“We in Crossville vote for you all
and vote you in there. Why do so many of you not support Crossville?'
That was the question asked to the
council by downtown property owner Shirley Hughes during a public
comment at the end of the Crossville city council's meeting that
included a discussion of Downtown Crossville Inc. (DCI) use of the
city owned Snodgrass building.
Mrs. Hughes continued, “You do
everything you can in voting against downtown. You're cutting the
amount that had been approved for the sidewalks and things. And you
tried to kick the DCI out. I want to know why are you against
downtown Crossville? I just want to say that I think it is important
to have a downtown.”
Hughes said most of the people that
shopped at her business came from out of town something she said that
concerned her.
Public Comments by downtown property owner Shirley Hughes
Earlier in the meeting, councilman
Danny Wyatt discussed an item he had placed on the agenda concerning
the lease on the Snodgrass building. Wyatt moved that the lease of
the building be put out for bids to see if another non-profit
organization would be interested in using it.
Councilman Jesse Kerley seconded the
motion so it could be discussed.
Mr. Wyatt said that the lease DCI had
would automatically renew for an additional 3 years if no action was
taken. He added that DCI had done a good job but he felt this was
the only way to see if anyone else was interested in leasing the
building.
Councilman Pete Souza said he felt that
the Snodgrass building was not just a city building, but an historic
building. He added that DCI are ambassadors of Crossville and they
use the building as a center point. “They've done more to enhance
the downtown area than the city has. I sincerely want to see DCI
remain there,” explained Souza.
Councilwoman Pamala Harris said that
since DCI was getting the building as well as a donation of $8,000 to
the organization she felt that they should pay the utilities on the
building in addition to the $75 rent. According to Ms. Harris the
utilities for the Snodgrass building average around $80 a month.
“Crossville is the heart of our
community,” stated Mayor James Mayberry, “and it's the county
seat and the citizens love to come to town whether it be for parades,
taste of Crossville or Friday night at the crossroads. And DCI is
instrumental in organizing a lot of these events. They decorate town
for a lot of the seasons which enhances our little town.”
Mayberry also said that DCI organizes
educational tours of downtown for all the fourth graders in the
county each fall that includes a visit to the courthouse and the
palace theatre and other locations. “I think DCI is a very important part
of this community and we need to support them in every way that we
possibly can as a council,” added Mayberry.
Ms. Harris compared the Crossville
depot to the Snodgrass building saying that the depot paid there own
utilities and they don't get a donation from the city. Mayor
Mayberry pointed out that the depot was allowed to keep any revenue
from the rental of the meeting room as part of their lease.
A vote taken on Wyatt's proposal failed
with two votes in favor from Wyatt and Kerley and three votes opposed
from Souza, Harris and Mayberry.
Souza moved that the city enter into
negotiations with DCI to renew the contract and a second was given by
Mr. Mayberry.
Councilman Wyatt asked who would
negotiate for the city and it was decided that the city manager
should be the one. The motion was amended to add that provision and
was approved by the council unanimously.
Crossville city council discusses DCI and the Snodgrass building lease
DCI's Frances Carson gave the council
additional details on the fourth grade downtown tours during public
comment.
Information on the 4th grade downtown walking tours
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