The 2008-2009 budget was presented for a public hearing just before the regular meeting and aldermen Bill McGaffee and John Ravnum both had questions. McGaffee asked about the 2007-2008 wholesale beer tax, wondering if the tax would actually reach the estimated $40,083. Ravnum was concerned with the possibility of a shortfall. The budget passed 4-2 on second and final reading during the regular meeting with Ravnum and Alderman George Davis voting no.
In new business the BMA heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the town’s beer codes to allow outdoor consumption and set reporting requirements for the $500 purchase requirement. The ordinance suggested adopting the Responsible Vendor Act of 2006. Under this act vendors are required to enroll all clerks in a training program, approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC), that covers the sale of beer for off-premises consumption, methods of recognizing and dealing with minors who attempt to buy beer, and procedures for refusing to sell beer to a minor.
Board members were unsure about the ordinance saying they did not have enough time to fully read it. They suggested tabling the matter until the August meeting. The vote to table tied and Mayor John Douglas requested the opinion of town attorney Robert Estep. Estep said he “liked what he read so far,” but Mayor Douglas felt it would be best for him to study the ordinance then come back with an opinion. The board decided to reconvene on Monday July 14 for further discussion.
Also in new business Mayor Douglas noted a neighbor was interested in purchasing a portion of the town hall lot. The board felt it would be best to just keep the property incase there was ever a need to use it.
In committee reports McGaffee noted the Planning and Zoning Committee had met before the regular meeting and was recommending the board approve a building permit requested by Ravnum. He also noted the committee decided not to require Ravnum’s off-street parking. The request was approved.
Officer Charlie Jenkins submitted his letter of resignation, which will go into effect August 1.
Alderman Jerry Hopson reported a letter had been sent from a citizen regarding boards being loose on the walking trail. Hopson also said a man planning to build in the town is willing to donate street paint which, Hopson suggested, could be used for striping the walking trail.
Ravnum reported volunteers were desperately needed for next year’s Civil War weekend. He said currently there are only four volunteers and thirty are required. Ravnum added the event would have to be cancelled if people are not willing to help. Volunteers are will help ensure the safety of event visitors by keeping them out of battle areas. If interested in volunteering contact town hall at (423) 869-3860.
For the end of the 2007-2008 fiscal year the water expense was $68.94 in the minus, which Alderman Joan Webb said was “not too bad”. Court Recorder Linda Moyers added for the Month of June the town would be billing a construction company that has been working in the Gap for the use of town water.
The date for the fall Crazy Aunt Sadie yard sale was set for October 4, but audience members questioned if the Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival in Middlesboro, which is the same weekend, would hinder the sale. The board felt it would not be a conflict.
The Cumberland Gap Beer Board met directly after the regular meeting to discuss the UNC Club’s failure to pay the $300 civil penalty fee enforced by the board. Board members questioned what could be done in response to the lack of payment and Estep recommended requesting their presence at the next meeting. Board members noted there had been four more violations since May. A motion was approved to invite UNC owners to the next meeting and the meeting was adjourned.
Andrea Schneider is a Staff Writer with the Claiborne Progress. She can be reached via e-mail at aschneider@claiborneprogress.net.
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