Webbers Falls prepares for holiday season, contracts renewed

The town of Webbers Falls gathered for its regular meeting on July 11 to discuss and take action on various important matters. The meeting, called to order promptly at 6:17 p.m., saw the attendance of key town officials, Johnny Pollard, Danny Haley, Jewell Hall, Austin Alden and Robert Ross Jr.

During the public speaking session, Nanette Oldfield took the floor, shedding light on the upcoming Historic Downtown Christmas event scheduled for Dec. 16. Oldfield requested the closure of a section of road, stretching from Carl’s old gas station to the post office, for the event. Additionally, she urged that Freedom Hall not be rented out before the Christmas festivities.

Community updates, engagements

Under the communication segment, town officials shared updates and accolades. Haley expressed gratitude to those who had played a part in setting up basketball goals, enhancing the town’s recreational facilities. Mayor Pollard, in his update, informed attendees of the ongoing road paving project. Paving efforts have commenced and will continue in the following days.

Police Chief Wayne Cartwright presented the monthly police report, highlighting the department’s commitment to maintaining law and order. City Maintenance’s Shane Robinson reported progress in tree removal at the park, with almost all trees scheduled for removal having been taken down.

Departments secure annual contracts A pivotal moment arrived as discussions centered around approving the 2023-24 annual contract with Muskogee City County E911 Trust Authority for the Webbers Falls Police Department.

Ross moved for approval, seconded by Alden, and the contract was ratified by unanimous agreement from trustees. Cartwright addressed the rate increase, revealing plans to attend the upcoming 911 board meeting.

In a show of support for town employees, discussions ensued about introducing a clothing allowance. Pollard proposed a $300 allowance per employee for winter clothing, and the motion gained traction, passing with unanimous approval.

The meeting progressed with a discussion on raising town employee wages by $1 per hour, effective July 1. Haley motioned for the raise, seconded by Pollard. The motion carried, with Ross abstaining.

The town’s aesthetic evolution took center stage as a motion, moved by Pollard and seconded by Haley, was approved to paint the downtown area. Hall, spearheading the initiative, shared plans to recruit volunteers for the project. With paint donations secured, the transformation will commence around the start of the school year, maintaining the existing color scheme unless changes are necessitated by available donations.