Christopher Art Hook

The Council reviewed and approved several items, including the use of local parks for Little League Baseball, Budget Amendment Ordinances, and the 2026-2027 Budget Calendar. Council members discussed pedestrian safety at the post office and approved cruise-in events. Administrative actions included the approval of State of TN Deferred Compensation Plan II (401K) documents, an update to the Animal Shelter Fee Schedule, and the hiring of staff for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Council also approved funding for wastewater treatment plant equipment, a budget amendment for water fluoridation equipment, two zoning ordinance amendments, a bid award for the Sink Valley Road Waterline Extension, and a work authorization amendment. Several presentations were held, including a Life Saving Award and Medals of Valor.

Key discussions included the proclamation of January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Public comments resulted in the approval to release a contract between the Town of Mountain City and the Board of Education regarding the Theater, and permission was granted for an Independence Day Parade plan. The consent calendar approved budget amendment ordinances. Council member items involved appreciation for staff support during holidays, discussions on sanitation issues, and an update on an absent Alderman's health. Personnel actions included the approval to hire a Street Department Superintendent on a trial basis and the hiring of a new Police Officer following a resignation. The Council voted not to sign a contract for the Blue Line Solutions School Zone Speed Project due to hidden costs, and approved a motion regarding the potential sale of the Kellogg Building pending appraisal. The City Attorney's items covered the approval of a Mutual Aid Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding. The City Recorder provided updates on implementing automated timekeeping, FEMA/TEMA reimbursement contract progress, approval for a TN Local Parks & Recreation grant Letter of Intent submission, approval of the Penny Policy for Cash Transactions, and the issuance of the 2025 Audited Financial Statements. Departmental reports addressed placing Animal Control under the Police Chief's supervision, grant applications for Parks and Recreation, updates on sludge press installation and clarifier part delays at the Wastewater Plant, approval for maintenance agreements for water tanks, approval for rehabilitating a spring box cap, budget inclusion for water tap repairs, and concerns regarding Animal Control Officer hours and budget. New business included accepting a resignation from the Sanitation Department, approving a transfer within departments, and approving the hiring of one new employee for the Sanitation Department.

The meeting involved public comments regarding proposed zoning ordinance changes, specifically concerning the introduction of decibel levels. Key new business items included the approval of a preliminary site plan for "The Wainwright," a catering/wedding venue proposed for 316 S. Church Street, which will feature a warming kitchen and event space. Additionally, the Commission approved a draft Ordinance for Site Plan requirements and a draft Ordinance concerning use districts and the addition of definitions, which specifically addresses 'data mining centers' by restricting them to the M2 zone to mandate an exhaustive approval process for such facilities.

The City Council agenda included presentations from the First TN Development District regarding the Safe Streets for All / Safety Action Plan update and from Goodwin Mills Cawood concerning the Siemens Low Voltage Switchgear Repair Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Public hearings were scheduled for two proposed amendments to the Municipal Zoning Ordinance concerning definitions, use districts, site plan review, and the M-2 Manufacturing Warehouse District and B-4 Urban Commercial District. New business items encompassed establishing and appointing members to the Board of Appeals, reviewing revenue recommendations from the TN Department of Environment & Conservation for SRLF projects, reviewing and approving a resolution to apply for a USDA Rural Development grant for a new city hall construction, reviewing the USDA Water & Wastewater Disposal Loan & Grant Program, awarding a bid to Bob Stout Construction for emergency water repairs, and discussing funding for softball field infield material at Ralph Stout Park. Department reports included a discussion and approval request for installing lifters on the secondary garbage truck.

The City Council meeting included presentations of a Citizen Life Saving Award and two Mountain City Police Department Medals of Valor. Discussions under the City Recorder included an update on the FEMA / TEMA Hurricane Helene Recovery Report, review and approval of the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget Calendar, and review/approval of documentation related to the State of TN Deferred Compensation Plan II (401K). Department reports covered shelter fees and a quote review for clarifier arm installation and tank rehab at the Wastewater Plant. New business involved two ordinances to amend the Municipal Zoning Ordinance concerning M-2 Manufacturing Warehouse District and B-4 Urban Commercial District regulations. New business also included approving a new hire at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and reviewing/approving a bid recommendation for the Sink Valley Road Waterline Extension, along with an amendment for Cannon & Cannon Work Authorization #6.