The May meeting of the Allen Town Council met Monday for their regular meeting. All members, Joshua Marshall, Melinda Haney, Rhonda Skelton, Dianna Brannan, and Braylee Dickerson; were present. Guest included representatives from Colonial Life about life and injury policies for employees. Currently Allen employees are using Aflac, so the employees are going to discuss which company they want to use going forward. City Manager Calem Woodward, City Clerk Kala Stephens were joined by Pam Price, Glendene Griffin, Brenda Allen and Dot Sappenfield.

During the fire department report, Chief Dickerson stated that 7 members of the fire department were wanting to attend the swift water rescue class that will be held in Broken Bow in July. After the completion of this course the Allen fire department will be the most Continued Page 3 certified department in Pontotoc County in Swift Water Rescue. Also, there was a discussion on citizens burning on their property; while we all appreciate people trying to clean up their property, we need to remind people not to burn tires, insulation, or any other noxious items. Be respectful of your neighbors as some people are sensitive to smoke.

The Allen police department wrote 24 citations in April. Six speeding, 4 operating a motor vehicle without proper license plate or decal, 3 operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, 5 owner or operator fails to comply with compulsory insurance law, 1 animal at large, 1 reckless driving, 1 operating a vehicle after the registration deadline for that vehicle without a proper license plate for the current year, 1 driving a motor vehicle in unsafe condition, driving a motor vehicle under suspended or revoke license or while disqualified. Under the Incident summary report there were 4 reports filed: 1 family runaway (except juvenile), 2 threats/ intimidation, and 1 traffic accident.

Also, during the police report, dogs at large were discussed. The police, dog catcher and other city employees have been busy picking up stray dogs. Chief Brett Edens wants to move the system of ticketing dog owners who let their dogs run at large to go from verbal warning, written warning, and then actual ticket; to one written warning and then ticket. While everyone agreed we will need to publish the new procedure and file it so it can be amended in our code book. Please everyone keep your dogs at home, it makes everyone’s life so much easier, and it keeps your pet safe as well.

Also a discussion was held on people working on multiple cars in their front yard and having them in disrepair. There is a timeline on 10 days for a car in someones yard to be in non working order. A search of state ordiances will continue to see how to rectify that situation.

City Manager Woodward reported they have been working on water leaks for the most part this month. Weed control spray has been laid for all city property and also a dosing of fire ant poison was applied at the cemetery. Inside of the pool has been painted and he is currently looking for parts and chemical for the upcoming season. The Chickasaw Nation is providing 2 summer employees he will line up tasks for them to complete.

Memorial Day is right around the corner, if you have flowers that are on the ground that you would like to keep; please come pick them up or we will dispose of them. The workers do not have time to pick up each individual display and move them before they mow.

The Allen Park will host this year’s Alumni gathering on Friday, June 16, and the towns Independence Day Celebration on July 8. This venue provides shade, electricity, and public restrooms.