Vienna council approves Play Streets ordinance, park bridge donation and several bids; adopts grant application

Vienna City Council on Sept. 11 adopted a series of ordinances, resolutions and bid recommendations, approving everything from a Play Streets traffic ordinance to vehicle purchases and a grant application for river access improvements.

The council unanimously approved the second reading of an amendment to city code governing driving on Play Streets, after a brief exchange about whether speed bumps would be feasible for traffic calming. Mayor (speaker 1) announced the ordinance passed with one member absent.

Why it matters: The votes clear routine procurement and development steps that city officials say will support recreation, safety and campus partnerships while freeing staff to move forward with planned projects.

Key actions and outcomes: The council approved the donation of a surplus pedestrian bridge removed from Jackson Park to the Mountain State Sportsman Association for use by a high‑school archery program; the donation is conveyed “as is,” and the nonprofit will be responsible for removal, transport, installation, permits and maintenance. The council also accepted bid recommendations for two 2026 pursuit‑rated police vehicles and two 2025 (or newer) 3/4‑ton pickup trucks with utility bodies for Public Works (funding and financing pending for vehicle purchases). A bid award recommendation for the Twelfth Street kayak launch was accepted; the West Virginia Department of Highways will handle payment under the agreed funding arrangement.

The council also authorized a $25,000 donation to the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation for repainting and updating the water tower on the campus and adopted the city’s CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report) for the Community Development Block Grant program for July 2024–June 2025.

Votes at a glance: Play Streets ordinance — approved on second reading (unanimous with one absent). Pedestrian bridge donation to MSSA — approved (unanimous). $25,000 donation to WVU at Parkersburg Foundation — approved (unanimous). Police cruiser bid award — approved (unanimous). Public‑works trucks bid award — approved (unanimous). Kayak launch contract recommendation — approved (unanimous). CAPER adoption — approved (unanimous).

What’s next: Vendors will be notified where applicable and the city’s budget‑and‑finance committee will continue financing work on vehicle purchases. The council scheduled a special meeting for Sept. 18 to discuss funding for Spencer’s Landing and other developments.

(Provenance: discussion and votes span the council’s business session beginning with the Play Streets second reading and continuing through vehicle and grant items.)