Government : Council approves the naming of the new walking trail in honor of Nathan Hesson

At Thursday night's Council meeting, the City Council agreed with the suggestion of the Executive Board and the VPRD Board in the naming of the new walking trail. The boards agreed to recommend to the council that the trail should be named in honor of Nathan Hesson.

Matt Boggess said of Nathan that he was one of the biggest supporters of the project along with his wife Ashley. The trail goes past the Hesson home and the family will be able to enjoy using it and enjoy watching those that are enjoying it. Boggess said that the family will be invited to place a kiosk along the trail in Nathan's memory.

Upon Nathan's passing the council also agreed to appoint a councilmember to the 4th Ward Seat. An appointment by the council will be made to fill the 4th Ward seat as opposed to an election, The term for the appointee will expire in November 2021 and would then be filled at the election. The appointment will be made on March 11.

Citizens can request a special election by filing a petition within 14 days after an appointment is made, or a notice published whichever is later. A petition would require 200 eligible signatures or at least 15% of the voters who voted for candidates for office on the ballot at the previous regular election, whichever is fewer. According to the number of votes cast in the 4th Ward in 2019, of which there were 107, 15% would be 16 signatures.

A special election to fill the seat. would extend the electees term through December 31, 2023.

Below is a map of the 4th Ward.

In other business:

-the council adopted an ordinance to amend Chapter 155, Building Code and Building House Board of Appeals adopting the 2021 International Building Code

-the council also voted to raise the cost of a parking ticket from $15-$20 per incident

-the Mayor appointed Kordereau Sellers, Tanner Davis & Bryant Davis to Board of Adjustments & Appeal for a term ending December 31, 2025

-Council appointed Nancy Scott, Don Weideman, John Scherbring, Cory Elwick & Darran Sellers to Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending December 31, 2025

- Council appointed Shelley Mossman to Airport Commission for a term ending December 31, 2026

-Council appointed Tami Stark to Vinton Community Foundation for a term ending December 31, 2025

-Council appointed Tami Stark to the Hotel Tax Revenue Committee with Vinton Unlimited

The council briefly discussed parking in the city lots following snowstorms and the difficulty that city crews have in clearing the lots with cars parked in them. This will be discussed at a later meeting.

The mayor encouraged folks to "adopt a fire hydrant," by digging them out so that they are clear for the fire department in case they are needed.