Commission debates garbage pickup

by Amanda Curtis

Staff Reporter

The Lewis County Commission met in regular session Monday, February 13. All commissioners were present and approved minutes from last month’s meeting.

Invitations passed out to commissioners by Brandi Feichtinger was the only order of business during public input. The invitation, passed out on behalf of Director of Schools, Dr. Tracy McAbee, invited all commissioners to a luncheon titled, “Making Students Productive Tennesseans.” Mrs. Feichtinger invited the commission to bring their ideas as they work toward a vision that assists students in future direction, including opportunities that could have high school students graduating high school with an associates degree. “It will not take away from the traditional high school experience,” said Feichtinger, “but these are options we do want to discuss. The desire is to collaborate with the county government on the needs of the workforce in Lewis County.”

The report of the committee of the whole was accepted by all commissioners, and the board moved on to resolutions.

The first resolution was voted on and approved by all. It allowed for the county government to apply for the Violent Fund Grant. The $2,000,000 Violent Crime Intervention Fund grant, applied for jointly, would be split equally between the Perry County and Lewis County Sheriff’s Departments, as well as the City of Hohenwald Police Department. The grant would fund one new office hire in each department, and at the end of the two year program, the three entities would then decide whether to continue the program without the grant money. County Mayor Jonah Keltner publicly thanked Captain Christie Moore of the Lewis County Jail for her work writing the extensive grant application.

The commission was torn on the resolution vote following, however. Resolution 211-23 was discussed, regarding the elimination of garbage pickup at Ridgetop/Cathey’s Creek. A survey conducted by the county over the last four weeks shows the trash pickup average as two cars and six bags of garbage. “Eliminating this county garbage pickup site,” said Mayor Keltner, “will save the county approximately $2,600 in fuel and maintenance, as well as free up the worker who has to drive out there every Wednesday.” Several commissioners voiced concern. Commissioner Peery, speaking from experience on the matter, asked for the commission to at least alert the public on the matter before stopping service. Ragsdale agreed and added his concern about the potential for a growing litter problem if the county continues to eliminate garbage pickup sites. Another voiced concern and proposed the idea of reworking garbage pickup areas so that the county could utilize funds better, yet still provide service to its citizens. The board was torn with one commissioner abstaining, and three voting no. The resolution did pass, with the majority five yes votes.

The commission approved to surplus the Sheriff’s Department 2009 Tahoe. The money for the sale will go into the general fund.

Also approved was Johnny Clayton being added to the E911 Board, as well as two budget amendments. The first budget amendment is with the LATCF Grant for the airport roof repair work. This amendment allocates $5205 from the airport reserve account, from a previous log sale, plus $2557 from the federal grant to the repair of the roofs of buildings one and two. Gary Nash was in attendance and provided financial packets to each commissioner. The second budget amendment also involves the LATCF Grant. This amendment allocates $1990 from the grant to be used to purchase much needed tools and equipment for the county maintenance department.

All commissioners approved the resolution dedicating one mile of Centerville Highway to former county commissioner, the late Roger Sealy.

All commissioners also approved to reject the bid by Covenant Technology for $44,000, the only one they received, to remove old courthouse wiring.