EDOC, White Pine School, Commission Policy – Topics Of Quarterly Meeting

The Jefferson County Commission met for their Quarterly Voting Session on Monday, April 18, 2016 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Carmichael. All members were present for Roll Call. Minutes from the March 17th meeting were Approved with a Motion from Commissioner Scarlett and 2nd from Commissioner Tim Seals.

Two citizens appeared before the Commission, both addressing concerns regarding the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and EDOC. John Gunn, of Strawberry Plains, stated that he has questions regarding the success of the organizations and the state of their website. Steve Hammer, of Dandridge, made a formal request for information regarding expenditures, etc. Commissioner Turner shared some information that he had on hand.

The Notaries and Bonds were Approved with a Motion from Commissioner Solomon and 2nd from Commissioner McGraw. Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri brought two items for consideration, the Litter Grant, which has no County matching funds, and an appointment to the E911 Board. The Litter Grant was Approved with a Motion from McGraw and 2nd from Turner. Ronnie Coleman was appointed to the E911 Board ( replacing Davis) with a Motion from Scarlett and 2nd from Commissioner Dockery.

Finance Director Potts brought five Resolutions for Surplus-surplus to trade-Sheriff K-9(Solomon/Musick)-County Clerk Miscellaneous Equipment( Seals/Scarlett)-General Sessions Court TV&VCR ( Turner/Musick) and chairs from the Register of Deeds and County Archives ( Seals/Musick). All were approved by consent.

Commissioner Scarlett requested information regarding the status of the contract with Cope, the design firm for the White Pine School renovation and addition project. Finance Director Potts stated that the contract is close to being completed and that points of contention were items that should have received no protest from Cope. Scarlett indicated that he would support moving on to a different firm if the terms of the contract cannot be settled in a manner that is expedient and in the best interest of the County. Potts concurred that the process has been unusually complicated, in light of the items of debate, and lengthy.

Under Reports from Committees, the Audit Committee will be meeting with TDEC and the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office to discuss the situation regarding the projected closure costs of the Landfill. The Budget Committee brought several amendments on both the County and School side of the budget. Most were in the form of general housekeeping and all were brought by recommendation of the Budget Committee and Approved by the full body.

Under Unfinished Business the Nominating Committee brought one resolution, an amended committee organization and management plan, for consideration. A Motion was offered by Seals to accept and he was seconded by Commissioner Tabor. Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to refer to an ad hoc , committee to clean up discrepancies that might exist with current Commission policy. He was 2nd by Commissioner Kesterson but their motion failed to find favor. The original motion was Approved 16-5.

Three items were presented under New Business. Commissioner Dockery made a Motion allowing a section for citizen input on County committees and Board agendas, as well as a place for “other items” on the agenda to allow concerned citizens the opportunity to speak without being on the agenda and to give the committee or Board the lead way to address the citizen concerns should they determine a need. Dockery was 2nd by David Seal and the Motion was Approved 19-2. Commissioner David Seal brought a Motion that set Guidelines for the use the Hotel/Motel Tax and would require information be provided that is much akin to information required for Capitol Projects requests. Issue of timing arose, as the motion required that information be submitted before the Budget Committee hears presentations on the disbursement of the Hotel/Motel Tax funds, which have historically gone to the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC. Seal conceded the inception date of that portion of the motion for this budget cycle. He was 2nd by Commissioner Beeler, who spoke in favor of disclosure on the part of those that receive tax payer funds. Commissioner Huffaker spoke at length in support of the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC, listing contributions of the Chamber of Commerce. The Seal/Beeler motion Failed in a close vote of 12-9 with Commissioners Huffaker, Kesterson, Douglas, Gaut, Tabor, McGraw, Turner, Tim Seals, Scarlett, Dockery, Tucker and Carmichael voting No. Commissioner Turner made a Motion that would use the County website to make County Commission agendas and associated meeting documents available to the public, with the responsibility for those documents falling to the Commission Chair’s or his designee. Turner was 2nd by Dockery but the motion was never brought to a vote. Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri stated that his office would confer with the Commission Chair regarding the issue and it would not require formal action from the Commission. Tim Seals made a successful Motion to postpone and was 2nd by Huffaker.

One item was on the agenda for the Beer Board but, as there was no representative from the petitioner, the meeting was adjourned.

Source: K. Depew, News Director