The Town of Vian and Vian Public Works Authority (VPWA) went over a packed agenda during their regular joint meeting on April 21, reappointing town leadership, approving multiple community events, and discussing future changes to the town’s fireworks display.
Mayor Dennis Fletcher was reappointed to serve another two-year term following a motion by Trustee Emanuel Drew, seconded by Trustee E.O. “Jr.” Smith. Fletcher abstained from voting on his own nomination, but with three votes in favor and one member absent, the motion carried. Rick Peoples was similarly appointed to serve as vice mayor.
Community involvement remains strong, as the board approved several events at Anna Belle Farmer Park. Vian Public Schools Cheerleaders will host their annual rib sale from May 22–24, while the Assembly of God Church will hold a Gospel Jubilee with music and free hotdogs on May 17, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The trustees also finalized a ground lease agreement with Vian Youth Baseball Inc., which had been tabled in recent meetings.
In VPWA matters, Mayor Fletcher was also appointed chairman of VPWA, with Peoples selected as vice chairman. Both positions are for two-year terms.
Trustees voted to surplus several town vehicles, including models ranging from a 1981 GMC truck to a 2013 Ford sedan, as well as a 2000 Ford F-150 and 2001 Chevy Silverado from the public works fleet.
Resignations from town employees, Skylar Green and Caleb Taylor were accepted, and an offer of part-time employment was extended to Richard Scoggins.
The annual fireworks show, traditionally held at the school, will need a new venue due to a new football field surface. Armstrong Park is under consideration as the new location.
Progress on the town’s pickleball courts is also moving forward, with footing work scheduled to begin soon, according to officials.
The council unanimously approved various departmental reports, including those from police, fire, sanitation, streets, and parks. An audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, was also approved.
A closed executive session was held to discuss a legal case involving the Sequoyah County Water Association. After returning to open session, the council tabled any action on the case.
A bid to repaint the old downtown water tower was reviewed, though no decision was made. Town Administrator Keith Boshers also presented inspection reports that were done on both of the town’s water towers.
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.
