Julie Fitch

The meeting addressed several key administrative and financial items. The board approved the monthly distributions for November, which included payments for employee health insurance, property tax mailings, railroad lease fees, grass seed, retail consulting services, and utility board payments. The external auditor provided a positive report, noting a clean opinion on the audit, favorable fund balances in the general fund, and successful compliance with federal and state funding requirements. The board also moved to approve a bid for pool repairs, including a new filtration system, equipment, and replastering of the pool structure, opting for the replaster option with a five-year warranty over a more costly membrane option. Furthermore, the board adopted a resolution to establish a policy for electronic participation in commission meetings, adhering to state statute requirements limiting electronic participation to two times per year for specific exceptions. Finally, the board discussed a contract regarding the acquisition of Sweetwater High School by the Sweetwater City Schools, noting that an inspection would occur prior to contract execution.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by the administration of the oath of office for a newly elected/appointed member. The meeting confirmed the roll call and approved the minutes from the January 5th and January 26th meetings. A detailed report of distributions for December across various city funds (General Fund, TCRS, CHLIC, East Tennessee Development District, Flock Safety, Howard Technology, Monroe County Emergency Communications, Nightlight Displays, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Sweetwater Board of Education, DWR Aquatics, Sweetwater Utilities Board, McCoy Construction and Forestry, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, and Solid Waste) was presented and approved. Key discussions in New Business included the appointment of Commissioner Mike Martin to the Sweetwater Street Department. The board also reviewed the annual library report, which detailed facility improvements (LED lighting, painting, repairs), volunteer contributions, training hours, material reviews, and program statistics (circulation, computer/wireless usage, programs provided, summer reading program attendance, and grants utilized). Finally, the board discussed a Special Occasion Permit application from the Sweetwater Merchants and Property Owners Association for the Mayor's Hog Ball on April 24th, concerning alcohol service (beer and wine only) within a restricted area, which was ultimately postponed until the March meeting pending approval from the Main Street Board regarding the site layout.

The meeting included discussions on budget appropriations for various entities such as SVCA and Sweetwater bus school, as well as approvals for expenditures related to the fire department, health insurance, county emergency services, landfill fees, and utilities. The board also addressed a public hearing for ordinance number 1060 to amend the budget for the year ending June 30th, 2026. Additionally, there were discussions and a vote regarding the Bloom Bluegrass festival's request to move from May to September, and a generator for city hall.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The approval of distribution reports for September, public hearings on ordinances related to flood plains and zoning amendments, and old business concerning amendments to flood plain zoning were addressed. Additionally, the council discussed and voted on amending zoning ordinances to add special exceptions for building height limits in the M1 zone. A resolution was passed to annex parcel 36 of McMinn County for industrial development. The meeting also covered a budget amendment ordinance to include funding for a retail recruiting firm, cyber security grant expenses, and liability insurance adjustments.

The meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners included discussions on a retail recruiting proposal from Retail Strategies, focusing on the need to update market data and attract retailers to vacant commercial zones. The proposal includes deliverables such as a gap analysis, demographic data, and representation at the International Shopping Center convention. The board also discussed a development proposal at I75, involving commitments from various entities to improve infrastructure, including road access and water lines.