The City Council for Crossville, Tennessee met in regular session on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Crossville City Hall.

 

Roll Call.

Present: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.  Others present were City Manager Dr. Jack Miller, City Attorney Kenneth Chadwell, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, Hal Graham, Tommy Brady, Wendy Davis, Brian Eckelson, Linda Sherrill, Robin Lovett, Richard M. Holt, Jane Powers, Shelia Knight, Fred Houston, Nedra Nitcher, Leila Corley, Carolyn Jozwiak, Larry Dyer, Rosalee Dyer, Cassie Dyer, Chaylin Dyer, Raya Walker, Joe Miller, Betty Cross, Bob Giebitz, H. L. Turner, Mike Metts, Frances Carson, Charlotte Medley, Darrell Sherrill, Mike Turner, Milly Dawkins, John Dawkins, Christy Lewis, Jeff Shaw, Jim Young, Janice Hamby, James Mayberry, Corey Legare, Betty Harvel, Kristie Langley, McKenna Langley, Ronnie Webb, and Fred Sherrill.

 

            Mayor J. H. Graham, III was present and presiding and called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.  Kenneth Chadwell gave the invocation.  The Young Marines presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

ITEM #1 – PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a)      Student of the Month – Mayor Graham presented the September “Student of the Month” award to Chaylin Dyer.

b)      Constitution Week – Mayor Graham proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week.

c)      Law Enforcement Challenge Competition – Richard Holt, State Coordinator, was present to recognize the Crossville Police Department who were recognized for winning the following awards: 

·        1st Place overall award in their category (26-50 officers)

·        1st Place underage alcohol prevention

·        1st place occupant protection

·        1st place bicycle/pedestrian safety

 

Lt. Fred Sherrill was recognized by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office for being a Regional Coordinator.  Peg Broadcasting, represented by Jeff Shaw, was also honored with the state-wide media award.

 

 

ITEM #2 – CONSENT AGENDA

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Duer, that the following items in the consent agenda be approved:

a)      Approval of minutes (8/14, 8/22, 9/4)

b)      Approval for a one-year lease renewal with Leo Garrison, Jerry Garrison, and Thresea Garrison for the Catoosa Utility Department building at a monthly rental rate of $950

c)      Annexation of 0.30 acres on the corner of Myrtle Ave. and Cedar Court

i)        3rd Reading of annexation ordinance

ii)       Resolution approving a Plan of Service

d)      1st Reading of ordinance dissolving the Airport Committee

e)      1st Reading of ordinance amending §14-300 of the Crossville Municipal Code in regards to flood damage prevention

f)        3rd Reading of ordinance amending the FY07-08 budget in the amount of $1,200 for City Judge wages

g)      Bids/Purchases 

i)        Approve low bid of Tri-County Equipment on a 6-wheel Sport Utility Vehicle in the amount of $9,533 for use in the Cemetery

ii)       Approve low bid of Plateau Truck and Tractor on a front-mount mower in the amount of $14,893 for use by Maintenance Department

iii)     Approve low bid of Plateau Truck and Tractor on a grooming mower in the amount tof $9,978.54 for use by Maintenance Department

iv)     Approve bid of Power Equipment, the lowest bid meeting specifications, on a double-drum vibratory compactor in the net amount of $31,500 for use by the Street Department and declare Leeboy Static Roller 1-500n Model 300 as surplus equipment to be used as a trade-in PULLED FOR SEPARATE VOTE

v)      Approve low bid of Nortrax-Knoxville on a rubber-tired backhoe/loader in the amount of $77,659 for use by Street Department

vi)     Approve low bid of Plateau Construction on a metal building in the amount of $182,732 for the Maintenance Department  PULLED FOR SEPARATE VOTE

vii)   Approve purchase of four 2008 Ford Crown Victoria patrol vehicles from Alexander Ford at a state bid price of $22,540 each

viii) Approve purchase of building permit software from Builder Radius, Inc. in the amount of $8,000 plus $1,500 for annual support

