New Aldermen Take Seats In First Voting Meeting – Lengthy Agenda For Dandridge BMA
Judge Will Roach administering Oath Of Office to Alderman Reese
Staff Photo by Angie Stanley
Judge Will Roach administering Oath Of Office to Alderman Elder
Staff Photo by Angie Stanley
Judge Will Roach administering Oath Of Office to Alderman Nelson
Staff Photo by Angie Stanley
Judge Will Roach administering Oath Of Office to Mayor Gantte
Staff Photo by Angie Stanley
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the Town of Dandridge met for their regular voting meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, marking the first voting meeting for two new Aldermen. Alderman Reese and Alderman Elder were sworn in earlier this month, along with returning Alderman Nelson and Mayor Gantte. Tuesday’s meeting boasted a lengthy agenda, with the majority of the items along the lines of general housekeeping.
One citizen addressed the Board of Mayor and Aldermen regarding the condition of the water at his residence. He informed the BMA that his water continues to be discolored, despite recommended flushing of his pipes and expressed concern that the discolored water will adversely impact his property value, as he is considering relocation. The issue of discolored water in the greater Dandridge area was a topic of discussion at last week’s work session. Members of the BMA heard from Dandridge Water Superintendent Norton concerning the rust colored water that has plagued some homes and businesses since Dandridge went on line with KUB as their main water supplier. Norton informed the BMA that he has conducted water testing and there is no safety issue with the drinking water. Norton stated that he still has several homes that are impacted and requested direction from the BMA concerning what avenues are possible to alleviate the problem and answer customer complaints, noting that around eight customers have logged multiple complaints. He said that the Town has already accumulated over $9,000 in forgiven billing in an effort to flush lines. Most, but not all, of the homes with discolored water have galvanized pipes, according to Norton. Short of replacing pipes, or placing filters, which might or might not have permanent impact, at the homes, long term resolutions have eluded the Water Department. Superintendent Norton inquired to what extent the BMA would extend mitigation for the discoloration. Alderman Depew stated that customers rightfully expect safe, clear water and that Dandridge should continue to actively and aggressively pursue that result. Aldermen Depew and Nelson both stated that they too have discoloration in their water but have not filed any complaints, leading the BMA to the conclusion that there are likely other customers that have issues but have not filed a complaint. Tuesday evening, Alderman Kesterson inquired if the usage of the pipes could be influencing the amount of discoloration of the water, citing his own recent experience with seldom used pipes, while acknowledging that the impact may be greater for seldom used pipes but the discoloration is still of serious concern to the BMA.
In an effort to alleviate some of the discoloration, the Town will do ice pigging on Friday, December 16, 2016. The Town has also contacted KUB and will partner with them on an education program in the short term. Long term the Town hopes to have assistance from KUB with engineering and will look at the possibility of pipe replacement. Additional testing for water safety is also a part of the short term plan. Mayor Gantte stated “ We are unhappy with the product that we are getting and are looking for a remedy for our customers that are impacted.” He noted that some customers are happy with the softer water quality but the Town is not turning away from those who are unhappy with their water coloration and will work to solve the issue.
Members of the BMA discussed contract renewal of their Town Administrator. Following a lengthy discussion a Motion was made by Alderman Depew and 2nd by Alderman Chambers to allow the Mayor to negotiate a contract ( 6 month review, 2.5% increase, no severance package until after review and termination guidelines) on behalf of the BMA with the meeting to recess and reconvene at 2pm on December 22, 2016.
Other items of interest include the employee holiday work schedule ( off December 23 and 26th), several grants, the approval of Scots Irish Festival contract, approval to contract bands for seven days of Music on the Town, appointments to commissions and the RFP approval on the design/building of fishing pier and boat slips on Douglas Lake. Upon recommendation of City Attorney Gass the BMA approved an agreement of final payment of $169,000 on settlement with water contractor and permission for the Mayor to sign the agreement.
