At its first meeting of 2025, the Elkhart City Council elected Arvast Dawson as council president and Dwight Fish as council vice president, each by an 8–1 roll-call vote.

The council opened nominations for president; Councilman Saenz nominated Arvast Dawson and the nomination was seconded by Councilman Mishler. The roll call recorded votes as follows: Councilman Holtz — Aye; Councilman Curry — Yes; Councilwoman King — Yes; Councilman Mishler — Aye; Councilman Fish — Yes; Councilwoman Hines — Yes; Councilman Crabtree — Yes; Councilman Hankey — No; President Dawson — Aye. The clerk announced the motion passed 8–1.

Nominations for vice president followed. A council member nominated Dwight Fish for vice president; the nomination was seconded. A roll call produced the same 8–1 tally (Hankey voting no); the clerk announced the motion passed 8–1.

Council members then approved the minutes for the Dec. 12 and Dec. 16, 2024 meetings on a motion by Mister Hinkie, seconded by Mrs. Hines; the motion carried on voice vote.

The leadership votes set the council’s formal officers for 2025 and preceded the meeting’s presentations and routine business.