The Vian Board of Trustees approved major funding for a new fire pumper truck, hired a part-time police officer, and honored local veterans during its regular monthly meeting on March 16.
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with a special Purple Heart ceremony conducted by members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 617, Jack C. Montgomery Memorial Chapter of Muskogee. The ceremony included the posting of colors, pledge of allegiance, prayer and a proclamation read by Mayor Dennis Fletcher.
Veterans recognized in attendance included Scott Stegall, U.S. Army/Marines, 15 years of service; Jason Fieldgrove, U.S. Navy, two years in the Persian Gulf; and Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins, U.S. Army, five years, and Arkansas National Guard, 15 years; who were all presented with commemorative pins along with town trustees.
During regular business, the board approved several measures supporting the Vian Volunteer Fire Department.
Trustees accepted a $70,000 Cherokee Nation grant to be used toward the purchase or lease of a new pumper truck.
In addition, the board approved up to $135,000 toward the purchase, combining the grant funds with up to $65,000 from a certificate of deposit.
Also approved was a grant application through the Department of the Interior for a slip tanker to further support the fire department’s operations.
Board member also unanimously approved Denver Coffee to the fire department.
Other approved items included the acceptance of police and fire department reports, as well as sanitation, streets and parks updates.
A town-wide cleanup day for residential Vian Public Works Authority (VPWA) utility customers was approved and scheduled for April 21.
In additional business, the trustees approved a variance request for KA & PM Enterprises LLC for property located in Block 39 of the original town site.
Several agenda items were tabled, including the Vian Youth League project, discussion on football field lighting and storage at Armstrong Park, amendments to employee policies, and the process for open records requests.
The board members voted to go into executive session at 8:44 p.m. to discuss employment issues pursuant to Title 25 of State Statute Section 307.B., returning to open session at 10:15 p.m.
The board then voted to offer part-time employment to Jeremiah D. Woodstock as a police officer, and no action was taken regarding the employment of Town Administrator Keith Boshers.
The board also heard presentations and requests from community members. Aaron Larson requested permission to host a bike meet at Annabelle Farmer Park on April 25 or a later date, which will be considered at the April meeting.
Anna Males and Luke Rice discussed the possibility of bringing a “Rigs for a Reason” benefit truck show to Vian, with proceeds supporting the Oklahoma Special Olympics.
Additionally, Suzanne Sullivan informed the trustees of an upcoming Bassmaster event at Sallisaw High School in May and suggested the town consider providing entertainment such as a concert or food trucks.
Following the town meeting, the VPWA convened and entered executive session to discuss ongoing legal matters, including cases involving the Sequoyah County Water Association and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, as well as a tort claim.
No action was taken on any of the matters upon returning to open session, with the meetings concluding at 10:25 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.
