The City Council for the City of Crossville met in regular session on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at Crossville City Hall.

 

Roll Call.

Present: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.  Absent/Excused: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.  Others present were City Manager Ted Meadows, City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, Frances Carson, Bob Kastens, Craig Brown, Marlene Potter, Vernon Potter, Jerry Garrison, Jeremie Green, Tiffany Parham, Karly Richards, Courtney Relton, Dann Dunham, Ron Hyder, Steve Hill, Don Napier, Charlotte Medley, Clark Annis, Carolyn Joswiak, Corey Legare, Trey Hollingsworth, Joshua Mangas, Tony Davis, Sr., Tammie French, Rick Houston, Bud Reppert, Jerry Kerley, Spencer Delk, Victoria Phillips, Joe Miller, Paige Adams, Raven Dotson, Jessice St. James, Afradula Williams, Mackensie Hassler, Jeff Kerley, Dorothy Meharg, Art Meharg, Joe Kerley, Brittany Fountain, Christy Lewis, Dakota Kennedy, Victoria Ramirez, Norma Marquez, Pete Marquez, Giselle Marquez, Fred Houston, Dean Bennett, Mike Turner, Patricia Folio, Tim Coley, and L. T. Coley.

 

            Mayor J. H. Graham, III was present and presiding.  He called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  The invocation was given by Bob Kastens of the First Christian Church.  The Young Marines presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ITEM #1 – PRESENTATIONS

 

a)     Student of the Month – Mayor Graham presented the January “Student of the Month” award to Giselle Marquez for the character trait “honesty”.

 

ITEM #2 – CONSENT AGENDA

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that all items on the consent agenda be approved as follows:

a)     Approval of minutes (12/9)

b)     3rd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY08-09 budget in the amount of $6,317 for Hilltopper’s van

c)      3rd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY08-09 budget in the amount of $171,000 for Cook Rd. widening project

d)     2nd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY08-09 budget in the amount of $3,800 for tree grants

e)     1st Reading of Ordinance amending the FY08-09 budget in the amount of $200,000 for refund of money from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

f)        1st Reading of Ordinance adding §11-604 to the Crossville Municipal Code regarding weapons on public property – PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

g)     Resolution establishing procedures for access to and duplication of public records – PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

h)      Resolution supporting the Congressional funding of U.S. Hwy 127N corridor – PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

i)        Approval of contract with State of Tennessee Aeronautics Division for $17,100 for security system upgrades at airport

j)        Post facto approval of purchase of parts for trencher repairs from DitchWitch in the amount of $5,577.19

Roll Call.  Present: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent/Excused: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the following items be approved:

f) 1st Reading of Ordinance adding §11-604 to the Crossville Municipal Code regarding weapons on public property

g) Resolution establishing procedures for access to and duplication of public records

h) Resolution supporting the Congressional funding of U.S. Hwy 127N corridor

Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

ITEM #3 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO WELCOME HOME PARADE AND EVENTS

 

            Dann Dunham was present at the meeting to present the plans for the Welcome Home parade and events to take place on March 28-29.  He stated that the project started in Crossville, but March 29 has been declared by Congress as Vietnam Veterans Day.  So far, 29 states have adopted the resolution making March 29 as a day of remembrance and observance for Vietnam Veterans.

 

ITEM #4 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO TENNESSEE MAIN STREET PROGRAM

 

            Frances Carson, representing DCI, discussed the progress made by DCI during the past year and the requirements for participation in the Main Street Program.  Plans are to submit an application to the Main Street Program by February 2.  A resolution was presented for adoption supporting the application.  As part of the requirements they must have support for a minimum of 3 years.  They also require a continuation of funding throughout the 3 years and commitment to hire a full-time local program director.  Mrs. Carson asked for funding of $50,000 for the next budget year, with the understanding that the amount would be reduced each year toward a goal of them becoming self-supporting.  The matter was deferred to a work session to be held within the next week.

