by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Aug. 26 meeting, the Monteagle Council moved forward on two issues with a split vote: the location and definition of convenience stores and terminating the vested property rights of the RBT truck stop project [See “Monteagle Terminates Truck Stop Vested Property Rights.”].

The convenience store ordinance amendment defined hours of operation (24-7), inventory (must include grocery items), and parking, along with other parameters, and forbade convenience stores in C-1 commercial zoning. “That’s basically the business district,” observed Mayor Greg Maloof. Alderman Dan Sargent explained the proposed amendment resulted when the planning commission decided to review rules applying to convenience stores. The commission had rejected Dollar General’s site plan application for a store in C-3 commercial zoning, deciding the business qualified as a retail store, not a convenience store. C-3 does not allow retail stores. Sargent voted “no,” opposing adopting the amendment.

In other business, the council approved Police Chief William Raline’s request to purchase eight tasers financed over five years, cost $45,000. Raline said the department’s tasers were “inadequate,” and he could not get batteries. An officer was seriously injured recently when a taser malfunctioned. Alderwoman Dorraine Parmley pointed out Raline first requested the tasers in July. “We expect you to protect us, and we can’t give you the equipment you need. I’m embarrassed by that.” “It’s always a matter of financing,” Maloof said. “We’ve gotten vehicles, we’ve gotten body cameras … case by case, this is the next item on the list of purchase.”

Taking a question about the water supply, Maloof said Monteagle was buying water from Tracy City. He could not enforce “conservation” measures as long as Tracy City and Big Creek still had adequate water.

Updating the council and community on the town plan crafted by the American Institute of Architects, Alderman Nate Wilson said residents could view the plan on the website. A meeting will be in September to solicit input from the community. Some grant opportunities require the town to have a plan. The council approved printing 100 standard-size copies of the 80-90 page document (cost $750) for reference at the meeting. Resident Lucy Keeble offered to pay for printing larger, more easily readable copies for seniors.

The council also voted to approve the $5,000 match called for in a Tourism Enhancement Grant. Alderwoman Jessica Favaloro said the grant, for up to $100,000, would be used for Christmas lighting. The light poles for displaying decorations had faulty electrical connections. Replacement poles cost $750 each and the new snowflake decorations would cost $800 each. The grant would also be used for a “welcome to Monteagle” constructed from mountain stone.