Andrew Ellard

The Morristown Regional Planning Commission convened to address various development and planning requests. New business included reviewing a site plan request for a veterinarian office at 5023 Old White Pine Road, a right-of-way closure request for a portion of S. Bellwood Road, and a final plat approval request for Bridgewater Point Phase III. Staff recommendations for approval were provided for the veterinarian office site plan and the right-of-way closure. The commission also discussed a final plat request, which was deferred to a later meeting.

The Morristown Regional Planning Commission meeting agenda included items such as street name requests for The Townes at Crockett Trace, an annexation request for W Andrew Johnson HWY & Greenbriar Road, a preliminary plat request for Merchants Crossing, and a final plat request for Bridgewater Pointe Phase III. The meeting minutes detailed actions such as approving street name changes, multiple rezoning requests from A-1 to Heavy Industrial, OMP/LI to Intermediate Business, R-2 to Central Business, and R-2 to Planned Residential Development, including specific conditions like platting requirements for certain rezonings.

The board reviewed a request for a use on review for a non-owner-occupied short-term rental unit located at 2040 Buffalo Trail, which was approved contingent upon the completion of a successful fire inspection. Additionally, a variance request regarding a setback at 491 Furrow Dr was withdrawn from consideration.

The Commission discussed several operational and infrastructure items. City staff provided reports on functional AWOS systems, ongoing pavement rehabilitation, and terminal improvement planning, specifically addressing lighting control configurations and the potential for approach lights on runway 23. Engineering reports included updates on the terminal design schedule and issues regarding water infiltration under hangars. New business topics included a plan to update airport hangar addressing and notify emergency responders, a review of proposed airport branding and website updates, and requirements for code-based access control for a new gate entrance to the EAA hangar. Fuel sales and hangar rate data were also reviewed.

The City Council discussed the budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021, addressing the impact of COVID-19 and economic conditions. Key initiatives include responsible management of city assets, transportation and stormwater projects, completion of the Public Works Compound, and park enhancements. The budget also focuses on employee compensation, refuse collection, public information, and community appearance. No tax or fee increases are recommended, but adjustments to the tax billing schedule are proposed. The construction of a new Community Center is underway.