Progress on the preliminary plans for the improvements to Crossville's Garrison Park has been made and Tammy French, Crossville Parks and Recreation Department Director said that parts of the project will start going out to bid in about 45 days.
In addition to a large playground and splash pad, the existing basketball court will be resurfaced, sidewalks constructed and a multi-purpose building will be built. The building will house the pumps for the splash pad, 4 family restrooms and at the front will be a covered picnic pavilion.
Close up of plans for Phase 1 of Garrison Park
In the plan above you can see that there will be a large green space between the playground on the left and the splash pad on the right for play and frisbees and catch.
French said that the splash pad would be 53 feet wide and 78 feet long with a variety of water structures. A toddler area will be in one end and items for larger kids and even adults would be part of the installation. The splash pad feature will use recirculating water that is filtered and treated.
The playground is designed to be all-inclusive and will measure 60 feet wide and 100 feet long. It will include swings and a play structure with a variety of activities.
Plan showing the full park
In addition to oversight by Lose and Associates Engineers and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the project will be managed by a general contractor. The playground and splash pad are expected to be bid separately to firms that specialize in those installations. Work is expected to continue on the project much of this year.
Crossville marketing director Billy Loggins received a written warning placed in his personnel file two days after the Personnel Board meeting that revealed a long string of internal instant messages between Loggins and Parks and Recreation secretary Amy Hester.
The warning is signed by then interim city manager Steve Hill and Loggins and is dated Friday January 13. Under supervisor's remarks is the notation, "Talked with Mr. Loggins about appropriate use of the city's instant messaging system." The action may have been one of the last official acts by Hill since the next week was a holiday Monday followed by a called meeting a noon Tuesday when Hill was dismissed as interim city manager.
Copy of the written warning from Billy Loggin's personnel file.
Amy Hester lost her job the following week after the messages came to light and she was found to have been doing work for Loggin's without the authorization of her supervisor Tammie French. French still has a personnel complaint on file against Loggins for his actions. French Requests Harassment Investigation
It has come to light that the reorganization of the city's recreation department made by interim city manager Steve Hill may have been a violation of the city's charter and that such reorganization should have gone before council for approval in an open meeting.
Former interim city manager Steve Hill
Hill was recently removed from the interim city manager position he had held since April 2016 after the actions and other problems came to public light under a personnel complaint filed by recreation director Tammie French. While the personnel board decided some of the complaints made by French had merit, they were filed too late for action to be taken.
Crossville Parks and Recreation director Tammie French
French recently requested an investigation into harassment of her by the now fired recreation secretary Amy Hester and marketing director Billy Loggins that used an in house city messaging system to allegedly undermine French.
Changes made by Hill included moving the Palace Theatre operation and the Crossville Depot to be under the supervision of city marketing director Billy Loggins. In addition, the parks department maintenance personnel were taken out from the supervision of Tammie French and placed under the public works department.
Interim city manager Lee Lawson said that the changes made by Mr. Hill were currently under review but no changes have been made at the current time to undo the reorganization yet. Lawson said he interpreted the city charter as saying council approval was required but he was waiting for an opinion from city attorney Will Ridley.
The Crossville city charter says in Article XVI section 1 (1) "Within the framework established by this charter, the administrative organization of the city shall be organized into departments of general government, finance, and such other departments necessary to provide health, welfare, police, recreational, fire, public works, utilities and other municipal services as shall be provided in a plan of administrative organization to be developed by the City Manager and submitted to the council for approval." (emphasis added)
Lawson said it is possible that the changes may be left in place for a new city manager to decide what needs to be done but a final decision has not yet been made.
IPswitch messages presented as part of the Tammie French grievance complaint.
The name indicates who sent the message and the messages are grouped by pairs of senders. Those represented include Tammie French, her secretary Amy Hester city marketing director Billy Loggins and interim city manager Steve Hill.
A brief explanation about IPswitch instant messaging
Crossville Marketing Director Billy Loggins
August 3, 2016
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 7:52 AM): you
there??
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 7:55 AM): yes
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 7:55 AM): why
aren't you lit up then lol
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 7:56 AM): I am now.
I just got here. lol
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 7:57 AM): oh ok
you and the wicked witch of the east getting along?
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 7:58 AM): you are
so mean!
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 7:58 AM): you blew
up my email last week, didn't you? did you not know I was on
vacation?
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 7:59 AM): Hey I
need two slugs for Friday Night Crossroads event Court House Lawn
4 to 8 please since there is not tournaments anymore this
shouldn't be a problem correct?
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 7:59 AM): oh
not at first
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:00 AM): haha
there is a tournament this weekend, but you should be able to get 2
for Friday night.
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 8:01 AM): If the
East Witch has a problem please refer them to the City Mgr.
major thanks!!!
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:01 AM): and I'm
hoping there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 8:01 AM): there
is when they are gone!!!
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:02 AM): you're
welcome! and I'm not given the concessions schedule so when I find
out who it will be I'll let you know.
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 8:02 AM): pray
for peace sister Amy
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:03 AM): that's
the truth
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 8:03 AM): lol
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:03 AM): I'm
praying that light at the end of that tunnel gets closer and closer
fast!
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:03 AM): lol
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 8:04 AM): me too
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 8:29 AM): oh my
bad. the tourney this weekend currently has 2 teams. you have the
inside track to everything, huh?
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 10:13 AM): two
teams wow how many rooms are needed??
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 10:18 AM): The
Super 8 for 2 weeks (that I know of) has on their sign a tourney that
cancelled. they may be booked up. lol
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 3:16 PM): hey are
you there?
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 3:16 PM): you have
two girls for Friday night. Ashley and Haley.
