Most of Monday’s City Council meeting was spent discussing ways to keep our community safe during this COVID pandemic.

A full council met with the two Allen Police officers, Town Administrator Doug Stinson, City Clerk Kala Stephens and guest Pam Price.

First item discussed was the closing of the Allen Public Park. Discussions centered mostly about the tennis courts where social distancing wasn’t a reality and with no way to police that constantly it was decided to close the park to all people. No use of playground, basketball court, tennis court or even parking lot. The police department taped off the area and signs will be erected as soon as possible.

At this time we are leaving Mustang Trails, the walking track, open as long a people will be considerate and use it for exercise and keep at a distance from other walkers.

Next item on the agenda was the amending the curfew rule. While previously it was 11 pm Monday through Thursday and midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it will now stand at 10 p.m. seven days. While this rule affects people ages 18 and under we would like everyone who possibly can consider being home by then. And yes we realize there are times when you need to be out but be smart and make good choices about leaving your home.

We have postponed court for the month of April and may postpone May’s court date. We will update this statement when we get clarification from legal council.

Allen Public Works Office will be closed to the general public. Utility payments can be made by mail, drive thru, using the drive thru office drop slot, or pay-by-phone by calling 580-857-2461 to use the debit/credit card payment system. If you are dropping cash and want a receipt, payments may be taken to City Hall and paid to the Clerk at the teller window. Any other payment arrangements must be made by calling and speaking to a representative in advance of the final date on the bill. At this time we will suspend disconnects and will not add any late fees to your bills starting with this month’s bill.

The Allen City Hall office will remain staffed from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday to respond to calls and email communications with the general public. However, City Hall shall not be open to walk-in traffic.

The Town of Allen Board of Trustees will observe CDC and Health Department guidelines during their meetings. Seating in the council chambers will be set up to accommodate citizen participation, but will limit the number of available seats in the gallery. Those seats shall be occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the allotted seats for the public are occupied, all other citizens wishing to address the Board shall wait outside the meeting room in other public areas inside City Hall. As one citizen finishes their interaction with the Board, they shall exit the meeting room and another citizen shall be permitted entrance. This will continue until any/all issues are heard. b) Any members of the public wishing to provide public comment for the items on the any meeting agenda may do so by signifying their intention by 3:00 p.m. on the Thursday preceding any regular, special or emergency meeting, follows: * Email: Email your Name, Address and Comments to the City Clerk kaladawn81101@yahoo. com or to the City Administrator dstinson2@ yahoo.com or Mayor dlbrannan@sbcglobal.net before the meeting. Identify the Agenda item you wish to address in your comments. Your comments will be read into the record. * Telephone: You can call City Hall to record your Name, Address and Comments with the City Clerk, Kala Stephens or Pam Crabtree at 580-857-2461. Identify the Agenda item you wish to address in your comments. Your comments will be read into the record. * Teller Window at City Hall: You can visit City Hall by coming in to the provide your NAME and ADDRESS and any hand-written comments by dropping off a note at the box located in front of City Hall before the meeting. Please identify the Agenda item you wish to address in your comments. Your comments will be read into the record. * IF YOU CHOOSE TO APPEAR IN PERSON AT ANY MEETING YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE CDC AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE OUTLINED ABOVE.

The Emergency Proclamation was discussed and approved taking affect Monday, April 6 and will last until May 5, 2020.

Pontotoc Sheriff John Christian shared the protocols for arrests that the county is using. The council discussed the directive with the police department and recommended they use available PPE during stops and visits with citizens. The fire department has

The fire department has asked for county funds for parts for the fire trucks, 16 helmets and 8 Nomes Hood. They are also making calls under the direction of the County about what calls to make and still remain safe.

The point of all of this is to keep everyone safe. We find no joy in closing the park or limiting other services but in an effort to protect everyone as well as we can we will enact any directives we see fit. We will however, announce before any changes and give the citizens a time to voice their opinions.

Check on your neighbors in a safe manner, wear your masks if you can and wash your hands. And most importantly pray for your community, county, state and nation.