Crossville makes $275,000 offer for Handle Mill Property for Future Parking

Crossville city council continues to pursue the purchase of property for parking and other possible uses near Main Street voting to offer $275,000 for the old handle mill property with railroad right of way.

Handle Mill Property next to library

Initially, the city hoped the county would help pay for the land purchase and the city would develop the property as parking, possibly a small park and in the future a restroom facility. The county took no action as it is dealing with trying to purchase railroad right of way that part of the library facility is built on.

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The city and property owner Ronnie Webb have been in discussions for some time about the possible purchase and so far the two sides have not come to an agreement on a price for the approximately three acres between Thurman Avenue and Webb Avenue north of the library and the outdoor amphitheater.

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Councilman Danny Wyatt said the property would be valuable for parking for the library and the courthouse. Wyatt made a motion to offer the owner $275,000 for the property to include the railroad right of way and the offer would be good for 60 days. Council member Pamala Harris seconded the motion.

No other discussion was held on the matter and Wyatt's motion was approved unanimously.

April Regular Council Meeting to look at Property Purchase, SCUD merger and Crab Orchard water sales.

After a work session and a special called meeting last week, the Crossville city council meets for their regular April meeting Tuesday, April 10.

The regular agenda starts at 6:00 PM and is preceded by the Beer Board meeting at 5:45 and the Audit Committee meeting at 5:15 PM.

Several items on the agenda have been on the council's agenda a few times recently including the proposed purchase of the old handle mill property between Thurman Avenue and Webb Avenue, a proposed merger of the city water department with the South Cumberland Utility District and sale of water to the Crab Orchard Utility District.

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The city has been looking at the possible purchase of property in the downtown area for additional parking for some time and seems that the first choice is the remaining portion of the old Turner Day and Woolworth handle mill next to the library. The city is looking to purchase the property currently owned by local resident Ronnie Webb along with the railroad right of way that runs through the property.

While several offers have been discussed, during the work session the offer appears to be that the city would offer $250,00 for the property including the railroad right of way that Mr. Webb has already been negotiating to acquire.

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Council will consider beginning negotiations toward a merger with the South Cumberland Utility District (SCUD). The city council has discussed the merger possibility for the last several months and what benefits might be realized to the SCUD customers and the city. The action proposed on the agenda is to approve the city manager, council member J. H. Graham and the city attorney to begin working with the utility district's board on a possible merger.

The council has also been discussing the possibility of selling water to the Crab Orchard Utility District as their water demand approaches the production capability. Because a connection between the two systems was taken up many years ago, the city is looking at the expenditure of $2,100 to tie the systems back together and allow for the sale of water.

Also on the agenda is a report from city manager Greg Wood on the progress of the retail development consulting firm r360 that the city has contracted with hoping to attract new business to Crossville. Council will also discuss the city manager's annual performance evaluation.   

Crossville Council approves offer to purchase old handle mill and railroad property for $247,500

Crossville City Council approved offering $225,000 for the old handle mill property next to the Art Circle Library that is owned by Ronnie Webb.

Old Handle Mill property on Webb Avenue

The city has received a quote to purchase the Railroad right of way that runs through the property the city is interested in for $22,500.

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The city hoped to that the county would assist in the purchase of the property but as the county is dealing with problems related to the railroad property it didn't purchase they have said they are not interested at the current time. The county never purchased right of way from the Norfolk Southern Railway and built part of the library structure and parking lot on that property and have been unable to nail down a definite price to purchase the property.

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Councilman Danny Wyatt said that he was in favor and felt it would do a lot for the downtown to clean that area up. It would offer some more parking for both the library and downtown.

Wyatt said, “We've been talking about restrooms for downtown for several years now and I think that would make a good place so I'm going to throw a motion out.”

Wyatt explained that the council had talked about $250,000 for the property the previous month and with the cost of the railroad property known he proposed offering the handle mill property owner $225,000 contingent on getting a commitment letter from the railroad for the price discussed. Councilwoman Pamala Harris seconded the motion.