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 3:17 PM): WOW
You are soooo good
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 3:17 PM): LOL well
of course I am!
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 3:18 PM): which
one is better of these two?
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 3:19 PM): what are
you talking about? they are all good! Ashley is the one that won the
car last year that has worked the sustainability fair for you. Haley
is quieter but very sweet! She's a super good cleaner! she's always
willing to come in and work especially at a last minute notice.
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 3:22 PM): ok
glad they are good
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 3:23 PM): I could
have gotten my boss to have been there
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 3:27 PM): now
Sister Amy you were doing so well with this conservation and then
you go and say that I don't have my cross with me today so I'm
defenseless against that person.
Amy Hester(8/3/2016 3:32 PM): well
brother Billy know the peace will come over you like a sweeping ocean
wave.
Billy Loggins(8/3/2016 3:33 PM): thank
you so much I feel saved now may peace be with you and yours
August 4, 2016
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:02 AM):
Loser!!
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:02 AM): huh?
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:02 AM): just
checking to see if your awake
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:03 AM): LOL
barely
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:03 AM): East
Witch there?
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:03 AM): yes
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:04 AM): I'm
sorry
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:04 AM): you're
mean
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:04 AM): what
does she do all day there is no tour(s) anymore I don't get it
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:05 AM): LOL she
works in her office and does other stuff
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:05 AM): other
stuff
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:05 AM):
concession stuff
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:10 AM): are you
trying to see what all you will have to add to your job description
when you become my next boss?
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:32 AM): LOL
Not for all the money in China
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:32 AM): LOL
that's not what I've heard.
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:33 AM):
seriously not happening
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:33 AM): and I
thought you liked us
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:34 AM): too
funny
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:35 AM): oh
did you see that link I sent you
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:36 AM):
Brother B. J.
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:36 AM): I did. I
haven't watch it yet. Betty was at camp the other week where he was
the director.
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 9:37 AM): he is
really good watch it if you get a chance
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 9:38 AM): I will! I
haven't really heard him before. I've known who he is, but not heard
him or been around him.
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 3:42 PM): Still
there?
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 3:58 PM): yes
Billy Loggins(8/4/2016 3:59 PM): you
were not lit up I thought you might have had a stroke
Amy Hester(8/4/2016 4:02 PM): haha I
had to run and errand.
August 5, 2016
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 7:18 AM): are you
there?
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:27 AM): yes
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:28 AM): I was
just going to beat you to it today. I'm beginning to think you're
stalking me so I've been expecting roses any time now.
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:30 AM): too
funny
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:31 AM): that's
me!
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:31 AM): are you
ready for tonight?
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:32 AM): Is the
Witch there yet oh and yes
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:32 AM): no she
sent me a message last night she would be late this morning.
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:32 AM): good
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:32 AM): She
needs to be late for ever!
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:33 AM): yes
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:33 AM): What
is the biggest tour we have had?
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:33 AM): this
year
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:35 AM): 28, it
was Pheasy on May 21st... I think it was the Road to Panama
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:36 AM): ok
Is she working on scheduling tour for next year? Did Rutherford
tell her not to have tour?
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:38 AM): I don't
know. I don't think she starts on the next year until near the end of
the year of first of the year. I know the ones that have scheduled
tourneys have first chance at dates for the next year.
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:38 AM): Hey
please have the kids bring two " safety cones " to put over
the stakes of the blow up this afternoon
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:38 AM): I'm not
sure if that includes the ones that booked and then cancelled at the
last minute of not.
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:39 AM): ok,
that's a great idea! that would have saved my poor little middle toe
on the 4th.
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 8:39 AM): I
think of everything lol
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:39 AM): lol
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 8:42 AM): I know
she ordered 2 new wall calendars that we use for scheduling and last
year I don't think I ordered them until Dec.
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 10:10 AM): hey, can
I make a suggestion when you become my new boss?
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 10:11 AM): lol
ok geez
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 10:13 AM): can we
do a flyer or tri fold with all the Park has to participate in? We
have one of the walking trails but I'm asked all the time about
sports and stuff.
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 10:15 AM):
sounds good
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 10:15 AM): I
thought so too. pat pat on my back! oh wait my arms are too short.
Billy Loggins(8/5/2016 10:50 AM): your
unreal
Amy Hester(8/5/2016 10:50 AM): no I'm
not! I'm just awesome!
Messages between Tammie French and Steve Hill
Tammie French(8/4/2016 3:46 PM): I am
looking at trying something new at Centennial Park and would like to
know if funds from our budget can be used to pay for it.
We have not really gotten into any type
of programming before, but I would like to try some early morning Tai
Chi classes free to the public. We could pull money from our Public
Relations line item if you both salute it. I have not negotiated a
fee with an instructor yet until I get a go ahead, although we have
discussed having the classes.
Steve Hill(8/5/2016 8:03 AM): I am not
sure if that is a good direction to go in or not. But if you want to
get the costs and such together we can look into it.
Tammie French(8/5/2016 8:16 AM): Ok
Steve Hill(8/5/2016 8:18 AM): Do we
have a tournament this weekend?
Tammie French(8/5/2016 10:49 AM): We
did, he cancelled Wednesday, said possibility of rain and yard sale
being factors. Next weekend is the big one.
Tammie French(8/5/2016 10:52 AM): We
have fastpitch scheduled for September 3rd, September 17th, October
1st, October 15th and October 29th.
August 9, 2016
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 11:37 AM): Wake
up!!!!
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:37 AM): yeah!
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 11:38 AM): just
emailed you
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:38 AM): did
Milton get you today? he called back here this morning
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:38 AM): ok
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:38 AM): that
wasn't even funny!!
