[0:12] Thank you.

[0:22] » No, that is not a sign.

[0:39] There's the best man here right there. Shaking his

[0:43] best. That's the hardest working man.

[0:57] » I know.

[1:01] » I'm ready for snow. >> I think you're serious.

[1:07] » I'm very serious.

[1:11] Can't do that.

[1:30] Yeah.

[1:33] » All right. It's 6 o'clock. We'll call the order.

[1:38] Guess he's not sharing. >> Right. We real I just realized as I look

[1:43] down that that's not correct. Okay. So, >> be real call.

[1:46] » Um, Alderwoman Payne >> here.

[1:49] » Alderman Malone >> here. Alderwoman Keith

[1:52] » here. >> Vice Mayor Adams

[1:54] » here. >> Alderman Johnson

[1:56] » here. >> All right. Uh we can Alderwoman Keith,

[2:02] you don't want to lead us in the prayers.

[2:06] » In the name of Jesus, dear heavenly father, we come to you Lord in the only

[2:10] way we know how, asking you to please forgive us for all of our sins. Lord, we

[2:14] thank you for your grace and your mercy. Lord, we thank you for how you look

[2:18] beyond our many, many faults and you see our needs. Oh, Father God, I ask Lord

[2:23] that you watch over each and every one of us. Lord, keep us covered under your

[2:27] blood, the balance of our family, Father God. Lord, you know all about us. You

[2:32] know what we all stand in need of. And Lord, I lift up people that are

[2:36] grieving. I lift up Sister Sarah and her family to you, Lord. Lord, I ask that

[2:41] you continue to bless them. Give them the strength to get through what they're

[2:44] going through. And Lord, I lift up the Taylor family to you. Please give them

[2:49] the strength, God. But Father God, we need you. We can't make it without you.

[2:54] And Lord, I ask that you bless this meeting. Lord, lead us in the directions

[2:58] that you would have us to go. And Father God, I'll be so careful to give you all

[3:03] the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. In Jesus holy name we pray. And

[3:09] everybody said, "Amen." >> Amen.

[3:14] I pledge allegiance to [clears throat] the flag of the United States of America

[3:18] and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice

[3:24] for all. [clears throat]

[3:33] » All right. First

[3:37] » item on our agenda is discussion and action for approval of meeting minutes

[3:42] » for June 2nd and June 9th. So we'll open up discussion now.

[3:51] » Any discussion?

[3:55] » Well, the one for June the second, I'm just going to repeat it again. I don't

[4:00] think that there's enough information in the meeting minutes. So, I know several

[4:05] of board members have comments that they made under old and new business, but

[4:12] they're not in here other than saying everybody welcome something. So,

[4:18] » do we know

[4:22] we have a motion to approve minutes? [snorts]

[4:26] » I'll make a motion to approve. I'll second.

[4:34] » Sure. Alderwoman Payne. >> Alderman Malone.

[4:39] » Yes. >> Alderwoman Keith.

[4:41] » Yes. >> Vice Mayor Adams.

[4:43] » Yes. >> Alderman Johnson.

[4:45] » Yes. >> All right. That leads us to the first

[4:49] session of public comments. Everyone's welcome to come up and get

[4:53] their three minutes.

[4:58] » [snorts] >> My name is Sarah

[5:02] and I'm

[5:06] going to hand you >> Yeah.

[5:25] » Thank you.

[5:31] tap on it.

[5:43] » Anyway, I'm going to hand you all some flyers. The back to school bash is

[5:47] coming up for our community. It's a free event and this is for kids all over the

[5:53] area. uh we are currently uh getting sponsors. So even as an individual if

[6:01] you would like to sponsor the back to school bash you're welcome to contact

[6:05] us. Um we do have quite a few sponsors on board already and uh it's going to be

[6:11] a very successful uh community event and we're looking forward to seeing all

[6:16] these little kids that needs school supplies. It's very heartwarming when uh

[6:21] you see a lot of these kids come through that really really need some things. So,

[6:27] and uh there's going to be free haircuts. Uh Lil Caesars and Pony Plats

[6:31] is uh donating pizzas and they're going to come out and serve. Uh we have a lot

[6:36] of volunteers already stepping up and uh it's going to be a good event. So

[6:44] you all want to hand those out to them up after church business.

[7:02] Just want to say I do appreciate um the community and things that came out for

[7:07] Patriots Day. We had a storm. It's a little after 2:00. Uh some things got

[7:14] pretty rough down there at the ball field and uh one of the inflatables, I

[7:19] don't know if you all have noticed. Um the wind picked it up and damaged two

[7:24] sets of bleachers down there at the ball field or Patriots say. So, I'm I've been

[7:30] in touch with uh uh Steve McMillan and everything. So, um we're going to be

[7:37] working on those bleachers and getting them repaired and things like that. So,

[7:42] I'm just thankful nobody got hurt >> and I know I was in contact with Christa

[7:47] and and Lori thanks about it. So, um, but we appreciate the community that

[7:53] came out and, uh, I know Bless City Elementary School raised a little bit of

[7:58] money for, um, their PTO program and hopefully, you know, we can get together

[8:05] with the town this next year and make it an even bigger event. So, we're looking

[8:10] forward to that. >> Thank you.

[8:13] » Thank you.

[8:18] » Hello. Hopson

[8:22] drive. You hear me? >> Barely.

[8:24] » Barely. >> Okay. I asked this question off the

[8:28] record last year, so I'm going to ask it on the record this year. Why are we

[8:32] paying our public public's works employees to weed eat citizens residents

[8:38] banks along Bluff City Highway here from 4489 down? They are weed eating

[8:46] private residents. Thanks. And I would like to know why.

[8:54] » I can ask our public works director and get back to you if you want to give me

[8:57] your contact information. >> Yes, absolutely. Please. Um because if

[9:01] that's what our tax dollars are going for, I have a big old bank donut, Ben.

[9:05] Donut. Um they they're welcome to come. We eat mine.

[9:10] I'm just saying. and that's not what our our tax dollars should be going for. Um

[9:14] my second question is there is an a house about the 4489 location um they

[9:21] put up back on the hill three, four, five years ago just sitting there just

[9:25] rotting. It's not even finished. Has anybody questioned that? We're just

[9:29] going to sit there and let it rot. Um

[9:35] » again, if you want to give me your contact information,

[9:37] » we'll be glad to. Yep. >> Yes. And I can't stay the whole night.

[9:41] Okay. So, if I can do that now,

[9:46] » I'm not sure, but I do believe that they weed it from the middle of the pipe, the

[9:52] middle of the road 50 ft.

[9:55] » They eat that whole bank down. >> No, from the middle of the road up to

[10:00] » Well, I hope we don't have the middle of the road. We the middle of the road,

[10:04] » but they can do that at my house, too, and every other citizen within. a lot of

[10:09] state highway. I mean, she's talking about on there, but it's also if you

[10:13] look like and I don't know on that one, but normally if you look where telephone

[10:18] poles are, uh, that's the rightway. Uh, and and basically on them, they do go

[10:26] even at different things. There are some

[10:29] rightways is 5, 10, 15t on both sides of the pole.

[10:34] » So, if I have a pole on my property, they're going to tell when you get it.

[10:37] » Well, I'm not saying I can't I can't commit to anybody. I'm

[10:40] just telling you that at most times that when a lot of the stuff you'll see on

[10:44] the highway is um from a rideway, you know, a city right away.

[10:52] » I do agree though that the right there once you come around Dead Man's Curve,

[10:58] that area all the way down through there really looks bad and it definitely needs

[11:04] to be cut back and Take that down through there. Can some

[11:12] across the road over there as well?

[11:21] Anybody else want to make public comments?

[11:27] All right, moving along. We got discussion and action. The annual

[11:31] contract with First Tennessee Development District for planning

[11:34] contract services. We can begin the discussion now.

[11:40] » Did go ahead. >> Sure. I can just bring that forward.

[11:43] Right now we use uh First Tennessee for a number of items including uh planning

[11:47] commission and helping us with grants and right now we I just utilize them a

[11:53] lot for the planning and zoning questions that I have. As people come in

[11:56] with questions, I take down their email address. Um I described this in an email

[12:00] to you guys actually. Uh, so then I email our contacts, Connor and Daniel

[12:05] over at First Tennessee, and copy the the person asking the question. And so

[12:10] that way as they talk back and forth, I have the information, I'm getting the

[12:14] information, and I can um just kind of keep track and make sure it's all closed

[12:17] out. But we do use them quite heavily for a

[12:21] number for those items as well as um they they help with reimbursements for

[12:25] our grants. So they upload all that information, uh they upload those

[12:29] receipts, those everything. So they take a lot off of my plate to be able to do

[12:32] all of that. >> Well, what we've seen in the past with

[12:34] First Tennessee is if you don't push them, they won't do anything. So I mean,

[12:39] if they're, you know, they're continuing to do work for Bluff City.

[12:44] » Yes. >> Then I'm fine with it. But if you leave

[12:46] them alone, they won't do anything, >> right? And so I'm utilizing them as much

[12:50] as I can right now, especially with planning and zoning questions because

[12:52] it's just something that I can hand to them. That's what we pay them for. It

[12:56] takes it off my plate. Um, but then also the grants. um I received now I'm on the

[13:01] systems to be able to see what is uploaded and I will see them uploading

[13:05] reimbursements and things of that nature for our grants.

[13:08] » How many grants are are there on there that they upload and reimburse

[13:13] » for right now? I believe we are on three that we get reimbursements for. Um but I

[13:19] have to double check that number. I just see the emails come through saying it's

[13:23] been uploaded. So, >> but it's not grant money that we got for

[13:26] the water plant. Correct. No.

[13:29] » Okay. All right. That's a different idea.

[13:32] » Does it pay for And does it does it for sale?

[13:38] » I believe it is. Um because otherwise we would have to hire someone to help with

[13:42] the planning and zoning questions. Um alone, not to mention the grants and

[13:47] everything of that nature.

[13:53] » Well, we don't have any planning and zoning meetings. We know that. Right.

[13:59] We're going to start increasing that. What happened is the again the new

[14:03] Daniel and Connor, they're going to be working with the planning commission.

[14:06] They want to go over that planning and zoning ordinance to see what needs to be

[14:11] updated, any recommendations from the board and the public and then work with

[14:14] them on updating all of those. Um, they want to do that on a more regular basis.

[14:19] » Okay. But was that the one that we just updated in like 2024?

[14:25] 2023 I think >> 2023. Yeah. So that's the same one.

[14:30] » But there are recommendations especially with tiny homes and things of that

[14:33] nature that are coming about that we need to start incorporating. For

[14:37] example, I think we have a definition for a tiny home but then it's not

[14:40] referenced anywhere in the actual ordinance. So they want to start working

[14:44] with the commission on what what can be updated. I would also like for those

[14:50] meetings, planning and zoning meetings be uploaded to our YouTube to our

[14:55] website for that. Okay. Because they haven't been okay. I can do that.

[15:00] » Now, this is just for planning and development districts.

[15:07] We're asking tonight discussion action annual contract for development. Are you

[15:12] talking about the whole contract with First Tennessee?

[15:17] should be the whole contract that it was. Yeah.

[15:22] » And the cost did do you remember the cost done that year?

[15:26] » 13,000. >> Yeah. And it didn't go up this year.

[15:30] » 1207.

[15:39] » Any more discussion?

[15:46] We have a motion to approve contract.

[15:54] » I'll make a motion to approve. [clears throat]

[16:01] » I have a second.

[16:12] » All right. Uh, Alderwoman P. Yes. Alderman Malone,

[16:16] » yes. >> Alderwoman Keith,

[16:18] » yes. >> Ald Vice Mayor Adams,

[16:20] » yes. >> Alderman Johnson,

[16:22] » yes.

[16:27] » All right. Next item on the agenda is a discussion and action for a consulting

[16:32] engagement agreement with Blackburn Children's Instagal PLC.

[16:37] And open up uh the discussion now. >> I need to know what it is. Meet you. So,

[16:44] » was that not sent in the email? >> No, not that.

[16:48] » I sent it out, I believe, also last week.

