Crossville city recall battle (part 3)

Crossville's mayor pro-tem, Pamala Harris has also issued a statement in response to the recall efforts being made against her. When reached by phone earlier today, Ms. Harris said that she did not plan to lower herself to the level of those attacking her. She said watching TV this week a commentator had described politics as being a blood sport and while she said it did feel like that sometimes, would continue to take the high road in the current situation. She said she had seen the signs that have been put up and she said they are disturbing to see at first, but after looking at them she had to laugh as the signs really seemed pretty silly.

Ms. Harris' statement:

I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on the subject of the recall petition that has been instituted against myself and council member Danny Wyatt.

First of all, those initiating the recall have never approached me to discuss their concerns. Sadly, we have a small select group of dissatisfied people who have been grossly misinformed. Unfortunately, these citizens only know parts and pieces surrounding the issues. They have been mislead via gossip and hearsay. You can be certain that this group does not represent all 11,000 plus citizens of the City of Crossville.

Did you know that under Tennessee Code Annotated 6-31-301no specific grounds are required for recall? In other words, any citizen of the City of Crossville can get angry at a Council Member because of the way we vote on a specific issue and decide to initiate recall. As I'm sure you will understand, no matter how hard a Council Member may try to consider all citizens' opinions when weighing a vote, we are incapable of pleasing 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time. Not all decisions are “cut and dry” or “black and white.” When being falsely accused as a Council Member, human nature is to call out your accuser out publicly, but you don't even when they publicly and privately attack you, because you are committed to taking the high road. But, rather then waste everyone's time trying to defend against these inaccurate allegations, I'm going to have faith that the truth will be revealed and justice will prevail.

I ran for City Council because I believe community service is important. I did not set out to do this job as a career. Being a City Council Member is a thankless job. To survive, yourservice has to become a labor of love.

Should any citizen of Crossville choose to contact me, I would be please to answer any questions that may be of concern. In the meantime, rest assured that I will continue to do my very best to fairly represent ALL the citizens of Crossville and not just a select group.

In closing, Crossville is an absolutely incredible place to live, work and play. There are other cities who would give anything to have the assets and natural resources our city possesses. We are blessed!

I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you.  

Crossville city council recall battle keeps escalating (part 2)

Late this afternoon, Crossville city councilman Danny Wyatt issued the following press release in response to the recall efforts that he describes as "a handful of over-zealous and uninformed people." Wyatt responds to some of the accusations and accuses the recall effort of being instigated by councilman Pete Souza.  

PRESS RELEASE FROM CROSSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER DANNY WYATT

As some may know, a small group of people who are displaying ignorance of facts has begun a campaign of sorts with the intent of recalling myself and Pamela Harris from the Crossville City Council. The issues brought by the group simply are not accurate.

 I cannot speak for Council member Harris, but I sure can speak for myself and I have an important message for those who would try to slow down progress of our city: Your actions, no doubt instigated by Council Member Pete Souza, is achieving nothing but hurting Crossville and will continue to cast a shadow over our town for some time to come.  For the life of me, I have never understood Mr. Souza's motive for doing everything in his power to disrupt the progress of Crossville with continuous investigations and  allegations of wrongdoing by our public servants and citizens (32 so far by my count) and yet none, not one allegation, has ever proved to have any merit. His ranting and raving has only proved to be a colossal waste of time.  Time that could have been spent on Crossville projecting a positive and lucrative image for new industry and businesses looking at Crossville for locating and employing our citizens.

 We have some very good things happening in Crossville and as a representative of city taxpayers, I will continue to look after the best interest of the City.  If that means voting against a program that I feel is wasteful or ineffective, that's what I'll do.  Where the Horizon Initiative was concerned, it simply is not what it started out as and, as time went on, it became clear to me that the changes taking place were not using taxpayers money wisely and effectively. Period. If spending $90,000 on Golf Tournament promotion continues to bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue for our City and schools as it has done over the years, then I'll vote yes every time. Also, in my opinion if a City Manager is not exercising sound, conservative monetary policy, he or she needs to go.  And remember, the vote to dismiss our City Manager was 4 to 1 in favor.