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 11:45 AM): yeah
it was lol
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:45 AM):
bwahahaha
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 11:48 AM): turn
in some overtime for this lol tell Fred I said you could
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:49 AM): LOL that
was funny! you tell Robin for me
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 11:49 AM): ok
I will now lol
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 11:52 AM): lol let
me know how that goes! is that overtime in your budget
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 3:56 PM): go
ahead and knock off have a great evening!
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 3:56 PM): thanks!
will you clock me out later?
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 3:57 PM): yep
and two hrs overtime
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 3:57 PM): woohoo!
thanks!
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 3:58 PM): you're
such a great boss!
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 3:58 PM): lol
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 3:59 PM): When are
you coming to decorate your office here?
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 3:59 PM): ha ha
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 4:00 PM): I really
like a beach theme! I think you should go with it.
Billy Loggins(8/9/2016 4:00 PM): not
happening lol
Amy Hester(8/9/2016 4:00 PM): as long
as it's not UT stuff
August 11, 2016
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 9:28 AM): I just
had one of the pickle ball players to come by. he's had the courts
scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm-8pm for about a month now. He
wants to extend the time to 5pm -9pm for 10 weeks cause he has 24
people wanting to play on those nights!! We are going to need more
pickle ball courts.
Tammie French(8/11/2016 10:30 AM): We
may have to designate certain times only for pickleball and certain
times only for tennis.
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 10:31 AM): ok.
Tammie French(8/11/2016 10:32 AM): That
might drive a few of them back to FFG. I feel like they are going to
smother out the tennis players.
More from August 11 2016
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 9:27 AM): I just
said one of the pickle ball players to come by. he's had the courts
scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm-8pm for about a month now. He
wants to extend the time to 5pm -9pm for 10 weeks cause he has 24
people wanting to play on those nights!! that's just one guy that has
a regular reservation and there's others. pickle ball is booming!
Steve Hill(8/11/2016 9:42 AM): You are
going to have to go up there and start playing also. Sound like OT.
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 9:43 AM): LOL yep!
also sounds like we need more courts. lol
Steve Hill(8/11/2016 9:43 AM): any
tennis players complain?
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 9:44 AM): I
haven't heard any. I also haven't had any reservations from tennis
players either.
Steve Hill(8/11/2016 9:53 AM):
interesting
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 9:55 AM): I had
read an article several months back that called pickle ball "the
fastest growing sport in the US" and went as far as to say it
wasn't if it would come to your community but when. Johnny Shanks had
been in last year asking for it. it's bigger than what I realized. a
lot of older tennis players are playing it cause it's not as hard on
the joints. lol not as much running.
Steve Hill(8/11/2016 9:56 AM): makes
sense
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 9:56 AM): yep
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 10:35 AM): Here's
what my current boss said about the pickle ball....”Amy Hester
(8/11/2016 9:28 AM): I just had one of the pickle ball players to
come by. he's had the courts scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays
6pm-8pm for about a month now. He wants to extend the time to 5pm
-9pm for 10 weeks cause he has 24 people wanting to play on those
nights!! We are going to need more pickle ball courts.
Tammie French (8/11/2016 10:30 AM):
We may have to designate certain times only for pickleball and
certain times only for tennis.
Amy Hester (8/11/2016 10:31 AM): ok.
Tammie French (8/11/2016 10:32 AM):
That might drive a few of them back to FFG. I feel like they are
going to smother out the tennis players.”
Steve Hill(8/11/2016 10:39 AM): Isn't
that a wonderful attitude for the parks director!!!!!! No wonder we
have lost so much of our activities at the parks.
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 10:41 AM): I
almost fell out of my chair! She doesn't want stuff here, Sam doesn't
at the soccer fields... crazy need to just padlock everything. I've
been hearing complaints from teams that practice on Sundays that
can't get in the restrooms at Turner cause they're locked. I guess
just give it all over to the druggies and let the good people go
somewhere else.
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 10:43 AM): And the
tourney for Oct 15th just cancelled.
Steve Hill(8/11/2016 10:47 AM): One day
next week we need to get together and talk. I will call you Monday
and set up a time.
Amy Hester(8/11/2016 10:47 AM): ok,
anytime!
August 17, 2016 (the message relate to Ms. French attending a family funeral.)
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 1:20 PM):
Tammie Jr. you there?
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 1:20 PM): Bum
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 1:23 PM): your
boss was here visiting earlier. I forgot to ask him if he wanted to
be my new boss since you didn't want to be.
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 1:23 PM): is Jr
there today?
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 1:23 PM): sorry
I mean Sr.
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 1:24 PM): nope!
won't be back till some time tomorrow.
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 1:24 PM): why are
you wanting to come measure your office?
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 1:24 PM): good
lord how long does it take to plant someone??
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 1:25 PM): the
planting was today.
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 1:25 PM): then
why did she take off Monday
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 1:27 PM): she left
about 1:20 on Monday, hung out I mean worked until then
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 1:31 PM): your
mean you need to go up Sunday
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 3:00 PM): I'm not
mean!
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 3:00 PM): did you
decide to go to work today and not lay out?
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 3:01 PM): yes
I work 7 days a week and don't get overtime so there!!
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 3:02 PM): ha that
shows you! you don't know how to get overtime.
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 3:02 PM): you're
not playing the system right
Billy Loggins(8/17/2016 3:07 PM): I
know I'm going back to hourly so I can break em! lol
Amy Hester(8/17/2016 3:08 PM): LOL they
may be about broke now. Lol
August 18, 2016
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:03 AM): hey bum!
are we going to sell the bricks out of Garrison?
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:07 AM): of
course you are in charge of that promotion I have given you the
title of Ms Brick !!
