Kristy Chowning

The meeting agenda covered initial proceedings, reports from various departments including Highway Commission, Animal Control, Planning Commission, and EMS, followed by elections and appointments. A correction was made to a previous rezoning resolution regarding acreage. Key discussions involved multiple budget amendments for the General Fund and School Fund, including amendments related to Juvenile Court donations, clerical line items, and Opioid Settlement Funds. Several resolutions were presented for first and second readings concerning budget amendments and declaring surplus property from the Board of Education, Schools Nutrition, and EMS Departments. New Business included an amended resolution regarding the Archives Building HVAC unit, and the election of notaries was conducted before adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a roll call establishing a quorum. Condolences were extended to the families of Commissioner Headbert and Doc Martin. A proclamation honored Joe Atkins, former athletic director and football coach at Joe Burns, for his induction into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Communications included distributing information regarding the Farm Advancement Program and noting a perfect record on the annual audit report. There were announcements for an open house at UT Extension and a retirement gathering for Kathy Hansley. The commission addressed reports from various departments and then moved to the Planning and Zoning section. Key discussion points in Planning and Zoning involved public comment against two rezoning requests (Resolution numbers 022326013 H and 022326014 J) for property on Bill Moss Road from AG2 to RP80, citing concerns about rural character destruction, traffic safety, and water utility service. A nomination was approved for Robert Gardner to serve on the E911 board.

The meeting included standard opening procedures, communications from the County Mayor including the Audit Committee report, and public comments. Key discussion points centered on elections and appointments, including the E911 Board. A public hearing was held regarding the rezoning of property from Agricultural/Residential (AG-2) to Rural Preservation District (RP-80) for four specific voters. Resolutions addressed amending the budget for the General Fund and School Fund, including the first and second readings for the School Fund amendment, and addressing specific expenditures such as a donation, clerical line item, A/C service call, part-time employee, essential equipment grant, and Drug Recovery Court staffing change. Other business included declaring surplus property from the Board of Education, Schools Nutrition, and EMS Departments. The session concluded with the election of notaries.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and discussions related to severe recent weather events, with acknowledgments made regarding the extensive efforts of first responders, EMS, law enforcement, and Solid Waste personnel in managing the aftermath, which included significant property damage estimated over $6 million in one county. The commission also discussed the high volume of emergency calls during the event, noting that one inch of ice is equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane. The agenda proceeded with committee appointments, including nominations for various boards and commissions such as Animal Control, Finance, Safety Committee, and the Emergency Communications District, followed by a vote to accept nominations. A zoning correction was addressed regarding a previous approval for James Marshall concerning acreage and driveway placement. Resolutions addressed the acceptance of a $1,000 donation and the allocation of state grant money for stipends for youth services officers. A third resolution concerning a $2.3 million expenditure from the general fund for a school roof repair was passed after the rules were suspended for a second reading.

The meeting agenda included several resolutions for budget amendments across various funds, including the General Fund for Juvenile Court, Mayor, Finance, EMS, and Drug Recover Court, as well as the School Fund. Key actions involved a resolution to remove Wessington Road from the county road list/map and resolutions to declare surplus property from Schools and EMS. Other business included the election of notaries. A significant topic involved an update on the sale of a previously surplused ambulance to the Coopertown Police Department for $7,000, and grant funds received for capital equipment purchases such as a blood cooler unit and AEDs. The EMS Director also highlighted the critical need for improved EMS station facilities, specifically enclosed vehicle bays, in anticipation of severe winter weather.