At the Town of Webbers Falls’ November 12 meeting, the board of trustees took action on a series of important community and personnel matters. The meeting, which convened at 6:38 p.m., addressed both short-term events and long-term investments in the town’s infrastructure, personnel policies, and public services.
The board began by approving all former minutes and consent agenda items before moving on to communications of various departments for the town. Trustee Robert Ross Jr. told the board that he had talked to a property owner regarding park land and is waiting to hear back, while Police Chief James gave his monthly report. The board gave a green light for a contract with EMS and the police department for the EMS building as well.
The town was granted permission to purchase two new response bags and AED’s for the Webbers Falls Volunteer Fire Department, and Jessy Jones was removed as a reserve officer from the police department.
Shane Robinson with city maintenance reported one of the town’s vehicles had been involved in a hit and run, and another had hit a deer, while another vehicle was on loan to ECOGA due to their truck being in the shop for repairs. Robinson said he has also been talking to the county commissioner about getting trees removed from the cemetery, and that painting at the event center was scheduled to start soon.
The trustees also approved two ordinances, one for Youth Access to Tobacco and the other for an amended Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund. In addition, the amended Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund Master Defined Benefit Plan Jointer Agreement was also passed unanimously.
However, the board voted to table accepting a bid for the demolition of 314 N. 5th Street, which is owned by Travis and Sarah Sandy.
Other key actions taken:
• Historic Downtown Christmas event: The board unanimously approved the Chamber of Commerce’s request to host the event on Dec. 14. This popular annual event is expected to bring together the community for a celebration of the holiday season.
• Employee benefits, pay: In a move to support local workers, the council authorized a $300 clothing allowance for town employees and a net $750 end-of-year bonus for police and town staff. Additionally, a new drug and alcohol testing policy for employees was adopted.
• Building, infrastructure investments: The trustees voted to approve a contract for the construction of a new museum building with the Webbers Falls Historical Society. They also agreed to share the cost of a helicopter pad ($7,592) to be built beside the fire department, which will improve emergency response capabilities. Greg Shamblin will construct the helicopter pad, according to meeting minutes.
• Town Hall: A motion was approved to spend $2,500 to update the carpet at Town Hall, ensuring that the building remains a functional and welcoming space for local government operations. The monthly meeting schedules for 2025 were also approved by the town board, and a Christmas party at Cox’s at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7.
• New Baccount for Senior Program: The council also approved the creation of a new bank account at Armstrong Bank for the Webbers Falls Senior Nutrition Program, with several town officials designated to manage the account.
• Personnel changes: Following a short executive session to discuss employment matters, the board returned to open session and then announced personnel changed by hiring Anna Males as a temporary court clerk at $10 an hour while the current clerk is on medical leave. Males will return to her role as a reserve officer once the clerk returns. However, no action was taken on the employment of Caden Robinson.
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.
