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Tuesday, December 17, 2019

County Mayor Updates on Broadband Grants and Co. Commission Meeting

Press Release from Cumberland Co. Mayor Allen Foster.

From zero to five broadband grant applications in a single year.  Last year, no provider applied for grants to extend service to Cumberland County.  This year, we have grant applications in the North, South, East, and West portions of the county as well as in Crossville.  It took a lot of work but the county is broadband grant eligible, and you responded in great numbers to show community support.  The State will score the applications and we will know if any providers in Cumberland County have received a grant before Spring.

Cumberland Co. Courthouse Sunset by Jim Young
 
Speaking of Broadband, if there are any individuals that are still getting broadband or cable TV service from Spirit Broadband, please let me know.  You can call my office or send me an email.
 
I was excited to learn that the Plateau Partnership Park IDB has received a grant for $1,000,000.  Cumberland County is a regional hub for three distressed counties that border us.  These funds will be used for a water line extension to the industrial park that should help make the park more attractive for industry, and move us closer toward economic growth for the entire region.  I want to thank everyone involved in this process from the IDB to the State of Tennessee.
 
All Christmas Buy One Get one FREE!

The December 16th meeting of the full County Commission was held with all Commissioners in attendance except Chad Norris, Carl MacLeod, and John Patterson.
 
There were a couple of items under new business.  The first was the resignation of Ninth District Commissioner Carl MacLeod.  Carl and his family have moved to South Carolina, and he sent me his resignation last week.  That means we have a vacant Commission seat in the 9th District effective January 1, 2020.  TCA has specific requirements for filling a vacant seat.  First, we must have the formal notice of vacancy from the County Clerk.  That was given at the meeting.  Next, notice must also be officially given in the paper/media by the Mayor’s Office as the Commission Chairman.  That will go out soon.
 
I suggested a motion be made that the County fill the vacant Ninth District seat at the January 21, 2020 Commission meeting in accordance to County Commission rules.  Anyone interested in filling the vacant Ninth District County Commission seat should notify the County Mayor’s Office in writing by January 9, 2019 at Noon.  A cover letter is suggested, but not required to be submitted at that time.  Those unable to notify the County Mayor’s Office may also be considered at the January 21, 2020 meeting of the full County Commission.  Verification of residency in the ninth district is required.  The motion was made and approved 15-0.
 
Next, the Sheriff gave notice that he wishes to discontinue using his current personnel policies and adopt the personnel policies and handbook of Cumberland County.  The change will become effective January 1, 2020.  The rewritten policies adopted by the County last month are well written and should protect both the employee and the county.
 
RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration (resolution sponsor in parenthesis):
 
RESOLUTION 12-2019-1 – Accept Offers to Purchase Property Owned by Cumberland County (Hyder).  The Delinquent Tax Committee recommended approval of the following offers:
Offeror(s)PropertyPriceAdvertising Fee
Michael Matthews8113 Cherokee Trail, Tansi$302.50$45
    
This will return the property to the tax rolls after it had been removed due to property taxes not being paid for several years.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-2 – Encouraging the Support of HR1175/SB1469 which directs TennCare to reimburse ground ambulance providers at a rate not less than the current Medicare fee schedule and adding funding to the 2020-2021 budget (Hyder).  This resolution originated from our EMS Director in an attempt to secure more funding for TennCare ambulance transports.  It encourages our state legislators to support funding TennCare transports at the same rate as Medicare.  If approved by the state, this would result in a substantial funding increase for our local EMS.  The resolution was approved 15-0.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-3 – Requesting legislation to the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee for counties that are bordered by three or more distressed countries to qualify for a sales tax TIF (Lowe).  This resolution was placed in support of the recent City request for the same legislation, and was approved unanimously.  If approved by the state legislature, it could help in retail recruitment here in Cumberland County.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-4 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Juvenile Court $3,961.00 (Hyder).  This resolution was approved 15-0 and allowed comp and vacation time to be paid to the former Youth Service Office so the position can be filled quickly.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-5 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Fire Department, $10,160.00 (Lowe).  Donations have been given to the Fire Department to fund the acquisition of a rehab emergency support trailer.  This purchase is in partnership with the Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains.  This resolution, unanimously approved, authorized the acceptance and expenditure of the funds.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-6 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Local Health Center/Appropriations to State $27,965.00 (Cooper).  The Tennessee Department of Health has approved the withholding of the 3rd and 4th quarter county appropriations so the funds can be used to repair and replace HVAC control systems at the County Health Department.  The resolution was approved 15-0.
        
