The City Council for the City of Crossville met in regular session on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at Crossville City Hall.

 

Roll Call.  Present: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.  Others present were City Manager Curtis Adams, City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, Willard Dale, David Beaty, Scott Christian, Justin Waldo, Andy Vaughn, Melynda McElroy, Jeremy McElroy, Kasie Williams, Clint Givens, Jerry Garrison, Jerry Harris, Marlene Potter, Walter Pippin, Loleata Pippin, Randy Pugh, Clifford Pugh, Martha Ballard, Arlene Heect, John Withers, Lori Withers, Hunter Withers, Alexis Withers, Tonya Hinch, Khrista Wyatt, Eric Brady, Heath Blaylock, Teresa Panozzo, Beverly Melton, Brooke Wyatt, Chuck Burgess, Frances Carson, Kevin Dean, Steve Powell, Andrew Ingram, Angelyn Ingram, Joe Miller, Peyton Carr, Ken Tabor, Kieri Kelly, Darlene Barnwell, Kyle Eldridge, Brianne Moore, Kevin Oakes, Valerie Bracken, Karli Threet, Chris South, Sandy Gruber, Jim Young, Shawnna Smith, Valerie Hale, Clark Annis, Christ Bacon, Jerry Kerley, Ariana Orten, James Orten, Andrea Martinez, Brandy Surcvices, Vince King, Janice Hawley, Teri Gabbert, Kayla Spivey, Sharon Hamby, Scot Hale, Jenny Cooper, Rose Rinehart, Margie Buxbaum, Louise Gorenflo, Dennis Gregg, Billy Loggins, Stephanie Humbaugh, Karen McMeekin, Cheyenne Williams, Rebeccah Kilby, and Rita Young.

 

 

            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 – Justin McElroy was presented the award for the character trait “manners”.

b)     GHSO Awards – The Crossville Police Department received the awards for Speed Awareness and Impaired Driving by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office at the Law Enforcement Challenge Awards Ceremony held on September 10.  The department won these awards based on their programs and enforcement efforts.  The department was “Best of the Best” in these categories beating out every other competing agency in the State.

c)      Native American Indian Heritage Month

d)     National Hospice Month

e)     Mayor’s Green Partner – Crossville, Inc.

f)        Plaques of appreciation were presented to outgoing City Councilmen Carl Duer and Jesse Kerley

 

 

ITEM #2 – CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

a)     Approval of minutes (10/12, 10/28)

b)     3rd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY10-11 budget for a copier in the amount of $4,000

c)      1st Reading of Ordinance amending the FY10-11 budget in the amount of $2,000 for repairs to the Meadow Park Lake boat ramp

d)     Resolution selecting Community Development Partners for preparation and administration of a 2011 CDBG grant application for wastewater treatment plant improvements

e)     Resolution selecting GRW Engineers for preparation and implementation of a 2011 CDBG grant application for wastewater treatment plant improvements

f)        Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between the City, State, and U.S. Department of the Interior for the construction of rain gardens at Centennial Park

g)     Approval of Change Order #1-Final in the amount of $2,800 on the Plateau Road and Mayland water tank repairs

h)      Approval of Change Order #3 in the amount of $79,315 with Southern Constructors, Inc. on the wastewater treatment plant project

i)        Approval of Change Order #1 in the amount of $9,030 with Porter Roofing Contractors for the t-hangar roof repair project

j)        Approval of amendment #1 to the contract with TDOT on the implementation of the Safe Routes to School Program

k)      Approval of 80% grant contract with TDOT for the Downtown Enhancement Project with an estimated cost totaling $1,334,967.50

l)        Approval of contract with WWR Engineers, Inc. for engineering services for the energy retrofits at city buildings in the amount of $23,450

m)   Approval of three-year contract with Flat Earth Networking in the amount of $4,000 per year for NCIC connectivity

n)      Approval of disposal of surplus Mossberg 12 ga shotgun (SN J839034)

o)     Approval of temporary street closings for Veterans Day ceremonies on November 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

p)     Acceptance of used truck from Cumberland County Rescue Squad at no charge

q)     Approval of sponsorship of “Tree Safari” premier through WCTE in the amount of $5,000

Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

 

 

ITEM #3 – BIDS/PURCHASES

(Bid tabulations attached and made a part of these minutes.)

 

a)     Health Insurance – Quotes were received with $1,000 and $1,500 deductibles.  The best quotes were received from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  It was recommended that the deductible be raised to $1,500 with the City absorbing the premium increase. 

            A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that the proposal of Blue Cross/Blue Shield with a $1,500 deductible be accepted with the City absorbing the premium increase.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

b)     Dental Insurance – It was recommended that the quote of Ameritas be accepted with no increase in premium to the employee.

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the quote of Ameritas be accepted for two years with no increased in premium to the employee.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

c)      HVAC – Palace Theater – The low bid of Crossville Heating & Cooling in the total amount of $8,674 was recommended for acceptance by the City Manager and Palace Administrator.

            A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the low bid of Crossville Heating & Cooling be accepted.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

d)     Telephone/Internet Services – Proposals were received from Frontier and VolFirst.  It was recommended that the proposal of VolFirst be accepted.

            A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the proposal of VolFirst for telephone and internet services be accepted for a three year term with the option by the City to renew for one additional two-year term.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

 

 

ITEM #4 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

 

            Marketing Director Billy Loggins discussed the latest marketing and public relations projects. 

