The City Council for the City of Crossville met in regular session on Tuesday, February 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 Ted Meadows, City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, Marlene Potter, Elaine Meadows, John Grossman, Ralph Reagan, Willard Dale, David Beaty, Fred Sherrill, Jerry Garrison, Troy Shaver, Tonya Hinch, Tim Begley, Valerie Hale, Lori Withers, Alexis Withers, Hunter Withers, Joe Reynolds, Steve Stone, Keith Hatfield, Neva Hatfield, Liam Hatfield, Kate Hatfield, Kevin Miller, Jim Young, Andy Vaughn, Fred Houston, Jerry Wood, Joe Miller, Stace Karge, Clark West, Jason Young, Lilyan Thurman, Malachi Thurman, Elizabeth Thurman, Faith West, Thomas Wolf, Steve Hill, Chris Bennett, Clark Annis, Larry Doster, Darrell Sherrill, Suzann Griffith, Joe Kerley, Jerry Kerley, Ronnie Webb, Jim Purcell, Silas Headrick, Tucker Headrick, Margie Buxbaum, Billy Loggins, Frances Carson, Lori Kessie, Larry Kessie, Mike Turner, and Don Napier.

Mayor J. H. Graham, III was present and presiding. The invocation was given by Willard Dale of the Southwestern Baptist Church, followed by the presentation of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance led by the Young Marines.

ITEM #1 – PRESENTATIONS

a) Lake Commission – Joe Reynolds was sworn in as a member of the Board of Lake Commissioners.

b) Student of the Month – Mayor Graham presented the February award to Liam Saunders Hatfield for the character trait “respect”. The December and January award winners were present to receive their awards.

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 (1/12)

b) 2^nd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY09/10 budget for surveillance equipment

c) 2^nd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY09/10 budget in the amount of $1,835,900 for airport runway paving

d) 2^nd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY09/10 budget in the amount of $41,655 for Cumberland Mountain State Park sewer

e) 2^nd Reading of Ordinance amending the FY09/10 budget in the amount of $48,000 for bio-diesel equipment

f) 1^st Reading of Ordinance amending the FY09/10 budget in the amount of $30,000 for bulk coarse salt

g) 1^st Reading of Ordinance amending the FY09/10 budget in the amount of $11,535 for purchase of tactical rifles

h) Approval of sub-grant agreement with Tennessee State University for 30 car seats

i) Approval of TCRS employer contribution rate of 14.80% effective July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012

j) Approval of Change Order #7 in the deduct amount of $3,882.19 for Freitag Construction on the Cumberland Mountain State Park sewer project

k) Bids/Purchases

i) Approval of low bid of Cherry Creek Nursery in the amount of $7,075 for the purchase of 65 trees

ii) Approval to purchase four 2010 Ford Explorer patrol vehicles from Alexander AutoMall at a total cost of $91,122

iii) Approval to purchase biodiesel processor in the amount of $31,000 from Biodiesel Logic Inc.

iv) Approval to purchase (10) AR-15 Tactical Rifles from Hero Gear in the amount of $22,675

l) Declaration of surplus property

(i) 2001 Chevy Impala 2GIWF55L219243468

(ii) 2000 Chevy Blazer 1GNDT13W4Y2402464

(iii) 2001 Chevy Impala 2GIWF55KX19239393

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 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO BREAD OF LIFE

Steve Stone made a presentation to Council regarding the Bread of Life building project. He requested assistance from the city on the waiver of the water tap, sewer tap, and building permit fees on their new facility expected to be under construction soon. Ralph Reagan discussed the ministry provided by the Bread of Life and the people served and educated. Because of their success, they are assisting other communities in establishing similar programs. At a recent banquet, District Attorney General Randy York credited the Bread of Life with saving the State, County, and City approximately $3,400,000 by removing people from the prison system and into schools.

A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilmen Dean, Duer, Kerley, and Wyatt, that the City Manager be instructed to provide a contribution to the Bread of Life building project in an amount equal to the cost for the water tap, sewer tap, and building permit out of the reserved funds. 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

Billy Loggins updated the Council on the following marketing projects, on-going and recaps:

§ WCTE has been very helpful in posting our events on their channel as well as on the PBS station in Knoxville

§ Senior Olympics – March 1 is the kick-off in Cookeville at the Progressive Bank, but the events will be held in Crossville.

§ Vacation Guide – One page guide put together for the Motorcoach Convention.

§ Arts Council – A committee has been formed with many of the non-profits to coordinate their programming.

§ Kids Fishing Derby – June 12 at Meadow Park Lake

§ Sustainability Fair 2010 has been moved to Community Complex, with 40+ vendors expected and will be featured on the “Live Green Tennessee” PBS program.

§ 2010 Christmas Parade – Some possible changes are being considered. The DVD of the 2009 parade is now available.

§ Area hotels are being visited to make them aware of events planned for 2010

§ TGA golf tournaments – Senior Men have been challenged to create a logo and website similar to the Women’s Open.

§ National Wild Turkey Association meeting in Nashville will have info about Crossville in their registration packets.

