Crossville Flashback: Fifteen Years Ago--Crossville City Council reviews 2001/2002 goals

(Fifteen Years Ago the city council discussed accomplishments for 2001 and goals for the coming year of 2002.  Some interesting projects are discussed and several people who have made news recently are in this report.)

The Crossville city council reviewed last year’s goals for the city and looked at new ones for 2002 in their work session Tuesday night.

Crossville city manager Jack Miller started out by presenting a recap on how the city fared on accomplishing the goals council set for last year. Miller told the council the city had substantially completed their goals for 2001 and most of those not completed have been carried over to 2002. Miller said he felt “that on a scale of one to ten, last year was a nine and one half.” 

Then city manager Jack Miller addresses the January 16, 2002 Council meeting.

Councilman Boyd Wyatt agreed 2001 was a good year giving it a score of nine saying, “It was a trying year and we had a lot on our plate. But I feel like we’ve done well.”

Councilman Earl Dean agreed with Wyatt saying, “You couldn’t ask for more.”

Councilman Carl Duer, who has only been on the council a short time quipped, “The last three months have gone well.” Councilman Billy Loggins agreed with Duer.

Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham commented, “The city needs infrastructure in the right time frame to get jobs here. This council has started and plans to continue.”

Of the 2001 goals, Miller said more city streets were resurfaced than originally expected and more sidewalks were constructed than the goals outlined. The city staff is also continuing to study different ways to work with the non-profit entities that have been given donations by the city in the past. Miller said he would present an analysis of the matter to the council at a future meeting.

Some of the goals not reached last year will be moved into the 2002 goals. The city will continue working on reviewing the city charter to update it. The city is also continuing to work on street lighting in busy and congested areas. Some of the street lighting is under construction now in the industrial and recreation park area.

Some of the goals put on hold either temporarily or for good include the soccer complex. While this project is not dead, council is waiting on the soccer organizers to see if they have a better location for the facility then on O’Brien Drive. The soccer organizers told council last year the site was not big enough plus there was the expensive proposition of dealing with wetlands located on the proposed site.

Completely off the table for now is the Azalea Street extension from West Avenue to Elmo Drive. Residents in the area complained and while the project is designed, council stopped the project.

Goals for the New Year discussed include completing the process to become designated as a Governors Three Star Community. Mayor Graham said the Three Star program relates preserving existing jobs and helping create new family income as well as improving the quality of life by strong leadership. The city also plans to update the comprehensive and growth strategies plans.

Council also discussed continuing the implementation of the city’s economic development strategy to balance the perspectives between industrial and commercial development. Also mentioned was additional ways to increase business recruitment for the community.

The city also will implement new financial software system to streamline and secure the city’s financial operation. The process is already underway.

One of the biggest projects facing the council during the coming year is reform of the city solid waste collection and management system. The contract the city has with the private hauler expires this fall and currently efforts are underway to work on the changes needed. Council will meet in works session to discuss the matter Tuesday January 22 at 6 PM.

The city also plans an extension of low-pressure sewer lines along Highway 70-N to Inez Wren School and work with Mrs. Smiths (Flowers) Bakery to complete the sewer pre-treatment system proposed by the company. Mayor Graham said the project would allow additional production to take place at the bakery with possible additional jobs.

Goals for the fire department include requesting an ISO rating evaluation with the goal of receiving a class 2 rating and evaluate possible sites for a new fire station to serve the western parts of the city.

The city is also looking at having the police department evaluated for potential accreditation by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

For leisure and cultural resources, the city’s goals are to complete interior infrastructure for the Palace Theater and expand promotions and programming. Steve Hill told the council that the movie screen has been hung in the Palace and he hopes to start showing movies at the renovated theater in mid February. They are investigating whether the movie “If I were King” starring Ronald Coleman is available in 35 millimeter. It was the first move ever shown at the Palace when it originally opened in 1938.



Council also wants to do additional public relations on the impact that the Centennial recreation park has on the community especially the economic impact.

EXCLUSIVE: City marketing director Billy Loggins questioned on emails, describes recent news reports as bad publicity for city

Even though his name was part of some of the recent bad news reports reflecting on the city, Crossville marketing director Billy Loggins said he felt that those news reports could have harmed the reputation of the City of Crossville.

