The City Council for the City of Crossville met in regular session on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Crossville City Hall.

 

Roll Call.

Present: Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt, Councilman George Marlow, Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr.  Absent/Excused: Councilman Earl Dean.  Others present were City Manager Bruce Wyatt, Assistant City Manager Mike Turner, City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, Finance Director Fred Houston, Richard Howell, Greg Ridley, Tonya Hinch, Willard Dale, Dawn Klupferer, Jerry Garrison, Jeff Kerley, Billy Martin, Kevin Dean, David Beaty, Carmen Wyatt, Claude Martin, Alf Mauritzson, Jim Young, Steve Hill, James Perry, Tim Begley, Fred Sherrill, Gordon Kokes, Marco Martinez, Sabrina Christopher, Tudar Christopher, Belle Christopher, Nichole Stamps, Justin Stamps, Josh Stamps, Blake Barnett, Justin Barnett, Jackson Barnett, Brittany Staehler, Emily Staehler, Keri Farley, Emily Farley, Denise Kappel, David Kappel, Janet Dawlen, Ryan Dawlen, Jennifer Norrod, Lindsey Norrod, Clark Annis, George Billing, Mike Nuss, Mark Fox, Chris South, Brian Spieles, Alex Horony, Edna Horony, Karli Threet, Ashley Kesterson, Tony Perry, Justin Peak, Donnie Stone, Jerry Kerley, Chris Miller, Margie Buxbaum, Billy Loggins, Brad Fox, Robert Safdie, Jim Young, Steve Lane, Joshua Hartt, and Fred Sherrill.

 

            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 Willard Dale of the Southwest Baptist Church.  The Young Marines presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

ITEM #1 – PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS

 

a)    Student of the Month – Lindsey Norrod for “Responsibility”

b)    Freedom Award – Alex Horony presented a certificate for being nominated for the award that is given by the U.S. government to employers that provide outstanding support to their employees. 

c)    Tennessee Shooting Stars basketball team – Winners of the Gold Medal in the Senior Olympics held in Houston, TX.  A Crossville resident, Mary Jones Kelly, was a member of the team.

d)    Mayor’s Green Award – Tennessee Technology Center – Honored for their energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.

e)    U.S. Youth Soccer Degree Jersey Giveaway 2011 – CRYSA U8 Coach Denise Kappel’s soccer team entered a contest sponsored by Unilever Deodorant USA and won a set of 16 jerseys.  Members of the team are: David Kappel, Justin Stamps, Ryan Dowlen, Emily Staehler, Emily Farley, Kayla Conley, Justin Barnett, Belle Christopher, Jackson Barnett, Belle Norris, and Alek Jekabsons.

 

 

ITEM #2 – CONSENT AGENDA

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, that all items on the consent agenda be approved as follows:

a.    Approval of minutes (9/13, 9/16, 9/30, 10/4)

b.    3rd Reading of Ordinance annexing 2.7 acres on Peavine Road (Catfish Cabin)

c.    Resolution approving a Plan of Services for the annexation of 2.7 acres on Peavine Road (Catfish Cabin)

d.    Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application for 2012 Transportation Enhancement Funds in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for the 2012 Crossville Downtown Enhancement TEP Phase I Project

e.    Approval of contract agreements with Community Development Partners for administration services for the EDA grant and 2011 Transportation Enhancement Program

f.     1st Reading of Ordinance adding §11-807 to the Crossville Municipal Code prohibiting smoking on the grounds of a hospital

g.    Approval of grant contract with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office in the amount of $5,000 for the High Visibility Law Enforcement Campaign (no matching funds)

h.    Approval of grant contract with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office in the amount of $22,122.50 for the Alcohol Saturation and Checkpoints (no matching funds)

i.      Approval of grant contract with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office in the amount of $15,000 for the Network Coordinator (no matching funds)

Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

 

ITEM #3 – BIDS/PURCHASES

 

a)    2011 Water Line Extensions (Catoosa) – Deferred

b)    Health Insurance – Deferred

 

 

ITEM #4 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

 

            Billy Loggins presented the latest marketing and public relations projects and events:

 

 

ITEM #5 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO WALTON ROAD SCENIC BYWAY

 

            Dawn Kupferer from the Upper Cumberland Development District spoke to the Council regarding the Walton Road Scenic Byway.  She requested funds to assist in the completion of a corridor management plan.  Each of the four counties (Putnam, Cumberland, Roane, and Smith) are required to allocate $7,500 to start the plan.  Mrs. Kupferer has spoken with the Chamber and the County.  The Chamber has committed $2,500; however, the County has yet to make a commitment.

