Jefferson County Commission – Be There or Be Square
Commission Requires Work Session Appearance for items to be included on voting agenda.
The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Voting Meeting on October 21, 2013, in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call was Commissioner Patterson.
With a Motion from Commissioner Akard and 2nd from Commissioner Kesterson the Minutes were Approved. With a Motion from Commissioner Estes and 2nd from Commissioner Scarlett the list of Notaries and Bonds was Approved. No citizens requested to address the Commission. Citizens James David Swann II and Charlotte Kenley and Commissioners Tucker and Patterson were Approved for the open seats on the Conservation Board.
Estes made a Motion to move an item regarding the debt structure to New Business and was 2nd by Commissioner Sheets. The Motion was Approved.
Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri stated that he was appreciative of the professionalism of the First Responders during the recent I-40 accident that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries and offered condolences to the families of those in the accident. The Mayor stated that concern of some Commissioners regarding Mayoral appointments and an Alpha Chart can be addressed by contacting the Nominating Committee Chairman for questions. He said that the Commission confirms Mayoral appointments and they are presented to the Commission at the time of requested confirmation. Mayor Palmieri advised that the Commission address the issue of a proposed building transfer to the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Foundation Board with caution until the Foundation Board can get more information on the situation.
Committee Chairman Mills also thanked First Responders, Businesses and Churches for their contributions during the I-40 accident.
Commissioner Baxley made a Motion to Approved all surplus items and was 2nd by Kesterson. The Motion Passed.
Under Reports from Committees, Facilities Committee Chairman Turner brought a recommendation to relate to the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Foundation Board that the Commission would be interested in the possibility of the Board acquiring or overseeing the lease of the RuralClinicBuilding in Jefferson City. Commissioner Beeler made an amendment to remove the possibility of Board ownership of the building and was 2nd by Sheets. Following extensive discussion with County Finance and the County Attorney concerning the Board’s readiness to accept responsibility for the building and their acknowledgement of the Commission’s possible desire to transfer the building to their responsibility, Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to postpone until the Board contacts the Commission and was 2nd by Commissioner Blevins. Tucker’s Motion Passed 17-2. Audit Committee Chairman Mills informed the Commission that the Committee had heard from Waste Connections and would have presentation from another company next month.
Under New Business, Commissioner Scarlett made a Motion to Approve 2013-24 to rezone property along 428 Shrader Road in Dandridge from General Commercial to Agricultural-Forestry. The Motion was 2nd by Commissioner Tucker and was Approved.
Budget Committee Chairman Griffith presented 9 budget amendments for consideration, two from County General Funds and three from School’s General Purpose Funds, two from School’s Federal Purpose Funds and one from the School’s Student Nutrition Fund and one from the Sanitation Fund. All came as a recommendation from the Budget Committee and all nine amendments were Approved.
Director of School Edmonds informed the Commission that firm figures were not available on the savings of the dual energy programs, however he stated that he would bring the information before the Commission when it is compiled. He estimated a $60,000 total savings for the energy programs this year. Commissioner Scarlett made a Motion that all contracts be vetted by the CountyAttorney if they are not a part of the budgeting process and was 2nd by Commissioner Carmichael. The Motion Failed 10-7 (requiring 11 votes).
Commissioner Dockery made a Motion for refer to the Finance Committee the issue of tax obligations for employees that take home County owned vehicles and to determine if the County is IRS compliant. His Motion was 2nd by Carmichael and Passed.
Commissioner Scarlett stated that County employee benefits should be equal with the employees of the Department of Education. Scarlett said that he was not promoting the lessening of teacher benefits, but, rather, adjusting County employee benefits to equal those in the Department of Education. Scarlett made a Motion to refer the issue to the Budget Committee and was 2nd by Commissioner Carmichael. The Motion Passed 11-4.
Commissioner Carmichael made a Motion that Department Heads or their designees, as well as elected officials, must be present at the Commission Work Session in order to have any item on the voting agenda. Scarlett 2nd the Motion and it Passed 11-6.
Commissioner Turner stated that he would like to have Mayoral appointments in advance and an Alpha Chart of Committee seats. Commissioner Akard requested that the Nominating Committee compile a list of Committees and Boards.
Commissioner Estes made a Motion to refer to the Budget Committee for information regarding the Debt Structure Presentation by Cumberland Securities and was 2nd by Turner. The Motion Passed.