Councilman Scot Shanks asked about appraisals on the property and was told the city had an older commercial appraisal done before part of the property was damaged by fire for more than the city's offer but also there is a state property tax appraisal that was for less. Some comparables had also been researched by city staff. The property is reportedly between 2.5 and 3 acres.

The motion received for yes votes from the council members present with councilman J. H. Graham absent from the meeting. Councilman Shanks passed on the first round and voted yes following the other council member's votes.  

March City Council Agenda looks at SCUD Merger, Handle Mill property, and new rules on dog tethering.

Crossville city council holds their regular March meeting Tuesday March 13 and will take up topics including a possible merger with the South Cumberland Utility District, discussion of possible purchase of the old Handle Mill property next to the Art Circle Library, upgraded traffic signal at West Avenue and Fourth Street and an ordinance regulating tethering of dogs.

Crossville City Hall

With several meetings and public hearings set for Tuesday, the audit committee meeting begins the evening at 5:15 PM and is followed by a public hearing at 5:45 PM on the plan of services for the proposed annexation of 8.75 acres of the Gardens and at 5:50 PM a report on annexation progress on the previous annexation of Orange Circle.

The council meeting starts at 6 PM.

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Council members discussed the proposal during their March work session. Under the proposal, the management and employees would remain the same and directors would become an advisory board and continue to be appointed by the County Mayor. The proposal includes a decrease of $10.00 per meter per month and returning some $46,000 a month to customers for a total of $552,000 per year. Synergies of operation would include cross training of employees, convert software and convert retirement plans and health insurance.

Councilman J. H. Graham is proposing the matter and told the council at the work session that he nad Crossville finance director Fred Houston had prepared a pro forma report on how the finances would work.

“This pro forma clearly shows the $552,000 per year savings and what I believe would be significant savings to the city of Crossville,” explained Graham. When asked about matching the rates with those of Catoosa customers Graham said, “South Cumberland is charging $30 for 2000 gallons while the city's outside rates at $15.72 per 2000 gallons and we just can't swallow that the first year.” Graham added that it could possibly take 2 or 3 years to get the rates to match but the proposed $10 a month savings amounts to a 33 percent reduction over the current rates.

The matter of the possible purchase of the old Handle Mill is on the agenda and was briefly discussed during the work session. According to the discussion, the railroad property that passes through the property proposed for purchase will cost the city $22,500.

Council is expected to approve the changes to the contract with Tennessee Department of Transportation on the West Avenue Forth Street traffic signal upgrade. The signal will include crosswalks, ADA improvements and pedestrian lights. The city will be required to fund 20 percent of the ADA work, design, drainage and environmental certification.

Council will also be considering the first reading of changes to the animal ordinances that will change rules and when and how dogs may be tethered. You can read more about the dog tethering proposal at this link.

Council's Tuesday Work Session takes up South Cumberland Utility Merger, Airport management contract and more

The Crossville city council meets for their regular March work session Tuesday, March 6 at 5 PM in the third floor conference room at city hall and will take up topics including merger discussions with South Cumberland Utility District, renewal of contract with Crossville Areo as fixed base operator and airport manager, and discussion on the purchase of the old handle mill property.

Crossville Airport Terminal Building

The discussion on a merger between the city water department and South Cumberland would be similar to the agreement that merged the Catoosa Utility district into the Catoosa Utility Department. If the proposal is agreed to then it would create the South Cumberland Utility District of the City of Crossville. The benefits of the merger according to information distributed with the agenda include a reduction of water rates and a decrease in redundant capital for both SCUD and the city.

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Under the proposal, the management and employees would remain the same.  Directors would become an advisory board and continue to be appointed by the County Mayor. The proposal includes a decrease of $10.00 per meter per month and returning some $46,000 a month to customers for a total of $552,000 per year. Synergies of operation would include cross training of employees, convert software and convert retirement plans and health insurance.

The city has also discussed a similar merger offer to the West Cumberland Utility District.

The current contract renewal of Crossville Aero expires in April and includes 2 additional 2-year renewals on the contract. Chris Bennett has requested the renewal Council will also discuss a previously proposed amendment to the airport contract.

