The City Council for the City of Crossville, Tennessee met in regular session on Tuesday, September 14, 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, George Marlow, Tanya Shurmur, Bob Shurmur, Ed Seeley, Jerry Garrison, Troy Shaver, Ted Meadows, Elaine Meadows, Bill Ray, Jeff Kerley, Andy Vaughn, Lewis Stover, Judy Stover, Chris South, Steve Hill, Marlene Potter, Renee Smith, Andrew Smith, Chris Smith, Reni Riden, Les Sherrill, Alexander Barrett, Mitzi Evitt, Bill Startup, Paige Matthews, Meagan Matthews, Jon Matthews, Brooke Wyatt, Tim Chesson, Clark Annis, Joe Miller, V.S. Wisdom, Valerie Delk, John Sohmer, Theda Holbrook, Jon Gayhart, Jim Young, Mary Shipley, Frank Shipley, Christy Mathis, Terry Ashburn, Darlene Barnwell, Fred Houston, Hunter Withers, Alexis Withers, Lori Withers, John Withers, Beth Alexander, Glenn Craig, Sonya Rimmer, John Owings, Tom Baldwin, Don Napier, Barbara Ware, Maria Tanner, Nan Evans Beesley, Clarence Coffey, Lee Lawson, Valerie Hale, Kelli Harrelson, Tim Johnson, Pepe Perron, Chris Bennett, Steve Lane, Jim Purcell, Dewey Peterson, Danny R. Wyatt, Karli Threet, Gary Stoner, Anita Turner, Lacey Turner, Savannah Turner, Samantha Shensky, Joseph A. Reali, Margie Buxbaum, Jerry Kerley, Tonya Hinch, Billy Loggins, Mike Turner, Brian Matthews, Thomas Smith, Brian Wyatt, Jeremy Mangas, Mark Rosser, and David Beaty.

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 Tim Chesson of the Faith Worship Center. The Young Marines presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #1 – PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS

a) Student of the Month – Pedro Marquez was honored for the character trait “cooperation”

b) Life Saving Awards – Fire Department – Fire Chief Mike Turner, Captain Rick Myers, Firefighter EMT-IV Brian Matthews, Firefighter EMT-IV Thomas Smith, Firefighter Brian Wyatt, and Volunteer Firefighter Jeremy Mangas were recognized for their life saving actions on July 19 to a motorist unconscious behind the wheel of his truck. The motorist’s vehicle was stopped by the Fire Chief and he immediately received medical care and was transported to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, where he received advanced medical care and made a full recovery. Without their action, he was not expected to live. The motorist, Les Sherrill, was present at the meeting to thank the firefighters.

c) Mayor’s Green Award – Christy Mathis, representing Wal-Mart, received the award for reduction of wastes and promotion of sustainability among its suppliers and associates.

d) Outstanding Use of Trees Award – Barbara Ware, representing the Tree Board, presented the award to Taco Bell and Cumberland County Bank.

e) Water Environment Association Industrial Pretreatment Award – Flowers Snack of Tennessee, Inc.

f) Senior Olympics Softball – The 65+ team and the 70+ team were recognized for their silver medal and gold medal, respectively, in Tennessee Senior Olympics softball. The 70+ team will represent Tennessee in Houston in June 2011. The cost of this trip is estimated at $7,500. They requested a sponsorship fee of $5,000 to help defray the costs.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Mayor Graham, that a sponsorship fee of $5,000 be approved for the Senior Softball team and, if necessary, that a budget amendment be passed on first 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.

(At 6:25 p.m. the regular meeting was recessed and the Solicitation Board called to order.)

SOLICITATION BOARD

Fairfield Glade Lion’s Club

An application was submitted by the Fairfield Glade Lion’s Club for a Solicitation Permit for their annual cheese sale.

A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Duer, that a Solicitation Permit be approved for the Fairfield Glade Lion’s Club. 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.

(At 6:30 p.m. the Solicitation Board was adjourned and the Beer Board called to order.)

BEER BOARD

5 Point Market

An application was submitted by Paresh B. Patel for an off-premises beer permit for 5 Point Market located at 1025 West Ave. Mark Rosser gave a clear records report and recommended approval.

A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that an off-premises beer permit be approved for Paresh B. Patel dba 5 Point Market. 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.

Dollar General Store #9716

An application was submitted by Dolgencorp, LLC for an off-premises beer permit for Dollar General Store #9716 located at 146 Woodmere Mall. Mark Rosser gave a clear records report and recommended approval.

A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that an off-premises beer permit be approved for Dolgencorp, LLC dba Dollar General Store #9716. 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.

