Mary Johnson addressed the Union County Commission at its September 27 meeting regarding the construction of a pharmaceutical chicken farm by Alpes Sanfer, Inc., in Sharps Chapel.
The company would place eight barns with 9,000 chickens in each barn on one of the oldest farms in Sharps Chapel, according to Johnson. Sanfer will be developing pathogen-free eggs to be used in making vaccines. The facility will employ approximately 30 people at an hourly rate of $13 to $17 but have made no promise to hire Union County residents, according to Johnson.
Johnson explained that a group known as the Friends of Sharps Chapel has formed to promote the preservation of the rural family and community that exists in Sharps Chapel to have clean air, a healthy environment and to promote the owning of farms, homes and homesteading.
She expressed concern over the lack of regulations regarding the handling of the chicken waste and possible soil and water contamination. Commissioner Sidney Jessee Jr., who has worked with similar agribusinesses both as a student at UT Knoxville and through the Farmers Co-op, assured her that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would require a plan for waste disposal and would periodically test for contaminants. He also stated that chicken waste is dry and tends not “to pose a problem with run off like dairy cattle do.”
Johnson also noted that the developer had commented that the historic home was in too bad of shape to be renovated and would not be used for offices. She also said that the facility should have landscaping and that a high fence with barbed wire would not add to the natural beauty of Sharps Chapel.
Commissioner Brantley commented that the neighboring property owners were in favor of the development. Johnson invited commissioners and the community to the monthly meeting of the group to further discuss the concerns.
Under old business, Mayor Bailey cleared the misunderstandings regarding overtime pay for officers by reading aloud the resolution passed earlier this year. The mayor also read the Planning Commission Report that was carried over from August and approved by Commission.
All budget amendments passed, along with a resolution to provide another cooperative purchasing resource. The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) allows governmental agencies to purchase mostly technology at prearranged prices negotiated by federal and state governments.
Sheriff Breeding reported 709 calls for August 2021 with 10 wrecks with injury and 34 with no injury. Booked into jail were 111 and released were 110. The current jail population is 59.
Mayor Bailey filled several committee vacancies. Commissioner Kenny Hill will serve on the Beer Board. Commissioner Bill Cox will fill a vacancy on the Ethics Committee. David Coppock was added to the Financial Committee. Others were appointed and all were approved.
Bailey noted several grants that will be open for application. He also said that sales tax collections continue to increase. The hotel/motel tax is on the rise and averaging more than $10,000 per month which will give the Chamber of Commerce a windfall of revenue if the trend holds due to an earlier agreement which allots 80 percent of this money to the chamber. The chamber received an adjustment in the budget amendments that increased its current revenue from more than $53,000 from the hotel/motel tax.
The next commission meeting is October 25 at 7 p.m.