Crossville Marketing Director Billy Loggins

Loggins made those comments Tuesday morning in an interview where he was asked about some unusual emails that were part of those requested in connection with the recent personnel complaint that included intercity instant messages and emails between some of the parties involved.

Personnel board story

In a review of the emails between former interim city manager Steve Hill and Mr. Loggins several troubling discoveries were made including an email from Hill to Loggins in July 2016 that had an image of Mayor James Mayberry with the wording underneath saying, “Mayor Methberry is he high or just incompetent or both.” According to Loggins the email came from a council member to Mr. Hill who forwarded it on to Mr. Loggins' city email. The email was not sent from Hill's city email but a personal Gmail account identified as Mr. Hill's.

Image attached to email from Steve Hill to Billy Loggins in July 2016

Similar to ugly signs put out after November city election

Link to photo of anonymous sign put up following city election. 

Loggins stated that at the time he verbally said that he thought the image could create bad publicity for the city. He added, “To be honest Jim, some of what you're doing is bad publicity for the city.” Loggins continued, “You know those emails were absolutely ridiculous. And if anybody thinks they can make some mileage over those, well good luck to them.”

Loggins also complained about the council meeting Monday that lead to the removal of Steve Hill as interim city manager saying, “Why didn't they just go to Steve privately and just say 'Steve, come on, why don't you just go on now.' Why just keep the circus in town? I don't get it.”

Loggins addressed the move of the Palace Theatre to marketing and that it was a big topic of discussion at the personnel board meeting, “but that's exactly where it needs to be. No questions about it.” Loggins was asked if he would feel unhappy if some of his responsibilities were removed from his control without ever speaking to him about it prior to such action and he agreed that he would.

Loggins added that if there had been a marketing department at the time the city took over the Palace that it should have gone there. In addition, Loggins stated that there was no additional money involved to him in the move and that he sponsors events at the Palace all the time.

One email that was from Loggins to Steve Hill included an attachment that appeared to be a proof of a proposed billboard created by Flynn Signs Co. The billboard only listed three of the 5 city council members stating that “City Council Members Jesse Kerley, Pamala Harris, Danny Wyatt Proudly supports FFG (Fairfield Glade) Community & state golf championships.”

Sign proof that includes only three memebers of city council

Loggins was asked why there were only three members listed on the sign and what was the plan to use the sign? He said one of the council members, and he said he couldn't remember who, wanted something put up after one of the votes concerning funding of golf tournaments and that council member planned to pay for it. “Nothing ever came out of it,” according to Loggins.

The third email in question set up a meeting between several people involved in recognizing the late Boyd Wyatt with an award in his name at the Crossville airport. During the airport fly-in in September 2016 when the award was presented, then candidate for council J. H. Graham III acted as the emcee for the program.

The email set up a meeting at a local coffee shop that included consultant Don Napier, interim city manager Steve Hill, airport manager Chris Bennett, councilman Danny Wyatt, Loggins and Graham.

Loggins was asked how that came about. He said “It was just decided between several people that nobody knew Boyd any better then J. H. as he had worked with him for years.” He also said that Mr. Wyatt's widow Camilla Wyatt had sort of requested that. In addition according to Loggins Mayor Mayberry was aware of the plans and the award.  

Tammie French requesting harassment investigation over personnel violations. Hester dismissed

Crossville Parks and Recreation director Tammie French has requested a further investigation into harassment against her by former interim city manager Steve Hill, marketing director Billy Loggins and parks and recreation secretary Amy Hester.

Crossville Parks and Recreation director Tammie French

As of Thursday, Mrs. Hester is no longer employed in the position of Parks department secretary. Mrs. French had requested Hester be dismissed in early January and again following the personnel board hearing last week.

French's email of January 16 requesting the harassment investigation was sent to Mayor James Mayberry, interim manager Steve Hill, HR director Leah Crockett and city attorney Will Ridley. Hill was removed as interim by the council on January 18.

Mr. Loggins remains as the only one still employed by the city.

Crossville Marketing director Billy Loggins

French wrote, “During the personnel board hearing it became evident that my grievance had merit, and that, had it been filed more expeditiously, more could have been done. In addition, during my time of gathering evidence, I learned that others were involved with the Interim City Manager and ugly, discriminatory and inappropriate comments were made about me. Since the City Manager is one of the people involved, I come to you for help.”

