Agenda and Minutes

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(The February Minutes have not yet been approved by the Board)

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 22, 2010 MEETING OF THE BOARD

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Fultz called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. following the Public Hearing.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Alderman Mike Lester gave the invocation followed by the pledge to the American Flag.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Bill Fultz, Mike Lester, Charles White and Lieven Cox. Absent: Linda Fultz.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There was a motion by Charles White and seconded by Lieven Cox to approve the minutes of the January regular monthly meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, EXTRAORDINARY MATTERS, ADOPTION OF AGENDA:

Mayor Fultz announced that the Fourth Monday in March would be Arbor Day in the City and signed the proclamation.

MAYOR’S REPORT: Reported that there had been lots of snow and the Road Department and employees had done a good job keeping the streets and properties cleared.

TREASURER’S REPORT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Charles White, to approve the reports as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

A proposed Budget Amendment was presented for certain line items that showed overspending. There was a motion by Lieven Cox and seconded by Charles White to amend the budget as presented. A roll call vote was taken: Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; Lieven Cox, yes; Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously. (A copy of the budget amendment is attached to this record.)

UTILITY BOARD: No action taken. Mayor Fultz reported that there continue to be ongoing projects toward getting sewer throughout the city.

ROADS REPORT: Mayor Fultz reported he had been getting calls from residents all over the city about potholes as a result of the winter weather. As the weather warms and asphalt plants open up, then repairs will begin.

PARK REPORT: City workers have been doing some maintenance trimming in the park. Whenever the weather will allow, the playground equipment installation will be completed.

The Advisory Board did not meet in February; however Mayor Fultz reported that plans were being made toward an event at the park during the White Lightening Festival for June 26. Mike Lester reported that there is a possibility of an antique tractor pull that would be at a cost of $1200 but then their club would take care of everything. This plan is pending approval from the LMU Properties Committee for use of their land at the back of the park. Alderman Lester further reported that Larry Carter could do a live music program, or a DJ could come in for $300 along with a Cruise In and food vendors could be brought in. Alderman Cox suggested that all three events--tractor pull, music and Cruise In--take place. Alderman White suggested that non-profit food vendors be used. More planning is to take place at the March work session.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Ben Brown reported that several calls were made, but nothing major. The department had assisted in one helicopter landing in the highway during the snow and could not access the helipad. The department has lost some members, or at least have not been showing up since the holidays and the bad weather. Chief Brown reported that the AED's both adult and children had been received. The department had received a camera from Senator Mike Faulk to be used on fire grounds in an attempt to help with arson control.

Chief Brown asked that council actively begin a search for full-time fire chief since he has plans to return to school.

There was other discussion about the Dodge Tanker. It is still in the shop for repairs.

BOOK STATION REPORT: Lieven Cox reported that the committee is working on By-Laws and hope to have them ready by next meeting.

Mayor Fultz reported that he had taken Jim Adams out to the depot and he had determined that it should have another exit to be ADA compliant and would probably build in a back door with a porch and walkway/ramp around the building. He had spoken with Junior Welch and Mr. Welch had priced the windows and siding; however he really could not give a price for installation because with the condition of the building he's unsure what work will need to be done to prepare for the siding and windows installation.

Barbara Ramsey reported that the pigeons are back and have made a hole in the side of the building--are now pulling out insulation at that hole.

REPORT FROM BUILDING INSPECTOR: David Laws was unable to attend. Mike Lester reported that the day he and Mr. Laws were to go to Smith Drive to check out Mr. Simpson's complaint that the snows had come and they had been unable to set another date to meet because of their workloads. He will get with David Laws and set another time.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: In the absence of Linda Fultz, Mayor Fultz reported that Planning and Zoning had discussed the Cedar Creek Development. They still had some work to be completed before their final plat could be signed.

ELECTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS: None

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING: Mayor Fultz read on second reading Proposed Ordinance 78, An Ordinance Amending the Sign Requirements of the Harrogate, Tennessee, Zoning Ordinance. There was a motion by Lieven Cox, seconded by Charles White to adopt. A roll call vote was taken: Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; Lieven Cox, yes; and Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS: None

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING: None

PUBLIC FORUM: None

ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Lieven Cox, that the meeting be adjourned. The Mayor declared the meeting closed.

