Jefferson County Commission

Accuracy of Committee Appointment List Subject Of Heated Exchange at last Jefferson County Commission Meeting

The Jefferson County Commission held their Regular Monthly Meeting on November 19, 2012 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. The Chairman announced the cancellation of the November 29, 2012 Facilities and Public Service Committee meeting. Commissioner Estes made a Motion to Suspend the Rules to allow the addition of the Drug Court on the Agenda-2nd Turner and Passed by consent.

Commissioner Scarlett made a Motion to accept the Minutes and was 2nd by Estes-Passed. Upon a Motion from Commissioner Tucker and 2nd from Scarlett the Commission Approved the list of Notaries and Bonds. No citizens asked to address the Commission.

Commissioner Tucker requested that a formal request be made that School Board Chairman Potts and Director of Schools Edmonds be present at Commission meetings to be available to answer Commission questions. Chairman Mills stated that Director of Transportation, Maintenance and Capitol Projects for the Jefferson County Schools, Michael Phagan, was present as a representative of the School System. Tucker stated that he would like to ask County Attorney Churchwell if there is a way to compel attendance. Attorney Churchwell stated that attendance is a courtesy between departments and that there is no legal way to enforce attendance.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri offered Thanksgiving wishes to the Commission. The Mayor encouraged the Commission to consider approving a vehicle purchase for the Environmental Department, as the employee in need of transportation currently has nothing to drive. The Director of the Environmental Department requested direction regarding the purchase of a replacement vehicle for one that was wrecked. The opportunity to purchase a vehicle ($11,000 approximately beyond insurance settlement) at the State discount required a time sensitive response from the Commission. Budget Committee Chairman Griffith stated that the Committee had only given general indication of their willingness to consider a new purchase and a formal vote is necessary to establish funding. Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to suspend the rules to allow the funding of the vehicle to come before the Full Body-2nd Commissioner Carmichael and Passed by Consent.

Upon a Motion from Estes and 2nd from Patterson the Commission declared computer equipment from the Circuit Court Clerk surplus property. Commissioner Kesterson made a Motion to declare a microfilm reader printer as surplus property and donate to Dandridge Library-2nd Commissioner Solomon and Passed.

By Recommendation of the Budget Committee and presented by Budget Committee Chairman Griffith, the Commission Approved County General Fund Budget Amendment #2, County Sanitation/Landfill Fund Budget Amendment, School General Purpose Fund Budget Amendment #3 and #4, Schools Federal Fund Budget Amendment #3 and #4.

Upon a Motion from Estes and 2nd from Scarlett, the Commission Approved retaining legal council (Taylor and Knight) for EMS lawsuit, with a cap of $5,000.

Commissioner Estes presented a resolution regarding a Capitol Outlay note in the amount of $698,587 (Davis Bacon Wages) 2nd by Commissioner Sheets and amended by consent to include method of payment as Debt Service Fund and to name specifically Davis Bacon Wages associated with the Freshman Academy. Amended by Commissioner Scarlett to strike a portion of ambiguous language regarding the parameters of spending the funds-2nd Tucker and accepted by consent. Commissioners Tucker and Barreiro and Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri stated that they wished to consult legal council regarding the possibility of other sources of payment, including the construction manager. Commissioner Patterson inquired to the County Attorney if it was possible to recoup the wage money. County Attorney Churchwell stated that he had not looked into opportunities or options to recoup the wage money, however would do so if instructed. The Motion as Amended Passed 12-9 with Kesterson, Maples, Solomon, Blevins, Barreiro, Scarlett, Dockery, Carmichael and Tucker voting No.

Commissioner Turner made a Motion to send Resolution 2007-46 to the Nomination Committee for revision-2nd Solomon. Turner stated that the resolution, which deals with Committee and Board placements and limits, needed to be assessed and updated to remove conflicting language and information. Commissioner Turner also stated that an updated roster was needed to identify correctly positions that are currently filled and those that need to be filled, as well as appointment terms. He requested a list of mayoral appointments from Mayor Palmieri. Mayor Palmieri stated that a list is available, though there could be some errors on the updated list. He stated that the Commission list of Commission appointments is in serious disarray. Tucker stated that he tried to bring this issue before the Full Body at the time of Committee appointments and it was dismissed by the Full Body. The Nomination Committee will continue to address the issue of an updated list and amended resolution.

Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to remove compensation that is designated for the Chairman of the Commission and designate that the funds go to provide more hours for the Commission Secretary. Tucker stated that the minutes of meetings are several months behind and that the Commission Secretary needs additional hours to allow time for transcribing meeting minutes and other duties. 2nd Blevins. Chairman Mills stated that the Commission Secretary has been offered hours from another department that would allow time to transcribe the minutes. Scarlett offered an amendment to refer to Director of Jefferson County Finance Helton for possible consultation regarding benefits requirements. 2nd Solomon-Passed.

Commissioner Estes made a Motion to release $112,801 of designated funds for the Drug Court. 2nd Turner-Passed.

Commissioner Carmichael made a Motion to fund a new replacement Environmental Truck, up to $11,000, from the General fund.2nd Maples-Passed 18-2 with Beeler and Music voting No. The Meeting was Adjourned.