1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 59, Number 14 August 18, 2008 TML Policy Day set for Sept. 11 Crisis looming with U.S. transportation funds TML Policy Committees will those initiatives sponsored by a meet on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, city/town and submitted by the Millions of state beginning at 10 a.m., in the TML deadline will be considered by the building located at 226 Capitol policy committees. dollars at stake Boulevard in Nashville. This As in past years, there will be meeting will begin the process by four policy committees: Finance BY CAROLE GRAVES which TML’s legislative priorities and General Administration; Pub- TML Communications Director are established for the First Ses- lic Safety; Utilities, Environment sion of the 106th General Assembly and Transportation; and Economic How to plug a massive deficit in that begins in January 2009. and Community Development. transportation funding and ulti- A “Proposed Legislative Ini- The four policy committees will mately prevent crucial work on the tiative Form” is available on-line meet simultaneously. nations’ roads and bridges from and must be completed and sub- Registration to attend is also coming to a screeching halt will be mitted to TML by August 22. Only online at www.TML1.org. up for consideration when Congress returns in September. With Americans driving signifi- Upsets and new faces cantly fewer miles due to record- high gas prices, the federal Highway Trust Fund, which is financed determined by primary through gas-tax collections, faces a BY CAROLE GRAVES massive shortfall – an estimated $4.2 High gas prices are also affecting gas tax revenues. To conserve at billion less than what was authorized the pumps, Americans are driving less miles – fewer than in the 1970s Three upsets and a few nail- and states are expecting for FY during the oil embargo. Less driving means less revenue for transit. biting finishes ignited what many 2009. were calling a lackluster August pri- Lawmakers and industry offi- revenues that were taken in 1998 would cost more than 485,000 mary, with election precincts state- cials say that if Congress doesn’t when the Highway Trust Fund was American jobs,” said Sen. wide reporting a very low turnout. take steps to bridge the shortfall, flush and running a surplus. Law- Alexander. “Furthermore, ongoing One of the biggest upsets of the federal highway spending nation- makers say the infusion of money efforts to reduce traffic congestion, night was when Johnson City Mayor wide could be cut by a third begin- will help keep the highway program improve safety, and enhance long- Phil Roe defeated freshman U.S. ning Oct. 1. solvent and funded at the level called term economic productivity would Congressman David Davis, making “If this situation is not for in the SAFETEA-LU authoriz- be severely disrupted by a large cut Roe the first candidate since 1950 to proactively addressed, the shortfall ing legislation — $41.2 billion for in highway investment. upset an incumbent Tennessee con- could lead to a devastating $14 bil- FY 2009. “States depend on this money to gressman in a primary election. Roe Phil Roe lion, or 34 percent, reduction in fed- The bill is now before the Senate make sure their roads are up to par, defeated Davis with 50.1 percent of eral highway investment in FY for consideration. and this shortfall will seriously hurt the vote. He will face Democrat Rob 2009,” said U.S. Rep. John Duncan, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander this Tennessee if we don’t act quickly to Russell of Kingsport in the Novem- who sits on the House Transporta- summer joined 66 other senators in fix it,” Alexander said. ber General Election. tion Committee. signing a bipartisan letter urging According to reports by In the state Senate race, two in- Prior to the August recess, in a Congress to come up with a quick Stateline.org, an attempt earlier in cumbents lost their re-election bids. stop-gap measure, the U.S. House resolution to a shortfall in the High- the Senate to tack $8 billion onto an In a Republican primary in East Ten- voted overwhelming to transfer $8 way Trust Fund. unrelated aviation bill was blocked nessee, state Rep. Doug Overbey billion from the general treasury to “The pending revenue shortfall by lawmakers who branded the beat incumbent state Sen. Raymond the Highway Trust Fund, restoring in FY 2009, if left unaddressed, See FUNDING on Page 8 Finney by 139 votes. With no Demo- cratic challenger in November, Overbey is guaranteed the 8th Dis- Red Flag Rules impact municipalities trict Senate seat. In 2003, Congress passed the As a covered entity, a munici- It should also be noted that in Another close race that ended in Fair and Accurate Credit Transac- pality and/or municipal entity is re- addition to the civil penalty, a cov- an upset was in Senate District 14 Doug Overbey tions (FACT) Act. This Act is in- quired to implement a written pro- ered municipality or municipal en- where Eric Stewart beat Democratic tended to combat identity theft and gram that enables it to identify, de- tity has the potential to realize an incumbent Steve Roller of McMin- directs the Federal Trade Commis- tect, practices or specific activities increased exposure to lawsuits, in- nville by 131 votes. Stewart will face sion (FTC) to develop regulations (red flags) that could indicate the cluding class actions, under the Republican challenger Mike Nie- requiring financial institutions and occurrence of identity theft. The FACT Act. derhauser in November for the seat creditors to develop and implement FTC has provided a list of 26 ex- Clearly, the inclusion of munici- formerly held by Sen. Jerry Cooper. written identity theft prevention amples of red flags, including un- pal governments and municipal enti- Sen. Rosalind Kurita (4,477) programs. The FTC has issued final usual account activity, fraud alerts ties under these rules presents a barely defeated her primary chal- regulations, pursuant to the con- on a consumer report or attempted number of administrative, financial lenger Tim Barnes (4,458) by 19 gressional mandate, and set an ef- use of suspicious account applica- and liability challenges. TML will votes. Provided the close election fective date of November 1, 2008. tion documents. However, it should continue to work with the FTC results are not overturned and with The FACT Act regulations, be noted that the list is not a compre- through its affiliation and relation- no Republican challenger, Kurita also known as the “Red Flag Rules,” hensive checklist but a guide. ship with NLC in an attempt to mod- will take her seat in the Senate for cover all financial institutions and The regulations also require the erate the impact of the Red Flag another term representing District creditors. The FTC has defined a written program to describe appro- Rules. 22. Ryan Haynes “creditor” as any entity that pro- priate responses that would prevent The Municipal Technical Advi- New Faces vides a good or service for which and mitigate identity theft crimes as sory Service (MTAS) is currently Ryan Haynes, winner of House Overbey in District 20 with 44 per- payment is made by the consumer in well as detail a plan to regularly preparing a training curriculum as District 14 that encompasses cent of the vote. He also has no arrears. The FTC has determined update the program. well as other informational and edu- Farragut and Hardin Valley, will be Democratic opponent, which means that as payment for many municipal Finally, the rules require the cational materials to distribute to cit- one of the youngest representatives a guaranteed seat in the House. services, such as utilities, is made program to be managed by senior ies and towns in advance of the ef- serving in the Tennessee General In District 52, where Rep. Rob after the service is received and con- employees, to include staff training fective date. In addition, the TML Assembly. Haynes, 23, garnered Briley did not seek reelection, sumed by the consumer, then mu- and provide for oversight of any ser- Risk Management Pool has evalu- about 54.9 percent of the vote and Democratic primary winner Mike nicipalities and/or municipal enti- vice providers. ated the liability exposure and is in the endorsement of retiring incum- Stewart is unopposed in November. ties that provide such services are Under the regulations, any non- the process of advising its members bent Parkey Strader. Stewart, a Nashville attorney, won “creditors,” and; therefore, are cov- compliant entity is subject to a civil as to the appropriate steps to take to Blount County Commissioner with 75 percent of the votes over Eric ered under the Red Flag Rules. penalty of up to $2,500 per incident. mitigate its exposure. Bob Ramsey, a dentist, won a four- Stansell. way GOP battle to succeed Doug See PRIMARY on Page 5 Free energy audits, low interest Mike Tallent selected MTAS Director Mike Tallent has been selected loans help local governments save as executive director of the Univer- sity of Tennessee’s Municipal BY VICTORIA SOUTH Technical Advisory Service. TML Communication Coordinator Melanie Purcell of Reno, Nev., will join MTAS as assistant director Every day, energy and mainte- in late-September. nance costs trickle precious re- Tallent has served as interim sources away from local govern- executive director of MTAS since ments. An audit report conducted by December 2007 and had served as the state Comptroller of the Treasury senior program manager since May found that the state government’s 1996. He joined MTAS in 1979 as a energy efficiency and conservation municipal management consultant efforts are often thwarted by missed and has covered West Tennessee Tallent opportunities as well. and Southeast Tennessee over the departments including Water, The Tennessee Department of years, advising cities that range in Building and Zoning, and Parks and Economic and Community Devel- size from Englewood to Chatta- Recreation; and directed tax and opment (TECD) Energy Division nooga. His knowledge of MTAS’ utility bill collection, fund invest- offers free energy audits and techni- history and development—along ments, and debt management. cal assistance to help local govern- with years of solid relationships “The combined leadership of ments meet their energy goals along Photo by Victoria South with Tennessee cities—has Mike and Melanie will benefit both with low interest loans to help defray The Local Government Energy Efficiency Loan Program offers low equipped him to effectively lead MTAS staff and our customers in high energy costs. All units of Ten- interest loans to municipal and county governments for energy effi- MTAS staff and to anticipate the Tennessee municipalities, as they nessee city and county governments ciency-related projects needs of municipalities in our state. are committed to providing innova- are eligible regardless of whether Purcell brings to MTAS the tive, high-quality service to cities they borrow the funds. dations for improved efficiency. interest with lump sum annual pay- strength of financial management statewide,” said Mary Jinks, UT vice Energy Audits provide addi- The Local Government Energy ments; while a zero percent interest and more than 15 years of experi- president of Public Service. tional assurance that future projects Efficiency Loan Program offers low loan is available for businesses lo- ence in city and county manage- Tallent and Purcell were se- will improve efficiencies and either interest loans to municipal and cated in Three-Star and Main Street ment. Most recently, she served as lected for these positions after an reduce or avoid costs, while a Tech- county governments for energy effi- communities. budget manager of Washoe County, extensive recruitment process that nical Assistance Program will pro- ciency-related projects in court- Some examples of eligible Nev., coordinating an $887 million involved MTAS employees, IPS vide a qualified analyst to prepare an houses, administration buildings, li- projects include: budget. Prior to that, she served in staff and representatives of affiliate on-site report including: a descrip- braries, public schools, maintenance • Replacing worn and inefficient various city management positions organizations, which included tion of the building characteristics; facilities, fire halls, water depart- heating, ventilation and cooling in municipalities in Michigan, in- Chuck Shoopman, IPS; Richard results of an energy audit or energy ments and any other building owned systems; cluding the cities of Howell, Flint, Stokes, MTAS; Margaret Mahery, use evaluation; the operation char- by the city and/or county. • Upgrading lighting systems and Plymouth, and Ann Arbor. She has Tennessee Municipal League; acteristics of the energy-using sys- Local governments may borrow controls; overseen downtown development Mitchell Moore, city of Athens; and tems; and the estimated useful life of up to $500,000 and repay the loan • Adding insulation and energy ef- authorities; supervised various city Mike Garland, CTAS. the building along with recommen- annually for 7 years at 3 percent See ENERGY on Page 5 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008

