The Vaiden Board of Aldermen held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 9. The Board began by approving the agenda and authorizing payment of the Docket of Claims, which totaled $18,127.50.
Following these routine matters, the Board discussed a proposal to lease the town gym to the Vaiden Legends basketball team for their practices and games for $250 per month. While head coach Jermarcus Williams was unable to attend, his mother represented the team's interests and answered questions from the Board. Williams submitted a proposed calendar outlining gym usage dates through May 2025. Following Board discussion, Alderwoman Lesia Hemphill motioned to approve the lease agreement, contingent upon all required documentation being submitted to Town Hall by Tuesday, Dec. 10. Alderwoman Kimberly White seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Board Attorney Tangala Hollis-Palmer presented details of a $100,000 grant-funded street paving project targeting Flowers Street and Court Street. The Board discussed bid solicitation options, considering advertising on the Town website or in the newspaper. Attorney Hollis-Palmer stated she would look into the options. Once bids are received for the project, the Board will convene a special called meeting for review and approval.
Police Chief Derrick Scott delivered his monthly report before proposing a standardized fee structure for ordinance violations. His recommendation includes a $25 fine for first offenses, $50 for second offenses, and $100 for third offenses. Chief Scott indicated he and Officer Roshaun Daniels would review the ordinances thoroughly and recommend higher fines for more serious violations during a future meeting. Alderwoman Hemphill made a motion to approve this proposal, Alderman Curtis Meeks seconded, all were in favor.
In other news, the Board:
• Approved the MCWI Reimbursement Requests Certification Subaward Agreement Number 86-1-DW-5.15-MCWI Reimbursement Request Number 6-Contract B AMR Installation-$44,736.
• Approved the 2023 Municipal Questionnaire Document.
• Approved the donation from Carroll County in the amount of $500 to the Vaiden Planning Committee for the Annual Christmas Parade.
• Accepted Reverend Cedric Weeks departure from the Vaiden High School Auditorium from Path of Righteousness Ministries.
• Approved the upcoming holiday dates for the 2025 Calendar.
• Approved renting the Old Firehouse Building for Custom Tents business.
Dates to remember:
• Vaiden’s Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.
• Vaiden Police Department will hold Soup for the Elderly on Friday, Dec. 27.
• Vaiden City Hall’s next Municipal Court date is Dec. 19 at 9 a.m.
