The most important thing
After the meeting, Commissioner Joe McMurray spoke with me. He said that there is an ouster procedure in state law, and that anyone Commissioner Carr had harassed could perhaps help set that in motion, particularly if they live in District 9 (Joe Carr's district). If you can help in this effort, or if you know someone who can, Joe McMurray asks that you contact him at (423) 247-6161, Joseph.McMurray@sullivancountytn.gov .
The most unusual thing
Rarely has anything come before the commission this year that wasn't passed on either consent or waiver of rules. Tonight, not for the first time, there were items on the agenda that had not been in the work session. Further, they had not come through committees. All three of these items, plus one that was presented at the work session, were moved to first reading.
Overheard
Before the meeting began, I overheard Commissioner Jones discussing a state law prohibiting more than 2 commissioners representing any one district. In Sullivan County, Districts 2, 4, 6, & 11 each have three commissioners, while Districts 1 & 3 have only one. He opined that this law would be their opportunity to reduce the number of commissioners from the current 24. Commissioner Locke proposed reducing the number of commissioners to 14 a couple of years ago. So far, I have heard no cogent arguments for or against such a proposal.
Proclamations & Presentations
Oasis of Kingsport was recognized for Outstanding Community Service.
Barbara Street and Cody Boring gave a presentation about the Rocky Mount State Historic Site, and the many plans there for our nation's 250th birthday next year.
Commissioner Ward recognized the Veterans Service Officers who serve our county.
Board Vacancies
The Zoning Appeals Board had three expressions of interest in its vacancy: Jeff Begley, Robert Earhart, and Matthew Hill. Earhart and Begley were nominated by Commissioners. Earhart received 20 votes, Begley 2, with one commissioner absent and one seat vacant.
Dr. Barry Hopper was nominated to fill the commission vacancy in District 2 and was approved unanimously.
Notaries were approved.
Public Comment
Denise Skeen spoke on the factual concerns of SMRs (small modular nuclear reactors). Kanina Eurez is troubled by the arrest and pattern of behavior of Commissioner Joe Carr, who was arrested last month in Asheville and charged with sexual battery, and being intoxicated and disruptive. She said Carr has harassed her daughter, and his behavior is unbecoming to the Commission.
Business
The consent calendar, consisting of a resolution to transfer a vehicle to Bluff City and a resolution recognizing the receipt of reimbursement from Ballad Health for professional development training, was approved unanimously.
A presentation by Kingsport Economic Development Director Steven Bower preceded discussion on Item 2, which is TIFF financing for a redevelopment project in downtown Kingsport. The county's portion would be about $1M, with new tax revenue of about $80k/yr anticipated. Several commissioners spoke positively about the project with a few clarifying questions, and it was approved 23 yes 1 absent.
Commissioner Vanover brought Item 5, recognizing the American Legion's Program "Be the One," aimed to prevent suicide. Approved 23 yes, 1 absent.
1st reading
Items 4, 6, 7, & 8 were all moved to first reading status. Item 4 had been brought to the work session, but the other items were new and had also not been through committee.
Item 4 is about reallocation of funds within the school budget having to do with mowing, which had been handled by school personnel and is now a contracted service. Director of Schools Chuck Carter came to help answer questions, but some of the commissioners seemed very dismissive of the difficulty and cost of mowing, while others recognized that their relatives who had worked for the schools had spent a lot of personal time mowing, and everyone opined that the looks of the school grounds were much improved by the regular and efficient mowing. This involves no new money.
Item 6, brought by Commissioner Means, is to create a 4-month moratorium on the location, construction, or operation of data mining centers within Sullivan County until proper planning codes are in place.
Item 7, also brought by Commissioner Means, is to reserve space within the Blountville Elementary School Campus to serve as a small business and entrepreneur space.
Item 8 is a resolution to authorize an agreement with Blount County to continue to provide Juvenile Detention Services at $200/child/24 hours for Sullivan County. This is what is currently being done and involves no new money.
At various times during these discussions, the importance of first readings, of work sessions, and of working through committees was emphasized, but first reading seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
Commission Related
Mark Vance, misogynist perennial candidate in Sullivan County District 2, has declared he's running again. He's the one who called all Women's March on Washington participants "dum a... women", among other things.