BY TML STAFF REPORTS Motors SUVs and light trucks. HUMBOLDT CASTALIAN SPRINGS The certificate of Achievement for The Feb. 5 tornado that took lives Excellence in Financial Reporting and leveled homes along a wide path has been awarded to Humboldt by through eastern Sumner County, the Government Finance Officers ravaged one historic site in Castalian Association of the United States and Springs while uncovering another, Canada (GFOA) for its comprehen- possibly older treasure. The winds sive annual report (CAFR). The cer- knocked down part of an aged home tificate, the highest form of recogni- where hidden inside its walls, the tion in the area of governmental ac- owner of the property found a log counting and financial reporting, cabin held together with wooden was presented to City Treasurer, pegs. Though it won’t be known for Harold K. Hadley. certain until archeology studies are finished, it’s believed that the cabin JOHNSON CITY could be among the oldest standing The Millennium Centre closed out buildings in the area. fiscal year 2008 with the best finan- cial performance in its nine-year his- CHATTANOOGA tory. The operating deficit of The town of Smyrna cut the ribbon for an on-site medical clinic for its employees and their dependents At its peak, the new Volkswagen $472,580 beat the previous best covered by the Town’s health insurance plan. Known as the ECHO Clinic (Employees Choosing Healthy plant could use more power than any mark of $568,436 from last year by Options), employees will receive health care from a physician and/or nurse practitioner at no cost to the other company in the history of more than $95,000. Sales for fiscal employee. Some prescriptions will be available for free, and the wait time at the clinic will be less than Chattanooga. Volkswagen will ini- year 2008 increased by 26 percent five minutes. Pictured are: Susan Funderburk, Care Here; JeNelle Gouvas, Care Here; Mila Davis, Care tially need 33 Megawatts of electric- over the previous year, while ex- Here; Dianne Waldron, Town Clerk; Bob Spivey, Smyrna Mayor; Paul Johns, Councilmember; Lance ity, roughly a quarter of the utility’s penses grew only moderately. Gen- Lee, Councilmember; Ernie Clevenger, Care Here President; Jeff Craig, Human Resources Manager; load, but no where near its 1300 eral Manager Ken Misterly credits Mark O’Neal, Town Manager; Mark Tucker, Finance Director; and Bob Shupe, Insurance Consultant. Megawatt capacity. Previous re- the increase in sales to operating the ports say that number could climb as facility with a strong business by state Rep. Steve McDaniel and high as 80 megawatts. By compari- model. “First-time customers be- Sen. Roy Herron in breaking ground son, at peak production, DuPont come repeat customers once we for the widening of a four-mile used 40 Megawatts and Invista uses showcase the services offered at the stretch of U.S. 412 west of Lexing- roughly 20 Megawatts. Centre,” he said. “Those customers ton. The link from the Madison that keep coming back are a big County line to Crucifer Road will CLARKSVILLE reason for the dramatic increase in allow safer and easier access to I-40 Spokespersons for Dow Corning revenues.” from the Henderson County seat to have reported that a “megasite,” off an interchange in eastern Madison Jim Johnson Road north of the Exit KINGSPORT County. The $30 million project is 4 Corporate Business Park is under The city recently purchased a Xebra expected to be completed in the consideration for Michigan-based electric truck for the wastewater spring of 2011. Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. The treatment plant. The $17,000 elec- high-tech company would be a ma- tric truck, purchased from Zap (Zero MEMPHIS jor score for Clarksville’s economy, Air Pollution), a California-based Memphis ranks No. 35 among the in terms of jobs and increasing the company specializing in electric nation’s 40 largest cities in a local tax base, with indication of a bikes, cars and scooters, is a 72 volt walkability survey conducted by large payroll and positions that electric vehicle powered by six bat- walkscore.com. The survey would pay more than Clarksville’s teries, holds two people and includes searched 2,508 neighborhoods in current average per capita income. a lift bed with a solar panel on top. the 40 largest U.S. cities for ameni- Reports say HSC is looking to ex- The Xebra goes about 35 mph, has a ties that enable residents to drive 65-mile range before its next re- Gov. Bredesen presents Don Gallagher, mayor of Wartrace, with a pand its production of polycrystal- less, including the location of stores, Transportation Enhancement Grant. line silicon, an ultra-pure, rock-like charge and is road worthy, complete restaurants and services, transit op- material needed to produce solar with headlights, side and rear mir- tions, housing choices and green Elementary will get a healthy snack Mayor Bob Spivey and town council panels and electronics. rors, and signal lights. If driven hard, spaces. Walkscore.com found that every school day, thanks to a $6,600 members with the Chancellor’s it may need to be recharged every 71 percent of Memphis residents federal grant. The school is among Award for Excellence in Philan- FRANKLIN day, but with moderate use, officials live in “car dependent” neighbor- 24 Tennessee elementary and thropy. The award is given on behalf Nissan North America leaders and say it may need recharging every two hoods with a score of 49 or lower, 29 middle schools that will receive of the Tennessee Board of Regents others marked the opening of the or three days. The vehicle will be percent live in “somewhat funds through the Fresh Fruit and to organizations and individuals that automaker’s $100-million, 10-story used by sewer plant operators as they walkable” neighborhoods with a Vegetable program. The program have contributed both time and re- corporate headquarters, the Nissan perform tests, conduct maintenance score of 50-59, and 7 percent were in aims to get school-age kids to eat sources to a TBR institution. In Americas building. The company, and perform other duties throughout “very walkable” areas with a score more fresh or dried fruit and fresh 2004, the town of Smyrna donated a working with its partner Renault, is the day. Plant officials anticipate the of 70 and above. Neighborhoods vegetables. A portion of the grant 14-acre plot valued at $1.4 million to focused on making zero-emission, Xebra will save the city about $3,000 singled out as most walkable were will purchase a refrigerator kiosk. the college for a permanent teaching electric vehicles. Nissan Chief Ex- a year in gas. Downtown, Midtown and the Colo- The kiosk will hold the daily snacks site in Rutherford County, provided ecutive, Carlos Ghosn, said the first nial and Yorkshire areas of East and will operate similar to a vending a portion of the new facility’s infra- electric models will arrive in the KNOX/SHELBY COUNTIES Memphis. Nashville was the only machine, except there will be no structure with a value of $200,000, U.S. in 2010 and will be selling in- County mayors say their residents other Tennessee city in the ranking, charge. and helped to raise more than $1 ternationally in 2012, Nissan wants should be able to attend community coming in at No. 39. The top scoring million toward the completion of the to “also be in the battery business,” colleges for free. Mayor A. C. city was San Francisco. NASHVILLE facility. and that hybrids and other alterna- Wharton of Shelby County and Drivers in Nashville may soon be tive fuel technologies are at risk of Mayor Mike Ragsdale of Knox MURFREESBORO able to better chart their commutes SPRINGHILL becoming outdated. Nissan North County say they hope to arrange for The concept of using a Social Secu- before leaving home. The number of County school officials have pur- America plans to disclose its first such tuition-free education by build- rity number for college IDs is dying Tennessee Department of Transpor- chased a tract of land in Spring Hill three donations to the community, ing on scholarships and grants al- a rapid death at state colleges and tation cameras covering Davidson for a new high school. The district starting with a donation to the ready available to community col- universities hoping to avoid data County will extend to the county paid $4.4 million for about 71 acres Harpeth River Watershed Associa- lege students across the state. breaches. At Middle Tennessee lines in the next couple of years with of farmland that fronts Twin Lakes tion along with two other anony- Wharton said details of the proposal State University, a hand scan will be the first step already underway. The Drive and Buckner Lane. The new mous causes. are still unsettled and new sources of the ultimate personal identification. cables will carry the images from the site is adjacent to a site the district money will have to be found. The The school is assigning everyone an TDOT cameras to personal comput- wants for a middle school. The goal FRANKLIN basic idea is to put together a new eight-digit identification number for ers and NewsChannel 5. TDOT is for both schools to share an ath- Plastech Engineered Products will tuition program through the Tennes- their “BlueID” cards as part of a new cameras will also be expanded along letic field for football games. close the doors of its Franklin facil- see Urban Mayors Forum, a group campuswide software system. In Briley Parkway through the North- ity resulting in the loss of 220 jobs. recently formed by Ragsdale and addition, students and staff mem- west part of town. Those images will WARTRACE Earlier this year the company — Wharton to address problems par- bers are placing their right hands track traffic on that growing stretch The state will provide Wartrace which primarily manufactures blow- ticular to the state’s more populous into a scanner that turns the shape of of roadway. The total cost of the with an enhancement grant in the molded and injection-molded plas- counties. their hands into 9-character tem- project phase is $41 million. But the amount of $43,440 for the Wartrace tic products for the automotive in- plates. Members will have to enter cameras aren’t expected to start Downtown Revitalization Project. dustry — filed for Chapter 11 bank- LEXINGTON their numbers and scan their hands working until 2010. The funds will be used to make sev- ruptcy protection. Plastech was A new West Tennessee construction to access the school’s newly reno- eral improvements to the city’s his- founded in 1988 and has nearly 30 project will result in the city getting vated recreation center. SMYRNA toric downtown area, including the manufacturing facilities nationwide. four-lane divided highway access to Motlow College President MaryLou addition of decorative lighting, The company’s products include Interstate 40. Transportation Com- MURFREESBORO Apple, assisted by Motlow College benches and landscaping along with components for Ford and General missioner Gerald Nicely was joined Almost 350 students at Hobgood trustee Howard Kirksey, presented sidewalk repairs.

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Jim Malone Office: (931) 433-6907 President FAX: (931) 433-9714 Toll Free (888) 752-7126 Email: [email protected] 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 www.TML1.org Driving a skilled work force in Tennessee and translating into higher earnings for the entire community. Moreover, a national trends indicate businesses want to locate where there is a trained and productive work force that can support interstate and inter- BY VICTORIA SOUTH national competitiveness. Communications Coordinator Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of The Beetle has landed at Enter- America, confirmed that access to a prise South Industrial Park in Chat- well-trained work force was essen- tanooga, and with it, the certain tial in making the decision to locate promise of advancment education- in Chattanooga. ally, culturally and economically “This area has a deep base of throughout the East Tennessee re- well-trained labor, with excellent gion and beyond. engineering and manufacturing pro- By 2011, when the $1 billion grams at the universities and techni- Volkswagen assembly plant places cal colleges,” said Jacoby. “New an estimated work force of 2,000 in employees will benefit from job the driver’s seat creating their new training and other work force pro- mid-sized sedan, the majority of grams provided in Tennessee’s for- workers will have received instruc- ward-looking incentive package, tion at a $6 million training facility to ensuring that the local economy best be built and managed by Chatta- leverages Volkswagen’s invest- nooga State Technical Community ment. College, the crown jewel of an area “Thanks to the visionary leaders brimming with first-rate engineer- and the people of Chattanooga,” ing and technical programs at qual- continues Jacoby, “we’re confident ity universities and colleges that the values of this area are com- throughout southeast Tennessee, patible with our own, and we envi- Gov. Bredesen and Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen of America president and CEO celebrate the German auto north Georgia, and north Alabama. sion a long and productive partner- maker’s decision to build a new plant at Chattanooga’s Enterprise South Industrial park . “In the past, there has been ship.” negative stereotypes concerning as- As the first wave of invited ap- and support has been amazing and automaker, BMW. Noting the simi- anything is what the city would do sembly plants in regard to educa- plicants filed through the company’s there will be change in several ar- larities between the two cities, the differently if they had to do it over tion,” said Dr. Jim Catanzaro, presi- human resource office in August, eas,” Hamilton continues. chamber will investigate the eco- again? What were the planning dent of Chattanooga State Technical Volkswagen representatives report “There will be an increased la- nomic effects relative to population mistakes and successes?” Community College. “Today, high 90 percent of the applicants live bor draw of experienced workers to growth in connection with new in- The transition to Tennessee math, computer and English lan- within 100 miles of Chattanooga the region and Volkswagen will dustry and methods of cultivating culture by Chattanooga’s newest guage skills, elements never associ- with records indicating more than bring in their own people from all cultural diversity. citizens should be eased by a cul- ated with teamwork before, are the 2,200 people registered online for over the world. The city will em- The chamber will spend two tural school provided for German new educational core. The the first 50 postions. brace these newcomers, who will days in Spartanburg talking to the transplants as part of the state’s Volkswagen positions will be Experts predict Volkswagen’s reinvest into the economy.” mayors of towns and cities, recruit- arrangement with Volkswagen. According to Hamilton, defini- ers, and school personnel followed Chattanooga also has a firm part- tive data in regard to economic im- by a larger pilgrimage in October nership with a sister city, Hamm, pact studies concerning the plant’s accompanied by various representa- Germany. future effects has not been com- tives from Chattanooga’s municipal With the city’s emphasis on pleted. sectors. walkability, bicycling and green “We’ve had numerous inquiries “It will be very intense. There initiatives, Mayor Littlefield hopes

Deemed a TVA certified Megasite, Enterprise South will include 3,000 developable acres upon completion. Megasites are large industrial sites ready with utilities, rail, road and other major infrastructure.

