[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6281557,"mediaKeyId","2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939","parentId",2603149,"title","Utility Board approves minutes and elects Randy as vice president","audioSeconds",1423,"startMs",182000,"endMs",1605000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939&start=182&end=1605","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939/thumbnail_182000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281557/Vienna/Wood-County/West-Virginia/Utility-Board-approves-minutes-and-elects-Randy-as-vice-president","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281557-b577176940b1b5e7690a39907503df88/orig.mp4?Expires=1773265482&Signature=l9oxntR~1wyp0BOVglIbnDEZkMYDFxr9jeBuUIGz25j~76eQjPMITpJXv~YlMdLMe5XFmpZIgjheLRjsTjHnglEzTldh8VeFbMO79fSMrh3nbfVGt-HEVbfwmR-glqfNhgnXkPwpap8Fld-6Xg~j3T4yItzSLdtBVDX-esowXKROtmcfTqlDlBim4qVLfELva7aMjBg~je74d6r-HP1qMVh~hOEWVALYxZktQRfsvFJ-qhVoQUNh67ZNOI~l9t6Ce9t2wVmo7Q~7iI7Ct9cNMHqPvrz0Nd33JZDzZjO4Cx8MwLeBBAhoheQNGsddigSE1NxfnVBLneQGdxxz6rBJgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Vienna, WV","date","2025-03-13T17:16:24.563Z","article","The Vienna Utility Board approved its Feb. 26, 2025, minutes and elected Randy as vice president in two unanimous votes during the meeting.

Minutes: Board members moved and seconded approval of the minutes for the Feb. 26, 2025 meeting. The chair called the question and members responded “Aye.” The motion passed and the minutes were entered as recorded.

Vice president election: The board nominated Randy for vice president; a second was made and the motion passed unanimously. The chair said, “Motion passes unanimously.”

Votes at a glance:

- Approve minutes from 02/26/2025 — Outcome: approved (unanimous)
- Elect Randy as vice president — Outcome: approved (unanimous)

The board recorded no roll-call vote breakdown in the transcript, but four members were present at roll call: Chad Emerick, Mr. Rapp, Michael Simmons and Joe Thorpe; both motions were announced as unanimous on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Vienna Utility Board Regular Meeting 3-12-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Vienna Utility Board approved minutes from Feb. 26, 2025, and unanimously elected Randy as vice president; both motions passed without recorded dissent.","taxTitle","Vienna, Wood County, West Virginia","taxId",71348,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6281561,"Vienna updates: SCADA vendor problems, meter replacement nearly complete, and testing/reporting issues",346,737000,1083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939&start=737&end=1083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939/thumbnail_737000.jpg","/articles/6281561/Vienna/Wood-County/West-Virginia/Vienna-updates-SCADA-vendor-problems-meter-replacement-nearly-complete-and-testingreporting-issues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281561-844ab5c1de06c591c6ce1f00111f5321/orig.mp4?Expires=1773265482&Signature=fJms8ie8T~s4K1rF8sj~2vENFIfKJ8qtuW4SK~wuvOYAsfFOElJ3PLa92sCbXZ3upyCa1XnIwATk-UCpFRFJxSAAEaVs-bzm7IDg3he6DdTKXjxZxSOXVkIybsa--7dS1idDrcKvoYbYxwuH4MWVVPMPV3z89n8rxU4KGSqAoiSl5UK0NZK3LicsF2USCUxsxjV8Sg03ZlWePHn54jr8-PXIoa~bWQWWHr1~bNJJZ0Sw5FgkxAhNo1wf6~HS3lFdOte~IRwGsNMSscNtCGHE1ldSy~hZoKHprQQ23zthpNXV4KH27lDjOPrLQ4vozx5Q-W984Kt5uYJcowSKuA0DUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vienna’s utility staff told the board they plan to send a formal notice to a SCADA vendor after repeated missed commitments, while also reporting progress on meter replacement and some minor testing-reporting violations.

Manager and staff said an outside contractor hired to install and maintain the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system has repeatedly missed commitments and failed to provide reliable support. The board discussed sending a letter and, if needed, an attorney’s demand for reimbursement or removal of software and equipment. “They keep making promises... The SCADA system is not good,” a staff speaker said. Managers said they may pursue legal remedies and that the city is concerned about post-installation support if another vendor must maintain the software.

