CUMBERLAND GAP, Tenn. — The Cumberland Gap Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted and approved the appointment of attorney Dan Korth as city judge in their regular meeting on Mon. Jan. 7. The Board also decided that court would be held every 60 days and Korth would be paid $100 per session. The day of the week for court was not determined. Chief of Police Charlie Jenkins felt it would be best decided by which day was best for the judge.
The Board also heard regular reports from several committees. Joan Webb stated that plans for next year’s budget are expected to be made in April and that the current cash flow is keeping the bills paid. John Ravnum reported in tourism and events that the town was preparing for the Civil War weekend coming up April 26-27. He also stated that the Victorian Christmas was a big success.
Jesse Thompson stated that sewer line work has begun on the project in Tiprell. John Adams said that the fire department has been given approval for a grant of $47,000 from FEMA that will be used for the purchase of a new fire truck. As a part of the grant the truck must have certain specifications and Adams is in the process of looking for a truck that meets the qualifications. He also stated that the town must match $2,500. Adams stated that the fire department made 47-48 runs in 2007 including runs in Cumberland Gap and in Harrogate as backup for the Harrogate Fire Department.
The water report addressed a growing problem in the town. Joan Webb stated that water loss has reached 41 percent, which is up a significant amount from the 23 percent loss last month. Officials stated they have not found the leak, but that they are doing all they can to find it. John Adams gave the report from the fire department and stated that they made 47-48 runs, three being in the town of Cumberland Gap.
In old business the Board decided to schedule a meeting for all volunteers helping with the census for Tues., Jan. 8, at 6 p.m. The Board also approved the second reading of the ordinance involving a telecommunications tower stating it could not be taller than 50 ft. The ordinance discussing historic zoning was passed on the first reading and discussion of plan review fees for the building inspector was tabled until next month. Citizens in the audience discussed the issue of the application for a beer permit for the Loose Caboose Sports Bar and Grill which is planned to open in Cumberland Gap.
Citizens wanted to know if the Cumberland Gap Police would increase patrol, if property values would be affected, and they were concerned with the security of the location of the Bar & Grill since it is on a dead end street. Mayor Douglas stated that all these concerns would be discussed in the Cumberland Gap Beer Board meeting that directly followed the Aldermen meeting.
As the Alderman meeting adjourned the Cumberland Gap Beer Board met for their regular meeting. In old business the representative, Christy Shell, from Upper Norris Conservation Club (UNC) was not present. Shell has been given two citations to be present at the meeting to discuss the alleged violations of several city ordinances by the UNC. The board was informed by Robert Estep, city attorney, that it would be best to present her with a third citation before any action was taken. Police Chief Jenkins was instructed to deliver the citation.
In new business, Bruce Robinson and Kathy Newmaier’s application for a beer permit for the Loose Caboose Sports Bar & Grill was approved. They plan to open the Bar & Grill in the old American Legion building on Pennlyn Ave. The establishment will sell food such as hamburgers, wings, and other fast food style items and beer. Mayor Douglas discussed the questions from the previous meeting stating he was unsure of the effect on property values, and that the city was in looking into adding to the police force for increased security. Another issue with the location of the building was the problem of people driving on the walking trail. Citizens were concerned with the possibility of an increase in this problem, but Douglas stated that barriers could be put up that would only allow walkers and bike riders. The applicants stated that plans for renovations to the building have been made including a new kitchen, two handicap bathrooms, a second door for emergency exit, and double insulated walls to prevent noise. They plan to open the Bar & Grill in three months.
Andrea Schneider is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at aschneider@middlesborodailynews.com.
Post a Comment