competitive wages and ben- efits for skilled la- borers will lure some of the Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield takes the podium flanked by Stefan Jacoby and Gov. Bredesen during region’s best Volkswagen’s announcement. workers from area companies driving about how it will affect education, will be a lot of data,” said Chamber Chattanooga’s European neighbors the wages of exist- retail, healthcare, and housing,” President and Chief Executive Tom feel right at home. ing businesses up- Hamilton said. “The chamber will Ed Wilson. “James Rouse said the secret to ward. look to other communities by ex- “BMW has completely trans- economic development is to build “I’m pleased ample.” formed Spartanburg’s economy,” the best community you can for the to see this process As part of this research, the Wilson continues. “The German people and the rest will take care of begin as Chattanooga Chamber will be con- culture has now been integrated with itself,” Littlefield reflects. Volkswagen starts ducting comparison studies with their culture and we want to know “We have followed that path down the road of Spartanburg, a municipality outside the impact of all of this. The one and have built an outstanding quality ramping up its Greenville and the site of German question I want to ask more than of life here in Chattanooga.” presence in Ten- nessee,” said Matt Kisber, commis- sioner, Tennessee Department of Work force and education status Economic and Community De- in Tennessee and nationally velopment. “The skill and productivity of the According to Education Rigorous Common Core Stan- graduates who can do any par- local work force is CrossRoads, perceptions one of the biggest dards from the Ground Up,” ticular job; it’s about a work have become increasingly heralding the success of Ten- force that can adapt to techno- assets we had in relavant in attracting expand- selling nessee in raising academic logical changes in the ing companies. Regarding standards to improve eco- future…Workers who have Volkswagen on Tennessee, the report states: Chattanooga and nomic competitiveness. learned how to learn.” “The state does have a “With the input of busi- Education, on a national it’s my belief this good general business cli- and subsequent ness leaders and educators level, has posed challenges for mate due to a variety of fac- across Tennessee, we moved the U.S. work force, as reported U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, former mayor of Chatta- job fairs will dem- tors including locational ad- onstrate that decisively to develop more by Mike Verespej in Wanted: nooga when the city and Hamilton County estab- vantages, climate, low taxes rigorous standards to better Educated Work Force for the lished Enterprise South as an industrial park, point.” and limited regulation. But The eco- prepare our students and our U.S.: states Volkswagen represents a new chapter in we have a sore spot as well: a state for 21st century suc- “The ability to succeed in Chattanooga’s success story. nomical effects relatively poorly educated have been pre- cess,” Bredesen said. the 21st century is all about the adult population and low lev- “If Tennessee is to be the race for human talent. That highly-skilled and geared toward a dicted to reverberate throughout the els of investment in educa- place we want it to be in the challenge will get harder if we sophisticated work force.” state generating up to 10,000 jobs for tion… We should not be future, the best hope is to have don’t fix the education Data provided by Education suppliers and services in the auto- driven by rankings, but they a work force that is competi- problem...Business must as- CrossRoads, a collaborative report motive industry. should serve as a wake-up call tive in the global economy,” sume the mantle of leadership. published by the State Comptroller’s “The plant will create many op- and press us to consider the said Tennessee Comptroller We have to work with gover- Office and the University of Tennes- portunities for the region in a variety important role education can of the Treasury John G. Mor- nors on innovative ideas to im- see, examines economic prosperity of fields,” notes Trevor Hamilton, play in our future.” gan. prove education.” – and the positive impact education Chattanooga Chamber of Com- Gov. Phil Bredesen re- “This means a work force Thomas J. Donohue, president has on family, society and quality of merce vice president for Economic cently participated in a na- that has the education that al- and chief executive officer of life. Studies indicate a positive rela- Development. Hamilton led the tional report by Achieve Inc. lows them to communicate, the U.S. Chamber of Com- tionship between education and in- chamber’s efforts to recruit “Out of Many, One: Toward solve problems and innovate. merce. come in Tennessee. Higher wages Volkswagen to Enterprise South In- In today’s world, it’s not about tied to education, flow through the dustrial Park. local economy generating wealth “The outpouring of excitement www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008

marketing. The report, “A View from Corporate America: Winning Strategies in Economic Develop- ment Marketing,” has been con- BY TML STAFF REPORTS Unemployment in Tennessee ducted every three years since 1996, edged up by one-tenth of a per- and Tennessee’s fourth place rank- A new statewide transportation centage point to 6.5 percent in ing is its highest-ever finish. initiative will make it easier for June compared with a month ear- people who ride rural public lier, pushing the jobless rate here a Tennessee ranks 13th among all transportation vans to take last- full percentage point higher than the states in foreclosure rates, accord- minute trips around their county nation’s rate. With service compa- ing to second quarter data and across county lines. Van riders nies cutting jobs in response to less RealtyTrac Inc. The state had formerly had to reserve a seat up to spending by consumers, 1,300 more 12,008 foreclosure filings — default two days in advance. With the help Tennesseans were out of work be- notices, auction sale notices and of the Tennessee Department of tween May and June, according to bank repossessions — in the second Transportation, 10 rural transporta- data released Thursday by the state quarter. That’s 105.2 percent more tion agencies are installing com- Department of Labor and Work- than the second quarter 2007. One puter technology that will allow force Development. out of every 223 Tennessee house- agencies to coordinate trips that will holds got a foreclosure notice in the get customers to their destinations Tennessee, Mississippi and Ala- second quarter. In the U.S., foreclo- more quickly, even if more than one bama lead the nation in the per- sure filings were reported on county is involved. Three human re- centage of adults who say they are 739,714 properties during the sec- source agencies already use the tech- obese. According to the agency’s ond quarter — a 121 percent increase nology as part of an initiative dubbed Morbidity and Mortality Weekly from the second quarter of 2007. The Intelligent Transportation Systems. Report, self-reported obesity rates in report also shows that one in every these states were more than 30 per- 171 U.S. households received a fore- Rising prices at the gas pump appear cent. The study found obesity is closure filing during the quarter. to be having at least one positive more prominent in the South, where effect: Traffic deaths around the 27 percent of respondents were clas- The Tennessee Department of country — including Tennessee — sified as obese. The percentage of Transportation has published a are plummeting, just as they did obese adults was 25.3 in the Mid- first-of-its-kind book, entitled Tullahoma recently closed a loan with the Tennessee Municipal during the Arab oil embargo three west, 23.3 percent in the Northeast, Tennessee’s Pre-1946 Masonry Bond Fund for $12 million dollars for school improvements. decades ago. Preliminary figures and 22.1 percent in the West. Colo- Arch, Timber Truss, Metal Truss, Pictured are Joe Muscatello, TMBF Representative, Mayor Troy show death rates are down 20 per- rado had the lowest obesity preva- Concrete Arch, Metal Arch, and Bisby, and Rosemary Womack, finance director. cent in Tennessee. Thirty-one states lence at 18.7 percent. Nationally, the Suspension Bridges. This study is have seen declines of at least 10 number of adults who claim to be the culmination of research docu- percent, according to the National obese rose 1.7 percent from 2005 to menting the unique histories of indi- Safety Council. 2007. Now, 25.6 percent of Ameri- vidual bridges, bridge companies, cans say they are obese, up from and general bridge building tech- Only Arkansas, Mississippi and 23.9 percent in 2005. niques in Tennessee, up to the end of West Virginia spend less on their World War II and details TDOT’s BY TML STAFF REPORTS local libraries than Tennessee. There’s an 18 percent decline in state-wide survey of bridges that of communications and government Communities in this state spend an the number of fishing and hunting have been or are currently located on relations for Knoxville Mayor Bill Dr. Tim Webb was average of about $16 per resident on licenses sold in Tennessee since highways. The book also reveals the Haslam. sworn into office their local libraries. The national 1999, when 432,610 combination existence of such rare structures as July 24 as commis- average is about $32. That means fishing and hunting licenses were one of the few Baltimore Petit truss State Court of Appeals Judge J. sioner of the Ten- many of Tennessee’s public libraries sold. Some of the reasons for the and Bowstring truss bridges remain- Steven Stafford of Dyersburg has nessee Department are housed in buildings that are too decline, state officials say, are as ing in the Southeast as well as possi- been named chairman of the Ten- of Education. Gov. small. They have fewer materials in simple as a slowing economy and bly the only 19th century cable nessee Bar Foundation, a philan- Bredesen appointed circulation than other libraries more entertainment options. stayed suspension bridge in the thropic organization that adminis- Webb acting com- around the country. They are under- United States. ters a fund supporting law-related missioner in Febru- Webb staffed and have librarians who are Drivers in Tennessee spend public projects and also honors at- underpaid. As a consequence, li- nearly 6 percent of their income The Volunteer State apparently is ary following the retirement of Lana torneys who have distinguished brary attendance in Tennessee is 32 on gasoline, twice as much as what in need of more volunteers, ac- Seivers from state service. themselves professionally. The percent below the national average. drivers in some states spend, ac- cording to a study that ranks Ten- Foundation oversees and adminis- cording to a report released by the nessee 39th for participation in Billy Simpson, Jasper Mayor, was ters IOLTA, an acronym for Interest School officials in Williamson Natural Resources Defense Coun- community service. The study was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, which cil. The report highlights two areas: released recently by the Corporation the Local Government Planning was established by the Tennessee County are working with the Ten- Supreme Court in 1984. nessee Department of Education vulnerability to high oil prices and for National and Community Ser- Advisory Committee. to remove all Social Security num- implementation by states of alterna- vice, an independent federal agency Jay West has been bers from the district’s database. tives and solutions. The states in designed to foster civic engagement. Rep. John Hood, named the new ex- This move comes after a breach in which drivers are most at risk to high Using U.S. Census Bureau data, the leaving the Ten- ecutive director of student information where students gas price increases are Mississippi, study concludes that Utah had the nessee General the County Offi- Social Security Numbers were acci- South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, nation’s highest volunteer rate be- Assembly after cials Association of dentally posted online. School offi- Kentucky, New Mexico, Indiana, tween 2005 and 2007: 43.9 percent. serving six terms Tennessee. West cials said effective immediately, no Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa. Dipping below that were Alabama at as state represen- succeeds Marie new student will have to give a So- Tennessee is ranked 17th, based on 26.6 percent, Tennessee at 25.5 per- tative from the Murphy who has cial Security number as part of the highest percent of driver income cent and Georgia at 24.2 percent. 48th District, will joined the Depart- West registration process. Earlier this dedicated to fuel costs. continue to serve Hood month, school officials in William- Fatal motorcycle accidents are in- ment of Commerce and Insurance as the state out of the Office of Commu- son County learned more than 5,000 Gross ticket sales for the Tennes- creasing statewide, corresponding Assistant Commissioner for Special nity Engagement and Support at students may have been affected see lottery have topped $4.39 bil- with a rise in the number of people Projects. West has previously served Middle Tennessee State University. when a school employee acciden- lion since its inception four years being issued motorcycle licenses. as a Councilman at Large and Vice MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee tally posted their personal informa- ago, including more than $1 billion According to the Tennessee Depart- Mayor in Nashville. He has been a established the office to support the tion online. over the last year, according to the ment of Safety, the number of motor- registered lobbyist for more than 25 university’s overall mission as it re- State Lottery Corporation. Ticket cycle licenses increased statewide years. West is a graduate of Belmont lates to addressing the ever-growing The Music City Star could receive sales for July 1, 2007, to June 30 this about 5 percent each year between University and the Nashville School needs of both MTSU and the sur- half the funding needed to cover year totaled $1.064 billion, an in- 2003 and 2006. Also increasing of Law. rounding community at large. were the number of motorcycle-re- its anticipated $2 million deficit. crease of $6.8 million from the pre- Margie Nichols, The Tennessee Department of vious year. About $286 million of lated fatalities - from 88 in 2003 to 140 in 2006. currently chief of Maryville City Transportation agreed to help the last year’s sales was earmarked for staff to the Uni- Councilman and struggling commuter train under two education funding, which includes versity of Ten- Planning Commis- conditions. First, the Regional college scholarships, pre-kindergar- The academic profile of the Uni- versity of Tennessee’s freshmen nessee president, sioner Rondel Eu- Transportation Authority will part- ten classes and after-school pro- will be named in- gene “Ron” Ivens ner with the Metro Transportation grams. improved for the fifth year in a row. The class of 2012 has an aver- terim vice chan- died at his West Authority to better manage the cellor for com- Maryville home train’s operations. Second, the RTA Tennessee is fourth in the nation age core grade-point average of 3.76 and a 26.6 average ACT score. Both munications for July 29 after a long and local governments must agree to for best business climate, accord- the UT Knoxville Nichols battle with cancer. cover the other half of the deficit. ing to a new survey by Development scores are the highest ever for an Ivens entering class, according to UT. campus. Nichols will succeed Tom He was 74. Ivens TDOT Commissioner Gerald Counselors, International. The com- was first elected to Maryville City Thirty-nine percent of this year’s in- Milligan, who is to become execu- Nicely says the RTA urgently needs prehensive assessment polled cor- Council in 1999 and re-elected in coming freshmen had 4.0 averages tive vice chancellor for university help to figure out how to success- porate executives with site selection 2003 and 2006. His current term in high school, compared with 32 relations at the University of Massa- fully operate the Star. The agree- responsibilities to determine the would have expired in 2010. He has percent last year. chusetts on Sept. 1.She joined UT in ment came during an RTA board states they perceived as having the November 2007 as a member of the also been the council’s representa- meeting. most effective strategies and tech- president’s senior staff. Before join- tive on the Maryville Planning Com- niques in economic development ing UT, Nichols was senior director mission since 1999.