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:08 AM): LOL
you're funny! you're in charge of the city
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:08 AM): your
so funny your my favorite loser!
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:09 AM): yay! I'm
your favorite!
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:10 AM): but
you still need to go up Sunday
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:10 AM): only if
you're going with me
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:11 AM): lol
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:11 AM): my boss
has finally arrived
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:12 AM): boo
boo
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:12 AM): yeah!
I've got to behave now.
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:19 AM): did you
send the dog guy to cal me and be mean?
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:20 AM): yes
I said you were the Shell Answer Woman
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:21 AM): I told
him he needed to talk to my boss cause she's got the answers. He said
he had talked to you and you didn't know anything about it and it's
not on the city calendar so it's not a city sponsored event. lol
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:22 AM):
communication is a beautiful thing don't you think?
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:23 AM): yes it
is!! hospitality should be our middle names.
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:03 AM): hey bum!
are we going to sell the bricks out of Garrison?
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:07 AM): of
course you are in charge of that promotion I have given you the
title of Ms Brick !!
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:08 AM): LOL
you're funny! you're in charge of the city
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:08 AM): your
so funny your my favorite loser!
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:09 AM): yay! I'm
your favorite!
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:10 AM): but
you still need to go up Sunday
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:10 AM): only if
you're going with me
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:11 AM): lol
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:11 AM): my boss
has finally arrived
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:12 AM): boo
boo
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:12 AM): yeah!
I've got to behave now.
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:19 AM): did you
send the dog guy to cal me and be mean?
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:20 AM): yes
I said you were the Shell Answer Woman
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:21 AM): I told
him he needed to talk to my boss cause she's got the answers. He said
he had talked to you and you didn't know anything about it and it's
not on the city calendar so it's not a city sponsored event. lol
Billy Loggins(8/18/2016 9:22 AM):
communication is a beautiful thing don't you think?
Amy Hester(8/18/2016 9:23 AM): yes it
is!! hospitality should be our middle names.
August 22, 2016
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 1:55 PM): loser
you in
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 1:55 PM): bum are
you in?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 1:56 PM): are
you attending the benchmarking meeting tomorrow?
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 1:57 PM): I'm
assuming I am since I do it, but I haven't been told. are you?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 1:57 PM): not
if you are
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 1:57 PM): lol
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 1:57 PM): oh you
know you are wanting to sit by me so you'll look smart and cool!
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 1:58 PM): if
you do it then you don't have to be told goof wad
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 1:59 PM): well, I
do a lot of stuff but that doesn't mean I attend a meeting about it.
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 1:59 PM): you
make my head hurt
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 1:59 PM): have you
even started yours?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:00 PM): I
have never been asked to attend anything about it
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:00 PM): so no
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:00 PM): do you
not do benchmarking?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:01 PM):
nopper
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:01 PM): sales
tax collection is my benchmarking
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:02 PM): lol you
should get the benefit like the rest of us.
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:02 PM): ok
take of your buddy over there
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:03 PM): what
buddy?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:03 PM): yeah
right
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:03 PM): you
all are so tight folks are starting to talk!
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:04 PM): ha
you're just jealous
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:04 PM): lol
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:04 PM): so are
you coming to measure your office?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:05 PM): does
it have a tv in it?
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:05 PM): yes, and
the security cameras too. and we still have cable
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:06 PM):
really how big a tv
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:06 PM): not as
big as mine.
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:06 PM): we
have BIG ones here
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:07 PM): I have a
big one, but we also have cable do you?
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:07 PM): yes
the bigger the better
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:07 PM): Rick has
a hand me down from the Palace tv.
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:08 PM): what
a setup
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:08 PM): well,
you can add new tvs in the budget when you get here.
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:10 PM): hey
see if you can find a 5 day funeral for her to attend I'm sure she
is related to someone that has just met our holly father
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:11 PM): 5 DAYS?
I was hoping you could find her a 10 day funeral.
Billy Loggins(8/22/2016 2:12 PM): pull
up the west coast folks that have just passed....... see if you can
make a connection
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:12 PM): LOL
Amy Hester(8/22/2016 2:13 PM): you're
friend that called the other day is correct the bark in the park is
not a city sponsored event cause our logo is not on the flyer.
August 25, 2016
Amy Hester(8/25/2016 8:11 AM): Hey, I
sent this to Tammie yesterday and she never answered me. Yesterday
afternoon after she had left, Angie called back again. I think they
are wanting something for this weekend's preseason tourney. do you
have any suggestions? Tony said we can do whatever for this weekend.
I don't think we can get a sign made like Angie suggested now. But
could we do something like putting her number in the center circle of
the field? I don't really know. “Amy Hester (8/24/2016 8:21 AM):
Angie called yesterday evening and Hailey Randolph that was killed on
the 4 wheeler played for CRYSA. She was even at camp this summer.
Angie is wanting to know if they can do something on the U15
field/goal to honor her memory. Said her jersey # was 15. They can't
renumber the field, but are wondering what else they might could do.”
Steve Hill(8/25/2016 11:47 AM): I would
be good with doing whatever they want. But sadly they should go
through Tammie. Let me know what happens.
Amy Hester(8/25/2016 11:51 AM): Thank
you. I'll ask her if/when she comes in. Her and Rick are both out
today.
Steve Hill(8/25/2016 2:16 PM): where is
she?
Amy Hester(8/25/2016 2:17 PM): she came
in between 12:30 and 1:00. she's gone now to CH and Public Works.
Amy Hester(8/25/2016 2:21 PM): Angie
sent out a text to a big group including the two of us about 12:15
asking the coaches of the older groups to meet at the center circle
and have a moment of silence. I asked if she read the text and well,
it wasn't a very nice polite response to me. she then said she didn't
like the idea of doing anything cause she didn't want our parks to
become a cemetery for people.
