Written with the help of AI from the Vandalia City Council minutes, August 6, 2026.
Council fills vacant seat
This recap is based on the approved minutes of the Vandalia City Council’s special meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Mayor Richard Herbst called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
The one action taken in open session was an appointment. Councilmember Aaron Hathaway moved, and Councilmember Cindy Doogan seconded, to appoint Steven Clark to the expired term of Corey M. Follick. All members present voted yes, and the motion passed 6-0.
Before the vote, Mayor Herbst said Council had held interviews for the vacant Council position during a closed-door session. He said there were several qualified applicants, which made the decision a tough one. Councilmember Emily Bradford agreed that there were several good candidates and said she felt Council had come to a consensus. Councilmember Rick Ford said there were seven great candidates, all of whom have contributed to the City of Vandalia in significant ways. He also called it a difficult decision and said he felt Council had come to a consensus on one candidate.
Closed-door session before the vote
At 4:00 p.m., Mayor Herbst said it had been recommended that Council enter executive session to consider the appointment or employment of a public official. An executive session is a part of a meeting held out of public view, for certain subjects allowed by law. Councilmember Doogan moved to enter the session and Councilmember Bradford seconded. All members present voted yes, and the motion passed 5-0.
Councilmember Amber Aivalotis-Weaver joined the meeting after Council adjourned into executive session, which is why the first vote was 5-0 and later votes were 6-0.
At 6:36 p.m., Councilmember Ford moved to end the executive session and reconvene the Council meeting, with Councilmember Hathaway seconding. The motion passed 6-0.
Public comment
The minutes do not record any public comment at this special meeting, and no residents’ remarks are listed.
Routine items
The minutes also list Katie Wahl, Kurt Althouse, Angela Swartz, Leann Hanf, Holly Wiggins and Kristin Cox as others present.
Council reconvened at 6:37 p.m. and the special meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m. The minutes carry an approval line for Mayor Herbst and an attestation line for Angela Swartz, Deputy Clerk of Council.
Source: Vandalia City Council minutes, Thursday, August 6, 2026.
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