The Waynesboro City Commission met regular session on Monday, January 27th, 2020 at City Hall in Waynesboro. All commissioners were in attendance, including Mayor Jeff Howell, Vice Mayor Charlie Mosley, Commissioner Chris Bevis, Commissioner Jeff Davis, and Commissioner Tony Creasy. City Manager John Hickman, City Attorney Josh Polk, and City Recorder Paige Jackson were in attendance as well.
Mayor Howell called the meeting to order and Vice Mayor Mosley offered the invocation.
Vice Mayor Mosley made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved.
Bonnie Walker with South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD) gave a presentation to the commission regarding assistance with programs and benefits for the elderly. SCTDD offers assistance for seniors with programs such as emergency home repairs, nutrition services, homemaker services, transportation, and SNAP benefits. Ms. Walker stressed the fact that many seniors are missing out on public and private assistance programs they may be eligible for, and said that any older or disabled adults who are interested in any of the programs may call her at 931-379-2955.
Chuck Moser, representing the Waynesboro Dixie Youth Organization, next came before the commission to let them know about the organization’s intent to dedicate Field #2 at the Sportsplex in honor of the late Jason Camfield. The commissioners expressed their unified opinions that this would be a great way to honor the late Mr. Camfield. Moser also briefed the commission on upcoming district tournaments to be held at the Sportsplex in June.
Two citizens who live in the Waynedale community addressed the commission next regarding young people speeding and driving recklessly on their street both before and after school. Police Chief Walter Smith assured the citizens that his officers would be patrolling the area more often for speeders, and already have a meeting set up with the parent of one of the teenagers observed speeding.
Next, City Manager Hickman reminded the commissioners that their statements of interest for the Election Commission need to be turned in as soon as possible. He then went on to tell everyone that the plaque in remembrance of late City Recorder Darlene “Punk” Skelton will be in soon, and a date and time for the dedication of the plaque will be planned with Darlene’s family.
Walter Smith then gave the commission an update on the entertainment he has been working on for the city’s Independence Day Celebration coming up on July 3rd. He presented a list of possible entertainers within the city’s budget, and said that he would try to get definite confirmation on someone as soon as possible.
The first item of new business on the agenda was the second reading of the election ordinance. Commissioner Creasy made a motion to approve, and Commissioner Bevis seconded the motion. The election ordinance was unanimously approved.
The Police Department’s policy and procedure manual was next on the agenda. City Manager Hickman explained that the manual was recently updated to meet state accreditation requirements. Commissioner Bevis made a motion to approve the updates to the manual, and Commissioner Creasy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Next was the award of the bid for the lights at the Sportsplex soccer fields, which are being funded through an LPRF grant. Vice Mayor Mosley made a motion to approve the low bid from Reynolds Electric of $239,000.00. Commissioner Bevis seconded the motion, and the bid was awarded.
The next item of new business was a request from Sheriff Shane Fisher for complimentary one-day passes to the Waynesboro Municipal Golf Course for Sheriff’s Office employees. The passes would be good for 18 holes of golf and a cart for one day. Commissioner Creasy made a motion to give the Sheriff’s Office 25 complimentary passes, and to also give complimentary one-day passes to all city employees. Commissioner Bevis seconded the motion, and it was unanimously passed.
The final item of new business on the agenda was an issue with a wooden walking bridge that has collapsed in front of a residence on Highway 64 West, compromising the city sewer line underneath. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Bevis made a motion for the city maintenance crew to pick up the remnants of the bridge with a backhoe to clear the debris, and then backfill the eroded area where necessary. Vice Mayor Mosley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Under open items on the agenda, Mayor Howell said that he had been made aware that a street light was out at 19 Gallian Circle.
Vice Mayor Mosley began a discussion on the Lloyd Street traffic issue. The street is currently posted as one-way during morning school drop-off and afternoon school pick-up hours, but there have been several reports and complaints that some drivers are not complying. The commission agreed that in order for the traffic problem to get any better, the one-way regulation hours will have to be heavily enforced by law enforcement issuing citations to those who do not comply.
With no further business to come before the commission, Vice Mayor Mosley made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Bevis seconded the motion, and the meeting was adjourned.
