Commission Meeting Minutes
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee met in regular session at the Town Hall on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 5:30 p.m., the following being present:
Greg Brown, Mayor
Dan Crates, Commissioner
Walker Jones, Commissioner
Will Moses, Commissioner
Carol Mutter, commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem
Dwight Montague, Town Consultant
Brian Smith, Town Attorney
Chief Randy Bowden
Cory Evans
Ruth Oehmig
County Commissioner Jim Fields
County Commissioner Joe Graham
Sargent Schermerhorn, LMPD
Mayor Brown called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum for the conduct of business.
Upon motion of Commissioner Crates, seconded by Commissioner Moses, and unanimously approved the minutes of the October 11, 2011 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners were approved and ordered to be entered in the Town’s minute book.
Dwight. Montague presented the financial report for the Town through the month of October, 2011. Upon motion of Commissioner Mutter, seconded by Commissioner Crates, and unanimously approved the report attached hereto as Exhibit A was approved. Mr. Montague pointed specifically to the lower than expected health insurance premium and the status of the FEMA claims for reimbursement.
Commissioner Mutter reported for the Fire and Police Department and reviewed the report of activities for the month of October, 2011 as reflected in the report attached as exhibit B hereto and advised that the recently purchased defibrillator and monitor was in service. She introduced Sgt. Schermerhorn todiscuss its capabilities and diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
Commissioner Moses reported on the status of the Town’s youth wrestling and basketball programs. The department will replace the tennis practice backboards.
Commissioner Jones handed out a schedule of school events for the coming month specifically noting the 4th grade Veteran’s Day Project.
Commissioner Crates advised that the Town now has a source of road salt for the coming winter season and noted the beginning of leaf pick-up season. He also advised that the newer garbage truck is undergoing extensive transmission repair work. The older equipment has been placed back in service during the repair period.
Ruth Oehmig appeared to bring the Commission current on the plans fot the Shop The Top street fair to take place on Saturday, November 19,2011 from 12:00 noon till 5:00 p.m.
Under the heading of Old Business the Commission took up the matter of the second reading of the Special Permit ordinance first considered at the October meeting. Upon motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Mutter and unanimously approved the ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit C was passed upon second reading.
Mayor Brown then asked Mr. Smith to report on the need of the Town to adopt a Debt Policy. Mr. Smith reported on the requirement of adoption before year end as dictated by the State of Tennessee Comptroller and presented a draft policy for adoption. The matter which had been deferred defered until November was moved for adoption by Commissioner Moses, seconded by Commissioner Crates and unanimously approved was adopted. The policy is attached as Exhibit E hereto.
To address the request of Café on The Corner to change the time for the serving of alcohol on Sunday from noon to 11:00 a.m. to accommodate Sunday Brunch, Commissioner Jones moved to change the hour of sale on Sunday from 12:00 noon to 10;00 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moses and unanimously approved. The ordinance is attached as Exhibit F hereto.
The Mayor then reported on the progress of the pathway project along Scenic Highway. He advised that Phase is well under way and that the design and location of Phase IV was approved He looks for project completion in the Spring of 2012.
He announced that the Town employee Christmas Breakfast will be held at The Lookout Mountain Golf Club on December 15, 2011 at 7:00 a.m.
He further commented on the recall of the Urban Growth Plan Committee and its planned meeting.
Lastly, he commented on plans for additional plantings at Natural Bridge Park which will add to the attraction but will require installation of a garden water meter.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the June meeting, December 13, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE
October 11, 2011
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee met in regular session at the Town Hall on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 5:30 p.m., the following being present:
Greg Brown, Mayor
Dan Crates, Commissioner
Walker Jones, Commissioner
Will Moses, Commissioner
Carol Mutter, commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem
Dwight Montague, Town Consultant
Brian Smith, Town Attorney
Chief Randy Bowden
Bobby McDaniel
Ruth Oehmig
Dr. David Conner
Ansley Moses
Bill Chapin
Ruth White
Marie McDaniels
Mae Mitchell
Rick Dockery
Mayor Brown called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum for the conduct of business.
Upon motion of Commissioner Crates, seconded by Commissioner Jones, and unanimously approved the minutes of the September 13, 2011 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners were approved and ordered to be entered in the Town’s minute book.
Dwight. Montague presented the financial report for the Town through the month of September, 2011. Upon motion of Commissioner Mutter, seconded by Commissioner Moses, and unanimously approved the report attached hereto as Exhibit A was approved. Mr. Montague pointed specifically to the higher than expected workers compensation insurance premium and the lower than expected medical insurance premium and the status of the FEMA claims for reimbursement.