Former Crossville interim city manager Steve Hill

French said that the actions of the three, “Violate many points of the City of Crossville Personnel Policy Handbook in areas including ethics, misuse of city property, and violation of the city's computer use policy.” French pointed out that Hill got the same information she got a day later but Hill had taken no action to address the violations and had rejected French's request to fire Mrs. Hester based on insolence and insubordination.

French concludes, “I am respectfully requesting a formal employee relations investigation be conducted by the City Attorney or an attorney the city hires who can perform such a task.”

Four final city manager applicants include another former Crossville manager, Jack Miller

The final four applicants for the Crossville city manager position were filed even though the council has already started interviewing potential candidates via video conferencing.

Two candidates from Crossville applied including former Crossville city manager Jack Miller. Miller, who held the position from 2000 to 2008 makes the third previous city manager who has applied for the job. Miller reports he has been a government management consultant since he left Crossville and prior to serving at Crossville had been city manager at Cordele Georgia, Baxley Georgia and Beaufort South Carolina. Miller has a Ph. D. in Business Administration from California Coast Univ. Others previous Crossville city managers who have applied include Dan Collins and David Rutherford.

Tammie Hyder of Crossville, who currently serves as the finance director of Hilltoppers, Inc has also applied. Hyder previously was an assistant controller for Dana from 2006 to 2009 and as controller and human resources for a Oak Ridge firm from 2003 to 2006 as well as finance director for Rockwood from 2001 to 2003.

Terry Foster of St. Louis MO serves as the Moscow Mills MO police chief since 2009 and previous held the interim chief job there as well as assistant chief and detective. He has an MS in administration.

Col. Brent Moran of Papillion NE has also applied. He currently serves as director of manpower and personnel for the US Strategic Command at Offut Air Force Base with 26 years in military service. Moran has a Masters in Public Administration, work on an MBA and is a licensed pilot.

None of these recent applicants have been chosen for interviews currently, but the council could add candidates as two have dropped out of the initial 6 they selected to talk to.  

POLICE ARREST 3 ON INDICTMENTS AND SEEK 8 MORE

PRESS RELEASE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

DRUG RELATED ARRESTS:

Three people were arrested / served with felony indictments, in a joint effort between the Crossville Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, and agents with the TBI and the 13th Judicial Drug Task Forces.

Following months of investigations and undercover operations with the Crossville Police Department’s Detective Division, Cumberland County Grand Jury Indictments were issued and served by the arrest of:

1.       Allison L. Hall-Jones, 31 of Jamestown, TN

2.       Quinton A. Debruyn, 23 of Crossville, TN

3.       Miguel Colin-Hernandez, 21 of Crossville, TN

                   

8 additional people are still being sought in connection with these investigations. We highly recommend that they turn themselves in. If you know any of these people or of their whereabouts, please contact the Crossville Police Department at 931-484-7231 or call Crimestoppers at 931-200-1173.

4.       James R. Wilson, 57 of Crossville, TN – Felony Narcotics

5.       Carl Jackson (Jackie) Griffith, 32 of Crossville, TN – Felony Narcotics

6.       Israel Cox, 43 of Crossville, TN – Felony Narcotics

7.       Amanda M. Jackson, 39 of Crossville, TN – Felony Narcotics

8.       Makayla L. Woods, 21 of Crossville, TN – Felony Narcotics

9.       Rhonda Benjamin Beard, 59 of Michigan – Felony Narcotics

10.   Dawn M. Golhart, 34 of Michigan – Felony Narcotics

11.   Samira A. Talley, 24 of Michigan – Felony Narcotics  

Crossville council approves dismissal of interim manager Steve Hill and appoints IT director Lee Lawson

Action in a special called meeting changed the person holding interim city manager by a majority vote of the Crossville city council Tuesday.

The special meeting was called by Mayor James Mayberry on Saturday to consider the dismissal of interim city manager Steve Hill. Council member Pam Harris was not present for the meeting.

