Trash pickup, beer ordinance on Gleason agenda
The City of Gleason recently received a $2000 scholarship from “Tennessee Association of Utility Districts” (TAUD) for certification training costs of assistant water superintendent Clay Wright.
Standing: TAUD Representative Kevin Byrd
Seated L to R. Water Superintendent Tony Terrell, Assistant Water Superintendent Clay Wright, Gleason Mayor Charles Anderson
Story by Press Reporter Macenna True
The Gleason board of alderman and mayor discussed a light agenda during the October meeting. A motion was unanimously approved to accept TDEC/ARP funds for water/wastewater infrastructure improvements in the amount of $646,312.49. A motion to increase court costs from $100 to $110 died on the floor for lack of a second.
There are two waste management companies vying for the city’s trash pick-up contract, which this was supposed to be voted on during this meeting. However, Mayor Charles Anderson stated, “This is a very important decision and regrettably I did not realize one of our aldermen [Mike Bennett] would be out on a planned family vacation at this time when I stated previously we would choose today. I think this is very important as it is a contract we will be in for 5 years, and every alderman should get a vote and opportunity for discussion so I think we should wait until he has returned to make this decision.” Anderson extended an invitation to the November meeting to both Republic Services and RaeKar to allow them to address the board and answer any questions.
City Attorney Beau Pemberton spoke to the board regarding a proposed beer ordinance that would allow for the on-premise sale and consumption of alcohol for local restaurants. This is something the board has been considering for a couple of months, with the tax money collected from those sales going to the city’s park program. The ordinance has been updated with new wording and presented via e-mail for the members to review. Pemberton said, “It is a draft overview of the ordinance with a comprehensive overhaul of Title VIII, Chapter II dealing with beer regulation with some notes for you all to consider,” he noted. “This will require two readings [before taking effect] as usual.” No vote was taken at this time so the board could thoroughly review the ordinance.
As far as the city’s audit updates go, Pemberton said he is hopeful to have the 2019 audit approved by the comptroller’s office soon. He said it has been submitted and pending their approval. The 2020 and 2021 audits are almost completed and should “hopefully be ready to submit by the end of this week”.
City Planner Donny Bunton presented revisions of the zoning map the planning commission has been working on since January. Recommendations included things such as mobile home regulations, non-conforming uses, adult businesses, signs, regulations of communications towers and more. This also included a stipulation that in the event of a fire or natural disaster, non-conforming constructions that were destroyed would have 12 months to rebuild at their previous zoning status. The proposal would allow those to remain zoned for its current use until the owner voluntarily relinquished the property through a sale or voluntary demolition. The motion to accept the proposal passed with a 3-1 vote with Alderman Keith Radford voting no. This will require a second reading and a public hearing before it takes effect, which is to be scheduled in conjunction with November’s meeting.
During department reports, Assistant Police Chief Michael Lowell reported a higher-than-average number of calls in September, stating, “They tend to pick up this time [of year].” Anderson reported on behalf of the parks and recreations department, saying that there will be a sanctioned disc golf tournament on Saturday, November 12 with over 70 participants. Interested individuals should contact Luke Hughes. Anderson also gave the report for the library committee. “We have made efforts to apply for a Tennessee Arts Commission grant that will fund the painting of a four by eight-foot library promotional mural on a board to be mounted on the brick side of the library. The library committee approved a design and will meet again on November 22,” he said.
Assistant Water Superintendent Clay Wright was pleased to announce he had just passed his one-year mark with the city and was making good progress in obtaining his certification. “I take my first certification test in early November,” he said.
Veteran and long-time resident Jimmy Glenn was present to lead the pledge and share is story of joining the ARMY. He was presented with a copy of the Constitution, a pin, and much gratitude from attendees.
A city sponsored Halloween trunk-or treat is scheduled for October 29 from 5- 7 pm. Hometown Christmas is scheduled on December 3 from 6-8 pm.. Due to the decorations and festivities that will be take place within City Hall, November and December meetings will be held at the community center due to the holiday. The next meeting of the board will take place Monday November 21 at 7 pm.
