The City
Council for the City of
Roll Call. Present: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt. Others present were Interim City Manager Mike Turner, City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, Evan Sanders, Julia Dean, James Perry, Jimmy Hoover, Glenn McDonald, Andy Lyon, Bob Schwartz, Valerie Hale, Steve Lane, Dewey Peterson, Joe Miller, Chris Bennett, Frances Carson, Terri Curran, Steve Powell, Allen Tabor, Wendell Brannan, Marlene Potter, Karlie Threet, Bruce Wyatt, Carmen Wyatt, Frank Shipley, Jeff Kerley, Jerry Garrison, Pam Harris, Kim Hinch, Brian Templeton, Britt Tyler, David Wells, Norman Roach, Darian Dykes, Sandy Gruber, Mary Beth Elrod, Dorothy Meharg, Art Meharg, Darlene Barnwell, Beth Alexander, Ashley Kesterson, Tony Perry, Mark Fox, Chris South, Khrista Wyatt, Katie Kirkham, Scott Christian, Warren Dean, Buddy page, Hazel Page, Jim Morrow, Elaine Morrow, Jason Matthews, Steve Hill, Billy Loggins, Ann Eckman, Chief David Beaty, Assistant Chief Darrell Sherrill, Derrick Clemow, and Ann Johnson.
Mayor J. H. Graham, III was present and presiding. He called the meeting to order at
ITEM #1- PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
a)
Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operational Excellence Award – An award was recently presented
for Outstanding Operation of the City of
b)
Mayor’s
Green Partner –The Green Team of Flowers Baking Company
c)
ECE
Services – A presentation of a picture of
ITEM #2 – CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, seconded by Councilman George Marlow, that all items on the consent agenda be approved as presented:
a) Approval of minutes (7/12, 7/19)
b) 3rd
c) 2nd
d) 1st
e) Approval of policy for water line extension
requests
f)
Approval
of “Freedom Walk” on September 11 at
g) Approval of 2011-12 street paving priorities
h) Approval of amendment of Contract in Lieu of
Performance Bond on the Crossville Sanitary Landfill reducing the bond from
$824,343 to $777,081
i)
Approval
of temporary street closings for Wellness Express Fitness Fun Run/Walk on
Saturday, November 12
j)
Approval
of loan agreement with the Department of the Navy on the jet at
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr.,
Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor
Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
ITEM #3 – BIDS/PURCHASES
a)
Approval
of purchase of replacement sewer pump from Smith Electric Motor Service in the
amount of $7,600
b)
4 WD
truck – Maintenance – TN Fleet Sales on 2011 Ford F-250 XL for $21,319
c)
2011
Crown
d)
2011
Nissan Pathfinder detective vehicle – Alexander AutoMall (state contract) in
the amount of $23,921
e)
Two
2011 Ford Explorers patrol vehicles – Alexander AutoMall (state contract) in
the amount of $24,522 each ($49,044 total)
f)
Engineering
for Safe Routes to School sidewalks – Director of Engineering Tim Begley
recommended that a contract be negotiated with Field Engineering Services at an
amount in accordance with TDOT reimbursement guidelines.
g)
Automated
Fuel System – Trak for $15,600.13
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Earl Dean, that all bids/purchases be awarded as recommended. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
Councilman Marlow commented on the difficulty for local dealers to compete with state contract that can be below dealer costs. However, we do ask local dealers to help with repairs and service.
ITEM #4 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marketing Director Billy Loggins
discussed the latest marketing and public relations projects.
(At
SOLICITATION BOARD
United Fund of
An application was submitted by the United Fund of Cumberland County for their annual fundraising campaign.
A motion was made by Councilman Earl Dean, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, that a Solicitation Permit be issued to the United Fund of Cumberland County. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
VFW, Post 9686
An application was submitted by the VFW, Post 9686 for their annual Buddy Poppy Sale to be held October 7-8.
A motion was made by Mayor J. H. Graham, seconded by Councilman George Marlow, that a Solicitation Permit be issued to the VFW, Post 9686. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
The Rock/Life Worth
Living
An application was submitted by The Rock/Life Worth Living. City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reviewed the application and found the following lacking: 3 year financial statements, ending date for the solicitation campaign, resolution authorizing application for permit, estimated cost of the solicitation, not a 501(c)(3) organization, and a business plan. He recommended that the application be rejected and resubmitted in complete form. Action on the application was deferred.
