City of Harrogate

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

ROLL CALL:  All Aldermen and Mayor were present with exception of Alderman Charles White.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  There was a motion by Mike Lester and seconded by Linda Fultz to approve the minutes of June 2^nd Called Meeting, June 16^th Public hearing, June 16^th regular meeting, and June 25th reconvening of regular meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM:  Mark Greene spoke on behalf of the Harrogate Little League concerning the water standing near pump station at the small field in the baseball park.  Lieven Cox asked how long the water stood before draining.  Mr. Greene responded 48 hours.  There was discussion concerning suggestions of sodding hillside to help hold water, trenching, the safety issue concerning kids playing in the standing water.  Mayor Fultz reported that trees are to be planted in September around the pump station and at that time grass seeding would be done around the station and the bank.  After further discussion, David Laws was asked to look at site and make recommendations to council of what could be done.

Freddie Chumley questioned a ribbon that had been tied to the fence on the big field and was the city about to come in to work.  He was advised that the city had not placed the ribbon there, but other utilities may have work orders.  Mr. Chumley asked that the city not move equipment onto the field without notifying the Little League first.  There was also discussion of easements and whether city had easement for placement of the pump station at the ball field.  Mr. Chumley asked about the city hall’s hours and would be coming to see the files of the city’s easements.

Mr. Schenkenfelder asked council’s permission to address the Volunteer Fire Department and announced he was working on a large map for the volunteers and would have it ready for presentation to the department in a couple of months.

Chloe Nichols reported on the Bookstation’s recent activities.  There are 15 volunteers and 210 cardholders.   Regular hours are still 1 –3 p.m. on Saturday.  The book station has need of more shelves, a rolling cart, and file cabinet.  Linda Fultz mentioned a round table for children rather than the big table in front of the mural. Dr. Moody responded that Ms. Nichols could work with David Laws and many if not all items needed were maybe in storage at LMU and if so would be made available to the Bookstation.  Ms. Nichols reported on the Summer Reading Program that would complete on July 22^nd with 47 participants, 113 visits and 272 books read.  Congratulations and applause were led by Lieven Cox for these accomplishments along with special thanks to Ms. Chloe and Ms. Barbara for their many volunteer hours with the Bookstation.  The Bookstation will be conducting a Yard Sale on August 2 and need donations – or will take dollars – for the yard sale!

Lori Kimborough representing AYSO spoke to council and requested status of soccer fields.  She needs to line fields to play and does not know where the league is to play.  Mr. Poore at Cumberland Gap High School has said those fields are not available; if multi-purpose field is to be used that was offered by LMU, then parking is an issue.  Ms. Kimborough stressed that she cannot wait any longer – needs answer now.  Mayor Fultz instructed Lieven Cox to contact April Johnson to come to the city and get her approval of whether or not “half” the field can be upgraded to satisfy the grant requirement.

There was a motion by Lieven Cox to do half of the field pending approval of April Johnson.   Linda Fultz seconded the motion.  The “aye” vote was unanimous.

Travis Moody questioned the status of the Auto-Aid agreement with Cumberland Gap and a list of questions that the city had not responded to.  The Mayor explained that he and Chief Roberts had signed the agreement that former Chief Adams had proposed and sent to Cumberland Gap for their signatures.  Then the next list of questions came up that he “Mr. Moody” had referred to.  The Mayor had also talked with Mayor Douglas.  If Cumberland Gap does not choose to sign the agreement, then the State’s Mutual Aid is in effect and if needed their department will still be called out.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, EXTRAORDINARY MATTERS, ADOPTION OF AGENDA:  No action

TREASURER’S REPORT:  There was a motion by Linda Fultz and seconded by Lieven Cox  to accept the financial reports as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

There was a motion by Lieven Cox to approve the 2007-08 budget amendment as presented by staff.  Linda Fultz seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.  (Copies of the amendments are a part of this record.)

UTILITY BOARD REPORT:  Mayor Fultz reported that Roger Ball was building apartment complexes at the Marsee Springs subdivision near Cumberland Gap High School.  The City has been advised that one EONE duplex system can service each building.  Discussion during the planning workshop had been that the city bill $8000 to customer for each duplex system; however after talking with Duane Byrd it may be that the city would need to charge more than $8000 – even up to $10,000.  Alderman Lester stated he would be in favor of $8500.  Alderman Cox suggested that the matter be discussed further at the next planning session. 

Alderman Fultz questioned the number of customers and the number of past due.  Approximates are 120 active customers; the percentage of past dues including those who’ve moved away and unpaid is approximately 24%.

Lieven Cox reported the committee had attended ASUD’s board meeting and were told that due to state regulations they would not be able to disconnect/reconnect service unless they (ASUD) were doing the billing.  The cost of billing is still being researched.

ROADS REPORT:  Mike Lester had reported a call of holes in Reagan Street; however he had not checked it out.  David Laws also reported there was a hole on Bolton Circle in area of Henry Massengill’s residence that needs to be checked out.  Gillis Elliott is ready to grade and gravel the extension to Crescent Street; however a fence first needs to be moved.

There was discussion by council of making a four-way stop at Harrogate Crossing/Cromwell/Londonderry Road.  There had been many complaints of speed of drivers on Londonderry Road and this is believed to be a means of slowing traffic.  Aldermen suggested that the change be made prior to school starting, public be made aware of the change by publishing a notice in local papers, painting cross bars on pavement, stop ahead signs and ask CCSD to set up when put in place to help make public aware of the change.

David Laws was asked to check out the complaint from Victoria Lane of overgrown trees, cut for sewer line in road; and dirt and gravel from construction site washing onto other property. 