Tom Spencer Territory Manager Target Your Advertising 570 Beechgrove Way Burns, TN 37029 USA Call Debbie Kluth T (615) 973-0367 [email protected] 615-255-6416 www.sensus.com

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CHATTANOOGA NASHVILLE Phone: 423/267-7613 Phone: 615/731-6003 Fax: 423/267-0603 Fax: 615/731-4149

KNOXVILLE Phone: 865/539-8209 Fax: 865/694-0848 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 www.TML1.org Tough fiscal conditions for states, cities BY CHRIS HOENE Nation’s Cities Weekly

PRIMARY from Page 1 July 1 marked the beginning of Outright winners a new fiscal year for most states and The August primaries not only about one-third of local govern- determined each party’s nominees, ments, and, as a result of declining but in many cases determined the economic conditions, ushered in a outright winner. In the Senate, even- period of cutback management and numbered districts were up for elec- difficult decision making for many tion. In the House, all 99 seats held state and local leaders. elections. To date, the scope of the prob- State Senate lem is most evident at the state level, District 8 – Doug Overbey (R) District 87 – Karen Camper (D) but it will become more evident for District 22 – Rosalind Kurita (D) District 88 – Larry Miller (D) cities, particularly when the remain- District 24 – Roy Herron (D) District 89 – Jeanne Richardson ing cities turn over new fiscal years District 28 – Jim Kyle (D) District 90 – John DeBerry (D) October 1,2008 and January 1, District 30 – Beverly Marrero (D) District 92 – G.A. Hardaway (D) 2009. District 32 – Mark Norris (R) District 95 – Curry Todd (R) For states, the Center on Budget State House District 96 – Steve McManus (R) and Policy Priorities in Washington, District 3 - Jason Mumpower (R) District 97 – Jim Coley (R) D.C., reports that 29 states are fac- District 4 – Kent Williams (R) District 99 – Ron Lollar (R) ing a combined $48 billion shortfall Local Elections in fiscal year 2009 and that three District 6 – Dale Ford (R) In some states, the authority provided is only available to select District 7 – Matthew Hill (R) Despite tough economic condi- more states will face shortfalls in tions, voters in Elizabethton and fiscal year 2010. The center’s report cities. Alabama: 19 cities use local income tax. Delaware: Income District 8- Joe McCord (R) tax for Wilmington. Idaho: Sales tax for resort cities under 10,000 in District 10 – John Litz (D) Pulaski supported a sales tax in- points to declining state sales tax crease to fund a school building and revenues, increased pressures stem- population. Maryland: Income tax for Baltimore city-county. Michi- District 12 – Richard Montgomery (R) gan: 22 cities use local income tax. Minnesota: Sales tax for cities District 13 – Harry Tindell (D) maintenance program, and to pay for ming from local property tax-hous- repairs and upgrades to the Sam ing revenue declines and the pros- if approved by state legislature. Missouri: Income tax for St. Louis District 14 – Ryan Haynes (R) and Kansas City. Montana: Sales tax for resort cities under 5,500 in District 17 – Frank Niceley (R) Davis Park football stadium, respec- pect of income tax revenue de- tively. Elizabethton’s referendum creases if the economy continues to population. New Jersey: Sales tax for Atlantic City and Wildwoods. District 18 – Stacey Campfield (R) New York: Income tax for New York City and Yonkers. Pennsylva- District 19 – Harry Brooks (D) was approved with 55 percent of the weaken. vote and Pulaski voted overwhelm- Since states, like cities, can’t nia: Sales tax for Philadelphia. Vermont: some cities have local District 20 – Bob Ramsey (R) sales tax authority. District 21 – Jimmy Matlock (R) ing for the increase with 65 percent run annual budget deficits, the gaps District 22 – Eric Watson (R) of the votes. will have to be closed by cutting District 23 – Mike Bell (R) Greenbrier elected Billy Wilson spending, raising taxes, drawing thority and capacity. structures that exist. There are es- District 24 – Kevin Brooks (R) as the town’s new Mayor. Joshua down reserves, or some combina- Report co-author Michael A. sentially 50 different state-local sys- District 25 – Eric Swafford (R) Evans was voted in as Greenbrier’s tion of the three. For cities, periods Pagano, dean of the College of Ur- tems.” District 26 – Gerald McCormick (R) Alderman Ward 2. of state fiscal difficulty often result ban Planning and Public Affairs at For instance, the report looks at District 27 – Richard Floyd (R) Elkton voters elected four mem- in cuts in state revenue or state the University of Illinois at Chicago, state authorization of the three major District 28 – Tommie Brown (D) bers to the Board of Mayor and Al- takeaway of local revenues. This notes, “Not enough attention is paid tax sources for local governments — District 30 – Vince Dean (R) dermen. They chose Doug Turner, was the case in the years following to the variation in state-local fiscal property, sales and income taxes. District 31 – Jim Cobb (R) Frances T. Neal, Barry Wilburn, and the brief recession in 2001. At the District 32 – Dennis Ferguson (D) Roosevelt Whitfield. time, the effects of these state ac- District 35 – Dennis Roach (R) Lynnville Mayor Troy Hood tions were mitigated as many local The report points to declining state sales tax District 38 – Les Winningham (D) was unopposed in his bid for re- governments experienced a boom in District 41 – John Mark Windle (D) election as were aldermen Charles property tax revenues stemming revenues, increased pressures stemming from District 42 – Henry Fincher (D) Jett and Robert E. White. from growth in housing values. District 43 – Charles Curtiss (D) In Minor Hill, Brandon Beard A new report published by NLC local property tax-housing revenue declines District 44 – Mike McDonald (D) and Larry J. Johnson were elected to suggests that a different set of state District 50 – Gary Moore (D) the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. responses are in order this time and the prospect of income tax revenue de- District 51 – Mike Turner (D) In New Johnsonville, Michael around. The report, “Cities and Pate, a 26 year old write-in candi- District 52 – Mike Stewart (D) State Fiscal Structure,” outlines the creases if the economy continues to weaken. District 53 – Janis Sontany (D) date, was elected mayor. He is a different ways that state govern- District 54 – Brenda Gilmore (D) police officer in nearby McEwen. ments structure local revenue au- District 56 – Beth Harwell (R) District 58 – Mary Pruitt (D) Some states authorize cities to use District 59 – Sherry Jones (D) property taxes only, while others District 61 – Charles Sargent (R) authorize a combination of property District 63 – Glen Casada (R) and sales taxes, and, in a few cases, District 65 – Eddie Bass (D) some authorize a combination of all District 67 – Joe Pitts (D) three tax sources. District 68 – Curtis Johnson (R) With declining local conditions District 69 – David Shepard (D) imminent, the report recommends District 72 – Steve McDaniel (R) that state policy responses need to be District 73 – Jimmy Eldridge (R) different this time in comparison to District 74 – John Tidwell (D) past downturns. States should con- District 76 –Mark Maddox (D) Helping government sider authorizing additional local District 80 –Johnny Shaw (D) taxing authority, maintaining state District 82 - Craig Fitzhugh (D) aid levels and resisting pressures to District 83 – Brian Kelsey (R) serve the people for pass tax and spending limits in re- District 84 – Joe Towns (D) sponse to short-term changes in con- District 85 – Larry Turner (D) ditions. “Unfortunately, we usually see more than a century. the opposite occur, resulting in fur- ther weakening of the state-local Energy sector’s ability to respond to and recover from the downturn,” said audits save Pagano. This was already the case in states like Florida and Indiana where cities money voter- and state government-ap- ENERGY from Page 1 Delivering the strength and insight of America’s bank. proved actions were taken in the past ficient windows; and year to limit local governments’ au- • Replacing boilers, motors and A strong government requires both financial and intellectual capital thority with respect to property HVAC equipment with state-of- taxes. the-art equipment to help communities thrive and grow. Our government banking In Indiana, where local govern- TECD will also help govern- specialists are dedicated to understanding and serving your ments had been leading efforts to ments choose the right kind of equip- provide homeowners with property ment to fit their needs. For further organization like no one else can. With over a century of commitment tax relief while providing local gov- information about these services, ernments with additional revenue call 1-800-342-1340. to the public sector, Bank of America is a trusted banking leader to authority through the sales tax, “the In 2006, Gov. Bredesen signed a state response essentially took the state proclamation declaring Octo- government entities nationwide. Call 615.749.3618 or visit easy and irresponsible road — cut- ber as Energy Awareness Month. ting local property taxes, but leaving The declaration promotes the con- bankofamerica.com/government to learn more. local governments with a large hole cepts that Americans need a reliable, in their budgets and no tools with continuous supply of affordable and which to respond,” said Matt environmentally-friendly energy Greller, executive director of the In- and a reduction of the reliance on diana Association of Cities and foreign oil and non-renewable en- Towns. ergy sources, along with education Weakening state and local con- about energy efficiency and conser- ditions might also argue for stronger vation and potential renewable en- federal response to ensure that the ergy resources. critical services provided at the state For information to help save and local levels are in place to help energy in your home, business, ve- GLOBAL COMMERCIAL BANKING residents struggling to respond to hicle, or industrial plant, visit the Cash Management Financing Solutions Public Finance Investments those economic changes. U.S. Government Web site http:// “With state and local govern- www.energysavers.gov . ments likely facing tough times in 2009 and 2010, there is certainly time for a focused federal response,” said NLC President Cynthia McCollum, councilmember from Madison, Alabama. “That response ought to be a part of discussions about federal stimulus packages and a part of the national debate in this year’s presidential elections.” “Cities and State Fiscal Struc- ture” is available here. In addition, NLC will publish its report on City Fiscal Conditions in 2008 in the coming weeks, providing more de- tailed information about the health of city budgets. www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 Summary of Public Acts 2008 TML Pool marks million dollar milestone BY JOSH JONES boundaries; In the dark of the night on Feb. & DENNIS HUFFER 2)The municipality must provide 5, a tornado cut across rural Macon MTAS Legal Consultants detailed notice to the commis- County, touching down on the west- sioner of environment and con- ern edge of Lafayette. Keith ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES servation; Scruggs, Lafayette fire chief and di- Public Chapter No. 778 (HB3067) 3)Notification must include a de- rector of the county emergency Wine referendum in Townsend: tailed description of the terri- management agency, was in the Amends T.C.A. § 57-4-103 by re- tory proposed for annexation, middle of the chaos, helping those in quiring the Blount County Election reasons for the annexation, plan need. As a city employee, Chief Commission to place a referendum for municipal services and Scruggs is well aware of the cost of question, wine for consumption on timeline for delivery; replacing damaged or worn equip- premises in Townsend, on the No- 4)The department must study the ment in his fire station. vember 2008 general election ballot likely impact on the wildlife, In June, the TML Risk Manage- if the municipal governing body scenery, ambiance, traffic, ment Pool was able to help Lafayette calls for the referendum by July 15, roads, visitors and mission of by awarding the city a $2,000 check 2008. Townsend is responsible for the proposed territory to be an- for the reimbursement of city equip- all costs associated with the referen- nexed. Municipality must pay ment and supplies such as safety dum. Effective April 21, 2008. the costs of this study; glasses, safety gloves, hearing pro- 5)The department must conduct tection, reflective shirts and vests, From left, Chester Darden, Loss Control consultant; Lafayette Mayor Public Chapter No. 877 (SB2938) one or more public hearings; and confined space equipment. The J.Y. Carter; Michael G. Fann, director of Loss Control; and Randy Removal of sunset provision: 6)Prior to the public hearing, the city was the recipient of the Pool’s Williams, director of Client Services. Amends T.C.A. Title 57, Parts 5 and department must seek the “Safety Partners” Matching grant. 6. Removes the sunset provision on county commission’s input re- It was a very proud moment for the George Dalton, assistant director of ing meters, defibrillators, traffic the present law prohibition on sale garding the municipality’s pro- Pool because the award to Lafayette Loss Control, Randy Williams, di- reflective vests, safety gloves, of beer for off-premises consump- posed annexation; also marked the Pool’s million dol- rector of Client Services, Chester glasses, hearing protection, traffic tion to a person who does not present 7)The department must report its lar mark in total money granted to its Darden, Loss Control consultant for cones, first-aid kits, Hepatitis B photo identification. Creates an ex- finding and may prescribe bind- members since the Safety Partners the middle TN region, and Lottie vaccinations, confined space ception to any criminal punishment ing prerequisites for the pro- grant program began in 1997. How Scobee, executive assistant and winches and tripod systems, or adverse administrative action if posed annexation as are neces- fitting that such a special occasion grant manager. trench boxes, fire extinguishers, the sale in question was made to sary and desirable to protect for the Pool would also be a helping In the progression of this pro- traffic control flags/signs, em- someone who is or reasonably ap- and preserve the park or natural hand for the city. gram, the TML Pool has awarded a ployee wellness programs, electri- pears to be over 50 years of age and area for the benefit of all cur- Lafayette’s Mayor J.Y. Carter total of 772 grants amounting to cal safety training, defensive driv- failed to present identification. rent and future Tennesseans. and City Recorder Annette Morgan $1,003,702. As of the close of the ing training. Effective May 9, 2008. Effective May 22, 2008. met with TML Pool representatives 2008 fiscal year, many employee All TML Pool members with in a special presentation of their safety items have been purchased workers compensation coverage ANIMALS AUTHORITIES grant check. Attending the presen- over the past years such as: bullet- are eligible to apply each year for Public Chapter No. 639 (SB3149) Public Chapter No. 720 (SB3141) tation from the Pool were Michael proof vests, steel-toed boots, turn- a matching grant for their cities/ Euthanasia of animals: Amends Public building authorities: G. Fann, director of Loss Control, out gear with helmets, gas monitor- town/agencies. T.C.A. Title 44, Chapter 17, Part 3, Amends T.C.A. Title 