 

            A motion was made by Mayor J. H. Graham, III, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, that the City commit $2,500 toward the project.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

 

 

 

ITEM #6 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO TDOT SALT BIN

 

            Richard Howell and Claude Martin, representing TDOT, were present at the meeting to discuss the salt bins planned for construction near the I-40/Genesis Road interchange.  The entrance to the salt bins will be on Cook Road. The bin will hold 5,000T of salt to serve Cumberland, Fentress, Pickett, and Overton counties.  They will camouflage the area with trees and bury it up to 2 feet of the roof so that the only part really showing will be the roof, which will be painted a color to further help it blend in with the environment.  Construction will begin in November and be completed in January.  A building permit application has been submitted at a cost of approximately $1,000.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, seconded by Mayor J. H. Graham, III, that the City waive the permit fee.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

 

(At 6:35 p.m., the regular meeting was recessed and the Beer Board convened.)

 

BEER BOARD

 

Destination Onyx Bar & Grill

 

            An application for an on-premises beer permit was submitted by Ronnie D. Williams and Kristie L. Tucker dba Destination Onyx Bar & Grill to be located at 1114 West Avenue.  Chief David Beaty reported a clear records check and recommended approval.

 

            A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, that an on-premises beer permit be approved for Ronnie D. Williams and Kristie L. Tucker dba Destination Onyx Bar & Grill to be located at 1114 West Avenue.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

 

(At 6:38 p.m., the Beer Board was adjourned and the regular meeting reconvened.)

 

 

ITEM #7 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Options on property – The Economic Development Team, comprised of Assessor of Property David Simcox, Billy Loggins, Don Napier, Valerie Hale, and Kevin Dean, reported on the property identified for potential industrial sites.  To date, the City has over 400 acres of property on signed option (awaiting Council approval) with an additional 270 acres still pending.  With these property options, in addition to the property the City already owns, the City will be able to advertise over 1,000 acres of property for industrial/commercial recruitment.

 

Option property:

·                     Baisley farm (near Crossroads Business Park ) ~ 150 acres (signed)

·                     Woodmere Properties (127N) ~ 66 acres (signed)

·                     Neely Farm (north and south of I-40 on Cook Road) ~ 123 acres (pending)

·                     Cotton Patch property (Interstate Drive) ~ 123 acres (pending)

·                     Neeley Farm (Woodlawn Rd/Genesis Rd) ~ 40 acres (pending)

·                     Kevin Padgett property (Genesis Rd/Cox Ave) ~ 40 acres (pending)

 

Kevin Dean reported that he has been in contact with all the pending property owners and is expecting them to have them all resolved by November.  The team recommended holding off on approval of the options until all of the options can be submitted to Council at one time. 

 

            BekZon – Mayor Graham introduced Alf Mauritzson who has been working with the City and Chamber since June on their plans to locate a plant in Crossville.  A power point presentation was given on the company.  They specialize in electronic equipment to improve air quality and are an environmentally friendly company.  A 50,000 sf building is planned with an anticipation of creating 500 jobs in 3-5 years, starting with 30-50 people immediately.  They will work with subcontractors to supply some of the components.  They have approximately 20,000 installations all over the world.  They anticipate a total investment of $9-11 million.

 

            Financing requests – An application is pending for a TVA loan of $3 million for building and some equipment.  They are also requesting a CDBG loan package to cover $800,000 for machinery & equipment.  The CDBG loan will require a 20% match that would be covered by the Company.  The CDBG application will be made by Cumberland County through the Upper Cumberland Development District.  They are also seeking a $600,000 loan from Cumberland Area Investment Corporation.  The rest of the funding will be made through the assets of the company.  BekZon, LLC has been formed as a Delaware corporation.  Mr. Mauritzson introduced the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Marco Martinez, who explained the company will merge the assets of the Delaware corporation and the Swedish corporation.  Mr. Martinez pointed out that this company already has millions of dollars in pending orders so they are anxious to get everything in place so that they can begin production.

