MINUTES OF
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 24, 2006, 5:30 P.M.
CITY HALL, PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
Mayor Chance called the meeting to order with the following in attendance: Vice Mayor Sexton, Commissioner Reagan, Commissioner McClure, City Manager Teaster, City Recorder Clabo, City Attorney Gass, Community Development Director Jagger, Public Works Director Miller, members of the press and interested citizens. Commissioner Brackins was absent.
Mayor Chance opened the meeting and Commissioner McClure led in the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Chance opened the regular meeting and presented the minutes of previous meeting for approval.
The minutes were unanimously approved following motion by Commissioner McClure and second to motion by Commissioner Reagan.
The authorization for the payment of bills was unanimously approved following motion by Vice Mayor Sexton and second to motion by Commissioner Reagan.
RESOLUTION NO. 723 authorizing the City of Pigeon Forge to participate in the TML Loss Control Matching Grant System Program was presented for approval. City Manager Teaster stated that this a grant that the City has received in the past and it will remit $2,000 for safety purchases such as boots as long as the City meets the match. On a motion by Commissioner McClure, second by Vice Mayor Sexton and with all voting “aye” the resolution was approved.
Approval of appointment to Pigeon Forge Planning Commission was presented for approval. City Manager Teaster stated that she and Community Development Director Jagger wanted the board to consider Jay Ogle to fill the vacancy. On a motion by Commissioner McClure, second by Vice Mayor Sexton, it was unanimously approved to accept the recommendation as presented.
Approval of bid on heavy-duty tractor for fire department was presented for approval. City Manager Teaster stated that bids had been received and it was recommended that Truck Master be awarded the bid for the tractor in the amount of $35,900. This is $900 over budget but a line transfer or amendment can be done if necessary. On a motion by Vice Mayor Sexton, second by Commissioner McClure, it was unanimously approved to accept the bid as presented.
Consideration of printing bid for 2007-2008 Pigeon Forge Travel Planner was presented for approval. Kay Powell recommended going with PBM Graphics, Inc. for a two year bid for 800,000 copies at a cost of $553,759. On a motion by Commissioner McClure, second by Vice Mayor Sexton, it was unanimously approved to accept the bid as presented.
Approval of quote on valves for intermediate clarifier for wastewater plant was presented for approval. Martin Cross spoke on the two of the four valves that have failed and need to be replaced. Commissioner Reagan stated that if two have failed and there is a cost savings of replacing all four that all should be replaced. Martin recommended the low bid of $29,683 from Southern Constructors. On a motion by Commissioner Reagan, second by Commissioner McClure, it was unanimously approved to accept the bid as presented.
Consideration of contract with New South Associates, Inc. for archaeological work for City property was presented for approval. City Attorney Gass stated that this would allow City Manager Teaster to act on behalf of the City. The contract would be completed in 120 days for a cost of $28,000.62. On a motion by Vice Mayor Sexton, second by Commissioner McClure, it was unanimously approved to accept the contract as presented.
Approval of Supplemental Agreement with Gresham Smith & Partners for engineering services on Thomas property (roads, etc.) was presented for approval. City Manager Teaster explained the agreement highlighting items such as road design, bridgework, etc. at a cost of $540,000. On a motion by Commissioner McClure, second by Vice Mayor Sexton, it was unanimously approved to accept the agreement as presented.
Consideration of proposal on WinterFest lights for 2006-2007 was presented for approval. Kay Powell discussed refurbishing the old train station and purchasing a new display of the Twelve Days of Christmas. On a motion by Commissioner McClure, second by Vice Mayor Sexton, it was unanimously approved to accept the proposal as presented.
Manager’s report included the following:
1. The Pigeon Forge Advisory Board will be meeting on August 7, 2006 in the conference center to discuss the Media campaign.
2. The community center will be closed from August 16, 2006 through August 20, 2006 for annual maintenance.
3. The community center wishes to upgrade the CSI software while the center is closed. Waiting until the next council meeting to present as a regular agenda item will keep the center from upgrading while the center is already closed. It is recommended that the software be approved at a cost of $12,082 for the software and $3,000 for the training for a total of $15, 082. On a motion by Vice Mayor Sexton, second by Commissioner McClure, it was unanimously approved to accept the recommendation as presented.
4. A public hearing will be held on August 14, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the council room for Ordinance No. 803, 806, 807, and 808.
5. Public Works Director Miller is working with the contractor on painting water tank and is asking for approximately $2,500 to address safety issues. On a motion by Vice Mayor Sexton, second by Commissioner McClure, it was unanimously approved to accept the request as presented.
Mayor Chance asked for comments from the floor or Board.
Tony Kerr stated that there are problems with the sidewalks on Wears Valley Road. In addition, he wants a left hand turn signal on Wears Valley at McGill Street. Finally, he wanted to know why residents are going to be charged for garbage collection.
Mayor Chance stated that Public Works Director Miller would look in the sidewalk issue. Mayor Chance also stated that when West Side Connector was completed, a traffic signal would be utilized. Mayor Chance then stated that it is costing the City far more than it expects to collect in revenues but something has to be done.
Richard Balk thanked council for the purchase of the tractor truck for the fire department. Richard also asked City Attorney Gass about the archeological study and the issue was generally discussed.
There being no further comments, and Public Works Director Miller offering a closing prayer, the meeting was duly adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
APPROVED: ____Ralph E Chance_____
MAYOR
ATTEST: _____Dennis C Clabo_______
CITY RECORDER