County Commission Rescinds Megasite Funding With Unanimous Vote
The Jefferson County Commission held their Regular Quarterly Meeting on Monday, April 15, 2013 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call was Commissioner Baxley.
Upon a Motion from Commissioner Solomon and 2nd from Commissioner Griffith the Minutes were Approved. Three citizens addressed the Commission regarding issues associated with the proposed Megasite project including Building a Better Future and recent newspaper ads.
Notaries and Bonds were Approved with a Motion from Commissioner Estes and 2nd from Commissioner Scarlett.
A letter of Appreciation was written and presented to Matthew Underwood for his work in Veteran’s Services. The presentation was made by Commission Chairman Mills, following the reading of a letter submitted by a Citizen of Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri brought a Resolution (2013-04) authorizing submission of application for a litter and trash collecting grant from Tennessee Department of Transportation and authorizing the acceptance of the grant when approved. The resolution was Passed with a Motion from Commissioner Tucker and 2nd from Commissioner Akard.
Jefferson County Finance Director Helton brought a Resolution (2013-05) approving the amendment and restatement of the E-3-D loan agreement with the Public Building Authority of Blount County; Directing the conversion of the interest rate on the related local government public improvement bonds, Series E-3-D to a bank rate and authorizing the execution and delivery of a bank agreement in connection therewithin. The resolution is in association with the Justice Center Bond and, according to Helton, could result in significant possible interest savings for the County. Convergence costs are estimated at $55,000. Upon a Motion from Estes and 2nd from Scarlett the Resolution was Approved.
Director of Schools Edmonds addressed the Commission regarding the question of “culled” block use for the construction of Mount Horeb Elementary School and the Freshman Academy. Director Edmonds stated that only first grade block had been used in the construction process and presented a letter from the construction company regarding the block purchase. Edmonds stated that the new schools are structurally sound, though he was not totally pleased with the cosmetic appeal of some of the mason work and addressed the issue with builders. Jefferson County Schools Director of Business Affairs Phagan presented the Commission with an update list of portables and the number of portables that will be kept after the renovation at Jefferson County High School (3 at White Pine School-1 at Alternative School and 3 County owned units at Bus Garage and Alternative School). Commissioner Musick requested that White Pine School be included in renovations to remove the need for portables there.
Director Edmonds requested information regarding the Commission’s direction for revenue stream associated with operational costs at the new schools. The County Commission had dedicated $500,000 for associated operational costs, though had not identified the source of the funding.
Under Reports of Committees, at the request of Commissioner Scarlett, Mayor Palmieri presented a document that outlined the responsibilities of various committees, including the Facilities Committee, which were in question following the Work Session meeting. Facilities Committee Chairman Turner stated that the Committee will meet later this month.
Under New Business, Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to instruct the County attorney to provide training regarding Open Meetings Act to address the recent issue of possible violation of the Sunshine Law. With an Amendment from Turner and 2nd from Musick the training will be offered to all elected officials. The Motion as Amended Passed.
Commissioner Estes made a Motion to resending the funding of $442,311 for the proposed Megasite project. The Motion was 2nd by Commissioner Solomon. In discussion, Director of Finance Helton stated that $51,723 had been spent on the project prior to the January announcement and $79,453 after the announcement. He said that EDOC plans to cover those costs. The Motion was Unanimously Approved.
Commissioner Barriero made a Motion to refer the projected County costs associated with the New Market-Norfolk Southern Intermodal to the Public Service Committee for information. The Motion was 2nd by Commissioner Blevins and Passed.
Finance Committee Chairman brought a recommendation from the Finance Committee for a Financial Advisory Agreement between Jefferson County and Cumberland Securities Company. The recommendation was Approved.
Budget Committee Chairman Griffith brought by recommendation Budget Amendment #6 which had no fund balance impact-Approved. Budget Amendment #7 was recommended in two parts (Department of Ageing request for funds in the amount of $4,593 for temporary staffing) (Sheriff’s Department request for $89,954 for prisoner hospital bill at University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville). Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig stated that a prisoner had received treatment for a serious medical condition while in custody and that the responsibility for the medical bill lies with the County. The bill was negotiated down 50% and the prisoner is currently out on bond and covered by other insurance. Other bills associated with treatment and transport to the hospital are still out. Both recommendations Passed with Commissioners Maples, Scarlett and Tucker voting No on the second recommendation.
The Budget Committee brought a recommendation to make the County Commission Secretary a full time position with associated benefits. Currently the position is 30 hours per week and the secretary also works 10 hours per week for the County Court Clerk, Rick Farrar’s office. Farrar stated that he had offered the hours to provide the Secretary the time to catch up on the minutes of the County Commission meetings, though previously the Commission had covered that expense. After a lengthy discussion the issue was postponed, following split vote, until the next meeting, with a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Sheets.
Upon a Motion from Commissioner Tucker and 2nd from Commissioner Musick the Dirty Lot Law was referred to the Public Service Committee.
Commissioner Beeler brought a Resolution that would compel commercial waste collectors doing business in Jefferson County to use the Jefferson County Landfill-2nd Commissioner Patterson. The resolution was brought to address the issue of recent loss of commercial business and the deficit in funding that is associated with the loss. Several Commissioners expressed concern with dictating to private industry. Following extensive discussion, Commissioner Carmichael made a Motion to move the issue to the Budget Committee and was 2nd by Commissioner Estes-Passed.
The Meeting was Adjourned.