[16:52] » Yes. Um, and that is for helping us with the CPA for the pre- audit that I

[16:58] discussed a few times before as well as helping us kind of streamline a lot of

[17:02] our financial policies. What can be brought online, what can be, you know,

[17:06] uh, uh, streamlined, what can be just modernized. A lot of our systems are

[17:12] very antiquated. They're also going to help us go through the books and help uh

[17:17] with the pre- audit, help with uh making sure items are going to the right class

[17:22] lines and helping us understand if any of these class lines can be shrunken or

[17:26] if they need to be expanded. Um for example, like the heritage days and

[17:30] Christmas parade being separated out. Um but also combining any class lines that

[17:35] may need to happen. They're just really going to help us move forward and and

[17:39] start not fresh but move forward. >> I uh will that also include the audit on

[17:48] Sharon Green? I mean it's my understanding that when like a CMFO when

[17:52] a finance officer leaves retires that for their benefit

[17:58] and to protect them that it does kick in an audit.

[18:03] » I did mention that to MTAS. They said that an actual quote unquote audit would

[18:08] make it look like we're kind of going after her. But if we bring in a pre-

[18:12] audit to help close the books, that kind of adds it kind of acts as that audit

[18:17] for her. >> But it is the same thing. It will it

[18:21] Sharon Green is really the the line separating. Um but it's auditing our

[18:27] books in total, >> but it will include it.

[18:31] » Yes. Okay. Uh, do you have a cost on that?

[18:36] » We It's I believe $200 an hour for an associate.

[18:41] » Yeah, those are expensive. Um, but I believe that in the long term it'll be

[18:46] worth it if we're going to hire someone with less experience. Uh, because that's

[18:50] all that we could afford for less experience for a new financial officer.

[18:53] » But now, we have not discussed that yet. So, we're

[18:56] » Well, I know. But I'm saying >> we're not sure we're going to go in that

[18:59] direction. >> Well, right now we haven't had enough

[19:01] applica. We haven't had anyone with any qualification like

[19:05] » we didn't advertise the CMF, >> did we?

[19:09] » Yes, >> we did.

[19:11] » Yes. >> I thought it was a financial officer.

[19:13] » Well, it's a financial officer. Yes. >> But they're different. Financial officer

[19:18] and a CMFO. Certified municipal. >> Well, it's in there saying

[19:25] um that they would have to get their CMFO. We may not be able to hire

[19:29] » Well, sending them to school. That's what I'm saying. It's almost like we're

[19:33] putting a cart before the horse here because

[19:36] » the board members have not yet decided that we want to go that way.

[19:42] » I mean, I don't know. >> Well, we have to hire a finance officer.

[19:48] Um, I put in the job description, we would want someone with their CMFO

[19:53] certification, but for the pay that we can afford that it would be someone

[19:58] probably with lesser qualifications. Um, or they would have to we would have

[20:02] to send them to the CMFO training. Um, but hiring a firm like this will help

[20:08] kind of prepare that office for this person.

[20:12] » And how many months are we talking about here?

[20:14] » We don't know yet. How many people are coming in?

[20:19] » Excuse me. I didn't catch the right. >> It's I believe $200 for an

[20:24] » I'm sorry. >> 200

[20:26] » $200 >> an hour for an associate.

[20:31] » Um so we don't know um >> how many hours a day, how many weeks?

[20:37] » And it's 400 for a partner, but they when I spoke to them, they don't believe

[20:41] that a partner will need to be involved, but they have to put the rate in there

[20:44] just in case. >> Okay. So they're pro I mean I hate to

[20:48] ask have to ask these questions but are they basically planning on coming in and

[20:53] working an 8 hour shift? >> No no no no 4 hour shift and

[20:58] » we haven't discussed that part yet because we we are trying to figure out

[21:02] what that you're even going to look at. I can't let them look at anything to get

[21:06] an idea until we have an agreement with them. Um so that's why and I it's one of

[21:13] those they will not be coming in full time. They will be coming in a couple

[21:16] hours a week to start just to kind of get an idea of what they're looking at

[21:20] and then I will bring forward any future um plans with you to to the board for

[21:26] approval just because I don't want to just start, you know, looking like I'm

[21:30] just spending all this money on an auditing firm. I want to make sure that

[21:34] you are fully brought into the loop with any findings and any recommendations

[21:38] they have.

[21:41] Well, basically the shared salary and benefits give or take is about $90,000.

[21:49] So, as long as we don't have anybody in that capacity where we're paying out a

[21:54] salary is that, you know, that's 450 hours of time. You know what I'm saying

[22:02] is so as long as we just don't get real crazy with the amount of hours and stuff

[22:08] » and thing but so I mean if we don't hurry by in July then we'll have you

[22:14] know a 12th of 90,000 >> right

[22:17] » give or take and then August end we're having so it's two you know what I'm

[22:22] saying is so it's basically $1,500 a week just for maybe 2,000

[22:28] uh that we can pay without getting into a negative on the budget is where I'm

[22:34] getting from. >> Yep.

[22:37] » So, as long as we, you know, got some measured stick of that or what we have

[22:42] what we're what in return of what we're getting, you know.

[22:49] » So, what you're doing is going back and backtracking everything.

[22:54] » Not everything. It would be closing the books for this year.

[22:57] » For this year. >> Yep. for uh the fiscal year ending June

[23:01] 30th, 2026. >> Just for this year.

[23:04] » Yep. And then um but you know, they will help us find any misattributions. Um

[23:10] anything that was put in the wrong class line that you know, not for bad reasons,

[23:14] but just if anything is needs to be shifted around, they'll help us with

[23:17] that. >> Um

[23:19] » to maybe straighten things out. >> Yes. Straighten things out. Yep. And

[23:23] they'll help us better understand some of our class lines as well. Okay.

[23:31] » And I can bring a monthly report to you as to what they have found so far and

[23:35] you know keep you updated on all of that because this is a big this is a big ask.

[23:39] I do understand we definitely we definitely do need to be in in included

[23:45] in in those updates and when you start let us know in those updates how many

[23:52] hours that they work that week. I mean they can't even give us an idea of who

[23:56] they look >> and well until we approve them probably

[23:59] that >> mean but I know these are I was going to

[24:02] say blackford children's and are very well known they're very good they may be

[24:07] a little more expensive but they're going to be way more efficient

[24:11] » um so I I don't think you know we're we'd be going with the wrong company or

[24:15] anything or that that's too high of an ask on the hourly rate because that's

[24:20] » they did come highly recommended by MES. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, they've been around

[24:24] for a long time >> and it will be complete transparency.

[24:28] You will come back to the board and let us know if there's anything that

[24:32] » Absolutely. No. >> Yes.

[24:34] » Right. All right. >> Like I said, this is one of those big

[24:38] items that I definitely want to make sure you are kept in the loop on. Um

[24:41] because I think I think we'll see some changes in the budget moving forward uh

[24:46] as as they dig around and they find things and just how we can move things

[24:50] around. >> First of all, this has to be taken care

[24:52] of, right? All

[25:01] right. Is there any more discussion?

[25:07] » I make a motion that we move forward with this.

[25:12] » But but maybe something in there if like Jerry says, we keep an eye on the

[25:18] cost situation. >> Yes. I don't think any of us up here

[25:21] want to write a blank check. >> Yeah. Yeah.

[25:26] You you are you are billing me down there. So, yes. Yes, you are absolutely

[25:31] correct. >> Don't ever sign if you're not

[25:33] authorized. You could get in serious trouble for that.

[25:36] » That I would like to make a motion for the consulting engagement agreement with

[25:42] Blackburn Childerson and Stagall uh PLC for auditing.

[25:48] » Do we have a second?

[25:52] I'll second it. May I get a vote? >> Alderwoman Payne,

[25:57] » yes. >> Alderman Malone,

[25:59] » yes. >> Alderwoman Keith,

[26:01] » yes. >> Uh, Vice Mayor Adams,

[26:04] » yes. >> Alderman Johnson,

[26:06] » yes. >> All right. And next item on the agenda

[26:10] is discussion and action of ordinance 2026-005.

[26:14] That's an ordinance as the town of Bluff City's internet cyber security sensitive

[26:19] information policy and procedure. So we can open up discussion now.

[26:28] So as you know we were hit with our audit. Um we've been tagged in the audit

[26:32] a few times year after year on not having a cyber security policy. I worked

[26:36] with MTAS on they sent me a draft one from another town. Um, and I was able to

[26:42] kind of just pull that together, tweak it to our town, and and change a few

[26:45] things because it included social media, but we already have a separate social

[26:48] media policy, so I removed that. You know, those sorts of things. Um, but I

[26:52] tailored it to our town.

[26:59] » I didn't see anything that jumped out. Maybe go ahead.

[27:07] » Good to have you tonight. That's awesome.

[27:10] » So I mean anybody else have any comments on

[27:15] » I mean oh when when will we start it? Now it's time to tell us when we are

[27:23] » well this is just the first start. >> So this is

[27:25] » well I know but it gives us a I mean that would be 10 days from now. So

[27:31] » I mean but is our altus ready to start? >> Yes.

[27:36] » Okay. A lot of it is what I would call a common sense policy of don't click on

[27:40] links, don't open attachments, don't open emails from people you didn't

[27:44] expect an email from. You know, the the basics that we already know, but just

[27:49] putting it in writing that our employees will ensure that they really make sure

[27:52] that the uh the sorry policies are followed here, those common sense

[27:59] policies. It also includes them making sure and they know this, but again, it's

[28:03] not in writing. They haven't signed anything. They know not to share

[28:07] information on residents with other residents. You know, oh, we just saw Jim

[28:11] Bob come in and he couldn't pay his taxes. You know, that sort of thing.

[28:14] They aren't telling other people that. That's also part of the security and

[28:18] privacy policy is making sure they understand they can't do that. It Yeah.

[28:22] But this is going to be paying water and sewer and garbage online and also our

[28:30] property taxes. >> The So, we are moving forward with that.

[28:34] that's going to be part of my report. Um, but but LGC handles the cyber

[28:40] security portion of that. >> But purpose, that's what it's for. This

[28:45] is >> this is for just the general purpose of

[28:48] everything. Our laptops, our computers that we use, any com any work cell

[28:53] phones um that they do not uh you know click on links that they're not supposed

[29:00] to click on. They're not supposed to go to sites that you know aren't for work.

[29:03] they, you know, those sorts of things. And then also just remembering to keep

[29:06] privacy because we are dealing with people's homes and their bills and

[29:10] things of that nature. >> Did this one also include the changing

[29:15] of the email addresses to make sure was that another

[29:19] » I didn't include that? No, because that's just kind of one of those

[29:23] internal policies where I told everyone >> I wasn't quite

[29:26] » do not use your Gmail the Buff City Gmail accounts anymore. We that's they

[29:30] are they that they have all been assigned.

[29:33] » Correct. Okay.

[29:37] » All right. Any more discussion?

[29:42] » Do we have a motion to approve the ordinance?

[29:45] » I make a motion for the first reading to approve ordinance 20265.

[29:51] » Do I have a second? I'll second. We get a vote.

[29:57] » Older woman P. Yes. >> Alderman Malone.

[30:01] » Yes. >> Alderwoman Keith.

[30:03] » Yes. >> Vice Mayor Adams.

[30:05] » Yes. >> Alderman Johnson.

[30:06] » Yes.

[30:10] » All right. Moving on to the next item on the agenda. Discussion. Action. Approval

[30:14] of draft employee handbook. >> I would like to have a workshop.

[30:22] » Okay. To go over this. We I mean this is new for I mean I've never seen an

[30:28] employee handbook until now. And Eric, had you ever I hadn't. Harold, had you

[30:36] seen one in the past? >> Mayor Wills gave me one years ago.

[30:39] » Years ago, Jerry, I'm sure you probably have. Eric, you not not Eric, but then

[30:45] you probably have. But I I think it would be beneficial to us as board

[30:50] members to kind of go over that a little bit if if nobody else minds or if if or

[30:56] if other people agree with me. They would like to have a workshop.

[31:02] » Have you have you uh or I guess redone it?

