Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen Worksession

Pam Farrar, Dandridge Alderman, Tuesday night, March 5, 2013 work session – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 in a Work Session that followed a two hour introductory meeting to preview the upcoming Budget. The Council agreed to Roll a Proposed Ordinance Creating Regulations for the Preservation of Certain Properties on the National Register of Historic Places and /or Structures in the H-1 District of the Town to be Afforded Protection from Neglect. Town Administrator Bryan McCarter informed the Mayor and Aldermen that the State of Tennessee has agreed to a one year extension on the Exit 417 Roadscape Project that would adorn some median and roadside space with foliage. The extension will allow time for estimates on the continued maintenance associated with the project. McCarter also brought information regarding the final invoices for the Activity Center and the status of change orders that were previously approved. Greg Gann, Public Works Superintendent, stated that there is continued work toward signage and restrooms. According to Gann, around $6,000 has been collected toward signage and funds for restrooms could be available from a fund drive. He also informed the Mayor and Aldermen that the Town has received an offer to build extra parking in exchange for fill dirt. The extra parking would accommodate around 60 cars and does not include the cost of graveling.

Nine memberships to the Activity Center have been purchased in March and the Center is currently exceeding projections for membership. Aldermen Kesterson stated that, though it is meeting membership projections, the Activity Center is currently costing almost twice as much to operate as it is bringing in.

Tina Murrow, of the Dandridge Community Trust, informed the Body that the Dandridge Merchant and Professional Association and the Dandridge Community Trust have officially merged. She stated that they will know later this spring if they will receive an AG grant and requested input on a façade grant. Murrow said that the recent Expo event was very successful and thanked the Town Departments for their assistance in creating an event that was such a good opportunity for exposure for the Town.

Dandridge Fire Chief Riley request that the Fire Department be approved to use $7,500 from the Donation Account for necessary gear and requested a $7,500 match from the Town. Chief Riley stated that there is an immediate need for 5 sets of gear and that the turn around on an order for gear is around 60 days. He said that donation requests have gone out in the Water Bills and that he does not want to totally deplete the Donation Account because the Fire Department is in the running for two equipment grants that require matching funds. Chief Riley stated that the Fire Department is looking at considerable expense late in the year due to the age of much of their gear and the obligation to replace it at around the 10 year mark.

Other items addressed included the proposed filling of an open position on the Police Department and a complaint from a resident regarding construction noise on Sunday and curb parking of vehicles.