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CITY OF TOWNSEND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES On February 19th, 2008 |
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Attend: Attending the meeting were; Mayor Shannon Skidmore; Commissioners Ron Palewski, Charles Tippitt and David Wietlisbach. Also, Police Chief Ron Suttles, Recorder Gwen Jordan, Recorder in training Shelia Moss, Fire Chief Don Stallions, Pat Jenkins, Andy Lakatos, several members of the American Red Cross to include: Chapter Executive Betty Hale, Julie and Tom Anglin, and Karen Trotter, as well as several other community members. Pledge: Mayor Skidmore opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. American Red Cross: Chapter Executive Betty Hale stated that the Red Cross feels that Townsend is not receiving the response from them that is deserved. She spoke of the "water event" or flood of March 1994 when no one could get in or out of Townsend for hours. Once the Red Cross was able to gain entry they were permitted to use the location that "Christy' was filmed to assist the Townsend community. Ms. Hale stated that they were here to "request space so they can assist in tragedy". Ms. Hale introduced Karen Trotter who began working with the Red Cross in October 15, 2007. Ms. Trotter gave a handout detailing some of the Red Cross programs and three pamphlets regarding emergency preparedness for family, pets, and pandemic flu. Ms. Trotter also passed around a heater meal, child care item (stuffed bear), and the care kits with basic necessities such as toothpaste, shampoo and other hygiene items that they hand out in times of need. Ms. Trotter stated that the Red Cross wants to develop a volunteer base here in Townsend starting with Tom and Julie Anglin. Ms. Hale and Ms. Trotter stated that the space they were requesting was for storage of some of the examples that they had brought to the meeting. Mayor Skidmore agreed and instructed them to consult with Police Chief Ronnie Suttles and Fire Chief Don Stallions. Hog Rally: Upon the request of Mr. Maples, Andy Lakatos was seeking a beer permit for the Hog Rally that is scheduled for June 4th -7th. Mr. Lakatos stated that this would be for vending such as $2 beers and food. Mayor Skidmore instructed Mr. Lakatos that the City Beer Ordinance does not allow for event permits and suggested that this request should have been requested earlier. Mayor Skidmore also suggested that Mr. Lakatos research what other towns are doing and request an adoption of alternate regulations. Ordinance 234-08-1C: Mayor Skidmore read the ordinance to the attendee's. Mayor Skidmore requested to be recorded on the minutes as stating "this is not good for the community because of too many restrictions. The Attorney suggested there was no reason to change." Commissioner Wietlisbach stated that it was bad for business but, good for the residents. Mayor Skidmore responded by saying that he believed this was a "knee jerk" reaction for something that happened a year ago. Commissioner Wietlisbach made a motion to approve and the motion carried with 3 votes. Mayor Skidmore abstained from voting. Financial Report: Recorder Gwen Jordan reviewed the monthly report and the budget analysis reports with the Commission. She stated the following: There was $70,475.97 in revenue came in and $37,101 and $19,138 in local sales tax. This was for December and January. There was $32 generated from electric permits. There was $69,163.19 in expenses which was due to three payroll's in January, Planning, and Fire Department payment. $17,522 is left in the General Fund. The Street Fund had a balance of $8365.80 at the end of January. The Money Market account accumulated $144 in interest. The Citizens Money Market accumulated $544.16 in interest leaving a balance of $117,139.48. The BB&T CD has a balance of 33,250. $90,000 was transferred to the Bank East account and earned $68.01 in interest as of 1/17/08 leaving a balance of $90068.01. The Drug Court Fund had a balance of $9945.65. The long sheets showed $393,348.97 in revenue, which accounted for 74% of the planned budgeted revenue. They also showed 375,826.13 in expenses, which accounted for 71% of the planned expenses. Mayor Skidmore noted the Fire Department allotment of $1666.67 for January needed to be re-calculated only for the balance of 2007-2008 budget. Recorder Jordan agreed after reviewing and agreed to correct the monthly overpayment with the next several payments. Mayor Skidmore then made a motion to approved the budget and the motion carried with 4 yea votes. Police Report: Chief Ronnie Suttles requested permission to proceed with having an automobile outfitted for duty. He also informed the Commission that Officer Jimmy Yoakum turned in his notice the night of February 18, 2008. Chief Suttles stated that Officer Yoakum would complete the month of February and then would be reporting to the Blount County Sheriff's office for duty. Mayor Skidmore instructed Chief Suttles to seek a replacement for this vacancy. Chief Suttles stated he will start searching by publishing the position as certified. Mayor Skidmore also requested that Chief Suttles report next month with a comparison between the Townsend and Blount County Police Payroll's and Benefit's. Maintenance: Chief Suttles stated that he had the price quotes from Glen on the metal buildings to be used as storage for the Christmas lights if the Commission wants to order one. He reported that a 12 X 20 metal was priced at $4755 and a 12 X 30 at $5820. Chief Suttles stated that we are out of room for storage. Commissioner Wietlisbach requested the dimensions be reviewed to ensure maximum capacity. Fire Dept. Report: Chief Stallions opened by stating how appreciative he was for the night officers. He reported that his team responded to a total of 30 calls. He reported that there were 11 Fire Alarm calls, 17 First Response Calls, and 2 calls for aid to the public. A total number of member man hours for the month was 392 which covered Fire, First Response and Public Aid Calls as wells as Training and Maintenance. Chief Stallions also reported that they got a light bar and continue to prepare the vehicle for Medical Response. He also reported receiving a $10000 grant from Alcoa Inc.. He reported that they now have the same equipment as Blount County, such as the "jaws of life". Chief Stallions also reported that Blount County would train the Townsend Fire Department on this new equipment and that Butlers Wrecker Service had donated a practice car for training. Recreation: Mayor Skidmore reported that the T-Ball team was getting fired up and that there were 20 who signed up this year. He reported the fee was $55 per person and goes to the Alcoa Youth League. A motion to pay the fees was made by Commissioner Charles Tippitt, 2nd by Commissioner David Wietlisbach, and carried with 4 yea votes. Drug Testing: Mayor Skidmore suggested the employees and Commissioners should be entered into a random drug testing pool. He reported that there may be a month with 1 or 2 random test and some months with none at all. Mayor Skidmore gave Blount Memorial Occupational Health and a Company in Chattanooga as being set up for this testing. He stated that this may help prevent "bad" employees or commissioners. Misc: Mayor Skidmore read the resignation letter of Commissioner Mark Chipperfield, who recently relocated to Maryville. There will be 3 Commissioners that will be nominated in the August election due to Mark's resignation and term limits for 2 others. Commissioner Charles Tippitt stated that he thought the petition had to be completed by April in order to run and that 25 signatures are needed on the filing petition. A community member spoke words of gratitude to the Fire Chief. There being no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm. Respectfully submitted by; Shelia Moss Admin. Asst. City of Townsend |
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