[31:08] » Yes. So what it was uh I worked with the HR d uh coordinator for MTAS. His name

[31:13] is John Grubs. uh and he took our current employee handbook that is

[31:17] woefully outdated from I think 2007 and I had gone through and tagged and

[31:23] flagged and I know Miss Roberts did as well. So I went you know through her

[31:27] edits as well and and made sure that those were updated also took our

[31:30] ordinances that had passed you know holidays things like that and I worked

[31:35] with Mr. Gross. He took all that information and then al took all of

[31:39] those changes that we recommended but also just brought up to date language

[31:44] federal and state language into the employee handbook that are normal HR

[31:48] practices. >> Mr. Bry, were you involved with that?

[31:52] » Yes. >> Okay.

[31:54] Are you the keeper of the ordinances and the resolutions?

[31:58] » No, I'm not. >> Okay.

[32:01] I'd like to see at least a list of what it was and what it's changed to.

[32:05] » Yeah. What you have, >> right? Yeah.

[32:07] » Because I know you sent us a list of the old one,

[32:10] » the draft. >> I sent that was sent out a couple times.

[32:13] Yep. >> But I can send it out again.

[32:15] » It's kind of confusing. [laughter] >> Um, but I can So, the reason I

[32:20] originally didn't include the the the old one was because he took it and he

[32:25] didn't just make line item edits. It was a complete overhaul and just rewrote it.

[32:31] But [clears throat] I can I can print off It was too large to send in an

[32:34] email. So I can just print off a copy of the old handbook to hand to you if you

[32:38] want to look at it. >> Well, I picked up a copy. You made me a

[32:42] copy. But is there a way that you can highlight it in color what was changed

[32:48] from the old to the new words? >> I I can try. It'll take me a bit of time

[32:53] because I'm working on a few other items, but yes, I can.

[32:56] » I mean, we don't want to cause you if if it we just knew what the highlights of

[33:00] it were. >> But that's what I mean. It was such a

[33:02] huge overhaul like moving things around in sections that but I can try to go

[33:07] through and do that. >> The one you sent that's the new version,

[33:10] » correct? >> Okay. I thought that was

[33:12] » I thought that was the old one. >> And you got that one here. You got the

[33:16] new version. >> Okay. Well, that's a little we need to

[33:18] look at it. But >> Right. I can print off copies of the old

[33:21] one if you would all like to >> seen it. But that's what Yeah, that's

[33:25] what she had to do for me was print off an old copy.

[33:28] » Yep. I can do that. >> All right. Does that mean we want to

[33:31] table this to another time or >> let's play or can we set a date for

[33:35] work? >> How you feel? How's everybody else feel

[33:38] about it? You want to proceed on this or do we want to table it and do it another

[33:42] time? >> I just remove it from the agenda if

[33:44] you're not going to vote on >> Can we go ahead and set a a date for a

[33:51] workshop? Can we do that, Mr. Pro?

[33:55] » We just do that. >> Sure. Or you could have it when you have

[33:58] your monthly work session. >> Okay. That would be the 28. That's the

[34:02] last Tuesday of the month. >> I'm good for that. Is everybody else

[34:07] with that? >> I'm fine with that.

[34:09] » I'm fine with that. >> I'm great with that. And let's go ahead

[34:12] and get the ball rolling on it. >> So, do I have a motion to remove this

[34:15] item from the agenda?

[34:20] » I'll make a motion to remove it. Second it.

[34:23] » Get a vote, please.

[34:29] » Olderwoman Paige, >> yes.

[34:31] » Alderman Malone, >> yes.

[34:34] » Alderwoman Keith, >> yes.

[34:35] » Vice Mayor Adams, >> yes.

[34:37] » Alderman Johnson, >> yes.

[34:38] » All right. >> Can I make a motion that we have this

[34:44] workshop, the last year of this month? >> Yep. I wrote it on here to and I'll put

[34:49] it in the minutes as well. >> So we we don't have to do a motion in a

[34:52] second. >> Yeah,

[34:55] » I just got to make sure it's on the agenda.

[34:57] » Fantastic. >> All right. Next item, discussion and

[35:00] action. Pressure washing credit on utility bill.

[35:03] » So there is no action with this because I had a few other questions that I

[35:06] wanted the board to kind of clarify before uh we move forward with drafting

[35:11] an ordinance. It was recommended by Mr. Roberts. And um actually when I spoke to

[35:17] the mayor about it, she had the same recommendation. So it was actually kind

[35:20] of funny um that we we send uh public works employees out

[35:26] to check the meter before and then again after at the end of the pressure

[35:30] washing. Um but my question is should that should the person try to schedule

[35:35] that for a weekend because then that would only be during business hours

[35:38] Monday through Friday. If they want to do it on the weekend, do we charge them

[35:42] a call out fee? >> My god.

[35:44] » Well, but that's the thing. We're asking people to come in to,

[35:49] » you know, on out of normal work hours to to do something like that. So, or,

[35:56] » you know, we we take an average of what they were versus what, you know, what

[36:02] their average bill is versus what we see for an an increase for that month. I'm

[36:07] good with that as well. Um, it's just I want to make sure we have that decided

[36:12] before I draft an ordinance.

[36:16] » I don't know. Should we give a certain gallon amount credit?

[36:20] » Oh, two or >> I don't know. I was trying to think of,

[36:25] you know, how we could, you know, not pay public works to go out,

[36:29] » right? And pull them away from a project if it's during the business day.

[36:33] » That's the right way. I mean, the right way to do it, but we we are down to not

[36:37] many works and that's extra trip out there and then the trip after that.

[36:42] » Yeah, it would be pulling during the work hours it would be pulling them from

[36:45] a project and then during outside work hours it would be pulling them in to

[36:50] come in to work outside. >> Can we look at it from

[36:53] » calculation? But that's what I mean. Yeah, I can look at how much water it

[36:57] would take for like a 2000 time of how many gallons if you come in

[37:04] and fill out the form that you're having pressure wash again or we could also do

[37:09] the the normal average of the previous five months or something like that,

[37:14] didn't they? I know Sandy would kind of >> question.

[37:17] » Has it been a problem with this in the past?

[37:20] » I've not heard it at I've been to a couple of meetings here. I've never

[37:23] heard a problem about it. So, you're trying to invent a problem. Is that what

[37:27] you're trying to do? >> No, they've never allowed it.

[37:32] » We're trying to get people in their house.

[37:36] » Yeah, we've never allowed. >> Yes, they do.

[37:39] » If I may say something, >> if I may say something, Jerry, I mean,

[37:46] » they won't be. >> I think they can hear me. and you can

[37:53] » what I was going to say is uh we know people are struggling the water bill and

[37:59] I will say this I just got my water bill I'll use myself as an example my water

[38:05] bill it's $138 if you know where I live my house the

[38:11] size of my house and to have that my house pressure washed and then on top of

[38:16] this $138 It's ridiculous. It is ridiculous. So,

[38:22] there's got to be some kind of solution. Not only for myself, if you don't do it

[38:26] for me, do it for the citizens. Give them a break.

[38:30] » It's not necessarily the the the water usage.

[38:34] » It's the sewer. It's not going into all that water's not going into the sewer.

[38:40] » Our water rates in this town are not bad. Our sewer rates are through the

[38:44] roof. >> It's the sewer. So if you're going to

[38:46] pressure wash your house and you're going to be still charged sewer rates,

[38:50] that is not fair. That is not right. >> I agree. But

[38:55] » how many how many problems have you had with that with the citizens? I mean,

[39:00] they come down and say, "I did this or I filled the pool up or something."

[39:04] » You just said, "Well, we don't solve it." And it was handled.

[39:07] » Exactly. >> Miss Wells handled it that way.

[39:10] » She sure did. >> Huh?

[39:12] » Miss Wells cut it out. She cut out. >> Have you checked Have you checked with

[39:17] what? And I think there is a solution that we can do to do something. I mean,

[39:23] give the people >> if they want to clean their houses

[39:27] though, that only makes both sense. >> And if you can't pressure wash your

[39:30] house and your house get all dirty, then you're ready to run and send somebody up

[39:33] there to condemn it or something. People want their property looking nice. We

[39:37] want our town looking nice. >> Yes, we do.

[39:39] » So, the original suggestion still plays. The only difference is If you want to do

[39:43] it on a weekend, public works would go out on Friday and read on Monday. And

[39:49] then you would take the difference in the average from an average weekend

[39:54] prior to that and subtract that difference out. And then that'll give

[39:58] you your amount. Instead of doing it for a singular day, you just have to upsize

[40:04] it for a Monday and a Friday. >> I think that could work.

[40:08] » You're just creating more work for the girls and dogs. They're they're I

[40:12] understand the job they're busier and rascal to begin with.

[40:15] » Yeah. >> So you create create more like five

[40:20] bills >> and just kind of do the adjustments that

[40:24] way. >> I guess so. Again, this was just brought

[40:27] forward because I wanted clarification on what you wanted to see for the

[40:31] calculation or how to handle it moving forward and then we'll implement the

[40:34] policy. I just wanted to know before I drafted an ordinance and that we have to

[40:38] change it. a mayor. I may please. Uh I contacted three, four or five

[40:46] have a phone book u housewashing people and asked them if they when they you

[40:52] know there's no certain thing cuz every house is different but you know you got

[40:55] an average of 1500 2,000 square foot house

[41:00] one story or two and most of them said between 3 to 500

[41:05] gallon some's less occasionally it might be a little more but but that falls

[41:10] pretty much in the thing. He said now that the washing now is just not a spray

[41:16] with a hard nozzle and spray wash and stuff because that'll do so much damage.

[41:21] He said most of all the things gone to a soft wash deal which uses probably less

[41:27] water and and type on it. So, and he said, one of them said, "Well, my wife,

[41:34] if I use too much of water, said she tells me water bills gone crazy." He

[41:38] said, "I got two tanks. One's 100, one's a 300 gallon." And so, most time I only

[41:43] come I fill back at the house. And so, most time it's u only once or twice a

[41:48] week that I actually had to use a water from the house, you know, to fill ours

[41:52] up. So yeah, I think you know if you want to take an average

[41:58] water thing and tell them if they get a credit for so many gallons, if it

[42:04] goes over their uh limit. So as long as in my case I don't use a lot of water.

[42:10] So if I don't go over the 2,000 gallons, then I wouldn't get any limit. But if

[42:15] I'm over 2,000 gallon, my limit for the thing and use 2,300 gallon, I get 300

[42:21] gallon limit. So I go back to the original thing. If I use 3,000 gallons

[42:26] and then I still get 300 gallons off the thing or 400 or 500, whatever you sign,

[42:33] but I mean that was a thing. And everyone everybody I talked to was into

[42:37] commercial house wash and they pretty much said that was the point, you know,

[42:43] because sometimes homeowners would, you know, just run a hose and just leave the

[42:47] hose laying in the yard while they're doing it, you know, and and and use a

[42:52] lot of water. And then some good bad persons doing washing, they bring a

[42:57] 500gallon tank empty. They fill it up, wash your house, and then fill it up

[43:02] again before they leave, you know, >> and that had to be one time. So the guy

[43:07] probably used 600 6 700 gallon, which normally probably use 300 gallon. You

[43:11] know, >> I would be comfortable with an allowance

[43:14] of 500 gallons. >> I'm right there with you. I mean, once

[43:18] once a year, yes. one time come fill your form out, you know,

[43:24] put a gallon number on it, but that'll that'll save the that'll save the girls

[43:27] in my office and it'll save public work and no math.

[43:31] » And no math >> and I created wonderful spreadsheets to

[43:35] calculate the adjustments. Well, [laughter]

[43:38] well, I think this is even better than a calculation, but we just all agree.

[43:43] » 500 gallons >> and they've got 500 gallons cuz a lot of

[43:49] people like to do their sidewalks as well. So,

[43:52] » I did my driveway. >> Your driveway.

[43:56] » I have concrete. >> Yeah. I mean, I used to do my driveway.

[44:00] And it's pretty driveway. >> We don't even wash our car.

[44:05] » We need to write it up. I mean, >> I'm I'm honorable. I mean, this is just

[44:12] for the citizens, >> but I think we need to make it the

[44:15] easiest we can. >> Yes.

[44:17] » On public works in administration. >> I do too. Agreed.

[44:20] » Let's not set any more work on the uh women in the office

[44:24] » or for the people for public works. >> Yes.