Council will also discuss the status of the proposed purchase of the property on Webb Ave that is the remaining property that was the longtime handle mill. Included in the possible purchase is property owned by the railroad company. The city is seeking help from the county for the purchase of the property and would fund the development of parking and other amenities by itself.

Other items on the agenda include discussion of a utility use analysis of facilities and infrastructure the city operates, the city manager performance evaluation, purchases of the splash pad and playground for Garrison Park and scoreboards for Warner Complex and Centennial Park. Also up for discussion is an ordinance prohibiting the tethering of dogs at certain times and during certain conditions.  

Valerie Hale Sworn in as City Clerk and council votes to pursue Handle Mill Property Purchase.

New City Clerk Valerie Hale was sworn into the position she's been preparing for over the last 7 years following the retirement of long-time clerk Sally Oglesby.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry administered the oath of office near the start of the city council's January regular meeting and the meeting proceeded smoothly.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry, left, administers

the oath of office to new Crossville City Clerk

Valerie Hale.

Council approved a motion by member Danny Wyatt to authorize the city manager to move forward with negotiations between the city and the county and the city and the property owner of the remaining property that once housed the old Turner Day and Woolworth Handle Mill.

Wyatt's motion stated the city would offer $250,000 for the property contingent on Cumberland County partnering with the city on the property purchase. Wyatt's motion was supported by council member Pamala Harris.

Council member J. H. Graham III indicated that he felt the railroad property should be included in the discussion. “If we're really serious about this, and I am, I'd like for the Railroad property owners to be contacted by the city manager to see what their asking price is as well.”

Part of the former Turner Day Woolworth Handle Mill

property the City of Crossville is proposing to purchase.

Recently the county commission has been working to acquire property that part of the Art Circle Library building and parking lot are built on that was never purchased by the county. City engineer Tim Begley said he was certain about the amount of property involved but he felt this would be about 4 times the size of the property the county recently purchased for $45,000.

Mr. Wyatt amended his motion to include inquiry into the railroad right of way and Harris agreed to maintain her second. City attorney Will Ridley clarified that the city is requesting the county to partner on the purchase of the land, not the development of the property that the city would fund on its own.

Wyatt said the reason for the action was, “We have one of the nicest buildings in the state in the library and it's pretty rough looking down through there.” Wyatt said the property could be used for several things including bathrooms, parking, a retention pond and maybe a small park behind the amphitheater. Wyatt added that the property could enhance Downtown Crossville, Inc. options downtown as well as relieve parking at the courthouse and the library.

Discussed during the January work session was the possibility of holding the downtown vintage auto cruise-ins on the proposed parking area to be able to keep Main Street open.

The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the council.

Council also approved the hiring of a certified fraud investigator for the Crossville Police Department. According to Police Chief David Beaty, the department has a lot of reports of fraud involving credit and debit cards as well as phone and internet contact. The department has been contacted by a retired officer who is a certified fraud examiner. The new position would be a civilian employee and would free up the time of detectives to work on other investigations.

Mayor Mayberry moved to hire the person as a contract/1099 employee and it was supported by Councilman Scot Shanks. Also included in the action was a budget amendment of $19,000.   

Council work session reveals possible new businesses and possible downtown land purchase

During the Crossville city council's work session this week, discussion included two possible new businesses looking at Crossville.

While few details were discussed during the meeting, it appears that one business is seeking property in one of the city's industrial parks and seeking the $5,000 credit per job against the cost of the property that the city has offered to other industries. The second business was described as a national restaurant chain looking at the old Ryan's location.

City Manager Greg Wood spoke briefly about the company that was interested in possibly purchasing land from the city with a credit for the jobs brought in and said a decision would be coming before long on that. City attorney Ridley explained that the purchaser of the old Ryan's building was trying to pin down the right of way boundaries of the new Northwest Connector and where driveways could be placed. After brief discussion it appeared most of the attorney's questions were answered.

Council also discussed some possible property purchases in the downtown area including the old handle mill property next to the Art Circle Library. There remain a number of problems to work out including coming to an agreement on a purchase priced and other matters. In addition, the council discussed the possible purchase of a small piece of property at E. 2nd Street and Thurman Ave as an alternative.

