City council resolves to do … nothing

The Vermillion City Council decided Monday that the best way to respond to a resolution introduced by Alderman Mary Edelen voicing support of the proposed Hyperion oil refinery is to do nothing.

The council voted 5-4 Monday to table the issue, which Alderman Jere Chapman at point termed "stupid" during discussion among council members, until Union County residents vote on it.

Edelen stated that her goal simply was to introduce the measure as an internal document for the city council. She noted that the council commonly considers and approves resolutions, such as documents honoring a Vermillion school athletic team or USD Coyotepoly, with no public input.

Mayor Dan Christopherson replied that citizens should have a chance to comment on such a controversial topic.

Christopherson and aldermen Kevin Annis, Chapman, Roger Jeck and Kent Osborne voted to wait, with Jack Powell, Nathan Adams, Ray Hofman and Edelen opposing the motion.