Dollar General Store #573

An application was submitted by Dolgencorp, LLC for an off-premises beer permit for Dollar General Store #573 located at 1846 S. Main St. Mark Rosser gave a clear records report and recommended approval.

A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that an off-premises beer permit be approved for Dolgencorp, LLC dba Dollar General Store #573. 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.

(At 6:33 p.m. the Beer Board was adjourned and the regular meeting reconvened.)

ITEM #2 – CONSENT AGENDA

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

a) Approval of minutes (8/10)

b) Approval of Bass, Berry, and Sims as bond counsel for the Cumberland Cove waterline bonds, Fire Hall #3, and Fire Equipment in the amount of $19,500

c) Approval of Bass, Berry, and Sims as bond counsel for the Hwy. 70N waterline bonds in the amount of $6,500

d) Approval of initial resolution authorizing the issuance of a not to exceed $1,700,000 water and sewer revenue and tax bond for the Hwy. 70N waterline project

e) Approval of resolution authorizing the issuance of a not to exceed $1,700,000 water and sewer revenue and tax bond, Series 2010A of the City of Crossville, Tennessee; providing for the collection and disposition of the revenues from the water and sewer system of the municipality; making provision for the issuance, sale and payment of said bond; establishing the terms thereof and the disposition of proceeds therefrom, and the levy of a tax under certain conditions for the payment of principal and interest on the bond; and providing details relating to the issuance of bond anticipation notes

f) Approval of contract with Community Development Partners for administration of the Hwy. 70N water line project through Rural Development in the amount of $38,000

g) Approval of office rental agreement with Leo Garrison, Jerry Garrison, and Thresea Garrison in the amount of $1,000 per month (Catoosa office building)

h) Approval of agreement with CipherTek in the amount of $7,440 for website design and hosting

i) Approval to submit a SAFER grant application for 100% of the salary cost, including benefits, for 15 new firefighters for two years

j) Approval of parade permit for Special Olympics on September 19

k) Approval of parade permit for CCHS homecoming parade on September 23

l) Approval of temporary street closings for September 25 cruise-in and Movies on the Courthouse lawn event

m) Post-facto approval of temporary street closings for Depot Days 5K run/walk held on September 11 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

n) Approval of temporary street closings for Rotary 5K run/walk on October 16

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 – APPROVAL OF BIDS/PURCHASES

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

a) Sig Sauer 40 caliber pistols - The Police Dept. recommended the purchase of 50 weapons from the low bidder, GT Distributors, for $30,935, including trade-in.

b) Bushmaster rifles – The Police Dept. recommended the purchase of 20 rifles from the low bidder, GT Distributors, for $14,075.80. This purchase is partially funded by a grant from the U. S. Dept. of Justice.

c) Gardens pump station – The sole bid of Wascon was $2,294 less than the budgeted amount. This project will replace pumps and rail system for the Gardens pump station, which is over 20 years old and in need of upgrade.

d) Removal of structures – A residential home and mobile home will need to be removed for the Northwest Connector. It was recommended that the offer of Brad Shaffer for $3,000 be accepted on the mobile home. It was recommended that city crews demolish the residential home.

e) Holiday Dam weir valve controls – Bids were received from two firms. The low bid of Sain Construction Company in the amount of $137,389 was recommended by the consulting engineers, ECE Services and the City Manager.

f) Computers – Total price of 14 computers and necessary monitors from Dell is $13,362.52. The license for MS Office are from CDW-G at $348.04 each, for a total of $3,132.36. The total cost for computers, monitors, and licenses will be $16,494.88.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the purchases “a, b, c, d, f” be approved as recommended. 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.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the bid of Sain Construction Company on the Holiday Dam weir valve controls be approved and a budget amendment for the weir valves be passed on first reading. Vote: Motion passed (summary: Yes = 3, No = 2, Abstain = 0). Yes: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Councilman Carl Duer, Mayor J. H. Graham, III. No: Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean.

ITEM #4 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND GREENWAY

As discussed at the August meeting, Habitat for Humanity is planning a development project along a portion of a proposed greenway. They have offered 11.8 acres for the greenway in exchange for 58 pre-paid water taps, 58 pre-paid sewer taps, one mainline water tap, and one main line sewer tap. The taps will be used over a multi-year period, with an average of 5-8 homes per year.

Authorization was also requested to contract with Wiser Group for preliminary engineering reports, at no charge, and submission of a grant application to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for construction of a greenway. The acceptance of this property will be used toward the local match requirements.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Mayor Graham, that the offer of Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity for 11.8 acres in exchange for pre-paid water and sewer taps 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.

