A public hearing was held prior to the regular monthly meeting of the New Tazewell Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday, March 13.
The hearing was for Ordinance 2007-259, which requires the BMA to approve all city employment decisions including hiring, promotions, compensation levels, disciplinary actions, and discharges of any employee or department head. There was no discussion and the hearing was closed.
After the regular BMA meeting was called to order and the minutes of the February meeting were approved, the board discussed the annual beer permit fee, which totals $500. The VFW requested that $250 of their fee be paid to the City of New Tazewell instead of the state. After minimal discussion, the board voted to approve the request. It was noted that the VFW pays fees under a different charter than other entities.
The board accepted the bid of Stanley Whitaker (C&C Lawn) for city mowing. His responsibilities include mowing the roadside park, medians, and Gose Park. The cost per mowing is $270. The bid was only a $2 increase over last year and was one of five bids which ranged up to $761 per mowing.
Craig Whitaker requested and was granted a permit to sell fireworks from storage buildings behind Raceway. The permit is contingent on the inspection and final approval of the site, safety, and proper sanitary conditions of the facilities by Fire Chief Barron Kennedy III of the Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department.
The beer board meeting will be held April 10 at 7 p.m., 30 minutes prior to the April BMA meeting.
In a related matter, a beer permit application was made for a convenience store/deli at the corner of Mountain Road and Hwy. 33. Bobby Ellison would be the developer of the site. Sketches were handed out for review. A list of improvements that would benefit the area and Ravenwood Subdvision was pointed out. Improvements included a septic/sewer line at no cost to residents of the city and hook-ups that could be added later. There will be a notice published in the Progress so that residents may have the opportunity to voice opinions/objections on this proposal to the mayor and board members.
An update of park improvements was given by City Recorder Herschel Beeler. He said that the concrete is scheduled to be poured for the new concession stand this week as well as firming up the parking layout. The board approved the selection of cedar posts to be installed to prevent cars from driving in prohibited areas of the park. Beeler also noted that the grant for the park has been put on hold and not cancelled.
Police Chief Johnny Johnson gave a detailed list of arrests/citations and total revenues collected. He also expressed his and the department's appreciation to the board for their approval of funds to purchase two new vehicles for the department. The vehicles include a Ford Explorer and a Ford Crown Victoria.
Kennedy and his department as well as the police department were congratulated and commended by all board members and public attendees for their heroic efforts in battling the recent apartment fire on Main Street. Much deserved applause and appreciation was expressed that greater damage was averted due to their efforts. Kennedy stated his appreciation and admiration for the cooperation with other departments during recent fires. He also commended the police department for their performance in the quick apprehension of an arson suspect in the apartment fire.
The board accepted the resignation of Howard Walker as code enforcement officer. Mayor Jerry Beeler recommended Wade Honeycutt for consideration of the position. Some of his qualifications were given, including his years of teaching experience, contracting experience, and a good relationship with the community. The position is part-time and pays $12 per hour as well as $100 per month for expenses. A state license is required for the position and must be obtained within a specific timeframe. On a motion by Alderman Phil Greer and a second by Neta Munsey the board voted unanimously to hire Honeycutt.
On the second and final reading, Ordinance 2007-259 was approved.
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