 It greatly disturbs me that a handful of over-zealous and uninformed people would spend the time and energy to put our City in a negative light.  As far as the recall is concerned, I'm doing my job with a clear conscience that my actions reflect the best interest of Crossville's citizens - if they get the votes needed for a recall and it passes on a ballot - then yes, I need to go home.  Otherwise, I'll be right here working for the betterment of Crossville and its people.

Crossville city council recall battle keeps escalating (part 1)

Signs have been put up by the political group that calls itself Crossville Citizens for Good Government asking people to sign the recall petitions as they try to collect 2225 registered city voter's signatures on each petition to get the questions included on the November ballot.  The deadline for the group is June 24.

This sign pictured above is located at the entrance to Crossville's Walmart and a different sign is located at the intersection of 127-N and Industrial Boulevard.  

The group's website asks a series of questions and makes several accusations but presents no evidence of the allegations they make.  

Council OKs purchase of industrial property by local businessman Butch Smith

The Crossville city council approved the offer of local businessman Butch Smith to purchase a 9.09 acre lot in the Wyatt Court industrial park off of Woodlawn Road.

The property is prices at $25,000 per acre and Smith is proposing to construct a 50,000 square foot industrial spec building on the property.  Smith currently owns the adjoining property that is currently being leased by CoLinx for their latest expansion and the plans could eventually allow the two buildings to be joined creating a 150,000 square foot facility.

Smith's proposal is for the city to give the project 3 years and deduct $5000 per full time job created by the project from the land cost up to the purchase price.  Smith told the council the total investment in the initial part of the project would be some $2 million.

Smith also requested property tax abatements similar to payment in lieu of taxes programs offered to other industrial firms locating in Crossville. In addition, Smith requested some fill material located on adjacent city property that the city has stored to fill in part of the property to bring it up to grade and provide additional truck parking to the project.   

The sale is contingent on the charter provisions that allow a petition of 10 percent of registered city voters to put the sale to a referendum and a a sales contract by city attorney Will Ridley.  

Chamber of Commerce Brad Allamong praised the project saying currently there are no local industrial buildings to show potential industrial prospects.  Allamong added that he hoped additional local investors would step forward.  "This is really unique, talking about a private person making a commitment to the community and I'm all for it," Allamong concluded.

The motion to accept the offer of Smith was approved with all council members in favor. 

Video games relieve stress for college students, by Jacob Young.

My son is a chip off the old block!  He has been writing for the East Tennessean, the student newspaper at East Tennessee State University.  He graduates in May with a degree in digital media/game design.

My son's article on video game relief from college studying.

Council agrees to seek grants for tourism and parks

The city of Crossville will apply for a $50,000 grant to help pay for the construction of a restroom/concession stand for the Spirit Broadband theatergoer.

The funding is available from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to enhance tourism. A local match of at least 30 percent is required by the grant which was released March 10.

The project has an estimated cost of $166,500 for design, sitework and construction. The project is already in the city's proposed capital plan and grant awards are to be announced in June 2016. The project must be completed within one year.

The motion to approve the grant was unanimously approved.

Council also approved increasing the amount of funds requested from a Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant for improvements at Garrison Park. Previously the city had approved applying for the grant when the limit was $250,000. Since that action by the council, the maximum amount of the grant has been increased to $500,000.  The additional funds will allow for the completion of restroom facilities at the park

The second grant application increase was also approved unanimously.

New position for Crossville codes department approved.

During their April regular meeting, the Crossville city council approved the addition of a new employee for the city codes department.

With the city continuing to do both city and county wide building inspections, the addition of another employee for the department has been discussed for some time. The new employee would concentrate on property maintenance issues and office support. The salary range for the position is $28,000 to $30,000 annually plus benefits.

A budget amendment is required but the amount is offset by the revenue from the fees collected for the services to the county. A vehicle for the position has been secured from one of the surplus police vehicles recently replaced.

Mayor James Mayberry moved to approve the position and first reading of the budget amendment and was supported by council member Pam Harris. The motion passed unanimously.

   Crossville codes department webpage

Souza calls council “toxic” as hiring a new city manager put off until after November election

The Crossville city council agreed to put off hiring a new city manager until after the dust has cleared from the city election in November.

In addition to the council seats of Pete Souza and Jesse Kerley being up for election, it looks like a strong possibility that the recall votes for Danny Wyatt and Pam Harris will also take place on the November ballot.

