1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 58, Number 7 April 16, 2007 Would you want this big ugly box in your front yard? Are there toll roads in AT&T cable franchise bill strips cities’ Tennessee’s future ? ability to manage public rights of way BY VICTORIA SOUTH Heavily congested highways TML Communications Coordinator and higher gas prices coupled BY CAROLE GRAVES with the skyrocketing inflation- TML Communications Director From new urbanism, to bike ary costs of highway construction lanes, and sidewalks to commuter and more than $160 million in In states where AT&T has rail, modernized elements from the federal funding cuts have system- launched its new television product, past continue to be reintroduced in atically chipped away at U-verse, tan metal cabinets larger cities across the nation as a means Tennessee’s long standing pay- than the size of a refrigerator are of fulfilling the social, economical as-you-go philosophy and have popping up near curbs in front of and physical challenges of the 21st strained TDOT’s primary fund- private homes, in church parking century. ing sources, fuel taxes and vehicle lots, alleys, and in the medians of Now, a bill, The Tennessee registration fees. boulevards. Tollway Act, re-establishing a toll- “More than $150 million in The boxes house fiber optic road authority toward the develop- federal funds authorized for Ten- technology that AT&T needs to en- ment of toll projects under the au- nessee have been “rescinded” ter into the cable television market thority of the Tennessee Depart- within the past year as Congress by connecting copper telephone ment of Transportation is being struggles to deal with budgetary wires to fiber-optic cables. Unlike considered before the General As- problems at the national level,” satellite television or streaming sembly as a financing tool for fu- said TDOT commissioner Gerald video, however, U-verse uses the ture road projects in Tennessee. Nicely. public rights of way. If approved, access fees to new “As with other states, Ten- Each metal box is expected to roads and bridges could divert an nessee is struggling to meet the serve 300 to 400 homes. This means, increase in the state’s 21.4 cents maintenance demands of an aging a city with a population of 30,000 to per-gallon gas tax, according to transportation infrastructure.” 40,000 would require some 150 Gov. Phil Bredesen. See TOLL ROADS on Page 4 boxes placed throughout the city. A major component in this multi-state effort from AT&T also These 6 by 8 foot boxes are used in U-verse instatillations by AT&T. involves circumventing the local Each box serves roughly 300 to 400 customers, which means a city with franchising process to obtain a state- a population of 30,000 would require some 100 boxes placed through- wide cable and video franchise out the city. The above photo was taken in Wheaton, Ill., where the city agreement, similar to what the com- adopted an ordinance temporarily stopping the construction of large pany is now seeking in Tennessee. utility boxes in the city’s rights of way. AT&T filed suit against the city, Under the “Competitive Cable and several other communities in the area, for placing a moratorium on and Video Service Act” (SB 1933/ the construction of the big boxes. HB 1421), currently pending before the Tennessee General Assembly, phone companies are required to city administrator. cable and video service providers apply for local franchises. Congress In its current form, the bill will no longer have to negotiate granted local cable franchising au- grants eminent domain powers to franchise agreements with each city, thority to local governments in order AT&T – not only for public rights of town, or county they are seeking to to protect consumers and provide for way, but private property as well. serve. local needs and interests. The bill provides “a nonexclusive As part of the compensation for “If this bill passes, consumers grant of authority to construct, main- Open road tolling devices such as EZ Pay reads electronic tags the use of public rights of way and to would have no say where large, tain, and operate facilities through, mounted inside vehicles and a computer system automatically ensure that taxpayers are justly com- noisy equipment would be placed by along, upon, over and under the deducts the tolls from customer’s accounts reducing traffic conges- pensated for the commercial use of telecommunications providers,” lands of the any person in this state.” tion. public property, cable and tele- said Patrick Lawton, Germantown See CABLE on Page 5 Special sales tax holiday set for April Bond Fund welcomes Tennessee’s special one-time chase selected clothing, school sup- • Computers with a price of $1,500 April sales tax holiday starts at 12:01 plies and computers without paying or less per item new additions to staff a.m. on Friday, April 27, and ends at Tennessee’s state and local sales tax The $100 exemption applies to Charles G. “Bones” Seivers, 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. on the items. This holiday also in- items selling for $100 or less. If an President and CEO of the Tennessee All the details about the state’s cludes purchases of qualified items item sells for more than $100 ($105 Municipal Bond Fund (TMBF) an- new sales tax holiday are available at sold via mail, telephone, e-mail or in this example), tax is due on the nounced that Linda Mooningham a dedicated Web site, www.tntax Internet if the customer orders and entire selling price. and Steve Walker have joined holiday.com. Materials, including a pays for the item and the retailer There is no limit to the quantity TMBF and the Tennessee County list of covered items, are attached. accepts the order during the exemp- of items that may be purchased as Services Loan Program (TCSLP) “We launched our state’s first tion period for immediate shipment, long as the purchase price of each of staff as part of continuing efforts to successful sales tax holiday last fall, even if delivery is made after the those items is below the threshold serve cities and counties in Tennes- providing Tennessee families with exemption period. provided in the law. see. valuable financial savings on cloth- The sales tax holiday is de- No exemption certificate is re- The Bond Fund program began ing, school supplies and computers signed to provide relief to taxpayers quired to take advantage of the holi- in 1985. Mooningham assisted during the back-to-school shopping by instituting a temporary sales tax day. Ogden Stokes and the Bond Fund Linda Mooningham season,” said Gov. Phil Bredesen. exemption on certain items for a Computers with a price of officers from the beginning. She has “I’m pleased that as a result of our specific period of time. Tennessee is $1,500 or less may be purchased 30 years of experience in her field. common sense budgeting practices among 13 other states and the Dis- exempt from tax during the holiday, Seivers stated that Mooningham’s in Tennessee, the General Assembly trict of Columbia that have enacted purchases of computer software experience and knowledge will be a saw the opportunity to enact another sales tax holidays. made separately from the computer tremendous asset to the Bond Fund special spring sales tax holiday to Items that qualify include: are excluded from the holiday and team. help parents save even more on their • Clothing with a price of $100 or are subject to tax. Her duties will include coordi- children’s supplies.” less per item If I place an order for a computer nating the preparation, assembly, During this designated three- • School supplies with a price of on April 25 and pay for it with my and execution of all necessary loan day weekend, consumers may pur- $100 or less per item See HOLIDAY on Page 4 and note legal documents with their bond and tax counsel. In addition, New law regulates state public fireworks displays she will serve as liaison for the Bond Fund with their attorneys on all legal Steve Walker A new law regulating public matters and questions pertaining to fireworks displays in Tennessee be- loan programs. to call Linda at the Bond Fund of- comes effective May 1, 2007. “If you have any questions or fices, said Seivers. Passed last year during the need any assistance, please feel free See BOND FUND on Page 9 104th Tennessee General Assem- bly, this law may directly affect any public fireworks displays performed Implementation of GASB 45 in cities and towns throughout the Many state and local govern- periods that approximate employ- state. ments provide other post-employ- ees’ years of active service. Govern- The new law requires that all ment benefits (OPEB) to their retir- ments that provide healthcare ben- professional fireworks shot in Ten- ees. OPEB refers to benefits other efits to both active and retired em- nessee in outdoor shows, proximity than pension benefits and includes ployees are subject to the provisions pyrotechnic displays to include con- healthcare benefits (medical insur- of Statement 45. An example is certs, festivals, and theaters, as well ance) and other options such as life when a local government allows as flame special effects, must be shot insurance. employees to remain in their by a licensed “exhibitor.” The promise to provide these healthcare plan after retirement and An exhibitor is required to show benefits to employees can create a the retiree pays a portion or even 100 proof of $1 million insurance to the significant liability that the provid- percent of the cost of the benefit. If a state fire marshal’s office and pay a ing government must pay in the fu- local government does not currently $1,000 annual fee. ture. Most governments have been or never has offered OPEB, then Additionally, any individual in accounting for OPEB on a “pay-as- GASB Statement 45 does not apply charge of an outdoor display, prox- you-go” basis which means that the to that city or county and no action imity display, or flame effect must Last February, to demonstrate that no training was required to detonate fireworks under old laws in Tennessee, Sen. Tim Burchett and Rep. cost of these benefits have been re- towards implementing the statement be a “certified operator.” A certified ported as the benefits are paid out to is needed. operator has to pass a written exam Curry Todd, the bill’s sponsors, accompanied by two pyrotechnic companies, pull the switch setting off a live fireworks display at eligible recipients. Effective Date and pay a $100 fee to the Tennessee In June 2004, the Governmental The requirements of the state- State Fire Marshal’s Office for a two Legislative Plaza. Under the new Tennessee fireworks law, sponsored by Burchett and Todd, fireworks exhibitors must show proof of $1 million Accounting Standards Board ment are effective in three phases. (2) year certification. Both must be (GASB) issued Statement 45, estab- Governments that were Phase 1 gov- completed before submitting a per- in insurance and pay a $1,000 annual fee effective May 1. The bill, passed last year during the 104th Tennessee General Assembly, is lishes standards for accounting and ernments for the purpose of imple- mit application to the Tennessee financial reporting for state and lo- mentation of Statement 34 should State Fire Marshal’s Office for a designed to make the fireworks industry safer for technicians as well as spectators. cal governmental employers that of- apply the requirements of the state- display permit. fer OPEB. ment in financial statements for pe- Melissa Bast at High Tech Spe- tional at the State Fire Training Motor Speedway on April 22. It requires accrual-basis mea- riods beginning after Dec. 15, 2006; cial Effects in Memphis is hosting a Academy in Bell Buckle April 21. For more information, contact surement and recognition of OPEB for Phase 2 governments the effec- training seminar and test conducted An additional training seminar Melissa Bast at MelissaBast1@aol. expenses and liabilities that will re- tive date is for periods beginning by the Pyrotechnics Guild Interna- and test will be held at the Memphis com. sult in recognition of expenses over See GASB 45 on Page 3 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 First Lady receives TSU Community Service Award

