City Council Looking To Fill Vacancy

The Van City Council met last Thursday night and discussed the procedure for filling a vacant council place left open by current Mayor Billy Wilson.

Wilson was a councilman when he won the mayor spot in the May 10 election.

Councilwoman Pat Percifield said that she knew of some citizens who had expressed an interest in serving on the council.

"I am ready to do something," said councilman Al McCarty.

"I know of a man who has served on this board before and is willing to serve again, that man is Jackie Nations," said McCarty.

"I would personally like to see him serve again," said councilman Jack Perry.

"I have nothing against Jackie and think he would be great on the council again but I think we should let it be known that we have a vacancy and give anyone who is interested in serving a chance to do so," said councilman Linzy Neal.

After much discussion, it was decided that the vacancy would be published in the newspaper and that anyone interested should pick up an information sheet at City Hall.

"I think anyone who has expressed an interest should be given the chance to be considered," said mayor Wilson.

In other business, the council:

-approved an ordinance regarding the city administrator and the city secretary.

-approved a house to be moved onto Walnut St. by David Allen.

-heard departmental reports.

-approved the minutes of the May 8 and May 15 meetings.

-discussed the city’s VISTA program. It was decided that a meeting is to be set to discuss the program at length. VISTA supervisors and council members will be attending the meeting.

-heard a report from Percifield regarding current and upcoming grant applications being worked on by city VISTAs.