Commissioner Mutter reported for the Fire and Police Department and reviewed the report of activities for the month of September, 2011 as reflected in the report attached as exhibit C hereto and advised anyone considering purchase of an electric “ golf cart” type vehicle for use on the streets of the town to first check with Chief Bowden to assure compliance with state law.
Commissioner Moses reported on the status of the Town’s youth football program.
Commissioner Jones introduced school principal, Ruth White who gave an update on the school year, the curriculum, and the fundraisers conducted so far this year.
Commissioner Crates advised that the Town now has a source of road salt for the coming winter season.
Mae Mitchell appeared for Susan Bradley and the Garden Club of Lookout Mountain and advised that the Smithsonian Institute had asked for documentation of significant gardens and had enrolled the James Garden in Lookout Mountain, as maintained by the Garden Club of Lookout Mountain. She the presented a certificate from the Smithsonian to commemorate such enrollment.
Under the heading of Old Business the Conner variance was considered upon second reading. After brief discussion, upon motion of Commissioner Crates, seconded by Commissioner Jones and unanimously approved the ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit C
Ruth Oehmig appeared to update the Commission on the plans for a street party to be held in the commercial district on November 19, 2011 and called “Shop the Top- Holiday Open House”. The purpose of the festival is to showcase Lookout Mountain, its people, its commercial district, shops, schools, churches and local and regional artisans and craftsmen. Traffic routing, parking, etc. is being worked on. As the festival intends to sell beer for consumption outside of licensed premises, the Town will need to amend its prohibition against consumption of alcohol on public property. Insurance for the Town must be provided by the promoter of the event. Bill Chapin appeared to suggest consideration of alternate traffic patterns during the festival.
To address the issue of consumption of alcohol on public property, the Commission, upon motion of Commissioner Mutter, seconded by Commissioner Moses and unanimously approved the ordinance attached as Exhibit D hereto upon first reading.
Mayor Brown then asked Mr. Smith to report on the need of the Town to adopt a Debt Policy. Mr. Smith reported on the requirement of adoption before year end as dictated by the State of Tennessee Comptroller and presented a draft policy for adoption. The matter was deferred until November.
Mayor Brown then recognized the retirement of Bobby McDaniels after 42 years on the job, 31 of those as head of the Town’s Department of Public Works. Bobby will be replaced by Cory Evans, an 18 year employee of the department. The Town has scheduled a retirement luncheon at Hill City Pizza at noon on October 12.
The Mayor then reported on the progress of the pathway project along Scenic Highway. He advised that Phase 1 was complete with a dedication scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on October 12 at “Bobby’s Bridge to be named for Bobby Davenport and Bobby McDaniels. The state DOT has approved the plan for Phase 2 which is targeted for completion by year-end.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the June meeting, November 8, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE
September 13, 2011
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee met in regular session at the Town Hall on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 5:30 p.m., the following being present:
Dan Crates, Commissioner
Walker Jones, Commissioner
Will Moses, Commissioner
Carol Mutter, commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem
Dwight Montague, Town Consultant
Brian Smith, Town Attorney
Chief Randy Bowden
Bobby McDaniel
Ruth Oehmig
Dr. David Conner
Josh Cooper
Representatives of Commercial district buinesses
Mayor Pro Tem Carol Mutter called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum for the conduct of business.
Upon motion of Commissioner Crates, seconded by Commissioner Moses, and unanimously approved the minutes of the August 9, 2011 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners were approved and ordered to be entered in the Town’s minute book.
Dwight. Montague presented the financial report for the Town through the month of August, 2011. Upon motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Crates, and unanimously approved the report attached hereto as Exhibit A was approved. Mr. Montague then proposed an amendment to the current year budget ordinance to increase the Town’s school support contribution as shown in Exhibit Bb hereto.
Commissioner Mutter reported for the Fire and Police Department and reviewed the report of activities for the month of July, 2011 as reflected in the report attached as exhibit C hereto.
Commissioner Moses reported on the status of the Town’s youth football program and the end of summer celebration and awards ceremony held at the gym over the Labor Day weekend.
Commissioner Jones reported for the Education Department and advised that PTA was holding its first meeting on September 13 at 6:00 at the school which is to include a tribute to Callie Bishop for her service to the school Carnival each year. He advised that the Carnival was scheduled for Friday, September 30 from 3:30 till 7:00 p.m. and the silent auction fund raiser “A Night Out for Lookout” is to be October 1, 2011.