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 25TH, 2010, MEETING OF THE BOARD

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Fultz called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Alderman Charles White gave the invocation followed by the pledge to the American Flag.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Bill Fultz, Mike Lester, Linda Fultz, Charles White and Lieven Cox.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There was a motion by Mike Lester and seconded by Charles White to approve the minutes of the November regular monthly meeting. The motion passed unanimously. (There was no meeting of the Board in December 2009.)
  ANNOUNCEMENTS, EXTRAORDINARY MATTERS, ADOPTION OF AGENDA: v Mayor Fultz read a letter from Principal Sandra Keck, H. Y. Livesay Middle School, expressing the gratitude of the students, parents, staff and herself for the shelter provided by the Harrogate Volunteer Fire Department during their recent school evacuation. v Mayor Fultz reported that it was time to renew the terms of the Harrogate Tree Board. There was a motion by Charles White, seconded by Mike Lester, to reappoint Edwin Robertson, Chairman, Judy Robertson, Steve Roark, Dr. John Copeland, Mike Heiskell, Sandy Davis, Eddie Lou Shoffner and Sandy Stapleton to the Board. The motion passed unanimously.
v Mayor Fultz presented the matter of whether to move forward with building of a new city hall building. His belief is that now is the time to build while costs are as low as they are. And, starting now on the process would put the construction time months away if not spring 2011. There was much discussion. Mike Lester stated his position that there is not a need to spend money for a city hall building now. Lieven Cox felt that the current building could be adapted if more space were needed. The Mayor called for a motion to allow Mr. Adams to proceed with the design and specifications on the building. Charles White made the motion. Other discussion followed as to why spec if we are not going to build (Mike Lester) and what costs are involved in the design and specifications (Lieven Cox). The Mayor stated he would get with Mr. Adams to meet again with the board at which time they could ask him about any concerns or questions they might have and he would call and talk to him about the design fees. Mike Lester then seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Linda Fultz, yes and added that she was voting for design and specs only -- not to build; Mike Lester, no; Charles White, yes; Lieven Cox, no; and, Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed with a majority vote of three (3) yes and two (2) no votes.

MAYOR’S REPORT: No report.

TREASURER’S REPORT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Linda Fultz, to approve the reports as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

UTILITY BOARD: Mayor Fultz reported that East Tennessee Development District is preparing the application for the 2010 CDBG grant round to sewer line extensions. Also, the EPA application for the first $500,000 award should soon be completed and the city has received notification that the second $500,000 EPA was approved in both houses for the 2010 Appropriations.

ROADS REPORT: Mayor Fultz reported that Rick Davis has used quite a bit of salt this winter; however in talking with Mr. Evans at the TDOT garage there should be no need to buy additional salt this year.   Also, still need to put another top coat on Shawanee Road in the sewer project area when weather permits.

PARK REPORT: Linda Fultz reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee had met and Gena Bowen, the newly hired Tourism Director of Claiborne County, had met with them and updated the Advisory Board about the happenings for the first "White Lightning Festival" to be held on June 26, 2010, in Cumberland Gap. She was hopeful that Harrogate would have a related event at the city park on that day. The Advisory Board had already planned for 2010 the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park, the Cove Lake Park Rangers Program and the Labor Day Celebration so their budget would not allow for anything more than perhaps a 5K run. There was discussion of having a tractor pull. Mike Lester is to work with the Tractor Pullers Association along with the Properties Committee at LMU to see if that could happen on June 26, 2010.

The Advisory Board had asked about opening up the skateboard park to the skaters. Mayor Fultz asked Mike Lester to redo the sign for a simple statement of "Skate at your Risk". When the sign is in place, then the park will be unlocked.
  FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: v Chief Ben Brown reported that the Haiti Benefit Breakfast had brought in approximately $830 along with a lot of good public relations. v The department will be planning field trips to local schools. v The AED's had been received. He is looking for cases to put them in. He will also be training the officers in use of the AED's. Children's adapters will be ordered for use with them.v Six of the volunteers are registered for the Smoky Mountain Weekend; a pumper class is being planned for county-wide firefighters to be taught here at the HVFD.v The department had 88 calls in 2009 and have had approximately seven to date in 2010.v All members will be up-to-date with NIMS when the NIMS 300 class is taken in a few days.
Lieven Cox commended the department for their work with the fund raiser.

BOOK STATION REPORT: Lieven Cox reported that the committee had met. They had requested that council allow them to purchase additional books to upgrade to more current books. There was a motion by Mike Lester to allow the committee to purchase up to $500 additional books. Linda Fultz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The renovation project was discussed. Still waiting for some quotes from Mr. Welch.

