Published: October 13, 2008 05:04 pm      

City council to discuss new library construction

In the final regular meeting before two city council members face election, the Crossville City Council meets Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m.

The council's regular meeting in the council chambers is preceded by a meeting of the council's audit committee scheduled for the city hall conference room at 5:30 p.m. Council members Boyd Wyatt and Earl Dean are up for election in the Nov. 4 election along with one challenger, Brian Hearndon, who is also on the ballot. Two of the three will be elected to the city council.

Topics for discussion on the council's agenda include the Art Circle Library project, additional funding for Crossville airport fly-in, the Retire Tennessee program and a resolution in favor of state funding for the school nurse program.

Mayor Pro-Tem Boyd Wyatt is proposing that the city fund construction of sidewalks and installation of street lights around the site of the new Art Circle public library. The estimated cost for the improvements to the project is $156,840. In addition, the city has received a request to refund fees paid for permits and tap needed for the project.

The library board of trustees has requested a total of $18,335 which would cover the building permit, water and sprinkler tap, and sewer fee. Additional fees for plumbing inspections will also come later.

Councilman Wyatt is also requesting the council consider additional funding for the upcoming Crossville Memorial Airport fly-in. Currently the council has earmarked $4,000 for the event and Wyatt is requesting approval for an additional $8,500. Some of the funds help pay for overnight accommodations for pilots and topping off the tanks of aircraft participating. Sponsorships are being solicited to help cover some of the costs of the event that will include several WWII aircraft and a chance for the public to take a plane ride over Crossville for $10.

The fly-in will be held Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crossville Memorial Airport. Admission to the fly-in will be free and there will be static aircraft displays, inflatables for the kids and food will be available for purchase.

The council will consider a resolution of support and participation in the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development's Retire Tennessee Program. The program assists Tennessee communities promote themselves as destinations and possible residences for out of state retirees. The cooperative effort shares the cost of advertising, development of promotional material, participating in retiree recruitment shows and responding to inquiries.

Another resolution on the council's agenda the encourages the Tennessee General Assembly to provide funding for the inclusion of a school nurse in every public school in the state. The school nurse program was discussed during the September council meeting by Councilman Carl Duer, retired medical doctor who stressed the importance of the program for school children.

Other items for discussion on the council agenda include consideration of a request from Hilltoppers for help with funds to match a grant that will allow them to purchase vehicles for transport of clients. The amount requested is $6,317. The council will also again consider applying for a grant for construction of part of a greenway proposed for the city. The project would connect Meadow Park Lake with the Obed River Park by a walking/bike trail along

The city attorney and city manager will also give their reports as part of the meeting.