by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Feb. 25 Monteagle City Council meeting, Mayor David Sampley announced the appointment of Geron Brewer to the position of fire chief and Matt Underhill to assistant chief. In regular business, the council approved purchase of a used Tahoe and heard updates on road repair and roofing projects.

Both Brewer and Underhill hold multiple certifications. Brewer served on the Tracy City Fire Department for five years, two years as a junior firefighter when he was in high school. Brewer joined the Monteagle Fire Department three years ago. Underhill has served on the Monteagle Fire Department for four years. “I joined the day I turned 18,” Underhill said.

“Do you have all your firefighters back?” Sampley asked. Both Brewer and Underhill answered in the affirmative. Last week a number of firefighters resigned objecting to the council’s proposal to suspend Fire Chief Mike Holmes.

“We’re running with 10 firefighters now,” Underhill said, “a good core group. We’ll do everything in our power to keep the town safe and continue with the previous administration’s efforts to keep insurance down and work towards getting grants.”

Vice Mayor Tony Gilliam introduced a discussion about purchase of a used Tahoe, cost $16,000. The council approved the purchase. The vehicle will function as what Gilliam called “a motor pool car” for the use of city employees engaged in city business.

Utility Systems Supervisor John Condra reported the city had received a load of coal mix and would proceed with road repair “as soon as it gets sunny.” Condra said the new roof on the water plant was complete.

Asked about the library roof, Gilliam said, “The job has been awarded to Caps Roofing. The roof will be installed as soon as the weather is permissible.” There will also be a new roof on the post office. The job was bid in September.

Jessica Blalock, who oversees Parks and Recreation, announced the Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, April 4, at Harton Park.