On meters and other infrastructure, staff reported that roughly 6,000 meters have been replaced over the past year in an in-house program using three additional employees; 50 meters remained to be installed pending a final shipment. Staff noted the in-house approach saved significant contractor costs.

Water quality and reporting: Staff said the city is completing lead and copper testing and filing required reports but acknowledged some procedural errors in sending and recording notifications to testing sites. Those errors produced “minor violations” from the health department related to reporting rather than to water quality; staff said the water itself is safe and that corrective steps and separate notifications will be included outside the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Other infrastructure updates included an elevated tank inspection at Millstone with hatches open for board viewing, and building painting and repairs at a utility facility. Staff will send a formal letter to the SCADA vendor as a first step and return with options if legal action is needed.","Staff told the Utility Board they plan to pursue legal options against a SCADA contractor, reported nearly finished meter replacements, and discussed lead/copper testing and minor reporting violations that will be corrected.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6281566,"Vienna utility board weighs dredging dry dams and timing of 20 Eighth Street storm drainage work",1040,351000,1391000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939&start=351&end=1391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939/thumbnail_351000.jpg","/articles/6281566/Vienna/Wood-County/West-Virginia/Vienna-utility-board-weighs-dredging-dry-dams-and-timing-of-20-Eighth-Street-storm-drainage-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281566-f74f8505cf77f728034848a4bb08b1fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1773265482&Signature=jiMKLelHpEt6xB3UtG1uzkLg5jvmkMa09zCLanExUPgZwlrq-IsMWtfBF0hW9JYHGhEymWqMiqmq7iGKWYDutBPqDfCfuPWD~HOnAqzQU7ZPPYeqlckzh4d3O30TD2xCqRjylzPeHu~nDmliUWdE5n5PhCHjuPDPZauRNX1VcM-zMqNkVJOBvtB-WquhAiqxfwqkUbXO01sf3zpU0RcFadk~X2M5IR55m34h~uFU4rIGC96H1V3JKBFFKCAbFfI2Wkm5YEr1yaPpNMErKeUWhVBAXPZK-dyhAEGvzcUMvDslXA~bE3MlIl2TcP4wOy5ZW27cNI0uslznxY5ylXMXOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vienna Utility Board discussed options to dredge silt from ponds and dry-dam structures and whether to proceed now using available stormwater funds or wait for grant awards.

The manager and board members said there is about $450,000 immediately available from the stormwater fund but that some monies are combined in the next budget season; the board agreed staff should make inquiries about grant funding before committing to large-scale work. If grant money does not materialize, the board’s recommendation was to phase dredging work and start with the far end of the system and work upstream.

Board members and staff also discussed dry dam structures at Greenmont and Glenbrook and a state-led dredging effort near Rosemarle Road. “The dry dam structures at Greenmont and Glenbrook are getting near capacity with silt,” a staff speaker said, noting those areas might be top priorities. The board asked staff to contact grant administrators and follow up with state and regional partners; the manager said Apto’s office has been cooperative on Vienna projects.

Contractor qualifications and technical considerations were a recurring point: board members asked whether an ordinary excavator contractor would be qualified. Staff replied that dredging and regrading require specialized grading contractors who use GPS grading equipment and can restore original channel grades; they also noted disposal, reuse, and storage of dredged material was part of the scope.

On the linked 20 Eighth Street storm drainage project — nominated for a phase 1 grant — staff said the schedule effectively pushes construction into the next summer because the city’s grant application window closes June 30 and any awarded funds would be for the following year. Board members debated whether to advertise the project for bidding to gather cost estimates but raised concerns that bidding could commit contractor resources and complicate decisions if the city later chooses a different project. The manager recommended waiting for grant results before awarding major contracts but agreed to put out limited bids if staff wanted cost comparisons.

