because of the festivals that you all have and and the tourism component um even the community benefit um those are two immediate ones I would I would want to work with you all on applying for funding. um understand that um what county development authorities helping to apply for congressional directed spending which is you know those projects are when they pass the federal budget um in January they're early in February several projects in West Virginia are receiving congressional directed spending for a variety of infrastructure or parks related projects so there are plenty of opportunities still um while I I talked about at the beginning how the funding climate has changed a little bit there there's still money out there and it's just being savvy about how we write our applications and and to my point earlier having a shovel ready set of plans. Uh land and water conservation fund would jump all over that because a lot of like I said you know their projects can sometimes fall apart when something hasn't properly been vetted through design and then you design it and you think oh this is we don't have enough money to do this. We asked for way too little. Um but if you have a full set of design plans you're going to have a better idea what something's going to cost. appreciate the answer uh thorough answer there. Um, and also in your professional opinion based and I'm I'm looking at the, you know, I kind of have a general idea of what we've got in the piggy bank and I'm trying to think of um how that how the funds that we have can be best utilized

to develop this property in a meaningful way that's going and I and I believe the stage is right up there as far as good use, but I also am concerned I have a little bit of concern that if we spend all of our dollars on the stage, is that going to eliminate any chance in the near future to to dive into building the, you know, the multi-use structure that we've we've also been talking about? Now, I guess my question to you would be um is is there something is there some consideration that needs to be had to looking at trying I know it's I know it's a more expensive asset, you know, uh to build, but is there is that something that we should be weighing as far as what should come first? So, I I think we have to think about this from two different perspectives because we're doing both of these projects for different reasons. The stage is to enhance the ability for this as a fair festival space, performance space, while the restroom is targeted at more general everyday use. Um, I think both are important for different reasons. I think if you invest in the performance venue, you're going to hopefully generate revenue that ultimately can be put into funds to continue to improve the facility. Um, what I would say is if you guys have money available, uh, I hate seeing people just spend the money they have and not looking at grants to try to leverage and extend those dollars. With the LWCF being a 50-50 grant match, if you all put 800,000 into something, you got a $1.6 million project. Um, so it it it doubles your dollars, but and and the good thing about LWCF is it doesn't have Davis Bacon wage rates. So you're not with like a lot of federal grants, I mean, your your labor rates just go really high because you have to pay those higher wages. But I, you know, it's ultimately not my decision, but I I

feel like the performance venue part of this has the most ability to help generate interest and excitement in what's going on here at Spencer Flint.

And I've had that we've kind of all shared independently those conversations. And the conversations that I've had with independently with each council member not directing in one direction is to say, "What do you feel you know, may be may be important. And these are the two things that keep coming up um as basically uh cornerstones to what we want to do. We know that we have to have a restroom down there is is a top priority and a necessity. Then when you look at a another tier of enhancement, it just makes sense that the stage is that second portion because it's going to do more good at the end of the day than picnic shelters. Uh that we get $15 a rental at Jackson Park. Um so we're very confident that these are the the two areas in which to to focus on. It's just, you know, now how we fund. Russ, did you have something you wanted to say?

Well, I just want to just a couple things. One, the way I read the service agreements, and I expect that any future service agreement, I'll read the same way, but they're lump sum payments. They're not, it's not like it's a cap. It's this is what you're going to pay for these services. And if there's work that has to be done outside of the agreement, then you'll talk about that, right? Okay. So the second thing is um as as I understand it essentially the another proposal that's been brought forward tonight is the proposal that we have is you have two task orders that are in front of you to be voted on individually one for a bathroom one for the stage and those things those two items because they've been drafted the way that they have share they could share costs but they don't. So you have you have cost um some one thing benefits the other but for the most part they're separate costs. So an option that you brought up is to bring a subsequent or future task order um that combines the two that limits it just to survey and mapping geotechnical investigation and design and permitting. So some of those things like the survey and mapping and geotechnical investigation, those will benefit both of those potential projects and then do the individual design work. And the idea is that the individual design work if you have a more definite design then you will be able to potentially go out and get federal money money or find some other source of funding to help obate some of the cost. Is that is that essentially it?

