Correspondent

Starting off the January monthly meeting, Mayor Steve Vass welcomed and swore-in two new members to the board of mayor and aldermen, Betsy Shoffner and Lynn Essary.

After the minutes of the December meeting were approved, the board was given an update on the recently approved plans for the ball field and city park. It was noted that some changes have been proposed, but even so, the city is ready to begin the process of bidding out the jobs to be done or allowing internal operations take them over. One of the first major projects to be done is the bathrooms. The board discussed money versus time when it comes to bidding out versus internal operators. It was decided that since the board has the right to reject all bids, they will bid out the projects in order to review their options.

The board passed a resolution to apply for a CDBG grant.

Fire Chief Barron Kennedy III gave the yearly report, showing that the department has responded to 131 alarms during the year of 2005; 40 more than 2004. The report gave the estimated dollar value of property saved in the towns at approximately $2,442,500. Kennedy pointed out proudly that Firefighter McKamey Derreberry was voted Firefighter of the Year, and Capt. Brian Wood was voted Fire Officer of the Year.

Police Chief Jeff Buchanan reported for the month of December there were 34 offenses, nine arrests, 57 traffic citations, 25 citations (other than traffic), two parking violations, seven accidents, one domestic violence, and 9,489 miles patrolled. He also noted that there was a yearly report in the aldermen's packets, which he would be glad to break down and go over with anyone who had any questions or concerns.

Vass brought to the board's attention that the Renaissance School is currently applying for a JAG grant, which will allow for the school to have an officer on site for four years. He said that he and Buchanan have an upcoming meeting with school officials and mentioned the possibility of hiring a new officer in the future for a four year term if the school receives the grant.

In his capacity as building inspector, Kennedy reported that two new building permits were issued in the town for in December. He also noted that in the last year, Tazewell has witnessed $1.3 million in improvements to the city.

An update on the planning commission's project of Ordinance 218, concerning the limitations and allowances of signs within the city, was discussed. They have been clearly defining signs and definitions of limitations. They wanted the board's input on flashing, scrolling, and rotating signs within the city. Discussion brought up the point that some of these are very distracting to drivers, however, no decisions were made and the commission will bring the ordinance before the board up on completion of the project.

During the aldermen reports, Wayne Jessie requested that the mayor meet with the election commission in order to discuss moving the upcoming city elections. Some of the board members expressed the opinion that if the elections were held earlier in the year, there would be better weather conditions, resulting in more citizens coming out to vote. It was discussed that while this is a good idea, an alderman's term cannot be shortened, however, it can be lengthened. Therefore, terms would have to be set before election in order to change election dates for the following year.

Giving her first report, Shoffner told the other members that she was excited to follow in the footsteps of her family members, who have previously served on the board.

"I hope to be an asset to you all," she said as she addressed both the board and those citizens's present at the meeting.

Ezell Cox reported that he had been approached by a citizen wanting to know the chances a restaurant wanting to serve mixed drinks would have in coming into the town. After some discussion, it was determined that it would require a petition and at least 10 percent of voters who voted in the last election to approve such an establishment.

Essary started his first report by saying he would do the best he could while serving the community on the board. He had also been asked if the sidewalk going by the civic center belonged to the civic center or the town. The board clarified that it belonged to the civic center. Essary noted that the new owner of the center wanted to widen the entrance to the property and repair the sidewalk.