by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 28 meeting, the Monteagle City Council voted to increase the number of planning commission members, appointed a council representative to the planning commission, and announced a special called meeting to adopt new zoning ordinances and to revert to the 2016 zoning map. In keeping with Governor Lee’s directive, the meeting was limited to 10 attendees. GCTV6 broadcasted the meeting on Facebook Live.

The council approved on first reading Ordinance 01-21 increasing planning commission members from five to seven “to broaden capacity, experience, and expertise.” The council appointed Vice Mayor Dorraine Parmley to serve as the planning commission council representative.

The second reading of Ordinance 01-21 is scheduled for a Jan. 18 special called meeting. The meeting will also accommodate the first reading of Ordinance 03-21 and Ordinance 02-21. Ordinance 03-21 provides for adopting zoning ordinance regulations previously adopted in 2018 but determined to be of questionable validity due to inadequate meeting notification [see Messenger, Dec. 4, 2020].

In keeping with a recommendation by Alderman Nate Wilson, the original version of the 2018 ordinance will be amended to require signage be posted for 14 days on property proposed for rezoning, the signage to include the zoning hearing date and place. The amendment also calls for “courtesy” by mail notification of neighboring property owners. “What we’re doing is trying to go beyond what the law requires,” Wilson said.

The validity of the zoning map adopted in the 2018 zoning ordinance was also in question due to the inadequate meeting notification. Based on the recommendation of the city attorney, Ordinance 02-21 calls for reverting to the 2016 zoning map with the exception of the “dead zone.” Mayor Marilyn Campbell Rodman explained the “dead zone” referred to property in litigation to be decided by the courts at a Jan. 15 hearing. The hearing will determine if the “dead zone” property has the zoning classification necessary for a proposed travel center [see Messenger, Dec. 4, 2020].

The council concurred with Mayor Rodman’s suggestion to invite residents to express concerns via email at <monteagleinfo@blomand.net> to facilitate virtual meeting communication. Comments should be submitted no later than three business days prior to scheduled meetings.

The council also agreed to require an appointment to enter city hall in order to protect employees. Business at the drive-up window will continue uninterrupted.

The council discussed the need for an employee tasked with social media communication and website updates given pandemic meeting restrictions. Wilson and Rodman will draft a job description.

Rodman brought two letters to the council’s attention. A letter from Neighbors in Standing concerning the dead zone will be sent to the attorney. The letter from resident Jim Waller asked the council to address cleanup needed at two properties. Police Chief Jack Hill said the owner of one of the properties was in poor health but was making an effort to correct the issue. City Recorder Debbie Taylor said the other property had recently changed hands. “We need to find out who owns it and proceed from there,” Rodman said. “Give them a chance,” Parmley advised.

Taking up other business, the council approved allocating $500 from the “Council Supplies” budget toward purchase of a used copier for the May Justus Memorial Library, total cost $900. The library “provides a service,” Parmley said, justifying the unbudgeted expense of replacing the library’s out-of-service copier. The library will pay the remaining $400 from its operation budget.

Addressing residents’ request for trash barrels at the Laurel Lake fishing area, Alderman Jessica Favaloro said the city could supply the receptacles, but could not take on the responsibility for emptying them. Rodman suggested volunteers could perform the task, possibly the Boy Scouts. Updating the council on recycling, Favaloro said Monteagle residents could take recycle items to the Sewanee Convenience Center, but not household garbage.

Utility Supervisor John Condra brought to the council’s attention service line connections installed by a developer which were not meant for underground use. Condra said he did not believe the city should be responsible for repairing resulting leaks. Rodman will research the contract specifications.

Wanda McDaniel, 911 supervisor, will retire after 22 years of service. The job opening will be posted.