(At
BEER BOARD
Mexikan Grill
An application for an on- and
off-premises beer permit was submitted by Salvador Flores dba Mexikan Grill
located at 202 N Main. Assistant Chief
David Beaty gave a clear records report on the applicant.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Earl Dean, that an on- and off-premises beer permit by issued to Salvador Flores dba Mexikan Grill. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
Dollar General Store #12671
An application for an off-premises
beer permit was submitted by Dolgencorp, LLC dba Dollar General Store #12671
located at
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, that an off-premises beer permit be issued to Dolgencorp, LLC dba Dollar General Store #12671. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
(At
ITEM #5 – MATTERS
RELATIVE TO BUILDING PROJECTS
Discussion was held regarding the
improvements requested by the Fire and Police Departments on the current City
Hall building and the Public Safety building.
It was recommended that Upland Design be contracted to prepare design
and bid specifications on both of these renovations in addition to Fire Hall #3
and the new City Hall. When the final
design is completed, Upland Design will come back before the Council with
revised cost estimates and Council can decide if there are any items to be bid
as alternates.
Derrick Clemow stated that the drawings
on the new City Hall will take approximately 60 days at a fee of 7% of the
construction cost. However, half of the
original fee for the study will be credited toward the final cost.
On Fire Hall #3, they now estimate a
construction cost of $1,000,000 with a proposed fee of 7% of the actual
construction cost. They proposed a 25%
deduction to the Schematic Design and Construction Document Services portion
which is estimated at $52,500. The
Bidding and Construction Administration Services estimated fee is $17,500.
A motion was made by Councilman Earl
Dean, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, that (1) a contract with Upland
Design on the new City Hall building be approved; (2) an updated contract with
Upland Design on Fire Hall #3 be approved; and (3) approval be given to proceed
with final plans for the new City Hall building and Fire Hall #3. Vote:
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr.,
Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor
Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
ITEM #6 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO DOWNTOWN PROJECT
Mayor Graham announced that the City
had been awarded a $1,000,000 grant by EDA and reviewed the current funding
status for the downtown project and grant/loan timelines. He further reviewed the current status of the
water lines and their inability to adequately fight fires. He also discussed the storm sewers that are
in major need of installation to adequately convey stormwater run-off. The Mayor relayed an article on odor problems
in
Evan Sanders with Community
Development Partners reviewed the funding sources. (attached and made a part of
these minutes) Councilman Boyd Wyatt
pointed out that the letter from EDA indicates that their commitment is
non-binding. Mr. Sanders stated that
while it is a non-binding letter, it is EDA’s intention to fund the project
once the remaining documents are submitted.
Tim Begley explained the reason for the high construction administration
costs and that they will take quite a bit of time because of the intensity of
the project. It will require
coordination of unforeseen issues with water and a large contingency because of
unknown underground conditions such as abandoned fuel tanks and contaminated
soils.
Councilman Earl Dean reminded the
Council that the project started a long time ago and that it was time to fix the
old waterlines. He stated his desire to
see the project get started.
Councilman Boyd Wyatt commented that
it is a good project, but when it was started it was projected to receive $6-7M
in grant money. He also did not believe
it was a good time for financing more projects due to buying land at airport,
buying the bank building, and the commitment to building fire hall #3. He also stated that he was not convinced that
DCI will raise their commitment of $500,000.
Councilman George Wyatt agreed that
there are a lot of improvements that need to be completed and that he is always
concerned about the amount of money being spent and his desire to not leave a
large debt. However, he would rather pay
40 cents on the dollar than a dollar on the dollar. He originally voted against the engineering
because the project wasn’t fully funded, but he now believes it is better to
move forward. He did indicate a concern
about the potential for property tax increases.
Councilman Danny Wyatt commented
that he expects DCI to come up with some of their committed funds through
in-kind donations.
Finance Director Fred Houston stated
that the water/sewer loan can be financed under the current rate
schedules. State Revolving Loan Fund
personnel concurred with this opinion.
Currently, there are reserves of $4.5M in the General Fund. He stated that the City may have to go up on
property tax depending on final costs of the downtown project, the fire hall,
and the addition of 15 employees requested for the Fire Department.
Mayor Graham pointed out that the
City could apply for long-term funding for all building projects including the
original cost of $1.9M cash that was paid for the bank building. He estimated that this debt service would be
about 4 cents on the tax rate. The
current budget projected no increase in revenues for sales tax and property
taxes
The contract for the final engineering for the project is $461,158. However, $189,000 of the cost will be paid
through the SRF funds, leaving a net cost for City funds of $272,158.
