by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

In a split vote at the March 29 Monteagle Council meeting, the council voted down Alderman Dean Lay’s motion, that “Sargent [Alhafiz Ibn] Karteron be dismissed from employment from the town of Monteagle effective immediately for his actions previous to and including [the arrest of] Rodney Kilgore.” Heated discussion followed the vote, with Monteagle business owner Kilgore threatening a resident, “I’ll knock the piss out of you.” Under pressure from Monteagle police, Kilgore honored officer Chad Locke’s request to leave the meeting.

Lay’s motion referenced Karteron’s Sept. 15, 2025, arrest of Kilgore for false imprisonment, vandalism, and resisting arrest. In support of Lay’s motion, Alderman Dan Sargent said, “We’re a body responsible to the citizens of Monteagle that voted us into this seat. The judicial system has ruled in favor of the business operator arrested wrongly … the charges were dismissed and he’s been expunged … we have the responsibility to act.”

Mayor Greg Maloof responded, “I called the investigator of the district attorney. He said the case was closed. There were no proceedings against the officer.”

Concurring, Police Chief William Raline said, “I have not received any written complaints on him [Karteron]. He’s not done anything illegal or immoral in my eyes. If he has done that, bring it up. Let’s investigate it.”

Lay and Sargent voted for dismissal. Maloof, Alderman Grant Fletcher, and Alderman Nate Wilson voted no.

Applause followed the vote. Explaining his decision, Wilson said, “We have a lot of strong opinions on this matter, but what we don’t have as a council is written documentation and a written statement of fact. Rodney, if you have an issue, I encourage you to fill out a complaint form which will start the investigative process.”

Kilgore countered with complaints and accusations and threatened a resident who disagreed with him. More applause followed Kilgore’s departure.

Kilgore has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Karteron, Raline, and the town of Monteagle seeking $9 million in damages “for violations of rights secured to the Plaintiff under the United States Constitution.” Maloof said the council could not discuss the lawsuit because the case was under litigation.

In other business, the council approved funding for several civic projects: $8,500 for American Holly evergreen plantings on the greenway; $3,500 for landscaping at City Hall and the police station; $1,300 to retain a designer for the Veterans Park project; and $1,048 for tables and chairs at the Senior Citizens Center. The center also received a $100 donation from Crippled Hookers Taxi and Towing, as well as $250 in towing services, and the offer of a free ride to and from the center’s bingo night.

Likewise on the civic enhancement front, Monteagle has several grant projects underway. Trees received from a Tennessee Division of Forestry grant will be planted at Hannah Pickett Park and the fire hall, with planting by High Canopy tree service at no cost to the town. A TN 250 semiquincentennial grant will fund a mural on the west side of the fire hall. And donation will fund the planting of an American Holly tree on the greenway to serve as the town’s official Christmas tree.

Taking on new business, the council approved a resolution to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for waterline improvement; a resolution required by the state governing incurrence of indebtedness; adoption of a debt policy to comply with state law; and a resolution to enter into a loan agreement to finance critical sewer treatment needs.

In another split vote, the council approved a task order requesting the city’s engineer to conduct a study (cost $55,250) to determine the financial impact of development on present and future water and sewer infrastructure needs. Maloof observed many municipalities and cities charged developers impact fees to cover future water and sewer infrastructure costs. Lay voted against the task order, arguing Monteagle could charge impact fees for residential development. Fletcher pointed out, “The only thing we’re voting on tonight is giving the engineer permission to move forward. When we get ready to look at impact fees, that will be a whole separate policy, and we can exclude residential if we need to.”

Monteagle will host an Easter egg hunt, music, and a potluck lunch from noon to 2 p.m., April 4, at Hannah Pickett Park. A “Put litter in its place” town cleanup is planned for 9-11 a.m., May 2.