The Town of Vaiden is making their adult entertainment ordinance stricter in the event another venue is located in the town. Aldermen voted to increase the fees and fines on the adult entertainment ordinance and move the location of the clubs to an area in Vaiden’s Industrial Park.
At the end of February, Main Attraction, also known by its former name Danny’s Lounge, was completely destroyed by fire. Right now, what’s left is the parking lot and the foundation of the club.
In March, Board Attorney Lane Greenlee suggested the town tweak the ordinance before someone else decides they want to put another club in Vaiden. The board and Mayor Mel Hawthorne have been working to come up with a solution to their issue.
Monday night, the board decided to increase the application fee from $300 to $1500 and the first offense from $100 to $800 and the second offense to $1,500.
Hawthorne told Greenlee the company who had the original lease on the club had their privilege license revoked for two years because they didn’t legally turn the club over to a new owner.
In other news, the board also heard the matter of a rental home that is having sewer issues. Hawthorne said the town had a backup on its sewer line, and it was pushing sludge under the house.
He said the town fixed it, and after the town fixed it, it was discovered that there was a leak under the home.
“I told [the homeowner] that we would come fix it, and we did, then he had someone else to look at it and he sent me a $5,400 bill and I told him ‘Nah, we’re not paying that,’” Hawthorne said.
He explained that it was because of the sewer line backing up that the pipe was discovered busted under the home.
“Tell him that we’ve done what we can do and that’s that,” Greenlee said.
The board also heard from residents Jackie McKinney and Rev. Cedric Weeks. McKinney spoke about Well No. 3 and wanted to know what would be done to fix the problem and about the condition of the Vaiden High School Gymnasium.
Hawthorne told her that the town is in the process of switching wells and replacing Well No. 2 with Well No. 3, and completely taking the well offline.
“Mrs. Hemphill also had the same complaints you have about the gym. We know that there are renovations that need to be made, and we’re looking into how to make them,” Hawthorne said.
Weeks is starting an outreach ministry and wanted to use the Vaiden High School Auditorium for services. A debate came as to whether or not to allow Weeks a grace period while he gathers his flock.
And none of the board – or those in attendance—agreed with Hawthorne or Fluker on extending a grace period.
“You don’t give us a grace period on that $300 for the gym,” McKinney said. “Why are you giving one to him? It’s a business. It’s about the money man, get the money.”