BY TISH WOMACK GREENEVILLE ongoing national and international TML Research Analyst Greeneville Fire Department will surveillance of flu, St. Jude will also purchase a set of hydraulically-pow- work toward answering basic ques- ALCOA ered rescue tools with its $17,167 tions about the disease and investi- Ground clearing for the city’s ser- Homeland Security money. gate the best use of anti-viral medi- vice center that will house street, cations. sanitation, water and wastewater, GREENEVILLE and the engineering and administra- Foliot Furniture, a Canadian manu- MONGOMERY COUNTY tion divisions of public works and facturer of institutional furniture, Averitt Hardwoods International engineering department began in will open a facility within 30 days closed its lumber operations after 45 late March. The facility will also be with a work force of about 50. It years citing escalating costs and a home to the electric department plans to double that in 12-18 very soft market for hardwoods. along with the purchasing, ware- months. More than 150 people were em- housing, and fleet maintenance op- ployed by the company. erations. The completion date for JACKSON the service center is spring 2008. Fiber-to-the-Home Council, a non- MORRISTOWN profit organization that promotes fi- The Morristown Police Department ATHENS will use its $7,710 Homeland Secu- ber-optic networks, selected Jack- A new 75-foot ladder fire truck will son as one of three cities in the nation rity funds for a Guardian GPS track- First Lady of Tennessee Andrea Conte received the Community Service be purchased by Athens through its for a research project. The project ing kit. award from Tennessee State University at the Women of Legend and fleet management program and de- that the council has contracted with Merit Banquet on March 29. The awards ceremony was formed by TSU livered in 30-45 days. Massachusetts Institute of Technol- NASHVILLE First Lady Dr. Marcelite Johnson, who wanted to honor legendary ogy, Carnegie Mellon University, General obligation bonds in the women during Women’s History Month. The awards highlighted the BRENTWOOD and Strategic Networks Group will amount of $201 million were sold in accomplishments and contributions made by women from TSU as well DirectBuy’s future warehouse in quantify the economic and social early April, the largest competitive as alumnae and members of the community representing athletics, Cool Springs is the first Middle Ten- benefits of Jackson’s fiber-to-the- debt offering in the nation’s munici- politics and government, science and medicine, education and busi- nessee building to use an environ- home network with transmission pal market. ness. Pictured left to right: Dr. Marcelite D. Johnson, Dr. Johnnetta D. mentally friendly and energy effi- speeds much higher than DSL and Cole - President, Bennett College for Women, First Lady Andrea Conte, cient construction method utilizing cable modem systems. OBION and Dr. Melvin N. Johnson - President, Tennessee State University. insulated concrete forms with poly- A $160 million ethanol plant will be styrene as the insulation and con- JOHNSON CITY built about five miles from Obion by crete poured inside creating an 11 Johnson City Police Department’s Ethanol Grain Processors. The plant inch tornado and fire resistant wall. Homeland Security funds of will need 38 billion bushels of corn Heating and cooling costs are ex- $33,100 will be used for video de- each year, about half the annual to- pected to be at least 50 percent lower tective systems. tal corn production in a 75-mile ra- using the new construction method. dius of the town. A total work force BY TISH WOMACK was appointed to the Conservation JOHNSON CITY at full production is anticipated to be Commission by Gov. Phil Bredesen. BURNS JD Squared Inc., a metal fabricating 300. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander an- A new pumper fire truck will replace products manufacturer, will relocate nounced plans to run for re-election Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed Mt. an older model that failed during a its Florida facility to Johnson City. ROANE COUNTY in 2008 and the next day raised $1 Pleasant Mayor Willie Baker and fire. A portion of the town’s rainy The company hopes to have a work Diesel Engine Parts Inc. will move million to add to his war chest. Cornersville Mayor Gaye Wilson to day fund will finance the truck. force of 50-75. its operations to the Roane Regional the Tennessee Duck River Develop- Business and Technology Park and Acting state Archaeologist Michael ment Agency. CHATTANOOGA KINGSPORT bring 35 employees from its present C. Moore is now the state’s chief An $87,000 TDOT Consumer A higher education center will be location in Knoxville. archaeologist following his appoint- Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam will Transportation Assistance Program located in downtown Kingsport fol- ment to the post by Environment and be sending a UT shirt and hat to grant will be used by the Chatta- lowing unanimous approval by city SEVIERVILLE Conservation Commissioner Jim Piscataway, N.J. Mayor Brian C. nooga Area Regional Transporta- officials. The center, to be operated Homeland Security funds of Fyke. Wahler who will wear them to his tion Authority (CARTA) to pur- by Northeast State Technical Com- $10,553 will be used for a thermal next city council meeting after the chase 1,000 monthly bus passes for munity College, will offer two years imager for the Sevierville law en- Tennessee Department of Education Lady Vols beat Rutgers University’s downtown employees. Outdoor of core courses. forcement services. Executive Director of Innovation, Lady Knights in the women’s Chattanooga will utilize the rest of Improvement and Accountability NCAA basketball championship. the funds toward the purchase of 14 KINGSTON SMYRNA Dr. Connie J. Smith was honored This was the stakes in a friendly bicycles for downtown workers to The city has received notice that its The Smyrna Airport is the recipient with the Dr. John M. Davis Distin- wager between the mayors. borrow at lunchtime, a pilot project ISO rating has dropped from 6 to 4 of $17,167 in U.S. Homeland Secu- guished Educational Achiev-ement encouraging people to experience coming within five points of a 3 rity grant money for the purchase of Award by the Southern Association Red Bank Mayor Howard Cotter downtown on bicycles. rating. Residents should see a drop AMKUS brand spreaders, cutters, of Colleges and Schools. The award resigned his position after serving in insurance premiums with the and gas-powered RAM tools for air- is presented to one outstanding indi- on the commission for seven years. CHATTANOOGA lower rating. craft rescue and firefighting equip- vidual from each state in recognition Vice Mayor Joe Glassock replaces The Chattanooga Police Depart- ment. of their contributions to education, Cotter who is moving out of town. ment has been notified that it has MARYVILLE for making a significant impact on earned accreditation from the Com- A new book, “America’s 100 Best SPRING HILL the education profession, and Cleveland City Manager Joe Cate mission on Accreditation for Law Places to Retire,” lists Maryville as a General Motors announced that fol- achievements towards educational announced he will retire effective Enforcement Agencies Inc. for the place to be considered when think- lowing the retooling of the Saturn change and improvement. June 30. third time. ing of relocating for retirement. plant over the next 16 months the Maryville was the only Tennessee facility will build Chevrolet’s 2008 Collegedale Mayor John Turner Tullahoma Police Chief J.C. CLARKSVILLE city to appear on that list. unnamed crossover vehicle. was elected by his peers to a second Ferrell retired following 35 years Public safety personnel have begun term as mayor. with the police department, the last training with a District 7 mobile MEDINA THOMPSON’S STATION 18 of which he was chief. command trailer purchased with The city is hoping a loan from USDA A building boom underway and on In the municipal March election, $123,500 of Tennessee Department Rural Development will come the drawing board is expected to Mountain City voters elected Alder- Mount Juliet City Manager Rob of Homeland Security grant money through to fund a new Medina city raise the number of residents by at man Kevin Parsons mayor. Shearer will resign his position ef- totaling $5.8 million. The trailer will hall to ease overcrowding due to least 10,000 from its 2005 census of fective May 21 to return to teaching be housed at Clarksville’s main sta- community growth. 1,442 by the middle of the next McMinnville has hired David Ru- and publishing. tion and will be utilized by all six decade. therford as city administrator. counties in District 7. MEMPHIS Bristol Deputy City Manager Bob Memphis Police Department has re- WILLIAMSON/RUTHER- Athens has hired Brad Harris as Wilson is resigning, effective in CLINTON ceived notice that it has been accred- FORD/FAYETTE COUNTIES finance director. He began his new May, to assume a similar position in The documentary, “The Clinton ited by the Commission on Accredi- The U.S. Census Bureau lists duties April 1. He had been Rhea Johnson City. 12,” won the Nashville Public Tele- tation for Law Enforcement Agen- Williamson, Rutherford, and County finance director prior to ac- vision Human Spirit Award. The cies. Fayette counties in the top 100 fast- cepting the offer from Athens. Lenoir City Recorder Debbie Cook movie, documenting the integration est growing counties in the nation. retired effective March 26 following of Clinton High School in 1956, will MEMPHIS Williamson was 79th with a 27 per- Smyrna has tapped Kevin Arnold as 30 years of service to the city. be shown at the Nashville Film Fes- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospi- cent increase in population from its police chief. Arnold has been tival that runs from April 16-19 at tal has been selected as one of six 2000 to 2006, Rutherford 91st with a with the police department for 18 Jonesborough Parks and Recreation the Green Hills Theater in Nash- Centers of Excellence for Influenza 25.7 percent increase, and Fayette years and was acting chief. Director Melinda Copp resigned ville. Research and Surveillance in the 94th close behind with a 25.4 per- her position following a maternity nation. In addition to the hospital’s cent increase. Clinton Mayor Wimp Shoopman leave.