Mr. Souza stated that since 2007 the city has had ten managers and interim managers. “We have a toxic city council. That's a fact. We need to wait. I don't think we could get anybody right now, that's any good as a professional manager that would even come here.”

While preliminary work on recruiting and vetting potential city manager candidates is expected to take place prior to the election, the final decision on who will become city manager will wait until new members, if any, are sworn in.

The council agreed to move forward using the UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) to provide the recruiting service at no cost to the city. Crossville mayor James Mayberry said that MTAS had recommended, and he agreed, that the final selection should be delayed until after the election.

Mayor Mayberry moved to let MTAS begin the process and to put off hiring until after the election and councilman Pete Souza supported the motion.

Councilman Jesse Kerley asked city attorney Will Ridely about the legality of putting off hiring a manager. Ridely responded that the motion was fine, but there was nothing stopping another council member from making a motion to hire a manager in the future before the date set in the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously by the council.

Council also approved an employment contract with interim city manager Steve Hill. Hill is to be paid $75,000 annual salary plus benefits offered to other city employees while he serves in the position.

The contract was approved with councilman Souza opposed. Souza felt that the agreement in place when Hill was originally appointed should not be changed.  

Crossville's water and wastewater system "in financial distress" says agency. Rate increase ahead?

The City of Crossville has not raised water or sewer rates since the last in a series of 4 annual rate increases of 5 percent each required by the state due to financing improvement work on the system. The last increase went into effect July 1, 2013.  At the time, council members hoped they wouldn't need another increase for a while, but that time has now come.

Former city manager David Rutherford had previously told the council that this year's budget for the water and sewer system was not generating adequate revenue based on a standard form that the city submits each year to the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Financing Board (WWFB).  The form looks only at revenue and expenses in the operation and the city was upside down on the form submitted earlier this fiscal year.  Several weeks ago the agency visited city hall and were told the city would look at rate increases for the next two years to eliminate the "financial distress."

The agency then sent a notice to the city titled as an "order" that "directs the city to comply with the following corrective action plan:

1) the city will increase its water rates by 2% and sewer rates by 5% by July 1, 2016
2) the city will increase its water rates by 2% and sewer rates by 5% by July 1,2017
3) the city shall update the WWFB's staff on its progress quarterly until formally released from WWFB oversight.

The water and wastewater system does have cash reserves in the bank, but those funds are for future maintenance and do not offset the problems that the WWFB looks at.

The city council has not taken any action on the matter yet.

A few awards for my reporting and photography

I was recognized with 2 school bell awards from the Tennessee Education for excellence in education reporting.  I also received two awards from the Tennessee School Boards Association as well.

In 2009 I was voted as "Best Newspaper Reporter" in Crossville and in 2014 was recognized for my photo of Crossville fire chief Mike Turner's rescue of a lady who drove her car into deep water flowing across a road from heavy spring rains.

Two public comments from 4-14-16 meeting of the Crossville city council

Two of the public commentors that spoke at the end of the Crossville city council's meeting on April 14, 2016.  Both speakers criticize the recent actions of the council.  The second speaker is Howard Burnett, proponent of recalling two council members over firing the latest city manager and failing to support the Horizon Project community development program.

Crossville council won't change public comment or standing rules. (Video included)

 The Crossville city council was asked to reconsider the location of the time of public comment once again by Mayor James Mayberry, but a majority did not support the change. In addition, a motion to rescind the latest changes to the council's standing rules that abolished work sessions and disallowed public comments during council discussions of an agenda item did not receive majority support.

Mayor Mayberry said that with the change that no longer allowed public comment during a discussion that he felt the public should have a chance to address the council before a vote is taken. Mayberry moved that the council pass first reading of an ordinance to place the comment time at the start of the council meeting instead of at the end. Council member Pam Harris, who had originally proposed the change earlier this year seconded the mayor's motion.

Harris said she originally proposed the change “to bring order back to our meetings whereby the citizens could speak to the council on agenda items prior to our deliberation and our vote.” Harris continued saying that over the last 18 months the meetings had harder for the council to conduct business in an orderly fashion.

