The Allen Town Council meeting was held Monday. All members were present: Josh Marshall, Melinda Haney, Rhonda Skelton, Charlie Henthorn, and Dianna Brannan. Also, present were Kala Stephens, City Clerk; Calem Woodward, City Manager; Paula Nelson, Librarian; Darrell Armstrong, Police Chief; Braylee Dickerson, Fire Chief and 3 guest. A hearing for the Budget for June 2024-2025 and was approved. Paula Nelson presented this years Library budget. The budget request was for a total of $5,400. This materials budget includes, general office/catalogue supplies, youth books, adult books, circulation program, OverDrive Library Catalog, and technology. The town pays for all building expenses and payroll for the department. We are all very proud that a town the size of Allen has such nice library; we encourage everyone to come out and see what they can offer you. Along with computers to use, books and magazines to read, the library teams with the Chickasaw Nation to help distribute the youth food program. If you have a child 1-18, come by and see if they are eligible for some delicious food. This program is for native and non-native youth.

Next up was the annual bill for insurance. The $23,929 bill includes a 15% increase in premium over last year. The insurance is through OMAG which is the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group. We are currently waiting on a renewed inspection on a claim for roof damage from the hailstorms.

As always street repair is a constant struggle. City Manager Woodward asked to buy 2 more loads of asphalt and rock. The awful disrepair of the streets, especially Broadway, is a never-ending battle. Woodward is in talks with the Choctaw Nation for help. It is noted that drainage is the major problem with the streets, so many plans are currently being discussed to work on the drainage. The road has been overlayed so many times that there is no place for the water to go. We have tried keeping the low spots pumped out which doesn’t seem to be working, next option is some sort of French drain. That will require some trenching on the edge of the street and covering it with some sort of screen to force the water away. Of course, right now with the week of 5 inches of rain haven’t helped the situation, eventually the rain will stop for a while and the next plan will be tried.

Fire Chief Braylee Dickerson asked to approve Fire Tax monies for: 4 firefighters to attend the Swiftwater operations class in Broken Bow. Four members went last summer: this summer Brogen Goodson, Emmett Koonce, Leon Moore, and Mike Lawler will be attending. Also requested was the purchase of some hoses from Davenport Fire Equipment; from Casco 3 LUNAR TIC is a handheld, wireless device to help keep a crew connected when it matters most, in the most unpredictable situations. And is equipped with Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T), edge detection enhanced thermal imaging and connectivity to provide an “all in one” safety solution; a hose rake, a pro washer and dryer; From Rocky Ridge Outdoor at 2023 Ranger, it would be used to fight fire in place off road where a truck cannot go.

Chief Darrell Armstrong gave the police report; the month was busy with calls ranging from suspicious people and vehicles, and reckless driving. The dog situation hasn’t gotten much better than last month. The trouble with dogs at large is that mysteriously when it comes time to write a ticket, no one owns the dog, so the town is charged with the task of putting it up and if no one claims it, must pay to have the animal put down. So again, please take care of your pets. Armstrong has been helping with property abatement documentation on overgrown and ‘trashy’ property. Also be advised that broken down vehicles that are on your property are also a nuisance and you will be warned and then ticketed.

The town is still looking for some help for Armstrong, currently he is on duty or call 24/7 and has been for 6 months now. We have had some applicants, but they were not certified or had other issues. Currently the school resource officer has stated he will start helping fill in some hours for us. During April there were two incidences filed 1 assault and 1 disturbing the public peace (fire call); 6 speeding tickets were written and one illegal turn citation. A reminder is that Broadway between City Hall and the Food Center is a double lined highway, so no U-turns are allowed. Armstrong is going to start being more proactive in getting this to stop.

City Manager Woodward gave a list of work performed in April. Worked on Fire Hydrants, installed sewer taps, used skid steer to cut new ditches on Gilmore heading east, cut ditches on B street, patched holes on roadway, worked on ditch on County Line Road and installed new tin horn, worked on sewer lift station, got the pool ready for use, fixed main water leak in Blacks Addition, replaced water meter, cut limbs in cemetery, met with DEQ and inspected were plant and each day someone was mowing or weed eating. We received a lot of nice compliments on the how good the cemetery looked for Memorial Day.

Speaking of cleaning up – the Allen sewer plant will be open Saturday from 10-5 for you to dispose of things in the big rolloff dumpster. Usually cost per trailer load is $15 but on Saturday it will be $10. Saturday will be a perfect day for you to clean your yards and avoid an abatement letter for grass and debris.

In the Public Works meeting we are working on an amendment for Section8-1-2 paragraph E. Recently we have had some new constructions where the sewer lines were not put in at the correct angle which of course causes problems for the property owners as well as their neighbors. The amendment will require a licensed plumber to submit an avadavat that the sewer and water lines are install correctly.