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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/APRIL 16, 2007 www.TML1.org TML Pool holds annual photo contest State’s math, science academy opens in Aug. The TML Risk Management top three photos submitted as de- Pool is once again having a photo termined by a panel designated by BY VICTORIA SOUTH contest for all its members. Submit- the TML Pool. The grand prize TML Commnications Coordinator ted photos will be proudly used in a will be a 30GB iPod that can store presentation at the TML Annual and play videos, photos and up to The time is ripe for high school Conference this June in Knoxville. 7,500 songs. students with a strong desire to pur- Rules: The theme of the pho- The winners of the photo con- sue careers in math, science, engi- tos this year is “City Hall.” Photos test will be announced at the Pool neering or technology to apply for should be of a city hall or city Party on Monday, June 11, 2007, at the experience of a lifetime. The administration building only.The the TML conference. All submit- state will foot the bill for 24 excep- Pool will only accept one (1) photo ted photos will become the prop- tional high school juniors, 12 fe- per person. The photo should be erty of the TML Risk Management males and 12 males, to comprise the submitted in a “jpg” format only to Pool. inaugural class of the Tennessee Lottie Scobee, at (All employees and their fam- Governor’s Academy for Math- lscobee@tmlrmp. ily members of the TML Risk Man- ematics and Science (TGA) admin- org. Include your name, address agement Pool, Tennessee Munici- istered this fall by the University of and phone number on the e-mail. pal Bond Fund and the Tennessee Tennessee in Knoxville. Prizes will be awarded to the Municipal League are excluded In his 2006 State of the State from participating.) address, Gov. Phil Bredesen pro- posed a $1 million designation from Students will live in cottages on campus at the Tennessee School for Knoxville to host League’s the state’s budget for a residential the Deaf when the Tennessee Governor’s Academy of Math and math and science high school aimed Science opens its inaugural year in August. Annual Conference June 10-12 at “Tennessee’s best and brightest” Make plans to attend the pare for the future. Topics range after a national study revealed di- ply not find any where else.” weekends at home. Students finish- TML’s 68th Annual Conference in from preparing for the 2010 census, minishing math and science skills on As a residential school, TGA ing two years at TGA will return to Knoxville to be held at the Knox- future revenue trends, planning for the state and national level. students will enjoy the full college their home schools to graduate. Af- ville Convention Center, slated for retiring baby boomer employees, Applications for the academy experience, living on-site in two 12- ter this initial year, both juniors and June 10-12. managing street resurfacing costs, are being accepted through May 1. person cottages at the Tennessee seniors will be accepted into the The conference will kick off and small town success strategies. Applicants must be at least 15 years School for the Deaf (TSD), a historic academy in 2008. Sunday, June 10, with a festive jazz Visit the League’s web site for of age and a rising high school jun- 100-acre gated campus situated Along with structured class brunch in the exhibit hall and con- an online registration form, ior. Chosen applicants who meet the along the banks of the Tennessee work, students will have opportuni- clude on Tuesday, June 12, with the www.TML1.org. Payment must be TGA criteria along with their par- River, where in addition to their ties to work with noted scientists and annual awards breakfast. received by May 18, 2007. Make ents will meet in a final round of studies, they will take part in com- experience field trips, seminars and With a theme of Today’s Chal- checks payable to Tennessee Mu- interviews with the administration, munity service and participate in fact-finding missions lenges are Tomorrow’s Opportuni- nicipal League, 226 Capitol Blvd. according to executive director everyday tasks such as cleaning, During summer breaks, TGA ties, conference workshops will fo- Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219. Vena Long. laundry and meal preparation as well transforms into a learning lab for cus on several challenges that cities TML does not accept purchase or- Long, a fourth-generation as have full access to UT’s cultural science and math teachers, who will face and how to successfully pre- ders or credit cards. teacher, administrator and scholar, and athletic offerings. then teach the curriculum in class- will oversee the academy’s daily op- TGA course work will be struc- rooms across the state striving to erations, including the hiring of fac- tured in modules, four-to-seven improve math and science instruc- GASB Implementation ulty. She has served as professor of week periods where each student tion in Tennessee. mathematics education and the as- will focus on a primary question TGA students will also partici- GASB 45 from Page 1 arially determined required contri- sociate dean of research and profes- while learning the basic science and pate in a service learning experience after Dec. 15, 2007; and for Phase 3 butions of OPEB benefits, a liability sional development at UT’s College math applications needed to develop with TSD youth, helping improve governments, the effective date is will be reported on the local of Education. the solution. Classes in physics, cal- their math and science skills while for periods beginning after Dec. 15, government’s accrual-based finan- “The academic approach at culus, literature, humanities, history the TSD students instruct the acad- 2008. cial statements. For those who stay TGA is what sets it apart from other along with non-traditional studies in emy in American Sign Language. Actuarial Valuations with the pay-as-you-go approach, learning opportunities,” said Long. Chinese and martial arts comprises a For applications and further in- A major issue that needs to be the OPEB liability could eventually “Our students will have the opportu- well-rounded combination of disci- formation on the new Tennessee addressed in implementing State- cause a deficit balance in Net Assets, nity to take part in a truly integrated plines and culture. The program will Governor’s Academy for Math- ment 45 is actuarial valuations. which could affect bond credit rat- curriculum, learning from top teach- run the length of UT’s academic ematics and Science visit http:// Actuarial valuations are re- ings and the cost of borrowing. ers in environments they could sim- calendar year with frequent long tga.tennessee.edu. quired by GASB Statement 45 re- Therefore, local governments gardless of whether a governmental that offer OPEB are encouraged to entity establishes a plan to advance establish a trust fund or an arrange- No Child law faces medley of changes fund its OPEB obligations by accu- ment with a separate plan adminis- BY PAULINE VU making all students proficient in the ment has allotted. mulating assets or continues to fund trator for accumulating assets to pay Stateline.org Staff Writer subjects by 2013-14. Schools that The U.S. Education Department OPEB on a pay-as-you-go basis. future OPEB. fail to make annual progress face a maintains the law is adequately Actuarial valuations are neces- Chapter 771 of the Public Acts If President Bush wants the next variety of penalties, from being funded. Congressional Democrats sary to comply with the accounting of 2006 authorizes and sets condi- version of his signature No Child forced to pay for tutoring to being are calling for an infusion of more and financial reporting require- tions for political subdivisions of the Left Behind education law to carry taken over by the state. cash during reauthorization. ments of Statement 45 which in- state of Tennessee to establish an his imprint, the White House will The law is up for reauthoriza- The act also has been slammed cludes determining the annual re- investment trust for the purpose of have to compromise with a host of tion this year, meaning Congress has because a school can fail even if just quired contribution (ARC). The prefunding OPEB. A copy of Chap- disparate groups seeking changes in a chance to change it. However, ex- one subgroup of students fails. This ARC includes the normal cost for the ter 771 of the Public Acts of 2006 is the 5-year-old act. perts polled by the Thomas B. issue has led to confrontations with year and an amount to amortize the attached. As Congress starts considering Fordham Foundation, an education the federal government. total unfunded actuarial accrued li- What Do Local Governments complaints from school districts, think tank, say it’s unlikely that No States have rebelled against No ability over a period of up to 30 Need to Do Next? governors and others, chances are Child Left Behind will be reautho- Child Left Behind almost since its years. Local governments should re- that a holdup in revising the law as rized until after the presidential elec- inception. To date, 23 states have or The actuarial valuation is re- view existing OPEB arrangements scheduled this year could leave the tion. Until it’s renewed, the law will are considering bills to opt out of the quired at least every two years for all and retain an actuary to value OPEB future of Bush’s domestic legacy to continue in its current form. law, according to Communities for OPEB plans that have a total mem- liabilities and provide reporting re- his successor. Critics have decried the law for Quality Education, an advocacy bership of 200 or more and at least quirements. They should also con- States are among the chief its focus on testing, federal intrusion group that tracks state actions on the every three years for plans that have sult with their financial advisors, stakeholders clamoring to leave into what traditionally has been a act. Lately, however, the majority of fewer than 200 members. A simpli- accountants and auditors about com- their stamp on a new version of the local issue, and what they say is an state action has been to pass resolu- fied alternative measurement pliance with GASB Statement 45. education law, which has riled some unrealistic goal of proficiency by tions calling on congressional del- method of obtaining actuarial valua- For a plain language summary state lawmakers and educators to the 100 percent of students. egations to amend the act during tions is available for OPEB plans of GASB Statement 45, go to the point of rebellion over its costs, pen- The Bush administration, how- reauthorization. that have fewer than 100 members. following address on the GASB’s alties, and unprecedented federal ever, says No Child Left Behind has “It’s gone from open revolt on Any local government subject website, www.gasb.org/ oversight of school policy. already had a positive impact. The the part of some states to more of a to the requirements of GASB State- project_pages/opeb_summary.pdf. “Give me some more flexibility 2005 results on the National Assess- simmering resentment about too ment 45 that does not obtain the The Government Finance Of- because I think we could do this ment of Educational Progress, a test many federal requirements and too mandated actuarial valuation will ficers Association has prepared a better,” said Wisconsin Schools Su- given to a cross-section of students little federal money,” said Jack most likely receive an adverse opin- publication entitled The Elected Of- perintendent Elizabeth Burmaster, in every state, showed that 9-year- Jennings, the president and chief ion from its auditor on its financial ficials Guide to OPEB. Contact the representing the Council of Chief olds were better readers than at any executive of the Center on Educa- statements. This is because the ac- Government Finance Officers Asso- State School Officers, before a joint point over the last 30 years. The act tion Policy, a research organization counting and reporting require- ciation for information about this congressional hearing March 13. also has drawn attention to the that has monitored the law’s effects. ments of the standards cannot be met publication at 312-977-9700. The nation’s governors are achievement gap between white stu- Other perceived shortfalls of the without an actuarial valuation. Local governments subject to gathering suggestions from each dents and their minority peers. education mandate can be seen in the Funding Issues the provisions of GASB Statement other so they can recommend a set of The costs of carrying out the myriad solutions offered by differ- The new OPEB standard does 45 should start working towards the changes to Congress. mandates are a particular sore point ent groups. The high-profile Aspen not mandate the funding of OPEB implementation of the statement as The federal law, which Con- with states. According to the Na- Institute Commission on No Child benefits (in other words, to set aside soon as possible. gress passed in 2001 with bipartisan tional Education Association, No Left Behind, headed by two former assets in advance to pay benefits in Any questions about the con- support, mandates annual testing in Child Left Behind over the last five governors, called for an expansion the future). tents of this memorandum should be reading and math for grades 3-8 and years has cost $40 billion more to of the federal role. Among its 75 If you do not advance fund actu- directed to the Division of Munici- once in high school with the goal of carry out than the federal govern- See NCLB on Page 9 pal Audit.

Memphis, TN (901) 372.0404 GRIGGS & MALONEY Jackson, TN (731) 424.5450 Engineers - Surveyors - Landscape Architects I N C O R P O R A T E D www.ctienviron.com ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL CHATTANOOGA NASHVILLE CONSULTING Phone: 423/267-7613 Phone: 615/731-6003 Fax: 423/267-0603 Fax: 615/731-4149 ASKEW HARGRAVES HARCOURT P.O. Box 29268 • Murfreesboro, TN 37133- KNOXVILLE AND ASSOCIATES Engineering an enhanced quality of life for our clients and community. 2968 Phone: 865/539-8209 Fax: 865/694-0848 (615) 895-8221 www.a2h.com

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Office Locations: 219 W est Depot Street Green eville, TN 37743 Phone: (423) 63 9-0271 Fax: (423) 639-0 900

Engineering • Architecture • Surveying 190 9 Ailor Avenue Knoxville, TN 37921 ARCHITECTURE Phone: (865) 54 6-5800 CIVIL Fax: (865) 546-4 714 TRANSPORTATION WATER Ash eville, NC ▪ Charlotte, NC ▪ London, KY WAST EWATER STRUCTURAL Middlesboro, KY ▪ Spartanburg, SC SITE DEVELOPMENT SURVEYING RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION www.vaughnmelton.com www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 Back to the future for toll roads in Tennessee?

