VIDALIA — When a Vidalia resident raised questions at Tuesday’s Vidalia aldermen meeting about safety along the riverfront, Mayor Hyram Copeland promised to increase security.

Vicki Torrey said she and other women take walks along the riverfront on a regular basis. The weekend armed robbery at Slough Daddy’s restaurant concerned her, she said.

“A lot of women walk down there,” Alderwoman Mo Saunders said.

Copeland pointed out that the robber was apprehended within minutes of the incident.

“It’s not a joking matter. I will get with the chief and we’ll see what the situation is and we will have more security,” Copeland said.

Torrey and other women who walk along the area also asked for a water fountain of some sort at the end of the riverwalk.

“It wouldn’t have to be refrigerated,” Torrey said.

Copeland said he would see if the city could install a water fountain.

In other business:

4The board gave the mayor authority to sign a resolution authorizing the town to enter into an agreement with Louisiana Elastomer. The $700,000 state grant would go toward helping the rubber company install infrastructure, such as water and sewer, for a planned factory.

4The board also approved occupational licenses for J&J Martinez Restaurant, Centennial Communications, RBL Management Services and The Bar-B-Que Bistro.