Next steps: Staff will reach out to grant administrators, state partners (Apto’s office) and contractors to clarify funding chances, contractor availability and qualifications, and will return with a recommendation on phasing dredging and scheduling 20 Eighth Street work.","Board discussed dredging pond sediment near dry dams, available stormwater funds, contractor qualifications, and whether to bid or wait for grant funding for a storm drainage project on 20 Eighth Street.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6281569,"Parkersburg’s proposed sewer-rate rise could push Vienna toward its own utility rate increase",656,1920000,2576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939&start=1920&end=2576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603149-8fa9c3bb433575e8e05be3e6f7d16939/thumbnail_1920000.jpg","/articles/6281569/Vienna/Wood-County/West-Virginia/Parkersburgs-proposed-sewer-rate-rise-could-push-Vienna-toward-its-own-utility-rate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281569-c35aa5abf22c4c59aa14c65aedca5a59/orig.mp4?Expires=1773265482&Signature=iHZ0FFkAELc9O7K1oEIkmT8jKNxbE3vo0tjRGbsFfOu3UlxP0FOF7rX0J-cpJlVAZTEICEG8B16tedppSvhXaBcFl1dOInPrlhsDqLbTmXLM-hnVKq3Mo6n2vtsPLxBAj8zcaBN5Ah0uvOwGI4jOdpVA37CzyWSw9tMk-5fjB8s0tyEM2D0nJk3yz5fp5Wi45cQIrdgUYfATmD3ARO6YVF~f~YcATuFaRKUvpm8Vzo5zmfSN-FMpfxO~BW~PozDJ6AcJW1bGkk2Yp7WEuUFAQ~I44xWYwuvWYMQ-M47jnVDiVpTHdT3yS1HW11EehGa~nA3qBoGVLZULIKsuxukH7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vienna Utility Board members spent a large portion of their meeting discussing a Parkersburg Utility Board proposal to raise resale sewer rates that Vienna pays for wastewater treatment.

The discussion centered on reporting in a local newspaper that Parkersburg intends a phased increase beginning in 2025 that would raise the current $40.39-per-unit wholesale charge to about $47.53 in the first step and to $48.70 in later years — a roughly 20 percent jump from the baseline cited in the report. Board members said Parkersburg’s change, if adopted, would increase what Vienna pays for treatment and likely require Vienna to raise retail water/sewer rates for local customers to cover higher wholesale bills.

Board members said Vienna is a major Parkersburg customer and that the city’s contract ties Vienna to a percentage share of plant costs. “They’re going to start out the rating, the current rate is $40.39. They’re going to raise up to 47.53,” one staff speaker said during the meeting. The manager noted that some Parkersburg increases would require review by the Public Service Commission if implemented as a wholesale resell rate and that Parkersburg’s published materials describe staged increases over several years.

Why it matters: Vienna’s staff told the utility board the city already needs a rate increase to fund its capital projects and operations. If Parkersburg raises wholesale charges, Vienna would effectively be paying more for treatment with little or no added revenue for Vienna’s own capital needs, board members said; that could force a larger or earlier retail rate increase for Vienna customers.

Board questions and next steps: Members asked staff to gather exact figures on how much Vienna currently pays Parkersburg per 3,400 gallons and to contact Parkersburg staff for clarification. The manager said he would ask Amy (city finance/staff) to run numbers and reach out to Eric at Parkersburg to learn whether the proposed increases would apply to resale customers and what timeline Parkersburg intends. Board members discussed packaging any Vienna rate adjustment into a phased approach to reduce the one-time impact on seniors and fixed-income households.

Context and comparisons: Staff presented published rate comparisons with neighboring systems. Vienna’s current residential charge (the figure cited at the meeting was $30.94 for 3,400 gallons) is substantially lower than many nearby systems, several of which were listed in the meeting materials with monthly equivalents in the $55–$71 range. Board members said that historical underpricing means Vienna has room for gradual increases, but that sudden wholesale cost pressure could push an unavoidable, larger change.

What the board will do next: Staff will get precise billing-share numbers, follow up with Parkersburg contacts about the proposed rate changes, and return with options for whether Vienna should phase a retail rate increase or package a larger increase to cover wholesale and capital needs. The manager signaled a preference for a phased retail increase to reduce shock to customers.

Ending: Board members scheduled follow-up on this topic and directed staff to bring a data-driven recommendation to a future meeting so the board and city council can decide whether to request a retail rate adjustment.","Officials at the Vienna Utility Board discussed a Parkersburg Utility Board proposal to raise treatment/resale rates by about 20% and considered how that would affect Vienna customers and the city’s own planned rate changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Utility Board approves minutes and elects Randy as vice president

Vienna updates: SCADA vendor problems, meter replacement nearly complete, and testing/reporting issues

Vienna utility board weighs dredging dry dams and timing of 20 Eighth Street storm drainage work

Parkersburg’s proposed sewer-rate rise could push Vienna toward its own utility rate increase