TOLL ROADS from Page 1 such as bi- If toll roads are approved across passes.” BY TISH WOMACK As a part of President Bush’s Na- the state, Nicely observes, “More Although TML Research Analyst tional Parks Centennial Initiative revenue from our traditional sources toll roads are Tennessee’s 10 national parks are could be devoted to the maintenance not new to the The State Fire Marshal’s office slated to receive $4.3 million more of existing infrastructure while the state, many of reported that 492 of Tennessee’s in federal funds in 2008 over 2007 time frame for projects selected for the procedures more than 700 fire departments requested funds. The breakdown of tolling would be greatly reduced and regulations have submitted fire incidents to funds by individual park, according from the traditional “pay as you go” governing them both the Tennessee and National to U.S. Department of the Interior approach used in Tennessee. have changed Fire Incident Reporting System are: Andrew Johnson National His- A new report by the American since (TFIRS and NFIRS), more than any toric Site, $33,000; Big South Fork Association of State Highway and Tennessee’s other state. That boosted Tennessee national River and Recreation Area, Transportation Officials 1940s experi- to the top in national standings in the $575,000; Chickamauga and Chat- (AASHTO) cited by Eric Kelder- ences. Techno- first quarter of 2007 as reported by tanooga national Military Park, man in Stateline.org states that the logical ad- the National Fire Incident Report- $480,000; Fort Donelson National federal 18.4 cents per gallon gas tax, vances in op- ing System. Battlefield, $45,000; Great Smoky which funds more than 45 percent of erations, the Sens. Thelma Harper and Beverly Marrero, chair and Mountains National Park, $1.5 mil- the national infrastructure, has not cashless E-Z vice chair of the Government Operations Committee The Federal Highway Adminis- lion; Natchez Trace National Scenic been raised since 1993 and is ex- Pass system, for compare notes after a senate bill to re-establish a toll tration announced cuts in transpor- Trail, $2,000; Natchez Trace Park- pected to create a projected 2009 example, where road authority in Tennessee advances to the tation funding that will mean $73 way/Brices Crossroads/Tupelo Na- shortfall of $11 billion toward electronic tags stateTransportation Committee. million less coming to Tennessee. tional Battlefield, $769,000; Obed planned road projects. mounted in ve- Coupled with the $80 million cut by Wild & Scenic River, $33,000; “There is an associated push for hicles are read by an overhanging to disclose the potential downfalls as the federal government to Tennes- Shiloh National Military Park, alternative fuels…vehicles powered computer system deducting tolls au- well as possible gains of see at the end of the last fiscal year, $610,000; and Stones River Na- by these fuels use the roads just as tomatically from commuter’s ac- privatization,” said U.S. Rep. Peter the state is reassessing what projects tional Battlefield, $283,000. much as gas or diesel vehicles but counts, could provide more conve- DeFazio, chair of the Highways will be cut or delayed. Projects pres- they are usually taxed at a lower (or nience for travelers, and tolling seg- Subcommittee during a Feb. 13 ently underway will not be affected, The Tennessee Department of zero) rate to encourage their adop- ments of highway alone as commer- hearing reported in Overdrive Log- according to state Department of Transportation broke ground on tion, another leakage in fuel-tax rev- cial truck lanes could provide safer, book Industry News. Transportation Commissioner the state’s first ever Type II Noise enue,” said Peter Samuel in Putting less congested highways. “The U.S. Department of Trans- Gerald Nicely. Wall project along I-65 south of Customers in the Driver’s Seat: The However, agreements estab- portation should be honest about downtown Nashville. It is the first of Case for Tolls at the second national lishing toll roads through public/pri- such problems as monopoly pricing Will there be or won’t there be a three stand-alone projects to be let AASHTO conference in Washing- vate partnerships has set off a na- and non-compete agreements, in big earthquake in the West Tennes- for construction. ton. “The truth is there are no free tional hail storm of controversy from which governments actually are pre- see New Madrid fault area? That is roads,” said Samuel. “A road may be citizens, grassroots activists and vented from building roads that a question scientists are debating. The wooly adelgid, the insect that is un-tolled, but it is still costing the lawmakers alike as states enter into would siphon traffic from the for- Some say the fault is dying while killing eastern hemlock trees, has community money, and if it is not leasing agreements with private and profit highway.” others indicate there is insufficient been found in Hamilton County. paid for with tolls, it will have to be foreign entities in exchange for up “I am concerned about possible data to be sure that’s true. Neverthe- Forestry officials predict that the re- paid for in taxes or else it will front cash to build more infrastruc- sweetheart deals for private compa- less, West Tennessee counties are gion will be infected within five steadily deteriorate.” tures. nies,” agreed U.S. Rep. John J. vigilant. years. The Great Smoky National The bills SB1152 sponsored by According to Stateline.org, In- Duncan Jr. of Tennessee. Park is using a combination of Sen. Diane Black and HB1204, Rep. diana Gov. Mitch Daniels “triggered “We need to ask the people if Two Tennessee companies, EV adelgid-eating beetles and chemi- Philip Pinion, specify that tolls will a toll-way mania” after signing a 75- they are interested in having toll America of Chattanooga and Astec cals to stem the spread of the insect be limited to new highways and year $3.8 billion lease with a private roads, ask how the citizens feel and Underground of Loudon, have been in the park. highway lanes where the traffic flow investment firm for the 157-mile In- put it to a vote,” said Sen. Beverly sponsored by the Tennessee Office could feasibly pay for the structures diana Toll Road setting off public Marrero during the senate meeting of the Japan External Trade Organi- The Tennessee film and television while the existing routes would re- and political opposition toward two of the Government Operations com- zation (JETRO) for a trip to explore incentive program, officially main free and open to commuters. smaller proposals for privately built mittee. Japanese business opportunities. launched in late March, will utilize a According to Sen. Black, the and managed toll roads. Daniels also “You can be assured that no toll This is the first time JETRO Tennes- series of tax rebates, a headquarters revival of toll roads could pave the supports a consortium with foreign project would be implemented with- see has taken companies to Japan. incentive and a grant program estab- way for a $266 million project, a companies for the east-west artery out extensive public input and the lished by a $10 million fund ap- connector road and bridge over the carrying Interstates 80 and 90 be- strong support of affected local gov- Trust for America’s Health, a proved by the General Assembly last Cumberland River near Old Hickory tween Ohio and Illinois, Kelderman ernments,” Commissioner Nicely Washington-based nonprofit orga- year. Dam that would finally provide reports. said recently. nization, has issued a report indicat- Hendersonville residents an alterna- “The roads will always be the After passing 7-1, SB1152 will ing Tennessee could suffer a $13.7 A special election date of July 17 tive route to Nashville. property of the state,” assured Rep. advance to the senate Transporta- billion economic hit if a year-long has been set for the general election Championed by Black for more Pinion to the Tennessee Govern- tion committee along with HB1204, pandemic flu epidemic were to hap- to fill the Tennessee House District than two years, she along with Rep. ment Operations Committee. No which will advance to the Public pen. That put the state eighth in the 89 seat vacated by Beverly Marrero Susan Lynn co-hosted a summit at- one will ever own the road. Public/ Transportation & Highways Com- nation in terms of loss, in percent- when she won the Senate District 30 tended by representatives from the Private partnerships are just another mittee. age, of its gross domestic product. seat. A primary election will take International Bridge, Tunnel and tool in the tool box, a means of place on May 31. Turnpike Association (IBTTA), financing the state’s road projects.” stakeholders and officials from all The authority and development Missed an issue? Associate Profile: The Neil Group over the state concerning the feasi- of toll roads has also incited national bility of Sumner County project. controversy concerning eminent do- TML welcomes The Neil billing software,(no double en- “We’re moving forward,” said main. Group, a Tennessee-based credit tering your transactions); and Black expressing optimism toward After a public outcry in 2006, and debit card processing company, • Easy-to-read daily and monthly the measure. the Colorado state Senate passed with years of experience specializ- reports; “We asked TDOT to consider a SB78 dubbed the “Super Slab bill,” Read it On-line ing in payment transaction solutions Robert Mohon, your TML Neil preliminary plan drafted in Sumner stripping the power of property con- at for small to medium-sized govern- Group representative, began his ca- County and a feasibility study was demnation from private road devel- ment and utility offices. reer in the credit card processing done. Now, we’re taking the next opers for the construction of toll www.TML1.org With a team of experienced pro- industry in 1995, setting up one of step. Toll roads would be a way to roads. fessionals, The Neil Group wants to the very first websites to accept afford large projects in Tennessee, “The administration has failed serve as your partner for payment online credit card payments. processing offering the equipment With a degree in Marketing and software to accept Visa, from Auburn University, Robert has MasterCard, American Express, helped grow our client base through Discover, Diners Club, electronic sales process development, CRM, checks, and check/debit cards. and client support improvements. As a woman-owned, point of Robert’s an Eagle Scout sup- sale equipment and software enter- porting various community and prise, we offer supplier diversity and civic groups and is a Gold Ambassa- numerous services while you pocket dor of the Brentwood Chamber of the savings. Savor the confidence Commerce and Vice President and and security our years of experience Board Member of the Real Estate with utilities and government of- Investors of Nashville. fices affords including: His seminar “Almost Every- • Various electronic payments thing You Need to Know about with low-cost or no-cost solu- Credit Card and Identity Fraud” was tions; presented at last year’s TML Annual BankBank ofof AmericaAmerica • Automatic payments to FDIC- Conference. insured, direct deposit credit and If you are thinking about accept- debit card transactions to exist- ing credit card payments or have isis proudproud toto supportsupport ing checking accounts; considered changing providers, call • Direct-to-processor relationships Robert at (877) 977-VISA or visit cutting out the middleman; www.theneilgroup.com. You’ll be TennesseeTennessee MunicipalMunicipal League.League. • Direct transaction uploading to glad you did. Special sales tax holiday set for April 27 HOLIDAY from Page 1 credit card, but it is delivered during Qualified items sold to pur- chasers by mail, telephone, e-mail or Internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the customer or- ders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the holiday period for immediate ship- is purchased for a trade or business Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. ment, even if delivery is made after and the retailer does not collect sales the exemption period. Therefore, if tax, the business is obligated to re- the computer was ordered and the port this purchase and pay use tax on credit card was charged during the the item. It can be reported and paid holiday period, and delivery was for on a regularly filed return, or on scheduled to take place after the a consumer use tax return available holiday, the sale would qualify for on the department’s Web site. the exemption. For more information visit the Purchases can be made from Department of Revenue’s Web site, Tennessee retailers, including re- www.Tennessee.gov/revenue; e- tailers that sell through the Internet mail [email protected]; or catalog if those items are to be or call (800) 342-1003. Special tele- delivered into Tennessee. phone hours for sales tax holiday