A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that

1) a contract with Wiser Group for preliminary engineering reports for the greenway project be approved; and

2) submittal of a grant application for a greenway to the TN Dept. of Transportation be approved.

ITEM #5 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO MEADOW PARK LAKE DAM PROJECT

Mayor Graham and Tim Begley provided the latest timetable on the repair portion of the project:

September 20 – November 15, 2010 – Permitting process completion
October 11, 2010 – Completion of plans
October 12, 2010 – Submittal of plans to Safe Dams and Rural Development
November 1, 2010 – Completion of Rural Development funding plan
November 1, 2010 – Advertise for bids
November 30, 2010 – Award of bids
December 15, 2010 – Notice to Proceed and start of construction
January 1, 2011 – Lower the level of Meadow Park Lake
April 1, 2011 – Stop control of the lake level

The project consists of anchoring the dam into the bedrock; pumping grout into existing cracks; and refinishing the faces of the dam as required by Safe Dams. The City is one year into an extension of the notice to do the work by Safe Dams. During construction the Holiday Hills plant will be used to the maximum extent with the remaining water coming from Lake Tansi directly into the Meadow Park Plant. The construction of the water harvesting line is about 2-3 weeks behind schedule.

ITEM #6 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO WATER/SEWER RATES AND FEES

The City Manager stated he was notified by Dennis Dycus, Director of the Division of Municipal Audit in the Comptroller’s Office, that the provision in the City’s water and sewer rates and fees resolution providing a 20% reduction for senior citizens is not allowed by law. The provision was originally implemented in 1995. Currently, only 100-150 customers receive the reduction. A new resolution was presented with the provision removed.

A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the revised resolution for water/sewer rates and fees be adopted. 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 #7 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Mayor Graham reported on the sustainability project which began in 2008 with a community group and public meetings through the assistance of the University of Tennessee. The Crossville Energy and Sustainability Initiative Analysis and the current status of the projects were presented. Tim Begley provided an update on the traffic signal conversion project, which was started in 2007. The first intersection was the intersection of West Avenue and Lantana Road and was completed in 2007. The electrical consumption savings from that intersection was 81% and the cost savings 60%. The Stanley St. and Miller Ave intersection was a complete rebuild and produced $1600 savings for the year. The average electric bill was reduced from $160 to $25. The reduction in electric use was down 92%. The total cost for a complete head is $6,000, which results in a payback of 4 years. The LED lights are brighter, last longer, and save in maintenance costs. In an average year, 60 incandescent light bulbs are used. In the past year, no LED bulbs were changed. Joe Miller and Nelson Delk are the employees responsible for the conversions. They gave a demonstration of the difference between the bulbs. There are currently 34 signals in the City with 17 already changed. The new lights at I-40/Genesis will be operational in a week.

ITEM #8 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO LAKE TANSI POA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Upon the purchase of the lots at Lake Tansi for the water harvesting project, the City earned the right to vote on P.O.A. matters. A ballot was presented, which allowed a vote for two seats on the Board of Directors. The candidates are Daniel J. Kington, Danny Plumlee, and Sheridan Miszklevitz. The ballot also contained a vote for or against a $10 dues increase.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Dean, that no votes be cast. 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 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES

During the past month, the City animal control officer delivered animals to the Cumberland County Humane Shelter (CCHS) and was refused because they were full and could not accept any more, even though the City had given them the first quarter payment of $6,250 to provide the service. It was at that time that the City was informed that the CCHS had changed to a “no-kill” shelter, rather than euthanizing animals as allowed by state law. In order to be able to continue animal control services, contact was made with the Cumberland County Shelter for services. A proposed inter-local agreement was presented for review that calls for the City to pay $100 per animal delivered to the County facility. The City Manager reported on a meeting held between the City and County contemplating a merger of the departments with the costs being split 50/50 between the local governments. This venture was presented, and approved, by the County Commission Building & Grounds committee. The cost was estimated to be $38,155 per year.

The matter was deferred for further review to the October meeting.

ITEM #10 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO VANDALISM AT CENTENNIAL PARK

Following the installation of surveillance cameras at the Park, it was reported that during the morning of August 5^th, vandals caused over $1,000 in damages to areas of Centennial Park. Parks & Recreation, the IT Dept, and the Police Department reported that detectives with the City Police Department were able to identify several suspects from footage collected at the time of the incident. Charges have been filed and the case is awaiting a court ruling. Chief Beaty reported that they had recommended to the Court that the City be entitled to full restitution and community service from the perpetrators. He observed that he considered cameras to be very important in solving cases and protecting property.

