The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees handled a full agenda during its regular meeting on August 12, addressing police department staffing, town projects and upcoming community events.
Mayor Johnny Pollard called the meeting to order at 6:14 p.m., with all trustees present.
The board approved routine consent items, including August bills and minutes from the July 8 and July 25 meetings.
Police chief Austin Alden presented the monthly police report, while fire chief Dalton Armstrong reported a quiet month with only routine calls.
City maintenance supervisor Shane Robinson said mowing is now caught up and crews have been clearing overhanging trees and cleaning the town park.
Code enforcement officer Justin Ohl noted positive responses from residents following recent code enforcement letters.
The board approved use of Freedom Hall for the Historic Downtown Christmas event on Dec. 13, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
A decision on holding a town street dance Oct. 4 was tabled until the next meeting. Trustees also approved Brett Carter’s request to install horseshoe pits in the town park.
No action was taken on the senior citizen lunch program or raising park camping fees. However, the board voted to remove the portable toilet at Vaught Cemetery.
The board voted to seek bids for street paving, including the road between Love’s Truck Stop and the tire station.
Trustees also approved surplusing a 10 KW diesel generator, paying $5,232 for OMAG property insurance and dropping secondary employee medical coverage with Well Fleet.
In other business, the board closed an old technology fee account at Armstrong Bank and opened a new account for the General Police Department Operations Fund.
Trustees also voted to terminate cleaning contracts with American Facility Solutions for the police and fire departments.
Police department changes
Several staffing decisions were made in executive session.
• The board accepted the resignation of police chief Mike James
• Austin Alden was promoted to police chief with an annual salary of $45,000
• Officer Tommy Hutson was terminated “for the good of the service”
• Autumn Page was reassigned to the School Resource Officer position • Jimmie Reed was rehired as a part-time officer at $17 per hour
• Breana Reed was rehired full-time, splitting duties between court clerk and police officer Additionally, trustees accepted the resignation of Bradley Brocker effective Sept. 1, with the meeting adjourning at 7:22 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.