Mr. Lester reported at this time that he had not yet contacted the health department about the rats that had been complained about in a previous meeting.  Lieven Cox had talked with Mr. Fortner and he stated that the problem now seemed to be under control.

PARK REPORT:  Linda Fultz gave the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board report in the absence of Frank Smith who is away with National Guard training for three weeks.  She reported that attendance for Movies in the Park had been increasing from 50, then 70 and last week 113.  Equipment is still being borrowed from LMU; however that is taking a lot of time and effort.  There is a meeting scheduled for the Labor Day Celebration Thursday evening at 7:00 before “Movies in the Park.”  There was discussion of building of a “permanent” big screen for showing the movies.   Lieven Cox asked if a cancellation policy had been established.  Ms. Fultz reported that movies would not be cancelled unless there is a “downpour at the last minute”.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:  Mayor Fultz asked the Chief about the location of the three remotes for the roll up doors.  One is in each of  two trucks; the other was in the chief’s possession and will be placed in the third truck.  The Mayor also suggested that the codes be changed in the door.  The override keys would be located at City Hall. The Mayor also requested the locks at Brunswick Station be changed.

One of the volunteers questioned where was the radio in the rescue truck.  The original radio belonged to Cumberland Gap and had been removed and not yet replaced.  The volunteer asked that the radio be replaced—one is needed in the truck.

Mike Lester voiced his concern that reports to him are that the volunteers are not getting together for training.  Chief Roberts reported that most departments do not meet weekly – no more than twice per month and usually on a Monday and a Saturday.  Mr. Lester also questioned the whereabouts of the radios that had been received from the county grant.  Chief Roberts reported they had been issued and were listed on the inventory.

Volunteer Scott Young voiced his concern that the emphasis seemed to be on purchasing a fire truck and the priority should be on training.  Some volunteers have some training but all need and want more.  Chief Roberts responded that training may not have been weekly, but he does have records to back up the training being given.  And, documented is the fact that the tanker was not, and is not, safe to be on the road.  Lieven Cox asked about anyone else to help train.  Josh McAllister has had classes to provide training.  Jerry Moat interjected that our insurance carrier, VFIS, will provide driver training.

Chief Roberts reported that the department had responded to 15 calls in the previous month:  one accident, six fire alarms, two vehicle fires, one landing zone, one brush fire, two service calls and two mutual aids.

The bid process for the tanker truck had resulted in only one bid from First Response of Tennessee.  Jerry Moat and Mayor Fultz had visited the AMTHOR International operation that builds tankers and found it to be a very impressive operation.  The bid received from First Response of Tennessee was $124,900.  There was also discussion of funding for the truck:  pay cash; use already approved TML Bond funds or a proposal from Baystone Financial.  There was a motion by Linda Fultz to purchase the tanker at $124,900 and use the TML Bond Fund.  Lieven Cox seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken:  Linda Fultz, yes; Mike Lester, no; Lieven Cox, yes; and Bill Fultz, yes.  The motion passed with majority vote.

At this point, Sheriff Ray had arrived at the meeting and Mayor Fultz presented an Achievement Award to The Sheriff and the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department in recognition of their efforts with the Litter Program.  Sheriff Ray gratefully accepted the award on behalf of the department.  He then gave an impressive report of the work of the Litter Program as well as the department as a whole.  The Litter Patrol had picked up over 400 tons of litter this year – that amount including appliances, metal, tires, etc.  However, with the increase in the price of metal the department was seeing less and less of metal.  He is working 34 trustees daily for a total of 91,122 hours last year.  Had those trustees been paid minimum wage for their work that would have amounted to $533,064 in wages.  Lieven Cox asked what percentage of the 14,439 calls last year to the Sheriff’s Department were to the City of Harrogate.  He reported that 8% of the calls last year were for the City.

BOOK STATION REPORT:  Given previously.

REPORT FROM BUILDING INSPECTOR:  David Laws reported that in the previous two months he had signed seven applications. 

Dr. Russell, Dentist, had built an addition to his office years back, was waiting for the neighbor to give a letter of consent since the addition was built closer to the property line than it should have been – no permit was given prior to the construction.  Since none of the above has transpired, council voiced approval to send Dr. Russell an invoice for the permit amount.  Mr. Laws is to provide a copy of the application to city hall.

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING:  None

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:  Linda Fultz reported on the Commission meeting.  Jack Scott had presided in the absence of Mr. Burchett.  No one was present representing the first two items on the agenda, so those matters were tabled.  Jan Newsome addressed Historic Sign Ordinances, reviewed and approved the Annual Report and Program Design for the upcoming year, discussed changing the day and time of meetings to have more time available for the planning commission needs. The commission is tentatively discussing the second Thursday of each month.  Ms. Newsome will present a rezoning map in September.  The Stonefield Development on Forge Ridge Road was discussed.  The development may need to be presented in phases because of time required to meet some guidelines required due to a sinkhole on the property. 

RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS:  Mayor Fultz read RESOLUTION NO. 99, A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF HARROGATE TO APPROVE AMENDMENT TO THE CLAIBORNE COUNTY URBAN GROWTH PLAN.  There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Lieven Cox to approve the resolution.  The vote was unanimous.

PROPOSED ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING:  Mayor Fultz read ORDINANCE NO. 71, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE “ZONING MAP OF HARROGATE, TENNESSEE” BY REZONING PROPERTY FROM R-1 low density residential district to r-2 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.   (Rowlett property on Rutland Drive)  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; Lieven Cox, yes; and Bill Fultz, yes.  The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT:  There was a motion by Mike Lester, seconded by Lieven Cox to adjourn.  Mayor Fultz declared the meeting closed.