Dawn Adams

The committee addressed several citizen concerns regarding vehicle weight limits, water leaks, road conditions, fire hazards from overgrowth, and the installation of safety signage at the local skate park. The Fire Department reported on departmental activities, including emergency call volume, public safety outreach, facility maintenance, and pending grant applications for city generators. The Police Department provided a review of monthly call volumes, budget status, ongoing grant-funded projects, and community engagement efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed staff training initiatives, the enforcement of regulations regarding the sale of vaping products to minors, and a proposal for a radar-based school zone safety program, ultimately deciding to table the latter two topics for future consideration.

The committee reviewed and approved multiple funding requests for the Water and Sewer Department, including a new truck, replacement pumps, fire hydrants, manhole construction, and a multi-rake bar screen. The administration received approval for the purchase of a vehicle for official business. The Fire Department was granted funding for bunker gear. Two audit service contracts were approved for budget and fiscal year auditing. The Parks Department received funding for a field painting machine. Discussions were held regarding a potential animal control shelter property purchase. The committee approved a proposal to increase purchasing authority thresholds and forwarded the issue to the Policy Committee. Finally, emergency renovation funding for the Recreation Center was approved contingent upon the receipt of monthly progress reports.

The commission reviewed and approved several preliminary and final plats for residential developments at various locations, including Powers Bridge Road, Winstead Road, Blanton's Chapel Road, and Fairlane Drive. Site plans for townhouse developments on Hills Chapel Road and Stroud Drive were also approved with conditions. The commission recommended a negative response to a rezoning request on Doak Road and a positive recommendation to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for annexation and plans of service for properties on Toliver Lake Road. Additionally, a text amendment regarding lot width requirements for lots without sewer access was forwarded with a positive recommendation.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the calling of the roll. Key discussion items included the approval of minutes from a previous special call meeting and updates on the first live-streamed meeting broadcast. Committee reports covered several activities: The Safety Committee distributed Thanksgiving food boxes, participated in the Christmas parade, and is preparing for a children's Christmas program. The Finance Committee discussed banking presentations, the commitment of America Rescue Plan Act funds, and an internal records review which identified over 51 boxes for purge; a payroll specialist offer was extended. The Street Department reported on changing out Christmas decorations and providing Thanksgiving food boxes. The Water and Sewer Commission reported on evaluating the wastewater treatment plant, upcoming meetings for equipment repair proposals, and progress on a sewer upsizing project funded by a TCARP Grant. The Recreation Department reported on the successful Christmas parade (107 entries), the operation of the ice skating rink, completion of outdoor play structure installations, and planning for the Rec Center renovation in two phases. The Planning and Zoning Committee announced an upcoming meeting including a public hearing regarding an amendment to subdivision regulations on sidewalk placement. The Information Technology department reported on setting up live streaming and voting software. Old Business included motions to reconsider the annexation and rezoning of two different land parcels (99 acres on Highway 41 and 10 acres on Sism Lane), both of which will appear on the January agenda. New Business involved the approval of job descriptions for an Information Technology support technical position and an Asset Management Coordinator for the Water Sewer Department.

The Street Committee meeting covered discussion regarding sanitation services, specifically the current contract with Republic which is tied to the Consumer Price Index, leading to a proposal to explore the city re-entering the sanitation business, utilizing a new lift station at the industrial park. The committee aims to provide commercial customers the option to select their service provider and potentially save residents money. Preliminary cost estimates for city operations, including equipment like two trucks and 8,000 cans, were discussed, along with exploring grant funding. The committee decided to absorb a recent rate increase internally for the short term while further data is gathered. Another major topic was the discussion of purchasing a "hot box" for handling cold mix asphalt, which promises significant safety improvements and labor efficiency gains for employees compared to the current method involving torches. The equipment cost is estimated around $49,833, with labor savings potentially recouping the cost within the first year. Department updates mentioned ongoing sidewalk projects and the removal of Christmas decorations due to upcoming courthouse remodeling. A hurdle in the sidewalk project on Hills Chapel near Rogers Drive involves a homeowner unwilling to allow work due to a 100-year-old tree, possibly leading to halting that portion of the project.