(Meeting Updates - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

VIENNA – Vienna City Council on Thursday unanimously acknowledged Mayor Chad Emrick’s appointment of Lt. Joshua Cole as the city’s next police chief, effective April 17.

Cole, who has served as a Vienna police officer for 15 years, will assume the role at an annual salary of $85,280 plus benefits. Council approved a resolution formally recognizing the appointment following discussion about the selection process and Cole’s qualifications.

Emrick said the process to select a new chief differed from past years and included a physical assessment, written examination, review of performance records and a panel interview.

“This process was designed to elevate the most qualified candidate,” Emrick said. “Lieutenant Cole exceeded on the physical assessment, he exceeded on the written assessment, and he was the number one choice by all four board members, independently.”

Emrick said three candidates applied for the position and that each was qualified to serve.

Cole briefly addressed council after the vote.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity,” he said. “I think we expect a lot of good things and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

In other business, council tabled a proposed $255,000 general fund budget revision related to planned improvements at Spencer’s Landing. The revision would have transferred funds from capital reserves to capital outlay for design work tied to a proposed public restroom and performance stage at the riverfront property.

Council members discussed combining two task orders into a single design and permitting package and removing bidding and construction administration costs for now. The city’s engineering firm will return with revised figures for council to consider at a future meeting.

Also tabled were resolutions related to incorporating a 29th Street parcel into Spencer Park and dedicating approximately $28,000 in funding toward development of that property. Several council members said they would like to further evaluate long-term planning for the city’s park system before moving forward.

During the public forum, Councilman Henry Sasyn congratulated area swimmers on recent state competition results, including members of the Parkersburg High School girls and boys teams.

Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting and advanced on first reading an ordinance amending and correcting the city’s 2024 comprehensive plan to reflect clerical updates, demographic data and recent development initiatives.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com