Jefferson County Commission Holds Special Called Meeting and Work Session

Jefferson County Commission met for a special called meeting and work session Monday night.  The session was to prepare for next week’s Regular Quarterly Session, which will be the first of the current fiscal year.  Absent from the roll call for the evening was Commissioner Blevens.

The Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission approved the rezoning request concerning a property located at 1002 Highway 139, Dandridge from A-1 (Agricultural-Forestry) to R-1 (Rural Residential).

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved and the agenda moved along.

Commissioner Robert Tucker sponsored an honorary resolution to commemorate and honor Ms. Lura Hinchey for 20 years of public service to the citizens of Jefferson County. A presentation will take place during the regular session of the County Commission on July 18, 2016.

The department heads of each department of the county submitted their reports from the fourth quarter.  The reports from each department were made available, except for the Department of Education.  The reports will be presented before the school board on Thursday for approval.

The nominating committee report included nominating replacements for resignations that have taken place.  Already approved was the nomination of Dr. John McGraw to replace Rual Swanson on the Jefferson County Board of Health. Also nominated was Michael Dockery to take Brad Jenkins’ place on the Industrial Development Board.  Several items of new business were introduced for consideration for next week’s voting meeting.  Commission Chairman Jimmy Carmichael inquired about an invoice from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division.  The invoice for Cooperative Forest Fire Control Program was put on hold until more information is made available.

Commissioner David Seal presented an item for consideration and review.  Introduced was a resolution to request assistance from the Tennessee General Assembly. The Resolution urges the General Assembly to authorize county clerks of Tennessee to issue state approved identifications to Tennessee citizens who have no license or other photographic identification, for the purpose of enfranchising said citizens’ right to vote.

Commissioner Dr. John McGraw brought before the commission a discussion about EMS services transporting patients out of county, even when circumstances do not warrant so.  Dr. McGraw voiced his concern that the county could be loosing tax dollars to other area hospitals.  No resolution was made.

Commissioner John Neal Scarlett explored what the citizen’s rights were concerning hot air balloons landing on private property.  County Attorney Doug Drinnon stated that manned hot air balloons, like airplanes, are regulated by the FAA. Other than forced landings, the citizens have a right to contact law enforcement to report them for trespassing.

This Regular Quarterly Session is set for July 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.