Councilman Pete Souza said, “I'm not going to support this motion. I think that this motion would improve the current situation, but I also think this motion is a token thing towards what was taken away from the people to be able to speak during the agenda item.” Souza continued, “The people have a right to be heard. We, as a council, have to suffer what the people tell us. We don't get to sit here and just listen to the people say 'You're doing a great job,' we need to hear everything the people say, and that includes the criticism.”

Councilman Jesse Kerley commented, “I personally don't feel that I suffer by any means listening to either good or negative comments toward myself. I welcome all comments. Nobody's perfect and if anybody has anything they'd like to say to me, I'm always available.”

The motion failed with support only from Mayor Mayberry and Ms. Harris. Mr. Souza, Mr. Kerley and Danny Wyatt were opposed.

The next item was presented by Mr. Souza who moved to rescind the last change to the standing rules. Souza wanted to see the work sessions restored and public comment during an agenda item discussion as well. He described the previous action as “an assault on the people's rights to express what they have to say.” Souza added that the absence of the workshops encumbers the city in performance of the duties of the elected officials and gives more opportunities for the public to see the inner workings of government as each agenda item is discussed.

Following Mr. Souza's comments a roll call vote was taken and the motion failed with support from Mayor Mayberry and Mr. Souza. Voting against were members Wyatt, Harris and Kerley.

Crossville city council approves final resolution dismissing David Rutherford, barely.

Crossville city council approved the final resolution to dismiss city manager David Rutherford from his position and approved first reading of a $57,995.56 budget amendment to pay his severance.

The discussion occasionally became a bit heated but was finally approved by a majority of council members.  A question over delaying the approval brought concern from city attorney Will Ridley who told the council Rutherford had already been paid the severance amount.  In addition he added that if the resolution was not approved the city would have to continue to pay him his salary.  

Councilman Pete Souza received applause from the audience after saying he would not support the motion.  He also said that some city managers had been able to spend over their $5000 limit without being disciplined and contrasted city manager Jack Miller firing over spending a little over $5000 to manager Curtis Adams paying former city engineer Tom Wolf over $9000 but no action was taken against Adams.  

Councilman Jesse Kerley questioned the expenditures on the Horizon Project made by Rutherford and if an invoice had been withheld from the council.  Attorney Ridley said additional research by the finance department may be able to answer those questions.  

The motion on the resolution and the first reading of the budeget amendment passed with council members Danny Wyatt, Pam Harris and mayor James Mayberry in favor.  Councilmen Souza and Kerley voted no. 

Sidewalk project delayed AGAIN!

Crossville has been trying for 5 years to build sidewalks on Myrtle Ave and Fourth St. as part of the safe routes to schools program.  The grant had "one very last extension through August and approved the low bid last month. 

Last night it was announced that TDOT did not approve the bid over incorrect forms.  Councilman Kerley just laid his head on the desk.

So the city is looking at rebidding the project but only if TDOT will give an extension on the use of grant funds involved.

Crossville to host 3 statewide women's bowling tournaments

Crossville's Plateau Lanes will host three statewide women's tournaments that will bring some 2000 bowlers here.  Two tournaments are this year and one in 2017.

Crossville city council meets Thursday evening

The Crossville city council has a full agenda for their regular April meeting.
5:00 PM Audit committee
5:30 PM Closed session with city attorney concerning lawsuit
6:00 PM Regular meeting

Under the consent agenda council is expected to pass 2nd reading of the action on the regional water supply and budget amendment for a $133,000 payment to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the city's portion along with routine items and road closings

Discussion and action on the sale of property to Avigen and property on Wyatt Court to Butch Smith are on the agenda.  In both cases there is a request to pay for all or part of the land cost through credit for permanent full-time jobs.

A grant for the renovations of Garrison Park and a tourism grant to help fund a restroom and concession stand for the Spirit Broadband amphitheater are also up for consideration.

Crossville mayor James Mayberry will ask the council to once again revisit the placement of public comments to the first of the meeting.  Mayberry feels that with the change of no longer allowing public comment during discussion of an agenda item the public should be allowed to speak before a vote by council.

Councilman Pete Souza has an agenda item asking that the March changes to the standing rules be rescinded to put back the work sessions and public comments during agenda item discussion.

Several items will handle unfinished business with the city manager position.  Council will consider a final resolution firing David Rutherford and approving a budget amendment in the amount of $57,995 to pay the severance under his employment contract.  Council will also discuss how the search for a new manager will be handled and a contract for interim city manager Steve Hill will be considered.

