The Vian Board of Trustees accepted a resignation, approved the hiring of a part-time police officer and set plans for a Purple Heart Ceremony during its regular meeting on Feb. 17.

During guest recognition, Bruce Bailey with the Cookson Hills Connect project told trustees fiber optic cable installation has begun on the outskirts of town, marking progress in expanding broadband infrastructure.

Suzanne Sullivan with the Vian Community Foundation updated the board on construction at the Vian Youth League Fields. Although the board members discussed the youth league project, no action was taken on the agenda item.

Financial, administrative actions

The trustees unanimously approved the renewal of CD#10995 before approving plans for a Purple Heart Ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m., March 16, inside the council chambers.

A request for a variance by KA & PM Enterprises LLC for Lot 3, Block 39 in the Original Town of Vian was tabled.

Board members approved the police department’s report, including citations and the budget report, as well as the fire department’s report covering fire runs, firefighter attendance, water usage and budget figures. Kenyatta Wright was also approved to serve with the Vian Volunteer Fire Department.

The sanitation, streets and parks report outlining current and upcoming projects and related budget information was also approved.

In addition, the trustees approved the treasurer’s report, which included prior meeting minutes, the treasurer’s report, fuel report and purchase orders.

Discussion on approving a form and process for open records requests, previously tabled in January, was again tabled.

Personnel matters

The trustees entered executive session at 7:42 p.m. to discuss employment matters under Oklahoma law, including the resignation of David Garvin and the potential hiring of James Huggins as a part-time police officer, along with employment issues involving Police Chief Mark Harkins and Town Administrator Keith Boshers.

After returning to open session at 10:49 p.m., the board members voted to accept Garvin’s resignation and approved the employment of Huggins as a part-time police officer. Mayor Dennis Fletcher abstained from that vote, while all other members present voted in favor. No action was taken regarding Harkins or Boshers.

VPWA meeting

Immediately following the town meeting, the Vian Public Works Authority (VPWA) convened its regular meeting.

The board entered executive session to discuss pending legal matters, including:

• Sequoyah County Water Association vs. Vian Public Works Authority, Case No. CJ2025-26

• DEQ vs. Vian Public Works Authority, Case No. CV-2023-2874

• Notice of Tort Claim #217786-1-LN The board returned to open session at 10:45 p.m., tabling all three items with no action taken.

Trustees approved the treasurer’s report, including prior meeting minutes, purchase orders and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board report, before adjourning at 11:07 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.