Yes. And then the $80,000 which is for the bidding and the construction administration. I mean that that cost for that option whether it's two separate options if you pursue AB and C in each of these task orders or if you pursue them as a combined AB and C with one task order dealing with two projects is always going to be roughly $175,000 ballpark. Um you lost me at the end there. Well, that's what that's what I'm trying to figure that's what I'm trying to ask because when when you said that you took off uh bidding and construction administration for one project that's $28,000

and then uh construction administration and bidding for the second project adds up to about $50,000. So that's roughly oh what did I say uh $78,000. That's roughly 80 grand. Right. And that's where your wiggling is. So if you take that from 255 you roughly have 175. Right. Right. And and just a caveat to that or a clarification on that, I felt like the $85,000 that's in service order number two also comes down. So the 170 what would you say 177 would be a max amount? I it's going to be lower than that because I need to revisit my numbers and

and that's fine. So what you're saying is for tonight's purpose, you you think it would be reasonable for council to pass on these two task orders, allowing you the opportunity to present a combined task order that just focuses on A, B, and C, bring that to council for council to look at and then for them to consider and then if they authorize it, go forward with the designing and see if we can find some more wiggle room in that $80,000. That's the difference between the two, right?

Okay. So, so as as a kind of clarifying what Mr. SC is saying or maybe I'm asking you how to clarify what do we I think um at least I'm I'm of that opinion that we should uh combine these two task orders remove the bidding and construction administration uh as part of the task orders from both task orders um per um Mr. which is, you know, professional opinion and then bring us back some some, you know, adjusted numbers. So, u my question is, do I need to make some kind of a motion to make that happen?

So, so this is a question. Do we pass on all three of these things tonight? Yeah. I I think you could I think the cleanest way is just to just table and you're probably going to have to do them individually table them individually because the way we have these split out I'm sorry if we table each each of the resolutions as task order one and task order two does that mean they have to come back

not not necessarily I mean you you can deal with that later you don't have to deal with it tonight if you have the other task for that we need to make a motion we put something on we can deal with that as far as if they're tabled and they're brought back, we could uh we can just vote against them or however we want or they can fail for lack of a second better for lack of a better mechanism. But I don't think you necessarily have to bring back but if you bring another task order you can put all four of them on your agenda and then make decision based on that.

Okay. From what I'm hearing, um I think there is a need to table the um budget provision and table the task orders and then he will come back. You know what? Let's let let's just make this as long as everybody is clear. There's a motion. Well, you already have a motion in a second on the on the Yes. On the budget provision. Um, the remaining two, I mean, I suppose you just combine them and just motion the table. So, you're only twice. I'm just trying to keep things up. When somebody has to read what happened in your 10, 15 years, what what did these people?

But right now, you have a motion in the second on the budget. So, can we amend that and say we like to table? You can just you can make a motion to table motion ask for a second to just table and then we'll just do the same for next and rich your I mean say I'm sorry your understanding that you'll come back and give us another task force with AB and C into one. Yeah and I don't you know for clerical purposes I would come back with service order number one revised as the only service order I'd be presenting. So, I don't know if you all want to go ahead and reject or vote down service order number two because I'll be bringing back service order number one.

Well, I think because it's on the agenda, we have to do something just more of a a clerical motion more than anything. Let's just table

he comes back with the third and then you can say this is what I want to do or same same. So can we have a motion the table motion the table? I second motion and second. Any other discussion? All in favor of table revision. Raise your right hand. Good job, sir. Uh table. As far as items number three and number four, the resolution to authorize the mayor to escort or execute task order number one and task order number two. Can I have a motion to table task order resolution? Yeah.

As long as we all know one, two, we're going to go ahead and do. Can I get a motion in a second? We got that. Henry, just real quick. I just wanted to say, Mr. Rich, appreciate you coming out and giving us this information. This is, you know, great information to hear. Uh, I know you've got a long drive home, so but really appreciate you getting here and and going onward to this. This is very helpful uh for us. We're making a big decision for the community here. So, uh yeah, definitely appreciate you coming up. Absolutely.

And we definitely want to make sure that we're doing the right one and taking a little due diligence and time to do that. I believe is what we are our residents. Did you have something? So, it was going to be during our next regular council meeting or the one next week.