[44:27] » We can set the amount 500 gallons and go with it.

[44:34] » Okay. We need to make a motion to remove that since we're not doing action.

[44:41] » Does it not have action? >> It has action on here.

[44:45] » Yeah. I make a motion to propose allowing 500 gallons of water for the

[44:52] residents of Love City for pressure washing credit on the utility bill.

[44:58] » We would need to do an ordinance. >> Yeah. So, I'm so I'm taking minutes and

[45:03] and notes. So, I drafted all that. I'll have I'll work with uh Mr. Fry and Sarah

[45:10] to draft an ordinance for you guys. We can discuss it at the um the work

[45:15] session at the end of the month for a vote on

[45:17] » good >> in August.

[45:19] » Can I say something, Vice Mayor? Also, I guess before people uh pressure wash,

[45:24] they need to kind of let you know when they get ready to do it or

[45:28] » if they want to grant it, they're going to

[45:30] » fill out a form for it. >> So, just like with filling their pool,

[45:34] they can notify us after >> afterwards. Yeah. Just to let you know,

[45:39] I believe in keeping receipts. Do you need a video or pictures or anything

[45:43] like that? >> No, because we'll be able to see on

[45:47] their bill if there was a spike or not. And then so what we typically do is with

[45:51] these adjustment requests, including even fixing leaks, we wait another month

[45:55] to make sure the bill has come back down and that this they didn't ask for, you

[45:59] know, oh, we fixed the leak and then it wasn't really a fixed leak. They they

[46:03] just are running high. So very good. >> Now, this wouldn't

[46:11] [laughter] >> uh this would be an adjustment on the

[46:14] water and the sewer. >> No, just

[46:16] » No, just the water. >> Just water. No, just sewer.

[46:19] » Oh, just sewer. I'm sorry. Sewer. I said it backwards

[46:25] » to where they wouldn't have to pay for sewer because it doesn't go into the

[46:28] sewer. >> Do we have a motion to table this item

[46:33] on the agenda? >> Make a motion to remove it.

[46:37] » You have a second. >> I'll second it.

[46:40] » Get a vote. >> All right. Alderwoman Payne.

[46:43] » Yes. >> Alderman [clears throat] Balone.

[46:45] » Yes. >> Alderwoman Keith. Yes.

[46:48] » Vice Mayor Adams. >> Yes.

[46:49] » Alderman Johnson. >> Yes.

[46:51] » All right. >> All right. Next item on the agenda is

[46:55] the report for the town attorney. Mr. >> Alderman Malone, I'm going to answer

[46:59] your question. You asked it last month. I've got the uh delinquent tax list and

[47:04] it's a little over $72,000 >> from last year's.

[47:08] » Last year's

[47:14] report. >> All right.

[47:18] our town manager, if you want to go over your reports, tell us what's next.

[47:22] » Sure. Um, pull up my reports now.

[47:31] So, budget and strategic planning. In a recent email, um, I mentioned to you

[47:35] that one item was mistributed by the former mayor. Um, that was found

[47:40] yesterday afternoon as I was working with chief on um, his budget, his

[47:44] portion of the budget. he actually came into my office to strike down, I believe

[47:48] we cut out an additional $80,000 from the police budget and that's when we

[47:52] realized what was happening. Um, and I wanted to be fully transparent with you

[47:56] when I had that finding. Um, however, that also makes me question a lot more

[48:01] with our budget obviously and that's why I'm looking forward to the audit for the

[48:05] pre- audit to come in uh for them to close the books and have a look at

[48:08] everything. However, that also means that from this point forward, um, our

[48:14] public work, Mr. Moltry and Chief and I have all agreed. We already wanted to

[48:18] have more of an understanding of what was being attributed to what class line

[48:23] because it kind of they made recommendations, but I noticed some

[48:26] things weren't quite lining up. We are going to very diligently

[48:31] track every single item that goes out of our coffers to make sure that it is

[48:36] attributed to the correct class line. Well, we want that as well.

[48:39] » Well, right and that's what we want to present to you. I know that has not been

[48:43] presented to you in the past and that is something I want to give you guys. Um,

[48:47] it might be there might be a bit of a delay, you know, by a month or so when

[48:50] we do that, but it's to make sure that you guys are fully aware and it was

[48:54] actually recommended by the auditors that we do something similar to this and

[48:58] so I want to move forward with that. It's going to be a little painful, a

[49:02] little stressful, but I think in the long run it will be better with that.

[49:05] That means the 28 budget, the next budget is going to be almost a clean

[49:10] slate. We aren't going to be able to look at the past budgets to make a

[49:13] comparison because we're we're just kind of going really line by line to make

[49:18] sure everything is in the right line. Um, and it's again, it's going to be a

[49:23] little bit more diligent, a little more painful, but I think in the long run, it

[49:26] will set us up for success moving forward um to have a better idea of

[49:29] where everything is going. But does that mean that we're going to be waiting on

[49:34] all this or are we going to go ahead and do the uh redo an ordinance and the

[49:40] appropriations because we know we've got to get our 20

[49:44] 2026 27 budget completed. >> Right. So right now I'm going to make it

[49:51] as perfect as possible based on our workshop discussions.

[49:55] » And then also um based on this finding I have to move some things around. Like I

[50:00] said, I have to move that payment back over to the drug fund and take the items

[50:03] that we were going to pay for out of the drug fund, put them back in the general

[50:06] fund. That is a bit of a swap. Uh, but I think that, you know, between that and

[50:12] the salary changes that we discussed and things of that nature, I'm going to get

[50:16] it as perfect as humanly possible, knowing that there are going to be some

[50:21] some things that may not line up, but I will bring those to you as we move

[50:25] forward. Like I said, every month will be in accounting. It might be a month

[50:28] off, but it will be a full accounting each month.

[50:31] » That means that our 2026 2027 budget is going to be way off.

[50:37] » It may be off. Yes. >> Okay. Well,

[50:39] » um, and I do want to prepare you for that.

[50:41] » I mean, it's going to take a long time to get it approved. Is the Tennessee

[50:46] controllers's office okay with that? >> Well, no. I so like I said I'm going to

[50:50] get it as perfect as I can for you based on the knowledge that I have but as we

[50:54] go through the budget year I will have to bring to you possibly some changes to

[51:00] the budget >> for the appropriations if we do through

[51:02] the okay that's fine >> y um so I just want to prepare you for

[51:07] that because realizing now if we found that one item I think that's the tip of

[51:12] the iceberg >> I think that would be

[51:14] » everything has to be a comment for >> oh what's that Everything has to be

[51:19] account. Well, you just lose my >> Oh, yeah.

[51:22] » Yeah. Everything is accounted. Yes. It's just whether it's in the correct class

[51:25] line. Yes. That So, to be clear, no, I don't believe there was any stealing of

[51:30] funds. I do not believe anything like that. I think they were just put in the

[51:33] wrong class lines and put in the wrong areas. That's 100% what I mean.

[51:38] » Yes. >> Okay. I just want to make that very

[51:40] clear. I am not making any accusations. Oh, but there was but there was

[51:44] something I noticed in your project list and I hate to jump here, but it does go

[51:49] to what you were talking about for the August. We give our employees their

[51:55] raises in August, but I read something in there today that it wouldn't be until

[52:00] April. >> No, we can go over that later when I go

[52:04] through that part of the project list, but we discussed this at the work

[52:07] session. >> Yeah, we did. But but we didn't I I know

[52:10] I didn't agree or even give a nod that it would be okay to move it to April.

[52:17] They need to be getting their money in August. Period.

[52:20] » Right. I'll go over that portion because that that's not I I think there was a

[52:25] miscommunication there. I miss Yeah. >> Okay. Well, we we cleared that.

[52:31] » Okay. So, um

[52:35] let me see. As stated in the budget in the budget

[52:39] work session, uh there are a number of post-it notes on my wall to address our

[52:42] maintenance plan. We have a maintenance plan that needs to roll into a strategic

[52:45] plan because we have items like to meters, sewer pumps, pavement, um the

[52:50] pavement plan, of water tank issues, vaccines for public works, like all of

[52:54] those are on a measured time frame that they need to be addressed. And I want to

[53:00] make sure that as we move forward with strategic plans and maintenance plans

[53:03] that we are accounting for those that we we are ready for them when they come up.

[53:07] Um and not that it's a sudden it's a sudden hit. Um I'm also working on

[53:12] emergency plans with Bristol Bluff City and the city of Bristol because we

[53:16] utilize their services and we found out from this storm this weekend that we

[53:21] weren't the only ones that went out. they also went out and when they went

[53:25] out we were feeling some pain from it in our systems and so we need to make sure

[53:30] moving forward that we have a plan in place with them. Um but again that's

[53:34] going to be part of a strategic plan in in the future.

[53:37] » What about generators? >> That's part of what to be addressed in

[53:41] the strategic plan. >> Okay.

[53:44] » Um trainings in the employee handbook. We already went over that. Uh some of

[53:49] these uh trainings that we had included bullying, harassment, and driving

[53:53] safety. Those were recommendations by PE partners. They were online classes. The

[53:58] public works employees came in, utilized our computers while our staff was

[54:02] learning how to use the new business license software around one other

[54:05] computer. Um also, you received a copy of our cyber security policy and we'll

[54:10] be able to then start training on cyber security practices as well.

[54:16] our Bluff City consumer confidence report. You'll see on the table here, we

[54:19] have our water uh our water quality report that was submitted on June 5th, I

[54:26] think, and it's usually uh due June 30th. So, we were happy to get that out

[54:31] weeks early off our plates on, you know, on the good with TEK job postings. So,

[54:38] our finance officer posting has yielded just seven results, but only but and and

[54:43] one already withdrew because of the pay requirements. And it's not like it was

[54:47] slightly off where I could have possibly begged and bartered. It it was a

[54:51] significant pay difference. Um, so I'm working on steps between internal

[54:55] training. We have some people trained some internal people trained on cutting

[55:00] checks to help us with that and but I am telling them class lines. You know, we

[55:04] are we are working on how to make sure that is a

[55:08] a checking balance within our our system and then also that CPA firm coming in. I

[55:14] believe that we have a good handle on the situation. Um also the public works

[55:18] labor general laborer position is currently on hold during due to the

[55:22] water treatment plant operator position that we discussed before. Uh that is

[55:27] something that needs to happen. We are being dinged on it on the sewer survey

[55:32] or on the sanitation survey. And while we've been dinged on it years and years,

[55:37] we are finally coming to a point where they are going to give us a deadline.

[55:40] They are going to give us a time frame. We don't know what it is yet. They

[55:43] haven't submitted their report, but they did give us that fair warning. So, I

[55:46] want to make sure we start posting that job as soon as possible to get that in

[55:50] there. So, >> but that possibly be next year.

[55:54] » I mean, if they tell us we have to hire one within six months, but we really do

[55:57] need one now. Uh, you know, Allan, Mr. Moltry is is doing a lot of the work up

[56:04] there right now and we need to free him up to be able to do his other work and

[56:10] overseeing other projects throughout town. This is taking two positions that

[56:14] otherwise are unfilled and making [clears throat] it one position. It

[56:17] saves on benefits. It saves on um on training and things like that. Saves on

[56:23] uniforms. Saves Plus it lightens the load for Mr. Moltry. lightens load for

[56:28] myself because that water report should have been done by the water treatment

[56:32] plant operator, but it was Mr. Moltry and I doing it. So, you know, things

[56:35] like that. It has a larger rather than just the water

[56:39] » on that one. I also do not think you're going to I think you're going to find

[56:43] that you're not going to get a water treatment plant operator for the price

[56:48] that you have in mind. >> All I can do is put it out there, see if

[56:52] it works, and if it doesn't, I come back to the board for an increase in that

[56:55] salary. Um, but I need to start posting it now to see what I can get.

[57:03] Then smoking at the ball fields. I updated you on the bi-weekly reports.

[57:08] Um, TVA reached out to us about a complaint and because it is federal land

[57:12] that TVA leases out to us. We do have to follow TBA rules regarding smoking in

[57:17] the ball fields. They it has to be enforced. Now, that's not Wells Park.

[57:22] It's just the ball fields. Um, and so they we are working with them. They are

[57:27] going to try to get us some signage to put up there regarding TVA rules so that

[57:30] we can we can further point point that out.

