Webb resigns as mayor; Johnson honored

Update (June 8, 2023): The City of Blackwell is hosting a memorial service and celebration of life for Webb Saturday, June 10, at the Blackwell Event Center

The Blackwell City Council met Thursday night, June 1, to accept the resignation of Mayor Jon Webb and to recognize Mike Johnson as the Employee of the Month.

The meeting began with the reading of a proclamation regarding Webb. His resignation came after more than a decade of service to the City of Blackwell in various positions.

The Council declared the week of June 25 as “Jon Webb Week.” The proclamation reads as follows:

“Jon Webb was first elected in April 2013 as Ward 2 City Councilperson for the City of Blackwell. Since then, Webb has served as Councilperson, Vice Mayor and as the Mayor, worked with the City Council on numerous projects and through many public issues faced during those times; and contributed in many ways to the success of the healthcare in Blackwell.

“This includes the construction of the new/remodeled Stillwater Medical Center-Blackwell all while serving as a member of the governing body of the City, as a trustee of the Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority, and as a trustee of the Blackwell Public Trust. The Blackwell Public Trust provides the revenue each month to pay on the indebtedness issued to construct the hospital.

“Webb supported and voted to construct the $7.5 million dollar Wastewater Treatment Facility, which will serve Blackwell for decades into the future, as well as numerous sewer line replacement projects which are located in the most needed places.

“Webb has worked for many years to ensure the community has good clean potable water, including the provision of an improved Water Production Facility, which is currently being designed and with its construction planned for 2024.

“Webb set a vision of progress and development for the City of Blackwell and during his time as Councilperson, Vice Mayor and Mayor, sought to implement that progress and development. Most importantly and consequentially, Jon Webb assisted, in great measure, with keeping the municipal government centered and steered correctly, during turbulent times and through several city administrations.”

Webb ran unopposed for mayor during the April election. His resignation was effective May 31.

The Council will appoint an interim mayor until an election can take place.

Next, City Manager Jerry Wieland recognized Street & Parks Department worker Mike Johnson as the Employee of the Month.

The meeting lasted roughly 30 minutes, and the bulk of the action came from the recognitions. But the Council did choose to renew the city’s insurance with Blue Cross & Blue Shield, even recognizing the fact that discussions with Stillwater Medical-Blackwell and the insurance provider would be reached.

The Council also approved a $60,000 public construction contract with Edwards Equipment, LLC, to purchase and install two pumps at the Casey’s lift station, which controls wastewater and sewage.

As the pump services four large hotels, four restaurants, two gas stations, a church and other businesses, it was deemed a top priority.