The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees addressed several important matters and made key decisions affecting the town’s operations and future during its July 9 meeting.

Communications

Trustee Jewell Hall praised the fire department for their excellent fireworks show and thanked the police department for their visibility in the community. The police chief presented the June report, and Webbers Falls Fire Chief Dalton Armstrong expressed gratitude for the community’s support at the fireworks event.

The board, however, voted to table a ride along policy for officers and family until the August meeting.

City Maintenance Director Shane Robinson reported on recent improvements, including park upgrades and new lighting at the museum building. Code Enforcement Officer Lisa Settlemyre spoke on ongoing property issues, including requests for extensions and cleanup efforts. Also reported was the progress on property maintenance for the Captain’s Table and the Masonic Lodge.

The board approved EODD’s final payment appli- cation of $21,551.25 for grant administration services related to the Wastewater Lagoon Project.

Property decisions, personnel matters

The board tabled discussions regarding the abatement of Herbie Poteete’s property until the Aug. 13 meeting. Ryan Hudspeth discussed potential plans for the Gar-den Walk Apartments, including salvaging or repurposing the property and maintaining it with a construction fence.

The decision was made to retain the 2011 Impala, initially voted to be surplussed in June. The board also approved the surplus of an old dog cage to anyone willing to collect it.

The board approved a new pay structure for police officers, increasing the starting wage to $15 per hour for non-CLEET certified officers and $16 per hour for certified officers. Additionally, the board agreed to hire two parttime officers at $10 per hour to support fulltime officers.

Norma Griffith and Jessica White Eagle were named event planners for future town events.

Executive session

At 7:30 p.m., the board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters, including the resignation of Court Clerk Jessica White Eagle, the appointment of Autumn Page as court clerk/part-time officer, and the hiring of Mason Page as a reserve officer. The board reconvened at 7:36 p.m. and approved all personnel changes as discussed.

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.