[57:35] As for our monthly reports, um, the police department issued 164 citations,

[57:41] 64 warnings, 34 and uh had 34 arrests. We had zero DUIs for the month of June.

[57:50] And then we also only had 23 accidents.

[57:56] Uh you will also notice, sorry I I'm thinking back, we also held the DUI

[58:01] training here uh a few weeks ago and that was great for you know local law

[58:05] enforcement to come and see our facility but also you know again providing a

[58:09] service to the larger group. It larger community. It's really nice to see that

[58:14] we're able to do that and and help out in general. Um, and it just it's just

[58:18] nice to to be a part of that. >> Our public Oh, I'm sorry.

[58:23] » I just had a question here. >> Sure.

[58:24] » Our scientations were down. >> Yes.

[58:28] » Half almost from 300 to 164. >> Was that because had one less patrolman?

[58:33] » Well, we actually had surgery. >> Yeah. Sorry. Surgery. We actually had

[58:38] two out. We had one that's had some surgery and we had one that's had left.

[58:44] My thought was just everybody abiding by the law. Yeah,

[58:50] » I want to live in that world. >> How naive are you down there? It has

[58:54] been down for the last few months. I I I've noticed that.

[58:58] » Yeah, we've had >> You got to get back on that.

[59:00] » Yeah, I just don't want to live cuz I want to ride 150 tickets. [laughter]

[59:08] » Jim Watson. >> Yeah.

[59:13] » [laughter] >> I have to get my grip.

[59:16] » Careful. We're very close to having quotas. [laughter]

[59:20] » Let's not go much there. >> But uh let's not go much further.

[59:27] » Okay. >> Conspiracy theorist will be down here

[59:28] with foil hats. >> Oh, I'm joking. These people better make

[59:33] a joke every now and then. So, our public works department today as part of

[59:37] that EPA technical assistance grant, uh, Walpert is down here conducting GIS

[59:42] mapping of our storm water, you know, doing additional mapping of our storm

[59:46] water. They believe that they will have that all completed by August and then

[59:52] they will have a development plan of alternatives. That's what it's called,

[59:55] but it's really their suggestions and recommendations for all of our systems,

[59:59] sewer and wastewater or storm water. Um, they should have those in October.

[1:00:06] Um, our water treatment plant pumped out an average of 239,000 gallons per day.

[1:00:12] The average tank level was 40 almost 46 feet and the maximum level was about 53

[1:00:19] and 1/2 ft. We have the contracted work happening at the water treatment plant.

[1:00:23] We have Morin Craig here tonight to kind of give you more updates on that. And we

[1:00:29] we anticipate a scheduled shutdown to begin in two weeks because the water has

[1:00:34] to be offline. So, we'll be direct buying directly from Bristol Blood City.

[1:00:37] Um, it we know it'll cause an increase, but at the same time, it's necessary so

[1:00:42] that they can they can make those upgrades that are needed out of the

[1:00:46] plant. Our distribution system had six water

[1:00:49] leaks during the month. Um, four of which were lateral line leaks and two

[1:00:53] were at the corporation stops. And so, if you also see our our crews

[1:00:59] had to go out because it's never just a water leak, right? they have to go out

[1:01:02] do make the fix to the water leak, but then also sometimes that includes

[1:01:06] tearing up a road. So then they have to refill the road and it's never just a a

[1:01:12] water leak. So then we have our sewer system. So for

[1:01:18] the month of June, we did not have any overflows, but I will be open with you

[1:01:23] that we did have one last this past weekend because again that was

[1:01:28] a list of issues that had all the the red buttons went off at once. So not

[1:01:34] only did we not have we didn't have power to our pumps. So yes, the

[1:01:39] generators did great. However, Bristol was also down. So we are not sure that

[1:01:45] even if we were pumping if they pumping as well to take on our stuff.

[1:01:51] That that's why I want to work on an emergency plan with them because when I

[1:01:56] found that out, I immediately emailed Crystal and went, "We need to talk about

[1:02:00] this because even if our system is working and theirs isn't,

[1:02:05] » it doesn't do any good." >> Then they would need a generator.

[1:02:08] » Well, right. And that's what I want to make sure that we are all on the same

[1:02:12] page with an emergency plan. Um but even so again this entire area I think

[1:02:17] everyone saw power went out everywhere >> every everywhere. Um and it wasn't just

[1:02:24] a flicker and then it went out. It just >> shut off and so also with Bristol Bluff

[1:02:28] City their water they had trouble getting water out as well and we were

[1:02:34] unable to purchase any water from them for a bit. Did we need to

[1:02:38] » we got we got low in our tank but it not to the point of notifying needing to

[1:02:43] notify people to boil water or anything to of that nature but it was low and it

[1:02:47] was >> as it hit about um in the 20s the the

[1:02:54] tank hit the somewhere in the 20s is when it started we were able to start

[1:02:57] buying again. I was texting Alan in the moment as the water started to come back

[1:03:02] up thankfully. But again, reaching out to Bristol Blood City to get an

[1:03:06] emergency plan in place because if their system their system fried out as well

[1:03:12] that impacts us that impacts our town. So I want to make sure that we are that

[1:03:17] we have a plan in place beyond just hey guys boil your water. Bristol does I

[1:03:24] mean like I say you might have fried out or could have been a malfunction stuff

[1:03:29] » but they do have a generator at this thing here because when they put it in

[1:03:33] years ago like it test it every Friday it would come on

[1:03:37] » and people would come fire department said there's black smoke coming down the

[1:03:40] building down there and the fire department go down there and there was a

[1:03:43] generator going through the cycle. So after about 10 or 12 calls and we quit

[1:03:48] going down checking out the generator but so [laughter] so we got word out but

[1:03:52] they do did have a generator in that building.

[1:03:54] » Yeah. Now will the generators be placed in into in such a manner

[1:04:00] » by maybe a company that knows what they're doing where it automatically

[1:04:05] kicks on the generator kicks on. >> Yeah. Yep. So that's one of those where

[1:04:10] we would because that is you know that just happened. We're going to start

[1:04:15] pricing that out. Again, part of the strategic plan, the maintenance plan,

[1:04:18] and capital asset. Okay. >> Okay.

[1:04:24] Um, let's see the streets department. Uh, I

[1:04:29] updated you in the bi-weekly report. We met with Summers Taylor. We did a tour

[1:04:33] of Bluff City. The gentleman said that he was born and raised and still lives

[1:04:36] in Elizabethton, and he had never been to downtown Bluff City before, so it was

[1:04:40] very exciting for him. Um, but we drove around he saw some roads that he, you

[1:04:46] know, thinks are pretty easy to work with. We showed him the the priority

[1:04:49] roads that we want to work on. And so, as we are now part of the project is for

[1:04:55] me to go around or us to go around and measure out all of the streets to make

[1:04:59] sure we can give them uh some numbers so that we can get an actual good estimate.

[1:05:05] But the plan, the initial thought on the plan is the roads that are already the

[1:05:10] the the water, sewer, storm water lines are all fixed, all ready to go. Focus on

[1:05:15] those first and then while they're working on those, we work on our lines

[1:05:19] on other priority roads and then they come in behind us and repave and just

[1:05:23] kind of continue some of that process. Um, but we we need to know what that

[1:05:28] would look like dollar-wise before we go and

[1:05:30] » it's going to be a lot of dollars. >> It will.

[1:05:34] We need it. >> We need it. Yes.

[1:05:36] » I mean, every time we post something on Facebook page, our town of Glass City

[1:05:41] Facebook page, I don't know if you all read them or not, but it's always water

[1:05:46] and sewer. I mean, is it always our roads?

[1:05:49] » Yep. They do not like it. >> Um, so then also our parks department. I

[1:05:56] have worked on the forms for people to use Wells Park and that's because uh you

[1:06:03] know we need to make sure a that they're not holding as harmless for or uh

[1:06:08] holding let me rephrase there's a whole harmless agreement for them that if they

[1:06:14] injure themselves down at Wells Park that they can't come after us but that

[1:06:17] also they agree to certain things such as cleaning up your confetti afterwards

[1:06:21] and and if you don't we will you know have to not allow you to rent again or

[1:06:26] something of that nature. Um, but I do want to make you guys aware that that

[1:06:30] form is complete. I'll send it out for you for us to for you to agree to before

[1:06:34] I start implementing it. But I would like to implement it starting August 1.

[1:06:40] Uh, vehicles, our public works trucks travel 2,000 miles. Uh the two trucks

[1:06:45] that were ordered are due to arrive in August, which will lead to a mileage

[1:06:49] increase, but uh hopefully overall um it it will be great for our team

[1:06:55] because, you know, right now it's running a little rough for them with

[1:06:59] trucks.

[1:07:02] Um onto our administrative department, the general fund is at 2.9 million. The

[1:07:08] sanitation fund is 65,000. special police fund which is the item that we

[1:07:12] discussed earlier um that is at 17,000 the debt service fund is 112,000 sinking

[1:07:19] fund is 3,000 and the water sewer is at 359 thou 359,000

[1:07:24] that um I did mention that uh first Tennessee has submitted

[1:07:30] requests for reimbursements on some of those federal grants we are due to

[1:07:33] receive some of those back however because the federal fiscal year ends

[1:07:37] September 30th I would anticipate most of those payments will start to come

[1:07:41] through in August and September because they're closing out their books before

[1:07:45] you know everything um their new fiscal year starts. Um and then also oh

[1:07:52] so also our team is working on developing new internal policies and

[1:07:56] procedures and I just want to give you a highlight of some of those. For example,

[1:08:02] we're keeping up to make sure that we are up to date our employee files. I

[1:08:06] notice some items are missing from some employee files. small things, W4s, you

[1:08:11] know, their their exemptions, that sort of thing. But I want to make sure we

[1:08:13] have that all and that we're in full compliance with any audit that may come

[1:08:17] up. Um, and then also discussing, I said that we are working on the fund lines,

[1:08:24] fund lines, um, for the police department and public works. We have

[1:08:29] gone through and create and drafted them out for our guys to hold on to. So that

[1:08:34] way when they then

[1:08:38] do a purchase accounting form, they are giving the class line that each item

[1:08:42] belongs to. So they are the ones working within their budget. They are the ones

[1:08:46] telling us where it needs to be attributed to. Um because they know

[1:08:50] better than I would know. I can see a coupling and go, I I don't know if

[1:08:54] that's water, if that's sewer, if that's a truck. I don't I don't know what that

[1:08:57] is. So they're the ones who will be doing that for for me. Um,

[1:09:04] also as we move forward, you know, this has been my first year here. It's been a

[1:09:09] lot. It's learning what needs to come up next. And then, oh, we should have done

[1:09:12] that, you know, a month ago. I am starting to create a calendar with the

[1:09:17] dates for this is just 2026, but as we move forward, I'm adding the dates the

[1:09:23] 2027 calendar, so I know that I can reverse engineer, backtrack, and and

[1:09:27] know what start dates I need to work on. Um, so for example, the PE partners that

[1:09:32] safety grant that's opened up. I've started working on that that but that I

[1:09:37] added it to the 2027 calendar as well so that way we can I can make sure to look

[1:09:41] out for it for next year. So these are small things but they're going to make

[1:09:46] us more efficient moving forward. It's just I it's it's a lot to take in and a

[1:09:51] lot to move forward with. So I thank you for your patience as you deal with me.

[1:09:57] I'm trying to figure this all out in my first year here. Um, as for our projects

[1:10:03] list,

[1:10:09] » there it is. Okay. So, you did want updates on the consent order regarding

[1:10:13] the item. >> I do. Yes.

[1:10:15] » Yep. >> And and as well as the garage fun

[1:10:18] station because they did get that notice of violation against them up there as

[1:10:22] well, >> right? Um, so I'm working with Allan on

[1:10:25] that information. But as for the sewer project across the street, the team did

[1:10:29] start digging to get the sewer line replaced. However, I did send you photos

[1:10:33] of the roots that were there. They were very large. Um, and unfortunately very

[1:10:38] alive. And so the moment that chainsaw hit it, it just gums up. It stops. It

[1:10:43] doesn't do anything. So our guys had to rent uh larger equipment. However, also

[1:10:47] looking at it, they realized that manhole, and I know Austin can speak

[1:10:51] more to this, but the manhole looked like it was handmade.