RESOLUTION 12-2019-7 – Declaring light poles no longer utilized by Cumberland County as surplus property and be donated to The City of Crossville (Seiber).  There are several light poles that have been laying on the grounds at the Community Complex for at least a decade.  We had been trying to determine how to dispose of them, when we found out that the City has a use for them at Meadow Park Lake.  This resolution, approved unanimously, donated the poles to the City.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-8 – General Fund Budget Amendment, Military Museum, $250.00 (Patterson).  Commissioner Patterson received a donation for the Military Museum for $250, but the donation did not go through the budget process and did not have proper accounting codes in the resolution.  Although Commissioners commented on being very thankful for the donation, it was sent to the Budget Committee in order to follow proper process and to get the correct information to accept.  The motion was approved 15-0.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Local option sales tax collections came in at $859,937 which is $36,731 above estimated revenue.  Overall, we are $24,928 above the budgeted amount year to date.  Hotel/Motel tax collections are approximately 40.3% of the $817,283 budget as revised down due to last year’s collection.  So far $329,770 has been collected.  Property taxes are starting to come in and stand at 25.4% of budget.  Prisoner boarding is at 33.9% of budget at $254,823 collected.  EMS collections for the month were approximately $404.000.  This puts year to date collections at $1,817,087 which is $150,422 above budget

Monday, December 16, 2019

Crossville City Holiday Schedule and Meetings Announced

Snowy Crossville City Hall (file photo by Jim Young


December 19          Crossville Regional Planning Commission       12:00 p.m.

December 20          Catoosa Advisory Board                                   11:00 a.m.

December 23          City Council Call for Special Meeting                8:00 a.m.

December 24-25     City offices closed

Dec. 31-Jan 1          City offices closed

Jan. 7, 2020            City Council Work Session                               5:00 p.m.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Crossville Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints December 27

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will be conducting sobriety checkpoints on December 27, 2019, beginning at 6pm and continuing through 10pm.



During this time period, the Crossville Police Department will be conducting Sobriety Checkpoints in the areas of Lantana Rd, Peavine Rd, Genesis Rd and U.S. HWY 127, in an effort to put an end to impaired driving. Please use caution when driving in these areas. Do not approach checkpoints with your high-beam headlights on, and always slow down when approaching the checkpoint areas.


Please help us keep the roadways safe for everyone, buckle up and don’t drink and drive.

Contact the City of Crossville Police Department with any questions at 931-484-7231.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Cumberland County Schools are...

Closed for Wednesday, December 11 due to snowy road conditions.


Watch for the VORP Store FLASH SALE Friday!

NWS Special Weather Statement Issued some snow accumulation possible in middle/east Tennessee

Up to an inch of snow and below-freezing temperatures could create some travel problems for drivers.

The Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for today:
Minor Snow Accumulations Possible 

Rain will transition to a rain and snow mix followed by all snow during the day today. No accumulations to a few tenths of one inch are expected west of the Cumberland Plateau. Accumulations up to one inch are possible on the Cumberland Plateau with a couple higher elevations possibly receiving slightly greater than one inch of snow. If you are traveling on Tuesday afternoon and evening, especially locations along the Cumberland Plateau, use caution as slick spots may develop on area roads, mainly on secondary roads as well as bridges and overpasses. Snow should come to an end from west to east during the afternoon through the early overnight hours tonight.

The latest info from the National Weather Service has been released. 
Snowfall accumulation

When to expect snow to start

Travel Impact possibilities

Monday, December 9, 2019

Crossville City Council meeting and Council Retreat Set for this Week.

Crossville City Council members (Photo by Jim Young)


Upcoming City of Crossville Events

December 10, 2019                         Audit Committee                             5:15 p.m.
December 10, 2019                         CDBG Public Hearing                     5:45 p.m.
December 10, 2019                         Crossville Beer Board                     5:50 p.m.
December 10, 2019                         Crossville City Council                    6 p.m.

December 13, 2019                         City Council Retreat                        8 a.m.
                                                               Cumberland Mountain State Park

December 19, 2019                         Planning Commission                    NOON

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Final 2019 Crossville Council meeting to cover sewer service to Tansi, water leak adjustment and flag design winners

Crossville City Council holds its final regular meeting of 2019 on Tuesday, December 10 at Crossville City Hall.

The evening includes several meetings with the audit committee starting at 5:15 PM, a public hearing on an application for Community Development Block Grant funds at 5:45 PM, and Beer Board at 5:50 PM and the council agenda at 6:00 PM.

One of the winning Crossville flag designs.