The exemption does not apply questions: Saturday, April 28 - 8 Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST) and Sunday, ©2004 Bank of America Corporation. to items used in a trade or business SPN-41-AD or to items that are rented. If an item April 29 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST). 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 www.TML1.org Cable franchise bill strips cities’ability to manage public right of way

Under AT&T’s proposal, cities would have to spend tax dollars to take cable providers to court for incurred costs associated with repairing faciilities damaged by cable companies. In testimony before both the House and Senate Commerce Committees, In a suburban neighborhood in Houston, an AT&T equipment cabinet exploded and caught fire AT&T contends that no constuction will be necessary to implement the U-verse system. causing damage to the homeowner’s fence and siding of the house. With no local control over However, the above photo tells a different story. While installing the system in a suburb where the utility box can be placed, AT&T located the metal cabinent on the curb only yards in North Texas, a trench was dug to bring power to the fiber cabinet. (LightReading – from the private residence. (LightReading – Nov. 7, 2006) April 4, 2006)

CABLE , from Page 1 “Proponents of the legislation According to media reports, the ex- company did not obtain local cable nances, local governments will be This legislation effectively maintain it preserves cities’ author- plosion shook a nearby house and franchise agreements under the pre- unable to utilize measures they have weakens consumer protections, re- ity to maintain and regulate the pub- damaged a fence and the siding of tense that AT&T was not a cable adopted to manage their rights of duces municipal revenues, and lim- lic rights of way, but it removes the home. The cabinet was located operator and the U-verse service was way. its municipal authority and its ability every regulatory and enforcement on the curb only yards from the pri- not a cable service and, therefore, In addition, the legislation cur- to police cable or video provider’s tool a city has at its disposal to carry vate residence. The 79-year old resi- the FCC rules regulating the cable rently being considered by Tennes- activities within the public rights of out this responsibility,” said Tommy dent of the house said, “It went about industry did not apply to the tele- see lawmakers dramatically alters way, and for these reasons, cities and Bragg, TML president and 50 feet to the other side of the yard phone company. the process by which a municipality counties oppose this legislation. Murfreesboro mayor. and some pieces of the box went “When AT&T started their U- recoups costs to repair damages to Through a local franchising Safety concerns became a sig- down the street. It shook the house verse upgrade in town, they basi- the public right-of-way. Currently, process, a city can control where nificant factor in a suburban neigh- pretty good.” (LightReading – Nov. cally said nothing to us about video, operators in the public right of way very large utility boxes are located borhood in Houston where an 7, 2006) said Gary White, who oversees must provide either a per-job deposit and to determine what is best for the AT&T equipment cabinet exploded In states where AT&T first cable and telecommunications is- or, at the discretion of the municipal- citizens of each community. and caught fire in November 2006. launched its U-verse service, the sues for the city of Wheaton, Ill. ity, an annual assessment prior to White said AT&T first put boxes on beginning any work in the rights of private property after signing agree- way. The amount of such deposit or Local Governments Contend: ments with the property owners, al- assessment is determined by the The “COMPETITIVE CABLE AND VIDEO SERVICES ACT” lowing the company to avoid some municipality and is intended to fully regulatory scrutiny. When the city compensate taxpayers for any costs Weakens Consumer Protections, Limits Municipal determined that this was not an ordi- incurred by the city in making re- nary network upgrade to the phone pairs to damaged facilities in the Authority, and Reduces Municipal Revenues system, the city passed a moratorium right of way. banning utility boxes above a certain Under the bill, cities may not Weakens Consumer Protections: size from being installed in the pub- require cable or video providers to • Eliminates build-out requirements lic rights of way for six months. make deposits or pay assessments in • Eliminates enforcement of federal, state and local customer service require- AT&T filed a lawsuit against the city advance of beginning work in rights for blocking the construction. The of way; however, a municipality ments; leaving subscribers with no meaningful protections same story played out across sub- may require any provider that it can • Includes loopholes that effectively nullify the bill’s anti-discrimination require- urbs in Illinois, Texas, and Califor- demonstrate (presumably to a court) ments nia with only minor variations. (The is unable to pay costs incurred by a Business Journal of Milwaukee – city to repair damages to post a bond, Dec. 21, 2006) not to exceed $50,000.The state- Limits Municipal Authority: AT&T’s push for a statewide wide franchise is not time limited cable franchise agreement is part of while the bonding requirement is • Effectively eliminates local cable franchising for new entrants into the cable a two-prong approach to eliminate limited to a one-time posting and the market and creates avenues for providers to terminate existing local cable the local franchising process. The $50,000 threshold is insufficient to franchise agreements legislation was first introduced in cover the costs to taxpayers. 2005 in the U.S. Congress in an Under AT&T’s proposal, a mu- • Eliminates build-out requirements attempt to nationalize the cable and nicipality would have to spend tax- • Eliminates a municipality’s ability to police cable or video provider’s activities video franchising process. The leg- payer dollars to take a cable provider islation passed in the House last year to court to prove it incurred costs within the public rights of way and requires a city to sue a provider to recoup but no action was taken in the Sen- associated with repairing facilities costs incurred by taxpayers to repair damages to the public rights of way ate. In the meantime, BellSouth and damaged by the cable company. Or, • Preempts local taxing authority; thereby bestowing special protections upon AT&T initiated legislation in states said another way, the bill requires a across the country to establish state- municipality to expend taxpayer cable providers. wide franchise agreements. dollars to recover costs incurred by To date, statewide franchising the taxpayers to repair damages agreements have been adopted in 13 caused by a cable company. Reduces Municipal Revenues: states (Alaska, California, Georgia, Cities regulate their rights of • Statewide cable franchise holders will pay less in franchise fees than compa- Kansas, Indiana, Missouri, Michi- way through ordinances and enforce nies operating under a local cable franchise agreement. gan, New Jersey, North Carolina, such ordinances through fees, fines, South Carolina, Texas, and Vir- penalties, sanctions, assessments • The audit provisions reduce a municipality’s audit authority; reduce the stat- ginia). The statewide measure has and other requirements. These fines, ute of limitations for audit periods; and increase a municipality’s out-of- been defeated in Colorado, Dela- penalties, etc, are paid by all compa- ware, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, nies operating within the rights of pocket costs Maryland, Mississippi, New way and local cable franchisees pay • Transfers costs to municipalities and institutes onerous programming require- Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, these costs in addition to any fran- ments, the combined effect of which will be to excuse statewide cable fran- Utah and Washington. The bill is chise fee paid pursuant to a local currently pending in Connecticut, cable franchise agreement. chise holders from carrying virtually all PEG channels in the state. Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Massa- Under the bill, local cable fran- • Eliminates fees and other costs currently paid by providers operating under chusetts, Minnesota, New York, chisees and statewide cable franchi- local cable franchise agreements. Tennessee, and Wisconsin. sees are only required to pay the “The bill eliminates the only franchise fee. Cities are expressly meaningful tool available to local prohibited from levying any fees, governments to provide for the local fines, penalties, sanctions, assess- Contact your legislator and voice oppostion to interests of a community and to pro- ments, etc, on any cable provider tect its residents,” said Bragg. that conducts unlawful activities or SB 1933 / HB 1421. If cities and counties are unable otherwise fails to abide by municipal to enforce their right-of-way ordi- right-of-way ordinances.

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Tennessee Municipal League 2006-2007 Officers and Directors Wolf River Environmental Project

PRESIDENT Awarded $1.5 Million Federal Grant Tommy Bragg Mayor, Murfreesboro VICE PRESIDENTS An announcement at Tommy Green Collierville town hall revealed that Mayor, Alamo a $1.5 million Federal grant will be Tom Beehan TENNESSEE Mayor Pro Tem, Oak Ridge allocated to continue work on the Royce Davenport Wolf River Restoration Project. . FESTIVALS Mayor of McMinnville Approximately $12,000,000 in fed- DIRECTORS Randy Brundige (District 7) eral funding has been allocated to Let us know the particulars about Mayor, Martin the project since 2003, all as a result Ed Craig your most important festivals at of congressional adds to the annual least six weeks in advance of the City Manager, Shelbyville (District 6) federal budget. Tommy Pedigo event. E-mail Tish Womack at Mayor, Sparta (District 4) The project is a collaborative twomack@ TML1.org or fax to 615- Jean Davis effort of the Corps of Engineers ($8 255-4752. Vice Mayor, Cookeville million in federal dollars so far), Avery Johnson Vice Mayor, Cleveland (District 3) Shelby County and Chickasaw Ba- April -June 9: “Smoky Mountain Johnny Dodd, sin Authority($ 2.2 million), town Springfest” in Pigeon Forge, Councilman , Jackson of Collierville ($1million) and Bill Haslam Gatlinburg and Sevierville features Mayor, Knoxville Wolf River Conservancy special events, local craft shows and W.W. Herenton ($100,000). more. Contact: 800-568-4748 for Mayor, Memphis The project was authorized for Jay Johnson more information. City Manager, Franklin (TMLRMP) construction in the Water Re- Mark Johnson sources Development Act of 2000. To correct instability that threatend water quality and highway bridges, the Corps of Engineers has built four weirs and a berm to slow water. April-May 13: “Between Fences,” City Manager, Alcoa (TCMA) The restoration project includes a traveling Smithsonian exhibit ex- Dale Kelley channel stabilization weirs, cutoff Mayor, Huntingdon look back on the Wolf River Resto- state, local governments and non- ploring the diverse historical, re- George Killebrew prevention berms, bridge protec- ration Project and say, thank good- profit organizations working to- gional and social traditions ex- Mayor, Milan tion, bike, hike trails, a 2,100 acre ness someone was thinking outside gether in a collaborative effort.” pressed in land use and space organi- Ron Littlefield wildlife corridor and boat ramps. the moment,” Tennessee Rep. “This project is about preserv- zation, at the Lewis County Museum Mayor, Chattanooga To correct the instability that Keith McDonald (District 8) Marsha Blackburn, reflected to the ing our community,” said in Hohenwald. Fee: students, $1, Mayor, Bartlett threatened water quality and high- crowd of about 100 community and Collierville Mayor Linda Kerley. adults, $4. Contact: apeery@mlec. Jim Messimer (District 1) way bridges, the Corps has built business leaders. “Even though we had to work hard to net. Mayor, Bristol four weirs and a berm to slow the Don Mull Collierville Town Administra- appropriate the $1 million, there is Mayor, Alcoa water. tor James Lewellen said, “This is a no question in my mind that this was April 19-21: Rivers & Spires Festi- Paul Nutting (District 5) “Far into the future, people will classic successful model of federal, the right thing to do.” City Manager, Springfield val in downtown Clarksville. Free. John Proffitt More than 100 performances. Con- Mayor, Athens tact: www.riversandspires.com for Bill Purcell complete schedule. Mayor, Metro Nashville Municipal Administration Program Charles “Bones” Seivers President-CEO, Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund April 21-22: 4Bridges Arts Festival Kay Senter May Schedule at First Tennessee Pavilion in down- Vice Mayor, Morristown (District 2) PAST PRESIDENTS town Chattanooga featuring James Charles Farmer (1995), Mayor, Jackson McKissic and four other artists. Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski Economic and Community Development Visit Sam Tharpe (2001) Vice Mayor, Paris www.4BridgesArtsFestival.org for Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland Have you ever wondered what First Street Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg more information. John Franklin Jr (2005) Councilman, Chattanooga families, organizations, and busi- Franklin Williamson County Expo- nesses are looking for to move to sition Center, 4215 Long Lane April 22-28: World’s Biggest Fish TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS your community, what site selectors Jackson West Tennessee Center for (Ex-Officio Directors) Fry in Paris with rodeo, carnival, Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. are looking for with industrial devel- Agricultural Research, Extension, parade, and plenty of fish. For more Jennifer Noe, Ashland City opment and what entrepreneurs look and information call 731-225-1897. Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference for to start their business? Do you cials, and municipal employees in Public Service, 605 Airways Boule- Ewing Sellers, Murfreesboro Tennessee Chapter, American Public Works want to know how to make your Tennessee cities. vard April 28-29: Cumberland Gap’s William “Bo” Mills, Germantown town or city more marketable to Dates and locations Johnson City Johnson City Public “The Gap Divided: A Civil War Ex- Tennessee Government Finance Officers Assn. those that are looking to move to May 2 Jackson Library, 100 West Millard Street perience” with a reenactment, Vic- John Troyer, Knoxville your city? Is your town or city pre- May 3 Bartlett Knoxville University of Tennessee Tenn. Assn. of Housing & Redevel. Auth. torian ladies tea, a period ball and Dow Harris, Cookeville senting the image you really want to May 9 Collegedale Conference Center, 600 Henley more. For more information call Tennessee Building Officials Assn. present? This session will address May 10 Franklin (New) Street 423-869-3860. Jim Brown, Bartlett these issues and provide answers to May 17 Cookeville To register for this municipal Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. th David Baxter, Murfreesboro many more questions including The May 30 Johnson City administration program class, April 28-29: South Pittsburg 11 Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports Three-Star Program. Each session May 31 Knoxville please visit the MTAS web site at Annual Cornbread Festival with car- Larry Cox, Memphis will be facilitated by the State De- Time www.mtas.tennessee.edu or contact nival, road race, arts and crafts, food Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police partment of Economic and Commu- Public administration courses begin Sandy Selvage at sandy.selvage@ John Lowry, Johnson City and featuring the national cornbread Tennessee Water Quality Management Assn. nity Development and is recom- at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 tennessee.edu. or 865.974.9833. cook-off. For more information call Jack Graham, Maryville mended for all elected officials, ap- p.m. For program information, con- 423-837-8327. Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. pointed officials, and municipal em- Training Facilities tact Kurt Frederick, MTAS Training Dennis Suiter, Martin Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Assn. ployees in Tennessee cities. Bartlett Bartlett Performing Arts Consultant, at 615.253.6385 or e- April 28-May 5: Dresden Iris Festi- Steven Neilson, Brentwood Instructor and Conference Center, 3663 mail [email protected]. val. Free. Contact: Jennifer Tennesseee Personnel Management Association Tennessee Department of Economic Appling Road Fees are $25 per person per class for McAlpin at jennifer.mcalpin@hot William Brown, Alcoa and Community Development municipal employees and $50 per Tenn. Assn. of Municipal Clerks & Recorders Collegedale Collegedale City Hall, mail.com. Connie Kittrell, Gallatin Who Should Attend 4910 Swinyar Drive person per class for all other partici- Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing All elected officials, appointed offi- Cookeville Town Center, One West pants. May: Memphis in May Interna- Susan White, Jackson TN Section, Institute of Transportation Engineers tional Festival saluting Spain. Visit Greg Judy, Nashville www.memphisinmay.org for sched- Tennessee Public Transportation Association ule of events and tickets. Tom Dugan, Chattanooga Dealing with Difficult Behavior Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Tommy White, Sevierville Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools Wayne Miller, LenoirCity

TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS DIAMOND LEVEL MEMBERSHIP STRENGTH Bank of America GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP ING Financial Advisers, LLC May 21-22: Storms Over the Urban SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Forest National Conference in At- Redflex Traffic Systems Sensus Metering Systems lanta, Ga. Visit www.arborday.org/ BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP shopping/conferences/brochures/ Adenus Technologies storms/2007/ for more information Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC LaserCraft, Inc. on registering and schedule. Scott Companies CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP AMEC Earth & Environmental Rain or shine, American Concrete Pavement Association sleet or hail, Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates, LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, & Cannon, Inc. every day is perfect BellSouth Telecommunications for a GovDeals sale! Buxton Bulli Ray Enterprises CH2M Hill Charter Communications CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. Comcast Cable Communications Consoer Townsend Envirodyne Engineers DBS & Associates Engineering Online Government Education Networks of America Surplus Auctions—24/7 Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. Geothermal Utilities, LLC Visit GovDeals.com today Johnson Controls or call 1-866-377-1494 Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Local Govt. Corporation TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Margaret Mahery, Executive Director The Malone Company Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Manatron, Inc. Accomplishing much Carole Graves, Communications Director Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc. Edna Holland, Government Relations, TML/RMP McGill Associates, P.A. John Holloway, Government Relations Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Debbie Kluth, Dir. Marketing & Member Services Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant together. Denise Paige, Government Relations Neil Group, LLC Nortel Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Phoenix Tank Services Gael Stahl, Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Rush Truck Center, Nashville Tish Womack, Research Analyst SDP Government Solutions That makes Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY SSR Ellers Inc. (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 — Stowers Machinery Official publication of the Tennessee Municipal Tennergy Corporation a partnership strong. League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ Tennessee Asphalt Co. TML1.org); Editor: Gael Stahl (gstahl@ TML1.org); Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Classified ads and news briefs: Tish Womack Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation ([email protected]). Phone: 615-255-6416.Ad- vertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax advertising Thompson & Litton, Inc. copy to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255- Thompson Machinery 1•800•624•9698 4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions TLM Associates, Inc. expressed non League officials or staff do not neces- Utility Service Co., Inc. sarily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee Town & Vaughn & Melton City is published, semi-monthly, 20 times per year at Volkert & Associates 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219- Waste Management 1894. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. Wiser Company, LLC Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes W.L. Hailey & Company, Inc. of address to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 www.TML1.org No Child law faces medley of changes NCLB from Page 3 recommendations: States should Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No novative technologies, and enabling legisla- adopt stronger standards based on charge to TML members. Send advertising tion to improve and protect quality of life and voluntary national standards, and to: TT&C Classified Ads Editor Tish environmental goals of the city; and working teachers should be rated based on Womack, 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, Nash- with citizens, industry representatives, envi- ville TN 37219; e-mail: twomack@ ronmental groups, and government officials how well their students perform on TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 4752. to foster dialogue and linkages between in- tests. terest groups in the city. The position reports The Forum on Educational Ac- CITY MANAGER to the director of engineering. The person countability, a coalition of more ETOWAH. The city of Etowah, population hired must have a bachelor’s degree in engi- than a hundred groups including the around 3,800, is seeking qualified applicants neering, environmental sciences, or related country’s two largest teachers for the position of city manager whose re- field, plus five years engineering or environ- sponsibilities will include the administration mental sciences experience in stormwater unions wants to shorten the law’s of all city services and departments, includ- management programs and ecosystems im- reach by scrapping the test-based ing but not limited to finance and administra- provements with two years in supervisory accountability system to focus more tion, personnel, budgeting, code enforcement, capacity; or any equivalent combination of on teacher training and parent out- public works, sanitation, streets, industrial training, education, and experience; experi- reach. development, recreation, planning and zon- ence in developing and implementing water- ing. The position is responsible to a five shed planning preferred. A Tennessee A significant dose of protest has member board of mayor and commissioners. driver’s license is also required. Knowledge come from the president’s own The person hired must have a bachelor’s of GIS (ArcView), ArcINFO), AutoCAD, party. On March 15, 52 U.S. House degree in public administration, business, or HECRAS, HEC1, QUAL2E, SWMM, etc. Republicans introduced a bill to al- U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings celebrates the fifth related field, and five years experience in preferred. Salary: DOQ/E. Send required low states to opt out of the act with- anniversary of the No Child Left Behind Act at the U.S. Chamber of local government management. Experience application, obtained at www.franklin- Commerce in Washington in budgeting, control of revenues and expen- gov.com or from the Human Relations De- out penalty. “It is about accountabil- ditures, management of multiple departments, partment to: HR Department, City of ity to parents, about parents holding rd legislative issues, economic development, Franklin, 109 3 Avenue South, P.O. Box local schools, districts and states ac- schools that fail to make progress by tion, and the Democrats in charge of stormwater operations, and planning are high 305, Franklin, TN 37065; phone: 615-791- countable versus bureaucrats in just a few students or by several, as Congress support the law and are priorities. The city has an annual budget of 3216; Fax: 615-791-3297; e-mail: Washington,” said U.S. Rep. Peter well as major changes, such as open to expanding it — minus the approximately $2,500,000 with 39 full-time [email protected]. EOE. spending $300 million on vouchers employees and 19 part-time. Salary: DOQ Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the bill’s lead GOP-favored vouchers but with plus excellent benefits including automobile TOWN ENGINEER sponsor. that students at failing schools can more money. expenses. Send letter of application, resume, NOLENSVILLE. At the state level, the main use to go to private schools. “If we’re going to require more and salary demand to: City Manager Search Nolensville is seeking qualified applicants changes are over more local control Most observers, even critics of schools, let’s help get them the Committee, City of Etowah, 723 Ohio Av- for the position of town engineer to provide in deciding whether a school has agree that the law eventually will be resources to do the job,” U.S. Sen. enue, Etowah, TN 37331. References will be