We'll do a regular council meeting. We won't put it. Nothing goes on the special except the budget. All right. So, we have a motion to a motion and a second to table both items one and two. All those in favor of tableabling signify by raising right hand. Those two items are tabled. Thank you very much uh for that and we do appreciate uh your understanding and your effort and energy into it. Uh so, thank you. Um, moving on. Item number five is a resolution approving the development of use of real property on 29th Street. Mrs. Uh, this is a resolution approving the development and use of real property on 29th Street for an additional sports and recreation area and incorporating set property in Spencer Park. Be a resolved by common council of the city of Vienna. One council hereby approves the development and use of the following described real property owned by the city of Vienna as public as a public sports and recreation area serving all age groups and to promote community recreation, wellness, and outdoor activity. Location 29th Street across from the city building legal description number 328 Riverview edition de book uh deed book 1279 page 782. Tax map and parcel 102139. Dimensions are 50 by 50 foot by 130 foot parcel consisting of approximately 0.1492 acres. Number two, incorporating into Spencer Park. The above described property shall be incorporated into and designated as part of Spencer Park and shall be administered accordingly. Three, funding development of the property is contingent upon the availability and approval of funding. No construction or improvement shall proceed unless and until funding is secured and authorized. by your availability shall not affect parcels incorporation in Spencer Park effective today.

After hearing the submitted resolution, do I have a motion to consent? I have a motion. Do I have a second? I have a motion and a second. Oh, sorry. Tony. Second. Thank you. the shortest statement he's made this evening. All right, I have a motion and a second. Now open for discussion. Henry, in the package that I'm sorry, the package that Tammy provided us that area is we're talking about design.

It has artificial grass. How do we keep the use of all animals. I mean, because at a stadium, it's covered. Other places, it's covered. And you get dogs or whatever start doing a business on it, then it's going to have to have a stitch. The other thing, too, is considering, you know, kids or somebody running around. I mean, the first two, I don't expect anybody doing it, you run into that risk as well. So tonight, this just simply approves that piece of property

for that. This doesn't approve a design. It doesn't approve any action. It just simply now states that yes, this piece of property will be included in the Spencer's Park uh footprint. Uh then we will uh through a separate action approve design and all of those various things. But this is just simply saying we can use that vacant lot now because it is not currently part of Spencer's Park or could be developed as um a park entity. That makes sense. It just goes under the rules of the park system because right now it's just a vacant lot.

WD4. Could you have done that any slower?

I I really like the work that Tam has done on this and the design and everything. I I look at Spencer Park and I see a lot of wasted space in the park. The basketball court mentioned to the mayor is absolutely useless because you can't play basketball on a court when there's this concrete wall right next to it. Um, I I would encourage uh thinking about a redesign of the entire park so it's more useful to the entire community and include this in and then have this part as a additional parking because we don't have parking for park. Um, I'm not against what the county has proposed here. I just think it should be in the in the park itself and and that would entail we need to redesign the whole park because it is it is The only time it's really used when we had ice cream social and I'm sure Steve and I figure out a way to have ice cream social no matter what we put on the on the footprint there. But um I I I hate I do not like driving by there and seeing the Spencer Park empty because it cannot be used for so many things that we could otherwise use it for. And we do we do utilize that for yeah we the family fund weekends uh that we do each month throughout the the year. There are a a number of uh individuals that rent the small picnic shelter that's there and use the grassy area. Big money big money. It's a wonderful picnic shelter. My my my point was that if if we could uh have it so that kids in Vienna could use that park every day instead of just when there's special events, it would be more attractive to families.

Make sure that everyone knows that this is not part of Spencer Park yet. That's what we're doing tonight. That is the law across the street from this building. that way and so you know it's across the alley from Spencer Park. So, um I understand what you're saying that they are two different separate things and I think we would probably have to deal with Spencer Park and the renovation or redesign of that separately from this but once it becomes two different things once it becomes part of the park it's part it's going to be part of the park right there two different separate two different separate sections I mean I'm not saying you can't

she's not she's not saying incorporate her idea into oh you yeah you don't have I was just saying it'd be better to use that area for parking because we don't have any parking. I'll have to disagree. I'm not green. It's not going to happen. Look, that's an argument you guys are going to have to have. Henry, what you got? brings new meaning to, you know, pave paradise and put up a parking lot. Uh, oh, nice musical reference, by the way. Good job. I'm a transplant. I relocated here in 96. Yeah, nice.

