IDB Chairman – Usable County Land Nil

The Jefferson County Commission held their Regular Monthly Meeting on Monday, March 17, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.

The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Baxley, Barriero, Turner, Maples and Akard. Following a Motion from Commissioner Scarlett and 2nd from Commissioner Estes the Minutes and Agenda were Approved.

Five citizens addressed the Commission. One in regard to road concerns and four in response to the recently presented Growth Boundary Proposal that will be before the County Commission. All four were from the Oak Grove Community and were opposed to the proposed plan.

Upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee, the Commission Approved the nominations of Jeffrey Duignan and Greg Worley for the Industrial Development Board. Duignan and Worley were previously seated on the Board and their terms expired. No other citizens requested consideration for the positions. The Commission also Approved the nomination of Bill Clampitt to complete the term of Bobby Thacker on the Conservation Board ( Scarlett-No).

Jefferson Count Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission the there will need to be two public hearings before a vote to ratify the 2013 Jefferson County Growth Plan for Jefferson County. He stated that two positions are open on the Pubic Records Commission and that that Commission has a broad scope of responsibility. As mandated by the State, the Mayor presented on geologist ( Clay Patterson) and one Commissioner ( Robert Tucker ) for confirmation and the appointments were Approved.

The Director of Business Affairs for Jefferson County Schools, Michael Phagan, presented a report on the electrical usage difference in Jefferson Elementary and Mount Horeb, which was requested by the Commission to address the cost differences in the schools (with Jefferson Elementary being significantly lower).Phagan presented variables that could be contributing factors including cooling of the gymnasium at Mount Horeb and a master control at Jefferson Elementary. Phagan stated that the closest school in comparison to Mount Horeb would be Rush Strong and those numbers are not as far apart. The Department of Education will also present an overview of the issues associated with Building 8 at the next meeting.

Industrial Development Board Chairman Larry Masters gave a presentation to the Commission outlining property owned by the Industrial Development Board, which included mine property, a cemetery and steep grade property with above ground sewer behind the Jefferson County Health Department. According to Masters, the only other property that the Industrial Development Board holds title to is part of an abatement and is simply a legal holding. There is currently no usable property held by the Industrial Development Board. Chairman Masters stated that the Board in investigating all possibilities in the County.

Under New Business, the Commission Approved the 2014 Commission Schedule with a Motion from Commissioner Kesterson and 2nd from Commissioner Solomon. Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to send to Budget Committee a request for 4 pennies to be designated for the Highway Department for use at the discretion of Superintendent Tipton, citing the need to increase the amount of road paving and the possibility of outsourcing. The Motion was 2nd by Commissioner Dockery. Tipton stated that his crews are working at capacity and that he would like to keep funds inside Jefferson County to put local people to work. Pending a report back from Tipton on need, Commissioner Scarlett made a Motion to Postpone and was 2nd by Commissioner Estes. The Scarlett/Estes Motion Passed.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton brought six surplus requests from Jefferson County Schools, the Sheriff’s Department and General Sessions Court. One was separated (school classroom equipment) and the remaining items were taken as a group. Upon a Motion from Dockery and 2nd from Commissioner Patterson the Commission Approved the Surplus requests. Phagan informed the Commission that the items listed in the Surplus request that was separated from the group had been culled and were ready for surplus. With a Motion from Kesterson and 2nd from Solomon the request was Approved.

By Recommendation of the Budget Committee (with a motion to take as a group by Solomon and 2nd by Carmichael-passed), the Commission Approved six budget amendments for the County General Fund, Jefferson County Schools General Purpose Fund, Jefferson County Schools Federal Purpose Fund and Jefferson County High School Renovation Fund-all general housekeeping. The Commission also Approved a Recommendation from the Budget Committee for the Highway Department that would allow the beginning of repairs on a defunct bridge in White Pine using funds from the Highway Department Fund Balance.

By Recommendation, the Commission Approved Resolution 2014-08 for General Obligation Refunding Bonds ($4,775,000) unanimously. The Commission also Approved,( 11-5 with Scarlett, Dockery, Tucker, Carmichael and Beeler-No) by Recommendation, Resolution 2013-30 for a Three year Interfund Loan for $68,033 for the purchase of a triple wide modular for the Jefferson County Alternative School. Discussion on the proposed resolution revolved around which party would retain ownership during the life of the loan. Helton informed the Commission that County ownership would require insurance and maintenance obligations. Jefferson County Department of Education would not have legal responsibility for maintenance but did agree to maintain the unit. With a Motion from Commissioner Beeler and 2nd from Commissioner Musick the Commission Approved the unit remaining in the Department of Education’s name and the DOE has all responsibility for insurance and maintenance of the unit. (13-3 with Scarlett, Dockery and Carmichael-No).

By Recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Commission Approved Resolution 2014-07 adopting Federal Tax Compliance Policies and Procedures for Jefferson County.

In Other Action, the Beer Board Approved On Premise Beer Permits for Paul Douglas Moody-CORE Golf Center, 600 Cline Road Dandridge, Tn 37725 and Timothy Meredith ( formerly Black Oak Grill) 2511-2513 Black Oak Road, Jefferson City, Tn.