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published on 09/07/2001
Town of Signal Mountain Official Minutes of August 13, 2001
By
Town Recorder
The Town Council of the Town of Signal Mountain held its regular monthly meeting on Monday August 13, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. Those present were:
Mayor James H Althaus
Councilmember Rachel Bryant
Councilmember Steve Ruffin
Councilmember Billy Steele
Also present: Manager Hershel Dick Recorder Diana Campbell
Town Attorney Joe Wagner
Advisory Attorney Phil Noblett
See list at bottom for additional people
The Mayor called the meeting to order and offered the prayer. The Recorder called the roll.
Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2001 regular monthly meeting and the minutes of the July 26, 2001 special called work session. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Steele and passed unanimously.
The Mayor introduced Bob Anderson and presented to him a resolution passed July 9, 2001, acknowledging appreciation to him for his service to the Town while he was with the Signal Mountain Post. He explained that Mr. Anderson is now with the Signal Mountain Mirror, a new monthly paper for the mountain. Mr. Anderson introduced Billy Parker and his daughter Lucia Rose, the editors for the new paper.
Next the Mayor introduced and read an ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE CERTIFIED TAX RATE AND TO LEVY A TAX RATE FOR THE YEAR 2001 IN EXCESS OF THE CERTIFIED RATE APPROVED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE REVENUE FOR THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN FOR THE YEAR 2001 AND TO FIX THE TAX RATE FOR THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR 2001.” The Mayor explained the reappraisal process and the procedures for passing a tax increase in the year of a reappraisal.
A citizen asked the question as to why the Town was raising taxes. That started a lengthy discussion in which the citizens asked questions and offered comments and suggestions. The Council and Town Manager offered explanations and answered the citizen’s questions. In addition State Representative Chris Clem was at the meeting and spoke briefly regarding the impact the State has on the Town’s finances.
Councilmember Steele made a motion that the Council should approve the ordinance. The Mayor seconded the motion. The Council voted 3 to 1 to approve the ordinance with Mayor Althaus, Councilmember Bryant and Councilmember Steele voting for the motion. Councilmember Ruffin opposed the motion.
The next item before the Council was the “RESOLUTION SETTING WATER AND SEWER RATES.” A discussion of the need to increase the rate followed. The Mayor made a motion to delay the vote on the resolution until the August 27, Special Called Meeting that had previously been scheduled. The Council voted 3 to 1 to delay the Resolution. Mayor Althaus, Councilmember Bryant and Councilmember Ruffin voted to delay the vote on the Resolution. Councilmember Steele opposed the delay.
The discussion resumed regarding the need for a rate increase and the need to inform the public. The Council discussed ways to inform the public. The Council agreed to have an additional meeting in which to inform the citizens on the water and sewer rate increases as well as the property tax increase. The Council set Monday, August 20, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. was an informational work session.
The next item before the Council was “A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE USE AND MONITORING OF E-MAIL.” Attorney Phil Noblett explained that since July 2000, the State had required the cities to adopt a policy covering the Town personnel’s use of e-mail and this resolution would make the Town in compliance. Councilmember Steele made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Ruffin seconded the motion. The resolution passed unanimously.
The next item before the Council was “A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE USE OF COMPUTERS AND NETWORK.” Attorney Phil Noblett explained this policy was needed to cover computer use and works in conjunction with the e-mail policy. Councilmember Steele made a motion to adopt this policy. Councilmember Ruffin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The last resolution before the Council was “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER OF THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN TO CLOSE PROVIDENT ASSURANCE PENSION RESERVE ACCOUNT FOR CONTRACT Z0603042 AND TRANSFER THE MONEY TO THE GENERAL FUND.” The Mayor briefly explained that the account had been set up at the time the Town changed retirement plans to the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System but now the reserve was no longer necessary. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the resolution. Councilmember Steele seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
During the opportunity for citizens to address the Council, the question was asked if the Town had a web site. The Mayor explained that one is currently being developed.
Sam Powell, Chairman of the Town’s Park Board offered to give the Town a report on the vine Kudzu in response to another question. Another individual requested that something be done to the shrubbery at Timberlinks and James Boulevard that is causing a blind spot.
Lou Oliphant gave a report on the Planning Commission. She noted that the Commission plans to review the entire zoning ordinance and has scheduled Saturday, September 8, at 9:00 a.m. as a work session.
Under motions, reports and discussion items was an ordinance for discussion titled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SIGNAL MOUNTAIN ORDINANCE 8-107, TO DELETE ANY PROHIBITION FOR ON-PREMISE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TO RENUMBER THE CURRENT SECTION 8-108 AS SECTION 8-107, AND TO CREATE NEW SECTIONS 8-108 THROUGH 8-135, WHICH SHALL PROVIDE FOR BROWN BAGGING PERMITS FOR ON-PREMISE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN; AND TO INSERT A NEW SECTION 8-209, ET. SEQ. REGARDING ON-PREMISE CONSUMPTION OF BEER WITHIN THE TOWN, AND TO DELETE SECTION 8-203 WHICH PROHIBITS THE SALE OF BEER FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION IN THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN.” Attorney Phil Noblett explained that he had prepared the draft of the ordinance at the Council’s request. He explained some of the provisions and points of the ordinance. A discussion of the ordinance followed. The Council pointed out several items they would like to have changed or revised.
Nino Piccolo and Bill Woodcock requested that the Council go ahead and pass the ordinance on first reading and then make any necessary changes or amendments. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the ordinance. The Mayor seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the ordinance did not pass. Mayor Althaus and Councilmember Ruffin voted to approve the ordinance. Councilmember Bryant and Councilmember Steele voted against approving the ordinance. The discussion of the ordinance continued. The Council requested that Phil Noblett revise the ordinance and have it placed on the agenda for the August 27, Special Called Meeting.
During the Councilmember’s opportunity to introduce new business, Councilmember Bryant noted that the Town is having a recreational study done by PARTAS (Park and Recreational Technical Advisory Service).
The Mayor informed the Council and Citizens about the School Resource Officer at Red Bank High School. He explained that two years ago the Council voted to pay the Town’s proportionate share of the cost of the officer along with the Town of Red Bank, the Town of Walden, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. As he further explained, the Town has not been asked to pay. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s office has paid the expense for the last two years. The Sheriff has now requesting the municipalities help pay the cost of the officer’s salary. The Mayor stated that he felt the Council should approve paying the Town’s share for the 150-155 estimated student from the Town. He estimated the cost would be no more than $8000 - $10,000.
Attorney Joe Wagner informed the Council that the Town, the Mayor and four police officers of the Town had been named in a lawsuit along with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office and officers for the violation of an individual’s civil rights.
The meeting was adjourned.
___________________________________
JIM ALTHAUS, Mayor
___________________________________
Recorder
List of additional people in attendance:
Michael Loftin
Chris Clem
John Holstrup
Sis & James Morgan
Pris & Mark Shartle
Steve & Tish McGann
Nikki Wiram
Cay Ozburn
Sam & Emilie Powell
David Gardner
Irby Park
Greg Goodgame
Blake Elsea
Ron Nudo
Rob Elsea
Jo Kellum
George B. Smith
H.S. Overman
Lou Oliphant
Mary Seay
Jean Dolan
Doug Daugherty
Patrick & Megan Metzger
Elizabeth MacDuffee
Amy S. Mildram
Marian Riggar
Vivian Cook
Cheree & Joe Dumas
Perry Cook
Shirley Phillips
Laure Martin
Jill Plummer
Nino Piccolo
Ada & Bill Woodcock
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