Councilman Jim Leach says his goodbyes to the current sitting city council. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

VIENNA — In the final meeting of the outgoing Vienna City Council administration, the council approved an ordinance amendment that requires council approval for all department head hires, terminations, and job description changes. The vote was 6-0 with Councilman Chris Mancuso abstaining. Additionally, the council took time to honor a long-serving member of the Vienna Police Civil Service Commission.

Several residents, including former Councilman Roger Conley, spoke against the measure, arguing it was an attempt by the outgoing council to undermine the will of the voters who elected Chad Emerick as the city’s next mayor.

“Elections have consequences. The people of Vienna spoke loud and clear that they wanted Chad Emerick to be our next mayor,” said Conley, a former Vienna councilman. “Why with 19 days left would you be making an ordinance amendment like this? Why would you be making appointments to any boards or positions? You’ve got this totally backwards, folks.”

Supporters of the ordinance, including current council members, contended that it was about promoting stability and allowing the council to have oversight over important personnel decisions.

“This promotes stability for the city. I think our department heads long-serving, have the right to have their tenure review, not just by the mayor, but by the entire council,” said Councilman Jim Leach.

Former Councilman Roger Conley addresses his concerns about changes to council ordinances. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The ordinance amendment passed in a 6-0 vote with one abstention from Councilman Christopher Mancuso. The new ordinance will take effect before Emerick is sworn in as the next mayor of Vienna in January.

Emerick, who was present at the meeting, did not directly address the ordinance during the public forum. However, several residents spoke in his defense, urging the outgoing council not to make decisions that would limit the incoming mayor’s authority.

“Mayor-elect Chad Emerick deserves the same rights and privileges that Randy Rapp has had for the past 12 years,” said one resident. “We are not blind to the current Council’s attempt to maintain the status quo by passing certain resolutions listed on tonight’s agenda.”

Other business included the approval of new kitchen cabinets and countertops for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, the termination of the city’s agreement with Sagra for communication and internet services and the appointment of Jeanette Hart to the Vienna Board of Parks and Recreation.

Vienna City Council and Carl Powell presented an award honoring Kathy Stoltz, who is retiring after 35 years of service on the Vienna Police Civil Service Commission. Current and former police chiefs praised Stoltz’s dedication, judgment and ability to select and promote professional law enforcement officers for the city.

From left, Mayor Randy Rapp alongside his grandson, Caleb Dawson, bangs the gavel on Rapp’s final Vienna City Council meeting on Thursday night. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“She’s always right there for any questions I had and she’s been doing this for free for 35 years. For free,” said Powell.

The Vienna City Council will welcome several new members in January as the city transitions to a new administration under Emerick and several new council members.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.

From left, Vienna Police Chief Carl Powell honored the retirement of Kathy Stoltz with a plaque during the Vienna City Council meeting on Thursday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)