Aldean appointed to trustee seat, bids rejected

The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees met on April 11 where they voted to appoint a new trustee and rejected bids for CDBG Wastewater Lagoon improvements.

During the public speaking portion of the meeting, John Morgan and Austin Aldean announced they were both interested in serving on the board, replacing former trustee Meghan Johnson.

A motion was made by Robert Ross Jr. to appoint Aldean to the trustee position with all other trustees voting yes, with the exception of Danny Haley.

It was announced during communications that the lagoon project must be done a “different route” due to a shortage in funding.

A motion was then made by Ross followed by a second motion from Jewell Hall to reject all bids that were bid on March 23 for the CDBG Wastewater Lagoon Improvements, with all other trustees voting yes.

After a discussion on whether or not to take action on Resolution #023-04-11 to authorize application for a FY2023 CDBG Water+Wastewater Engineering Grant for engineering and improvements of the town’s wastewater lagoon system, the board voted to unanimously approve the measure. Also approved was a Citizen’s Participation Plan for the mentioned grant.

The board also agreed to enter into an agreement with EODD for grant administration (of the grant) if awarded contingent to the town attorney Larry Vickers reviewing the contract and giving the okay to do so.

Mayor Johnny Pollard was also authorized to sign all grant-related documents.

Police Chief Wayne Cartwright went over the department’s monthly police report and updated the trustees on the building repairs project, while Fire Chief Shawn Smith said fire calls have been low but medical calls are high. Smith said four firefighters are currently attending an EMR class.

The board also approved the fire department’s invoice from Light ‘Em Up Emergency.

City maintenance also reported during the meeting that dead trees in the park needed to be taken down.

Also approved during the meeting was:

• Policy and procedure handbook changes

• Fees of Freedom Hall Event Center changed to $100 deposit/$100 rental fee, plus a signed agreement the renter will be liable for any damages while renting

• To accept the HCA appraisal changes with exception to the storage building being insured for the previous building value of $174,541

• Adopt a Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.