Plainview Planning Commission and City of Plainview paid tribute to David Williams, the city planner, who died about a week before the meeting. Stewart Skeen, Plainview City Codes Zoning Officer, praised Williams for his depth of knowledge, his professionalism, but most of all for his ability to adapt complex issues to simple rules and explanations that a small city like Plainview could enforce.
Williams remarked many times how thoroughly he enjoyed working with his “friends in Plainview.” Jordan Rockwell will be the new planner.
The Plainview Planning Commission approved 25 parking spaces for the Family Dollar/Dollar Tree at the corner of SR 131Tazewell Pike and Corryton Road. The commission also allowed Chad Beeler to combine two lots in Whispering Pines into one property in order to build a garage adjacent to his home.
Stewart Skeen, zoning officer, reported several construction permits for garages, carports, houses and sheds. He also noted that the last houses were being constructed in Plainview Estates which counted 14 new homes in that subdivision.
The Plainiew City Inspector Austin Collins will be resigning in May. Skeen reported that Margie Pressley has been contacted regarding being the inspector and should be available as soon as Collins vacates the position.
Kyle Beeler of K&B Excavating has been contacted regarding preparation for the firehall addition. He has agreed to advise the city on the work and contract the service.
Aldermen approved the FY24 Budget on first reading after the public hearing. The motion by Gordon Bright with a second by Richard Phillips passed on a vote of four in favor and one against the motion. Alderman Josh Collins registered a dissenting vote without explanation.
Aldermen also unanimously approved the Home Grant Application. This grant could be as much as $700,000 to help Plainview residents repair their homes. Repairs could include fixing a leaking roof to supporting a weak foundation. Mobile homes can be included.
The city would not determine who will get the repairs nor what repairs will be done. If Plainview receives the Home Grant, all decisions will be made by a third party not connected to the city. Plainview will be a fiscal agent for the grant. Plainview citizens must make application to the third party and meet income limits.
Plainview Police Chief Brandon Ford reported 25 calls including traffic violations and one pursuit. Fire Chief Brad Woods reported 12 brushfires, 3 residential fires, and stressed the importance of obtaining a burn permit from October 15 to May 15. He also cautioned that no one should burn at all during a dry period and to never leave a fire unattended.
He related that the turnout gear, with the exception of the boots, had arrived from the county’s Community Block Development Grant. The airpacks purchased by the department have shipped and should arrive soon.
On a motion by Richard Phillips and a second by Josh Collins, Plainview declared April 23-29, 2023, Crime Victims Awareness Week by resolution. Vice Mayor Richard Phillips read the resolution at the Crime Victims Walk at Wilson Park on April 25.
After the meeting, Vice Mayor Richard Philips brought out a cake and Mayor Gary Chandler announced Mary Ann Brantley was having a birthday. Mary Ann is the Plainview Recorder.
Chandler wished her a happy birthday and thanked her for her many hours of service to the City of Plainview and especially how well she does the city’s budget and finances.
Then everyone enjoyed the cake.