ITEM #11 – CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell reported that no new lawsuits were filed during the past month. All work has been completed on the bond issues.

ITEM #12 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Curtis Adams presented the monthly revenue reports for local option sales tax, wholesale beer, and retail liquor. He also presented reports on building permits, grants/projects, and capital improvement projects. Sales tax is continuing to improve.

Mobile Home variance – A request was received from Ms. Theda Holbrook for a variance to the Mobile Home Ordinance due to her mobile home being in excess of 10 years. She has purchased property on Bilbrey Street on which she plans to move the home. A recommendation was made by the Planning Commission to grant the variance. A public hearing is required by the Crossville Municipal Code. It was suggested that approval be given for the variance subject to a public hearing being held at the October meeting.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Mayor Graham, that the mobile home variance for Ms. Theda Holbrook to locate her mobile home at 130 Bilbrey Street be granted, subject to a public hearing. 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.

Airport Fuel Farm Relocation – Bids were received on the relocation of the AvGas tanks at Crossville Memorial Airport as follows:

Estes Equipment Company $208,363

Cobb Environmental & Technical Services $188,303

Freitag Construction Company $198,500

A 50% grant of $85,820 has been received from the Aeronautics Division of TDOT for a total project of $161,640. A request was made for an additional grant of $44,000 to bring the project to $249,640, which would cover the costs for engineering and installation. This request was approved and a grant contract presented for approval. Approval was requested to accept the grant amendment.

In reviewing the bids, the consulting engineer checked references on the low bid and found several issues of concern. These concerns were forwarded to the City Attorney (letter and inspection reports attached and made a part of these minutes). Mr. Chadwell reported that the low bidder had 5 projects that were reviewed. Three of the projects were completed without concerns. However, two came back very poor. They had not been closed out, an inspection had a myriad of deficiencies, including matters of safety and usability of the installed equipment. Mr. Chadwell informed the Council that they did not have to choose the low bidder, but could choose the lowest and best or most responsible bid. Council has discretionary powers in regards to references, prior work completion, inspection reports, and referrals. They have the right to weigh the difference in the monetary bids and the references and report from the consulting engineers. He further stated that, if they chose the second lowest bid, he would consider that it would be on a good faith basis and that it would be a defensible position.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that amendment number one to the grant contract on the fuel farm relocation be accepted, the additional local deposit of $21,903 be approved, and the bid awarded to Freitag Construction, subject to the approval of TDOT-Aeronautics Division. 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.

Airport T-Hangar Grant Amendment – A request was made to the Aeronautics Division of TDOT for the additional $938,624 Vision funds allocated to Crossville Memorial Airport to be used for the t-hangar project. This request was approved. A grant contract amendment was presented for approval, which requires a local deposit of $104,292. The amendment brings the total grant funding to $1,044,465, with local funds of $116,052. An official ground breaking ceremony is being scheduled for October 2, prior to the fly-in.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the amendment to the airport t-hangar grant be approved and the additional local deposit of $104,292 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.

Airport ASOS Grant Amendment - A request was made to the Aeronautics Division of TDOT for $87,612 in additional funds to cover all the costs for the relocation of the ASOS. This request was approved. The local share is 25% ($21,903) and is required to be deposited with the State. The amendment brings the total grant funding to $121,921 with local funds of $40,640. The project is now complete. A deduct change order was also presented in the amount of $1,675.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the amendment to the grant contract on the airport ASOS be approved, the additional local deposit of $21,903 be approved, and deduct change order #1 in the amount of $1,675 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.

Caryonah Dam – The project is now complete. A final change order in the amount of $6,759.84 to adjust final quantities was presented for approval. The total project cost was $492,150.09.

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the final change order in the amount of $6,759.84 on the Caryonah dam project 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.

City Manager Adams spotlighted the activities of the Marketing & Public Relations and the Parks & Recreation Department. He requested Steve Hill, Billy Loggins, Terry Ashburn, and Steve Hill to present a report on their recent activities. Their report included the following updates:

Palace Theatre – The use of the facility is up over 17% from the previous year with 419 groups using it and almost 30,000 people in attendance. Non-profits have particularly benefited from fundraisers at the Palace.
Centennial Park – The department has hosted 31 baseball/softball tournaments that included 904 teams consisting of about 14,000 players; 15 horseshoe tournaments with 380 pitchers, 9 golf tournaments with 848 players; and 525 soccer players. With flooding in middle Tennessee in May, the city was able to host 8 matches between some of the top teams in the state, resulting in excellent publicity.
Golf Capital Golf Tournament was hosted at Lake Tansi.
Bio-Diesel Program – The Live Green Tennessee is now airing on PBS channels, featuring the city’s project. All of Fairfield Glade’s restaurant grease will be delivered for use in the project. Mayfield Dairy is partnering by giving a coupon for ice cream in exchange for a donation at the recycling center.
A 2011 calendar is being developed at Fairfield Glade that will sell for $20 with coupons. A portion of the funds will be put back in for the Tennessee Women’s Open purse or the State Senior Men’s Tournament.
Dr. Carl T. Duer Soccer Complex – Billy Loggins presented a plaque to Dr. Duer as a memento of the soccer complex named after him.

