The Vermillion City Council on Dec. 15 approved a slate of ordinances, resolutions and procurement contracts spanning land use, budgets and public-works equipment.

The council adopted the minutes and agenda and then approved medical cannabis license renewals after a staff presentation. In a roll-call vote the council approved the second reading of Ordinance 15-49 to rezone a roughly 3-acre parcel at the northeast corner of Highway 50 and Princeton Street from NRC (Natural Resource Conservation) to General Business; Planning & Zoning staff recommended approval. The council also adopted Ordinance 15-48, a 2025 supplemental appropriations ordinance, including a $45,366 transfer into the general fund reserve tied to the Carr Street project.

On intergovernmental matters, the council approved a payment agreement with Clay County for the new law enforcement center and authorized a $600,000 payment to be applied against the city’s share; county and city staff described the $0–$600,000 range as an estimate while final allocations remain pending.

Councilors approved fee updates for water tapping and electrical special service fees intended to simplify charges for new and remodel construction and to add fees for larger-diameter water taps. The council also authorized a lump-sum agreement with Banner Associates for design and construction services for a new Light & Power building at $312,600; staff said design and bidding would occur in 2026 with construction possible later in 2026–2027.

A longevity-pay resolution for 2025 was adopted establishing eligibility (15 years’ continuous service and three years at top pay step); staff estimated roughly 13 qualifying employees and said the city manager and finance officer would allocate individual awards from a council-funded pool not to exceed $7,500.

Two pulled consent items authorizing purchases of dry-ice blasting equipment also passed after discussion: (d) Cold Jet (Ohio) dry-ice blasting equipment for $61,050 and (e) SPI Utilities (Alberta) skid components, including an insulated blasting tool, for $94,156.50. Staff said splitting purchases aimed to limit tariffs and that the combined system is required for operation. City manager items and routine announcements closed the meeting and the council adjourned.

The council recorded approvals either by voice or roll-call votes (where required); when roll calls were taken the tally reported for the two ordinances and the supplemental budget was 9 yeas, 0 nays. The meeting included no final votes against the listed measures.