“It’s been a busy month since you appointed me to this position,” Chief Roberts reported to the board. He went on to say that the grand opening of the new Emergency Services Building on Saturday, May 17, was a success with several dignitaries and area residents in attendance. He went on to say that the department had responded to five calls during the month: One house fire, one trailer fire, two false alarms, and one tree was down. The department responded to the house fire within nine minutes and saved the property, Roberts said. He added that there are 11 firefighters on the roster, five of which have completed basic fire training. Roberts said that the group wanted to plan a fundraiser in order to pay for more training.
Alderman Mike Lester interjected that the board wants to financially support the fire department and that Chief Roberts should not be overly concerned with funding.
Mayor Fultz announced that the city hall office will be moved into the EMS building, at 138 Harrogate Crossing, before or around June 30.
Candidate for State Senate Mike Faulk made an appearance before the board to ask for their support in the upcoming Senatorial race. He introduced himself to each alderman, the mayor and to all in attendance.
Harrogate resident Josh Russell requested that the board lend some attention to his driveway, which is in need of repair. The mayor and the board indicated that they would take Russell’s request into consideration, but that they could not immediately act in the situation or promise aid, out of fairness to other Harrogate residents.
Mayor Fultz requested brought up a disturbing possibility that would effect many Eastern Tennesseans. Fultz said that the Tazewell unemployment office is in danger of closing, meaning that a visit to the unemployment office would take Harrogate residents to Knoxville or Morristown for assistance. Mayor Fultz sent a letter in support of the local office and urges residents to contact Harrogate City Hall for more information on how to show support for the local office.
It was also announced during the meeting that Harrogate was awarded a 2007 HOME grant for $187,500. This money will go to help with insulation and windows for needy Harrogate residents. More details on how to receive assistance will follow.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen took the following action during the meeting:
The parks report left meeting attendees looking forward to the summer. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Frank Smith announced that movies in Harrogate City Park will begin in June. On June 12, park visitors will be treated to the movie ‘Stripes’, on June 19, they’ll be showing ‘Are We There Yet’, and on June 26, it’s ‘Dr. Dolittle’.
Smith added that several other events are in the planning stages, including: A free-style skate boarding competition, a bicycle safety program, an event for senior citizens, and possibly more playground equipment.
Smith also said that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board donated $500 to the Tri-State Youth Choir.
Building Inspector David Laws reported that he had performed three building inspections this month. The board directed him to take action on the many complaints they had received about the Patterson Road/ Weatherby intersection.
Alderman Linda Fultz reported that the Harrogate Municipal Planning Commission reviewed and approved the preliminary site plan for investor Chris Wilson’s property in the Harrogate Industrial Park.
Brandy Calvert is the Senior Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at bmurray@middlesborodailynews.com.
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