But Jim's been around. None of you been around. Has that park changed any? Has it been the same way when you guys were little kids? Harry brings up a good point. the the playground area was added that that I mean the layout and everything else just like process here came along the shelter got put up the bathrooms were redone you know the part where the playground is has changed some basketball court's always been there you know the nicest feature about special park is the stone wall that's around that really sets it off nicely

you know so and I but I have a question So the, you know, we've got this with the park moving it into the park and and this is already city property anyway, right? You know, and then we're talking about the allocating the 28 grand. So um I'll let you see where it goes. I just Yeah, I just question. What what's the ramification? And is there you know, we're not going to move forward with this right now. that decision. Um, but right now we're just voting on bringing the uh bringing that parcel and and making it

right. But just like when with special planning, we have this big brew about whether it should be brought into the park system or not. Right. And so I just think I'm not I'm not for against the one way or the other. just realizing it changes the tenor of the property whereas we can do whatever we want to with it right now if we make it a part a specific part then we're limiting our options if you know not a parking lot this whether you know $28,000 is not going to build this project you got a vision in fact I think it probably is going to be quite a bit more for what you got planned out it is the numbers and I know we're going to talk about the numbers were in the handout from last time I didn't bring up for some reason here.

Oh, I got it. But I don't need it right now. But um what you were saying, I understand the reason that it has to be at this point put into the park system is because the midcuff money that was has to go to a park. It has to go to a park. So I mean, if we were going to do away with that money, then we wouldn't have to put it in the park system, but we're putting it in. But we're going that money that's the difference

I'm with Harry I say that you know I mean I like the idea and so on you know we got so much going on already trying to get spe off the ground you know and then to take on another project and to ear market it and commit ourselves like I just I'm not sure I can support it not right now

I'm not against it in the future, but earmarking the property and then allocating the funds that we can say I would have supported resolution to earmark the 28, you know, for a period of time for this, you know, to be considered in the future. But they're just committing all this right now when we got so much else, you know, with what Sam's talking about. I just I think it's it's maybe something we should take a pause. Yeah. And just to clarify, there was no funding extra except for that 28,000, you know. So that was something that we were going to have to look at getting other funding sources going to some foundations or something and seeing what we could get. Well, to your point on the parks, so Spencer's Landing is not in the park system, right?

12th Street isn't either, is it? So, you know, so nor is the pollinator garden. So, we've got three properties not in the park system. We got this money earmarked for the park system. Uh we have to change the nature of this property to do that. Uh yeah. So, I I mean, like I said, I'm the uh I think we need to maybe you know, especially landing will have to get addressed as we get developed. I think it likely will come in. But those are just like from things I've seen and talked about past years. Those are my concerns and why I feel like maybe

um you know when I look at Spencer's park which I remember that in the early 60s when we went there and there was a waiting pool for the basketball court and I think you probably still see the remnants of that. Um what got me to think like wow we have a a senior center um right beside the park but we put the exercise equipment for senior center down in Jackson Park and and then we have um we have a little mini playground there with some little things that they've added and it it seems to me that there's no cohesive planning you know, for for the park. And I to me it would make logical sense to and I'm just saying this and I know there's costs associated with that, but to put to get rid of some of that children's playground and put some of that adult exercise equipment there

from Jackson Park. Yeah. From Jackson Park to Spencer Park. and these stuff like this that you're looking at would would better fit between that exercise equipment and the restroom. You know, there'll be room there, I would think. Um, but I'm I'm I'm not committed. I mean, either way is fine. I don't have a problem of um taking that lot over there and do something with it. It's been sitting there ever since the city bought it and to where the old house

and it just sits there until someone has an idea. Then we start discussing, you know, what we want to do with it. It's kind of similar to what um we did with the pollinator garden. It sat there for years and we decided to do something with it. and everybody started talking about it, you know, and I guess that's a good thing, but in a way we have we got someone who has a vision that wants to do something and uh I'm I'm not strong either way or the other. I like the idea actually. It would have been nice if it was closer to the senior center.