§ National BBQ Association sanctioned event is planned for July 24 in association with a cruise-in.

§ ISA State Umpires Clinic was hosted at the Palace. At the event, Centennial Park was awarded the “2009 Park of the Year” by the ISA Tennessee Girls Fastpitch Softball Association. A commemorative eagle was presented to the Mayor by Steve Hill.

ITEM #5 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

John Grossman, President of E.G.&G presented Amendment No. 1 to the agreement between E.G.&G. and the City on the downtown development project. This amendment provides professional services relative to final design/engineering documents, including revisions and bidding services. This amendment does not provide construction administration and field representation services, which would be provided under a separate amendment. The total cost for the services is $765,063. This work is estimated to take one year. In order to keep the project on schedule and be in a position to begin bidding and construction once funding becomes available, this work needs to start. A timeline for the project was also presented.

He reviewed the steps that have been taken so far on the project and pointed out that the water system, non-existent stormwater system, street pavement, traffic signalization, street lighting, and sidewalks are all in dire need of replacement. Of the projected costs, 85% are infrastructure improvements. The economic development market potential to retirees and tourists was also researched and how those needs can be met through this project. Commitments have been received from property owners for five downtown property developments and total $17,500,000 with an anticipated 256 new jobs that are contingent on the infrastructure improvements. It was pointed out that the community hosts approximately 500,000 rounds of golf and 170,000 yearly visitors to the Cumberland County Playhouse, in addition to the visitors at the recreational facilities and other attractions.

The grant applications were reviewed. All granting agencies will judge the project more favorably if engineering is underway, on a fast-track, and that the local government has provided local funding and investments in the project. They also have two sources of funds---their regular funds and recovery act funds. The recovery act funds will go to projects that can be started quickly. Announcements on the grant applications are all expected in Fall 2010. Frances Carson, representing DCI, stated that they are committed to raising $500,000 through a memorial campaign. They are also working with local financial institutions to assist the property owners in finding financing for their development projects.

Councilmen Duer, Kerley, and Wyatt all expressed concern over spending the money at this time without knowing that funding will be approved. It was emphasized that the granting authorities are setting their priorities on projects that are “shovel-ready”, which will require the engineering plans being underway.

A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilman Dean, that Amendment No. 1 to the contract with E.G.&G. to provide professional engineering services for the downtown development project in the amount of $765,053 be approved and that a budget amendment be passed on first reading. Vote: Motion failed (summary: Yes = 2, No = 3, Abstain = 0). Yes: Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean. No: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley.

ITEM #6 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO BRIDGE HEALTH INSURANCE

The City Manager presented his study of the future costs for continuing to provide no-cost insurance to qualified retired employees until they are eligible for Medicare. With the 161 current active employees, the financial obligation potential is $2,800,000. This amount would substantially increase with growth in the number of city employees and the cost of health insurance. He recommended that the program be discontinued in five years.

Councilman Duer agreed with the recommendation of five years based on his knowledge of the health industry and the benefits offered by most private companies. Councilmen Wyatt and Kerley expressed concern about changing the benefit package or changing the parameters for current employees.

City Attorney Chadwell stated that he did not see that the City had any legal liability by ending it with new employees or changingarameters. He did recommend obtaining an opinion from MTAS or the TML Risk Management Pool. The matter was deferred.

ITEM # 7 – CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reported that there were no new lawsuits filed in the past month.

ITEM #8 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Ted Meadows provided the monthly revenue charts on local option sales tax, wholesale beer, and retail liquor inspection fees. He also presented the updated reports on building permits, grants, and capital projects.

In personnel manners, he requested approval for the retirement incentive and vacation buy outs for the following employees:

a) Billy J. Garrison will retire from the City on March 1, 2010 with 24 ½ years service. His retirement incentive will be $3,000, vacation balance buy out of $2,838.46 for 204.50 hours, and gift from the City of $1.00 for every month worked of $294.00 for a total of $6,132.46,if no vacation time is taken.

b) Bill Hunnicutt will retire on March 10, 2010 with 23 years 5 months service. His retirement incentive will be $3,000, vacation balance buy out of $1,519.75 for 74.60 hours, and a gift from the City of $1.00 for each month worked of $281.00, for a total of $4,800.75,if no vacation time is taken.

c) Eva J. Redwine will retire on March 15, 2010 with 20 years and 5 months service. Her retirement incentive will be $3,000, vacation balance buy out will be $2,463.77 for 181.16 hours, and a gift from the City of $1.00 for each month worked will be $245.00, for a total of $5,708.77,if no vacation time is taken.

A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that the retirement payments for Billy J. Garrison, Bill Hunnicutt, and Eva Redwine 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.

Mr. Meadows announced his plans to retire on or around April 1, depending on the needs of the Council. Council expressed their thanks and appreciation for his service. Councilman Duer suggested that Mr. Meadows assist in the selection process of his successor, and even stay an extra month to assist the next City Manager.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Mayor Graham, that even thought Mr. Meadows will be leaving April 2, that his pay continue until May 1, 2010 for his expertise and the job he has done for the city. 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.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.