Recall of Crossville council members moving forward--Shooting for November ballot.

I am now contributing to the Upper Cumberland Business Journal.

Article in the Upper Cumberland Business Journal on Crossville recall peitions

Election commission approves recall petition language

Meeting in a special called session Tuesday afternoon, the Cumberland County election commission approved the language in the recall petitions against city council members Danny Wyatt and Pam Harris.

A total of 2225 registered city voter signatures will have to be collected on the petitions in order for the questions to appear on the ballot.  Some 2300 voters cast ballots in the last city election.

Election officials said recall proponent Howard Burnette did not plan to try and meet the May 6 deadline to get the questions on the August ballot but instead planned to meet the June 24 deadline for the question to appear on the November 8 ballot.

For the recall to be successful, at least 66 percent of the voters who vote on the question must vote in favor of the recall.  Should either of the recalls be successful, council members remaining would appoint the replacements to serve until the next general election ballot. Two expiring seats on the council, currently held by Pete Souza and Jesse Kerley are also on the November ballot.

Recall language approval expected today.

The Cumberland Co. Election commission will meet this afternoon at 3:30 PM to review updated language in the recall petition filled against city council members Danny Wyatt and Pam Harris.  Once approved, over 2100 registered city voter's signatures will be required to place the questions on the ballot.

If the question makes it on the ballot 66 percent of voters must vote in favor if recall for a council member to be removed.

My YouTube channel has many videos of the Crossville city council.

The videos go back a few years if you are interested.

Go to my YouTube Channel

Some of the construction projects in Crossville...

The new Emergency Room at Cumberland Medical Center is taking shape near the current entrance to the ER.



The new Weigle's at Five Points is also taking shape The store will carry Weigle's own brand of milk, fresh food and even wine once it is finsihed.

Message on Facebook from Crossville city council member Pam Harris

TO MY DEAR FACEBOOK FRIENDS & FAMILY:
As I was sitting in church service this morning, the Lord laid some things on my heart that I need to share with you. You know being an elected official is not easy. It's so very hard to sit back and take the public and private attacks; and, as I'm sure you know, you can't believe everything you hear or read in the papers or on facebook, etc. The truth is usually somewhere in the middle. And when you have people threatening lawsuits and the like, you have to be so careful what you say. But, rather than spend time trying to defend myself against the sticks and stones, the Lord reminded me again to take the problem off the throne and to put him back on the throne so that he can do the work. So I offer this prayer for Crossville.

Dear Lord, I come before you with a broken heart and humbly ask that you PLEASE HELP CROSSVILLE. Please touch the hearts of our elected officials and the people of Crossville. Help us to stop pointing fingers at each other. Help us to stop verbally attacking our citizens and elected officials. Rather, teach us humility and a spirit of cooperation. I humbly ask that you forgive us for doing things that have hurt our community. I pray that you would help each of us to put a watch on our lips and what we say to others. I humbly ask for your blessings on Crossville and its people. I ask for your blessing on our educational system and our children. I ask for your blessing on our businesses both large and small. I ask for your blessing on the many volunteer organizations that are trying to make a difference in our community. I humbly ask for your blessing on our efforts for economic development. I ask for a renewed spirit of the Golden Rule to be placed upon the hearts of our elected officials and the people of Crossville. I personally ask for your forgiveness in those areas where I have failed you, and I ask for your strength to continue my service to the community with a heart of love. Give me a strong backbone tempered with a heart of compassion for others. I love you Lord and ask all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

(Posted by Pam Harris at 12:15 4-10-16 on her Facebook page.)

Crossville city council to consider sale of last lot on Wyatt Court to local developer.

One item on the April city council's upcoming agenda will consider an offer to purchase 9.09 acres in the city's industrial park on Wyatt Court off of Woodlawn Road. The offer to purchase the lot is being made by local businessman and developer Butch Smith who already owns the industrial building in front of the property he is proposing to purchase.

The property is priced at $25,000 per acre at a total estimated cost of $227,250.  Smith is planning to build a spec building on the property and is proposing to put the purchase funds in escrow and having the cost of the property reduced by $5000 for each new full time job that is generated by the project.