You know, I Tammy and I started talking about this early on when when we took office. Um, you know, we we have this vacant lot and short of being able to purchase that the other properties down through there at this point does not seem like a a reality in the in the near future, even in the not so near future. What you know, my my feeling is is that we can incorporate this into the park system u before anything is done over there. It's got to come back to council anyway. So the the design that you have before you is not an approved design. It's a good idea, but it's not an approved design. And that would um you know, potentially give some time to bring that as an option potentially along with with something else if if council would want to look in a different direction. Uh but it would at least give us the the the footprint and ability uh to be able to start to move forward. Am I saying that that clearly?

I my only comment on that is that in the next the next item is the 28,000 for fund. If we are so this kind of backwards for what I'm saying, but if we are not going to use that money for that piece of property, I don't see any reason for putting it into the park system. I agree with Mr. Leech. There's absolutely no other reason to put that into the park system at this point. You know, like you said, pollinator garden, 12 street, nothing's. So, I I would just if we're not going to use that money on this property, then I would just I would just put him into the park system because there's no reason to. I could see agreeing with Ro said and you too kind of because I don't think anybody dislikes this plan. I don't I like don't get me wrong,

you know, but to Harry's point, maybe we just take a step back and say, okay, you know, we got this 28 grand, we got this lot here, we've got improvements that could be suggested maybe better because he's right about the extra, you know, I get on that Jackson Park once in a while, but it's not used. I think it would be that is a good idea. So maybe we just kind of, you know, hold to go take a step back again say we got this 28 grand. We got some ideas for Spencer's work. Here's a possibility and maybe go back, you know, because I think compare the design you have here and Sam, well, I need $45,000 to design that. Okay, that's what we get. All right. and uh you know so yeah I I think all in all it's a good idea especially park you freshened up and maybe you know put your creative mind back to work and see if there's some other ideas just like he's doing you know like

yeah I agree and Rob what Rod said who I think it was you about you know everything being kind of haphazard and there's no plan there hasn't been any planning in the park system for probably decades things just get placed here place there. I just put this in. Absolutely. No doubt. Someone has to stop and take a look at the entire park system,

Tony and the park board, whatever. And then look at each one of those and say, "Where can we put this? What can we do here? What are we duplicating that doesn't need to be duplicated? What don't we have that we could place where something's duplicated like exercise or not having things in the right place or being consistent?" I remember a few years ago coming to council and I was looking for walking trails in Vienna and I went to the public forum and I said I called the city. There's nothing on the city's website. There is nothing in any of the city documents. Calling the city. I didn't have anyone that I could get to, including the parks director, that could tell me where walking trails were and this was and that was. And I mentioned in that council meeting that it would be nice if there was a map drawn up of each of all the park systems and all the different parks and what's where. Here's a small dog golf dog golf park. Here's a large golf park. Here's a walking trail behind Jackson. You know, there's a walking trail in Mcdana. And so people that come to visit this area can find something because right now we are not visitor friendly because you cannot find anything. But I think that someone should take over looking at the entire park system and do something with it because if we don't have a plan, it's just going to be more of a haphazard scattered design that has no rhyme and reason. recall we have a master plan for the parks that was done six five years ago maybe sometime and it's not to the detail you're talking about but for example it has a walking trail laid out from Mcdana Park

to Spencer's Landing through all the parks and the you know so and again it was a rudimentary and for example we oversimplified what we're doing Spencer's landing but it's there is a working document that we probably paid 25 grand for

got a copy upstairs and the and it's on our it is you can find it on a website but I agree with what you're saying you know because you wait get your Google Earth photos in the winter plug it into AI and you got your walking trails I mean it's getting that simple it really is um so I but that you know you're right it's a good idea as far as planning it out so this is your resolution your stuff but I'm hearing you what I'm hearing is that you're in more favor of taking a break on this getting a master look at things overall then coming back with something more solid.

Yeah, I am. We're not going to spend that money on this park system right now. We're not going to go forward. I can look for other funding and see what I can find out there. But I don't see any point in putting this into the park system at all. So, do I need to just I don't want to table it because we're not going to bring it back right now. Do we? Or should I table it? And that I mean is there a period of time? No. The period of time is how often do you remember bring it back? No, I mean technically you're supposed to bring it back at a next Tammy doesn't forget anything.