REPORT FROM BUILDING INSPECTOR: David Laws reported he had signed no permits for the month. He is to call Terry Seal about buildings going up that no permits have been applied for.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: Linda Fultz reported the P&Z had met on January 18th. The Commission moved to send the Sign Ordinance to Council. There was discussion of procedure to take on roads from subdivisions. There was a question if Harrogate South should be contacted concerning the fire hydrants issue they had not completed. No action taken.

ELECTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS: None

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING: None

RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS: Mayor Fultz read Resolution No. 109, A Resolution in Support of the Harrogate Sewer Projects Phases V and VI. Mike Lester made the motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Charles White. A roll call vote was taken: Linda Fultz, yes; Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; Lieven Cox, yes; and Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously.

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING: Mayor Fultz read on first reading Proposed Ordinance 78, An Ordinance Amending the Sign Requirements of the Harrogate, Tennessee, Zoning Ordinance. There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Charles White to adopt. A roll call vote was taken: Linda Fultz, yes; Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; Lieven Cox, yes; and Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM: Ray Simpson, Smith Drive, presented pictures to Council of his complaint of littering of his neighborhood. Mayor Fultz assigned Mike Lester and David Laws to work on the project.

ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Lieven Cox, that the meeting be adjourned. The Mayor declared the meeting closed.
THERE WAS NO MEETING OF THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN IN DECEMBER 2009.
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meeting
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Fultz called the meeting to order.   INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Alderman Mike Lester gave the invocation followed by the pledge to the American Flag.   ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Bill Fultz, Mike Lester and Charles White; Linda Fultz arrived at approximate 6:30; Lieven Cox absent. Mayor Fultz recognized Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce Director Dennis Shipley who presented the City of Harrogate with the Tennessee Three-Star Certification recognition for community economic preparedness signed by Governor Phil Bredesen and Commissioner Matthew Kisber. Mr. Shipley thanked the city for its efforts in helping meet the criteria for the county to keep the three-star certification.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There was a motion by Mike Lester and seconded by Charles White to approve the minutes of the October regular monthly meeting. The motion passed unanimously.  ANNOUNCEMENTS, EXTRAORDINARY MATTERS, ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Mayor Fultz announced that the city hall would be closed on Thursday and Friday of the upcoming holiday weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. United Curbing had offered to sell a 2001 Ford F350 to the city for $17,000 to be used as a General Maintenance vehicle. Mike Lester made a motion that the city purchase the vehicle. Charles White seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The Independent Today had presented a proposal for an ad in a special edition for the 278th National Guard Unit to be deployed. Mike Lester made a motion to take a 1/2 page ad, seconded by Charles White. The motion passed unanimously. After discussion of whether to postpone the December meetings until January it was decided to go ahead and have the meetings as scheduled. Margaret Norris, UT-MTAS, has reviewed the draft of the codification of ordinances with staff and is now ready to meet with the board. The dates of December 14th & 15th were set to meet with Ms. Norris. It had been recommended by Sheriff Ray that the city apply for an ORI number, the Originating Agency Identification number for reporting law enforcement issues including crime reporting. There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Linda Fultz that the city apply. The motion passed unanimously. There was consideration of meeting with the TML Bond Pool to discuss the possibility of borrowing money to pay off the Rural Development loan and the balance of money needed for a new city hall building. Staff is currently talking with the TML Pool to see if this is practical. The subject will be addressed further in December. CEASE had presented a request for a donation to the annual auction fund-raiser to be conducted on December 3. Since the city has no auction items available for an auction the possibility of a money donation will be addressed in December.  MAYOR’S REPORT: No report.  TREASURER’S REPORT: There was a motion by Charles White, seconded by Linda Fultz, to approve the reports as presented. The motion passed unanimously.    UTILITY BOARD: Roads in the 2007 CDBG project area are being resurfaced at this time.  ROADS REPORT: The Mayor reported that some city streets are currently being resurfaced. Crescent Street has been extended and paved.  PARK REPORT: Mayor Fultz reported that work is being done at the new west parking lot back-filling dirt at the curbing. Alderman Fultz questioned if concrete at the spot for the new playground equipment has been poured. That has not yet been done but will soon be completed. Linda Fultz reported for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. They had discussed the skateboard equipment and recommended that the skate park be unlocked from 2 p.m. until dark Monday thru Friday and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekends. It would be up to the users to police the area. They also recommended that the council pursue cameras in the park. The Mayor recommended that new signage but put in place with skate times and "Skate At Your Own Risk." The Advisory Board is hopeful that this will deter vandalism. Mayor Fultz also suggested we talk to the insurance company and the State Parks Department for their input on these suggestions.    FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Assistant Chief Ted Pokorny updated council on activities of the department. A safety officer had been appointed; command tree established; membership drive underway; training schedule established; extrication class set; truck maintenance check and inventory listing in place; working toward better public relations; hosted the County Fire Chiefs' Association; had 30 -4 0 people in attendance at open house and participated in the New Tazewell Christmas Parade. Issues being addressed are to increase membership and do more P R projects. CPR training thru DeRoyal is being worked out. The department would like to purchase a marquee sign to make the public aware of happenings at the department. The department does have issues with old and outdated gear. Pagers need to be updated to have record systems and/or text messaging. Currently the call is paged once and if missed the volunteers don't get the call because pagers do not have recording capability. Fire hydrant flow tests need to be done. Plans are being considered to get members first responder certified. The department is applying for various grants. One grant has been awarded for AEP units at a savings of approximately $500 per unit for up to 6 units. The red gear is not adequate; yellow gear is current color for fighters; however most are outfitted with the yellow. The sub-station at Shawanee was broken into and a siren was taken off the truck. A police report has been filed. After discussion of the AED grant award Mike Lester made a motion to purchase four units (one for each vehicle). The motion was seconded by Linda Fultz. The motion passed unanimously. There was discussion about getting the pumper truck ready for use. Council questioned about their policy regarding moving from department to department. Council was advised that applications are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis before accepting into membership. Resident Mr. Simpson questioned residential burning. He was advised there is no city burning ordinance; however the State Forestry Department does require permits at this time of year. The office on Patterson Road could be called for the burn permit.  BOOK STATION REPORT: Barbara Ramsey reported that December 19th would be the third annual Open House and a Children's Christmas Program would be given on December 12th. Regarding the renovation of the Book Station, the Mayor had met with Welch Aluminum and talked about the replacement windows and will attempt to keep the windows at about the same size as the original ones. Mr. Welch is also looking at the siding. That phase will require a lot of work to get a good look for the new siding.

