County Commission Prepares For Voting Meeting

The Jefferson County Commission held their Regular Quarterly Work Session on Monday, April 8, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.

Chairman Mills Called the Meeting to Order. Absent From Roll Call were Commissioners Maples and Blevins.

Three Citizens addressed the Commission regarding opposition to the Megasite and one citizen addressed the Commission regarding a request for information on the procedure for selling beer after noon on Sunday. County Attorney Churchwell stated that the Commission could vote to extend hours of permitted sale of beer and that the issue did come before the Commission about a year ago, though it did not Pass Commission vote. He said that private counsel could assist the citizen with other avenues that would allow extended hours of beer sale, such as recognition as a tourist destination which carries State statutes that allow extended hours of sale.

Under Reports From Elected Officials, Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri stated that he will be brings the Litter Grant before the Commission for Approval at the voting meeting.

Commission Scarlett inquired if there was a tally on expected expenses incurred by a prisoner that was transported to the hospital for an extended stay. Previously Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig had informed the Commission that the prisoner had fallen ill and was transported to a Knoxville hospital. The Sheriff had said that he was in negotiations with the hospital regarding the bill for treatment, which would be the responsibility of Jefferson County. Jefferson County Finance Director Helton stated that he had received a final tally of the bill and the cost to the County would be $83,954, which was a discount from the original amount of $167,909. Helton did not know what portion of the cost could be covered in the Sheriff’s existing budget.

Under Reports From Committees, no representative was available from the Industrial Development Board due to illness. The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman Cureton, stated that the Committee will bring a recommendation on the Financial Advisory Agreement with Cumberland Security. Director Helton will bring information on fixed interest rate options and fees associated with bond agreements. Budget Committee Chairman Griffith stated that the Budget Committee will bring recommendations for County line item adjustments that have no fund balance impact. There is also other business that will go before the Budget Committee at their meeting prior to the Full Body voting meeting that will likely bring other recommendations for action. Nominating Committee Chairman Tucker stated that there was no quorum at the Monday Committee meeting, therefore no business to report. Discussion ensued concerning last meetings exchange regarding meeting times and issues associated with the Sunshine Law. Chairman Tucker will call meetings directly before the County Commission meetings, though they will coincide with other already scheduled meetings. At the request of Commissioner Scarlett, the Finance Committee Chairman Turner will establish contact with organizers of the Strawberry Plains Library project, as well as look into the Committees standing regarding TOSHA complaints.

Under New Business, Commissioner Tucker requested that the Budget Committee and Full Body consider extenuating circumstances (retired government employee) that would not require the County to provide insurance, should the position of Commission Secretary become Full Time. The issue is under consideration with the Budget Committee. The Commission Secretary stated that the position requires full time hours to properly complete the tasks associated with the job.

Commissioner Tucker stated that he had received communication from the Open Meetings Counsel in the State of Tennessee Comptrollers Office concerning recent allegations of violations. Following a lengthy discussion where there was disagreement regarding the circumstances that led to the Called Nominating Committee Meeting that was in question in the complaint, Chairman Tucker stated that he is working in conjunction with the Open Meetings Counsel and the County Attorney to draft a resolution that will be presented at the next meeting.

Commissioner Estes stated that he will bring a Motion to resend the funding of $442,311 for the proposed Megasite. Director Helton said that the funds had not been transferred to the Industrial Development Board and could still be rescinded. Estes stated that the project has reached the point that it is time to cease trying to move forward and that the funds should be rescinded. Commissioner Carmichael requested a complete accounting of the costs associated with the project, which dates back to 2011. He said that transparency was an issue and that organizations that receive public funds have an obligation for transparency, as does the County government.

Commissioner Carmichael spoke to the issue of proper rules of debate. He said that Commissioners should engage in discussion that does to descend to arguments and though debate is healthy, decorum should be maintained.

Commissioner Barreiro requested that the Public Service Committee revisit the issue of the Intermodal and the County costs that would be associated with the closing of roads for the project.

Commissioner Beeler requested information about the Landfill contracts and Commissioner Scarlett requested information about roll call voting for funding questions.

Source: K. Depew, News Director