Work Session Heats Up
The Jefferson County Commission met for the first of two scheduled meetings this week. Their Work Session was held on Monday, October 19, 2015 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse and the course of the meeting proved to be a tense return to County business. A more than half hour late start, due to a long agenda for the prior Jefferson County Budget Committee meeting, was compounded by issues that have plagued this Commission for several months,with the result being a tediously long meeting despite a relatively short agenda.
Though new business items included four points that belonged to Commissioner Blevins, including the possibility of establishing a Beer Board that is not comprised of the entire Commission body, the question of County liability for pop up road side business that are located on County property and the inclusion of high elected officials on the work session and regular voting agendas, it was the unfinished business item and questions for the Chamber of Commerce that demanded a large portion of the meeting.
Under old business, Commission Chairman Carmichael relinquished the Chair to Parliamentarian Scarlett ( Vice Chair Kesterson was not in attendance) to address the possibility of dissolving the Jefferson County Environmental Office and the costs and particulars associated should that occur. Increase in fees and the necessity to continue with an established office, as well as the sharing of State personnel with another County, were some of the issues that would have to be addressed should the County Commission determine to defund the County Environmental Office. Commissioner David Seal informed the body that he had been in correspondence with representatives from TDEC and they had concerns regarding some of the actions of the local office, with particular in regard to paperwork associated with Stonebridge development located in the Eighth District, which had extended, serious issues regarding the sewer and appropriate soil. Commissioners Tucker ( 8th District) and Tim Seals ( Zoning Office Department Head) addressed the concerns of the State and indicated that the situation was not as represented and had been resolved. Environmental Director Tom Carter also addressed the Commission, countering that tension existed between he and a TDEC representative but that paperwork was appropriately signed off on despite the assertion from TDEC that it was signed erroneously. Following a heated discussion between several members of the Commission, sitting Chair Scarlett closed the item and relinquished the Chair to Carmichael.
Other topics of discussion that resulted in some debate included questions from Commissioner David Seal to Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director Helton regarding donations from the Jefferson County Educational and Community Foundation to EDOC. Commissioner Seal stated that he had official documents that disclosed a more than $400,000 donation from the Foundation to EDOC, though Helton debunked the statement as inaccurate. Seal and Helton concurred on the fact that funding from the County to the Chamber of Commerce that was allocated in the most recent budget season would require specific information from the Chamber of Commerce or EDOC before being presented for release to the Chamber of Commerce or EDOC.
County Attorney Churchwell provided information regarding the Adequate Facilities Tax and the ability to collect owed funds. Commissioner McGraw stated that he spoke to Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri (Longmire represented Palmieri) regarding his choice for upcoming committee placements and the relationship between the Mayor and the County Commission and the necessity that both groups work together toward future goals. McGraw said that he is optimistic that they can have a professional relationship that will benefit Jefferson County.
The next meeting of the County Commission will be on Thursday evening, October 22, 2015 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Beyond the new business items above, the Commission will address funding for White Pine School and across the board County raises.
