Ana Redfern

The board received an update on the completed pavilion and cabin roof projects funded by the museum grant. A resolution was approved for an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board. The board discussed repair and replacement estimates for the Fire Department roof and decided to solicit bids for a new roof. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of new turnout gear from Sunbelt Fire and the acquisition of three new pagers for the Fire Department.

The board approved a budget amendment under Ordinance No. 2026-78. Public comments addressed a culvert maintenance request and plans for a future Christmas vendor event. Updates were provided regarding the Recreation Club's season signups and the Museum Board's decision to fund painting for the museum roof. The Fire Department received approval to purchase a raft boat, and discussions were held regarding upcoming vehicle tire replacements and the need for new turnout gear for volunteers. Staff reports confirmed the completion of the pavilion roof, ongoing maintenance at the Bell Cabin, and plans for the upcoming Rally with Rowan Benefit and Easter Egg Hunt. Additionally, a $50,000 transfer from the General Fund to the LGIP was noted.

Key discussions included the approval of monthly financials for January and the approval of Ordinance No 2026-78 Budget Amendment. A public comment requested permission for monthly paranormal investigations on the Bell School grounds, which the Mayor deferred for further review after meeting with the investigating group. Another public comment inquired about the process for adding rental cabins, leading the City Manager to investigate the property's zoning. Staff reports indicated that the stormwater drainage project and roof replacements for the museum and pavilion are scheduled to commence shortly.

The meeting involved the approval of the previous month's meeting minutes and December financials. Old business included the second reading and approval of Ordinance No 2025-69 regarding City Meeting Time, and the second reading and approval of several 2021 code ordinances (Building, Residential, Plumbing, Electrical, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, and Existing Building Codes). New business consisted of bid openings for the Bell Cabin Roof and the Omer Gene Pavilion Roof, with Bryan Kirby -Risher Roofing being awarded both contracts. A resolution honoring Leanne Morgan and the Fletcher Family was approved. Fire Department updates noted that a tanker returned and requires a final bill review, and that an engine needs new back tires soon. Staff reports included updates on fund revenues and expenditures (General, Museum, Street, Fire Department, and Recreation Club funds) and discussions regarding setting a date for the Budget Workshop and paving Keysburg Road.

The board meeting covered several key items. In old business, the Grand Marshals for the 2026 Christmas Parade were announced as Eddie and Celia Bellar. A discussion regarding the Resolution honoring the Fletcher family concluded with an agreement on sign placement starting on Church Street and another sign near Booth Rd on Hwy 76. New business included the first reading approval of Ordinance No 2025-069. Following a bid opening for the Woodruff Rd Stormwater Project, the board approved the bid submitted by Prime Trucking & Excavating for $65,985. The board approved initiating the bidding process for new roofs on the Bell Log Cabin and Omer Gene Brooksher Pavilion using funds from a Tennessee State Museum Capital Maintenance Grant. Discussions were held regarding the date and time for the Christmas lunch, and approval was granted to pay the budgeted Christmas bonus to City Hall employees. The Fire Department Chief reported on ongoing efforts to get trucks fixed and to list surplus equipment on Gov Deals, with the board approving the latter action.