by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

In a split three to two vote at the Jan. 30 meeting, the Monteagle Town Council approved rezoning a 6.2 acre tract from C-3 commercial to I-1 industrial, creating the town’s only industrial zone.

In December, the council deferred a decision on Dean Lay’s request for business permits for shipping-container storage units and propane distribution on the 6.2-acre tract located on the far side of the I-24 bridge at exit 135. At issue: the tract was zoned C-3; both businesses required industrial zoning. The zoning complication had not been resolved by the January meeting. Alderman Dan Sargent made a motion to rezone the property to industrial. Alderman Nate Wilson said rezoning required a recommendation from the Planning Commission. “Why can’t we bypass that step?” asked Alderwoman Dorraine Parmley. “Because of the way the charter is set up,” Wilson replied. “I’m not sure that’s how I understood the timing of the planning commission’s actions,” Mayor Greg Maloof said. Wilson acknowledged the planning commission previously recommended the rezoning, however, the council turned it down, because Lay had not declared an intended use for the property at that time. Wilson insisted, according to the town planner, to be in compliance with Monteagle’s ordinances, the planning commission would need to recommend the rezoning again.

Alderwoman Jessica Favaloro pointed out Monteagle did not have a long-range plan yet. “If we change zoning for you before we have our plan in effect, all kinds of businesses could be set there that don’t go with our plan.”

“I understand the need for a plan,” Maloof said. “But it’s not fair to hold up a business for that.”

Favaloro observed the town recently approved an RV resort park in the same area. “I’m not sure they want industrial complexes right across the street.”

Lay countered directly across the street from him were junked cars.

“Lay has come to us more than once about creating an industrial zone [here],” Maloof said. “I don’t see why we can’t do that and eliminate the C-3 zoning. There are restrictions we can put on entities we don’t want.”

Favaloro and Wilson voted against the rezoning. The council must approve the rezoning on a second reading for it to become law.

At the meeting’s outset, William Raline was sworn in as police chief. Raline has served as “acting” chief since Jared Nunley resigned.

In other business the council approved changing the commercial tap fee inside the city limit from $16,000 to $5,000 on Maloof’s recommendation the lower fee was “sufficient” and a “fair reimbursement” of the town’s costs.

The council also approved pump station flow monitoring, cost not to exceed $41,000, to assess inflow and infiltration of storm water into the sewer system and a structural assessment of a basin at the water plant prior to proceeding with recoating, cost $7,500.

Fire Chief Travis Lawyer reported emergency repair was underway on the cascade system used to fill air bottles, estimated repair cost $2,000-$4,000. Lawyer recommended funds budgeted for a fire-chief vehicle be repurposed for purchase of a new cascade system, cost $52,000. Lawyer said grants might help defray the expense.

During the comment period, Maloof thanked a resident for bringing to the council’s attention the collapse of a gravel walking path. “If you see something, say something,” Maloof stressed.

Another resident observed rock piled in the ditch on Sampley Avenue next to the RBT construction site blocked water and created a flood hazard. Maloof said he understood the rock in the ditch was to address a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) violation. He will contact TDEC for clarification.

Sign up for Little League is underway. Applications are available at Monteagle Elementary School and City Hall.