  • Street sweeper – The new sweeper will be featured in a coming article in the paper.
  • Bio-diesel program
  • OVC Conference….Jennifer Gibbs, OVC Assistant Commissioner – Negotiations are underway to host a golf tournament for the conference, as well as one for Tennessee Technological University
  • 2010 City of Crossville Christmas Parade
  • Premier of Tree Safari/Koa Connection, American Public Television documentary
  • Upper Cumberland Business Journal story on the history of golf in Cumberland County and its economic impact
  • Dr. Carl T. Duer Soccer Complex
  • WCTE Publication Close-Up
  • Live Green Tennessee receives award…..For Creative Excellence in Communications
  • Gaylord Opryland Hotel Hall of Trees
  • Arts Roundup meeting

 

 

ITEM #5 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO JOINT PROJECTS WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY

 

Codes Enforcement – City Manager Curtis Adams and City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell pointed out the final changes made in the proposed agreement.  A public meeting will be held on November 18 on the new codes enforcement program with contractors and others invited.

 

            A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the ordinance authorizing execution of an inter-local agreement with Cumberland County for building inspections be adopted on third and final reading.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

 

Animal Shelter – City Manager Curtis Adams and City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell pointed out the final changes made in the proposed agreement.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that the ordinance authorizing execution of an inter-local agreement with Cumberland County for an animal shelter be adopted on third and final reading.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

 


ITEM #6 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO MEADOW PARK LAKE DAM PROJECT

 

            Mayor Graham and Scott Christian updated the Council on the two projects relating to the Meadow Park dam.  The renovation of the dam is a little behind on the schedule while Rural Development completes the environmental review.  The specifications are expected to be ready in about two weeks.  Plans are to begin releasing water from the lake around the middle to late January in preparation for the work.  The contractor will be responsible for maintaining the level.  The raw water supply from Tansi will need to be ready by late February.  The final set of specifications will be reviewed and approved by Safe Dams by the time the Rural Development funds are available.  The cost for this project is estimated at $5,000,000.

 

            A meeting was held with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on picking up the funding for the expansion of the dam.  An improved schedule has been requested to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 9 months rather than 2 years.  When the new schedule is available, a meeting with GKY Engineers, the engineering consultant for the project, will be scheduled.  The EIS was started in December 2005 on a 75/25% grant.  Deborah Tuck with Corps of Engineers advised that the permit process may not be available for another two weeks while they are waiting on the National Park Service.

 

 

ITEM #7 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

 

            Councilman Wyatt led a discussion on this matter.  He commented that the Nashville channel was removed a year or so ago.  He is getting complaints about that and that the local office doesn’t have enough employees to serve the public.  The City Manager was asked to send a letter to them regarding improvements on customer service and the addition of a Nashville station.

 

 

ITEM #8 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO BEEHIVE LANE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

 

            In November 2006, City Council approved the pre-payment of 45 water and sewer taps for a proposed development on Beehive Lane.  A letter was received from one of the owners, Millard Oakley, requesting that the deposited funds of $39,100 be returned since the development is no longer under consideration.

 

            A staff report on money that has been spent moving taps in preparation for the development was presented.  These costs total $4,694.  However, it is the opinion of Billy Martin and Jerry Garrison that this work would probably have been done with or without the development.  The schedule was accelerated to meet the potential needs of the development.

 

            A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilman Dean, that a budget amendment be passed on first reading and the deposited funds of $39,100 be returned to Millard Oakley.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

 

 

ITEM #9 – CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

            City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reported no new lawsuits filed against the City during the previous month.  An answer was filed in the Lake Tansi property owners last week, as well as a request for written discovery documents was served on each of those persons named in the filing of the suit.  Any valid claims by the City would be served against each individual.  Mayor Graham requested a closed meeting with the attorneys on the defense of the lawsuit.

 

 

ITEM #10 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            City Manager Curtis Adams reviewed the monthly revenue reports for local option sales tax, wholesale beer tax, and wholesale liquor fees.  He also presented reports on current projects and grants. 

 

            The Christmas Parade committee met and presented a proposed route for the Parade to be held starting at 4:30 p.m. on December 11, 2010.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the temporary street closings requested for the Christmas Parade on December 11 be approved.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

 

The engineering, stormwater, and planning departments were spotlighted.  Each of the employees introduced themselves and discussed their responsibilities.  A book with maps and information on all properties owned by the City was presented.

 

            Joe Miller presented a completed paving list for the fiscal year, which came in approximately $100,000 below budget.  He also explained the method used to verify the amount of asphalt used on each street.

 

            It was also reported that the painting of the beacon tower at the airport has been completed.

 

 

ITEM #11 – GRIEVANCES FROM CITIZENS

 

            James Orten asked about the possibility of the Humane Society and the County Shelter combining into one operation.  The response from Council was that they were not combining, but that the City would be taking its animals to the County Shelter.  Mayor Graham explained the Humane Society refused to take City animals from the Animal Control Officer.  The City Clerk was asked to give him a copy of the letter from the Humane Society regarding the issues.

 

            Karen McMeekin thanked the City for combining the animal shelter with the County.  It is her belief that it will be better for the community and that the care will be improved, but that more employees are needed.

 

            Mayor Graham reported that Teresa Powers, who lives in the area behind the Justice Center, has requested a signal at the intersection of Hwy. 127S and Hayes St.

 

 

            With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.