The Vermilion City Council voted to appoint Edward Leonard to the Vermilion Municipal Planning Commission to fill the term of Dr. Jim Chapel, who resigned.

In a letter read into the record, Mayor Jim Fortover recommended the appointment, describing Leonard as an attorney recently retired from the Franklin County prosecutor's office who will complete Chapel’s term beginning in October 2025 and running through Dec. 31, 2027. The council moved and seconded the appointment; the roll call vote was recorded as yes by council members and the motion carried.

Nut graf: The appointment is procedural but fills a commission seat that reviews local rezoning and development applications; the mayor’s letter emphasized Leonard’s legal and municipal experience.

Discussion vs. decision: Council discussed the appointment briefly with positive comment; the vote to appoint was formal, and the motion carried by roll call.

Ending: Leonard will serve on the planning commission through Dec. 31, 2027; the commission will resume its review duties with the additional member in place.