 

            Councilman Boyd Wyatt expressed support of any company bringing jobs to our area.  Mayor Graham asked Council for approval to provide letters of support and endorsement to CDBG on BekZon.

 

A motion was made by Mayor J. H. Graham, III, seconded by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, that authorization be given for sending the letter of support to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.

Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

            Mayor Graham distributed a letter from Mr. Mauritzon requesting a $300,000 loan to be collateralized by real estate, machinery and equipment, accounts receivable, purchase orders or inventory or a combination of some at the City’s discretion.  The loan would be for one year or less with interest at a rate acceptable to both parties. .  (letter attached and made a part of these minutes)  The company plans to conduct a job fair on October 21 to begin the hiring process

 

            Mayor Graham asked Council to review the request over the next few days.  A meeting will be called soon to take any further action.  During the interim, the Mayor and City Manager will be reviewing the request and preparing a recommendation.  As discussed in a Council meeting a few months ago, the company will be using the entire business incubator to get started quicker.

 

 

ITEM #8 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO LANTANA ROAD UTILITY RELOCATIONS

 

            At the July 29, 2011 meeting, additional funds were approved for the engineering costs on Lantana Road.  However, due to a misunderstanding, only the amount that would ultimately be the City’s costs were approved.  A letter (attached and made a part of these minutes) explaining the costs and the additional funds requested for approval was presented.  Tim Begley reported that there have been numerous revisions on the project.

 

            A motion was made by Mayor J. H. Graham, III, seconded by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, that the additional engineering costs for ECE Services for the Lantana Road utility relocation project be approved.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

 

ITEM #9 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO WATERLINE EXTENSION ON PEACHTREE DRIVE

 

City Council approved a waterline extension policy on August 9, 2011. Thelma Roby applied for a building permit on March 3, 2011 at 1046 Peachtree Drive. City Staff met with the builder at that time and informed them that the water main was located two lots away on Camelia Drive and that the City could only place a meter in the Right Of Way on the main road and the owner would need to install their own service line from their property to the meter. The Owner agreed to this and the building permit was issued. This is in conflict with the policy that was approved by the City Council and now requires the Council’s approval.

 

Staff has reviewed all active building permits that predate the policy approval and this is the only permit that conflicts with this new policy.  City Attorney Chadwell recommended approval.

 

A motion was made by Councilman George Marlow, seconded by Mayor J. H. Graham, III, that the installation of an off-site meter for Thelma Roby due to the approved building permit and verbal agreement with City staff be approved.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

            Councilman Boyd Wyatt asked about the status of a two-year old building permit on Holiday Drive, which seems to have stalled.  Jeff Kerley reported that he had been discussing the matter with the City Attorney.

 

 

ITEM #10 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO SOLID WASTE FUND

 

The auditors requested that Council officially designate the amount transferred to the Solid Waste Fund to support the collection of solid waste each year.  This is being done as an amendment to the ordinance adopting the budget.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, seconded by Councilman George Marlow, that the ordinance amending Section 2 of Ordinance No. 1318 be passed on first reading.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.  Absent: Councilman Earl Dean.

 

 

ITEM #11 – CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

            City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reported that no new lawsuits had been filed in the past month.

 

Building Permit process – Mr. Chadwell reported that there is a time clock for completing work, but there are a number of loopholes for starting and stopping in the International Building Code.  He and Codes are looking at modifications.  Further, enforcement is limited by Tennessee Code Annotated to a fine of $50/day for violations.  Mayor Graham proposed building permits be issued for only one year and any extensions must come before City Council.  The City Attorney will review the Mayor’s proposal and bring a recommendation and draft ordinance to next month’s meeting.

ITEM #12 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            At the request of City Manager Bruce Wyatt, Assistant City Manager Mike Turner presented the monthly revenue reports for local option sales tax, wholesale beer tax, and retail liquor stores.  He also presented updated reports on building permits, grants, and projects.  He reported that the County has requested that we continue handling their building permits for one year.

 

            A letter was received from Cumberland Medical Center requesting a sidewalk on Hayes Street from Main Street to the parking lot entrance of CMC’s Physician Medical Group.  It was agreed that it be placed on the priority list.  Joe Miller will put together an estimate on the cost and present it at the next meeting.

 

 

            With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.