Published: October 29, 2009 01:28 pm      

FROM THE DESK OF: Full commission meets in October

Compared to Septembers’ full County Commission meeting, the October meeting was quiet and routine. The meeting began with the customary items, with 16 of 18 commissioners in attendance. The agenda for the evening and the minutes from the prior meeting were then unanimously approved. 

Two appointments were quickly approved. Randy Graham was reappointed to the Industrial Development Board of Cumberland, Morgan and Roane counties (Tri-County Board) for a period of six years. Barry Fields was reappointed to the Cumberland County Solid Waste Regional Planning Board for a term of four years.

A series of resolutions approving budget amendments recommended by the budget committee were quickly acted on as follows:

Acceptance of a stimulus grant to purchase food service equipment at Pleasant Hill Elementary school in the amount of $21,559;

Acceptance of a USDA grants for a fresh fruit and vegetable program at Martin Elementary school for $35,070;

Acceptance of a LEAPS grant to provide after school programs at Homestead Elementary school for $115,000;

Acceptance of an Energy Efficient Schools grant to replace old lighting fixtures at various schools for $159,511;

Acceptance of a State of Tennessee grant for the prevention and treatment of the H1N1 virus at the Cumberland County Health Department for $146,470;

Acceptance of a Federal Grant for a juvenile drug court program in General Sessions Judge Warner’s Juvenile services department for $20,000;

Approval of expenditure to get a certified commercial appraisal on the existing library property on First Street for $1,200;

The above were all unanimously approved.

A budget amendment to increase the salary of the Elections Administrator, who has successfully completed the state of Tennessee examination to become certified and had her certification confirmed by the State Election Commission, was approved 15 yes to 1 no.

The salary for certified administrators is set by state law and hers was adjusted accordingly.

The novation of the Interest Rate Swap Agreements on some of our existing debt, which I reported on last week, was approved by the full commission, contingent on receiving a letter of confirmation that the transaction will be done at no cost to the county.

The county attorney reported the status of several lawsuits in which the county is involved.

Under new business, a motion was made to suspend the rules and add a resolution to accept a loan on behalf of the Board of Education. We learned of the award of a Qualified School Bond Authority loan for $2.68 million after the agenda had been issued, therefore a suspension of the rules was necessary. It will provide funds at zero interest to be used for the BOE’s Energy Efficiency Project that they have developed with Trane Corp. As confirmed by Ms. Shirley Parris, chairperson of the BOE, the loan will be repaid from energy expense savings in the BOE’s operating budget. Since the loan has to be accepted by Nov. 1, the necessary two-thirds vote to suspend the rules was achieved, and the resolution was unanimously approved.

The director of finance reported the county has received notification that a grant, in the amount of $342,792 over three years, would be awarded by the federal government to establish an adult DUI/Drug Court program in the county under General Session Judge Warner.   

County Veterans Services Officer Mark Daniels gave his quarterly report. I have a copy on file if you would like to read it.

After some meeting and event announcements, several notary publics were appointed or renewed. With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned.

As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, suggestions, concerns, issues or comments at 484-4137 or email at cocomlynch@comcast.net.