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

 

iv)  Double-drum vibratory compactor – It was confirmed that the low bid did not meet specifications and that the lowest bid that did meet specifications (Power Equipment) was recommended for acceptance.

vi)  Metal building – City crews have prepared the site and will install the plumbing for the building.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Mayor Graham, that the following be approved:

(1) the bid of Power Equipment, the lowest bid meeting specifications, on a double-drum vibratory compactor in the net amount of $31,500 for use by the Street Department;

(2) a Leeboy Static Roller 1-500n Model 300 be declared as surplus equipment to be used as a trade-in; and

(3) the low bid of Plateau Construction on a metal building in the amount of $182,732 for the Maintenance Department. 

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

 

 

ITEM #3 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO HEALTH INSURANCE

 

            It was recommended by the City Manager that the City remain with Blue Cross/Blue Shield TN PPO for the 2008 calendar year.  The following changes would be put into effect:

  • Deductible will change from $500 to $1,000 for an individual
  • Doctor’s office co-pay will increase from $10 to $20
  • Co-pay for an emergency room visit will increase from $100 to $200
  • The drug card will go from $10-20-30 to $8-35-50.  If a generic is available and the employee does not take the generic but uses the name brand drug, then the employee will have to pay the difference between the cost of the name brand drug and the generic brand.  If there is an over-the-counter medication available, the insurance will not cover a prescription.  This basically applies to allergy and reflux drugs.

 

There will be an overall 2% decrease in premiums with this plan.  The monthly cost for an employee will be $331.55 (decreased from $360.86).  The monthly cost for a family will be $939.02 (increased from $933.54).

 

            Ameritas Dental Insurance will remain the dental insurance carrier.  There will be no increase in cost.  It will remain at $21.82 for an individual and $54.24 for a family.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that the recommendations for health insurance and dental insurance for 2008 be approved.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.

 

 

ITEM #4 – 1ST READING OF ORDINANCE CLOSING STREETS FOR NEW LIBRARY BUILDING

 

            A request was received from the County Attorney to close the following rights-of-ways in preparation for the new library building:

·        Fourth Street  - An undeveloped portion running from Thurman to Webb Ave.

·        East Street – An undeveloped portion running from Division Drive to Second Street

·        Division Drive – A developed right-of-way running from East Street to Webb Ave.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that the ordinance closing portions of Fourth Street, East Street, and Division Drive be passed on first reading.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.

 

 

ITEM #5 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO NORTHWEST CONNECTOR DESIGN ENGINEERING

 

            Mayor Graham proposed proceeding with Phases II and IV of design for Sections I and II of the Northwest Connector as outlined in a memorandum dated June 12, 2007 from Gresham Smith and Partners.  Robin Lovett, Project Manager for Gresham Smith and Partners, was present to update the Council on the project.  The preliminary plans have been completed and submitted to TDOT for review and comment.  Those comments should be received by the end of the month.  The approvals requested would be to look precisely at each property involved and write the legal descriptions for acquisition.  The geotechnical study will provide the information that might be important in final design.  Director of Engineering Shelia Knight recommended the geotechnical study be done at this time.  Mayor Graham further stated that a traffic signal at the intersection of Northside Drive and Hwy. 127 will be critical.  Dr. Miller recommended that surface transportation funds allocated to the City be used to cover funding needs.

 

            A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilman Dean, that approval be given for the following related to the Northwest Connector:

(1) Phase II of engineering design to include complete right-of-way plans for Section I, including the intersection at US 70N at a cost of $79,000;

(2) geotechnical study at a cost of $53,500;

(3) design and installation of a traffic signal at the intersection with Hwy. 127N (SR 28) at an estimated cost of $150,000; and

(4) first reading of a budget amendment.

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

 

 

(At 5:25 p.m., the regular meeting was recessed and the Beer Board convened.)

