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published on 03/12/2001
March 2001 Signal Mountain Town Council Meeting
By
sigmtn.com staff writer
The Signal Mountain Town Council met, Monday, March 12 at 7:00 PM. Members Rachel Bryant, Steve Ruffin, William Steele, Jr., Dr. Robert Steel, Jr. and Mayor Jim Althaus were present. Also present were Joe Wagner, town attorney, Diana Campbell, town recorder, and Hershel Dick, town manager.
After roll call and approving the minutes of the last meeting, citizens of the town of Signal Mountain were given an opportunity to address the council. A resident of Timberlinks Drive spoke of concern for how the roadwork on Timberlinks was handled and the pain and anguish she and her husband have suffered as a result of the work. She asked to be heard and for fair compensation for the damage to her property. After speaking, the mayor suggested she meet with Mr. Dick and him to further discuss the situation, which she agreed to.
The next citizen to address the council was Lou Oliphant, speaking for the Signal Mountain Community Guild. The Guild is concerned about the large amount of damaged trees and brush exposed along the highway coming up the mountain. They would like the Town of Signal Mountain to communicate this concern to the state, which maintains the highway. Some members of the council also suggested the big piece of equipment which has been sitting on the property at the edge of the big S curve by the A-frame house is becoming a nuisance and should be removed. The council agreed to look into it and seek a solution to the problems.
Sam Powell reported for the Signal Mountain Parks Commission that a $2,500 grant was received from the Tennessee Parks Commission. This grant will be used to improve conditions at Rainbow Lake and Falls. Other grants will be applied for as much work is to be done.
Lou Oliphant, from the Signal Mountain Planning Commission, reported that the members of the council had been given a written report for information only. There were no recommendations.
A joint meeting of members of the town council and Scott Cook, Recreation Board chairman, and members of that board has been postponed due to Scott?s schedule as basketball coach at Red Bank High School. The team is in the play-offs and headed for the state finals. The town council agrees that it is important that all members of both the council and recreation board be present as there is a lot to discuss including budgets and wish lists. Rachel Bryant asked that Mr. Dick and the baseball people get together as soon as possible to address a concern as to which field the girls baseball league will be using as they are ready to make schedules. He agreed to do this as soon as possible.
Mr. Sean Caskie, from Signal One made a presentation and request to build a cellular tower on Signal Mountain. After weeks of study, his company suggested the Town of Signal Mountain's transfer station as the ideal place to build a tower that would meet the needs of the front of the mountain. Several members of the council assured Mr. Caskie that they could not support another tower on Signal Mountain. The mayor, however, said that the town was aware of the federal regulations concerning towns and cellular towers but felt that the place Mr. Caskie suggests is inappropriate. Mr. Caskie said he would be willing to work with the town to find a more appropriate place. After thanking Mr. Caskie, Mr. Althaus said the town would be remiss in not talking with Mr. Caskie and his company again some time in the future, but that the town is not interested in adding another tower at this time.
Steve Ruffin pointed out the condition of the American flag flying over the Town Hall and suggested we get a new one. Bob Steel also said the one at Adams Park needed to be replaced. The mayor said he would contact Congressman Zack Wamp and ask him to get us two new ones.
Dr. Steel also brought it to the attention of the council that the Town of Signal Mountain fire department assisted the Walden Ridge Fire Department at a fire last month.
Mayor Althaus congratulated town attorney, Joe Wagner for his grand recovery from heart bypass surgery and welcomed him back to his position with the council.
Mr. Wagner passed out some recommended changes to the Planning Commission ordinances. These changes included providing the election of a vice-chairman, changing the number of a quorum from 4 to 6, a typo in the section concerning zoning clarification, and eliminating the line that requires the commission to report to the Town Council. These recommendations passed on the first reading.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 pm.
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