City Council agreed to enter a loan agreement with Homer's Soda Shop and considered filling the vacancy for District 4 in Morganton's Monday night regular meeting. At the December meeting, City Council agreed to accept applications for the vacancy on council from the community. Requirements included being a registered voter and living in District 4. Four applications were received. After three ballots, council was divided between John Henry and Wendy Cato for the vacancy and agreed to suspend the selection process until the next meeting . The vacancy must be filled 90 days after December 7th. In new business, council agreed to enter a partnered CDBG small business loan for $30,000 with Homer's Soda Shop located at 113 East Union Street. Homer's is a handcrafted cocktail bar, which will offer classic cocktails and homemade sodas and syrups. Homer's Soda Shop plans to partner with existing downtown restaurants and farms for ingredients to offer small plates, raw oysters, sandwiches and cheese boards. Renovations have begun and two new jobs will be created, Council approved the loan agreement unanimously.