Rezoning
The work sessions always begin with rezoning requests, which have not been met with opposition since I've been observing until this meeting. There were four requests, three of which were not controversial and were passed. The one on VI Ranch Road involving the former Methodist church at the Y intersection, however, was quite contentious. It also had zero chance of passing. I could tell the whole tale but: 1a) the person who had bought the property probably thought that he could do anything he wanted to property he owned (which you can't); 1b) the property owner didn't understand the process of zoning or appeals at all; 2) spot zoning is illegal; 3) the folks who opposed it because the old, rotted wooden cross from the property was on the burn pile are as out of touch with reality as the property owner, who was at least sympathetic (this wasn't the legitimate reason for their opposition – but it was the one they highlighted, with handheld signs no less).
One of the problems with county government is simply not knowing how it works. I have to say that when we have needed to deal with our county government, we have found county employees willing to explain processes and procedures to us and assist in any way they can. So if you need some help, ask.
Zoning concerning crypto mining and data centers
Luke Meade is the planning director, and the Commissioners had some further questions for him. Commissioner Vanover asked for information on data centers as he expects to have something before the commission next week, and Commissioner Means asked them to specifically address the environmental issues of data centers. They seem to be looking at two things: 1) a temporary moratorium on crypto mining and AI data centers; and 2) a new zoning classification specific for these businesses that would give the planning commission control over how and where they come to be, which they are thinking should be deep inside existing industrial parks. Clay Walker with Networks said they were not currently working on any data center projects. There is currently no infrastructure to support them, and TVA would have to decide whether to make the investment. Commissioner Harvey asked about job creation. Mr. Walker said that these projects don't create as many jobs as manufacturing, but they are very high-paying jobs (more jobs and higher paying for AI centers than crypto). They would generate significant tax revenue (@$800K/yr est.). Commissioner Means recited information that one megawatt that these centers use is equivalent to the use of 15,000 homes, and that they also require massive amounts of water for cooling.
New Business
There were only 5 items of business. Item 1 is a simple transfer of property to Bluff City, and Item 3 recognizes the receipt of reimbursement for professional development training from Ballad Health. These are next week's consent agenda.
Item 2 is a TIF-financed project in Kingsport that will have a fuller presentation next week.
Item 4 was unexpectedly contentious: a reallocation of funds within the Sullivan County School Board from Personnel and Benefits to Contracted Services. The explanation was that mowing is now a contracted service. Commissioners Glover and King seemed to think that mowing was already a line item and that this money could be used to increase support staff pay. Sponsor Jones said he would have someone from the school come in next week to answer questions that he couldn't answer.
Item 5 is a citizen-requested recognition of an American Legion program to help prevent veteran suicide.
Announcements
Commissioner Jones had begun speaking of this issue in public comment, but that is limited to 3 minutes, so he concluded it here. There is a law in Tennessee, Public Chapter 1101, that counties are asking the legislature to revisit as it doesn't allow counties to block annexation that is in an “urban growth boundary, planned growth area”.
Commissioner Jones then spent a long time talking about the Tri-City Airport Quarry and its possible expansion on Centenary Road, which is right next to a subdivision and very close to a school. It has a blast schedule currently and faces a lot of local opposition to expansion, but the county doesn't actually have a vote on this matter at all.
Dr. Barry Hopper was introduced and is expected to be appointed next week to the Commission seat vacated by Matt Slagle. He served temporarily in the last vacancy.
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