If we follow Robert, but you would bring it back at the next regular council meeting be considered, but we don't have we don't strictly follow Robert's order. So sometimes it's just do we remember to do it. Um, you could you could move to table it or you could just um you could just uh just vote it down and deal with it later. I would just table it. I agree. Table table items. Can we table items five and six together? Because one's related. Does that mean it's on the

I mean as long like I said as long as everybody's clear what they're voting on I think that table both of them even though you haven't moved second funding but they are they are closely related. So, I make a motion that we table both items five and six uh relating to the designation of uh the 29th Street property and the dedication of uh funding uh to be tabled to a future date. A second, but I don't know where I'm at.

All in favor signify by raising your right hand. All right, those two houses are We've been doing a lot of tableling this evening. Furniture makers. We are We are furniture makers tonight by Valley. All right, moving on. Um item number seven is the ordinance of first reading amending and correcting the 2024 uh city of Indiana comprehensive plan. You want to summarize? I'm just going to read it by title. I mean that is to be honest with you the ordinance or what I've drafted in there is a summary of the changes. Yeah. Um and it's quite likely but

first off this is an ordinance amending and correcting the 2024 city comprehensive plan to report clical corrections updated demographic data land use changes educational economic development initiatives transportation improvements community facilities updates and related matters. Um the the uh paragraph two goes through the clerical corrections that we've talked about um and sets them out by page. I've just incorporated the the u the actual changes to those in the body of this ordinance. You also have attached um MH's notes that led to the ordinance and your copy of the comprehensive plan with all of the changes u to the clerical corrections and the amendments um already put in as a proposal so you can see what they would look like. Uh, paragraph three is the amendments projected future land land use that incorporates the WBU Innovation and Technology Center, the new consolidated the proposed new consolidated elementary school, the former John's Vanville Industrial Site, Spencer's Landing, 12 Street Property. Paragraph 4 goes into housing, which is related to the uh the WITC project. Um, other transformation uh modes recognizing the bicycle trail that was brought in. land signage, parters works extension, uh economic development and tourism. That's a just to show that what the purpose uh that we're putting forth for um enhancing our tourist attractiveness u community services and facilities that lays that adds and includes recognized senior center community building the building our education and higher education again referencing the UI center are removing in paragraph 10

references St. Joseph's end services and our natural resources parks and open spaces fairs and festivals action steps and the appendix and so forth and essentially that's what this is amending and incorporating. Do I have a motion to accept on first reading the ordinance as so submitted?

Second. I have a motion and a second open for discussion. Let me start off by saying uh Tammy excellent work. Um this was something that even before uh the election that u I know was there very dear u and to you and a and a passion u when she came in and was appointed um to her position uh she took this on it was not an easy task because I don't think anybody want to give any attention to it um but as we've already stated Tammy does not forget and let things go very easily. and she stayed right on top of it and you pushed this through. Uh you got this accomplished. You did excellent work on it with the team uh that you had on that board as well. Uh so you're commit be commended for all the effort and energy that you put into it. So thank you uh for all of that. That is not a task I would have wanted to to take on, but you did an excellent job. Any other discussion?

Yeah. Um I just like to echo that. appreciate what you did. Um, you know, I was on the ones sitting in the back there and I was shaking my head like how can you get geographic stuff wrong? You know, some of this stuff. But, you know, this is a living document and it's and I'm sure you'll keep it updated as

and I'll also say, you know, I just want to commend you as well because, you know, I was also sitting in the meetings whenever this was, you know, getting voted on and passed and and there was many discussions, but uh it it took a lot of drive and and passion to to get through. I haven't I haven't had a chance to go through the entire thing yet. looking forward to reading over the next week or two um before the second vote. But again, just appreciate all the work that you've put in and your team has put into getting this prepared. Thank you. I'll appreciate that, too. And don't Yeah. Don't forget your planning commission.

Well, they put M's part of that. They put a ton of work into this. You need you need a a driver, which you have, but you need something to drive, too. So, it's genius to get through a good job. Yeah, the we went the planning commission went through, you know, Chris me, previous council persons, suggested amendments, used a couple of those, didn't need some of them, and then just went through the document and everyone picked out the things that they needed, thought needed to be changed, and that's what happened. So, they did a great job.