Steve Hill(8/25/2016 2:33 PM): what a
sweetheart!!
Amy Hester(8/25/2016 2:34 PM): oh yes!
so caring!
August 26, 2016
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:06 AM):
LOSER
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:06 AM): dented
can
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:07 AM): did
you have a guest stop by?
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:07 AM): yes!
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:07 AM): how
long?
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:07 AM):
probably no more than 15 min
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:08 AM): did
she call him you think?
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:09 AM): I don't
think. he told her he wouldn't get her involved in the stuff
happening Monday and she told me she wished he didn't know she was
here.
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:09 AM): what
happened Monday
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:10 AM): I don't
really know what he's up to
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:11 AM): What
about Monday!!! focus
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:11 AM): focus
my brain is overloaded now that's what happens when you're a butt
wipe
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:12 AM): he told
her he's pressing criminal charges against the CM and he's going to
take him down.
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:13 AM): for
what?? again what happened Monday
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:13 AM): not
past tense! he's doing that this coming Monday.
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:13 AM): work
with me on verb usage
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:14 AM): your
killing me ok very slow what is happening Monday
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:14 AM): he's
pressing criminal charges against the CM and he's going to take him
down
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:15 AM): for
what??
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:15 AM): she
didn't say
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:15 AM): I don't
think he told her.
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:16 AM): He
talked about Danny and Jesse not getting alone and how they got rid
of Mr. Rutherford to hire Steve
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:17 AM): is
it over a possible meeting to take place??
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:17 AM): I don't
know. I missed the first part of their talk.
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:17 AM): that
might have with some park employees??
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:18 AM): He's
got her back and she's doing a good job and he was here to encourage
her... CRAP stuff
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:19 AM): I
thought at first he might have known about the current rumors of some
employees moving to public works but she didn't mention that at all.
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:19 AM): ok
just checking to see it that is what ir was
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:20 AM): she
said she's made peace with her losing her job
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:24 AM): she
thinks you are going to apply for the CM position and get it.
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:25 AM): 110%
absolutely not happening I would leave if they made me take
that
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:26 AM): ha
Billy Loggins(8/26/2016 10:30 AM): do
you think the past City Mgr. put him up to do that?
Amy Hester(8/26/2016 10:34 AM): I don't
know. He told her Jesse was against getting rid of Mr. Rutherford
then he put together the idea of hiring Steve that's when Jesse
decided to fire him.
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:54 PM):
rerun what's that
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:54 PM): don't
you remember that show from the late 70's What's Happening?
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:54 PM): geez
you need to go on a game show
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:55 PM): only if
you'll be my phone a friend
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:55 PM): lol
what the Wicked Witch up to?
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:55 PM): LOL I
don't know. just hanging out in her office
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:56 PM): Have
you seen Pete today?
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:56 PM): he
was here earlier.....Souza been by again?
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:56 PM): not
since Friday.
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:57 PM):
Wan't he filing charges today?
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:57 PM):
wasn't
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:57 PM): said he
was. but who knows
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:58 PM): who
is going to be the new Council members in November?
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:58 PM): you
think I'm psychic?
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 12:58 PM): I've
heard JH Graham and Scot Shanks have the best shots
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 12:59 PM): yes
I do oh did you go up yesterday
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 1:03 PM): did you?
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 1:04 PM): no
I'm pure!
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 1:04 PM): give me
a min while I roll in the floor laughing
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 1:06 PM): my
nickname in Brother BJ
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 1:06 PM): lol
you're funny
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 1:39 PM):
sometimes I get the strangest calls here!! there's apparently an ad
somewhere that says "if you can't find out when the best time to
see the leaves change colors, call the park and they can tell you."
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 1:40 PM):
unreal
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 1:41 PM): yes!! I
got one last year too! the one last year went on the ask me what the
elevation is of FFG.
Billy Loggins(8/29/2016 1:41 PM): tell
em 1881 that's the Airport
Amy Hester(8/29/2016 1:42 PM): LOL
that's funny I've sent them to Kyle before. Lol
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 2:34 PM): tourney
for this coming weekend just cancelled.
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 3:40 PM): You
make these folks mad so they want come
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 3:41 PM): ha I
think it's you calling them and telling them to know come that you'll
pay them money to not come.
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 3:41 PM): lol
you big loser
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 3:43 PM): you big
bum
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 4:14 PM): # 1
loser
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 4:14 PM): are you
cheering for yourself or am I your favorite?
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 4:16 PM): your
too funny I still hope you go up Sunday it would do you a ton
of good!
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 4:16 PM): are you
going with me
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 4:19 PM): no
my job is to pray for the lost and misguided
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 4:21 PM): that's
so sweet you are praying for Tammie. I know you're not talking about
me cause I wasn't misguided until I met you and Steve!
August 31, 2016
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 2:34 PM): tourney
for this coming weekend just cancelled.
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 3:40 PM): You
make these folks mad so they want come
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 3:41 PM): ha I
think it's you calling them and telling them to know come that you'll
pay them money to not come.
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 3:41 PM): lol
you big loser
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 3:43 PM): you big
bum
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 4:14 PM): # 1
loser
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 4:14 PM): are you
cheering for yourself or am I your favorite?
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 4:16 PM): your
too funny I still hope you go up Sunday it would do you a ton
of good!
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 4:16 PM): are you
going with me
Billy Loggins(8/31/2016 4:19 PM): no
my job is to pray for the lost and misguided
Amy Hester(8/31/2016 4:21 PM): that's
so sweet you are praying for Tammie. I know you're not talking about
me cause I wasn't misguided until I met you and Steve!