A motion was made by Councilman Earl Dean, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, that authorization be given for Step F and Step G services for the downtown economic development project as provided in Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with E.G.& G., Inc. for a total cost of $461,158. Vote: Motion passed (summary: Yes = 4, No = 1, Abstain = 0). Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt. No: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr.
With his
vote, Councilman Boyd Wyatt commented that he voted no because he felt like it
would be putting the City of
ITEM #7 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO OUTDOOR SALES
The revised ordinance regulating
outdoor sales was presented by the City Attorney and City Clerk. Mayor Graham read a letter from property
owners, Norris and Ree Sorrells, in favor of the new ordinance. Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt stated that he had
not received any negative comments on the proposed ordinance. Councilman Boyd Wyatt voiced his desire to
leave residential people alone and allow the corridor sale to be held for 14
days. Councilman George Marlow stated
his opinion that he would like to prevent Crossville from being a tent city
where vendors set up many months in the year.
He also voiced the concern of existing businesses. The City Attorney stated that to remove the
residential portions of the ordinance would take significant revisions in the
correct definitions. City Clerk Sally
Oglesby reported that it is difficult to determine when frequent yard sales
become businesses rather than just casual, isolated, sales. If the ordinance is adopted, her office will
go out and assist those holding sales to get their permit as easy as
possible. Mayor Graham stated his
position that the City must protect the rights of businesses that are competing
with outdoor sales that have new goods.
Councilman Earl Dean said the original concept was for a short period of
time, but the vendors are stretching it out much longer. Councilman Boyd Wyatt said that the hotels
want it to continue as it is and that it does create additional sales tax.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt, seconded by Mayor J. H. Graham, III, that the ordinance regulating outdoor sales be passed on second reading. Vote: Motion passed (summary: Yes = 4, No = 1, Abstain = 0). Yes: Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt. No: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr.
ITEM #8 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO INDUSTRIAL RECRUITMENT
Mayor Graham lead a discussion in
regard to goals and objectives for industrial recruitment. He presented a Letter of Intent from BekZon
to locate their national headquarters in Crossville. Any commitments by the City and State will be
made after a due diligence review of their company information. They have asked for a five acre site in
Mayor
Graham reported that another company is looking at an 8 acre tract in
ITEM #9 – MATTERS
RELATIVE TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mayor Graham led a discussion in
regard to the goals and objectives for economic development. Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Wyatt suggested that Billy
Loggins might have time to make some phone calls and knock on some doors to see
what businesses are out there that might be interested in coming to
Crossville. Mayor Graham voiced his
concern that he might be stretched too thin with his other public relations and
marketing projects. Mr. Loggins stated
that he thought he would have additional time in the Fall and would be willing
to take it on. Council agreed to allow
the Interim City Manager and Billy Loggins work on a plan to contact retail
businesses.
ITEM #10 – MATTERS
RELATIVE TO
Scott Christian of ECE provided an
update on the project. A revised task
order for the engineering services provided for in the Rural Development budget
was presented for approval. This task
order re-allocates the original budget for engineering fees to meet current
expected costs.
A
motion was made by Mayor J. H. Graham, seconded by Councilman Earl Dean, that
the Revised Task Order for Meadow Park
Dam Renovation and Expansion Project be approved. Vote:
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr.,
Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor
Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
ITEM #11 – CITY
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reported that a new lawsuit was filed in the previous month and has been given to the insurance carrier for coverage.
Northwest Connector – The condemnation lawsuit against Turner has been filed in court and funds deposited. A hearing before the judge is scheduled for later in the month. TDOT has all the acquisition papers for review prior to final closings.
ITEM #12 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Amphitheatre – In order to open it this year, he reported
that it would be preferable to sod the area at an approximate cost of $17,000
for drainage and site prep, and $4,032 for sod.
A motion was made by Mayor J. H. Graham, seconded by Councilman Danny Wyatt, that approval be given to proceed with the proposal to sod the grounds of the amphitheatre. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
The annual airport maintenance agreement with TDOT-Aeronautics was presented for approval. Under this grant, the State will provide 50% of the maintenance costs up to total costs of $23,400.
A motion was made by Councilman Boyd Wyatt, seconded by Mayor J. H. Graham, that the airport maintenance agreement be approved. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman George Marlow, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Danny R. Wyatt.
The Airport paving project is going very well. The runway will be closed August 21-31 for paving. It will also be closed several nights this week for crack repairs
It was noted that Terry Ashburn will be scheduling events at the amphitheatre, in addition to scheduling of the Palace Theatre.
With no
further business, the meeting was adjourned at