Staff Writer

The board of mayor and aldermen along with local residents expended considerable time discussing the condition of the walking trail in Cumberland Gap during the regular meeting on Monday, June 4.

Resident Betty Howard stated that the wooden section of the walking trail is in bad shape. She added that if it is not properly maintained, the land it sits on should revert to the original owners.

"What are we going to do about the trail?" she asked.

"It is not the town's intention to abandon or neglect the trail," Mayor John Douglas responded.

Alderman Jerry Hopson has been repairing loose boards within the past week. The discussion turned to the section of the walking path along Pennlyn Avenue. The trail is currently on the south side of the street. Alderman George Davis suggested it be moved to the north side and combined with the existing sidewalk. The sidewalk and trail now occupy a 13-foot wide area. If combined, they would occupy only an eight-foot wide area and open the street to more parking and less confined traffic flow. Town engineer Gary McGill told the group that the trail could be completed and repaired this calendar year if the Tennessee Department of Transportation approves the plans. He added that relocating the section on Pennlyn could delay the project and exceed the money available for the project. McGill also recapped the problems encountered with the original contractor on the project.

Douglas announced the appointment of Phillip Smith to the Planning and Zoning board to replace Roy Geide who recently resigned. Douglas also announced the hiring of Charlie Jenkins as a part time police officer for the town. The board confirmed that hire with Alderwoman Joan Webb abstaining from the vote. Jenkins is currently employed as a criminal investigator for the State of Tennessee.

The annual Crazy Aunt Sadie's Yard Sale is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 4 with a rain date of Aug. 11. Alderman John Ravnum told the board that a pumpkin carving contest is again planned for October and the Victorian Christmas events are planned for December.

Jessie Thompson told the board that the wastewater treatment plant is on its last legs.

"String and duct tape are keeping it operating," he said.

Outflow from the plant continues to meet cleanliness standards despite the problems. McGill said the EPA has released the agency's portion of grant money for the plant project and must now approve the plans. He is hopeful that bids can be solicited in the fall of this year. He also expects to take bids on the Tipprell sewer line project and begin work by September with work to be completed in December.

In other business the board extended the current building permit and plan check fees until the July meeting. They tabled discussion of a community wide clean-up day.

The BMA passed Ordinance 4-2007 to adopt a $1.8 million budget for 2007-08. Ravnum cast the lone vote of no because he felt more money was needed for street maintenance.

They also passed Ordinance 5-2007 to revise the town's charter. The revision will be effective when approved by the secretary of state.

Offices in the Town Hall will be closed June 25-29. The next BMA meeting was rescheduled for July 9 instead of July 2. The board will conduct a study session on July 3.

Alderman Bill McGaffe reported that the Court of Appeals refused to overturn the order of Chancellor Billy White to issue a beer permit to the UNC Club. Town Attorney Robert Estep confirmed the announcement. Estep said the town could issue the permit or continue to appeal the case.

The Beer Board met following the BMA meeting and voted not to continue the appeal. The UNC Club will be issued a beer permit.

Ed Baldwin is a staff writer for the Claiborne Progress. He can be reached via e-mail at ebaldwin@claiborneprogress.net.