The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees handled a full agenda on Jan. 13, appointing an acting mayor, approving grant-related payments, and hearing concerns from residents about child safety and community issues.

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on Jan. 13 with Mayor Johnny Pollard absent. Trustees Jewell Hall, Danny Haley, John Morgan and Robert Ross Jr. were present, establishing a quorum.

Trustees unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included payment of January bills and recurring expenses as well as approval of the Dec. 9, 2025 meeting minutes.

During communications, Ross informed the board that the company scheduled to perform work on the Hwy. 100 bridge is coordinating with John Leads about staging equipment on property within the town park that is owned by the company.

Police Chief Alden presented the monthly police report, while Fire Chief Armstrong said activity had slowed in January after a busy December.

Armstrong also noted he had assisted county officials in searching for a missing person earlier in the day.

City Maintenance Supervisor Fred Shamblin reported that crews have cleaned up the shop, serviced the backhoe and dump truck, and installed horseshoe pits at the park.

Code Enforcement Officer Justin Ohl was unable to attend but submitted a report stating he has been working with several property owners on cleanup efforts and has received positive responses.

He also helped arrange assistance for an elderly resident who needed help with property cleanup. Ohl thanked Eddie Casinger for volunteering his time to assist with the effort.

One of the most significant actions of the evening was the appointment of an acting mayor. Citing state statute 11 O.S. §12-105, trustees voted to appoint Jewell Hall as acting mayor until Pollard is able to resume his duties. The motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved payment of $8,888 to the Eastern Oklahoma Development District for the first activity drawdown related to the town’s CDBG 19538 grant.

An agenda item regarding a truck route through town resulted in no action after Haley clarified that, despite the agenda listing, he did not request the topic be placed on the agenda.

Several residents spoke during a discussion about the possibility of creating an ordinance addressing children playing in the streets.

Four community members – Meghan Johnson, Elizabeth Shamblin, Elizabeth Walters, and Samantha Palomo – expressed concerns that such an ordinance could discourage children from playing outside and strain relationships between local youth and law enforcement.

Johnson said she believed the agenda item was misworded and should focus on making streets safer rather than restricting children’s activities.

Shamblin noted that in more than three decades living in Webbers Falls, she had never heard of children being prohibited from playing outside.

Walters, a Webbers Falls High School student, urged the town to educate residents rather than create a ban. Palomo told trustees her children regularly play near her home and are always supervised.

Haley suggested placing small flags on lowto- the-ground scooters to make them more visible to drivers, an idea that received support from both trustees and residents.

Ross added that he prefers to see children outside being active rather than indoors on video games.

Trustees ultimately took no action on the proposed ordinance after the town attorney indicated there are already mechanisms in place to address safety concerns.

No action was taken on an item to hire a fillin office employee.

Trustees did approve reimbursing town employee Justin Keyes for renewal of his HVAC journeyman license after confirming he is legally able to perform work without being employed under a company.

In other business, the board voted to replace a yield sign at South Main and West McDaniel Streets with a stop sign in an effort to improve traffic safety.

The board also approved the purchase of heating and air equipment for the new museum building at 109 E. Commercial Street. Trustees authorized spending $20,500 to purchase two 2-zone C&H ductless mini-split systems along with materials to complete installation of an existing HVAC system.

Hall provided an update on the town’s Senior Nutrition Program, saying it is running smoothly. Meals are currently being catered by Nana’s in Gore at a cost of $6.50 per plate. Hall said she compared prices with three other providers and found Nana’s to be the most cost-effective option. She also reported that the Cherokee Nation is expected to contribute funding to support the program.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 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.