Elkhart City Council elects Arvast Dawson president, Dwight Fish vice president in 8–1 votes

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.