by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Lack of clear policies is not the developer’s problem. It’s difficult to follow rules when they are unclear and change depending on who you talk to,” insisted developer Paul Fantuzzi at the April 28 Monteagle Council meeting, calling the city to task over his just recently learning of problems with acquiring water service for a proposed development. Following his 10 months of consultation with the city planner and receiving reassurance the necessary utilities were available, Monteagle Utility Systems supervisor John Condra refused to sign off on the site plan and turned the project over to the city engineer who recommended infrastructure upgrades. “Sadly, Paul is correct,” concurred Mayor Greg Maloof.

Fantuzzi questioned why the engineer was not consulted earlier, why he never met Condra until the week before the final meeting, and why Condra did not attend any prior meetings. Maloof has scheduled a meeting with city engineer, Travis Wilson, and Fantuzzi to resolve the issue. “There are questions that need answered not just for him [Fantuzzi], but for all the developers that follow him,” Maloof said. “I told the [city planner] Jonathan Rush nothing gets approved until [city engineer] Wilson approves it.” Maloof noted water and sewer service availability in any given location depended on line size and demand in that area.

In his defense, Condra said, “I didn’t have a thing to do with this. I wasn’t brought in until the last. He [Fantuzzi] was told by a certain employee he could hook on. I never told him that, and that is why I would not sign off on the site plan.”

The difficulty prospective developers encounter in Monteagle reared its head again in a discussion about an ordinance amendment authorizing Development Review Fees to recoup expenses the city incurs when prospective developers consult with engineer Wilson. “I don’t object to the fee, but it takes months to get something in writing,” complained prospective developer Jessie Goodman. “There is no formal process.” Alderman Nate Wilson agreed with the need for a fee, but objected to the amendment requiring all projects with a site plan to be reviewed. “This is more onerous than it needs to be,” Alderman Wilson said. He recommended the fee only apply to subdivision and commercial developments, not residences. The council voted down the amendment, with only Alderman Dan Sargent and Maloof voting for approval. The council will hold a workshop to take up issues with the amendment.

The council approved two other ordinance amendments on first reading with a split vote.

Alderman Wilson and Alderman Grant Fletcher voted ‘no’ on an amendment providing for more detailed regulation of food trucks. Wilson was unsatisfied with stipulations addressing how sales tax was collected. Fletcher wanted more clarity about what constituted “permanence.”

Alderman Wilson also voted ‘no’ on Alderman Dean Lay’s motion to approve the 2025-2026 budget with the stipulation the budget be posted on the website before the second reading. Wilson objected to the budget’s failure to prioritize capital reserves and the decrease in the amount held in capital reserves. Lay said he hoped residents would review the budget and welcomed feedback.

The council unanimously approved allowing small box discount stores in C-3 commercial zoning and rezoning the Holy Comforter Church property from R-3 to C-2. Sargent noted the property would be sold for a doctor’s office. Maloof observed the rezoning was compatible with the commercial zoning of adjacent properties.

In a discussion about homeless people in Monteagle, Police Chief William Raline said three individuals staying behind the Circle K had been asked to leave. He said these were the same individuals who had been staying behind the Mountain Inn. Raline is attempting to find them a residence. “Every shelter between here and Nashville is full,” Raline said. Monteagle has one other homeless person, as well.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has closed the I-24 rest areas due to a water leak, according to Condra. TDOT has not been able to find the cause.

Monteagle will hold Sparkle Week the second week in May. All discarded items for pickup must be street side by the evening of Sunday May 11. Pickup will occur over the course of the next several days.

The council will meet next May 19, rather than on the last Monday of the month, to avoid conflict with Memorial Day.