VINEMONT — Vinemont councilmember Chris Thompson retroactively resigned his position Tuesday, Oct. 15, via a letter in which he credited the decision to his need to refocus his time and energy to his businesses, including Man Cave Market located in Vinemont.

“After a lot of thought and soul searching I have come to the conclusion that the best thing for me at this time would be to submit my resignation of my position as Town Councilmember, place 1, [effective Sept. 30, 2024] for the Town of South Vinemont. It is time for me to put my passion, creativity and energy towards my businesses,” Thompson wrote in the letter.

Thompson is the third member of Vinemont’s five-person council to vacate their position since April when Charolette Cosper announced her resignation during the town’s public work session. Sonya Copeland resigned her seat two months later in June. Current councilmembers Ross Campbell and Grady Malone were separately nominated to replace Cosper and Copeland, respectively, in June.

Thompson has been one of the council’s more progressive members since he unseated incumbent candidate JoAann Oaxley in the 2020 election and has frequently discussed his vision to grow and market the town to wider audiences during council meetings. Thompson was a driving force behind the town’s renovation of its walking trail and Art Park, pushed for the creation of murals from local artist Jack Tupper which have now been added to the Alabama Mural Trail and championed Vinemont’s annual Chillin’ and Grillin’ BBQ Festival.

When reached by phone on Wednesday, Thompson said it had become easy to feel as though his vision the town’s growth had, at times, put him at odds with others who preferred a more traditional leadership approach. However, he remained adamant that his decision had not been made with ill intent nor did it come with any hard feelings of animosity toward those he had served alongside. Thompson indicated similar feelings in his letter, acknowledging that his passionate approach, but noting how, “It was not personal, but always business.”

“I am still going to support the town of Vinemont whenever I have the opportunity to do so. I love this town,” Thompson said on Wednesday.

The council said it would be seeking community applications from those looking to serve on the council for the remainder of Thompson’s term, which is set to end in 2026.

The council also discussed the upcoming Chillin’ and Grillin’ festival which is scheduled to return to the Vinemont Sports Complex Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

More than 29 artisan vendors will be on-site during the festival and seven competitors will be vying for the coveted People’s Choice award. Attendees will be able to sample wings from each competitor and cast their votes with the purchase of a $5 dollar ticket. A children’s area will contain inflatable bounce houses and a face-painting area while adults enjoy a full-slate of live musical performances which include:

— Justin and Tab from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

— The Night Train from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.

— Howlin’ Embers from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.

In other business the council:

— Approved a total payment of $28,463 be made to the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation in three equal installments.

— Approved a payment of $1,000 to Jack Tupper for the creation of a new mural to be located on the storm shelter behind the Vinemont-Providence Fire Department.

— Announced it would be hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Vinemont School Sunday, Oct. 26.

— Announced it would be hosting a community wide Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Vinemont School cafeteria Saturday, Nov. 23.