September 1, 2016
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:07 AM): I
don't facebook share a link with me so I can send out please you
get have time to add those festivals / events pls
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:08 AM):
https://www.facebook.com/135237620015/photos/a.10150415582545016.417355.135237620015/10154927901830016/?type=3&theater
see if you can pull that up
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:09 AM): you need
a facebook page. need one for marketing
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:10 AM): I
thought you said we had one can you dont put this stuff there?
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:11 AM): the City
has one, but I'm not allowed to put anything on it. we have one here
at the Parks and I post things on it.
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:11 AM): who
does the bloody City's!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:11 AM): I just
posted that video and 9 people have already seen it. I posted that
area events flyer and 55 people have already seen it.
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:12 AM): I don't
have a clue. that's what I asked you.
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:12 AM): are
they adding anything to it start a new one
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:12 AM): I can
posted things on the website's calendar of events and on ours but
that's it.
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:14 AM): someone
posts things. it's listed as City of Crossville-Local Government
https://www.facebook.com/CityofCrossville/?fref=ts
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:18 AM): I asked
Kyle if we could make a facebook page for city sponsored events and
he said he's not the one to ask but doesn't know who it would be.
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:18 AM): goof
ball who do you think you would ask geez
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:24 AM): IP
Kyle back and say it would be the Marketing Director
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:24 AM): lol he
added me to the city page so I can add to it too
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:24 AM): this
is unreal
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:25 AM): you love
this kind of stuff
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:26 AM): Is
everyone on meth geez I wonder what dept. would handle community
events
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:27 AM): I would
think marketing. but that might not be in the master plan. see you do
need an assistant.
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:27 AM): OMG
you think if not me then who
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:30 AM): of
course it's you! you single handedly run this city.
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 11:30 AM): lol
your a mess
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 11:31 AM): no I'm
not! you know your the back bone to this city
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 1:28 PM): hey
no kidding lets make a awesome FB page do you need anything from
me?
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 1:28 PM): a
marketing facebook page?
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 1:30 PM): we
don't need all these different FB accounts I just would like all
our events posted just emailed you something
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 1:33 PM): yeah I
got it. I agree. and it seems that made at times things don't fit
under "Crossville Parks" but more of a community page type.
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 2:50 PM): ok, do
you want me to create a fb page?
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 2:54 PM): geez
put a ice pick in my retina I you like you as in Amy the
one that is boarder line being special needs to add things to our
current City of Crossville in good ole Tennessee FB page or pages
do need to have a meeting? lol
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 2:56 PM): I'm just
needing proof that it's you and not me.
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 2:56 PM): ok, the
current City page is listed as government. Do you want just a page
about local happenings?
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 2:57 PM): If
this is over your head maybe the lady that is down in finance
could understand it?? whats her name Suzanne ?
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 2:57 PM): hey I've
had those IT guys mad at me before. I need someone to take the blame.
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 2:58 PM): BUM has
just upgraded to BUTT
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 2:58 PM): that
would be great if you think that is a better fit then by all
means lets go that route
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 2:58 PM): LOL
you're just trying to get me for sexual harassment.
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 3:01 PM): email me
a copy of good pictures of the city or something that makes you think
of the city.
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 3:02 PM): ok
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 3:23 PM): OKAY!!!
you've got more pics than anyone!
Billy Loggins(9/1/2016 3:24 PM): Do I
stay busy Am I the Marketing Director lol
Amy Hester(9/1/2016 3:25 PM): LOL don't
break that arm patting yourself on the back
September 2, 2016
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 8:57 AM): loser
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 8:57 AM): bum
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 8:57 AM): is WW
there
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 8:58 AM): ha yes
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 8:59 AM): what
about Gerald conversation why was my name brought up?
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 9:00 AM): I don't
know. she thinks you are going to apply for the CM
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 9:00 AM): not
for a 1,000,000.00 lol
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 9:00 AM): she said
it's money and you're putting numbers out here.
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 9:01 AM): what
#'s
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 9:01 AM):
1,000,000.00
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 9:01 AM): this
whole thing is crazy!!
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 9:01 AM): what
#'s am I putting out there
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 9:02 AM): how much
money you want for the CM job
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 9:04 AM): unreal
is this coming from the Council Member
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 9:04 AM): I don't
know
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 9:05 AM): has
any other employee mention this?
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 11:41 AM): can
you email me this link I would like to send it to a few folks
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 11:41 AM): I can.
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 11:42 AM): could
you pull it up?
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 11:42 AM): I'm not
FB friends with the council members that you are so be sure they all
like the page and share it with their friends.
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 11:43 AM): will
do yes I could
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 11:50 AM): did it
look okay to start with?
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 11:51 AM):
Absolutely!!
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 11:51 AM): I liked
those two pictures to use as the cover and profile pics.
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 11:52 AM): I
send you tons of stuff
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 11:52 AM): you did
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 12:06 PM): could
you add the video
Amy Hester(9/2/2016 12:06 PM): I'm not
sure I can add the one you just sent. I'll add the Hispanic day
Billy Loggins(9/2/2016 12:12 PM): ok
tks
Email from Billy Loggins upon finding out his messages and emails had been requested by Tammie French the day before he sent this out.
From: Billy Loggins [mailto:billy.loggins@crossvilletn.gov] Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2016 12:07 PM To: steve.hill@crossvilletn.gov ( City Mgr. ) Subject: Weekly IP / Email review
Good afternoon all,
There has been a records request made by Tammie French for my
emails and ip switch messages.