[1:10:56] In what year, we do not know. So, with that, we had to buy a pre-cast one

[1:11:01] because the the a pre-cast one is, you know, a pretty

[1:11:06] standard one, right? But this pre-made this handmade one was not up to

[1:11:11] standards. So, we just went ahead and ordered a new one. But because that

[1:11:16] takes a few weeks for them to cast and bring in, we put a small pause on the

[1:11:20] project. Because as Allan wanted to do the lines and then the manhole and he's

[1:11:26] realizing with that root intrusion, he needs to reverse those. So he needs to

[1:11:30] do the manhole and then lay the new line, the new piping to fit to the

[1:11:34] manhole.

[1:11:39] » Yes. Thank you. I was like, I know it begins with Yes.

[1:11:46] Um, so but public works, they still have faith in their staff to be able to get

[1:11:50] this done. It's just going to be smaller portions. It's going to be a little bit

[1:11:54] longer. But these guys collectively have the experience to do it. It they just

[1:11:58] haven't done it at this scale before. Um, and so Allan is really confident

[1:12:03] that his team can do it even if they have reservations because you know with

[1:12:07] any new project you you can get a little nervous. So, uh, but he he is full faith

[1:12:11] in his team. Um, we have our water meter upgrades.

[1:12:16] We are currently in the need, we need to purchase about another 120. We have 32

[1:12:22] that will be focused on repeated needs. Uh, you know, every month we read

[1:12:28] our meters. Sometimes we have to reread the meters. The ones that are coming up

[1:12:31] every month, month after month that we have to reread, those are the ones we're

[1:12:35] going to focus these new meters on. And then we will start focusing on ones that

[1:12:40] are are fine. um but just need to be upgraded.

[1:12:46] Our boardwalk and pavilion again those have been that has been um

[1:12:50] [clears throat]

[1:12:54] some of the projects have been kind of put on the back burner because they are

[1:12:57] busy working on other projects around town. However, if we could get the parks

[1:13:02] and recreation committee going, that would be wonderful because then they can

[1:13:05] start coordinating volunteer events and we have the waiver for our volunteers um

[1:13:10] to be able to go in and do some work over there. [snorts]

[1:13:14] Our public works reorganization after budget discussions, a reorganization

[1:13:18] will move forward. Oh, she Well, I'll come back to that one because

[1:13:23] I was going to discuss some of the the performance reviews.

[1:13:28] um the public works gate. It was mentioned at the budget workshop that I

[1:13:32] reach out to btees about getting a new meter down at the actual gate um to to

[1:13:38] get that get power to the gate so it it's no longer just open and close

[1:13:42] manual. Um and BTE I I've already reached out to them. They're going to go

[1:13:47] out and look at it to see what can be done. So I'll give you an update on that

[1:13:51] when it comes out. Paving already discussed. I'm working on street

[1:13:55] measurements. If you see a crazy woman walking around with a little measuring

[1:13:58] wheel, that's just me boppinging along getting my steps in for the day. Um,

[1:14:03] salt shed that has been put on pause because again,

[1:14:07] staff is working on other projects right now, but it is agreed that they will get

[1:14:10] back to it in the fall.

[1:14:17] Um, so on the administrative side, we have a coordinated workspace platform

[1:14:22] that has been worked into the budget this year. part of that, you know, as I

[1:14:28] work with Chief and Allen on our budget items, those real detailed line items,

[1:14:33] rather than sending a spreadsheet back and forth, it would be better to have it

[1:14:36] kind of, you know, in the cloud so we can all access it and also other forms,

[1:14:41] other policies, other procedures for people so that we don't have to print

[1:14:44] everything off. It can be up there. They can just read it. Um so I want to bounce

[1:14:49] back to the public works reorganization

[1:14:53] after the budget discussions reorganization will move forward the

[1:14:57] August performance reviews. We will be having August performance reviews. So,

[1:15:01] it was my understanding with the with the budget discussion was that everyone

[1:15:06] and and please correct me if I'm wrong, is that everyone would get the 3% base

[1:15:13] increase this year just because it's easy for the budget, but then in April

[1:15:18] they will have another performance review and that's where this comes into

[1:15:21] play where that will be more of the merit-based

[1:15:25] review and the pay increase will be subject to board approval.

[1:15:31] starting July 1 in the next budget. So that way it gives you guys a more solid

[1:15:36] number for salary um for that next budget. With that, we are also handing

[1:15:44] we're we're going to utilize the August review, the one next month to our

[1:15:48] advantage to say this is your job description. This is what I expect to

[1:15:52] see out of you come April. Because I think some of these guys, they haven't

[1:15:55] seen their job description since they were first hired 10 years ago. So going

[1:15:59] that back over that with them at the performance review say this is what I

[1:16:04] expect out of you come April and then that's where the

[1:16:08] performancebased review will happen and then every year from there on it will be

[1:16:11] in April so that we can again account for those merit-based increases in the

[1:16:16] next budget. >> So what kind of a raise will they then

[1:16:19] turn around and get in April? >> Well it won't be until July. The actual

[1:16:24] dollar amount won't be until July, but it will be subject to board approval

[1:16:28] with the budget. >> But the mean that would mean we have

[1:16:33] done the budget then for 28. >> Okay. Go.

[1:16:37] » Yep. So that way it gives you guys a better idea of salary.

[1:16:41] » You have a couple of months before we >> I like that idea. I do like that idea.

[1:16:45] » Yep. And I think I think it's it's better for employees to have that merit

[1:16:48] base, too. Um it it's an incentive. Um, but it everyone will still get an

[1:16:53] increase. It's just a matter of how much.

[1:16:54] » I vacasillate on that. It causes me to lose sleep over that

[1:17:00] because Oh, you could be going down a a whale on that one.

[1:17:07] So, >> and you do the evaluations?

[1:17:10] » Well, the directors will be doing the evaluations.

[1:17:13] » How about the ones that work at the pleasure of the board?

[1:17:16] » You do my evaluations. >> Okay. because we've never had before. I

[1:17:20] I knew that, but I was >> Oh, when we did that, we will be

[1:17:25] evaluating you in office, >> I believe. So, I do not

[1:17:29] » Well, she's not the only one that works. >> All right. Well, when they

[1:17:34] » So, what I can do is um I can work with you on that process as well and possibly

[1:17:38] I do the review because I work with them dayto day, but then I bring it to you.

[1:17:42] » Okay. >> Um so that you can you can also see.

[1:17:45] » Okay. >> Will we get everybody job prescriptions

[1:17:49] to work. >> Yeah, I think that would be a good idea.

[1:17:52] » Good. Good. >> And we will be doing our evaluation of

[1:17:57] you this time alone, Mr. There's no no need for Mr. Al to come in.

[1:18:02] » I have no idea to be honest with you. >> I prefer not to have him come.

[1:18:07] » Okay. If I may say something, uh,

[1:18:13] I don't know how you feel, but I can truly say that MEST was there when I had

[1:18:18] nobody here to help me or stand with me. And, uh, I'm not using this as a cuss

[1:18:24] word, but I mean, I went through I went through and if I didn't have Mr. Aner

[1:18:29] guidance to help me through, you know, only God knows if I keep it here today.

[1:18:35] » Good party. But I think that's up to you. Well, he is he is a good tool, but

[1:18:41] uh also he has been involved and he has been helping Christo a great deal,

[1:18:49] » but I think it's time now >> we are ready for this and so we do not

[1:18:54] understand what you're saying. >> There's other people with tasks that we

[1:18:57] can bring in. >> So there's other people with impass that

[1:19:00] can it doesn't have to be >> and I can understand what you're saying

[1:19:04] but let me tell you something. I don't forget the ones that was there for me.

[1:19:12] » And he was helped me out on a few occasions.

[1:19:17] » Oh, you for talking to him. >> He's helped me.

[1:19:21] » Yep. >> So then also town hall security,

[1:19:25] identification, and time sheets. Uh again, this has been integrated into the

[1:19:29] next budget. So that way we can get more security here or better security here.

[1:19:33] Like I said, we can deactivate a badge. we can't deactivate a key. Um, so I

[1:19:38] would like to have badges for employees to be able to come in and it will also

[1:19:41] automatically disarm the alarm, you know, things like that. So it will kind

[1:19:45] of streamline that for for everyone. Uh, that is also subject to grant partial

[1:19:50] grant reimbursement through PE partners and that grant opens on July 27th. So I

[1:19:55] will be submitting for that as well or figuring out how I can I can work that

[1:19:58] to our advantage. 27 budget, we've already had our work

[1:20:02] one works shop. I would like to have another workshop based on the ED edits

[1:20:07] I'm going to be making. Um, we can discuss that later. I already discussed

[1:20:12] with you that my calendar that I've developed, storm emergency and operation

[1:20:16] plans, I mentioned that with the city of Bristol. Employee manual upgrades, we

[1:20:21] discussed that. Uh, the general contractor and mechanic needs,

[1:20:26] that one, it's frustrating to be honest with you. Um, I received multiple

[1:20:31] estimates, but now as we start to look at it, it's just not it's not feasible

[1:20:36] for some of these. So, I think we I need to just piece it out and then bring you

[1:20:39] the estimates and then we make a decision. And I will do that for our

[1:20:42] next for our August board meeting because it's just we need to get this

[1:20:46] done and I'm I'm tired of it sitting on my to-do list. So, um you know, Mr.

[1:20:52] Moltry and I did discuss a few items around here that could be worked on as

[1:20:56] rainy day projects because we do know some rain is coming up. and they won't

[1:20:59] be able to mow. They won't be able to work on the project. So, we do have some

[1:21:03] items kind of a honeydew list, so to speak, for them to come in and work on.

[1:21:09] » And I suggested some items because Wells Park is not on high priority on that,

[1:21:16] but I provided you I gave you some there's some things that can be done in

[1:21:22] cooler weather, >> right? So, I'm talking about actual like

[1:21:25] rainy rainy view. >> Yeah, it can be inside, but I'm still

[1:21:30] looking further ahead >> for the fall. Absolutely.

[1:21:34] » Possibly winter time. >> Yep. So,

[1:21:36] » and I think in the past it's just been a lot of whack-a-ole with projects and as

[1:21:41] we start to move forward, we can start actually planning out these projects and

[1:21:44] I'm really excited for that. So, um that is my report.

[1:21:49] » All right. Before we move much further, uh, do we have a motion to approve the

[1:21:54] financial report? >> Make a motion to approve the financial

[1:21:58] approach.

[1:22:03] » Town Manager, may we get a vote? >> Yes.

[1:22:06] » Uh, Alderwoman Kane, >> yes. Alderman Malone,

[1:22:10] » yes. >> Alderwoman Keith,

[1:22:12] » yes. >> Vice Mayor Adams,

[1:22:13] » yes. >> And Alderman Johnson,

[1:22:15] » yes. >> All right.

[1:22:17] » All right. Moving on. report from Selma County District 5 commissioners. Don't

[1:22:22] see Mr. Glover or Mr. King here. So, we'll move right on to the board of

[1:22:25] mayor and alderman comment. >> So, she didn't put on distinguished

[1:22:29] guests, but we do have Mr. >> Mr. Well, actually, he gives us updates,

[1:22:36] so I don't distinguish guests. Not really. Welcome back. We have missed

[1:22:41] you. >> You ready for me now?

[1:22:43] » Sure. Go right ahead. >> Good deal. Um, so, uh, Chris had asked

[1:22:50] me to come tonight and, um, give some updates on, um, the ongoing work at the

[1:22:55] water treatment plant and, um, the sewer project here across the street. Um,

[1:23:00] since she already touched on the sewer project, I'll start with that one. Um,

[1:23:05] really every everything she said, you know, is that Alan has sent me shop

[1:23:09] drawings of the the manhole. Um, I guess he's just awaiting the manhole as as it

[1:23:15] has been ordered. Okay. So just awaiting the manhole per the consent order,

[1:23:20] corrective action plan and implementation schedule. That work is

[1:23:23] set to be complete July 24th. If if that's not doable, let me know and I'll

[1:23:30] contact TEC to let them know that the schedule [snorts] needs to adjust.