12, Chapter TML Pool Congratulates 2007-08 Matching Grant Recipients to allow a non-livestock animal to be 10, Part 1. Expands the right to tranquilized with an approved sub- petition local governing bodies for Safe Actions . . . First Time, Every Time . . . the TML Pool and You! stance before euthanasia by lethal incorporation of a public building To help address the concern of cities, towns and agencies purchasing employee safety equipment or safety training that injection. If the animal is euthanized authority to customers of a utility is often cost prohibitive or at least burdensome, even when the entity recognizes the need for it, the Pool has awarded 91 Loss by intracardial injection via hypo- district. The directors of a public Control Matching Grants for the 2007-08 fiscal year. building authority created by a util- dermic needle, the animal must be The Pool reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of the approved employee safety purchase with a maximum reimbursement tranquilized. These provisions ap- ity district must be customers of the based on the Priority Classification matrix rating. Consideration of grants was based on a variety of topics such as submission ply to any licensed veterinarian, vet- utility district. Members of the date, loss ratios, risk management practices, and availability of funding. Risk control is a critical part of managing a erinarian medical technician, em- board of commissioners and em- ployee, volunteer or any other per- ployees of the utility district may governmental entity effectively. The TML Risk Management Pool wishes to congratulate the Pool members that received son acting as an agent of a public or serve as directors. The directors of Safety Partners Matching Grants for 2007-08. The following entities are to be commended for their fine job of safety private agency, animal shelter or an authority created jointly by two awareness. other facility operated for the collec- or more utility districts must either Alcoa Fayetteville Morristown tion, care or euthanasia or non-live- be a customer of one of the creating Athens Franklin Mount Carmel stock animals.Before an aforemen- districts or a member of the board Baileyton Franklin SSD Murfreesboro HA tioned agency euthanizes an animal of directors of the TAUD. Direc- Baxter Gallatin Norris that the facility knows or should tors are appointed by the board of Bell Buckle Gates NW TN Econ Dev know has an owner, the agency must commissioners of each creating Belle Meade Gatlinburg Oakland hold the animal for three business utility district with the number of Benton Germantown Parsons days. This three-day requirement is directors appointed by each board Bolivar Gilt Edge Pigeon Forge not applicable in emergency situa- of commissioners to be as nearly Brentwood Harriman Utilities Pikeville tions. Effective July 1, 2008. equal as practicable. Establishes Burns Humboldt Pittman Center staggered terms for directors. An Calhoun Huntsville Portland Public Chapter No. 805 (SB870) authority created by a utility district Caryville Jamestown Pulaski Electric Chemical capture of animals: or two or more utility districts Charleston Johnson City HA Puryear Amends T.C.A. Title 44, Chapter 17 would only have the powers estab- Church Hill Jonesborough Red Bank and Title 63, Chapter 12. Chemical lished under present law for public Cleveland KAT Rockwood Electric Utility capture by certified technicians building authorities for projects Clifton Kimball Rockwood Water, Sewer & Gas must be done with Telazol or other that consist of utility infrastructure, Collegedale Kingston Springs SCHRA drugs approved by the board of vet- improvements, and facilities that Collinwood Knoxville Knox County CAC Sevier Solid Waste erinary medical examiners. Drugs are an integral part of a public Cookeville Lafayette Sevierville used for chemical capture can be utility’s operations and are used by Cornersville LaFollette Utilities Smithville Electric administered only by a licensed vet- the utility in providing utility ser- Covington LaVergne Somerville erinarian or a licensed veterinarian vices. Effective April 10, 2008. Crump Lawrenceburg Sparta technician employed by and under Dandridge Lenoir City Sweetwater the direct supervision of a licensed Public Chapter No. 1042 Dayton Lenoir Utilities Board Trenton veterinarian or certified animal (HB1665) Tri-County Railroad Dover Linden Tullahoma chemical capture technician. Authority members: Amends East Ridge Livingston Tusculum Requires the board of veteri- T.C.A. § 64-2-304(2) by authoriz- Englewood Martin Vonore nary medical examiners to issue a ing the county mayor and mayor of Etowah Maryville Waynesboro certificate authorizing chemical each member city of the Tri- Etowah HA Mid Cumberland HRA White House capture of animals to any govern- County Railroad Authority to se- Fairview Milan Winchester mental animal control agency that lect a representative to the board of Winchester Utilities the board determines to be qualified. directors to serve in their stead. Agency must submit application, The representative must be at least Public Chapter No. 907 (SB116) tion from within 10 to within 14 and Insurance for dealers of scrap fee and written protocol for chemi- 25 years of age, have resided within Energy conservation standards: days. Complaint must be forwarded metal. Requires dealers to secure and cal capture. All animal chemical the boundaries of the authority for Amends T.C.A. Title 4, Chapter 3, to the tenant’s landlord or the record photo identification of buy- capture technicians must be board at least one year immediately pre- Part 7, relative to building codes. landlord’s agent via certified mail. ers. Precludes immediate payment certified. Creates a new Class B mis- ceding the person’s selection, and Establishes the minimum energy con- Defines third-party complainant as for sale of copper scrap metal, cata- demeanor of engaging in chemical must continue to reside within the servation standards for any new resi- a health care provider or public em- lytic convertors or air conditioner capture without certification or im- boundaries while serving as a di- dential building construction on or ployee who, in the regular course of evaporator coils or condensers. Only personating a certified chemical rector. Local governing body must after Jan. 1, 2009 as the 2003 Interna- his duties, has been inside a pre- a licensed contractor with a CMC, capture animal technician. Effective approve candidate. Represen- tional Energy Conservation Code mises occupied by a tenant. Re- MC, CMC-C or MC-C classifica- for purposes of promulgating rules tative’s term may not exceed the (L.E.C.C.). Encourages builders to moves the condition that tenant be tion, a company meeting all local April 10, 2008. Effective for all remaining term of the appointing voluntarily comply with the 2006 current on rental payments to file a HVAC requirements to obtain a per- other purposes Jan. 1, 2009. official. Effective May 28, 2008. L.E.C.C. standards for commercial complaint with building inspector mit as an HVAC installer in a build- construction. or county health department. Speci- ing code-exempt jurisdiction, a busi- Public Chapter No. 1172 BUILDING, UTILITY, & Energy efficiency and environ- fies that the provision requiring the ness tax license with a Class 4 classi- (SB2697) Intentional killing of HOUSING CODES mental building standards adopted by premises be in violation of mini- fication, or sales tax ID number indi- animals: Amends T.C.A. Title 39, Public Chapter No. 766 (SB2935) state or local jurisdictions may in- mum health standards subsequent to cating HVAC installer or repairer in Chapter 14, Part 2. Changes the Tennessee Condominium Act of clude the use of: the filing of a complaint does not a non-exempt jurisdiction or exempt offense of intentional killing of an 2008: Amends T.C.A. Title 66 by 1)A sheathing with factory applied apply to rental agreements where jurisdiction where no local HVAC animal by removing the element that enacting the Tennessee Condo- radiant barrier with an emissivity the rent is assessed and collected installer permit is required, may sell the offender have the intent to de- minium Act of 2008. This bill rating of 0.05 or less or a sheet monthly or a term greater than air conditioner evaporator coils or prive the owner of the right to the would apply to all condominiums radiant barrier with an emissivity monthly. Effective May 28, 2008. condensers for scrap. Allows local animal’s life, thereby requiring only created in Tennessee after Jan. 1, rating of 0.05 or less that also law enforcement officers to inspect that the defendant knowingly and 2009, and, upon its effective date, meets the specifications of ASTM BUSINESS REGULATION registered dealers during regular unlawfully kill an animal of another the present law concerning condo- C1313 and is installed according Public Chapter No. 638 (SB2028) business hours, without a warrant, without the owner’s effective con- miniums, the Horizontal Property to ASTM C1158; and Retail fireworks permits: scrap metal purchased by dealers and sent. Effective July 1, 2008. Act, would apply only to condo- 2)The use of lumber and engineered Amends T.C.A. §68-105-105(a) to the records of such. Allows for the miniums created in Tennessee be- wood products that originate from require as a prerequisite to the issu- creation of a commission to regulate ANNEXATION fore Jan.1, 2009. Forbids ordi- sustainable sources and are certi- ance of a retailer’s or seasonal scrap metal business. Nothing in Public Chapter No. 818 (SB2972) nances, resolutions or any other fied through the Sustainable For- retailer’s fireworks permit for new these sections prevents a govern- Deletion of obsolete annexation local law or rule from prohibiting estry Initiative, Canadian Stan- location, a statement that the sale of mental entity, regulated landfill or provisions: Amends T.C.A. Tile 6, the condominium form of owner- dards Association , American Tree fireworks in the county or munici- solid waste processing plant from Sections 51 and 58 relative to annex- ship or from imposing any require- Farms System, Programme for the pality is permissible. The statement selling any scrap metal lawfully ob- ation, by deleting obsolete, time- ment upon a condominium which it Endorsement of Forest Certifica- must be signed by the chief execu- tained or from registering as a scrap sensitive provisions. Effective April would not impose upon a physi- tion, and Forest Stewardship tive officer of the county or munici- metal dealer. Creates a Class A Mis- 29, 2008. cally identical development under Council. Effective Jan. 1, 2009. pality or an appointee charged with demeanor for first and second of- a different form of ownership. If a the responsibility of enforcing this fense and a Class E Felony for third Public Chapter No. 1033 unit is taken by eminent domain or Public Chapter No. 1027 (SB3048) section. Effective March 18, 2008. and subsequent offenses. For pur- (SB3434) Municipal annexation if a part of a unit is taken such that Rental properties unfit for habita- poses of rulemaking by the Commis- of state park land: Amends T.C.A. the owner may not practically or tion: Amends T.C.A. Title 68, Chap- Public Chapter No. 690 (SB2400) sioner of the Department of Com- Title 6, Chapter 51, Part 1, relative lawfully use the unit, then the ter 111. Extends the period of time Scrap metal registration: merce and Insurance, this act be- to annexation. Requires the follow- award must compensate the owner within which the building inspector or Amends T.C.A. Title 39, Chapter comes effective April 7, 2008. Sec- ing as a precedent to municipal an- for both the owner’s unit and the representative of the public health de- 14; Title 40, Chapter 35 and Title tion 62-9-102, requiring scrap metal nexation of any state park land: owner’s interest in the common el- partment is required to inspect a 62, Chapter 9, relative to scrap dealers to register with the depart- 1)The territory proposed for an- ements, regardless of whether any building immediately following the metal, scrap metal dealers, theft and ment becomes effective Oct. 1, 2008. nexation must be located within common element was taken. filing of a complaint alleging that the criminal trespass. Requires registra- The remainder of the bill takes effect the municipality’s urban growth Effective Jan. 1, 2009. premises are unfit for human habita- tion with Department of Commerce July 1, 2008. 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 www.TML1.org

Jackson, Personnel Department, 127 E. Main a valid Tennessee driver’s license. Must have plan, direct, implement and manage all phases Street, Suite 303, Jackson, TN 38301: phone 5 years experience in law enforcement admin- of comprehensive parks and recreation pro- 731- 425-8252: Fax: 731-425-8673. istration. Must be POST certified. Salary gram, its personnel, policy and fiscal planning DOQ plus excellent benefits. Application is a activities; communicate ideas and informa- ENGINEERING ASSISTANT public record. Send resumes, obtain applica- tion clearly, concisely, and convincingly, school. Associate or college degree in con- Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No PORTLAND. The City of Portland is search- tion or receive more information from:Town orally, and in writing; react quickly and calmly struction design technology, public adminis- charge to TML members. Send advertising to: ing for a qualified Engineering Assistant. This of Erwin, P.O. Box 59 211 North Main Ave., in emergency situations and determine proper tration or related field preferred. At least 5 TT&C Classified Ads, Mona Lawrence, 226 person will report to the City Engineer/Public Erwin, TN. 37650. Phone: 423-743-623. EOE course of action; graduated from an accredited years of which shall have been as a building Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219; Work Director. The employee performs gen- four year college or university with a degree in inspector in municipal or county government. e-mail: mlawrence@ TML1.org; or fax: 615- eral work in the design, construction, inspec- PARKS AND RECREATION recreation or related field, or 8 years of expe- Five years supervisory experience is required. 