The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees convened for their regular meeting on Dec. 10, where several important issues were addressed, including personnel changes, city maintenance updates, and new developments in public safety and infrastructure.
After roll call, the board moved swiftly through routine business. Mayor Johnny Pollard provided updates on his recent communications with the owner of Garden Walk and Love’s Travel Stop. The mayor also discussed ongoing efforts to resolve issues concerning the road located beside Love’s.
During communications, Police Chief Mike James presented the monthly police report and confirmed that work on the new police building is ongoing, while Fire Chief Dalton Armstrong reported a few accidents and updated the trustees on the progress of the new helicopter pad. Shane Robinson shared updates on cemetery work, holiday light installation, and gravel hauling, while code enforcement reported progress on some properties, but acknowledged challenges in reaching property owners for others.
New business, motions
• Demolition of 314 N. 5th Street – After receiving bids from three contractors, the board approved the bid from James McCoy Jr. for $9,480 to demolish the property owned by Travis and Sarah Sandy.
• Officer salary adjustment – A motion was passed to move all full-time officers to a salaried position with a $1 raise. The officers’ time will be tracked by Chief James and reported to the town clerk each pay period.
• Security camera installation – The board approved an expenditure of $5,299 for new security cameras and installation by The PC Landing Zone, a measure aimed at enhancing safety in the community. Trustees also approved a payment of $3,210.29 to The PC Landing Zone for services related to the new police building.
• Reserve officer removals – The board removed two reserve officers: Aaron Cage and Robert Cauthon.
Ongoing issues, future considerations
• Asphalting and drainage – After a lengthy discussion, the matter was tabled until the next meeting. Fred Shamblin, city maintenance worker, will assess the areas in need of work before the board makes a final decision.
• Chamber of Commerce, police department building – No action was taken regarding the Chamber taking over outside events or using the current police department building once the department moves to a new location.
• Alcohol and substance testing – The board appointed Mayor Pollard and Norma Griffith as review officers for the town’s alcohol and controlled substance testing policy. Danny Haley and Johnny Pollard were also appointed to complete the reasonable suspicion testing checklist.
• Historical Society donation – Trustees approved a check for $18,000 from the Cherokee Nation to be donated to the Webbers Falls Historical Society.
Personnel decisions The board members entered into an executive session at 7:20 p.m. to discuss various employment matters, including the employment status of Griffith, Derrick Fieldgrove and Cassandra Perceful. Upon returning to ope n session at 7:49 p.m., the board announced no action was taken on Griffith’s employment; Fieldgrove was moved from a full-time officer to a reserve officer; and Perceful was hired as a full-time officer with a starting pay of $15 per hour, which will increase to $16 per hour plus a salary in January after a planned raise.
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.