Mayor Fultz questioned should an attic room be included. He will call Architect Jim Adams to come look at the building concerning ADA accessible doors. Further discussion about the windows resulted in the decision to match current windows as closely as possible.

REPORT FROM BUILDING INSPECTOR: David Laws reported that he had signed one permit for Terry Seal in Pinnacle Place. He had talked with Rodney Watts on Euclid Avenue that was building without a city permit. He learned that he had been told he was in the county and had been to the County Mayor's office who sold him a building permit. He will be coming to the city for his permit.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: Linda Fultz reported the P&Z had met on November 16th. P&Z had voted to accept a $5000 letter of credit from Cedar Creek on their road completion and would approve final site plan contingent upon the completion of their sewer installation. The Commission had discussed the city's outdated sign ordinance. Jan Newsome is to bring draft of revisions back to the P&Z for approval before recommending the changes to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Craig Robertson had asked about rezoning information and will come back the Commission at a later date. ELECTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS: None PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING: The Mayor read Ordinance No. 77, An Ordinance of the City of Harrogate Establishing a Schedule of Fees For Services Performed by the Harrogate Planning Commission and the City of Harrogate. There was a motion by Charles White, seconded by Mike Lester to approve the ordinance on second reading. A roll call vote was taken: Linda Fultz, yes; Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS: Mayor Fultz read Resolution No. 108, A Resolution Authorizing the City of Harrogate's City Council to Apply for the FY 2010 Community Development Block Grant Funds up to the Amount of $500,000 for Phase III Sewer Line Extensions. Mike Lester made the motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Charles White. A roll call vote was taken: Linda Fultz, yes; Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; and Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously.

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING: None PUBLIC FORUM: Andrew Ditty, a student at Clear Creek, was in attendance to ask that the skate park be reopened and expressed his appreciation to council for resolving that. Mr. Ditty stated that he was doing Bible Study on Tuesday evenings and would like to continue at the skate park. He was aware of the mischief taking place and wants to help with that. He also asked about any space available that he could conduct the Bible Study as the group grows. Mr. Ditty also commented concerning the liability that from a skater's standpoint they know when they go into the park on their own what could happen. Ray Simpson, Smith Drive, asked about any progress made toward the cleanup of his neighbors' property. The Mayor and Mr. Laws had made one visit, had asked the resident to get the trailer removed -- that still had not been done. They would be returning to start the citation process. Mr. Simpson stated that he was still looking at the subdivision restrictions and he would be getting together with other homeowners. He also advised Council that the City should look at other areas that need to be cleaned up. Gillis Mills, 415 Bristol, addressed Council about opening up an undeveloped street at his property. The Mayor will visit the area to see what will be involved should that be considered. Fulton Road resident Lisa Caperton addressed further the trash issues in her area. She has her home for sale and no one will even look at the house because of the surroundings.

ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Charles White, that the meeting be adjourned. The Mayor declared the meeting closed.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen October 26th, 2009

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Fultz called the meeting to order.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Alderman Charles White gave the invocation followed by the pledge to the American Flag.

ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Bill Fultz, Mike Lester, Linda Fultz, Lieven Cox and Charles White.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There was a motion by Mike Lester and seconded by Lieven Cox to approve the minutes of the September regular monthly meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, EXTRAORDINARY MATTERS, ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Lieven Cox gave an update on the Recycling Grant process. He had spoken with Mitch Loomis, ETDD, and Mr. Loomis had reported that this grant is very competitive, going mostly to the larger municipalities. For the items the city is interested in Mr. Loomis suggested that the City apply to private agencies that provided funding. Mr. Loomis is to keep the City informed when the private funding becomes available.

TML Municipal League had recently had a firm complete a reassessment of property values and determined that some properties in the city were either underinsured or not insured at all. After discussion of the appraisals there was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Lieven Cox, to accept the increases of the depot, restroom facility at the park and the VFD building; however to leave off the pump stations (self-insure). The motion passed unanimously.

Sandy Stapleton had previously presented information to council from the Garden Club to establish a Blue Star Memorial Marker at the park to honor all men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. The total cost estimate to have installed would be approximately $5000. There was a motion by Linda Fultz seconded by Lieven Cox to have the Memorial installed. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Fultz presented the question to council “Are we moving forward?” with the building of a city hall. Alderman Cox expressed his concern of the timing due to the economy and the size of the building being proposed. Too, the survey recently completed as a part of the strategic planning process expressed that the priority of the residents were security issues. Charles White made a motion to proceed with the building of the city hall. After more discussion there was a consensus that Architect Jim Adams would be called for a special meeting for more input and information on building costs. Based on that decision Charles White withdrew his motion that had not been acted upon.

Lieven Cox asked if action is to be taken on the proposal presented by the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department. After discussion on this issue Mike Lester suggested that Rex Barton, MTAS representative, be contacted to meet with the City at the next planning session, that session to be dedicated basically for this issue only and ask that he come up with a proposal to include LMU and Cumberland Gap.

MAYOR’S REPORT: The Mayor reported it is still his intent to have more paving done before cold weather. He also reported that one of the Chem-Feed systems has arrived and it is to be installed at the Livesay pump station. Mike Lester questioned whether LMU had been notified of the installation. It was agreed it would be in the best interest of the City to make the Properties Committee aware of the plans for installation.

TREASURER’S REPORT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Linda Fultz, to approve the reports as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

UTILITY BOARD: No further report at this time.

ROADS REPORT: Betty Poore and Patty Jones had met with the city on previous occasions requesting that their road (Crescent Street) be paved. Mike Lester stated pave it. Charles White made a motion to do so. Mike Lester seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. There had been requests from residents asking that the potholes at the intersection of Dickens Street and St. Johns Place be filled. Mayor Fultz stated that when the patching company was back in the city that would be done.

PARK REPORT: Linda Fultz asked about the playground equipment that had not yet been moved. The specific areas had not yet been marked. She is to call the Mayor when she is coming to the park and he will meet with her and mark the spot and move forward. The issue of the skateboard park was brought up. The skaters are still not using helmets. Maintenance reported that there had been no vandalism at the park while the skate park was locked. The mayor suggested a schedule of hours be posted and have someone there to see that helmets were being used. He offered to go one evening each week and challenged the council to each take a day. There were no other volunteers. Staff is to check with ETHRA to see if ETHRA employees are allowed to work weekend hours.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Roberts had presented his letter of resignation to the council at the previous week’s planning session. Due to his extended work hours and the responsibilities of his family he did not feel he could continue in the chief’s position; however he would like to stay on as a part of the department and continue with the work toward the ISO grading. There was a motion by Mike Lester to accept the resignation, seconded by Lieven Cox. The motion passed unanimously. Captain Ben Brown had stepped up and assumed the position of Chief and had expressed his desire to take the position of Interim Chief until council decided what further action to take. There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Linda Fultz to appoint Ben Brown as temporary chief. The motion passed unanimously.

