by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

More than 40 people attended the Nov. 28 Monteagle Town Council meeting where the new mayor and recently elected alderpersons were sworn in. One of the new administrations first actions was to deny a recommendation by the planning commission to rezone a tract from commercial C-3 to industrial I-1.

Following the swearing in of Mayor Greg Maloof, returning alderpersons Jessica Favaloro, Dorraine Parmley, and Nate Wilson, and newly elected alderman Dan Sargent, the council turned to three zoning amendments recommended by the planning commission. Wilson took exception to the C-3 to I-1 rezoning requested by property owner Dean Lay for a tract in the vicinity of the Red Roof Inn near I-24 exit 135. “Industrial zoning allows for the establishment of adult oriented businesses, junk yards, and toxic waste storage,” Wilson said. “It’s not clear what Mr. Lay wants to do with it [the property].” Wilson requested “further conversation,” pointing out nearby property was recently rezoned “away from industrial for an RV resort.” Wilson and Sargent both voted against the rezoning, blocking its approval.

The council approved R-3 to C-2 rezoning next to a tract zoned C-2 on Highway 41 across from the National Guard Armory. The council also approved R-3 to C-2 rezoning for six Katherine Avenue parcels behind CVS Pharmacy. Wilson noted most of the neighboring property was commercial. Tony Gilliam, who owns a neighboring property zoned residential, had no objections.

The council elected Wilson vice mayor.

Prior to the swearing in, the retiring council and Mayor Marilyn Campbell Rodman held a public hearing on a proposed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) ordinance and addressed other old business. Due to issues raised at the ADU public hearing, the council deferred a second-reading approval vote. Among concerns expressed, a resident asked what prevented the property owner from using both dwellings as Airbnb rentals. Wilson said, the ADU ordinance required the owner to live in one of the dwellings as a safeguard. The new administration will revisit the ordinance. The council approved a budget amendment drawing funds from the Capital Improvement budget to purchase a vehicle for the fire chief.

Utility manager John Condra reported Laurel Lake had dropped to 7 feet 7 inches. Monteagle had 98 days of water supply remaining. The pump at the Cooley’s Rift lake had been inspected in the event an alternate water source was needed. “I don’t think we’re going to [need it],” Condra said.

Favaloro explained cardboard recycling was temporarily on hold since the bins needed modified to accommodate the new truck. Meanwhile, residents can recycle cardboard in Sewanee.

Monteagle’s Dec. 3 Christmas parade begins at 5 p.m. at the VFW Post, with line-up at 4 p.m. Free cookies, cocoa, and photos with Santa will follow at Harton Park.