Mayor Mayberry opened the meeting commenting, “I hope that the present council members consider the citizens and the employees of Crossville in the importance of this meeting's outcomes.” Mayberry then moved, “Due to pending litigation, revelations of grievances and the recent personnel board meeting and insecurity among employees that it is in the best interest of the city to terminate Mr. Hill at the close of business today.” He continued, “I don't feel that we have to start discussion at day one of Mr. Hill's management employment and controversy, but we can if we need to. Details of employee conflicts at Parks and Rec, conflicts and lawsuits involved with our police chief and potential future lawsuits should be familiar to all the council members. My motion stand to potential end these conflicts today.”

Council member Scot Shanks supported Mayberry's motion.

Council and interim manager Steve Hill listen as 

HR director Leah Crockett answers questions. 

Council member J. H. Graham asked if there was a report from the personnel board concerning the complaint heard the previous week. The finding of the personnel board was discussed and the action by the board to follow the recommendation of the recommendations of the Municipal Technical Advisory Board (MTAS) that there were actions that were grievances but the time to file a complaint had expired. The board further recommended that there be better communication between the city manager and the department heads.

Councilman Danny Wyatt asked city attorney Will Ridley if the council could hold pending litigation against an individual?

Ridley answered, “The decision to hire of fire a city manager was solely a political decision. However you come to that decision is at your determination. It can be made for any reason.

Wyatt continued that he needed some clarification. “I don't understand the knee jerk reaction here in the fourth quarter at the two minute warning? We're doing interviews tonight.

Mayberry responded to Wyatt, “I believe the last time a city manager was relieved of his duties, your comments on that one were you just lost faith in his management abilities. I have lost faith in Mr. Hill's management abilities.”

Councilman Shanks pointed out that the personnel board was just a small part of the reason for the action.

Mayberry added that the latest unacceptable act of consorting with other employees and disrespecting and intimidation of department heads I feel is unacceptable and I don't think we need anybody's ruling on that because we've seen the evidence in black and white.

Shanks commented, “I like Steve. I've known him for a long time, but to keep Steve as city manaer is not a business decision, that's a personal decision.” He added that even though he hopes to have a manager hired soon, with candidates dropping out it could be three or four months before it could be finalized. “I just feel we're putting Crossville at risk if we keep Steve in as city manager,” Shanks concluded.

Wyatt voiced that he had not heard some firm evidence of that fact and added that he would like to hear some to prove what Hill did wrong.

Mayberry answered that as far as they know he's not broken any laws.

Graham also commented that Hill was a close personal friend but he would make the decision based on education and professionalism. He pointed out that even though Hill had applied for the full time city manager position, he was not selected for the interview process. Graham then made a motion to call for the question. That motion was approved.

On the dismissal of Hill, Wyatt voted no while Mayberry and Shanks voted yes. Graham passed on the first call and then entered a yes vote. The motion was approved.

Council then moved to a discussion of appointing a new interim manager but that created more issues as there was not an item on the agenda but it was listed in the agenda text on the discussion of dismissing Hill.

Mayberry explained that he had given the matter a lot of thought and he felt a good person who was involved in many city activities and was in a non political, neutral position was IT department head Lee Lawson.

Graham said that he was not prepared to discuss the replacement of the interim city manager and did not think that subject was part of the agenda.

Mayberry said that the replacement was germane to the agenda item and the council could make an exception under the standing rules with a 2/3 vote of council. Mayberry then moved to appoint Lawson until the permanent city manager can be hired. Shanks supported the motion.

Council moved forward to suspend the standing rules and the motion was approved with Mayberry, Graham and Shanks approving and Wyatt opposed.

The motion for appointing Lawson returned to the floor and was approved again by a three to one vote with Wyatt opposed.

Mayor James Mayberry, right, swears in Lee Lawson 

as Interim city manager.

Following the meeting adjournment, Lawson was sworn in to begin the position as of January 18, 2017.

Left to right, following the action to appoint Lee Lawson as interim city manager, city clerk Sally Oglesby, Lawson and Mayor James Mayberry discuss city business. 

City Council's Friday work session for manager interviews moved to 6 PM

In order to allow Crossville council members to attend the visitation for former Crossville Mayor Earl Dean, the time of Friday night's interview with candidate Greg Wood will be at 6 PM and Steve Foote will be interviewed at 7 PM.  The third interviewee Tina Tuggle has removed her name from consideration.  

The visitation for Earl Dean is from 5-7 PM at Bilbrey's Funeral home and this will allow council and city employees time to attend before the meeting.