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VIENNA -- Vienna City Council unanimously approved two zoning changes Thursday that divide portions of the WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center property between residential and commercial classifications as projects at the site move forward.
The first ordinance rezones the southerly portion of the property from E-1 educational to R-2 single-family and two-family residential. The second changes another portion from E-1 to C-1 linear business and shopping center district.
Both ordinances were on second reading and were voted on together.
Councilman Tony Morrison asked whether the commercial designation would affect the placement of the elementary school planned for the property. City officials said schools are permitted in any zoning district and the change would not affect the project.
Following the vote, Ryan Taylor, CEO of Pickering Associates, and West Virginia University at Parkersburg President Torie Jackson provided updates on development at the site.
"The 12th Street Extension road drawings are complete," Taylor said. "We are currently working through legal."
Taylor said the project is also moving through the permitting process. Because the extension will become a state road, portions of property owned by WVUP and the city will need to be conveyed to state highway officials.
Taylor said Sept. 7 is a "very hopeful" date for the project to go out for bids. He also said federal approval had been received concerning issues involving athletic courts at the property.
Construction on the new elementary school has accelerated as contractors work toward a contractual opening date in May 2027, Taylor said. Work is also progressing at the nearby manufacturing site.
Jackson thanked council members for supporting the zoning changes and the development taking place at the center.
"I appreciate your votes of support in this effort today, and know that what we're trying to do will truly enhance Vienna," Jackson said.
WVUP will begin its second year of classes at the Vienna campus Monday, Jackson said. The college has also hired an instructor for a new cloud computing degree program developed in partnership with Amazon Web Services. The program is expected to begin in January.
Jackson said WVU Parkersburg has placed its workforce programs, which offer professional rather than academic credit, at the Vienna location. A new program intended to help participants obtain drone licenses is also expected to begin soon.
"The road is the last piece of the puzzle," Jackson said.
In other business, council approved a recommendation to accept a $90,506 bid from Stevens Auto for two 2027 pursuit-rated, all-wheel-drive police utility vehicles. The cost of adding emergency lights and other police equipment will be handled separately.
Council also approved a revision to the 2026-27 general fund budget, adding $21,399 to the Police Department's capital equipment account for the purchase of a utility terrain vehicle to be shared by the police and fire departments.
City officials said the existing vehicle is more than 20 years old and is frequently used at the McDonough Wildlife Refuge to respond when hikers, runners or other visitors need assistance. Accessories for the new vehicle will be purchased separately.
Council received a report showing the city's Policemen's Pension and Relief Fund had a balance of $16,462,331.99 as of June 30. The plan is approximately 88% funded and was described by city officials as one of the best-funded municipal police pension plans in West Virginia.
The report is required by the West Virginia Municipal Pensions Oversight Board for the city to receive its share of the state insurance premium surtax.
Council also unanimously approved a resolution allowing city officials to purchase road salt on the open market after two bid solicitations failed to produce an eligible bid.
Officials said the city received letters from Cargill, Morton Salt and Compass Minerals stating the companies would not submit bids at this time.
The resolution directs the city's finance and public works officials to seek quotes from at least three vendors when practical and ordinarily purchase from the lowest responsible vendor. It also allows the city to select another vendor when faster delivery is needed to protect public safety or ensure timely winter road maintenance. Spending cannot exceed the amount included in the city's approved budget.
Recorder Rod Smith attended the meeting by phone.
Council's next regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 27.