[1:23:34] » Yep, we'll do that. >> Um

[1:23:37] » and so >> I'm sorry.

[1:23:43] » Oh, >> I can look that up. I believe it was

[1:23:45] what, two weeks ago? >> I was going to say two weeks ago.

[1:23:48] » Okay. >> Yep.

[1:23:51] » But yeah, >> that's

[1:23:53] » if that schedule needs to push a little bit, let me know and I'll I'll inform

[1:23:58] them that, you know, adjustment made to our implementation schedule.

[1:24:01] » I'd say that'd be a safe bet. >> Yeah.

[1:24:05] » To push it. >> We'll check with Allen and confirm

[1:24:09] before >> I would rather have a date in mind

[1:24:11] before we just say push it. I would like to have a date. They're going to want to

[1:24:15] know exactly when when it can be done when uh

[1:24:21] I said they'll be forgiving the first time, but we need to be sure that we are

[1:24:25] » pretty spot on with the next one. >> Um

[1:24:29] also, um other items towards that. Um second notices on the private defect,

[1:24:38] uh the sewer private defect letters, those those were sent out on the 29th.

[1:24:44] Um so final notices um should uh schedule should adjust to go out July

[1:24:51] 29th and um that will close out those two milestones. Um I also am um

[1:24:58] preparing to write the first quarterly report required of the consent order. I

[1:25:02] think it has to go out next week. July 15th I think is the date on that.

[1:25:08] » Um yeah

[1:25:11] fairly certain it's next week. I've got it on my calendar, but first quarterly

[1:25:14] report will be sent out next week. Um, so if y'all have any questions,

[1:25:20] » I actually have a question for Christa. Christa, on those letters, you might

[1:25:26] want to explain a little bit more in detail about the letters,

[1:25:29] » the private defect letters. So, um, >> you won't smoke it.

[1:25:33] » Uh, so Mor and Craig went and did smoke testing and where we found defects for

[1:25:39] on private property, we sent letters out to those indiv to those homeowners to

[1:25:44] make fixes. Uh, and they were to come in and notify us that they have fixed or

[1:25:48] submit a plan to fix. For example, I will say this, Mr. Chase across the

[1:25:53] street, because that project across the street impacts him, he came in, we

[1:25:58] discussed it. I said, "Just send me an email that says basically once you fix

[1:26:01] your problem, I'll fix mine." So, you know, we're being flexible in that

[1:26:06] regard because we know that it's not just I mean I mean can't send much out

[1:26:11] that people don't hear about. So, I'm not sure if the other board members

[1:26:16] were aware of or not, but they had 60 days

[1:26:20] » to to let us know. >> Yeah. To let you know

[1:26:23] » and then uh >> what your intent what their intentions

[1:26:26] were, >> right? And it didn't have to necessarily

[1:26:28] be fixed within 60 days. It's what >> delay your Yeah. What's your plan? What

[1:26:32] is your digit? >> Yep. And some didn't get back to us and

[1:26:35] most did. We only had a couple what? Four, I think I had to send out.

[1:26:40] » So, it not bad. >> All right.

[1:26:43] » Yeah. Could you send me those? I don't I don't

[1:26:46] » Oh, I didn't. Okay. I scanned them. I just apparently didn't hit send. Okay.

[1:26:50] Yeah. >> I will I will want to include those in

[1:26:52] the quarterly report. Um, I think you have to send that they've got sent out,

[1:26:56] but if I have a copy of them, that'd be great. Um, so I guess any other

[1:27:00] questions involving consent order, anything?

[1:27:04] » What about the u I guess the survey or the maps and stuff of all the water

[1:27:10] lines and stuff is supposed to >> last year. Um, so the the funding by the

[1:27:17] funding those projects are going to let's see

[1:27:23] there's there's the swig funding and then there's other pot funding that

[1:27:27] they're off by a year. We're our goal is to have those wrapped up by the end of

[1:27:33] September. So by the end of September we hope to have now

[1:27:39] Yes. Yes. By the end of September, we have to have the GIS mapping done, the

[1:27:44] cur uh the um asset management plan complete, um capital improvement plan,

[1:27:49] and the rate study. Um the town already has um a water model. So, some of these

[1:27:55] other municipalities have that as part of their scope and that can push to the

[1:27:59] next year, but um the plan right now is to have that stuff complete inclusive of

[1:28:05] the GIS mapping um by the end of September.

[1:28:09] That's what we're pushing for. >> Well, that includes some storm water

[1:28:13] drain stuff or is that different? >> So, that includes the sanitary sewer and

[1:28:18] the water and all the pertinances of relative to those two systems.

[1:28:24] » Yes. So, EPA is doing the storm drain.

[1:28:31] » It's very exciting that we're having this all happen.

[1:28:34] » It is. It is. if it's not a hope and a promise and a let down.

[1:28:42] » So, uh, anything else regarding that stuff and we can talk about water

[1:28:46] treatment plan otherwise? >> Yeah, just go for it.

[1:28:49] » All right. So, um I emailed Jonah with Eric um after receiving the request for

[1:28:56] my attendance and um kind of asked him for an updated list of tasks that's been

[1:29:03] complete and a schedule of future um work planned. And so completed to date,

[1:29:09] he has all major instrumentation, PLC, valve, analyzer, and control panel

[1:29:15] submittals have been approved. Major equipment, instrumentation, control

[1:29:19] panels, valves and analyzers, and field devices have been procured and

[1:29:23] delivered. Electrical roughin at the treatment plant is substantially

[1:29:28] complete, including conduit, cable tray, junction boxes, junction boxes, and uh

[1:29:34] preparation for final device terminations.

[1:29:38] Um instrument mounting location have been field verified and installation

[1:29:43] layout's been completed and installation materials staged and then shutdown is

[1:29:50] planning to be uh had been shutdown planning has been completed um to

[1:29:56] minimize plant downtime. Um he gave me a sequence to

[1:30:03] um the shutdown sequence. It goes through a

[1:30:10] fiveweek sequence of line items here. Um

[1:30:17] I can read them all off or I can just read

[1:30:19] » clarify it's not going to be down for five.

[1:30:22] » Yeah. Not consecutively at least to my knowledge. I I just want before that

[1:30:26] question comes up, it will come down. >> You saw my job, y'all. [laughter]

[1:30:31] » So, he he's got the schedule um of of the work conducted within those five

[1:30:37] weeks and then um the only thing Yeah, there it is. Um

[1:30:45] he's he's got the manual transfer switch uh for the for the generator noted on

[1:30:50] here. um that equipment did have a little bit longer lead time than the

[1:30:55] others. So um once once that equipment's received um

[1:31:00] they'll complete that associated work as well. Um so his final note here says the

[1:31:05] majority of the remaining work is concentrated within the planned shutdown

[1:31:09] period and consists of field installation, electrical integration,

[1:31:14] PLC checkout, startup, commissioning and operation training. Um, we anticipate

[1:31:20] the work progressing in accordance with this sequence. So, um, I can forward

[1:31:28] this to you, Kristen. You can distribute to them if you would like, so they can

[1:31:33] read the shutdown sequence. It's >> Well, it's two pages long, so

[1:31:39] » I can go through it, but >> it's all [laughter] right, man.

[1:31:43] » So, just email it. >> We'll peruse [laughter] it. Thank you.

[1:31:48] Um, but other than that, um, yeah, that's that's where that one stands. We

[1:31:53] did have that, uh, I can attest to that rough end meeting. We did have that last

[1:31:56] Thursday with I think it was Thursday with Heric and Lord company and went

[1:32:01] through and everybody made sure that they had their margin orders of where

[1:32:05] everything was to go and um, it's progressing.

[1:32:09] » So, y'all have any questions on that front?

[1:32:13] » Sounds good. Sounds like we're getting closer.

[1:32:16] » It's getting there. It's getting there. >> And you're working hand in hand with

[1:32:19] Allan Street over there. >> Yes. Yeah. Um Yeah. I've I've reviewed

[1:32:24] the the submittal drawings. Um he's got our plan.

[1:32:29] So,

[1:32:33] » all righty. Well, there's nothing else for me.

[1:32:36] » Thanks, ma'am. >> Thank you guys.

[1:32:38] » All right. Now, we can do the board of mayor's alderman comments. Um I guess

[1:32:44] I'm on the top of the list, so I'll go first. Thank you all for coming out.

[1:32:48] I think one good thing about tonight, you can see a lot of progress, a lot of

[1:32:52] moving forward. >> Um, and you know, seeing something that

[1:32:56] is planned for to be completed, you know, almost a month ahead of time. Wow,

[1:33:02] that is so fantastic. So, >> I think everybody's doing a great job

[1:33:06] and keep up good work. Thank you'all for being

[1:33:14] » Hello everybody. It's good to see everybody and u

[1:33:18] thank you for being here and it is truly a blessing to hear my fellow board

[1:33:24] members with their strong powerful voice especially standing up and speaking up

[1:33:29] for the people and wanting to do good by the people. I appreciate that and I'm

[1:33:35] learning not to take anything or anything for granted and when somebody

[1:33:40] do something good for me you know I don't ever want to forget. So when you

[1:33:44] was talking about intest Michelle and Mest was very very instrumental of

[1:33:50] helping me with my transition from mayor to being able to run as alderwoman. So

[1:33:57] they were really good. So I'm thankful for test and love city residents. I will

[1:34:05] continue to be a strong honest force for the people. I'll continue to stand up,

[1:34:10] speak up and speak out for what's right. if you need just a phone call away.

[1:34:16] Thank you.

[1:34:19] » Thank everybody for coming. I'm glad to see some progress and everybody going

[1:34:24] forward. Seems like everybody's getting involved or getting engaged in what's

[1:34:29] going on. Won't know what's happening. So, appreciate everybody. Thank you.

[1:34:37] I want to thank the people that are sitting here tonight in the audience and

[1:34:41] a big shout out to those who watch the videos. So, we have far more of you all

[1:34:47] out there in YouTube land than we have in the building here. So, and it appears

[1:34:55] as though the meetings are being posted faster now, which will be which is great

[1:35:01] and greatly appreciated. And hopefully this year uh we will roll in a new

[1:35:08] system, new audio and video system for year for the people and instead of

[1:35:15] having to record with the camera over here. So

[1:35:20] again, thank you and I do want to thank my fellow board members and thank you

[1:35:24] Mr. Fry. Thank you, Kristen. I think we we had a good meeting tonight

[1:35:31] and and and I love I really want to get rid of that project list that that we

[1:35:37] have had for a long time. Be glad to see that puppy burned when everything on

[1:35:44] there gets taken off of it. So, but I guess and I'm not going to say slowly

[1:35:49] but surely because I do not have patience. So, you know, so I know it

[1:35:56] takes time but Sometimes we can move some of this stuff along.

[1:36:07] » I I do thank everybody for coming. I'd like to see I'd like to see this room

[1:36:11] packed citizens. I really would, >> you know, and giving, you know, giving

[1:36:15] us down the road%. So,

[1:36:18] » um I I've I've watched past videos from years and years ago, these meetings, and

[1:36:25] you know, Sometimes it's it's almost a knockdown, dragout fight.

[1:36:31] » And I I've seen I've seen this board change a little bit over the past year

[1:36:35] and a half and we still disagree on a lot of things, but you know, we we're

[1:36:42] we're civil about it. You know, we make our argument and I like seeing that. I

[1:36:47] really do. And that that's the only way city is going to move forwards is if if

[1:36:52] we agree to disagree, you know, and and work through it and give her strong

[1:36:57] opinion. Um, Christa, I think I think you're doing a great job.

[1:37:03] » I think uh, you know, [sighs] deep breath every once in a while, you

[1:37:08] know, get that option back, but I do I think I think you're tackling a tough

[1:37:14] situation and believe you're going about it.

[1:37:20] wasn't built today.

[1:37:26] » Thank you everybody.

[1:37:31] » All right, we're on the old business. Any old business?

[1:37:37] » All right, now we're on the new business.

[1:37:40] » Miss B, you got old business? >> Old business. Business.

