The Vian Board of Trustees met on May 20 for their regular monthly meeting where they approved to take action on a grant application, discussed the possibility and locations of future pickle ball courts, and approved the 2024-25 budget.

The trustees voted to take action on a CIP grant application. According to meeting minutes, the grant is funded through the Department of Commerce for new GIS mapping and largescale, color, town maps. This also resulted in the approval of CIP Resolution No. 2024-002.

The board next voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget for both the town and public works authority, along with the engagement letter from Wells, Wann & Co., CPA, PC for accounting services.

The trustees also unanimously agreed to advertise for bid surplus real property at the old Vian Police department building, located at 100 S. Blackstone Street.

Following the approval of an Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund Master Defined Benefit Plan Joinder Agreement, the board approved Ordinance No. 2024-001, amending the employee retirement system and defined benefit plan for the town and public works authority, providing retirement benefits for eligible employees.

The resignation of Vian Police Officer K.D. Graham was accepted. Graham has reportedly accepted the position of police chief of Sallisaw Public School’s new campus police force. The trustees also gave a green light to hiring a new full-time employee, Kevin Kirk.

A Local Planning Activities Committee (LPAC) and Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) were both approved by the board. Members of the new CPP include Jennifer Sissom, Rick Peoples, Evonne Barnes, Keith Boshers and Mark Harkins.

The board discussed possible locations and cost estimates for pickle ball courts in town limits. It was noted that Cherokee Nation would donate up to $40,000 for the new courts.

The purchase of a truck on a state bid/ contract for the public works authority was also given the okay.

Also approved during the meeting were:

• Renewing six CD’s with maturity dates at Armstrong Bank (for six months)

• An Anti Displacement Plan

• Fair Housing Resolution No. 2024-003

• Police and fire reports • Sanitation, street & parks, and Treasurer’s reports This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.