Signal Mountain Town
The town of Signal Mountain opened its September meeting with discussion of procedure and timeline for replacing former councilmember Dan Landrum, who resigned. The council met later in the month to address this issue.
The town’s personnel committee met on September 7 to discuss the consultant’s recommendation to give town employees a 4 percent pay increase. With just three of five members present, the decision about a pay plan and the amount of raises was postponed to allow members more time to review the information. A vote will take place when more members are present.
The two citizens who spoke at the meeting, Dan Landrum and Anne Haygood, both were in favor of giving employees a 4 percent pay increase. “Everybody is on the same side,” said Ms. Haygood. “We all want good services, and we have wonderful town employees who want to do a good job.” Mr. Landrum said the raises would keep services strong. Mayor Poss said that Town Manager Boyd Veal and the personnel committee “will work things through.”
In regular business, an ordinance passed that amends the stormwater fee for property owners. Mr. Veal said MTAS, the consultant who advises municipalities in the state, conducted a study and recommended a 100 percent increase in these fees. Instead, he said the council decided to raise the fees more gradually, this year starting with a 30 percent increase in both the minimum fee and the per square foot fee. The total recommended increases will be made incrementally in subsequent years.
A new annual stormwater report was completed, said Mr. Veal. The 130-page report details the town’s stormwater projects that were finished in the last year, and it will be submitted to the state. An agreement for engineering the design for stormwater improvements on Mississippi Avenue and James Boulevard was approved for AD Engineering at an amount of $12,500, with a contingency fund of $1,250 if there are added costs.
The council also approved the purchase of an incinerator for the amount of $136,777. The town manager said this will replace a chipping contract of $45,000 yearly. This piece of equipment is also needed because there is no more space to store the debris, he told the council. The council also authorized an application for a property conservation grant with Public Entity Partners, the town’s insurer.
The council discussed an agreement with TDOT regarding with roadwork coming up the front of the mountain. The Tennessee Department of Transportation takes care of the road, and Signal Mountain must take care of the right-of-way. Some assistance will be provided to the town from the state because of the unique nature of the road, said Mr. Veal. Signal Mountain also will provide the small areas of right-of-way needed for new drainage, at no cost to TDOT. A vote on this agreement will take place at a later date.
Mayor Poss, the council’s representative to the planning commission, reported that members recently discussed zoning issues about minor subdivisions. He said the goal is for the lot sizes to be consistent throughout town.
The mayor said he is already thinking about next year’s budget and the need to put a plan in place, adding that it is necessary to either find ways to save money or increase revenue. He would like public participation so that citizens will be apprised of the situation. The town will consult MTAS about streamlining operations to be more efficient. The consultants will review each department to identify ways to make improvements. Town manager Veal suggested also going through the budget department by department, looking for efficiencies. Mayor Poss proposed the possibility of using public relations to both let the taxpayers know what they are getting from their 6-cent property tax increase and to see which services are most valued by the residents.
Until the COVID-19 situation improves, the requirement to wear masks in Signal Mountain’s public buildings will continue. Mask are effective, said the mayor, and the council needs to do whatever it can to help control the pandemic. The mandate will be discussed again when and if improvements are seen.
The town’s personnel committee met on September 7 to discuss the consultant’s recommendation to give town employees a 4 percent pay increase. With just three of five members present, the decision about a pay plan and the amount of raises was postponed to allow members more time to review the information. A vote will take place when more members are present.
The two citizens who spoke at the meeting, Dan Landrum and Anne Haygood, both were in favor of giving employees a 4 percent pay increase. “Everybody is on the same side,” said Ms. Haygood. “We all want good services, and we have wonderful town employees who want to do a good job.” Mr. Landrum said the raises would keep services strong. Mayor Poss said that Town Manager Boyd Veal and the personnel committee “will work things through.”
In regular business, an ordinance passed that amends the stormwater fee for property owners. Mr. Veal said MTAS, the consultant who advises municipalities in the state, conducted a study and recommended a 100 percent increase in these fees. Instead, he said the council decided to raise the fees more gradually, this year starting with a 30 percent increase in both the minimum fee and the per square foot fee. The total recommended increases will be made incrementally in subsequent years.
A new annual stormwater report was completed, said Mr. Veal. The 130-page report details the town’s stormwater projects that were finished in the last year, and it will be submitted to the state. An agreement for engineering the design for stormwater improvements on Mississippi Avenue and James Boulevard was approved for AD Engineering at an amount of $12,500, with a contingency fund of $1,250 if there are added costs.
The council also approved the purchase of an incinerator for the amount of $136,777. The town manager said this will replace a chipping contract of $45,000 yearly. This piece of equipment is also needed because there is no more space to store the debris, he told the council. The council also authorized an application for a property conservation grant with Public Entity Partners, the town’s insurer.
The council discussed an agreement with TDOT regarding with roadwork coming up the front of the mountain. The Tennessee Department of Transportation takes care of the road, and Signal Mountain must take care of the right-of-way. Some assistance will be provided to the town from the state because of the unique nature of the road, said Mr. Veal. Signal Mountain also will provide the small areas of right-of-way needed for new drainage, at no cost to TDOT. A vote on this agreement will take place at a later date.
Mayor Poss, the council’s representative to the planning commission, reported that members recently discussed zoning issues about minor subdivisions. He said the goal is for the lot sizes to be consistent throughout town.
The mayor said he is already thinking about next year’s budget and the need to put a plan in place, adding that it is necessary to either find ways to save money or increase revenue. He would like public participation so that citizens will be apprised of the situation. The town will consult MTAS about streamlining operations to be more efficient. The consultants will review each department to identify ways to make improvements. Town manager Veal suggested also going through the budget department by department, looking for efficiencies. Mayor Poss proposed the possibility of using public relations to both let the taxpayers know what they are getting from their 6-cent property tax increase and to see which services are most valued by the residents.
