Municipal council meeting

Villach seeks new municipal director

The position of municipal director was advertised publicly

(Bild: Fister Katrin)

The Villach municipal council had an extensive agenda to work through on Friday. In addition to the financial statements, personnel changes and awards were also on the agenda.

Villach is looking for a new municipal director: Christoph Herzeg will move to the private sector on August 1. The succession has already been publicly advertised - a successor is to be found by the fall. Until then, Alfred Winkler will take over as head of the city administration. Winkler was head of the city's administration for many years. There will also be a change in the committees: Gerald Dobernig took over the chairmanship of the Control Committee from Rene Kopeinig (both Earth). Kopeinig was appointed deputy to City Councillor Sascha Jabali Adeh.

Outgoing municipal director Christoph Herzeg

(Bild: Marta Gillner)

The accounts (+5.7 million euros) were approved against the votes of Verantwortung Erde. Nevertheless, there was criticism from the opposition. In particular, major projects such as the second ice rink, rising interest charges and the expansion of cycle paths were mentioned.

Criticism of brewery downsizing
The decision by Brau Union to downsize the Villach brewery and cut 28 employees was criticized by the elected representatives. Mayor Günther Albel called for generous measures for the employees, some of whom have been with the company for many years. He also pointed out that the company was looking for a five-hectare site for its logistics operations. It would be necessary to consider how to approach the owner in future. "What is not brewed in Villach should not be allowed to be called that," said city councillor Christian Pober, who no longer wants Villach beer to be recognized as a Villach brand if it is brewed in Puntigam.

Historian receives prize
This year's Women's Prize of the City of Villach goes to Alexandra Schmidt, who deals with women's and gender history. Among other things, she is responsible for her publication "Drautöchter" and the permanent exhibition of the same name in the magistrate's office. Schmidt is also chairwoman of the "Erinnern Villach" association. Optik Fessl is delighted to receive the city coat of arms. The family business is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Alexandra Schmidt receives women's prize

(Bild: Sophie Schmidt/Salzburg)

The VP and SP motion to expand parking spaces for single-lane vehicles was approved. This was because there were always problems with mopeds or motorcycles blocking the parking spaces for cars or being parked where they were not allowed. Another topic was the traffic situation in Maria Gail. The FP submitted a motion calling for a traffic circle to ease the flow of traffic at the Villach-Faaker See highway exit. "We want to find a sustainable solution for the area that relieves the residents there," said Councillor Sascha Jabali Adeh.

E-scooters were also a topic in the municipal council

(Bild: Einöder Horst)

Stricter rules for e-scooters
Blocked sidewalks or "wildly" parked e-scooters: the vehicles are not just a source of annoyance in everyday life. The topic was hotly debated in the municipal council. In a motion, the VP called for stricter rules. There are already precise regulations in the city, but there is a lack of staff to monitor them and enforce violations, explained city councillor Sascha Jabali Adeh. Basically, the use of e-scooters is subject to the same regulations as bicycles. However, there will be some tightening up: it will no longer be possible to park scooters on the main square or on the LKH grounds. There will also be a speed limit on the main square and on Hans-Gasser-Platz.

First "trial crossing"
There will be a pilot project for cyclists: they will be allowed to turn right on red at selected junctions in the future. This possibility has already existed since an amendment to the StVo. In a first step, turning will only be possible at junctions if this leads into a cycle path. The start will be made at the Wiesensteig junction with Tiroler Straße.