This kind of proposal has been made before to industrial prospects but not previously to a developer. Some additional land remains at the Wyatt Court park, but little of it is usable for industrial purposes because of the slope of the land.

Council will consider the offer and any restrictions to the proposal during the meet set for April 14, 2016.  The meeting starts at 6:00 PM in council chambers on the 2nd floor of Crossville city hall.

The link below is to a PDF of the Wyatt Court park showing the proposed purchase
PDF map of Wyatt Court

Cookeville marketing firm bails on Horizon Initiative

Dominoes start falling.  One step forward and 5 steps back.

Cookeville marketing firm drops Crossville project

“The obvious issue is politics. And it’s been our experience that no amount of marketing, public relations or advertising can fix that.” – Mike McCloud, MMA Creative

Wine for sale on every corner?

It seems more then just grocery stores will be carrying wine after July 1.

On the city council's agenda coming up Thursday April 14, a certificate of compliance approval is on the agenda requested by the new Weigle's store currently under construction at 5-Points as well as the Eco Travel Plaza on Genesis Road.  In addition, other stores are expected to apply.  So far Kroger and Food City have been approved already.  It seems a number of small 7-11 type stores may also qualify as "grocery stores" as well.

Sit Down and Shut Up...

This was the sign a few members of the audience were wearing at the April 4 city council called meeting in protest to the changes of the standing rules that would not allow public comment on the matters before the council.

A word from our sponsor.

The VORP Thrift store is a great place to find bargains and collectibles.  Stop by when you get a chance.  For more visit the VORP Thrift Store on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/VORPthriftstore/

Videos of the city council meetings over the fate of manager David Rutherford

Links to the videos of the two meetings over the fate of Crossville city manager David Rutherford.

in this first link Rutherford survived and numerous citizens spoke on his behalf.

https://youtu.be/tVEbzFlo2lw

The second meeting just a month later ended in Rutherford's suspension and appointment of an interim manager Steve Hill, the city's former parks and recreation director.  In this meeting, public comments were not allowed by the council.

https://youtu.be/dFhN9uXWkYc

Crossville city council looks at public comment again and again and again...

With no work session this month, canceled by a majority of the Crossville city council last month, the agenda for the regular April meeting is out.  The meeting is Next Thursday April 14 at 6 PM.

In addition to a planned private meeting with city attorney Will Ridley before the meeting, the agenda includes an item from councilman Pete Souza that is unlikely to go anywhere beyond some discussion to change the standing rules that have been changed 3 times in the last two months.  All of those changes have restricted the public's ability to address the council during discussions.

Another item is requested by Mayor James Mayberry to again move the time of public comment to the front of the agenda rather then the end since comments are no longer allowed during the discussion of items.

Stay tuned for more...

Rutherford out as city manager (with severance) former parks and rec director Steve Hill named interim

A Crowd turned out for the special called council meeting that would determine the fate of Crossville city manager David Rutherford.David Rutherford, left sits waiting for the meeting to start that would determine his fate as city manager


Crossville mayor James Mayberry swears in former Crossville parks and Recreation director Steve Hill as interim city manager following the suspension of  David Rutherford.  The city is about to start work on the 2016-17 budget.  (The ONLY photo of the swearing in of Steve Hill)

Crossville city council meets in special called session to again consider suspension/firing of city manager David Rutherford.

Under the city's charter Rutherford can ask for a public hearing on the action. Public comments may not be allowed at today's meeting under rules passed last month by a majority of the city council.

A recall effort against council members Danny Wyatt and Pam Harris came out of their call for the action against Rutherford at a February 28 special called meeting. That motion for suspension failed to get a majority vote of council.  The votes seem to be there for the suspension to happen at today's meeting

Follow Crossville city council news here!

I will be blogging about Crossville TN and local news that affects citizens here.

Here is a meeting 4 weeks ago on the fate of the Crossville city manager.

Another meeting is scheduled for Monday April 4 at Noon at Crossville city hall council chambers that will once again call for the suspension and replacement of current Crossville city manager David Rutherford.

While the video above includes a number of comments by the public that may have ultimately led to Rutherford keeping his job at least a few weeks more.  None of those comments will be allowed at the upcoming meeting as the city council has changed those rules since the last called meeting.