Commission Prepares for Next Week’s Vote
The Jefferson County Commission met for a Work Session on Monday, June 10, 2013 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.
One citizen spoke in opposition to Resolution 2013-03 concerning establishing regulations regarding Cadaver research uses and facilities in Jefferson County. Jefferson County Zoning Director Tim Seals addressed the Commission, as well as Planning Commission Chairman Reneau, to answer questions about the resolution, which was constructed with citizen input and has been approved by the Planning Commissions in White Pine, Jefferson City and Dandridge. The resolution offers guidelines for organizations seeking to have a cadaver research facility in Jefferson County. Though the Carson-Newman site is grandfathered from meeting the new guidelines, organizers of that facility have agreed to meet the new stipulations.
County Attorney Drinnon presented information to the Commission regarding the Open Meetings Act. Information was requested on the issue from Commissioners who were concerned about chance meetings and operating outside the sunshine law. Attorney Drinnon stated that judgments regarding sunshine law violations are determined by the courts because each case is fact specific. Bodies cannot deliberate toward an end outside of a public meeting, though the facts in each case would be weighted by a judge to determine if a violation occurred. Drinnon said that all public business should be public but that the specifics of each case are the determining factor in regard to violations.
Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Commission that the bill for masonry block that was in question due to conflicting information on the bill was a mistake, according to the billing agent. Some Commissioners expressed concern that the Department of Education relies on the Contract Manager for account reconciliation with construction delivery. Director of Schools Edmonds stated that it is the responsibility of the Construction Manager to meet their guaranteed maximum price and those shortages would fall under the Construction Manager’s area of financial responsibility. Questions arose concerning information in the report on bonds, in regard to stagnant County assessed property value and the amount of increased tax. Director Helton will gather more information and report the findings to the Commission. Helton also informed the Commission that the Department of Education will request that the Commission revisit a failed budget request that would allow the use of around $361,000 from School System fund balance.
Committees reported to the Commission regarding recent meetings and information that will be presented for approval during the next voting meeting. A lease agreement between the County and the Parrott family will be presented, as well as budget amendments for both the County and School System. Nomination recommendations for the AG, Libraries and Industrial Development Boards will be presented at the next voting meeting.
Commissioner Scarlett will bring a motion at the next meeting addressing the employment of an individual to oversee school building projects. He will also bring a motion regarding safety concerns that were raised by citizens in regard to County meetings. Commissioner Dockery postponed addressing the issue of conflict of interest until the next meeting. He stated that he is interested in getting the issue out into the open to alleviate concerns of citizens and will request information from the County Attorney on the issue. The viability of the School Facilities Tax and the impact that it has on building in the County was brought before the Commission and County Building Inspector David Gaut will bring further information to the Commission.
