Vienna Advances Demolition, Banners, and PFAS Response

TL;DR

Demolition Grant Bid: Vienna aldermen accepted a $3,110 bid from Jeffery Environmental Services for asbestos inspections in CDBG demolition process.
Banner Approval: Aldermen approved maintenance agreement with Vienna Main Street for utility pole banners after Ameren adjusted original proposal.
PFAS Detection: City water tested positive for PFAS, requiring exposure limits by 2029 with expected federal funding for solutions.

The story at a glance

Vienna Board of Aldermen advanced demolition grant steps, banner installations, and budget talks at their June 9 meeting. Key players include City Clerk Tracy Shiver, Utilities Superintendent Shon Westart, and Vienna Main Street. This covers local infrastructure updates reported after the meeting. Two buildings face demolition delays due to historical review.

Key points

Aldermen selected Columbia-based Jeffery Environmental Services' $3,110 bid for asbestos inspections among five submissions ranging up to $10,800; firm previously inspected city wastewater facility in 1990s.
Asbestos removal costs would factor into the total Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Two buildings—a Maries County-owned structure on Coffey Street and Alan Fick's Highway 63 residence—under review for historical significance that may block grant-funded demolition.
Approved banner maintenance agreement with Vienna Main Street; Ameren to approve pole placements, city utilities to install.
Amended current budget to shift unspent upper diamond restroom funds to 2025-26 budget; street paving paused, saving for parks.
Water tested positive for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); must limit exposure by 2029, with federal plan deadline extended to 2031.
Moved $300,000 to 182-day CD at 4.58% yield; pursuing FEMA reimbursement for April 4 flood damage.

Details and context

The CDBG aims to demolish buildings at low cost to owners, with asbestos inspection as the latest step. Alderman Freddie Shiver raised cost concerns, but Clerk Tracy Shiver confirmed grant coverage. Historical reviews could prevent using funds for the two structures.

Ameren rejected initial banner plan for two dozen poles but is collaborating on fewer placements. Banner project supports Vienna Main Street efforts to beautify the town.

PFAS, found in many consumer products, showed slightly higher levels at treatment system than wells. Missouri Department of Natural Resources suggests home filters; EPA sets limits with health risk info online. Westart expects funding once requirements activate.

Budget talks noted steady police needs, over-budget attorney fees from records dispute, and no new equipment. Lower diamond restrooms near completion after fire; flood recovery and memorials also discussed.

Key quotes

None.

Why it matters

These decisions shape Vienna's infrastructure, from blight removal to beautification and water safety. Residents face potential historical preservation trade-offs against demolition benefits, plus PFAS exposure risks via tap water. Watch grant approvals, Ameren banner sign-off, PFAS funding, and 2025-26 budget by July.

What changed

Before, upper diamond restrooms were budgeted for renovation this year but not completed; now, aldermen amended the current budget on June 9 to reallocate those funds to the 2025-26 budget.

FAQ

Q: Which company won the asbestos inspection bid?

A: Jeffery Environmental Services, LLC, based in Columbia, won with a $3,110 bid. It beat four others, including $3,800 from Meramec Regional Planning Commission. The firm inspected the city's wastewater facility in the 1990s.

Q: Why can't all buildings use the demolition grant?

A: Two buildings are under review for historical significance: Maries County-owned on Coffey Street and Alan Fick's uninhabitable Highway 63 residence. This may prevent grant use for their demolition.

Q: What is the status of PFAS in Vienna's water?

A: Tests showed positive PFAS levels, higher at the treatment system than wells by a tiny amount. The city must limit exposure by 2029; federal plan deadline is 2031 with expected funding.

Q: What happened with the street banners?

A: Ameren rejected the original plan for two dozen banners on its poles but is working with Vienna Main Street and city on placements. Aldermen approved a maintenance agreement; city utilities will install after Ameren approval.