Jefferson County Commission Work Session

The Jefferson County Commission met for a Work Session on Monday, September 9, 2013, in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills.  Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Musick, Tabor, Scarlett, Dockery, Patterson, Maples, Blevins and Barreiro.

There were no citizens requesting input on the Rezoning Request from A-1 to C-2, along Deep Springs and Whillock Roads in Dandridge.

Three citizens addressed the Commission regarding individual issues of property lease for the clinic in Jefferson City, inappropriate behavior on TVA property and hot air balloon nuisance for private property owners.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission that he will be seeking approval of resolutions regarding a National movement to bring awareness to the dangers of texting while driving, restrictions and regulations for patient transport service (general housekeeping), the sixth amendment to the hospital lease ( already approved by Jefferson City). He will also present, at the request of the Hospital Oversight Board, a reduction in the number of members that must be present to have a quorum, as well as presenting for confirmation names for the Hospital Board and Planning Commission.

Director of Jefferson County Finance Helton stated that he will present for Commission approval amendments to the contract in lieu of performance bond for post closure costs of the Landfill ( general housekeeping)-Surplus equipment and financial reports.

Finance Committee Chairman Cureton stated that the performance evaluation for the Jefferson County Finance Director was approved in committee and will be annual and in October.

Audit Committee Chairman Mills informed the Commission that the Committee is investigating the possibility of the State lowering the cost associated with landfill closure as well as increasing residential tipping costs without increase to commercial fees.

Facilities Committee Chairman Turner stated that he will bring two resolutions for approval-both regarding the Strawberry Plains Library (one encouraging expansion and one authorizing the Mayor to seek a grant for the site).

Budget Committee Chairman Griffith stated that the Committee will bring three recommendations for budget amendments (one county, one school general fund and one school federal fund-all with no fund balance impact). The Committee is investigating health insurance options other than the State plan.

Nominating Committee Chairman Tucker stated that he will bring recommendations from the Committee regarding open seats on the Animal Control, Building Inspection Appeal Board, Finance Committee and Industrial Development Board. He requested that Commissioners discuss and bring recommendations for the Conservation Committee and said that the IDB Chairman had noted that there is a discrepancy in district representation on the Board and suggested that nominations come from unrepresented districts.

Commissioner Estes request that Director Helton, in association with Cumberland Finance, look at current dept structure and options.

The voting session of the County Commission will be on September 16, 2013.