City looking at property in blue as well as old handle mill

across 5th Street.

Ronnie Webb, the owner of the old handle mill property and a lot across E. 5th Street is currently asking $597,000 while the state appraisal value of the properties is listed at $193,000. Webb has tentatively agreed to take the middle of three appraisals but those appraisals would cost the city $9000 and city attorney Will Ridley has recommended that the city not agree to such a deal without a written agreement that Mr. Webb would pay the cost of the appraisals if he decides not to accept the price recieved through the appraisal process.

Councilman Danny Wyatt suggested the city consider property behind the courthouse that is currently being used as a parking lot. The property is a small half block owned by the Lewis Family Trust. City Manager Greg Wood will contact the owners about a price. Wood will also contact the railroad company about the remainder of their property that adjoins the handle mill property.

Lewis Property near library

Councilman Danny Wyatt felt the county should partner with the city on a downtown area property purchase as they would also benefit from the use of the property. Mr. Wood said the county's interest in partnering would be determined by the property's cost. He added that at the listed asking price the county would not be interested in sharing the cost.

The land purchase is not on the council's August meeting agenda waiting for additional information.  

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Crossville council to consider reestablishing airport committee, Chamber contract and other items during Tuesday work session

After abolishing the Crossville Airport Committee ten years ago the Crossville city council will discuss bringing it back during the upcoming council work session Tuesday August 1st at 5:00 PM.

The Crossville Memorial Airport opened in 1934 and the first airport committee, made up mainly of local pilots was formed in the 1950's. The year 2007 saw a number of changes at the airport including the ending of the airport committee because the airport had an airport manager. The reestablishment of the airport committee discussion will be lead by city manager Greg Wood.

Crossville Memorial Airport building

Other topics on the work session include the contract between the city and the Chamber of Commerce in exchange for their funding as well as stopping the monthly report by the chamber to the council during their regular meeting.

The contract covers services that that the chamber will provide including industrial recruitment, retiree recruitment, tourism attraction, existing industry programming, leadership development, and downtown development. The chamber would receive $77,400 in exchange for the services provided. One of the things the chamber has been working on is a score card covering the services that it would provide to the city monthly that includes all the topics listed as well as work on workforce development and chamber membership numbers.

Chamber of Commerce building

For sometime, chamber director Brad Allamong has been reporting to the council during their regular meeting and the item for discussion suggests that the report could be provided with the city manager's report to save time during the council meeting and save Allamong a trip to the council meeting.

With the current lessee of the Crossville depot not interested in continuing the lease after it expires at the end of August, the city is considering operating the attraction itself in connection with the Palace Theatre. City manager Wood will be discussing the possibility with the council during the work session.

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Council will also revisit a proposal to charge for street closings based on the expenses to the city for street department and law enforcement personnel needed. Council had approved a policy earlier this year then approved a motion last month not to charge for any street closings. The policy also included references to 5K runs and static displays such as the cruise ins so the council will consider the adoption of a revised version.

Council will discuss the transportation alternative program or TDOT-TAP grant again for possible improvements to downtown sidewalks. The grant is an 80/20 grant with the city providing a 20 percent of the total funding as a match. The council had suggested using a second grant for work on the Crossville depot but because the depot is not on the historic register, it is not eligible.

The total estimated cost for the sidewalk work is just over $2.6 million. The city's portion would be almost $530,000.

City manager Wood has been in his position for 6 months now and council members have provided feedback through an evaluation. The overall score covering 10 areas of work came in as 4 out of a possible 5 and council has provided additional written suggestions as well. The council could consider a salary increase.

Crossville city manager Greg Wood

Council will also discuss a possible purchase of the remainder of the old handle mill property on Webb Avenue. Ronnie Webb is interested in selling the property along with another small lot across the street. The two properties total 2.85 acres. Webb is asking $597,000 for the properties. The state appraisals total $193,500. Webb has said he would accept the middle of three commercial appraisals and the city has priced that process at $9000.

The properties the city is looking at include the blue lot at the top

and the property across 5th St. at the bottom 

of the photo with structures.