Any other discussion? Have a motion and second. No further discussion. All those in favor of passing the ordinance on first reading, making changes to corre or changes in corrections to the Vienna comprehensive plan, signify by raising your right hand. Motion passes unanimously. That ends eight. I think that's the one. Oh, no. We have the police chief. So, you you were one of two things that we actually uh were able to actionize. So, congratulations to us. That's only the first read. You never know what's going to happen. Hey, look. We're tableing it.

Yeah, we're going to table it next time. That That's how that rolls. Um, all right. Moving on to reports, standing boards, and committees. Does anybody have anything? I'll say it again. Baseball, T-ball, softball signups are live. If you've got kids looking to get signed up, uh, get them out. We've also got a swap meet. I wish I would have had this pulled up before I started talking now. But somebody made you a really nice flyer.

Yeah, this thing's nice. Uh we've got a swap meet coming up um for 4, so April 4th. So we've got some time, another month or so. But we're collecting donations. So you got any uh kids, grandkids, friends, family that's got some old sports equipment lying in the shed or the garage that they don't use anymore? Uh we're accepting donations all the way up to April 1st. Um, there's a flyer on the VNERC Facebook uh page as well as their website to get more information. We're asking everybody contact Craig and Blevens who sits on the board. Um, but it's a really good thing and uh uh it's going to be good for you know kids that you know don't have any equipment um you know old bats or whatever. So uh keep that in mind. So Vanrex swap meet's going to be taking place April 4th, 2026.

Anyone else? Tammy, you brought up a very good point that it's hard to find what what is available here. And when I was on city council down in Charleston many many many years ago. Um I saw that same problem and uh we used our foundation to fund a student college student for the summer to redo the whole website so it had everything on there that was available. I mean and the ask, "Does it have to be in the sea limits?" I said, "No, it has to be somewhere you can drive to from the sea limits because when somebody comes in to look at the area, they they aren't looking in the sea limits, they're looking at where they want their family to be. And so I am going to make the same offer here that uh if we have can find a student that's computer savvy and that will take the time to track down everything, all the sports opportunities, all the walking opportunities, the dance classes, the karate classes, whatever, and get them all on our website. Uh, I will have our I will discuss with my foundation board, which all of them are my family, so I think they'll agree

to have an end with that group donating up to $10,000 to fund that and get that done. And don't look at the Charleston website to see it now because after the new after we all left the new and keep it up. So, you can't find anything else, but but you should be able to look on the Vienna website and see everything that anybody in this region can do, coaches names, location, how how to get involved. That's wonderful. You can get that on the website. I'll be glad to help pay for it. That's great.

No other report. Anyone have any other council comments? We want to remind everybody that the friends of Vienna will be having their fabulous 50s bingo on Saturday, March 7th. Doors open at 4 and games will begin at 5. Uh tickets are $20 a piece for 20 games. Yours truly will be the caller again once again this year. Uh and we'll have a great time. There are some incredible door prizes um and grand door prizes that are going to be a part of that. Um, so make sure if you like bingo, this is one that you're gonna want to attend. Anything else?

You're on a roll this evening. Hey, we got a lot of stuff going on, too. March 7th, next Saturday, the Wood County Prevention Coalition is hosting a free pool party. Uh, it's at the pool and gym is inside.

Yeah, the pool and gym. It's going to be in inside the YMCA. Yeah. Uh it's uh free to all school age children. Um we're expecting a big turnout. It's going to be a lot of fun. We're going to have some food. We're going to have some games. Um but uh it's next Saturday, March 7th. Um beginning at 4. Doors will open 4 to 6:00 p.m. The registration is live. It's online. You can get on there, get registered. Um and uh you know, invite kids, grandkids, friends, and bring them all out. We had we had an event last weekend and we had I think almost 250 people attend. So really well attended. We had a lot of fun at the skating party. So um again March 7th, next Saturday, same time as the bingo, unfortunately. But uh

your kids off at the pool play. Exactly. Yeah. There is a win. It is cash bingo. Craig and I are sponsoring the polar bear pool. the polar river down by the the uh the river. If no other comments, this meeting is adjourned. raise it