Commissioner Crates advised that the Town is currently without a supply of road salt for the coming winter season and is exhausting all avenues to obtain an adequate supply.
During the portion of the meeting reserved for citizen’s input, Ruth Oehmig appeared as a spokesperson for owners of businesses in the commercial District for three purposes: (1) on behalf of Café On The Corner to amend the Town’s alcohol ordinance to permit the sale of alcohol on Sundays beginning at 11:00 a.m. rather than 12:00 to coincide with Sunday brunch hours; (2) on behalf of all businesses to be allowed to install two directional sign poles similar in design to those currently owned and maintained by Rock City Gardens to direct those unfamiliar with the mountain to the commercial district and get the word out as to the types of businesses operating in the Town; (3) to obtain consent and direction from the Town to conduct a festival block party in the commercial District, with music, beer, booths for vendors, schools, church groups ,etc. to be used as fund raisers and community building. It would involve closing Scenic Highway from East and West to Watauga, Signage above the roadway for several weeks, outdoor alcohol sales, appropriate insurance coverage naming the Town as an additional insured, etc.
Item (1) was deferred for consideration at the October meeting as it entails an amendment to the alcohol ordinance with the need for public notice; Item (2) was deferred until October for a review of the present ordinance and precedent in its application; Item (3) will likewise be considered in October.
Under the heading of New Business, Dr. David Conner presented his request for a variance to the zoning ordinance to permit additions to his house at 204 Sylvan Drive with an encroachment on the rear building setback line. After consideration and upon motion of Commissioner Moses, seconded by Commissioner Crates, the Ordinance attached hereto as exhibit D was passed on first reading by unanimous vote.
Further, as a follow-up to last month’s discussion of the need to replace the defibrillator equipment used by the EMT’s 131 times last year, Commissioner Moses presented a proposed purchase contract with Physio Control for the purchase of a Life Pak 15 unit with service agreement for $36,162.20, to be paid from donations and the excess funds presently set aside for fire and emergency services equipment. Upon motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Moses and unanimously approved the Mayor was authorized to enter into the contract for purchase.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the June meeting, October11, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE
August 9, 2011
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee met in regular session at the Town Hall on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 5:00 p.m., the following being present:
Greg Brown, Mayor
Dan Crates, Commissioner
Walker Jones, Commissioner
Will Moses, Commissioner
Dwight Montague, Town Consultant
Brian Smith, Town Attorney
Chief Randy Bowden
Bobby McDaniel
Carrington Montague
Patricia Glass
County Commissioner Jim Fields
County Commissioner Joe Graham
Mayor Brown called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum for the conduct of business.
Upon motion of Commissioner Crates, seconded by Commissioner Moses, and unanimously approved the minutes of the July 19, 2011 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners were approved and ordered to be entered in the Town’s minute book.
Hamilton County Commissioners Jim Fields and Joe Graham appeared to discuss and explain the process of redistricting in Hamilton County following the completion of the 2010 federal census. They explained the federal and state requirements and its effect upon the Town. Under the most recent proposals the Town would move from Commissioner Fields’ district into Commissioner Graham’s district. Until 2014 the Town will be served by both commissioners.
Patricia Glass appeared with Carrington Montague as representatives of The Friends of The Park to announce that the annual national treasures celebration will be held at Point Park on Lookout Mountain in October. It will be called “Party At Point Park.”
Dwight. Montague presented the financial report for the Town through the month of July, 2011. Upon motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Crates, and unanimously approved the report attached hereto as Exhibit A was approved. Ansley Moses appeared specially to appraise the Commission of the status of discussions with the Storm Water Control Board and the effect of recent events on the Town and its duty to participate in a review of our zoning regulations to remove potential conflicts with the state and federal mandates.
In Commissioner Mutter’s absence, Chief Bowden reported for the Fire and Police Department and reviewed the report of activities for the month of July, 2011 and commented on the need of the department to replace the aging defibrillator to meet current standards. He will explore grants to fund the purchase of this vitally important equipment.
Commissioner Moses reported on the status of the Town’s baseball program and the three teams advancing to the state tournaments.
Commissioner Jones reported for the Education Department and advised that the school was to begin for the year on August 10. He praised the school’s new website www.lookoutmtnschool.com and encouraged all to visit it.
Commissioner Crates brought the Commission up to date on progress of the walking path along Scenic Highway.
