VINEMONT — Lifelong Vinemont resident Ross Campbell was sworn in as the town’s newest councilmember Tuesday, June 11, and the town is now seeking to fill a second vacancy created by the resignation of Sonya Copeland.

Campbell secured the nomination last week during a specially called meeting to replace the vacancy created by former councilmember Charolette Cosper’s sudden resignation in April. He was sworn in by Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown at the top of Tuesday’s meeting and assumed his position on the council.

Mayor Radginal Dodson later announced he would once again be calling a special meeting next Tuesday, June 18, this time to discuss nominations to replace Copeland.

“I have announcement to make that I don’t particularly like to do, but I want to make everyone aware that Sonya Copeland (Council place five) has resigned from office starting today, June 11,” Dodson said.

Following the announcement town clerk Kayesea Sasser said Copeland offered her resignation in a letter pre-dated for June 11, but did not provide any details of explanation for her decision.

Copeland offered the following explanation to The Times, but did not return messages requesting any further details.

“[Rapper] Kevin Gates said it best. ‘Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.’”

Three other candidates — Jerry Smith, Grady Malone and Michael Ashbaugh — were previously considered to fill Cosper’s vacancy. A recommendation to consider Malone’s nomination failed during last week’s meeting resulting in his request to remove his information for reconsideration.

Sasser said she has since spoken with Malone who walked back that request, but no additional details were provided as to who might be up for consideration next week.

The town also approved the purchase of RecDesk software which Dodson said would “cut down on the aggravation” and help streamline many of the town’s administrative responsibilities. Sasser said the software has the capability to integrate options for residents to check the availability of public venues, keep up with upcoming local events and register children for youth sports leagues.

The initial first-year cost of the software will be $4,800. The annual licensing fee will be reduced to $1,200 after the second year if no additional options are added to the suite. Sasser said some of that cost should be offset by removing what she described as exorbitant PayPal fees the town is required to pay using its current system.

Looking forward to the fall, the town discussed an estimate from Backstage Productions to provide a stage and audio services for its annual barbecue festival, scheduled for early October. A second estimate was provided by Baker Productions, but was unable to include a stage.

Baker has provided services for the town’s two previous festivals and councilmember Chris Thompson said he would like to provide the company an opportunity to reconsider his options before agreeing to sign off on a contract with Backstage.

The council also briefly discussed the idea of purchasing or constructing their own stage before the matter was tabled until it was able to receive more information.

In other business the council:

— Announced its upcoming Senior Citizens Day would be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, June 17, at the Vinemont Community Center.

— Announced the upcoming 4th of July event scheduled from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Vinemont Sports Complex.