Items for discussion on the agenda include sewer service to a group of condominiums in Lake Tansi, The first step is requesting access from South Cumberland Utility District. Staff requests authority for the City Manager to send a letter requesting access.

Council will also discuss a water leak adjustment program. Several proposals have been presented to the city that would cover the amount of a leak over a customer's average monthly water bill. The city also discussed the possibility of operating their own program but there could be legal issues with that plan.



Crossville-Cumberland County Sports and Events Council (CCCSEC) is recommending the appointment of the following members for the council to consider.
Dr. Zach Boyd Term Expiration 12/31/20
Rusty Mellette Term Expiration 12/31/22
Pepe Perron Term Expiration 12/31/22
Angie Spitler Term Expiration 12/31/22
Tony Dolinich Term Expiration 12/31/21
Marlo Wright Term Expiration 12/31/21
Valorie Cox Term Expiration 12/31/21

Council will also recognize winners of the Crossville Flag competition and the student of the month from Martin Elementary School.

Friday, December 6, 2019

Crossville announces plans and street closing for December 14 Christmas Parade

Crossville Christmas Parade Detailed Plans have been released by the city.  This year's theme is "There's No Place Like Home for Christmas."

2019 Crossville Christmas Parade Route: The parade will begin at Cumberland County High School and Martin Elementary School on Stanley Street, travel Stanley Street to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Tabernacle Street, across from Woodmere Mall. The parade will end on Ridley Street.  The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.

Santa in the 2016 parade (photo by Jim Young)


Line-up will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Cumberland County High School/Martin Elementary School area on Stanley Street, and everyone riding on floats, marching in bands, and participating in any other way in the parade should be in place by 3:45 p.m. Parents should make plans to pick up children riding on the floats at the parade route end, on Ridley Street.


STREET CLOSURE SCHEDULE:
CLOSING AT 2 PM:  Stanley Street in front of Cumberland County High School and Martin Elementary to Miller Avenue

CLOSING AT 3:30 PM: Stanley Street from Miller Avenue to Main Street; Main Street from Lantana Road to Genesis Road

CLOSING AT 4 PM: Miller Avenue before Fourth Street (across from Garrison Park) to Lantana Road; Main Street from Genesis Road to Miller Avenue

Monday, December 2, 2019

Tuesday Council Work Session to cover Palace repairs, indoor recreation facility and water leak protection


The Crossville City Council holds its work session for December Tuesday, December 3 at 5 PM and several topics are up for discussion.

Historic Palace Theatre (Photo by Jim Young)

Items on the agenda include a problem with leaks in the Palace Theatre that have been reported and appear to be caused by issues with mortar joints in the masonry walls. Council will discuss a contract with Uplands Design Group for the preparation of bidding and construction documents to replace mortar and water repellent coating. The repair is expected to cost around $50,000.


The Palace was restored and reopened in 2001 after being closed for over 20 years. 


Council will again revisit the idea of the city building an indoor recreation facility and what amenities that might provide. An indoor recreation facility has been discussed off and on for some 15 years and has been popular with citizens but the cost and operation fees have concerned the council.

The city has put out request for qualifications for a consultant to complete a needs assessment for the facility and council will hear a presentation from HFR Design on the project.



The city has heard from two different groups about a water leak protection plan but has not been ready to move forward yet. Councilman J. H. Graham wants the city to consider a self-funded program that would charge a small amount per month to water customers that would create a fund to cover the costs of water leaks in the future. There have been some legal questions about the city doing this and the matter will be discussed at the work session.

The city's compensation plan is ready for the council to look at and the contractor, McGrath Human Resources Group will make a presentation to the council on their study and make recommendations about the implementation of the compensation scale.



Sunday, December 1, 2019

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Cumberland Co./Plateau Midnight Sunday to 6PM Monday

Accumulating Snowfall Expected Across Cumberland Plateau Region After Midnight tonight through Monday, December 2...



A strong upper-level low-pressure system will bring the chance of snowfall to the mid-state region late tonight and into Monday. Accumulating snowfall amounts between one to two inches will be possible across the Cumberland Plateau Region.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
6 PM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snowfall expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two
  inches.

* WHERE...Pickett, Fentress, White, Cumberland, Warren, Grundy
  and Van Buren Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Generally for locations at or greater than
  one thousand feet.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Areas covered by the advisory includes: Pickett-Fentress-White-Cumberland-Warren-Grundy-Van Buren-
Including the cities of Byrdstown, Jamestown, Allardt, Sparta,
Crossville, McMinnville, Altamont, Coalmont, and Spencer.