Vian approves sale of Town Hall, will apply for Public Safety grants

Vian’s Board of Trustees tackled a range of agenda items during their regular monthly meeting on June 20 at the new Town of Vian offices located on Hwy. 82 at 811 N. Thornton St.

Mayor Dennis Fletcher called the meeting to order with all trustees present, E.O. Smith, Rick Peoples, Emanuel Drew and Shane Kolbe.

The trustees moved on to the first agenda item, which was the purchase offer for the property known as the former Town Hall, located at 107 S. Thornton St. After some deliberation on the purchase offer from KA&PM, the trustees voted to approve the purchase offer, reported to be $120,000.

The board also held a discussion on the surplus of vacant lots owned by the town and public works authority, and decided to visit the subject again on next month’s meeting agenda with a list of the properties and where they are located.

In police matters, Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins reported on the number of calls and citations for the previous month, and then read a letter aloud praising officer Amber Rigsby for her recent actions.

Harkins said he has received several compliments and most recently, an award of merit from a seasoned Fort Smith Police sergeant.

“Officer Rigsby has went above and beyond her duties to help others,” Harkins said. “I received comments and letters on her professional conduct regarding a bad car accident that happened a few weeks back, where she showed empathy and compassion for those involved; she always does her job well.”

“She also helped a fisherman with a blown out trailer tire recently who just happened to be a high ranking police sergeant with the Fort Smith Police Department. He sent a letter personally thanking her for her help and having the tools he needed to get back on the road,” he said. Harkins said the sergeant sent Rigsby an epaulette (patch) from the Fort Smith Police Department and other items as an award of merit.

The board next considered the employment of Shane Duncan as a full-time police officer and Kaitlyn Sanders as a part-time officer. Harkins said Duncan is a full-time certified officer and former police chief with 15 years experience, while Sanders is reserve certified and has been working with the department since the beginning of June. The trustees weighed their qualifications and potential contributions to the police force, and voted to employ both officers as listed.

Another notable item on the agenda concerning the police department was the consideration of a 2015 Ford Police Taurus, which includes a slick top package and the transfer of a dash camera system. Big Bear Police Vehicles, LLC has offered the vehicle for $21,595. The trustees voted to proceed with acquiring the vehicle.

The meeting also involved deliberations regarding Public Safety grants from the Cherokee Nation for both the police and fire departments. After a recommendation from town administrator Keith Boshers, the trustees voted to pursue these funding opportunities. Boshers said each grant is for $50,000.

Boshers gave the fire report, stating the department had eight calls for the previous month and also spoke on training matters. He said if the department acquires the Cherokee Nation grant, they hope to purchase a new Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue tool because their current one is 29-years-old and in need of replacement. He said the new Jaws of Life is estimated to cost around $41,000.

Additionally, reports from sanitation, streets and parks, were presented and discussed during the meeting. Boshers talked about the Sallisaw Landfill Project and an increase in rates, street repairs on Ottawa Street, and said the fence is completed in the downtown Anna Belle Farmer Park but still has to be treated before it can be sprayed. He said the sewer project was also completed and waiting for sign-off.

As of press time, the town has scheduled an upcoming special meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Town Hall to address crucial matters regarding Armstrong Park.