Jefferson County Commission – Phagan Details School Energy Programs

The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Voting Session on November 18, 2013, in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Patterson, Tabor, Barriero and Dockery.

Commissioner Tucker and Commissioner Maples objected to items on the Agenda. Tucker stated that recently approved Commission policy was contrary to allowing an item from the Sheriff’s Department to be included, due to his absence at the Work Session. Commissioner Scarlett stated that he had addressed the absence with the Sheriff and that extenuating circumstances were present. Scarlet made a Motion to suspend the rules to allow the item to be presented. Chairman Mills stated that the item was already on the agenda and a motion was not necessary. Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to remove the item, allowing that the item could be added back to the agenda via a motion to suspend the rules and keeping in line with current policy. Scarlett 2nd the Motion and the Motion failed 6-11. Commissioner Maples made a Motion to remove an item added by Commissioner Turner to address the Committee and Board Alpha Chart and Mayoral Appointments, based on the issue having been addressed previously. The Motion died for lack of a 2nd.

With a Motion from Scarlett and 2nd from Commissioner Akard, the Minutes from October 21, 2013 and June 18, 2013 were Approved. With a proper Motion and 2nd the Notaries and Bonds were Approved.

No citizens asked to address the Commission.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission that Jefferson County was the only County to meet its obligation in the Mentor Program with Tn Achieves. He recognized the contribution and recent award of Jefferson County High School Teacher Billie Yardley who was named the Today Show’s Teacher of the Year. Mayor Palmieri stated that former Commission Chairman Kindred had moved the responsibility of the keeping of records of Boards and Committees to the Commission Office for oversight and maintenance and that, per Commission request, the maintenance of the record lies with the County Commission, rather than the Mayor’s Office.

Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig stated that his office negotiated a good contract with ATT, including refunds, and that he was not a part of the recent negotiations to change servers.

Jefferson County Schools Director of Business Affairs Phagan gave an in depth presentation regarding the dual energy savings programs contracted by the Jefferson County Schools. Phagan stated that, by using the contractually obligated software, it appears that the schools are currently saving beyond the guarantee of both companies ( Trane and Energy Education). Commissioner Scarlett stated that he has concerns regarding the amount that was designated as paid out for electricity and budget amendments that were requested that exceeded the amount paid out. He requested that the uses of those additional funds be brought back before the Commission for clarification.

Under Reports of Committees, the Conservation Board will meet prior to the January Work Session. Chairman Mills gave a brief overview of the Audit Committee presentation from Waste Industries.

Under New Business, with a Motion from Commissioner Blevins and 2nd from Scarlett, the Commission Approved a Resolution to request legislative sponsorship of a 2.5% Bail Bonds Tax. Following a Motion from Commissioner Estes and 2nd from Commissioner Musick, the Commission Approved the setting of meetings for January 2014.

Commissioner Kesterson made a Motion to refer a request from the School System for $68,033 for a interfund capitol outlay note for the purchase of a triple wide portable(currently leased) for the Jefferson Academy, to the Budget Committee for review and recommendation. 2nd by Commissioner Solomon and Passed.

With a Motion from Solomon and 2nd from Akard, the Commission Approved Surplus Property for Jefferson County Schools Technology Department.

Budget Committee Chairman Griffith brought four recommendations for amendments, all with no fund balance impact. One for the County General Fund, recognizing funds for the Sheriff’s Department ( passed with Tucker and Scarlett abstaining)-One for the Sanitation/Landfill(passed)-One for Jefferson County Schools General Fund with no fund balance impact(passed)- One for Jefferson County Schools Federal Fund with no fund balance impact(passed). Commissioner Scarlett inquired on the progress on reaching a start date on the repairs to Building 8 and requested expediency. Director Edmonds stated that negotiations are continuing with the insurance company and that they are working diligently to reach a start date.

Commissioner Turner made a Motion to instruct every chairman of all Boards and Committees in the County to give a comprehensive list of members, including information on term expiration, to the Commission by the January 2014 meeting date. The Motion was 2nd by Commissioner Musick and Failed 9-5.

Following the adjournment the Beer Board Convened. With a Motion from Scarlett and 2nd from Estes the Minutes were Approved. With a Motion from Tucker and 2nd from Solomon the Board Approved an off premise beer permit for Kenneth Borders DBA Neighborhood Market- 1903 highway 25-70 East, Dandridge.