The Town of Vaiden began its first meeting of the year on Jan. 6 with customary proceedings, including an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. After approving the agenda, the Board moved to review and accept the minutes from their December 9 meeting. They then authorized payment of the docket of claims totaling $14,791.20.
Representatives from the Vaiden Planning Committee, Gina Tate and Joey Bennett, were the first to address the Board. Bennett presented the committee's proposed calendar of community events for the upcoming year:
The schedule includes a Citywide Yard Sale on May 3, followed by a combined Fireworks Display and Car Show celebration on July 5. In October and early November, the town will host a Haunted House attraction on multiple dates: Oct. 16, 18, 23, 25, and 31, as well as Nov. 1. The year's festivities will conclude with the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.
Bennett concluded his presentation by expressing gratitude to the town leadership stating, "From the Planning Committee we want to thank the Mayor and the Board for the Christmas supper that y'all provided."
The Board unanimously approved the tentative schedule, noting that it remains subject to change for any necessary edits or additions.
Discussion then turned to a pressing public safety concern, the malfunctioning tornado sirens. Alderwoman Mary Lofton reported that during the tornadic weather that passed through Vaiden the weekend of January 4, the warning sirens failed to activate.
Mayor Stella Washington Bell addressed the ongoing issue saying, "We have had Precision Communication to come down and look at it. They don't know whether we need a new box, but they have been down here on several occasions looking at this siren."
The mayor noted that despite collaborative efforts with Chancery Clerk Casey Carpenter and Emergency Management Director Ken Strachan to reach appropriate repair services, the siren issue remains unresolved. The Board is continuing to work on this matter.
The discussion then shifted to concerns about the Vaiden Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor Bell reported her unsuccessful attempts to contact the Fire Chief.
"He has a city cell [phone], but he won't respond, he won't come to the fire department. I don't think they're having meetings," Mayor Bell said.
She explained that the Fire Chief has been essentially inactive for approximately a year to a year and a half. While the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to dispatch calls to the Vaiden Volunteer Fire Department, their lack of response has resulted in Beat 4 departments being called to handle emergencies instead.
Following deliberation, the Board voted unanimously to take action regarding the Fire Department's leadership. Alderwoman Mary Lofton motioned to deactivate the current Fire Chief's city-issued cell phone and begin reorganization of the Vaiden Volunteer Fire Department. Alderman Theodore Purnell seconded the motion, which passed with full support from the Board.
In other news, the Board:
• Approved to pay Mayor Bell, Alderwoman Hemphill, Alderwoman Lofton, and Alderwoman White’s registration, travel, and meals for the 2025 Mid-winter Conference located in Jackson on Jan. 12 through Jan. 16.
• Approved to pay Chief Derrick Scott’s registration, travel, and meals for the mandatory New Chief Conference in Pearl on Jan. 13 through Jan. 17.
• Approved to pay City Clerk Ravin McCoy and Deputy Clerk Mattie Foreman’s registration, travel, and meals for the Spring Certified Municipal Clerk Conference in Ridgeland on Feb. 11 through Feb. 14.