Chief Brown then reported that Stephen Roberts would continue and work on the ISO. Mayor Fultz suggested that he (Ben) work closely with Gary West, MTAS, who would work through the process step by step.

Chief Brown introduced department member Ted Pokorney who then presented an overview to council of steps the department wants to take to increase, and maintain, membership. Their plans are to appoint a safety officer, maintain appropriate maintenance schedules on the equipment, do equipment checks and maintenance records and to introduce a good PR program for the community such as open houses, etc. He then presented a timeline totaling approximately 12 weeks in which he hopes to have this in place. Linda Fultz questioned how many members at this time. There are approximately twelve. Charles White questioned why the transition of members. It was reported that many were young kids and jobs were becoming available to some. Mike Lester asked about the young guys and reference checks. Mr. Pokorney reported that the department has started doing reference checks and hope to do background checks soon. Mr. Pokorney then asked what was available on the budget. Staff will get that information to him. He asked council how they feel about fund raising. The response was that it had been the intent from the beginning that the department concentrates on training and fighting fires; council would fund their needs. He then questioned council as to what do you want from the department? There were responses of “Do you have a good inventory?” “The Dodge needs to roll – but only with experienced drivers.” The Mayor suggested that the council continue with the surveillance camera project, particularly in the VFD area.

BOOK STATION REPORT: Barbara Ramsey reported that the Halloween Party had been successful. Twenty-six had registered for the event; however 15 children participated and there were six mothers in attendance. The pigeons are back on the ledge of the door on the backside and on the light above the entrance door. The double doors have a crack on the bottom that is letting water in. The books are being listed on the computer and currently have about one-third entered. When do the new windows come? The windows are to be the next step in the renovation. David Laws reported he had not yet contacted anyone on the ADA compliance relating to the exits. Bill is to ask Jim Adams to look at it.

Ms. Ramsey reported they do not yet have fire extinguishers. Staff reported that Day Fire & Safety had been contacted to bring them. They will be contacted again.

REPORT FROM BUILDING INSPECTOR: David Laws reported that he had signed seven applications during the preceding month one of which was a business building, a bank, a house, a sign permit and others were additions or garages.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: Linda Fultz reported the P&Z had met on October 19^th with no new business pertaining to plat reviews. Cedar Creek Condominiums had come before the commission asking permission to record their plat in order to sell one unit. They were given instructions on what to do prior to recording. Patty Jones had been present and asked about paving on Crescent; however she was referred to the Council. Amendments to the Sign Ordinance had been tabled until the next meeting.

ELECTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS: None

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING: None

RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS: None

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING: The Mayor read Ordinance No. 77, An Ordinance of the City of Harrogate Establishing a Schedule of Fees For Services Performed by the Harrogate Planning Commission and the City of Harrogate. There was a motion by Lieven Cox, seconded by Mike Lester to approve the ordinance on first reading. A roll call vote was taken: Linda Fultz, yes; Mike Lester, yes; Charles White, yes; Lieven Cox, yes; Bill Fultz, yes. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM: Ray Simpson, 150 Smith Drive addressed council. He reported that his area was going down hill fast. There was a business next door, the yard was full of trash and junk, a trailer had been parked there three weeks; there were up to five cars parked daily related to the business, another residence had someone shooting from the residence daily, the area needs traffic speed monitored. There are at least fourteen kids along those streets. He asked if the city incorporated the sub-division regulations when one was annexed. They are not. He was told that sub-division regulations are the responsibility of the homeowners. He did report that he had a copy of the City’s Ordinance 16 and it is not being enforced. Most every section of the ordinance is being violated by his nearby neighbors. Sadly he stated that his lifelong dream had been to retire and come to this area and he had been able to accomplish his dream; but now he is trying to sell his home and leave because of the disappointment of the living conditions around him. After discussion of these issues the Mayor and David Laws are to go talk to the homeowners the next day and start the citation process. The Mayor called for a motion to adjourn.

Mike Lester asked to report to the council that Mike Evans had approached him about brush being dumped at the Industrial Park. Mike Evans felt that if the city could dump brush there, that he should be able to also. The Mayor pointed out that the city was disposing of city trimmings onto city property. Mike Evans did not have the authority to dump at the Industrial Park. Mike Lester stated he was reporting to council as he has told Mr. Evans he would.

ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Lieven Cox, that the meeting be adjourned. The Mayor declared the meeting closed.