Crossville Flashback:19 Years ago Palace over budget, Fire and Police Department get new Tech.

 After bids on the Palace Theater restoration project came in higher than expected, City Council voted Tuesday night to put the project on hold until they are assured that the project can be completed within the available funds.

Council formally acted to reject all bids received at the January bid opening in which the low bid on the Palace restoration totaled some $300,000 over available funds. Councilman John Dooley said he felt the project was out of control, and made a motion that the project not be started unless a usable facility is possible within the budgeted funds available. According to Mr. Dooley, the definition of a usable facility should include stage equipment, lighting, sound equipment, seat renovation and installation.

City Manager Hugh Walker told council he sat in on the recent meeting of the Mayor’s Palace Committee and said, “The committee is working hard to bring the project in within the amount of money.”

Dooley’s motion passed with five yes votes.

The Crossville Fire Department will soon have a high tech piece of equipment that can help save lives and fight fires. The Karins Iris thermal imager allows a firefighter to find people or fire hot spots in zero visibility using infrared technology. The only drawback to the unit is its high cost, $25,000.

Representing the Noon Rotary Club, Crossville businessman Scott Shanks advised city council that over the last four months, the group had raised $12,500, or half the cost. Shanks asked the council to match Rotary’s donation and approve purchase of the unit for the fire department.

Councilman Boyd Wyatt, Sr. made a motion for the city take the money from unappropriated fund balance and purchase the equipment. The motion passed unanimously. Following the vote, Councilman Dooley said, “We’ve never had anything like this happen to us before.”

The Crossville Police Department will also soon go high tech with the purchase of a laser speed gun. Council approved the purchase of one laser speed measurement unit for the low bid of $2,994.

Police Chief David Beaty said the laser units are more accurate and can more easily target a specific vehicle by sighting through the device. Beaty added that the unit can also be used to accurately measure long distances for both accident and criminal investigations.

In other action:

* Council approved up to $20,000 for around 6 “Welcome to Crossville” signs. According to sign proponent and Crossville Chronicle Publisher Pauline Sherrer, the signs would allow civic clubs such as Rotary, Lions and Exchange to post their emblems and meeting times at the city limits. Sherrer said, “Sparta and Dayton have very nice welcome signs and it is time for Crossville to step out too.”

Councilman John Dooley moved to approve the proposal and have a budget amendment prepared. The motion passed unanimously.

* Council recognized Laura Swallows as Crossville Elementary’s student of the month. Swallows is the daughter of Dale and Judy Graham Swallows and is in the third grade.

* Council received a gift of two framed posters for display at City Hall from Professional Services Group (PSG) promoting the recycling of biosolids. According to Clark Anis, PSG’s local manager, 900 dry tons of biosolids were recycled last year. The fertilizer was applied to 1000 acres with an equivalent value of $26,000.

* Council appointed Patty Galan to the city’s Personnel Committee. Galan operates Tery Wayne, Inc. a local manufacturing company.