Webbers Falls appoints new trustee, discusses moving museum to new location

The town of Webbers Falls held its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 10, where the board of trustees voted to appoint a new trustee, and then granted the local museum a year to obtain funding in order to move to a new location.

A roll call was conducted to ensure a quorum, with the following members present: Danny Haley, Jewell Hall, Robert Ross Jr. and Johnny Pollard.

Consent items were discussed and put to a vote, which included bills and reoccurring bills for October 2023 and the approval of meeting minutes from Sept. 12.

The public speaking segment allowed residents to address the board. Meghan Johnson expressed her interest in being considered for an open trustee seat, and Savannah Summerlin also voiced her aspirations for the same seat.

Both Shawn Smith and Cecil Moore were absent, and John Morgan did not speak during the public speaking portion of the meeting.

Following public speaking, various reports were shared, including:

• Trustees/Mayor reported that work has started on the Sewer Lagoon.

• The Police Department presented its monthly report.

• The Fire Department mentioned that not much was happening currently, but two firefighters had completed their classes.

A proposal to partner with Damsel in Defense for a selfdefense class did not result in any action being taken.

A more significant proposal was the Webbers Falls Museum’s request to convert 109 Commercial into a new museum at their expense, subject to their ability to secure funding.

Ross moved to grant the museum one year from the date of the meeting to obtain funding and initiate the conversion process for both 107 and 109 Commercial, as they are connected. The motion was seconded by Pollard, and it passed with unanimous approval.

The suggestion to purchase new tables and chairs for Freedom Hall did not lead to any action being taken.

Another important decision was made regarding the payment of Jessica White Eagles’ wages, effective immediately. Ross proposed that the town should pay her wages, which was seconded by Hall and passed unanimously. The board also approved the Code Enforcement Policy.

The matter of maintenance for town ditches was discussed, and after consultation with the town attorney, it was decided that no immediate action would be taken.

An agreement to lease town property located at 203 N. Smith Street to American Facility Solutions Inc. was reached. The lease will extend for 20 years, with an annual payment of $225. American Facility Solutions Inc. will be responsible for the property’s upkeep. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The board also voted to appoint a new board member, with Haley nominating John Morgan, and Pollard seconding the nomination. The vote passed with three in favor and one opposing vote (Ross). Morgan was thus appointed as the new trustee.

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.