Vermillion City Council Meeting - August 3, 2026

The Vermillion City Council met on August 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM, with Mayor O'Kelly presiding. Roll call was taken, and all members were present except Councilmember Lyas, who was noted absent due to illness later in the meeting. The meeting covered approval of minutes, consent agenda, public comments, a second reading of a zoning ordinance, a resolution for a safe streets plan, two agreements with Banner Associates for water infrastructure studies, and a discussion on potential conflict of interest regarding invoices from the Plain Talk newspaper.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The minutes of the July 20 regular meeting, joint meeting, and second meeting were approved unanimously after a motion and second.
• Consent Agenda: The consent agenda was adopted with the exception of invoices payable (item A), which was pulled for discussion. The remaining items were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rodney Oberley (2409 East Main Street), president of Ribs Rides Rock and Roll, addressed the council. He detailed the event's 90-year history, community benefits including a $4,000 donation to the food pantry, scholarships for USD and Vermillion High School, support for after-prom cleanup, a dunk tank fundraiser for the housing authority, and the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts' major fundraiser. He noted 24 major sponsors, involvement of USD athletes, and a new DJ event at 10 PM to attract USD students. He expressed gratitude for community support.
• Cam McCutsen (440 East Cherry Street) inquired about the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting regarding data center regulations. The mayor directed him to attend the August 10 meeting at 5:30 PM for information.
• Cindy Game (804 Cambi Street) reminded the council that the August 10 Planning and Zoning meeting includes a public hearing on data centers.

Discussion Items

• Old Business: Second Reading of Ordinance Creating New Zoning District: The ordinance establishes a new zoning district with larger right-of-way, no curb and gutter, no on-street parking, drainage ditches, and sidewalks to be constructed later. The first reading occurred on July 20. No changes were made. No public comments. A roll call vote was taken; after a procedural glitch, the vote was 8 in favor and 1 opposed. The motion passed.
• New Business: Resolution for Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan: Jose (staff) presented the resolution. The plan was developed with SEACOG, Turner County, and other communities. It aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The resolution commits the city to follow the plan's recommendations alongside existing transportation and bicycle plans, and it can be used for federal grant applications. No public comments. The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
• New Business: Agreement with Banner Associates for Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for Cherry Street Water Main Replacement: Shane (staff) explained that two significant water main breaks occurred on Cherry Street in June, causing outages and a street closure. The pipe is aging and failing. Staff plans to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) with a 70/30 city split. The PER is required for the grant application. The agreement with Banner is for $11,500, not to exceed. No public comments. Councilmember Murrah thanked the water crew for their work. The agreement was approved.
• New Business: Agreement with Banner Associates for Well Field Study: Shane presented the study to evaluate the city's five wells (ages 1972 to 2001). The study will assess infrastructure, source evaluation, alternatives, and a report. Cost is $25,500, budgeted. The study will help with future water rights renewal and potential collector well design to improve water quality consistency. No public comments. The agreement was approved.
• Invoices Payable: Councilmember Murray raised a concern about Councilmember Lyas's potential conflict of interest because he is a stringer for the Plain Talk newspaper, which receives monthly payments from the city for legal notices. City Attorney Daryl clarified the statute regarding direct financial interest. It was decided that invoices from Plain Talk should be pulled from the consent agenda each month, and Lyas should abstain from voting on that item. The invoices payable for the current meeting (including Plain Talk) were approved with Lyas absent.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of the July 20 meetings.
• Adopted consent agenda except invoices payable.
• Approved second reading of zoning ordinance (8-1 vote).
• Approved resolution supporting Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (unanimous).
• Approved agreement with Banner Associates for Cherry Street water main PER ($11,500).
• Approved agreement with Banner Associates for well field study ($25,500).
• Approved invoices payable (including Plain Talk).
• Noted that Councilmember Lyas will need to abstain from future votes on Plain Talk invoices.
• City manager's report included upcoming meetings: Human Relations Commission (Aug 6 at 5:15 PM), City Utilities presentation (Aug 6 at the library), Light & Power Building groundbreaking (Aug 7 at noon, 112 Shriner Street), Clay County Fair ice cream scooping (Aug 14), Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug 10 at 5:30 PM, including data center ordinances and public hearing), Historic Preservation Commission (Aug 12 at 9 AM), and board appointment deadlines.