Allen City Council Approves Fire Department Requests, Discusses Street and Park Improvements Allen, OK – August 5, 2025 The Allen City Council met Monday, August 5, with all members present: Dianna Brannan, Melinda Haney, Charlie Hentorn, Josh Marshall, and Rhonda Skelton. City Manager Calem Woodward, City Clerk Pam Crabtree, Police Chief Darrel Armstrong, and Officer Jeremy Burris were also in attendance. Council approved the minutes of the previous meeting and authorized July’s purchase orders.

Fire Department Medical Director & Software Requests The Allen Fire Department submitted two funding requests from the Pontotoc County Fire Tax account.

The first was for an agreement with a company to provide a Medical Director for the department. The Medical Director will oversee emergency medical operations, offering guidance, establishing patient care protocols, and supporting training and quality assurance. Firefighters in Allen are often first on scene in medical emergencies, and the director’s oversight aims to enhance care and support for both patients and responders.

The second request was for the purchase of software, which will improve how the department tracks and reports fire and medical calls.

The Pontotoc County District 1 crew was in town this week working on chiping and sealing some roads. Each year they provide 1 mile worth of improvements to the roads.

Police Chief Darrel Armstrong reported 30 citations issued during the month of July. Of those, 24 were for speeding, with the remaining citations issued for driving without a license, revoked licenses, or expired tags.

Chief Armstrong also addressed growing concern over unreported incidents being discussed on social media. He urged residents to call central dispatch at (580) 332-4466 for non-emergency concerns and 911 in emergencies.

“Facebook posts can raise neighborhood awareness,” Armstrong said, “but we can’t respond unless the incident is reported directly to dispatch. Multiple calls help us piece events together and understand the bigger picture.”

Armstrong also noted that a group of older teens has been seen roaming around town late at night. Officers are enforcing curfew violations for those under 18, while monitoring the activities of adults who may be involved.

Street Work Underway Commissioner Gary Starns and the Pontotoc County District 1 crew are scheduled to begin chipping and sealing one mile of road within Allen this week. City officials are also evaluating the cost of overlaying Broadway Street, from the auditorium to County Line Road. Current estimates for that project exceed $500,000, not including potential drainage work.

Park Improvements and Security Enhancements

Council members expressed appreciation for the volunteer efforts now underway to improve the city park. More playground equipment is expected to be installed as repair work progresses.

To deter vandalism, upgrades to the park’s camera system are also planned. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or damaging activity to City Hall.

Wastewater System and Grant Application During the Allen Public Works Authority meeting, the council approved a resolution to apply for a $99,999 REAP grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. If awarded, the funds would be used to repair and rehabilitate the lift station at the city’s wastewater lagoons.

City Manager Woodward also reported that a sewer pump failed on Friday. Replacement pumps have been identifi ed, but current supply chain issues could delay shipment for up to four months. He is exploring alternative options. Earlier in the month, a new water well pump was successfully installed.