by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the March 25 meeting, the Monteagle Council approved business permits for Wander Brew coffee shop and Black Creek Feed and Supply. In a split vote, the council voted down a proposal for resealing the city hall and library parking lot. The council approved credit cards for department heads.

Wander Brew owner Harley Cross previously operated a mobile coffee trailer that docked at Oakes and Olivers Mercantile. Searching for a permanent location, Cross opened a shop in Cowan in February. Wander Brew, located in the “red, blue, and yellow” building on Main Street, will open June 1.

Black Creek Feed and Supply, on Highway 41 next to Summerfield Market, will sell animal feed and medications, farm supplies, pet food and supplies, some apparel, and crafts by woodworkers and other local artisans. Owners Jennifer and Jason Meeks plan to open May 1. They hope to offer a bin pickup option for after-hours customers who order in advance.

Mayor Greg Maloof presented a proposal to sealcoat and stripe the city hall and library parking lot with money from the road paving budget. The lowest bid, $20,940, came from Nance Sealcoating and Striping. Maloof said a Nance “test patch” sealed an area that was “breaking up.” Alderwoman Dorraine Parmley said she preferred using the money for road repair. Alderwoman Jessica Favaloro concurred. Maloof said the roads would be “chopped up” when upcoming I&I sewer rehab was done. “It [the road repair] doesn’t need to be done now,” Parmley said. Alderman Nate Wilson said the areas where I&I work would occur were identifiable. “I’m a big fan of the crack sealing, that’s $2,500 of the bid. My experience with seal coating is it’s cosmetic, but it doesn’t do a lot to preserve the longevity of what’s there.” Alderman Dan Sargent commented city hall and the library were “in the central part of the city, and we should be mindful of the appearance and upkeep.” Favaloro, Parmley, and Wilson voted against the parking lot resealing.

The council voted unanimously for the police, fire, and utility department heads to have credit cards with a $5,000 maximum limit. The city currently has two credit cards, Maloof said. The administration will continue have its own card. Maloof cited frequent online purchases as the reason department heads needed credit cards. Fire Chief Travis Lawyer said when a truck broke down recently, and he could not get the city’s card, he was forced to pay for the repair cost out of pocket and seek reimbursement.

In a discussion about how best to communicate Monteagle events, Maloof said he intended for the Mayor’s Memo page on the website to serve this purpose, but he could only post events he was made aware of. People used Monteagle Community News, Facebook, and other sites to post events. A resident commented part of the responsibility fell to residents to seek out information, “It’s a two-way street.” Another resident suggested Monteagle host a “Google groups” email account similar to Sewanee Classifieds for posting event information. Wilson suggested identifying a single location to post information or a Google Calendar as possible solutions. Wilson and Maloof will explore alternatives.

Police Chief William Raline cautioned residents about phone scams, with the caller claiming to be the IRS and demanding money. The IRS never contacted individuals by phone, Raline said. He also warned about a Publishing Clearing House scam, with the caller requiring money before the Publishers Clearing House prize could be awarded.

Wilson announced the American Institute of Architects group enlisted to help Monteagle draft a growth plan would visit April 25-27. April 25, 5-7:30 p.m., AIA representatives will host information tables at city hall to talk with residents and collect information. The meet-and-greet event will feature music, free food, and a bounce house for kids. April 27, 5 p.m., at city hall, the AIA group will present their recommendations to the town.

Monteagle’s Easter egg hunt will be March 30, at 11 a.m., at Hannah Picket Park, with the fire department providing free hot dogs for children.