Waterfront At Forefront Of Dandridge Council

The Town of Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen held their regular voting meeting, following a Public Hearing and Beer Board meeting, at the Public Works Building in Dandridge on August 12, 2014.

No citizens appeared to speak at the Pubic Hearing concerning an ordinance to restrict the location for the sale of fireworks. The only business of the Beer Board was the Approval of the minutes with a Motion from Chambers and 2nd from Thornhill.

Mayor Gantte called the meeting to order. Absent from Roll Call was Alderman Kesterson. Minutes were Approved with a Motion from Nelson and 2nd from Chambers.

It was reported that the bank balance currently sits at $790,824 and the money market account at $69,953. Under Presentations and Resolutions, with a Motion from Nelson and 2nd from Jones, the Board Approved Ordinance 14/15-02 on third and final reading to restrict the location for the sale of fireworks. Upon a Motion from Thornhill and 2nd from Jones, the Board Approved a general housekeeping resolution to amend the Town of Dandridge Personnel Handbook.

No Old Business was presented. Under New Business, with a Motion from Farrar and 2nd from Chambers, the Board Approved the purchase of cameras and radars for new patrol vehicles with the funds to come from a combination of grants and drug fund monies.

Town Administrator Peagler informed the Board that proposals were in for the Waterfront Master Plan and a committee had brought a recommendation of two for vetting by the Board. The recommendation was for Studio 4 and Thompson Engineering and the cost was expected to come in at $20,000 from the Town of Dandridge and $5,000 from EDOC. Upon a Motion from Jones and 2nd from Chambers the Board Approved the recommendations of the committee.

Peagler informed the Board that there was a request for sponsorship from The Point Resort for Labor Day Fireworks in the amount of $2,500 and assistance with road closure. Peagler stated that the restaurant has made payment to the Town and that Peagler and Town Attorney Gass will be meeting with representatives from The Point concerning the terms of the lease. Upon a Motion from Farrar and 2nd from Jones, the Board denied the request for road closure, citing excessive overtime for upcoming events. With a Motion from Jones and 2nd from Chambers the Board denied the request for sponsorship.

Bank signature cards were updated with a Motion from Chambers and 2nd from Thornhill. The concept agreement between the Town of Dandridge and the Dandridge Recreational Facilities, Inc was Approved with a Motion from Farrar and 2nd from Thornhill. Jessica Elder was appointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission with a Motion from Jones and 2nd from Nelson. Board Member voted to retain all appointed personnel (Town Judge, Town Attorney, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and DWMF Superintendent) with a Motion from Thornhill and 2nd from Jones. The Board also Approved the request for road closure for the Scots Irish Festival on September 26 and 27th from 5pm-11p.m. upon a Motion from Thornhill and 2nd from Farrar.

With a suspension of the rules (Jones/Thornhill), Peagler presented two additional requests for the Board to consider. Relay for Life had requested sponsorship from the Town and the use of the parking lot behind Town Hall was requested for a wedding, with the reception being held at Old Shepard Inn. The Board declined to move on the request from the Relay for Life, however, did Approve the wedding request with a Motion from Jones and 2nd from Farrar (with proper insurance).

Water Superintendent Norton stated that the estimate to repair the roads in the historic town square that were impacted by water and gas work is estimated to cost $90,000 and that an appeal will be made to the governor’s office to intervene with TDOT. Mayor Gantte stated that Tommy Bible of Jefferson Cocke Utility had expressed is appreciation to Town employees for their cooperation during the process.