 

ITEM #5 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO ITEMS BALANCING FY09-10 BUDGET

 

            City Manager Ted Meadows presented his plans for cutting some of the costs in preparation for the FY09-10 budget.  During this current fiscal year, he stated that he is also looking at cutting 10% of the budgeted expenditures.  A major option would be the consideration of sub-contracting work in various departments.  Specifically, he requested authorization to solicit proposals from interested parties for sub-contracting the Water Filtration Department as was previously done with the wastewater department.  Mayor Graham stated that any such proposal must insure that all current employees be made “whole” by the firm.  Mr. Meadows also stated he would be pursuing moving the pressure sewer lines and grinder pumps as an addition to the contract with Veolia.  Mayor Graham requested that the proposals request the firms to also include recommendations on reducing the water loss ratios.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that approval be given for the solicitation of proposals for sub-contracting the operations of the Water Filtration Department.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

ITEM #6 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO BIDS ON HWY 127S SEWER LINE TO SERVE CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

 

            Bids were received from 14 firms on January 7 for the sewer line to serve the State Park.  (Bid tabulation is attached and made a part of these minutes.)  The consulting engineering firm, James + Associates recommended accepting the low alternate bid of Freitag Construction in the amount of $366,867.  The alternate bid increases the pipe size and the size of the pump station.  The cost of the base bid ($349,845) will be covered by a grant from the State of Tennessee.  The consulting engineer and City Manager recommended accepting the low bid of Freitag Construction.  With the full support of the Council, Councilman Wyatt asked that the Engineering Department inform the contractor that he must be done in the required amount of time.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that the low alternate bid of Freitag Construction in the amount of $366,867 be accepted.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

 

(At 6:40 p.m. the regular meeting was recessed and the Solicitation Board convened.)

 

SOLICITATION BOARD

Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity

            An application was submitted by Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity to cover their fund-raising activities to purchase building supplies.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that a Solicitation Permit be approved for Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

Cumberland Shrine Club

            An application was submitted by Cumberland Shrine Club to cover their fund-raising activities to provide transportation to the Shrine hospitals.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that a Solicitation Permit be approved for Cumberland Shrine Club.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

(At 6:42 p.m. the Solicitation Board was adjourned and the regular meeting reconvened.)

 

ITEM #8 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            City Manager Ted Meadows presented the monthly revenue reports on local option sales tax which showed a slight increase.  The wholesale beer tax, however, was slightly below the previous year.  He also presented a chart on building permits.  Residential permits are significantly down from last year; however, commercial permits are slightly above last year.  An updated project report was also presented.  Mr. Meadows announced that a signalization project for the ramps at the I-40/Genesis Road interchange has been deemed one of 8 state-wide projects eligible for further study for funding by the State.

 

§         Soccer Fields – The City has engaged a turf expert from the University of Tennessee to analyze the condition of the fields, which are not acceptable.  Funds are being withheld from the contractor until the fields are acceptable for play.

§         North Cumberland Elementary School sewer connection agreement – A proposed contract was prepared by the City Attorney.  Councilman Wyatt requested that the Council continue its policy to require properties to be within the City limits for connection to the sewer line.

§         Airport projects – Mayor Graham asked that the purchase of all land around the airport and runway lights be added as potential projects for federal stimulus funding.

§         Airport Grants – Two grant contracts were received for grounds maintenance equipment ($60,000-local match) and for security equipment ($49,500-local match) from the Aeronautics Division of TDOT.  The City Manager requested approval for the local match and to authorize the Mayor to sign the contracts. 

            A  motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the grounds maintenance equipment grant and the security equipment grant contracts for the airport be accepted, local match approved, and the Mayor authorized to execute them.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.; Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

ITEM #1 – PRESENTATIONS (cont.)

b)     ISA National Complex of the Year – Tim Coley, State Director for Tennessee ISA Softball, presented the City and Centennial Park with the award.  Mr. Coley stated that this is the first complex in Tennessee to receive this award.

 

(At 7:03 p.m. the meeting was recessed.  It was reconvened at 7:25 p.m.)

 

ITEM #9 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO PACKAGE LIQUOR STORE APPLICATIONS

 

            During the week of January 5-9, applications were received from 193 entities for a Certificate of Compliance to operate a package liquor store.  Terry Stephens, CPA and Howard Mercer, Jr. CPA conducted the drawing at the Palace Theater.  City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell stated that the drawing was still going on, but the following were the first 6 numbers drawn out:

            1.  Stanley Roger York

            2.  Janet C. Oaks

            3.  Donald D. Haberman

            4.  Robert Petrovit

            5.  F. Glenn Dale

            6.  Jason Lewis

 

            The first three applicants will have until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday to present cashier’s checks in the amount of $450, which will start the process of background checks and submittal of property locations and information.

 

ITEM #7 – CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

            City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reported that no new lawsuits have been filed during the previous month.

 

            As was mentioned earlier, a draft contract was provided with the Board of Education for the construction of the North Cumberland Elementary sewer line.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that the contract on the North Cumberland Elementary sewer line be approved for submittal to the Board of Education.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).  Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.  Absent: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

 

            With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.