At the council’s February meeting, North Ward Alderman Tyler “TC” James said he attended a chamber meeting a couple of weeks ago and thinks the city should become a member. James said they are trying to make the chamber a viable organization. Membership is $30 a year and he plans to attend the meetings. Also, being a member of the VCOC allows a chamber business to utilize the health insurance through the chamber that has joined with other chambers of commerce in Missouri to form a large group to help bring down premiums. Two VCOC businesses already are using the health insurance for their employees and have reported savings. James said he thinks the city should join to show its support for the chamber and to look into using the health insurance for city employees. He said the VCOC is trying to be more active. The council gave its approval.

Clerk Sherry James said a public comment came from a resident who said she is okay with the city having a community garden at the park, but is not in favor of jail prisoners working in it.

Clerk James recently had a call from a woman who was irate about the medical marijuana cultivation facility being licensed in Vienna. She also made calls to the courthouse threatening people with losing their jobs. South Ward Alderwoman Brenda Davis told Clerk James it is not her job to listen to that and asked her to tell those callers to contact a council member.