Fayetteville Public Utilities

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge. Key discussions focused on the upcoming 2020 Census and the subsequent required redistricting and reapportionment process for the county legislative body, including guidelines on district size, compactness, and minority representation to avoid legal issues. The presentation detailed the process for appointing a reapportionment committee, working with the Election Administrator, and the technical parameters involving census block boundaries. Additionally, the presenter provided comparative data on commission sizes in other Tennessee counties, noting that Lincoln County's commission size is relatively large compared to the state median and other populous counties. The discussion served as a proactive measure to guide the Commission in planning for the 2021 reapportionment work.

The work session agenda included department reports and several discussion points. Parks and Recreation provided updates on a Christmas parade and a lighting ceremony, and addressed a query regarding the timing of the illumination of seasonal decorations around the square. The board discussed revising the beer ordinance to include more specific notification procedures for beer board violations and limiting the look-back period for multiple offenders to five years. The Information Technology representative proposed adopting in-depth network security and social media policies for city ordinances/handbooks. Finance discussed scheduling a dedicated mid-year public meeting in January for an in-depth review of the city's finances, current status, and projections, and addressing a request for more frequent financial reporting. Administration noted the postponement of a scheduled meeting with the TDOT Deputy Commissioner regarding the Wait Andy Jones project to December 20th. There was also discussion concerning the acceptance of a property donation at 911 West College Street, with suggestions for future use focused on resale to return the property to the tax roll, rather than converting it to green space. Finally, the city secured an agreement for a digital billboard on I-65, available January 1st, and discussed content strategy.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, featuring student participants. Agenda adoption involved moving a new business item (8) ahead of 8A. Minutes from the public hearing and regular meeting on April 11, 2023, were approved without corrections. Monthly reports covered the Main Street program's successful relocation and growth, the Chamber of Commerce's window replacement project, and the upcoming 12th season of Music in the Park, beginning May 18th. Financial reports detailed sales tax collections, occupancy tax figures, and year-to-date property tax receipts. The Recreation Department reported on completed work at SJ King Park, ongoing drainage work at Don Davidson Park, and the upcoming Fishing Rodeo on June 10th. The Public Works Department provided updates on sanitation tonnage, a cost estimate for paving Forest Street, and an educational note regarding separating different waste types for pickup efficiency. The Planning and Codes report noted 17 building permits issued, two demolition permits pulled following condemnation hearings, approval of a stop plan for the Smyrna Ready Mix concrete plant, progress on the blueprint archival project, and updates on two Home Grant remodel projects. The department is also prioritizing 15 high-priority ADA compliance projects in the municipal building. The Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting on April 24th approved a variance for accessory structures at 67 Liberty Road, and the Board of Appeals elected a new chairman and revised its policies. Finally, the board moved to New Business to recognize the 2022 Fayetteville High School Tiger Football team for winning the 2022 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division one Class A Region 5 Football Championship.

The meeting commenced with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion items centered around the agenda adoption and the approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2025, regular meeting. The public comments portion was dominated by resident concerns regarding a proposal to rezone a property from residential to commercial use to allow for the construction of a crematorium facing Market Street. Opponents cited potential negative impacts on property values, health, and neighborhood character, drawing comparisons to restrictions on other local businesses like food trucks. Proponents, including a construction company representative and a licensed funeral director/crematory operator, argued that modern crematories adhere to strict state air permitting regulations, pose no verifiable negative impact on property values or tourism in other comparable cities, and contribute to the local tax base. The discussion also involved questions regarding liability and the aesthetics and placement of the proposed facility.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the March 12, 2024, regular monthly meeting minutes. A new police officer, Doug Allen, took the oath of office. Several police awards were presented for outstanding life-saving actions, including CPR administered to an unresponsive man, the administration of Narcan during an overdose involving suspected fentanyl, and the resuscitation of a one-year-old child. CEO Britt D provided an update on Bable Public Utilities, discussing worker appreciation days, customer appreciation events, progress on new water projects, a successful Tennessee Public Utility Commission inspection, ongoing gas extensions, significant fiber installation for broadband expansion, line relocation work, and tree trimming. The CEO also detailed a new partnership with 24 other power companies to study the feasibility of independent power generation to improve grid resiliency, noting that Federal Public Utilities had secured $2.2 million of an $8 million Telecom grant. Property Assessor Tammy Painier updated the board on the 2024 property reappraisal, noting significant market value increases due to relocation from other states and the process for setting certified tax rates, demonstrating the potential substantial tax increases for residents if rates remain unchanged. The necessity of aligning the city's tax rate with the county's certified rate to prevent over-collection of taxes was emphasized.