professional engineering advice and assis- made progress, and more flexibility renewed because its intent is admi- Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) said to Edu- requested and a national agency background tance on matters pertaining to the town’s rable. check on finalists will be conducted. Dead- infrastructure systems, traffic, buildings, and to meet the law’s requirements. cation Secretary Margaret Spellings line: May 31. EOE. equipment for public facilities and grounds. The White House recommenda- The two ranking Republicans on at an appropriations subcommittee The person hired will be responsible for tions for the law include tweaks, the House and Senate education hearing March 14. “I don’t see that CITY MANAGER providing technical expertise in areas of such as differentiating between committees support re-authoriza- in your budget.” MOUNT JULIET. The city of Mt. Juliet, construction problems, floodplain and drain- population 20,000+ is seeking qualified ap- age issues; overseeing new development plicants for the position of city manager re- work; reviewing site plans and other design sponsible for police, finance, recreation, plan- documents; performing site inspections; co- ning and zoning, public works, economic and ordinating with designers and contractors; community development, sanitary sewer, and and providing information to the public. The other duties as assigned. The city operates position oversees public works and includes under a general law manager-commission subdivision inspections and erosion control. form of government. The ideal applicant is a Duties also include presentations before high-achieving city manager with bachelor’s boards and commissions, and day-to-day degree in public administration, business, or contact with the public. The position reports related field, plus 10 years of city manage- directly to the mayor. A profession engi- ment experience in a fast growing city of neering license is required as well as experi- similar size. A master’s degree is considered ence in municipal issues of subdivisions, a plus. The person hired needs experience in drainage and inspection and oversight of budgeting, control of revenues and expendi- public infrastructure construction. Supervi- tures, and management of complex depart- sory experience is preferred. The person ments with multiple functions. Experience in hired must possess excellent initiative, orga- growth management and systems develop- nization skills, communication, interpersonal ment a high priority. The position requires a and public relations skills in keeping with leader, a team player with strong communi- the high level of customer service offered by cation skills. Send resume to: City of Mt. the town. Salary range: $50,000-$55,000 Juliet, Attn: Sheila Luckett, P.O. Box 256, DOQ/E plus attractive benefit package. Send Mt. Juliet, TN 37121; e-mail: application/resume to: P.O. Box 547, [email protected]. Position open Nolensville, TN 37135; Fax: 615-776-3634; until filled, priority to those resumes received E-mail: mayorbethlothers@com by April 20. EOE. cast.net. See www.nolensvilletn.gov for more information. EOE. FINANCE COMMISSIONER LEBANON. The city of Lebanon is seeking ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT applicants for the position of commissioner DIRECTOR of finance with responsibilities for planning, GOODLETTSVILLE. The city of directing and coordinating the fiscal manage- Goodlettsville, population 15,000, is seek- ment and administration of the city. Duties ing candidates for a newly created position also include continuous review and analysis of economic development director. The po- of fiscal operation, needs and resources; di- sition reports to the city manager and will recting collection of taxes, license fees; man- be responsible for working toward measur- aging issue and sale of bonds; directing pay- ably growing the business base of the city roll accounting, purchasing, and meter reader through independent activity and coopera- departments; and, serving as city treasurer tive activity with the existing business com- and city recorder. A bachelor’s degree from munity, area chambers of commerce, other an accredited four-year college or university municipal, county, state and federal gov- with a major in accounting or finance is ernment economic development officials, required; experience in municipal govern- and commercial property developers. The ment financial administration is highly de- person hired will serve as the primary sired. Salary range: $60,000 to $80,000, DOQ. implementer of the city’s recently pub- Send resume to: Personnel Department, City lished retail development strategy plan. of Lebanon, 200 Castle Heights Avenue N, Candidates possessing a work history and a Lebanon, TN 37087. Phone: 615-443-2809; verifiable track record of successful re- Fax: 615-443-2844; e-mail: cruitment of retail businesses will receive [email protected]. Deadline: April 30. favorable consideration. Salary: DOQ/E plus extensive benefits. Send cover letter STORMWATER MANAGEMENT CO- and resume to: EDD Search, 105 South ORDINATOR Main Street, Goodlettsville, TN 37072; e- FRANKLIN. The city of Franklin is accept- mail: [email protected]. ing applications for the position of stormwater Does your city EOE. management coordinator who will be respon- sible for directing the citywide stormwater WATER MAINTENANCE planning, watershed master planning, NPDES LAKEWOOD. The city of Lakewood is MS4 permit and street protection strategy seeking certified water person to fill water/ programs; providing technical guidance to outside maintenance position who will be responsible for monthly meter readings, wa- need money for various departments, agencies, designers, and special interest groups on all phases of ter line repairs, general street maintenance, stormwater projects; assisting in administra- seasonal projects lime mowing, weedeating, tion and management of the stormwater man- and chipping. Must be licensed in water agement program, including maintenance, distribution and familiar with state require- operations, regulatory requirements, and bud- ments. Send resume to: City of Lakewood, Attn: CWP, 3401 Hadley Avenue, Old capital projects? getary functions; utilizing stormwater man- agement resources, design advancements, in- Hickory, TN 37138. EOE.

Get in the game! Call the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund for all your financing needs. age, race, ethnicity, relationship, BY TISH WOMACK and whether you own or rent your TML News Analyst home. The Census Bureau estimates We offer: it will take less than 10 minutes to The U.S. Census Bureau has submit- complete and would be one of the • low rates, ted to Congress the subjects it plans shortest and easiest to complete to address in the 2010 Census. It will since the nation’s first census in • lowest costs, and request information about gender, 1790. • best service. Bond Fund welcomes We’re making great new additions to staff cities even better. BOND FUND from Page 1 ing served in numerous financial Steve Walker has joined the positions throughout county gov- One loan at a time. TMBF and TCSLP staff as a market- ernment, Steve is uniquely qualified ing representative. Walker will be to serve our client base.” (615) 255-1561 based out of Ashland City and will The TMBF and TCSLP is con- be available to serve all counties and stantly upgrading and improving the cities across the state of Tennessee. loan programs and options offered to Seivers stated, “We are de- cities and counties throughout the lighted to have Steve join our staff. state. Since its inception in 1986, He brings years of county experi- TMBF has saved cities millions of ence to our staff having served UT’s dollars in interest and the associated County Technical Assistance Ser- costs of borrowing money. TCSLP vice for thirteen years, as well as joined the program some ten years having served as a county finance later and since that time county gov- director in Cheatham County. Hav- ernments have joined in these sav- www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 16, 2007 Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey brings fresh slant to evolving Senate

BY GAEL STAHL ney, but we were thrown right in the Editor middle of all that. We need some- body to help us out by doing investi- Your party hasn’t had a lieuten- gations. ant governor/speaker of the Senate since the 1860s. For 10 years, the TT&C: What are the main issues state and the Senate have been inch- in your first session as lieutenant ing toward a Republican majority. governor? Finally, in the 2004 and 2006 elec- RR: Among the big issues coming tions, Republicans finally achieve up is the governor’s proposed ciga- majority status. They wonder who rette tax increase. It comes at a time will be the history-making Republi- when revenues are at an all-time can to become their first Senate high. If there is a palatable tax in- speaker in 138 years. crease, it’s a tax on cigarettes. Polls The choice was Ron Ramsey, the probably show it to be 75 percent energetic, likable auctioneer from favorable. The philosophical ques- Tri-Cities, the caucus chair for two tion is whether you raise that tax at a years who spearheaded efforts to get time when revenues coming into the a majority in the chamber. However, . state are booming at an all-time high, Facing 14 television cameras and Every time he hung up the phone, in 2005, Majority Leader Ramsey When I come down here on Monday, or do you hold it in your back pocket three high powered lawyers, this he’d say, “Ron, remember, don’t get was not elected speaker. it’s like walking through a cloud for the inevitable downturn in the country boy auctioneer knew he was too far from your overalls.” Tennessee’s famously nonpartisan into a different world. economy? Why waste it now, so to in over his head. Senate re-elected former Lt. Gov. speak, when we have a surplus of Wilder for one last time. woman, wrangled an introduction to bill for former Lt. Gov. Wilder so the what teachers get, but I’m not sure I one-time money that’s more than On Jan. 9 of this year the his- her even though she was seeing community of Hickory Withe in his would have voted for that, either. $400 million? Why not have a one- toric election of Ramsey as the first someone else, and married her in district could incorporate. That was They say it’s not binding, and I know time tax relief program by taking Republican Senate speaker and 1980. He got his license on Feb. 14, during my first year in the state Sen- of certain things that are not binding, sales taxes off food for a couple of lieutenant governor in 140 years 1981, three days before their daugh- ate. I got raked over the coals for it but let me assure you, they’re bind- months or have a one-time decrease took place. It didn’t come easy, but ter Tiffany (oldest of three daugh- and called a “starry-eyed freshman” ing. It’s hard to back up on some of our over collected taxes? when Ramsey was elected caucus ters) was born, quit his job and after the bill passed and became law. things. Republicans don’t feel this is chair in 2003, he publicly set his started his surveying business. I was at the beach on vacation the direction we need to go in our TT&C: What about immigration goal to elect a Republican Senate Working as a surveyor for auc- with my family over the Fourth of right-to-work state. and medical malpractice reform? majority. He worked hard for it, tion companies helping them divide July when former Sen. Tom Leather- I strongly encourage cities to sit RR: The immigration bill we passed raised the money and recruited the 100-acre farms into tracts they auc- wood called about “that bill you down with their firefighters, not is common sense. It says unless you candidates, earning respect for it tioned off, he observed that his passed to allow any area in the state drive them away. Some feel alien- can prove you’re in the country le- despite incidental blocks along the $1,000-weeks dealing with snakes to incorporate.” I told him it just had ated, that they don’t get a voice. gally, you have to take the driver’s way. and bees and briers didn’t compare to do with a little area in Wilder’s license in English. It failed in the Now, the new lieutenant gover- with the way auctioneers enjoyed district. He said he hated to tell me TT&C: After losing the speaker House. We have a memorandum of nor says he intends to lead an inclu- themselves before eager audiences that it applied to the whole state. election in 2005, you were ap- understanding with local police de- sive Senate. Ramsey had, for a long on Saturday mornings making Second, a bill I had from county pointed Ethics Committee chair. partments on how to deal with illegal time, been giving signs that the Sen- $10,000. He applied for his auction- government said when cities annex RR: I’ll never forget it. I was ap- immigrants. We passed that. We ate he leads will continue to be bi- eer license, worked for an auction during the budget year, the county