The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees approved a series of purchases and personnel matters during its regular February meeting, including awarding a bid for renovations to the new museum building.
Trustees opened bids for six renovation projects at the new museum building with two companies submitting proposals. Cargo Renovations bid a combined total of $46,194.52 across the six projects, while Native Fusion submitted a total bid of $156,985.80.
Following discussion, trustees unanimously approved a motion to accept the Cargo Renovations bid in the amount of $46,194.54.
Monthly reports
Police Chief Alden reported 1,007 police actions for January. He also addressed concerns about sick raccoons in town and said he had consulted with a game warden on how to handle the situation.
Acting Mayor Jewell Hall presented a card to the fire department from Mayor Johnny Pollard thanking firefighters for helping save his life during recent medical issues. Fire Chief Armstrong reported a busy month, noting that call volumes have more than doubled compared to January 2025.
Code Enforcement Officer Justin Ohl said January was relatively quiet due to the winter season but noted that several residents are making progress on property cleanups. He publicly acknowledged Eddie Casinger and Mark Shamblin for stepping in to help when needed.
Brent Carter spoke about the late Troy Wayne Poteete during public speaking. Carter noted that everyone knew and loved Poteete, and then shared a personal story on how he came to know him. Carter then asked for a moment of silence to honor Poteete.
Meetings, policies
Town Attorney Matt Price recommended holding work meetings dedicated to preparing the upcoming budget and reviewing ordinance updates. Trustees voted to schedule the meetings and to coordinate with the town’s accountant to ensure availability.
In other business, trustees agreed to keep the town’s current employee practices in place and update them as needed rather than creating a new employee and policy handbook.
Trustees also discussed whether to allow office employees to bring children to work. Price advised that the town could be held liable for any accidents and noted that sick leave and childcare alternatives are available.
Trustee Robert Ross Jr. made a motion to allow office employees to bring a child up to age 2 to work with them. The motion failed for lack of a second, and no further action was taken.
Other items
The board approved the purchase of a Kawasaki FX100 (35HP) 72-inch rear discharge mower for $13,690. Trustees also voted to surplus a 2017 Bad Boy mower with a minimum bid of $1,000.
Discussion regarding police department vehicles was tabled after Chief Alden explained that one patrol car had recently been totaled and that the department is facing ongoing maintenance challenges with its hybrid vehicles.
Trustees tabled discussion on purchasing property in the park reportedly owned by the Pearson family after questions arose regarding ownership. Board members said they were told the Cherokee Nation owns property in the park, and further clarification is needed.
The board approved paying reserve officer Mason Page for 48 hours at the reserve pay scale after he filled in for Curtis Elkins during a vacation week, working four 12-hour shifts.
Trustees entered executive session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter involving Elkins. Upon returning to open session at 7:29 p.m., the board unanimously approved a $1 per hour raise for Elkins, effective next pay period.
With no further business to address, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 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.