 

BEER BOARD

Alisha Marie Gomez dba Taqueria El Primo

            An application for an on- and off-premises beer license was received from Alisha Marie Gomez dba Taqueria El Primo located at 202 N. Main.  Lt. Fred Sherrill recommended approval.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Dean, seconded by Councilman Duer, that an on- and off-premises beer permit be issued to Alisha Marie Gomez dba Taqueria El Primo.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.

 

Sunitaben Patel dba Short Stop Market

            An application for an off-premises beer license was received from Sunitaben Patel dba Short Stop Market located at 976 Lantana Road.  Lt. Fred Sherrill recommended approval.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Wyatt, that an off-premises beer permit be issued to Sunitaben Patel dba Short Stop Market, subject to clarification of question #13.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.

 

(At 5:28 p.m., the Beer Board was adjourned and the regular meeting reconvened.)

 

 

ITEM #6 – CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

            No new lawsuits were reported.

 

 

ITEM #7 – CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            City Manager Dr. Jack Miller presented the monthly revenue charts for local option sales tax and wholesale beer tax, both of which showed an increase over the previous year.

  • A request was received from the Avalon Center for a temporary street closing on Monday, October 8, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 11:30 a.m. for their Walk to Wipe Out Domestic Violence.  The walk would be on Main Street from Elmore Road to Lantana Road.  They requested that one half of the road be closed at a time.  Lt. Sherrill reported that they would have to place a car in front and behind the group to protect them, and it could be a tremendous liability.

A motion was made by Mayor Graham, seconded by Councilman Duer, that their walk be approved utilizing the sidewalks instead of the highway.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.

  • Genesis/Cook/Crabtree road improvements were reported to be 60-65% complete.
  • Circle Drive – Councilman Kerley reported that he had reports of rust in pipelines and suggested the lines may need to be replaced.
  • Holiday Lake dam and bridge project is awaiting release from TDOT to let the project out for bid.
  • Livingston and Miller traffic signal bid letting has been changed to October.
  • Soccer – The design plans are only 60% complete and had multiple errors.  Following a meeting with the engineers, the final plans are due Monday.  Director of Engineering Shelia Knight stated that the engineers set the dates and timelines, but did not live up to them and are now two months behind.  Finance Director Fred Houston reported he was holding the invoices until the work is completed.
  • Landfill closure – It was reported that well sampling will have to continue on the former site of the landfill, but an attempt is being made to reduce the landfill permit to the actual landfill site so that the remaining property could be used for other purposes.
  • Catoosa waterlines – Jerry Garrison reported that 1,000 feet of waterline has been constructced on Hwy. 70N.
  • Fire report – Fire Chief Mike Turner explained that 23 false calls last month were due to automated alarms, mainly in the Alzheimer’s unit at Wyndridge.  That problem has been fixed.
  • Drought – It was reported that during the first six days after the alert was issued, water use increased by 31,000 gallons per day.

 

 

ITEM #8 – MATTERS RELATIVE TO FUNDING FOR DOWNTOWN CROSSVILLE, INC.

 

            At the work session with Downtown Crossville, Inc., a request was made for funding assistance.  Mayor Pro-Tem Wyatt suggested that the City approve the funds for the remaining months of 2007 to see what progress they make.  Mayor Graham asked to pull the $5,000 for the engineering report to see what in-house information may already be available.  It was reported that they can utilize the City’s website at no cost.  Some surplus computers have been identified and will be made available for their use.

 

            A motion was made by Councilman Duer, seconded by Councilman Kerley, that funding in the amount of $15,000 be approved for Downtown Crossville, Inc. to cover costs through December 3, 2007, contingent on more information on the engineering report, and that a budget amendment be passed on first reading.  Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).  Yes: Councilman Carl Duer, M.D, Councilman Earl Dean, Councilman Jesse Kerley, Mayor J. H. Graham, III, Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt, Sr.

 

 

            With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.