Shawn Stewart

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of January 2026 financials. The board discussed January sales and use tax figures, and approved a commercial/residential building permit at 210 Hayes with variances. A discussion regarding Microsoft changes and network improvements was tabled. Actions were taken to approve moving forward with the TSET HIG Grant application process for the Splashpad budget. Several ordinances were adopted, including ordinances related to tobacco-free city-owned property, tobacco/smoke/vapor-free regulations, and prevention of youth access to tobacco. Resolutions were also adopted to support farmers' markets, community gardens, food pantries, and active living. An emergency resolution was approved to allow certain resolutions to take immediate effect. The board approved a special permit for the 2026 Alumni Festivities and authorized research into bidding for ambulance service from LifeNet. The purchase of an additional AED for the Fire Department was approved. Discussions regarding the Board's authority over Fire Department expenditures were tabled. A motion passed requiring the Police Chief to present a report explaining any monthly budget overage beyond $36,000.00. Finally, the board entered executive session to discuss the Police Chief's employment, accepted the Police Chief's resignation, and appointed Shawn Stewart as Interim Police Chief.

The Special Town Board Meeting addressed several new business items concerning the Interim Police Chief. Actions taken included the approval for the Interim Police Chief to hire reserves as needed, authorization to contact the OSBI, and approval to conduct an audit of the entire police department. The Board also approved the scheduling of officers. No further action was taken on additional tasks for the Interim Police Chief.

The Special Town Board Meeting addressed several key new business items. Decisions were made regarding switching dispatch services from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to Grey Snow Police Department Dispatch, and the approval of a corresponding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Grey Snow Police Department. Approval, subject to legal review, was granted for LifeNet services. The board convened into an executive session to discuss employment matters concerning the Interim Police Chief, Shawn Stewart, and the hiring of a Full Time Officer. Upon returning to regular session, the board approved a 90-day probation for Shawn Stewart as Interim Police Chief and approved the hiring of Steven Hinkle as FTO WPD, also with a 90-day probation.

The meeting addressed ordinance amendments for sections 33.17, 33.18, and 33.19 of the Town of Wellston Ordinances, which were subsequently approved. New business included discussion-only topics such as December Sales Tax and Use Tax figures, updates regarding Judds and Survival Flight, and a grants update. Officer reports were presented for the Police, Fire, and Emergency Management departments. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The meeting included discussions and actions related to convening into an executive session to discuss personnel matters concerning Shawn Stewart (FTO) and Melissa Milam's transition plan. Following the executive session, the board returned to regular session and took action to hire Shawn Stewart as WPD FTO. Furthermore, the board approved a transition plan that placed Samantha Jordan as Interim Administrator and Derek Woody as Interim Treasurer. The meeting concluded with adjournment.