Vinton Town Council holds investiture service for mayor, council members
By Debbie Adams
Vinton Town Council opened the meeting on January 14 with an investiture service for three re-
elected officials. Town Clerk Antonia Arias-Magallon administered the oath of office to Mayor
Brad Grose, who was re-elected in November to serve his seventh term on council and sixth term
as mayor; he was first elected in 2000.
investiture service on January 14. Pictured left to right are his wife Debby Grose, the mayor, his
mother-in-law Betty Hogan, and his daughter Mandy Fullen. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Council members Keith Liles and Laurie Mullins were also sworn in. This is Liles’ third term on council; he was first elected in 2016. Mullins will be serving her second term, beginning in 2020. All expressed their gratitude to the citizens for voting for them. Their terms extend through December 2028.
Town Council. She was also chosen to serve as vice mayor. She is pictured with her daughter
Natalie and husband Tommy.
Town Councilman Keith Liles as his daughter Siera Sanford and granddaughter Charlotte look
on.
“First of all, I certainly want to thank God for allowing me to be here tonight and for allowing
me to be in a position where I can serve Him while serving the citizens of our great town,”
Mayor Grose said. “Of course, I want to thank the citizens of Vinton for their support in the last
seven elections and throughout my tenure of 24 years. I have always been very proud of Vinton
and very honored to serve our wonderful town! Even when there are activities that do not please
me.
“Please allow me this opportunity to thank the staff here in the Town of Vinton for the great job
they are doing. Our awesome staff is one of the reasons that I am so excited about the future of
the Town of Vinton.
“I certainly want to thank my entire family for the love and encouragement they have shown me
over the years. I could never have done this job without their understanding and support. Many
of the sacrifices that have been necessary to do the job as mayor have been borne by my family.
Thank you; you know I love you!
“I especially want to thank our current council members. The Vinton Town Council has shown
great wisdom and leadership during an important time of innovation and expansion. The council has promoted an atmosphere of trust with our staff and our citizens that has produced incredible
growth and progress.
“Occasionally, I am asked, ‘What does Town Council do?’ Usually I answer with, ‘We set policy
and provide oversight.’ However, I think it is fair to say that this council has added an important
function. The unity displayed by the current Vinton Town Council has set an example for our
staff, our citizens, and even our business community that has resulted in amazing productivity
and progress in Vinton. As council members, we do not always agree, but we have been
successful because we always, in a respectful manner, do what is best for Vinton.
“So, I am very excited about the future of the Town of Vinton! Most of us are aware of current
projects, such as Gish Mill, the hotel, the playground, the Vinton War Memorial renovations, and
the greenway, just to name a few. I’m convinced there are many other great developments that
will propel Vinton into a thrilling and prosperous future. With God’s blessing, hard work,
cooperation, and prayer, the future is truly exciting for the Town of Vinton! Thank you for
allowing me to serve again.”
Mayor Grose called for a motion to approve a resolution to appoint a new vice mayor; Laurie
Mullins was elected unanimously by her fellow council members for a two-year term.
Council members then approved resolutions re-appointing Town Manager Richard Peters, Town
Clerk Antonia Arias-Magallon, Treasurer Andrew Keen, Chief of Police Fabricio Drumond, and
Town Attorney Jeremy Carroll. They also will serve through December 2026.
Council approved appointments of Keith Liles and Sabrina McCarty to the Community
Development Committee, Brad Grose and Mike Stovall to the Finance Committee, and Sabrina
McCarty and Laurie Mullins to the Public Works Committee.
Members adopted resolutions appointing Teresa Davis to another five-year term on the Board of
Zoning Appeals and Bob Benninger to an additional four-year term on the Planning
Commission.
Council then took action on adopting a resolution revising the procedures for the Citizens’
Comments and Petitions section at regular Town Council meetings.
The updated guidelines introduce clear rules for citizen participation during Town Council
meetings, including the following key points:
• Citizens must submit a speaking request to the town clerk by 12 p.m. on the Monday
before the meeting
• Speaking topics must align with the original request
• A three-month restriction applies for repeating topics unless new developments are
presented
• Public hearing-related comments are confined to the specific hearing period
• Each speaker will have three minutes, with adjustments based on participation numbers.
Speakers may not transfer their speaking time to others.
• Prohibited conduct includes campaigning for public office, promoting private business
ventures, engaging in personal attacks or audience debates, using profanity or offensive
language, and/or bringing animals in Council Chambers.
These changes aim to foster efficient and respectful dialogue while ensuring compliance with
state law.
The meeting concluded with the biennial FOIA training for council members and Vinton’s FOIA
Officer, conducted by Town Attorney Jeremy Carroll.