Until the COVID-19 situation improves, the requirement to wear masks in Signal Mountain’s public buildings will continue. Mask are effective, said the mayor, and the council needs to do whatever it can to help control the pandemic. The mandate will be discussed again when and if improvements are seen.
Walden Town
The town of Walden met for its monthly meeting in September with Mayor Lee Davis, Vice Mayor Lizzy Schmidt and Alderwoman Sarah McKenzie constituting a quorum. Fern Lockhart served as town recorder, and Sam Elliot served as town attorney.
Ms. Lockhart gave the financial report, telling the board that for the month of August, the town collected $25,316.60. The CPA report for 2020 will be issued shortly.
Bill Ford with Walden Rescue and Emergency Services reported 35 responses, 16 emergency calls and 12 fire-related calls, which included downed trees.
Mickey Robbins said that the new equipment sheds at McCoy will soon be completed and will house equipment that includes the antique tractor, hay wagons and lawnmowers. The original farm sheds west of the barn will be a part of an educational lawn that will demonstrate the operation of a small family farm in the early 1900s.
The pace at McCoy has picked up in recent weeks with various weddings and events. The Halloween festival is cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. There is a need for volunteers, and anyone interested can go on the McCoy website, mccoywalden.org or contact Melissa Nimon at (423) 598-1658.
Alderwoman McKenzie reported that two trees came down at the dog park due to the bad weather and were removed. The dog park has two sections, one for dogs below 35 pounds and the other for dogs above 35 pounds.
Karen Stone the president of the Walden’s Ridge Civic League (WRCL) gave the monthly activity report. There is great interest in the return of both old-time music on Fridays and the Mountain Opry’s bluegrass on Saturdays. Due to COVID-19 these events were cancelled for August and September, and a decision for October will be made before October 4.
Two professionals joined the WRCL board of directors, Steve Daugherty and Ben McGowan. Steve has served on many boards and is especially valuable because of his knowledge of music and his connection with artists. Ben is an attorney with Summers, Rufolo and Rodgers, and his first job will be to adapt the by-laws of the WRCL. Amy Slovak is the new media chairman. Amy and her dad, Gary Slovak, are in the process of setting up the WRCL’s traditional Christmas and photo opportunities. These photo sessions were well received last year and scheduling will begin in October.
The Walden Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the professional services agreement letter and scope of services with KCI for the multimodal access grant application. The total labor fee and expenses came to $7,830. The board also approved the request from the Chattanooga Track Club to hold the 45th Signal Mountain Road Race on October 23, 2021. The race will start at Pruett’s on Taft Highway.
The board approved the final reading of Ordinance 2021-33, setting the tax rate for tax year 2021 at $0.5315 per $100 of assessed value of all real personal property. At this rate the amount of property taxes will not increase.
Resolution No. 2021-549, disclaiming any interest in the right-of-way of Northern Avenue between Sawyer Road and Wilson Avenue, was also approved.
The next meeting of the Walden Town Council will be October 12 at the Walden Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Ms. Lockhart gave the financial report, telling the board that for the month of August, the town collected $25,316.60. The CPA report for 2020 will be issued shortly.
Bill Ford with Walden Rescue and Emergency Services reported 35 responses, 16 emergency calls and 12 fire-related calls, which included downed trees.
Mickey Robbins said that the new equipment sheds at McCoy will soon be completed and will house equipment that includes the antique tractor, hay wagons and lawnmowers. The original farm sheds west of the barn will be a part of an educational lawn that will demonstrate the operation of a small family farm in the early 1900s.
The pace at McCoy has picked up in recent weeks with various weddings and events. The Halloween festival is cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. There is a need for volunteers, and anyone interested can go on the McCoy website, mccoywalden.org or contact Melissa Nimon at (423) 598-1658.
Alderwoman McKenzie reported that two trees came down at the dog park due to the bad weather and were removed. The dog park has two sections, one for dogs below 35 pounds and the other for dogs above 35 pounds.
Karen Stone the president of the Walden’s Ridge Civic League (WRCL) gave the monthly activity report. There is great interest in the return of both old-time music on Fridays and the Mountain Opry’s bluegrass on Saturdays. Due to COVID-19 these events were cancelled for August and September, and a decision for October will be made before October 4.
Two professionals joined the WRCL board of directors, Steve Daugherty and Ben McGowan. Steve has served on many boards and is especially valuable because of his knowledge of music and his connection with artists. Ben is an attorney with Summers, Rufolo and Rodgers, and his first job will be to adapt the by-laws of the WRCL. Amy Slovak is the new media chairman. Amy and her dad, Gary Slovak, are in the process of setting up the WRCL’s traditional Christmas and photo opportunities. These photo sessions were well received last year and scheduling will begin in October.
The Walden Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the professional services agreement letter and scope of services with KCI for the multimodal access grant application. The total labor fee and expenses came to $7,830. The board also approved the request from the Chattanooga Track Club to hold the 45th Signal Mountain Road Race on October 23, 2021. The race will start at Pruett’s on Taft Highway.
The board approved the final reading of Ordinance 2021-33, setting the tax rate for tax year 2021 at $0.5315 per $100 of assessed value of all real personal property. At this rate the amount of property taxes will not increase.
Resolution No. 2021-549, disclaiming any interest in the right-of-way of Northern Avenue between Sawyer Road and Wilson Avenue, was also approved.
The next meeting of the Walden Town Council will be October 12 at the Walden Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
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