Mayor Brown then reported on the status of the improvements at Natural Bridge Park and announced the planned opening of The Market on the Mountain on August 18, 2011. He asked the Commission to reserve August 31, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. for a presentation by Gail Jenkins and Jack Webb outlining thoughts of ways for the Town and the City to assist in a marketing plan for the combined municipalities as residential areas with a goal of increasing its attractiveness for younger and new workers in the Chattanooga area.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the June meeting, September13, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE
July 19, 2011
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee met in regular session at the Town Hall on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 5:00 p.m., the following being present:
Greg Brown, Mayor
Carol Mutter, Commissioner
Walker Jones, Commissioner
Will Moses, Commissioner
Dwight Montague, Town Consultant
Brian Smith, Town Attorney
Chief Randy Bowden
Bobby McDaniel
Ansley Moses
State Representative Richard Floyd
Mayor Brown called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum for the conduct of business.
Upon motion of Commissioner Mutter, seconded by Commissioner Jones, and unanimously approved the minutes of the June 14, 2011 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners were approved and ordered to be entered in the Town’s minute book.
State Representative Richard Floyd made a special appearance before the Commission to make a presentation of a joint resolution of the state House of Representatives and Senate in honor of and in appreciation of the distinguished service to the public by former Mayor and Town Consultant Ansley Moses. Following the presentation Mr. Moses made brief comments.
Mr. Montague presented the financial report for the Town through the month of June, 2011. Upon motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Crates, and unanimously approved the report attached hereto as Exhibit A was approved. Mr. Montague then offered a report on the meeting he and Commissioner Crates attended with representatives of the South East Tennessee Development District which resulted in the Town receiving equipment by grant to assist in storm clean-up efforts primarily in streets and parks including Natural Bridge, Evanwood, Carter and Cline Parks Of the grant $23,750.00 was allocated for heavy equipment and $5,000.00 for safety equipment. It is anticipated that all equipment will be donated to the town upon completion of the project.
Ansley Moses appeared specially to appraise the Commission of the status of discussions with the Storm Water Control Board and the effect of recent events on the Town and its duty to participate in a review of our zoning regulations to remove potential conflicts with the state and federal mandates.
Commissioner Mutter reported for the Fire and Police Department and reviewed the report of activities for the month of June, 2011 and commended dectective David McGuffey for his outstanding investigative work in the solving of a major burglary incident resulting in two arrests and recovery of a significant portion of the goods stolen.
Commissioner Moses reported on the status of the Town’s baseball program and the three teams advancing to the regional and state tournaments.
Commissioner Jones reported for the Education Department and advised that the school was in summer recess, due to end August 1.
Commissioner Crates brought the Commission up to date on the claims with FEMA and the Department of Labor for providing clean-up of the storm damage; FEMA contributing cash and the Department of Labor providing labor, equipment and cash payment.
After brief inquiry the ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit B was considered upon motion of Commissioner Crates, seconded by Commissioner Jones and unanimously approved.
The Mayor thanked Mr. Montague for the work done to produce the budget proposal and other matters for this meeting.
Mayor Brown then reported on the status of the report of monies due from the state under the shared revenue provisions of the Hall Income Tax. Commissioner Crates suggested that in view of the larger than expected share that it would be appropriate to reconsider that part of the budget adopted upon first reading in June to discuss an amendment to provide a raise in compensation for all employees.
Mr. Montague then passed out a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit E hereto. The proposal is based upon the budget assumptions as on assumptions of no raises for employees, no capital improvements and no tax increase. After brief discussion by Mayor Brown regarding the effect upon the Town’s reserve funds, upon motion of Commissioner Mutter, seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the budget upon second reading, Commissioner Crates called for discussion and offered a proposed amendment to provide a 2% compensation increase to all employees retroactive to July 1, 2011.Commissioner Mutter seconded the proposed amendment, which was then approved unanimously. Whereupon by unanimous vote the budget ordinance as amended was passed upon second reading and is attached hereto as Exhibit C.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until the June meeting, August 9, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF
THE TOWN OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. TENNESSEE
February 8, 2011
The Board of Commissioners of the Town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, met in
regular session at the Town Hall on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 5:00 o'clock p.m., the
following being present:
Greg Brown, Mayor
Dan Crates, Commissioner
Carol Mutter, Commissioner
Walker Jones, Commissioner
Will Moses, Commissioner
Brian C. Smith, Town Attorney
Dwight Montague, Town Consultant
Chief Randy Bowden
Ansley Moses
John McClellan
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