[1:37:43] » Go for it. Kristen, I think I might have mentioned

[1:37:46] it to you, but u only because I love Christmas parade so good, but have you

[1:37:55] started or or as somebody that in the office that might would take over

[1:38:01] ordering some of the new stuff that we need up there on street.

[1:38:05] » So just this morning um I have worked with one of with the new uh municipal

[1:38:10] clerk that's come on board. She will be handling most of the purchasing. I still

[1:38:14] have to approve everything, but she will be doing the research, not just for the

[1:38:18] Christmas parade, but for things for for town hall, for public works, things like

[1:38:23] that. She's going to be handling that from now on. Um, again, I still have to

[1:38:28] approve it, but taking that off my plate of doing the research. Uh, yeah. So,

[1:38:33] yes, we are moving forward with that. >> And and to research, I said several

[1:38:38] years ago, uh, I wanted a for blessed to purchase a a tree,

[1:38:47] a Christmas type tree and plant it down at Wells Park. And this was about four

[1:38:52] or five years ago. And I said, "Now, not little, not a little 34 a gallon here,

[1:38:58] but something substantial to where we could actually have tree

[1:39:02] lighting ceremonies down there. Decorate our Christmas tree down there, a tree

[1:39:07] lighting ceremony, and do that at the park. And then we that would be like

[1:39:14] maybe one get together that we could have for the people of L City. And

[1:39:19] possibly that night we'd stand down there and sing some Christmas songs and

[1:39:27] have hot chocolate and have some cookies and and

[1:39:33] it and that had been everybody liked that idea whenever I suggested it was

[1:39:39] standing out there in that audience, but nobody [laughter] went nobody went out

[1:39:44] there and bought that tray. So, and right now

[1:39:49] It's a pretty big sucker down there right now. So, and then we do need some

[1:39:54] decorations on Main Street, down there. And

[1:39:59] you know, I suggested a great big wreath and just something plain and simple. And

[1:40:03] the big red boat. >> Yeah.

[1:40:08] » And no bridge for Santa. Please, please, please, please, please. Or not on a

[1:40:14] motorcycle. Please, please, please. Please. What was that?

[1:40:18] » Please, please, please no branch on the motorcycle

[1:40:22] branch for Santa.

[1:40:26] And I have also suggested that we do build a Santa house and buy a Santa

[1:40:32] chair and then let the kids line up and go in, buy a Santa chair, sit on Santa's

[1:40:40] lap, and

[1:40:44] cut something. That's for the kids.

[1:40:48] » I want it for the kids. >> I think right there is a Christmas

[1:40:51] committee chairman. >> Sounds good.

[1:40:55] » Well, I do love Christmas. >> I do, too.

[1:40:58] » But this is for the people. I want this for the people. What did you say down

[1:41:02] there about >> I did not.

[1:41:05] » I nod [laughter] my head. I nod my head. >> It had to have been Paul.

[1:41:10] » She's going to help a lot of her stuff she was trying to get done last week.

[1:41:13] » I know. Now it's trying. >> Well, that's it people. I mean, and I

[1:41:19] say it now and say you think it's funny it's July,

[1:41:23] » but if we don't get it done now, it won't happen.

[1:41:27] » All right. We got any new business? >> Well, I do. It could be considered old

[1:41:33] is a charter. >> Yep.

[1:41:36] » We need to work on that charter. If you don't get anything done, I don't know

[1:41:40] how you would go about it. Maybe, you know,

[1:41:43] where the mayor or whoever is mayor will never be able to work as city manager.

[1:41:52] » Keep those separated >> after.

[1:41:55] » Let's let let's get away from all that. That will never be able to happen again.

[1:42:01] » After we can work and like an updating of the charter

[1:42:07] » like once we get the budget done. >> Yes.

[1:42:10] » And and that we dedicate that we dedicate ourselves every month on that

[1:42:16] charter until we get it snapped into place.

[1:42:20] » Do you think that we can go forward with that anyway? Get that in there that I

[1:42:26] mean >> we never know elections coming, right?

[1:42:29] » We got some You never know. >> Yes,

[1:42:32] » things are things are going to change. We know that and I do believe in a good

[1:42:37] way, but we want it. we are uh mayor will never be able to work as

[1:42:45] manager. We worked hard to get that in place.

[1:42:50] » And I think that um it can be done in chunks to start right section. It can be

[1:42:55] done in large sections, right? Because I don't think you can tackle the entire

[1:42:58] thing in one work session. >> Oh goodness. But I think that if you

[1:43:01] work on it in chunks starting the um the whenever the budget is passed that

[1:43:07] next work >> we we could even we could even have two

[1:43:11] » I'm sorry >> two but not

[1:43:13] » yeah let's stop putting back on and make it happen.

[1:43:18] » Yep. >> You know that's what's wrong now. We put

[1:43:20] things off and it never happened. >> Right. We can have it as a standing

[1:43:23] section. >> Yep. On the work session. Yep.

[1:43:25] » Okay. But add another one so we can get it

[1:43:29] done. Like two in one month. Like one week and then the next week.

[1:43:36] » Whatever it takes.

[1:43:40] » We've been trying to get that done for two years now.

[1:43:44] » Any more new business? All right, let's move on to the second

[1:43:48] session of public comments. Anybody willing to come up?

[1:43:52] » Wait a minute. Your voice is not with you tonight. She ain't got that excuse.

[1:43:54] » Well, you can go up first. >> [laughter]

[1:43:58] » James Roberts, 231 Lake View Drive. I'll be quick this evening. Um I just had a

[1:44:03] couple of questions. Um, town manager, would it be possible for

[1:44:09] us to get uh, we're doing great putting the agenda out, but would it be possible

[1:44:14] to get like whenever we have a meeting where we're going to have discussion and

[1:44:17] action with ordinances or discussion and action on anything that we could get

[1:44:23] some information put like page two, page three, page 10 of the agenda. I don't

[1:44:28] know if you've gotten the opportunity since you've been here to go to one of

[1:44:31] our county commissions uh yet. Some some nights it's five pages, some nights it's

[1:44:37] 50. Don't expect to get that in the weeds with it, but it would be nice to

[1:44:43] be able to have a little bit of prior knowledge to make informed public

[1:44:47] comment or to ask questions uh if we knew what was what was coming.

[1:44:52] » Sure, I can do that. Um, next is is if the board's going to look at doing the

[1:44:58] uh the credit for the pressure washing, I think whenever we're prepping for that

[1:45:05] workshop, we should also get a real cost. Um, if the board's looking at

[1:45:10] since the number was turned around tonight, I'm giving a credit of 500

[1:45:14] gallons, we need to figure out what that equates to. And for one house, that's

[1:45:19] probably nothing. but then kind of get an idea of say 30% of Bluff City washes

[1:45:25] their their house in the month of July. What is that going to look like in

[1:45:30] actual dollars to the taxpayers here in Bluff City whenever we uh have to fit

[1:45:36] the bill for that? Um and then my next question is actually could be you but I

[1:45:42] think it's going to be more catered to attorney Fry. Um believe we have some

[1:45:47] pending litigation against the city of Love City. We haven't had any updates on

[1:45:51] that in some time. U I'm curious if you could give us an update on that and if

[1:45:56] the newly uh discovered um root structure that's definitely

[1:46:04] impacted our issue across the road. Is that going to adjust our situation

[1:46:10] favorably at all in this or are we still looking in a bad situation?

[1:46:14] » I can speak to that. So, we are actually working working with Heron and McPeek on

[1:46:17] that lawsuit and they have actually offered to come in and provide an update

[1:46:21] to the board on that. Um, so I can try to schedule that for the next board

[1:46:24] meeting. >> Now, is that going to be public or is

[1:46:26] that going to be an executive session? >> I believe he offered to do it publicly.

[1:46:30] » Uh, it would be up to the attorney and be up to Mr.

[1:46:34] » I can talk to Mr. McPeek, but he seemed very open to doing it publicly.

[1:46:38] » Okay, great. Because I, as a taxpayer, I'd love to kind of know where we're at

[1:46:42] on that. So, >> is that the one across the road?

[1:46:47] » And that was it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, J.

[1:46:53] » I just got one thing. David Har 200. Could we possibly put a entrance

[1:47:01] sign down here at Wales Park, you know, where the parking area is? Put a exit

[1:47:08] only and an entrance only. I I know it's marked on the ground, but

[1:47:12] these hillbillies do not see that. They can't even use their

[1:47:15] » I saw it today, man. >> They cuss by all the time down there.

[1:47:20] » Am I wrong? Have you ever seen it? >> Yeah.

[1:47:21] » Oh, no. That's what I'm saying. I saw it this afternoon when I was at the water.

[1:47:26] » People don't look down. Don't look down. They look up. Could we do that?

[1:47:31] » I'm asking you to sit here. >> Huh?

[1:47:34] » Sure. >> Sure. Okay. I look forward to seeing it

[1:47:37] like the trucks I see running around here. Oh, you're going to get me some

[1:47:40] trucks for them people to ride around in the 1st of August, right?

[1:47:45] » In August. Not the first of August. >> It's taken over a year to get a truck.

[1:47:50] » I could My my nephew could have sold you three or four trucks at that time. 10 or

[1:47:55] 12. You think he should have been? Thank you.

[1:48:00] » Anyone else? >> See, I try to get your trucks, man.

[1:48:08] Good evening. I'm Michelle Roberts, 231 Lake View Drive. Just a couple of things

[1:48:13] I was thinking about. Um, so some thoughts on the CPA. Um, it was kind of

[1:48:19] funny. I think one of the board members said we don't want to write a blank

[1:48:21] check, which of course we don't. Um, so I just have two recommendations perhaps.

[1:48:26] Um, $200 an hour. Our town manager can spend up to $2,500.

[1:48:31] She can get about 12 hours out of that. Maybe they can come in, take a look at

[1:48:35] some high level overview of some things and give her a cost estimate. Or perhaps

[1:48:39] the board can come back and just set a initial limit to give them some time to

[1:48:43] come in and look at it based off what they see. They should be able to give

[1:48:47] you guys a cost estimate of what they think it would cost. Might be a little

[1:48:50] bit easier to have that conversation. Um, I also wanted to bring up that, you

[1:48:55] know, according to our charter, the town manager or excuse me, not town manager,

[1:48:59] um, the town recorder and the CMFO, they are appointed by the board. Their salary

[1:49:05] is always also set by the board. So, that's up to the board to have that

[1:49:09] discussion. We haven't seen that discussion happen. like to recommend

[1:49:13] that perhaps either in the next meeting or do another workshop. You guys

[1:49:17] [clears throat] really need to look at that especially if we're having a hard

[1:49:20] time with the current salary that's set there. Um

[1:49:25] I also I know there's a lot of just when it comes to um the reports from the

[1:49:29] police department, but I just wanted to say that the police's job is not revenue

[1:49:33] generation. And I know we joke about it, but I just want to give them the credit

[1:49:38] they deserve for the hard work they do for our community because it's more than

[1:49:41] that. They do a lot of things that we don't see and it's very dangerous at

[1:49:46] times. So, just want to give them that credit where that credit's due. And then

[1:49:50] Christa, um, you brought up the employee handbook. I have to tell you all it is a

[1:49:55] huge undertaking, especially when you consider the difference in laws and

[1:50:00] policies from 2007 until now. Is a huge difference. It's not just putting a

[1:50:05] bunch of things in a book and saying, "Hey, we're done." She has to look at so

[1:50:09] many different points that are specific to the criteria of the organization that

[1:50:13] she's running and then figure out which ones actually apply to the employees

[1:50:18] here and then make certain changes to that based off of how our organization

[1:50:23] runs here. It's a huge undertaking. I'm surprised you got it to this point this.

[1:50:27] » So, I don't want to take credit for it. We handed it off to MTAS and they did

[1:50:31] it. But yes, >> still huge undertaking because you still

[1:50:34] have to review it and you know it has to go through legal. There's a lot that

[1:50:38] goes to that process. So don't sell yourself short. It is a huge

[1:50:41] undertaking. It is long long long overdue. But thank you for your efforts

[1:50:45] on that. It will do wonders for our employees and for our town. So that's

[1:50:49] all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:50:51] » All right. Anybody else?

[1:51:06] There you go.

BMA Monthly Meeting | July 7, 2026

Transcript