255 4752. tion, and maintenance of a variety of public DIRECTOR rience in recreation programming; Four years Must be a Certified Building Inspector by the facilities and utilities. Applicants must have MARTIN. The city is accepting applications or more experience in management and super- International Codes Council and State Fire ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF graduated from an accredited college or uni- for the position of Parks and Recreation Direc- vision of subordinates. Benefit Package: Blue Marshall’s Office. Salary range: $41,724 - The town of Greeneville is seeking an indi- versity with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engi- tor. Prepares departmental budget, supervises Cross and Blue Shield Health Insurance, $56,950 (Applications must be postmarked by vidual for full-time employment as Assistant neering or Civil Engineering Technology. accurate accounting of collection and expen- TCRS Retirement. Salary starts at $45,000. Sept. 12, 2008 or may be received in person at Police Chief. The candidate must have strong Salary range is $34,075-$47,705. For more ditures of department funds, and makes Submit resumes along with job applications the City of Springfield Personnel Office, 405 interpersonal and organizational skills with information please contact Mary Lou Thomp- monthly reports to mayor and aldermen at city by August 30, 2008 to Attn: City of Martin North Main St. and returned no later than 4:30 the ability to manage personnel, programs and son, Human Resources Manager, at 615- 325- meetings. Will coordinate formal and on the Human Resource Department, 101 University p.m. on the date specified above. When apply- multiple projects simultaneously. Under the 6776. Applications at job training programs and give direction and Street, Martin, TN 38237. Job description on ing for this vacancy announcement, please direction of the Police Chief, responsibilities www.cityofportlandtn.gov. Send resumes guidance for staff personal development. De- city website:www.cityofmartin.net reference announcementnumber #CD-010. include assisting in planning, organizing, and and applications to: Human Resources, City of velops and implements active and passive rec- EOE. directing all activities of the Police Depart- Portland, 100 S. Russell St., Portland, TN reational opportunities suitable for all seg- PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ment. Activities associated with the position 37148. Posiiton open until filled. ments of the population. Establishes and MT. PLEASANT. The city is seeking a quali- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT require a strong background in police admin- maintains an effective working relationship fied candidate to serve as Public Works Direc- DIRECTOR istration and personnel management with a FINANCE ANALYST with the public, other department’s agencies tor. Currently, the Water and Sewer depart- ATHENS.The city will accept applications minimum of five years supervisory experi- PORTLAND. The city is seeking applications and organizations, the news media, and all ments are separate entities. We are seeking an for the position of Community Development ence of lieutenant or higher. The Assistant for the position of Finance Analyst. Gradu- employees of the city. Requirements: Knowl- individual who can combine these two func- Director until filled. This position is respon- Police Chief will reside within the Greene ated from an accredited, post secondary col- edge of principles and practices of public tions into one department and effectively ad- sible for professional assistance in the City’s County limits within six months of hire. lege or university, with a bachelor’s degree in recreation program design and delivery, and dress the issues ahead. Interested candidates industrial, commercial and residential devel- Greenville offers a competitive wage based on Accounting or Finance is required. This is an facilities management; Knowledge of the ma- should send a summary of qualifications to: opment efforts including planning, zoning and education and experience and excellent fringe entry level position requiring a minimum of terials and equipment used in general mainte- Richard Goode, City Manager, 100 Public supervision of building inspections and codes benefits. Applications are available at one year of experience in the accounting field nance and construction work; Knowledge of Square, Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474. The position enforcement. The director works under the www.green with a broad based knowledge of GL/AP/AR, occupational hazards and safety precautions; open until filled. EOE general supervision of the city manager. The evilletn.org or may be obtained at Town of purchasing and payroll. Candidate must be position requires a bachelor’s degree in city Greeneville, 200 North College Street, well versed in financial accounting software. planning, public administration, business ad- Greeneville, Tennessee 37745. No Phone This person reports to the City Recorder. ministration or closely related field and work calls. Completed applications and resumes Knowledge of governmental account pre- related experience in management and plan- with wage requirements must be received at ferred. Salary range $34,075-$47,705. For ning for local and/or state governments. Must Town of Greeneville, Attention: Human Re- more information, contact Mary Lou Thomp- possess and maintain a valid Tennessee sources-Assistant Police Chief, 200 College son, Human Resources Manager or Karen driver’s license. Salary range is $56,163- St., Greeneville, TN 37745 by noon on Tues- Johnson, City Recorder at 615- 325-6776. $84,244 (DOQ) plus full benefit package. in a wallet and cost half the price day, Sept. 2, 2008. Application maybe found at BY TML STAFF REPORTS References are required and background www.cityofportlandtn.gov. Send resumes of a new passport. About 350,000 checks will be conducted. Resumes will only As Americans move into the sec- CITY ADMINISTRATOR and application to Human Resources, City of Americans have applied for the new be accepted with applications. Applications FRANKLIN. The city is seeking applicants Portland, 100 S. Russell St., Portland, TN ond half of 2008, it appears an card. A regular passport is required for the position of city administrator. The are available through the HR Department, City 37148. Open until filled. economic turnaround this year is for air travel. The U.S. State Depart- ideal candidate will be a proven local govern- of Athens, PO Box 849, 815 North Jackson unlikely. The National Association ment manager or assistant with experience in Street, Athens, TN 37371-0849. EOE. ment expects the number of appli- FIRE CHIEF for Business Economics reported fast growing communities. Must have proven ATHENS. The city will accept applications cants to swell to 4 million by June 1, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ability to provide strategic visioning to the for the position of Fire Chief through Septem- that 45 percent of economists be- DIRECTOR 2009. City as it continues to develop and progress. ber 26, 2008. This position directs all activi- lieve the economy won’t log any COLLIERVILLE. The town seeks applica- Requires a Bachelors degree and ten years of ties of the city’s fire department and serves as growth or will clock in at a small 1 tions for the position of Community Develop- related experience. Some private experience the city’s safety officer. Minimum qualifica- With millions of new voters head- ment Director. The director plans, organizes, percent pace in the final six months will be considered. Competitive salary range tions are four years of higher education with a ing to the polls this November and directs, services of department in engineering, of this year. And, 10 percent think with excellent benefits with beginning salary major in Fire Science or related field, plus 5 or many states introducing new vot- planning, and building codes services. Re- negotiable DOQ. Visit the City’s web site @ more year of supervisory experience. Must economic activity could contract quires strong, results-oriented management ing technologies, election officials www.franklin-gov.com. This position will be possess and maintain a valid Tennessee during the period. Thirty-two per- qualifications, leadership and team building and voting monitors say they fear open until filled. EOE. To apply, please sub- driver’s license. Applicant must have exten- skills and engineering, planning, communica- cent, meanwhile, think the mit your confidential resume and cover letter sive knowledge of fire prevention and sup- the combination is likely to create tion and interpersonal relationship competen- economy growths during the sec- without delay to: Robert E. Slavin, President pression techniques, fire safety standards, long lines, stressed-out poll workers cies. Needs track record demonstrating con- Slavin Management Consultants , 3040 NFPA standards, ISO standards, TOSHA ond half could be between 1 percent sensus-building, knowledge of community and late tallies on Election Day. At Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite A-1, Norcross, standards, fire apparatus, and hazardous ma- and 2 percent. Eleven percent thinks development, City functions, project design least 11 states will use new voting Georgia 30071, phone: 770- 449-4656, Fax: terial operations. Must possess excellent writ- and management, transportation systems and growth will come in between 2 per- 770- 416-0848, E-mail: ten and verbal communication skills and have equipment as the nation shifts away their funding sources, customer service, em- cent and 3 percent. NABE also [email protected]. Web site: ability to prepare and manage departmental from touch-screen machines and to ployee relations, and intergovernmental rela- www.slavinweb.com. budget, develop annexation plans, fire rating found that 75 percent of businesses tions. Requires Bachelor’s degree, 10 years the paper ballots of optical scanners, plans, and conduct safety inspections. The are paying more for raw materials, experience in planning and community devel- which will be used by more than 55 CITY MANAGER Chief works under the general supervision of opment work. Master’s degree in planning, such as fuel and steel. That’s the EAST RIDGE. The City of East Ridge is the City Manager. Salary range $56,163- percent of voters. About half of all business administration or related field pre- highest percentage in the group’s accepting qualified applicants for the position $84,245. References are required and back- voters will use machines unlike the ferred. Salary $67,348 – $106,660 DOQ, plus of City Manager. Qualifications: At least five ground checks will be conducted. Resumes record keeping that dates back to benefits. Send resumes by September 15, 2008 ones they used in the last presidential years city management experience, plus lead- will only be accepted with city application. 1994. to John Maxwell, Senior Vice President. election, experts say, and more than ership and team building skills. College de- Applications are available through the Human Springsted Incorporated: 109-A Wimbledon gree required. Salary range $85,000 - Resource Department, City of Athens, PO half of the states will use new state- Square, Suite A, Chesapeake VA 23320, fax The government is on the cusp of $95,000, plus benefits & automobile. Send Box 849, 815 North Jackson Street, Athens, wide databases to verify voter regis- 757-422-6617 or email releasing passport cards that fit resume to: Curtis D. Adams, Hamilton TN 37371-0849, or call 423- 744-2703. EOE tration. County Commissioner/City Manager, City of [email protected]. EOE. East Ridge, 1517 Tombras Avenue, East HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF Ridge, TN 37412, phone: 423-622-3352. JOHNSON CITY. The city is seeking a pro- JACKSON. The city is accepting applications EOE. TN Drug Free Workplace. gressive and experienced human resources for the position of Deputy Fire Chief. Will director to lead and direct the services and Early Bird Registration serve as principal assistant to the chief in CITY MANAGER programs provided by the Human Resources organizing, directing, supervising, disciplin- $500 for Members before September 30 OAK HILL.The city seeks applications for the Department. Minimum qualifications include ing and coordinating activities associated position of City Manager. Excellent benefits the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in busi- Register online at www.NLCCongressofCities.org with the department, ensuring effective and package. Commission- Manager form of gov- ness, management, or public administration efficient daily operational practices, ernment with manager reporting to the mayor with seven years of progressively responsible firefighting techniques and procedures. Spe- and Board of Commissioners. The city man- experience in human resources and health in- cific job duties include: supervising, direct- ager will lead and direct all departments in- surance administration. Responsible for plan- ing, and evaluating fire prevention officers, cluding administration, safety, planning and ning, organizing, directing and coordinating training officers, and emergency medical ser- code enforcement, streets and public services. the personnel activities of the City’s 890 FTE vices officer; handle employee concerns and Require BA/BS in public or business adminis- employee workforce, including organiza- problems; direct work; counsel; discipline and tration, political science, public policy or re- tional training. Looking for an enthusiastic, complete employee performance evaluations; lated field. Prefer some municipal experience responsive team-oriented individual with direct personnel, apparatus, equipment and as manager or assistant manager in local gov- good management and organization skills, property of the department at emergency ernment. Salary: DOQ/E. Position open until self-starter. Excellent interpersonal and com- scenes, ensuring strict compliance with rules filled. The required city application is avail- munication skills are required. The hiring and regulations of the department, assist the able from the assistant city manager. The range is anticipated in the $60k - $75k range, chief in the development, implementations, application, with resume, cover letter, refer- with a very competitive benefits package. and monitoring of operational and administra- ences and salary history should be submitted Visit the city’s website at www.johnson tive procedures and policies; assist with the to: City of Oak Hill, 5548 Franklin Road, Suite citytn.org for a detailed description of the preparation and presentation of annual bud- 102, Nashville, TN 37220. The assistant city position and how to apply. Open until filled. getary evaluations and related analysis to ap- manager may be contacted by phone at 615- EEO/AA 371-8291. propriate individuals; review the financial op- erations of the department and make recom- MUNICIPAL POLICE CHIEF mendations on annual operating budget and CODES ADMINISTRATOR ERWIN. The town is accepting qualified ap- capital improvements. Associate’s degree in The city of Springfield is accepting applica- plications for the position of Municipal Police Fire Science preferred, with a minimum of tions for a codes administrator with the De- Chief. This employee is responsible for the three years’ experience as a Captain. Must partment of Community Development and planning, organizing and directing of all ac- have State of Tennessee or National certifica- Planning in Springfield, Tenn. from Aug. 11- tivities of the Police Department, overseeing tion as a Firefighter II, Fire Instructor, Fire Sept. 12, 2008. Essential functions include 10 full-time police officers and 1 full-time November 11-15, 2008 Officer I and II. Must possess a minimum of performing responsible technical and protec- investigator. The employee is under the gen- medical First Responder’s certification from a tive service work in the inspection of build- eral supervision of the City Recorder and Department of Public Health. Generous ben- Orlando, Florida ings, facilities and properties for compliance Mayor. Qualifications include: Graduation efit package; salary is $61,000.00. EOE/M/F/ with International Code Council Codes, zon- from an accredited high school or equivalent, V/D. Minorities are encouraged to apply. Job ing ordinances, subdivision regulations, and preferably graduation from a college or uni- Orlando World Center Marriott description on city web site: general health, safety and sanitation ordi- versity with major course experience in police www.cityofjackson.net. Contact the City of nances. Graduation from a standard high adminis-tration or related field. Must possess Good Risk Management is just Good Management Cities and municipal agencies have joined together to create in the TML Pool what has grown to be the largest municipal insurer in Tennessee. The extent of the coverage provided for municipal expo- sures is staggering.

