The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees met for a brief but notable session at 6 p.m. on July 25, where they met in executive session to discuss employment matters concerning police chief Mike James.
In a unanimous vote, trustees began by approving an intra-year, inter-fund transfer of $10,640 from the town’s General Fund to the Webbers Falls Police Department account. The transfer was made to ensure payroll could be processed on July 31.
The funds are scheduled to be returned to the General Fund no later than Aug. 11, according to the approved motion.
At 6:03 p.m., the board convened into executive session to discuss employment matters concerning James. After roughly an hour of private deliberation, the board returned to open session at 7:05 p.m.
Upon return, Mayor Johnny Pollard announced that no action was taken regarding James’s employment.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
July 8 meeting Town employee terminated
The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees covered a wide range of topics during its regularly scheduled meeting on July 8, but the evening ended with the termination of a town employee.
During the public comment portion, Vohn Smith briefed the board on the upcoming event in the town park scheduled for September, assuring trustees that everything is proceeding as planned.
Department reports
• Police: Police chief Mike James highlighted a donation from Love’s in recognition of reduced theft rates. Additionally, Joe Watts is providing both paint and a new air conditioner for the police garage.
• Fire: Fire chief Dalton Armstrong reported a quiet month, but said the town’s fireworks display was a successful and well-attended event.
• City Maintenance: Acting supervisor Steven Barrows reported that supervisor Fred Shamblin is recovering well post-surgery. Barrows noted the department has focused on trimming trees, mowing and brush clearing.
• Code Enforcement: Officer Lisa Settlemyre said heavy rains have delayed mowing efforts across town. The 5th Street property is being cleaned up by its owner, but no progress has been made on a River Road property. The town may step in to address the latter and bill the owner for the cleanup.
Trustees also approved several motions related to town infrastructure and finances:
• A $21,100 payment to Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC for engineering services on the Sewer Lagoon Improvement Project (CDBG 24).
• Adoption of a 5-year plan and project closeout for the 19251 CDBG Capital Improvement Program (CIP 2023).
• Approval of a $9,650 payment to St. Pierre, Kimble, & Associates for the FY 2023–24 audit.
Two other agenda items—stopping public use of the Freedom Hall Event Center and the monthly sales tax distribution to East Central Oklahoma Water Authority— were discussed but resulted in no action.
The board approved Ordinance No. 07-08-2501, creating a dedicated Technology Fund, with a vote of 3-1. Trustee Robert Ross Jr. opposed the measure. A subsequent vote to enact the ordinance as an emergency failed, meaning the ordinance will take effect on August 11, 30 days after its publication.
In related action, trustees voted to transfer $24,135.73 from the Technology Fund to the police department account, also effective Aug. 11.
Executive session
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, trustees voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Caden Robinson with the meeting adjourning at 6:55 p.m.
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.
