Agenda Minutes May 20,2008

Mayor Mullin called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Those in attendance were Mayor Mullin, Commissioner McPherson, Commissioner Neighbors, City Manager Edwards, City Attorney Elliott, Codes Officer Jenno, Intern Hilary Lyons, Building Official Curt Blair, Yuen Lee (RPA), Vern Thomas, Jerry Oliver, and Mike McAbee.

Mayor Mullin said that there will be first readings on five ordinances: Ordinance 180 to amend Ordinance 60, Zoning Ordinance, to remove the PUD definition; Ordinance 181 amending the budget for fiscal year 2007-2008; Ordinance 182 the budget for fiscal year 2008-2009; Ordinance 183 the Revenue Ordinance setting the tax rate at $0.290 for each $100 of property assessment; and Ordinance 184, the travel and vehicle use policy.

Mayor Mullin said TVA had given the City a conceptional drawing for the park along Hixson Pike. The phases are summarized but will not all be done in the early stages. It is better to have more rather than not enough in the approval application. Commissioner McPherson asked about a time frame. Mayor Mullin reported the review should take about six months. There would be a public hearing and then go before the TVA Board since we’re seeking a long-term agreement. The City should show reasonable progress and the work should fit our budget. Grants may be possible for the later phases.

Mayor Mullin reported he had photos and information layouts concerning the Rails to Trails project and will offer them to Soddy-Daisy to be placed in their City Hall for viewing.

Mayor Mullin reported Bobby Keyes has six acres of commercial property along Hensley Road and is asking to have it rezoned for apartments. Sewers are available and he indicated they would provide their own garbage service. The property was bought as a commercial property and is hoped to remain as such.

Mayor Mullin said the City should look at the Groves property on Thrasher Trail concerning a drainage issue.

Mayor Mullin reported there is an aerial view in our foyer of two proposed toll bridge locations across the river. There is competition for one toll bridge project with Memphis and Nashville. There will be a six month study done and it will be submitted in January 2009.

Mayor Mullin reported the marina project is hampered by TVA’s deed restrictions. He has written two letters to TVA asking them to reconsider the restrictions on a case-by-case as little or no progress can be made by merely maintaining the current restrictions. Attorney Elliott reported there is no legal means to have changes made and TVA has no obligation to the City to do so. He reported there is no policy that the marina violates. Mr. Oliver and Mr. McAbee asked about a plan to build “temporary” homes along the slough. Yuen Lee reported guidelines must be followed. Mayor Mullin reported plans had previously been submitted unofficially some time ago, but were incomplete and did not show all the planned phases.

City Manager Edwards reported the Brown business on Daisy Dallas Road is not liable for sales tax or gross receipts tax if he ships or delivers out of state. Vern Thomas reminded the commission the property is zoned for Green-belt (an agricultural type zone).

City Manager Edwards reported the capital budget had changed to add funds for Little Chickey improvements and the TVA park land. There are reserves dedicated to sewers. Commissioner McPherson reported sewers can be done in sections. The header from the old BiLo site is the most expensive. He reported Lakesite Drive and Lyons Lane have the most problems.

Concerning commissioner expenses, left over and rolled over monies can be used with the concurrence of the Commissioners. City Manager Edwards said that sanitation fuel costs may go up. Curt Blair reported expenses for Marty Beach, who does contract mowing, brush trimming, etc., may go up as diesel fuel costs rise. City Manager Edwards would like feed back on raises. He reported budget expenses were $100,000 less than revenues.

City Manager Edwards would like to reduce the need for forms for the travel/vehicle use policy such as the need for preapproval and reports as the City does little traveling. Attorney Elliott reported the wording can be changed to say “ use where applicable.” City Manager Edwards would like to remove administrative procedures.

Commissioner McPherson reported WWTA will add $8.00 to fees on Signal Mountain and possibly Red Bank to do maintenance on the sewer lines.

Codes Officer Jenno reported the Clean Up Campaign was successful with 24 loads totaling 51.29 tons hauled off. Last year there were 16 loads hauled off.

Mr. Jenno reported that Diane White, Southeast Development, reported grants for high visibility arterial road homes were awarded to two home owners in the City. The home at 8230 Hale Road will get $25,000 for mainly exterior work and a new home will be built at 9104 Old Hixson Pike. There will be no payback if the owners remain in the home for 15 years.

Curt Blair reported that he and the Mayor met with the Barge-Waggoner representatives concerning proposals for Little Chickey and the TVA park. Little Chickey appears to be holding water and will need an aerator, a pump, and a recirculation system.

Mayor Mullin adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes:       Approved ( )                __________________________________

                      Amended ( )                                             Recorder

______________________                      __________________________________

                      Date                                                Mayor.