The Plainview Board of Aldermen passed Ordinance 157 to establish a minimum dwelling size and prohibit recreational vehicles as permanent dwellings on first reading at its August meeting.
A public hearing will be held prior to the regular meeting on September 12, and before the second reading during the meeting. Regulations regarding tiny homes and recreational vehicles have been subjects of discussion since June. The state defines a tiny home as being 400 square feet or less. Concerns arose over the mobility of recreational vehicles and tiny homes since they are usually not on a permanent foundation.
Others voiced that recreational vehicles were more subject to fires and burned more quickly, and usually had only one entrance/exit. However, at least two aldermen stated that a tiny home could be built on site to standards and should be considered a dwelling.
Lastly, the point that citizens should have a lower cost alternative for their dwelling on their land was stated by at least two aldermen.
Citizens who have an opinion on the ordinance should contact Plainview City (865-992-5841) on Tuesday or Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and plan to attend the public hearing on September 12th.
A citizen who lives on Wolfe Road presented evidence that trucks with the Waste Management logo were traveling that road at other than their designated route to service the main convenience center. Heavy trucks are a concern since the road from Tazewell Pike to the convenience center is maintained by the city and was not constructed for more than 10,000 pounds (5 tons). Police Chief Brandon Ford will have his department watch for trucks exceeding the limit and request that they use a state road to access Plainview or Luttrell.
Stewart Skeen reported that the setback variance for the fire station addition was approved by the Plainview Planning Commission, so he approved the permit for the construction. The footers, block and concrete should be completed by a couple of weeks.
Ford reported 23 calls and one wreck. He also noted that the cameras were being installed for the Flock License Plate Reader System.
Fire Chief Brad Woods said his department is applying for a FEMA grant and hopes to acquire some high intensity portable lights to enable the firefighters to better address night emergencies. He said that he is also investigating grants to help replace one of the oldest firetrucks.