The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees met on Oct. 1, approving a street project bid, scheduling upcoming community events and handling several items involving town operations during their regular monthly meeting.
Mayor Johnny Pollard called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. with all trustees present, including Jewell Hall, Danny Haley, John Morgan and Robert Ross Jr. The board approved the September bills and August meeting minutes before moving into reports and new business.
During public comments, Nannette Oldfield spoke on behalf of the Webbers Falls Chamber of Commerce, asking for written confirmation that the Chamber may use the back room of the building at 415 N. Hwy. 100 (the old police department) once a month for meetings without being responsible for rent, utilities, insurance or other expenses.
Department reports
Police Chief Austin Alden reported the department handled 968 total interactions in August. Fire Chief Dalton Armstrong said annual testing at the fire department was completed successfully, though several trucks are undergoing maintenance.
City maintenance reported ongoing mowing and said the town tractor is being repaired, while Trustee Haley complimented the work done at the park and cemetery.
No code enforcement officer was present, but the clerk relayed that minimal activity was currently underway, including work on Southern Cherokee property.
Bids awarded
The board opened multiple bids for the town’s upcoming street project, including proposals from Ross Construction, McKenzie Asphalt, Glover and Associates, and APAC.
After review, trustees voted 4-1 to accept the $333,130.50 bid from Ross Construction for 3,681 tons of asphalt at $90.50 per ton. Trustee Robert Ross abstained from the vote.
Two bids were received for a 10 KW 60 HZ diesel generator. The board accepted a $125 bid from Chris Danler, with all trustees voting in favor.
Freedom Hall discussion
The board discussed discontinuing public rental of Freedom Hall after reports that the facility was left uncleaned following a rental. Trustee Ross suggested revisiting the rental and cleaning deposit policy at the October meeting. No action was taken.
The board also approved allowing the Chamber of Commerce to use Freedom Hall from Dec. 8–13 for the annual Historic Downtown Christmas event, provided the facility remains accessible for the Senior Nutrition Program.
Additionally, trustees approved holding the town’s annual Street Dance on Oct. 25.
Other business
The board voted to allow town clerk Norma Griffith to attend the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officials Association Conference Oct. 22–24.
Trustees also voted to close the police department’s bank account at Armstrong Bank (ending in 2095). No action was taken on the police operational fund account or Ordinance No. 08-12-25-02 concerning general police department operations.
The board approved a list of surplus police department property to be sold, including police vehicles, radar units, computers, radios, and K-9 Cleo. Trustees also approved paying off the black Ford Explorer listed among the surplus items.
The trustees took no action on audio-recording town meetings and tabled taking possible action on the horseshoe pits at the park.
Personnel actions
Following a brief executive session, trustees voted to move town employee Justin Keyes to full-time status at $14 per hour and to reassign Jimmie Reed to the position of reserve police officer.
With no other business to address, the meeting adjourned at 7:09 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.