pointed chair the first week of Janu- pass some bills in the Senate that partisan. He told Tennessee Town company in business for 50 years keeps the situs-based taxes for that ary 2005 thinking, honestly, that be- don’t pass in the House. Some & City in 2001 that he liked moving and in 1986, started his own real year. It opened just the right section ing chair of Ethics doesn’t matter House bills may not pass in the Sen- from the House to the Senate be- estate and auction business. of the code for the urban growth since they never meet. I’ll have ate. We’re not rubber stamps. cause the Senate is more bipartisan. Ramsey sold the survey busi- legislation, which mandated plan- plenty of time for my other three Last night, we passed a medical Two years later, former Lt. Gov. ness in 1989 and together with his ning by all parties with regard to committees. Boy, was I wrong. malpractice bill on the Senate floor John Wilder named him a committee wife, Sindy, founded Ron Ramsey city/county economic growth and By the time we returned in Feb- after working with the House and chair. Although not elected speaker and Associates Realtors and Auc- annexations. That bill came to be ruary, all that stuff about Sen. John coming to a compromise that was in 2005, he went over to Wilder and tioneers in 1990. In 1991, as presi- called Public Chapter 1101. I served Ford’s consulting contracts was big probably not the bill they and we gave him a brotherly hug. He dent of the area association of on the committee that created it; Sen. news. From February through the wanted, but that’s a perfect example hugged Wilder again this January realtors, he made his first ever visit Rochelle was very active in that. We end of the session, it was a constant of how you have to compromise in after being elected speaker. Though to the state Capitol for “Realtors wrote a good plan and put restric- heartache and headache about ethics government. We wanted caps on he ended Wilder’s 36-year tenure, Day on the Hill.” The following tions and planning into urban issues. I’m never nervous speaking punitive damages. It wouldn’t pass he assigned Wilder his choice of year, he won a House seat, four growth plans, without which it to 165,000 people at the Bristol in the House so Sen. Mark Norris committees. years later a Senate seat, and two would never have passed. Speedway, but facing 14 television worked with House members to pass Ramsey’s style is not abrasive. years after that, a committee chair- It worked great because, except cameras and three high powered it there, and now we have passed it He is truly likeable and he likes to manship. Since 2003, his ascen- for maybe Knoxville, no area in the lawyers sitting in front of me in on the Senate floor. get along with people. He believes dancy to caucus chair, majority state had more annexation wars than Room 12 for unprecedented hear- that is a reason he is where he is and leader, and speaker has been every northeast Tennessee – Bristol, ings, I knew that this country boy TT&C: Then, there’s that cable why most people thought it was time two years. Kingsport, and Johnson City. Those auctioneer from Blountville was in franchise bill? for a change. He believes that you Auctioning real estate is a great Northeast annexation wars have just over his head. RR: Every year there is some big can walk through the halls of Legis- job for a citizen legislator like about stopped. There’s good plan- We had the attorney general and issue that becomes the lobbyist full- lative Plaza now and tell the differ- Ramsey whose wife runs his busi- ning now; and if you adopt a plan of Jimmy Creave investigate the Ford employment act. This year it is the ence. He says that while the state ness for him while he’s in Nashville services for an annexed area, you activities, and on the last Wednes- AT&T/Bell South vs. the cable com- had good Senate leadership for 36 (“just as she runs the business when have to stick by it. day of the session, the attorney gen- panies’ state franchising bill. Obvi- years under Wilder, change will be I’m back home”). Also, as lieuten- eral called the Ethics Committee to ously, that affects local government. good too. ant governor, he is first in line if TT&C: What did you accomplish his office and showed us six books If that bill passes, I want to make A primary Ramsey trait has al- something happens to the governor. as chair of Senate Environment? piled on a desk. It was what he found sure that local governments are ways been to include people in what Due to his position, he now has a RR: I was active in passing the on Sen. Ford. It was not good. I happy with the bill. They’ve worked he’s doing by staying in constant driver (security). Brownfield legislation that allows tossed and turned all night knowing to negotiate these franchises with contact with them. He has always A pickup driving, boot-wearing cities to use former contaminated we were going to have to remove Charter and Comcast and other cable seemed to work his way into leader- fellow like Ramsey soon saw the ad- industrial sites for industrial devel- him from office. Thursday morning, companies. Local governments are ship positions wherever he’s been vantage of having a driver. Bill, the opment rather than having to go out the Tennessee Waltz sting arrived at key to this, so I’ve encouraged local involved. He started with the 4-H state trooper assigned to him, can into the green fields. That’s been the legislature. Ford and other legis- officials to negotiate with the propo- club in sixth grade, became presi- attest that from the second they leave huge. The state Environment depart- lators were arrested, and by Satur- nents of the bill. It’s a huge issue. dent of the area Board of Realtors, Blountville until they park in the ment was in here the other day say- day, Ford resigned. The Ethics Com- and now, is speaker of the state Sen- Legislative Plaza garage, Ramsey is ing it has been used across Tennes- mittee, with nothing left to do, was TT&C: What difference can we ate. on the phone with senators. He asks see, a great help to cities with old through that ring of fire. expect from the new man in the Ramsey’s qualities, not inciden- them how their week went and what industrial sites. Before that, you had lieutenant governor’s office? tally, might describe someone seek- they expect in the one coming up. to clean those sites so well you could TT&C: Until the election to fill RR: I want to prove that it does make ing an even higher office. While ob- For him, keeping lines of communi- put a daycare center there. The John Ford’s Senate seat? a difference who governs. I believe a viously interested in becoming gov- cation open is a leadership style that Brownfield legislation puts deed re- RR: Ophelia Ford won by 13 votes. Senate majority makes a difference. ernor, he says he is not about to get ensures clarity of intention leading strictions on the property so after it’s We did some investigating and I think the majority of people in so far ahead of himself. He plainly to results arrived at together. cleaned up it can’t be used for a found that dead people voted, Tennessee, including some Demo- enjoys what he’s doing now. daycare but can be used for indus- people who didn’t live in the district crats in the legislature, are fiscally Ramsey has a knack for survey- TT&C: What is the hardest part of trial uses. That helped my cities. voted, convicted felons voted, more and socially conservative, so I think ing a situation, sizing it up and an- your auction business? And, don’t forget, when Gov. than enough to void the election. I can lead with a bipartisan overtone. nouncing the goal he’s set for him- RR: There’s no doubt that the hard- Bredesen took 9 percent of your That fall was as controversial as the I’m not a ‘my way or the highway’ self, and then enjoying it once it’s est part is that since we’re still a state-shared taxes from all local Tennessee Waltz in the spring had kind of guy. Other people have good achieved. That was clearly exhibited citizen legislature, when I come governments, I was one who fought been. I carried the resolution to void ideas, too. I like to listen to those. by his pursuit of his first and second down here on Monday, it’s like hard to get it all restored. that election on the Senate floor. That’s how it works. career jobs, his wife, and his politi- walking through a cloud into a dif- It was a learning-by-fire experi- A company takes on the person- cal career. ferent world. On Thursday after- TT&C: Cities were grateful you ence. It helped me become a better ality of a CEO, or a university takes He grew up near Blountville in noon, I head back home through that stopped the firefighters’ union leader and helps me in my position on the character or personality of its northeast Tennessee on a farm cloud into another world. It’s amaz- bill. now. Some fellow senators weren’t president. I’d like to think that the about a mile and a half from where ing how we have two different lives. RR: We did defeat the firefighters’ happy with me some of that time. state Senate takes on the personality he is now living. From fifth through I love being in politics. I abso- union bill on the Senate floor last It’s not easy going up against of the speaker. I’d like to think I’m twelfth grades, he milked cows every lutely love being lieutenant gover- year and have the votes, if needed, to fellow senators, but it was the right optimistic and excited about where morning and afternoon. As a senior nor and speaker of the Senate. I’m make sure it doesn’t pass this year. thing to do, so you don’t worry about we’re headed, that we don’t take in high school, he got his driver’s having a ball here. Yet, when I leave Firefighters do a great job. After 9/ it. People ask me that since Ophelia ourselves too seriously, that we’re license and announced to his grand- the Senate and go home on a week- 11, it’s hard to oppose them. But I Ford ended up getting elected the here to govern, and to represent the father they needed to either expand end, I know that if something were to have a problem with collective bar- second time anyway, would I void people. At the same time, you don’t the dairy business or get out of it. happen so that I wasn’t in this Senate gaining by public employees. that election again? I would, abso- get too far from your roots. My wife They moved into the less labor inten- seat, within two days I would have Firefighters may say it is exactly lutely. It was the right thing to do. will be good at making sure I remem- sive beef cattle business and raised forgotten that I was ever down here Out of that, we created the Eth- ber where I came from. tobacco on half a dozen acres every because I’d be so wrapped up in my ics Commission. Instead of the Sen- I was friends with an old dairy year. He can’t think of a more enjoy- auction business – a perfect life with ate getting complaints in the future, farmer from Carter County who able place to grow up than on the the best wife in the world, the best they will go to a supposedly nonpar- passed away about a year ago. He’d farm his grandfather owned. kids in the world, and the best job in tisan, unbiased ethics commission to call and we’d talk about politics for During college, he worked No- the world all of which makes me feel investigate. We senators are elected an hour. Every time before he hung vember to May in the Johnson City everything is going great. to come here to pass the budget and up the phone, he’d say, “Ron, re- hardware store his maternal grand- We had 60 auctions last year Ron Ramsey Profile other legislation. I’m not an attor- member, don’t get too far from your father owned. When the spring se- with a typical auction being an estate overalls.” I hope that I’ll never get mester at East Tennessee State Uni- sale in which we sell a house and • Born Nov. 20, 1955 too far from my overalls. versity eased into summer, he’d go everything in it, including the • Graduated high school 1973 back home to work on the farm. “The dishes, pictures on the walls, furni- • BS in Industrial Technology best of both worlds; nothing teaches ture, and even unusual things like from ETSU 1978 you about life like working in a hard- coffins or snakes in jars. I love it. • Married 1980 ware store,” he says. Anybody in the auction business • Tennessee House 1993 When Ramsey graduated from loves it. • Tennessee Senate 1997 ETSU with a BS degree in industrial • Chair of Senate Environment technology in 1978, a surveyor hired TT&C: One of your first Senate Committee 1999 him for the two years required to get bills was the historic PC 1101 ur- • Caucus Chair 2003 his license even though Ramsey an- ban growth bill? • Majority Leader 2005 nounced up front he’d then quit and RR: Actually, I did have a little bit to • Senate Speaker and get his own business. While working do with PC 1101 – on both ends. Lieutenant Governor 2007 for the surveyor, he spotted a First, I was the one who carried the Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey addresses Senate after election.