Mr. Adams reported that the funds for work performed by Don Napier come out of the marketing budget. Mr. Napier reported on a number of projects that have been completed at no cost to the City. They have created a news network of surrounding cities and counties through which they send news releases. This is resulting in a high percentage of the stories being used by the news media in the network. A media guide was prepared for the Women’s Open with all the costs being paid by advertisers.

Pepe Perron was invited to speak to the Council on tourism. The Convention and Visitors Bureau was established to market tourism. They have had many projects with tourism now a $92,000,000+ industry in the County. The County received several grants for the construction of the Big South Fork Visitor’s Center to be located at the Genesis Road interchange. A $196,000 grant was received from HUD for environmental studies, property appraisals, site purchase, site grading, the access road named River Otter Circle, and other expenses. The City installed the water and sewer lines. The center will promote Crossville and Cumberland County, Golf Capital of Tennessee, outdoor activities, Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, all state parks, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Areas, the Big South Fork National Park, and other areas. The National Park Service will help train volunteers. Rural Development has provided $25,000 for architectural, engineering services, and building design. They also provided $20,000 for a tourism video to run at the facility. The largest funding was a TEA-21 grant from the Department of Transportation that requires a 20% match of approximately $120,000. The building will be approximately 3,000 sf with the design expected to be complete this month.

Mr. Perron pointed out that we are in direct competition with the Highlands Visitor Center already open to promote Putnam and White Counties. The operations of the facility would be a proposed budget to be presented to the City and County requesting 50/50 funding from each entity. They anticipate the hiring of one employee. Councilman Kerley stated that former County Mayor Brock Hill approached him about the City providing the $120,000 required local match for the Visitor’s Center. (Following the vote, Councilman Kerley added that the money would cover the paving costs for the project. He stated it would be a cash donation, rather than the City providing the paving through its own contracts.)

A motion was made by Councilman Kerley moved, seconded by Councilman Dean, that the City give the local match of $120,000 to the Council when a contract is issued for project and that a budget amendment be passed on first reading.

Councilman Wyatt requested that the County Mayor be requested to come to the City Council on the matter before any commitments are made. City Manager Adams asked that the matter be deferred until he had time to talk to the County about the funding of the project. Councilman Duer stated that he had also talked to Brock Hill and the County Commission had not cooperated much on the project. He felt that City funds would be necessary for the project to move forward. Mayor Graham felt like he did not have enough information on the project to act on the motion. Councilman Kerley called for the question.

Vote: Motion passed (summary: Yes = 3, No = 2, Abstain = 0). Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor Pro-Tem Earl Dean. No: Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr., Mayor J. H. Graham, III.

Councilman Wyatt expressed concern about water leaks. He asked for verification that the City is connected to the Crab Orchard Utility District, but that it is only as a back-up and that the connection is controlled by the City.

Councilman Wyatt brought up some issues raised in memos from Councilman Kerley. One of the issues was related to expenses of Don Napier for public relations. Mr. Adams responded that Mr. Loggins contracts with Don Napier to provide writing and layouts and that the costs are covered under that budget. The other issue involves the leased space at Crossville Realty and the possibility of terminating the contract and moving the 9 employees back to City Hall or Public Works. Councilman Wyatt made a statement to Councilman Kerley that he shouldn’t be trying to run his election out of a City Council meeting (this sentence was added by amendment at the October 12, 2010 meeting).

ITEM #13 – GRIEVANCES FROM CITIZENS

Vancieneta Wisdom commented that the removal of the senior citizen discount will be in addition to the already scheduled water/sewer rate increases. She also reflected on the history of Centennial Park and the role Earl Dean took in getting it established and suggested that he be honored in some manner.

Mike Turner thanked City Council, on behalf of the firefighters, for all the support for their department with the addition of the defibrillators and support of EMT training for the fire fighters. Councilman Duer pointed out the contributions made in time, leadership, and experience by Dr. Mark Fox in the First Responder Program.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.