The Pool insures: • 40,575 municipal employees for workers’ compensation representing more than $951.7 million dollars in annual payroll exposures; • 18,960 municipal vehicles with total insurable values of some $350 million for liability coverage; and provides • general liability coverage for 16,407 miles of streets.

5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979 www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 Tennessee Municipal League 2007-2008 Officers and Directors Long-term solutions needed to PRESIDENT Tom Beehan Mayor, Oak Ridge VICE PRESIDENTS solve transportation funding issues Royce Davenport Mayor, McMinnville FUNDING from Page 1 ever, less driving also results in less meet infrastructure needs and to pro- Dale Kelley vide for quality and sustainable eco- Mayor, Huntingdon move a “bailout” of the highway revenue for transit operations. Kay Senter trust fund and that Congress has A report released by the U.S. nomic growth. The commission rec- TENNESSEE Vice Mayor, Morristown wasted billions of dollars from the Department of Transportation ommended investing at least $225 DIRECTORS trust fund on pork-barrel projects for shows that over the past eight billion annually from all sources Alan Barker FESTIVALS Mayor, Humboldt home districts. The Bush Adminis- months, Americans have driven 53.2 (federal, state, local, and private) for Aug 29- 31: African Street Festival Linda Bennett tration has also threatened to veto the billion miles less than they did over the next 50 years. Jackson. Music artists,merchandise Council Chair, Chattanooga (District 3) bill and instead has recommended the same period a year earlier – top- To fund the necessary invest- Betsy Crossley and food vendors; African arts & Commissioner, Brentwood (District 6) that the funds be transferred from the ping the 1970s’ total decline of 49.3 ments, the Commission recom- artifacts, health screenings, and Shirley Fox Rogers mass transit account. billion miles. Americans drove 4.7 mends new revenue strategies, in- children’s acitvities. For more infor- Council, LaFollette “Sen. Alexander supports a trust percent less, or 12.2 billion miles cluding increasing the federal gas mation, call 731-616-0814. Karl Dean tax between 25 – 40 cents (5 -8 cents Mayor, Metro Nashville fund fix and not the administration’s fewer, in June 2008 than June 2007; Johnny Dodd, position on raiding mass transit,” they drove 3.7 percent fewer miles in per gallon, per year) with the rate September 13: Mountain States Council , Jackson said Lee Pitts, Alexander’s press May than they did a year earlier and increase indexed and phased in over Dragon Boat Festival Eddy Ford, time. The current rate has not been Mayor, Farragut secretary. “He has proposed a prohi- more than double the April drop-off. Johnson City. For more information, David Gordon, bition on the rescission of dollars Most lawmakers and industry increased since 1993. call 423-952-3114. Mayor, Covington from the trust fund, believing that we officials acknowledge that a long- Other user-based fees could in- Bill Haslam need to get back in the habit of using term solution to meet the nation’s clude a vehicle miles traveled fee, th Mayor, Knoxville Sept.26-27: 10 Annual Main W.W. Herenton this money for its intended purpose, highway and infrastructure needs is toll roads and bridges, the deploy- Street Fall Festival Mayor, Memphis highway transportation projects, or necessary. Today’s high gas prices ment of peak-hour “congestion pric- Celebrate the rich heritage of Ron Littlefield else give it back to the taxpayers. only underscore the importance of ing” in major metropolitan areas, Mayor, Chattanooga Dyersburg’s Downtown district. Keith McDonald (District 8) When the American people pay gas implementing new revenue sources freight fees, and ticket taxes for pas- Barbeque cook off, entertainment, Mayor, Bartlett taxes, they expect that money to sup- to supplement the unpredictable and senger rail improvements. children’s area with climbing wall Kevin Helms port transportation projects. Sen. City Manager, Fayetteville (TCMA) and inflatables, vendors, and fresh Jane Myron, Alexander believes that we need to barbeque. For more information, Vice Mayor, Johnson City (District 1) correct this problem as soon as pos- “There is no quick fix for the funding problems call Steve Guttery at 731-285-3433. Tommy Pedigo sible so thousands of Tennesseans Mayor, Sparta (District 4) besetting our aging transportation system, but it is Johnny Piper will continue to be able to drive Sept. 27: Bluegrass Festival Mayor, Clarksville safely on our highways.” clear that we have no option but to begin seriously Farragut. A family-oriented event David May If no funding measure is ap- including championship barbeque Council, Cleveland proved, Tennessee stands to lose addressing this issue nationally and locally.” Charles Rahm and Arts & Crafts vendors. For more Council, Jackson (District 7) some $235.5 million dollars in high- - Gerald Nicely, TDOT Commissioner information, call 865-966-9040. Charles “Bones” Seivers way funds. That’s in addition to President-CEO, Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund more than $237.7 million in funds Cindy Cameron Ogle City Manager, Gatlinburg (District 2) that the federal government has re- unsustainable gas tax. In Tennessee, the General As- Ron Washington scinded since December 2005, ac- “We can’t afford to continue sembly passed a joint resolution dur- Council, Murfreesboro cording to the Tennessee Depart- pinning our transportation ing the 2008 session that creates a Ken Wilber Mayor, Portland ( District 5) ment of Transportation (TDOT). network’s future to the gas tax,” U.S. study committee to explore trans- “Our work program anticipates Transportation Secretary Mary E. portation funding options and di- PAST PRESIDENTS these funds becoming available and Peters said in a press statement. “Ad- rects the committee to report back to Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo cuts of this magnitude would most vances in higher fuel-efficiency ve- the legislature in early 2009. The Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro Sept. 15 & 16: The 55th Annual likely require delaying and possibly hicles and alternative fuels are mak- committee will be composed of ma- Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg Governor’s Conference. Gaylord Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland cutting projects,” said TDOT Com- ing the gas tax an even less sustain- jor stakeholders and private citizens Opryland Resort and Convention Sam Tharpe (2001) Vice Mayor, Paris missioner Gerald Nicely. able support for funding roads, to be appointed by the Speakers of Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski Center. August 15 is the last day to Nearly 50 percent of TDOT’s bridges and transit systems.” both houses and the reserve a room for the discounted TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS budget comes from federal funds. Secretary Peters recently un- Governor. TDOT will work closely rate of $107 per night (plus tax, (Ex-Officio Directors) These funds support core programs veiled a new plan to reform the with this committee to explore any Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. parking and a daily $15 resort fee). such as highway maintenance, nation’s highway and transit system and all funding options. Barbara Lapides, Millington The room rate will be honored Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference bridge repair, road building, conges- that addresses funding, urban con- Some funding alternatives cur- three days before and three days Ewing Sellers, Murfreesboro tion mitigation and air quality im- gestion, safety, and maintenance is- rently being explored are: indexing after the conference, subject to Tennessee Chapter, American Public Works provements, and transportation en- sues. Peters calls for more direct of the state fuel tax to a standard Richard Whaley, Maryville availability. For hotel reserva- hancements. pricing options like toll roads and measure of inflation (such as the Tennessee Government Finance Officers tions, call 1-888-777-6779 and John Troyer, Knoxville “These cuts would have a sig- bridges and for states to turn to the Consumer Price Index), increase Tenn. Assn. of Housing & Redevel. Auth. provide the code N-TDEC8. Marilyn Medley, Morristown nificant impact in these areas,” said private sector for infrastructure in- title and registration fees, a tax on car Nicely. “It is clear on both the na- vestments. rentals, authorization of public-pri- Tennessee Building Officials Assn. Sept. 24-26: Tennessee Associa- Jim Brown, Bartlett tional and state level that the gas tax, To focus on congestion, the plan vate partnerships to fund transporta- tion of Municipal Clerks and Re- Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. which is on a per gallon basis, can no would create a Metropolitan Innova- tion improvements, creation of an Richard Martin, Lenoir City corders (TAMCAR) Fall Confer- longer keep pace with our needs. tion Fund that rewards cities willing infrastructure bank, replacement of Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports ence, Cool Springs Embassy Larry Cox, Memphis State revenues are virtually flat, con- to combine a mix of effective transit the per gallon gas and diesel tax with Suites, Franklin. Government reps Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police struction costs are skyrocketing, and investments, and new traffic tech- a sales tax on these products, or Kim Wallace, Dover who want to be recognized for we have seen major cuts in our fed- nologies. expansion of the Tollway Act of Tennessee Water Quality Management Assn. their professional competency, ad- Jack Graham, Maryville eral transportation appropriations as The current surface transporta- 2007 beyond the two pilots currently vance in their career and gain pro- Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. Congress struggles to deal with a tion program expires on Sept. 30, authorized. fessional development should at- Dennis Suiter, Martin highway trust fund.” 2009, and Congress has been hold- “There is no quick fix for the Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Assn. tend. You do not have to be a One of the primary reasons for ing preliminary hearings in prepara- funding problems besetting our ag- Steven Neilson, Brentwood member of the International Insti- Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. the budget shortfall is a decline in tion for a new bill. ing transportation system, but it is tute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) or Vicki Burton, Jackson gasoline tax revenues. The Highway Earlier this year, the U.S. House clear that we have no option but to Tenn. Assn. of Municipal Clerks & Recorders TAMCAR to participate. For pro- Trust Fund is financed by federal gas Transportation and Infrastructure begin seriously addressing this issue Connie Kittrell, Gallatin gram information, contact Kurt Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing taxes - 18.4 cents a gallon on gaso- Committee heard from the National nationally and locally,” said Frederick, TAMCAR institute di- Susan White, Jackson line and 24.4 cents a gallon on diesel Commission on Surface Transporta- Nicely. “Countries such as China TN Section, Institute of Transportation rector and MTAS training consult- - and is redistributed to cities and tion, a 12-member bipartisan com- and India are investing five to 10 Engineers ant, at 615-253-6385 or e-mail Greg Judy, Nashville towns through the states. mission created by Congress in 2005 times as much annually in their infra- [email protected]. Tennessee Public Transportation Association With average gas prices hitting to examine the condition and opera- structure, including transportation, Tom Dugan, Chattanooga Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors the $4 mark and above this summer, tion of the surface transportation than is the United States. Delay in Tommy White, Sevierville it’s no surprise that Americans are system. The commission unani- facing this funding problem only Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools taking steps to conserve at the gas mously agreed that significant in- means the day of reckoning will be Rain or shine, Wayne Miller, LenoirCity pumps and are driving less. How- vestments were needed in order to more painful.” TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS sleet or hail, DIAMOND LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Bank of America every day is perfect GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. ING Financial Advisers, LLC for a GovDeals sale! 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TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 — Official publication of the Tennessee Mu- Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. nicipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery Phoenix Tank Services We’re making great cities even better. (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves Rush Truck Center, Nashville ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to re- SSR Ellers Inc. One loan at a time. ject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax Stowers Machinery classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Tennergy Corporation (615) 255-1561 Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. [email protected]. Fax advertising copy to Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions ex- Thompson & Litton, Inc. pressed non League officials or staff do not Thompson Machinery necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee TLM Associates, Inc. Town & City is published, semi-monthly, 20 URS Corporation times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Utility Service Co., Inc. Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage Volkert & Associates paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per Waste Management year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Wiser Company, LLC Postmaster: Send changes of address to Ten- nessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 www.TML1.org www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/AUGUST 18, 2008 Mayor Jerry Gist brings open-door, communal decision-making style to Jackson BY GAEL STAHL medical care, banking, and being the steering former convicts away from commerce center of West Tennes- crime, I sponsored a “second For most of his life, Jerry Gist, see. The license tags of vehicles in chance” program to help nonviolent who published and sold every copy the parking lots of the Jackson malls offenders finish their education and of the only book he ever wrote, the show them being from every Tennes- get jobs. history of Scottsboro, Ala., has nur- see county in the region. We also And Councilman Buchanan was tured two enduring passions – play- draw from northern Mississippi’s quoted saying how much he appreci- ing tennis and doing public service Corinth and the Iuka areas. ated my openness to listen to compet- in public parks, recreation, public Tennessee has a higher sales tax ing priorities and follow through works, and administration. than those states, but we offer more with his own. He said it made a tre- On July 1, Gist started his sec- variety for consumers, and many of mendous impact on getting things ond year as Jackson mayor follow- them come for medical care. We are done. ing on a four-year term and six the medical center of West Tennes- months of a second as Madison see with people coming from north- TTC: What did your environmen- County mayor. From 1977 until he ern Mississippi. They have a choice tal initiative entail? was elected county mayor, he was between Jackson and Tupelo. Many JG: One of the first things I did was director of the Jackson Parks and choose Jackson, and even people reorganize the city codes enforce- Recreation Department, Public Fa- from southern Kentucky prefer Jack- ment department. Neighborhood as- cilities, and the Department of Pub- son. sociation members spearheaded de- lic Works from 1971 to 2002. mands that we make owners follow Gist was born and raised in TT&C: Did your four and a half the rules for maintaining their prop- Scottsboro, a little town in northeast years as county mayor before be- erty. We turned up the heat on the Alabama, to a businessman/politi- coming city mayor improve the re- owners of some burned out and un- cian father who also served as Jack- lationship between Madison sightly facilities. We made owners son County court clerk and as the County and the city of Jackson? account for unsightly structures, de- equivalent of county mayor (by an- JG: When I ran for city mayor, I linquency, and other dangers to pub- other title). Gist’s older brother was made a commitment to improve city/ lic safety. We have more to do along the youngest member of the Ala- county relations, and they have im- that line, but it’s a start and has made bama legislature when he was proved. There were a number of is- a difference. elected to the General Assembly at sues facing us when I was county age 25. Gist worked their elections mayor and involved several litiga- TT&C: What Jackson projects as a lad. He decided then that given tions. I determined when I left being are in progress now? all you have to do in elections, run- county mayor and becoming city JG: Our public facilities need some ning for office wasn’t something he Photo by Victoria South mayor to establish relationships with renovations. We also need to make wanted any part of. That decision On July 1, Jerry Gist started his second year as Jackson mayor. the county. We may not always agree some improvements in our Public proved to be premature, he says. now, but we are not going to be in Safety facilities. Jackson has a wider After graduating from and 10th in per capita homicide JG: That was mine. In fact, all the litigation with each other every day. variety of venues than any city our Scottsboro High in 1960, he at- rates over the last 10 years or so. tornados that hit Jackson have been I stay in fairly close contact with and size in the nation. Our municipal tended Jacksonville State University With communal decision-making mine in that I was point man for meet often with the county mayor convention center is large and elabo- for a year and worked two years at being the mark of a Gist administra- them. For the devastating tornado of and work with him jointly on a num- rate with an open arena that seats Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville be- tion, he began with a successful ex- 1999, I was serving as director of ber of issues. 6,000. Fairgrounds Park is a great fore he was drafted. Most of his two- ample of how that works. On taking Public Works. In 2003, I was county facility. Just last year, we opened the year Army service was in Germany, office in July, he established the Safe mayor, and most of the deaths oc- TT&C: What are your hopes and newly built Sportsplex that has 17 after which he went back to Red Neighborhoods Task Force, ap- curred outside the corporate limits. I priorities after living 31 years in fields. It has overwhelmed the South- Stone Arsenal for a year, married his pointing 40 civic and community was city mayor when the most recent Jackson? east based on reactions we’re getting childhood sweetheart, and returned leaders who were directed to review one struck. Unfortunately, I’ve had JG: My present and future priority as from visitors coming to Jackson for to Jacksonville State to complete his Jackson’s crime situation and bring more than sufficient experience in long as I am mayor is to make Jack- Travel Baseball games. Adjacent to undergraduate work. His wife, Liz, back recommendations by Decem- dealing with tornados and other cata- son one of the safest cities in the the Sportsplex is our Pringles Park, finished her last year at Alabama ber. The task force delivered on strophic events. state, if not the nation. We’re not home of our Double A baseball team, University, did some teaching, and schedule, and its report’s 54 recom- exactly on the list of the nation’s the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. became a career homemaker. mendations have directed much of TT&C: Tennessee Municipal safest cities. We’re certainly not the We’re the smallest market in the On getting a B.A. in education city policy through July 2008. Some League officials report that your worst either. We ended up on a list Southern League for Double A base- with an emphasis on physical educa- recommendations with regard to presentation at the June TML an- about a year and a half ago for cities ball. Jackson has also hosted the na- tion and recreation, he went to beefing up police and fire service nual conference got high marks our size that said we’re one of the tional NAIA Division I Women’s Springfield College in Springfield, have already been adopted. Gist from evaluators. most dangerous cities in the nation. National Basketball Tournament for Mass., for a year and a half and recreated a new position in city gov- JG: We had a good crowd. I asked That statistic included the other the past 12 years or so. It’s a huge graduated with a master’s in public ernment to steer efforts to adopt the Union President Dr. David Dockery counties in our metropolitan statisti- event. Jackson has also hosted the administration with an emphasis on rest of the recommendations, the and Jane Waldrop, our West Tennes- cal area, not just Jackson, but it all June Miss Tennessee Pageant for a parks and recreation. Gist is also a Neighborhood Services Coordina- see TEMA director, to be on the centered here. number of years. graduate of the Harvard School of tor. The task force envisioned a program. We were scheduled for So, crime will continue to be my Government. multi-pronged effort, and some about 2 o’clock on the last day of the priority. We’ve made progress. Dur- TT&C: What do you do to stay in His first job after grad school needed to keep track of what was conference – when folks are usually ing my first year, we directed an extra such good shape? Golf? was as director of Parks and Recre- being done, what worked and what packing their bags and getting ready $1 million increase in the police bud- JG: I enjoy tennis. Oh, I do play golf, ation at Gainesville, Ga. He held didn’t. Monique Larsen- to get out of town. I told them it get for anti-crime efforts. That in- but that is just an effort to get outside that position from 1971 through late Merriweather was chosen to head would be tough to attract anybody so cluded new equipment and 20 new for four hours a day. Nothing con- 1976 when Jackson recruited him to the department. close to the end of the conference – officers. We also provided addi- structive about my golf game takes interview for executive director of Gist also acted quickly with re- to expect maybe 15- 20 people. Well, tional ambulances for the Fire De- place. It’s an effort to get out of the Parks and Recreation to replace a gard to demands of Lambuth Area we probably had 60-70 people at- partment, and put together programs office and enjoy friends and develop director who was retiring. Mayor Neighborhood Association mem- tend. There were lots of staff, to help people released from incar- some relationships. I don’t do a lot of Bob Congar and Ben Langford, the bers that property owners be held to councilpersons, and a lot of mayors. ceration find work by trying to get it. city commissioner in charge of follow the rules for codes enforce- It was a good presentation. The ses- them the training and education and What I have enjoyed all my life is Parks and Recreation, interviewed ment. LANA members scoured sion proved to be too short. A lot of skills they need to be productive citi- playing tennis. Aside from being a and hired him. He started in January neighborhoods and reported questions were still being raised zens. fairly avid tennis player, I don’t have 1977. scofflaws to the city. Mayor Gist when we had to move out and turn City Council tightened laws and a lot of hobbies that I enjoy nearly as When the directors of both the responded by assigning extra codes the room over for the final session of helped create an environmental much as tennis. Civic Center and of the Oman Arena retired 18 months later, both depart- TT&C: You’ve worked most of ments became the responsibility of I am a firm believer in the ‘broken windows’ theory of reducing crime. I feel your life in Tennessee. Any telling Parks and Recreation when Gist memories of Alabama? was asked to provide administrative that when you improve the physical conditions of a neighborhood, that JG: Just that my dad was in politics management and maintenance for and ironically a part of his political the facilities. A few years later, Jack- lessens the likelihood of crime there. In our first year, we did a lot to clean up career was serving in another state in son changed its charter from its the same position, called by another commission form of government to a neighborhoods, including dealing aggressively with run down buildings, title, as I served as county mayor. mayor/council form of government. One of the things that makes Jackson It elected Charles Farmer its new including a motel in South Jackson and a burned out home in the Lambuth so great is how forgiving Jackson mayor, who in 1991, promoted Gist people are. In electing an Alabama to executive director of Public area that was removed. native as their mayor, they are able to Works with administration over — Jerry Gist put college football aside, that kind Parks and Recreation and Public of competition aside. Like Chatta- Facilities as before, plus Streets, nooga Mayor Ron Littlefield and his Planning, Engineering, Health & wife who both graduated form Au- Sanitation and Building & Codes. people to pursue enforcement ef- the day. court. When the Jackson Sun burn, my daughters graduated from Thus, Gist became point man for all forts, then went after rental property summed up my first year, about a Auburn. public service departments in the owners who had let their structures TT&C: Your years heading Parks month ago, it emphasized how I city of Jackson except for Police and deteriorate or operate to the detri- and Recreation and Public Works pushed for the department’s first ma- TT&C: Tell us something about Fire. In August 2002, after 25 years ment of the neighborhood. were some of Jackson’s most vital jor reorganization in more than a Scottsboro. All we ever hear about as an appointed official, Gist re- He also cut red tape by eliminat- years. The city completely decade and a half. I hired Law En- it is the Scottsboro Boys. signed to run for his first elective ing jurisdictional lines between de- changed didn’t it? forcement Associates, Inc. to do a JG: I know. I know. I wrote a book office when the county mayor retired partments that were preventing JG: We experienced a lot of growth comprehensive evaluation of the po- during my undergraduate studies and after 22 years. street cleaners, health and sanita- over the last quarter of a century. As lice department. It recommended a had it printed in Nashville. It’s a 275- He ran as an Independent tion workers, and building inspec- director of Public Works, I oversaw complete reorganization. We’ve page book on the history of against a Republican opponent and tors from combining to improve considerable infrastructure addi- since taken more police sitting be- Scottsboro including a fairly in- won. When he ran for re-election cleanup services. In the first two tions. Vann Drive was constructed hind desks and put them on the street depth look at the Scottsboro Boys four years later, he was unopposed. days of joint trash pick-up, munici- during that time. It’s a four-lane ar- instead. Police have made more ar- case. I sold all of the 5,000 copies Then, six months into Gist’s second pal employees brought in more than terial street parallel to Interstate 40 rests and sped up the time it took to except for a handful I’ve held on to term, Jackson Mayor Farmer an- 18 tons of debris and trash in the that set in motion all the develop- solve robberies, assaults, and for family. The book is in the Con- nounced he would not seek re-elec- central area of the city. ment taking place along Vann shootings. We are making efforts to gressional Library and the Law tion after serving for 18 years. Gist, After his first year in office, the Drive. We now have a daily traffic get more public support, including a Schools at Harvard and Yale. They decided to try to return to his first Jackson Sun gave Gist high praise count of about 17,000 vehicles a day willingness to share information wanted copies for their law students love, city government, by running for a fast start in helping Jackson get on it. It’s not a state route, just a main with police and to get involved in with the details that surround the for mayor of the city because he felt things done. In an editorial last arterial city street. neighborhood watch groups Scottsboro case. I loved writing the the city side of local government month, the Sun noted Gist presides During my public works tenure, I am a firm believer in the ‘bro- history of Scottsboro. It was pub- provided better governmental tools at city council meetings, encourages we built our Fairgrounds Park facil- ken windows’ theory of reducing lished in 1969 and copyrighted. It’s with which to serve. discussion and debate by council as ity south of downtown, restored the crime. I feel that when you improve something I had to do personally. I With seven candidates in the well as public comment on issues. NC and St. Louis railroad depot in the physical conditions of a neigh- paid for the printing of it and had to race, Gist won the May 2007 elec- Jerry and Liz Gist have two south Jackson, and built a number of borhood, that lessens the likelihood do the marketing and selling of the tion without a run-off and took office grown daughters. One, who is the city parks. North Park, one of our of crime there. In our first year, we books. I took the books around the July 1. Hardly a rookie and inherit- mother of their three grandchildren, major parks, was built during that did a lot to clean up neighborhoods, city and left them with local mer- ing a management staff he had pretty lives in Birmingham. The other lives time. We’ve continued to grow. including dealing aggressively with chants, who sold them. I probably much hired over his years in Public in Charlotte. Maintaining an infrastructure to run down buildings, including a mo- sold more to libraries across the na- Works, he was off to a fairly fast meet that growth was a priority. tel in South Jackson and a burned out tion than I sold locally. start. Within a week, he fulfilled his TT&C: In the last decade, Jack- Jackson is now the metropolitan home in the Lambuth area that was Whatever possessed me to write top-priority campaign promise – to son has drawn national attention center for West Tennessee. Its MSA removed. a history during my undergraduate address Jackson’s crime problems. for its recovery and being badly is still growing so much that Jackson And when Councilman Harvey work has forever escaped me. It took The Jackson metropolitan sta- damaged by killer tornados. Did is really the economic engine that Buchanan argued for more focus on a lot of time. The entire book is foot- tistical area (MSA) had been ranked the recent one that hit Union Uni- fires West Tennessee. Jackson has a preventing young people from turn- noted. But ever since then, I won’t as high as 13th worst in the nation, versity occur on your watch? lot going on as far as employment, ing to crime and more effort toward write a thing, not even a memo.