I am well aware that our wonderful IT Dept. can pull these at any time,
but I would like to offer every Friday at 2:00 pm
that if anyone would like to stop by office for a weekly email
and ip review to please do so. This would make a wonderful time
for fellowship, catch up, etc. we will also have refreshments
The Crossville personnel board spent 2
hours reviewing the grievance complaint filed by Crossville parks and
recreation director Tammie French against interim city manager Steve
Hill but was unable to agree on much relief to the complainant due to
the technicality of the timing of the complaint.
Some of the information released as
part of the evidence angered one member of the panel and the
communications between some of the city employees that used the
city's internal messaging system called IPswitch were described by
that member as “unprofessional.”
Tammie French began by describing her
grievance and said it was not acceptable to her that Mr. Hill had
made no attempt to address and resolve the issues I listed and those
that have continued since I filed the grievance.
French continued, “Hill's actions are
directed at me and not a move toward what's really best for the
recreation department. There is a distinct pattern of Steve making
decisions in regard to parks and recreation and without including me
in discussions and decision making process. Its obvious to me that
he has no respect for the fact that I am now the recreation
director.”
Crossville Personnel Board, city staff and observers listen to
discussion on Tammie French employee Grievance
After the grievance was filed, French
requested copies of communications between her administrative
assistant, city marketing director Bill Loggins and Steve Hill.
Those communications revealed things that French said she was not
aware of before her request was made. French explained, “Recently
things have come to light that show Hill has enlisted other
employees, both inside and outside the recreation department to help
create an environment of turmoil that he knows I cannot function in.
His improper and secretive line of communications has created a
specific and strong divide among the staff. In my opinion, Steve's
actions are detrimental to the future of the recreation department
and I hope that somehow we can find resolution.”
Crossville director of Parks and Recreation Tammie French
French then passed out a number of
pages of printouts of the internal messages that she received through
making a public records request. The messages were reviewed for some
time by the four members of the personnel board who were present.
They included chairperson Beth Davis, John Eldridge, Lou Morrison and
Tom Isham. Brooks Boston was unable to attend.
French explained that the documents she
provided established a line of communication detrimental to her
mostly between Amy Hester and Billy Loggins and Steve Hill. She said
she felt Steve Hill was attempting to get inside information rather
then coming to her with questions and problems. French said there
were many derogatory comments made about her and other staff members.
French told the board she also had requested emails between the
parties and there was more similar information there but she did not
want to over burden the board.
French explained that in mid summer she
spoke to Mr. Hill about the volume of work that Amy Hester was doing
for Billy Loggins. She said she told Hill the work was creating a
problem. French said she went
back and talked to Mrs. Hester about the situation, that future
requests from Mr. Loggins should be run through French first, as Mrs.
Hester did a huge amount of computer work for him. Said
French, “She did not do that but the work continued.”
French said she went to Mr. Hill on
January 4, 2017 to terminate Mrs. Hester but he rejected that.
French said she was instructed to write Hester up but she has not
been able to do that as Hester has been out sick since then.
“In my opinion,” said French,
“Steve does not recognize me as the director of the department. In
so many things he has made decisions where I have not even been
consulted in advance.
Members of the board and city attorney
Will Ridley discussed their responsibility and the grievance
procedure including a report from the Municipal Technical Advisory
Service (MTAS) that says while some of French's complaints were
qualifying grievances at some point, the complaints were not timely
filed with in the 20 days the grievance procedure calls for. Other
issues were “outside the scope of the grievance policy and should
be reconciled at the operational/budgetary/managerial levels.”
Mr. Hill was given a chance to respond.
Hill began by saying he had not read all the interoffice messages
yet but agreed that if Mrs.
French said there was a problem then he felt it was a problem.
Hill told the board the procedure was to write up an employee three
times before termination. Hill said the other complaints had been
sent to MTAS and he agreed with them that they are not really
grievances.
Interim city manager Steve Hill
Hill said he had gotten complaints on
the parks department that had 5 full-time people and there was
downtime during the winter. Hill continued saying that no policies
were violated and he stands behind all the decisions he's made.
Board member Lou Morrison expressed
surprise that an interim city manager would be dismantling
departments. Morrison indicated the stack of messages he'd read and
said to Hill, “I'm offended by these. I think its unprofessional
of you and Billy Loggins and Amy Hester.”
Hill replied, “It probably is.”
Morrison said he was offended that Mrs.
French's attendance at a family funeral was
used as fodder for a joke, and
was wrong. Morrison asked Hill, based on the procedure he quoted, an
employee could undermine a department head and and all that could be
done is to write them up? Hill responded that there were offenses
that an employee could be fired immediately for and one example Hill
gave was an employee being arrested.
Human Resources manager Leah Crockett
read a statement concerning employment with the city stating that the
city was an “at will” employer and that an employee could be
fired at anytime with or without notice.
Mr. Morrison again took Hill to task
over making a decision on French's request to fire Mrs. Hester
without having reviewed all the documentation he was given. Morrison
asked Hill if he would tolerate a subordinate treating him the way
Hester had treated French. Hill said after he has read all the
information he could give a better answer. Hill stated that Hester
has also filed a grievance against French. Morrison responded to
Hill, “you better read this!”
Morrison again returned to the messages
saying he couldn't believe that Hill and one of his department heads
would actively undermine another department head and enlist a
subordinate to do so. “There seems to be something here,” added
Morrison, “if everybody's always looking over their shoulder, its
just not an effective way of leadership.”
Returning to Mrs Hester's employment,
Morrison said to Hill, “In the businesses I've been involved with,
she should have been fired on the spot. You should have been reading
this (messages) and you should have done something about it. And Mr.
Loggins, he is about as unprofessional as they come and that is
something that needs to be addressed.”
The board discussed the need for smooth
operation of the city and the recreation department because it
attracts tourism dollars. Beth Davis said she was concerned about
the situation as a taxpayer.
