The Vian Board of Trustees addressed several key items during its regular meeting on Dec. 15, including infrastructure investments, departmental reports and financial decisions.
During guest presentations, residents Dwight Harrison and Robert Johnson addressed the board regarding upcoming municipal election cycles. Town officials clarified that three council seats will be up for election in 2027, with two additional council seats and the city clerk position on the ballot in 2028.
Bruce Bailey of Cookson Hills Electric also spoke to the trustees about a grant project to install fiber optic cable through Vian to provide high-speed internet service to Cookson Hills Electric customers.
In addition, Justin Vann introduced Alia Neel, who will be assisting with projects in his office.
Board members tabled discussion on the Vian Youth League project but unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Richard Scoggins. The trustees also approved the police department’s citation and budget report, as well as the fire department’s report covering fire runs, firefighter attendance, water usage and budget matters.
A significant action item approved during the meeting was the purchase of a new sanitation truck. Board members voted unanimously to acquire a 10-yard Isuzu sanitation truck equipped with a poly-cart tipper from River City Hydraulics. Officials also approved the sanitation, street and parks department report detailing ongoing and upcoming projects and budget information.
In a financial decision tied to community development, the board voted to cash in two certificates of deposit held at Armstrong Bank, each valued at $104,409.78, ahead of their Dec. 17 maturity date.
The funds will be used to support the Little League park project approved in November. Armstrong Bank agreed to waive early withdrawal penalties.
The trustees concluded business by unanimously approving the treasurer’s report, which included prior meeting minutes, fuel reports and purchase orders. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
VPWA meeting
During the Vian Public Works Authority (VPWA) meeting, trustees voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss multiple legal matters as permitted under Oklahoma law.
The closed session addressed ongoing litigation and claims involving the authority, including Sequoyah County Water Association vs. VPWA (Case No. CJ-2025-26), Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality vs. VPWA (Case No. CV-2023-2874), and a Notice of Tort Claim (#217786-1-LN).
The board returned to open session about 30 minutes later, following a unanimous vote.
After returning to open session, the board took no action on the three legal items discussed. All matters related to the lawsuits and tort claim were tabled.
The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. following a unanimous vote.
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.
