When rumors circulated on Facebook regarding a resolution to amend the Regulations Governing the Cleanup of Illegal Dump Sites (Litter Ordinance), Mayor Jason Bailey candidly told the rather large crowd at the August County Commission meeting that “there will be no drama here tonight.”
Mayor Bailey continued to explain that the concerns regarding enforcement of the ordinance had surfaced at the Keep Union County Beautiful Meeting earlier in the month. He clarified that the resolution was on the agenda as an informational item to give commissioners a chance to read the proposal, and that no vote was to be taken at this time.
He further explained that he would be appointing a committee in September to discuss the resolution and concerns with KUCB, hold public meetings, and make a recommendation to County Commission in the future. The mayor postponed James Raley's Public Comment Request to a future time when a proposal would be on the agenda.
The mayor reminded everyone that all current and future discussion on any subject would occur in an orderly manner and business would always be conducted in the best interest of Union County and its citizens.
Moving to the agenda, the commission approved the July 22 meeting minutes and four notaries. Mayor Bailey shared announcements regarding upcoming events including Thunder in the Park on August 31, the Humane Society Motorcycle Run on September 14 and the Thunder Road Author Rally on September 7.
Union County will be included in a Musical Pathways Project by the Tennessee Department of Tourism. TDT will construct a sign noting the musical achievements of Country Music Legend Roy Acuff. The county maintenance staff will erect the sign at the Union County Museum or another appropriate place.
Noted historical filmmaker Ken Burns is also doing a documentary on the Union County Opry that will air on PBS sometime in October. Garnet Southerland is the new District Health Department Director. The mayor's staff is developing a procedure for renting county facilities, such as community buildings.
Commission reappointed Dwight Dyer to the position of County Planner. Superintendent of Roads David Cox requested and received approval to accept state money to rebuild two bridges: one on Edwards Hollow Road in Sharps Chapel, the other on Little Tater Valley Road in Luttrell. The bridge on Bower Hollow Road near SR 370 is currently under construction.
Road Commissioner Allen Collins requested a $50 raise for road commissioners. Attorney Myers explained that the raise would need to be an amendment to the Private Act that originally established the Union County Election Commission. The commission approved a request to be sent to the Tennessee Representative(s) and Senator to amend the Private Act.
Finance Director Ann Dyer delivered the financial report and explained the budget amendments and transfers. Dyer noted that the state required that the BEP Teacher Salary money be put in the salary schedule instead of being used for longevity pay at the top step. Carter explained that all teachers would get a raise. The commission voted unanimously to approve the changes in the budget. Surplus items were also approved.
Chairman R. L. Jones filed the Planning Commission Report which was approved.
A vacancy in the 3rd District Constable position yielded two qualified candidates: Archie C. Bates, Jr. and Calvin Chesney. When 3rd District Commissioner Bill Cox nominated Archie Bates, the other 3rd District Commissioner Earl Cox nominated Calvin Chesney. This division of support from the district apparently caused Commissioners England, Holloway, Jones, and Lay to pass on the vote. Commissioner Chesney also passed and stated that he was related to Calvin Chesney. In the first vote, Bates received two votes from commissioners Bill Cox and Munsey. Chesney garnered votes from commissioners Brantley, Cooke, Earl Cox, Jessee, Keck, Meltabarger, and Hill for a total of seven votes. With nine votes needed to elect, another vote resumed. Commissioner Holloway supported Bates on the second round and changed the total to Bates (3) and Chesney (7). The constable seat will be reposted and be placed on the September agenda.
The next meeting of the County Commission will be on Monday, September 23, at 7 p.m. Commissioner packets and documents are available at historicunioncounty.com on the County Commission Event Page.