The personnel board members struggled
with what they could do and what they should do about the complaint
in light of the MTAS and city attorney's advice. They considered
recessing the meeting to reconvene after members consider the matter
further but finally one motion came from member Tom Isham to follow
the recommendation of MTAS on the grievances before the board but the
motion failed in a tie vote with Isham and John Eldridge supporting
and Davis and Morrison opposed.
After additional discussion another
motion was considered that the grievances are not timely filed but
the board recommended that there be better communication between the
city manager and city department heads. The motion was approved
unanimously.
After some 6 months in the position, interim Crossville city manager Steve Hill has survived two attempts to dismiss him, criticism for removing items from his personnel file that reflected badly on him and and ethics complaints filed against him by councilman Pete Souza. Now an employment grievance has been filed against him by the head of the department he once ran who worked as his secretary then moved up to manage the Parks Department.
Parks and recreation director Tammie French has filed a lengthy grievance complaint against interim city manager Steve Hill stating that she feels Hill has an vendetta against her or the department. The grievance is scheduled to go before the city's personnel board at a meeting set for January 11 at noon in the third floor conference room of city hall. Members of the personnel board include Brooks Boston, Beth Davis, John Eldridge, Tom Isham and Lou Morrison.
Crossville Parks Director Tammie French
(from city website)
Interim city manager Steve Hill
(Photo by Jim Young)
French wrote, “With a very heavy heart, I feel I have no choice but to file a grievance against my supervisor, interim city manager Steve Hill. From the very beginning of his tenure as city manager, he has singled out me and my department and is acting on some vendetta he has against me/us.”
French then outlined numerous incidents starting with one that has been discussed numerous times at city council meetings last year when Hill took the pickup truck assigned to the parks department director for his own use. The initial discussion of the swap came after Hills first staff meeting the morning after he was appointed and the swap was made later that day. “This initial act caused quite an uproar among other employees, many coming to me with sympathy and concern,” wrote French.
French stated that next during the budget process a raise for her and one of the parks department maintenance department employees was approved. And even though the raises were approved by the council with the budget, Hill never responded to multiple email requests from French to him about the raises going into effect.
French said that in July she was blindsided by an internal city text message concerning a decision to remove the Palace Theatre and the Crossville Depot operation out of the parks department and put them under Billy Loggins at the Marketing department. “I had no prior knowledge of this even being discussed or considered,” wrote French. French said shortly after she read the message she drove to the Palace and found out that the Palace Manager Ronny Hill, who is Steve Hill's brother, said that he was also shocked about the change and did not know it was being considered. Ronny Hill told French that he had no issues in working with French and that he appreciated what she had done for the Palace.
The next issue came in September when French began investigating the process for her and the Park maintenance supervisor Rick Houston to drive city vehicles home to be able respond to after hours and non-scheduled incidents. When French communicated with Hill on it as he needed to approve it, he said that he didn't have a problem with it but said that a permanent city manager should make the decision and refused to sign off on it saying the council would a new city manager in a month or two.
French continues saying that in late September she bean hearing from employees of other departments that Hill was talking to employees in her department and it was creating a serious rift between some employees. French wrote that in early November one employee came to her and said they were uncomfortable with the information but wanted French to know that there was a direct line of communication between her office and Steve Hill's and the employee had been shown text messages between Hill and a Park department employee.
French outlined that an written complaint had been filed against her with human resources (HR) but the employee did not want to turn it into a formal grievance. Mr. Hill had directed HR to speak with members of the Park's department. After a month and French requesting that Mr. Hill address the matter he spoke to the employees and told HR that he had told the complainant that the matter was a personal issue and the workplace was not the the platform to air them.
Then on November 30 French was called to Hills office and told that the Park maintenance employees would become part of the public works department. Hill told French that even as public works employees the crew would be assigned to the Park. According to French she was told that the decision was made by the city council.
It should be noted that the matter of the maintenance department reorganization has never been discussed at an open council meeting nor was any such official change approved by council vote.
Further meetings on the change involving French, public works maintenance superintendent Steve Powell, Hill and HR indicated that the employees would remain on the Parks budget but not in control of the Parks director, something French said she was not happy with since she was responsible for the Park's budget.
French said that she called Steve Powell to let him know that she had no issues working with him and that he was getting a good group of employees. She added that she wanted him to know her only problem with the situation was in how the transition was handed and that no one at Parks was even consulted about the changes until the decision was final.
French explained that the last incident lead to her filing the grievance, “I feel Mr. Hill is systematically tearing apart the recreation department a piece at a time, all because of some vendetta he holds against me.” French points out she has a 19 year spotless personnel record with the city, 17 years as Hill's secretary/administrative assistant. She said she was contacted by city manager David Rutherford upon Hill's retirement to become the director.
“It was apparent to the current department that Steve Hill left the department with bitterness. His appointment as interim city manager has offered him the opportunity to act on his bitterness.” She wrote that no other department that she was aware of had been targeted like the parks department. “His actions towards me have left me feeling like I am under direct attack.” French pointed out that while Hill wanted to wait on a permanent city manager to decided about a drive home vehicle, reassigning two separate divisions of a department was less important.
French concluded saying, “I have concerns about exacerbating an already uncomfortable situation or even losing my job. As director I am more than willing to work with other city departments on any and all projects as I have for the past 19 years. I'm hopeful this situation can be addressed and the recreation department can remain intact and proceed with business as usual. We are anticipating an exceptionally exciting 2017 season with bigger local sports leagues than ever before, increased tournament bookings and the repurposing of Garrison Park. Current much needed facility updates are underway at Centennial Park and the destruction of this department cannot help but cause undue problems with this progress.”
