The Monteagle City Council meet in regular session on Sept. 25, and approved several ordinances including employee bonuses.

Ordinance 17-23 was approved. The council accepted the planning commission’s recommendation to allow new truck stops only with review by and permission of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

On second reading, ordinance 18-23 was approved. The council authorized repair to the town’s bucket truck and replacement of the stolen utility trailer.

Ordinance 19-23 was approved on second reading to give Monteagle City employees bonuses. Employees will likely receive the bonus in November. Employees will also receive a Christmas bonus.

Alderman Nate Wilson asked about status of the planning commission’s decision prohibiting 600 square feet residences in R-2 and R-3 residential, making 800 square feet the minimum in all residential zones. Mayor Greg Maloof said this amendment had not come back before the council.

From the committee reports, William Raline, police chief, reported there were 372 dispatch calls for the month. Twenty-eight reports were taken by department. There were 51 citations written and a total of 168 traffic stops. Total number of arrests were seven. He reminded everyone to lock their doors and lock their cars as theft typically goes up this time of year, nationally.

He said there were also reports of motorcycles and side-by-sides using the riding and biking trails. As a reminder, no motorized vehicles are allowed on the Mountain Goat Trail, to ensure the safety of walkers and bikers.

N. Wilson clarified that Class I and Class II electric bikes were allowed on the Mountain Goat Trail and any recreational trail.

The board approved the lowest bid of $353,750 on the second water tank rehabilitation at DuBose, on first reading.

The first reading of Ordinance 20-23 to replace a truck for the street department was approved.

People and businesses are also reminded not to put grease down their sink, as it clogs the sewer pipes. Commercial properties should have grease traps installed said engineer Travis Wilson. There is a plan in place to educate the public to not dispose of grease down sinks. Grease gets trapped in the sewer lines he said, and the only way to fix it is to dig up the sewer lines.

Several business permits were accepted including Cool Springs Collision to purchase Monteagle Tire and Auto, and Echo E-Bikes LLC to have an e-bike store at Country Mart.

Brett Del Blaso, representing Cove Creek Farm, said a proposed outdoor music festival and a 5k and 10k races would be September 2024. “It would take support from the town to have such an event,” he said. They expect 5,000 to 10,000 people to attend the one-day event. There would be no expense to the town.

Parking would be on-site and Del Blaso said he has been in touch with TDOT to help with the traffic flow from I-24 and on Hwy. 41A.

There will be ticket sales to get into the event and access to all music shows. The preferred date is Sept. 28, and the alternative date is Sept. 21.

Organizers will approach local restaurants first to provide food and concessions. Selling alcohol is also being considered. They would have insurance and name the town as additional insured. They will report to the city council on monthly basis on the planning of the event.—reported by KG Beavers