6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 68, Number 4 March 13, 2017 State, local leaders defend Key legislators to address city officials at tax exempt “muni bonds” TML Conference March 20-21 in Nashville City officials will hear from as Trump, U.S. Congress top lawmakers during TML’s Legislative Conference, slated for March 20-21 in Nashville. talk infrastructure plan Among those scheduled to speak are: Senate Majority Lead- BY ELAINE S. POVICH our taxing policy that has been in er Mark Norris; House Majority Stateline existence since 1913.” Leader Glen Casada; Sen. Ken But some Republicans on Cap- Yager, chairman of the Senate State Structures built with municipal itol Hill want to end the tax-exempt and Local Government Commit- bonds stand out in Columbia, Ohio. status of muni bonds as part of tee; Rep. Tim Wirgau, chairman There is the Columbia Metropolitan broader changes to the federal tax of the House Local Government Convention Center, and new park- Mark Norris Glen Casada code. That has many state and local Committee; Sen. Bo Watson, chair- ing garages for a revitalized restau- Senate Majority Leader House Majority Leader officials worried. man of the Senate Finance Com- rant and apartment district. Sleek, A city’s ability to borrow de- mittee; and Rep. Charles Sargent, futuristic water towers loom on pends on investors’ willingness to chairman of the House Finance the edge of town and new modern lend it money by purchasing bonds. Committee. pumps hum at the water plant where And the tax-exempt status of muni Gov. Bill Haslam, and Lt. Gov. the oldest structures date to 1906. bonds is part of what makes them Randy McNally will help kick off Nationwide, the “muni bond” so attractive to investors, especially the conference on Monday, March market has funded $1.65 trillion high-income taxpayers looking to 20, beginning at 1 p.m. House worth of projects for cities and other reduce their tax bills. Speaker Beth Harwell is scheduled governments over the past decade. But exempting the bonds from to speak during the Tuesday morn- The borrowed money has paid for federal taxes is projected to cost the ing breakfast. schools, roads, water and sewer U.S. Department of the Treasury Also on the agenda are Jus- systems, airports, bridges and other as much as $617 billion in revenue tin P. Wilson, Comptroller of the Ken Yager Tim Wirgau vital infrastructure. over the next decade, according to Treasury; Bob Rolfe, Department Senate Chair House Chair “These aren’t shiny baubles. the Tax Foundation, an independent of Economic and Community State & Local Government Local Government These are essential infrastructure,” tax analysis group. To many in Development Commissioner; and said Columbia Mayor Steve Ben- Washington, recouping that mon- Laurie Lee, executive director, De- jamin. “This is a sacrosanct part of See MUNI BONDS on Page 7 partment of Finance and Adminis- tration Benefits Administration. Conference registration opens What happens to current at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 20, followed by a buffet lunch at 12 WOTUS litigation with noon. The conference will kick off at 1 p.m. and run through 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon. new executive order? City officials are encouraged to attend the Senate Floor Session BY LISA SORONEN The current WOTUS regula- Bo Watson Charles Sargent tions are subject to complicated beginning at 4 p.m. Monday after- Executive Director noon, and the House Floor session Senate Chair House Chair State & Local Legal Center litigation. In October 2015 the Sixth Finance Ways & Means Finance Ways & Means Circuit issued a temporary stay of beginning at 5 p.m. The Waters of the United the regulations preventing them On Tuesday, March States Executive Order could from going into effect nationally. 21, things will get under- Monday, March 20 Tuesday, March 21 7:30 am Breakfast impact a Supreme Court case on In February 2016 the Sixth Circuit way at 7:30 a.m. with a 11:00 am Registration 8:00 am Speaker Beth Harwell what court has jurisdiction to hear ruled that it, rather than a federal breakfast served until 8 12:00 pm Buffet Lunch 8:15 am Rep. Charles Sargent a challenge to WOTUS and on the district court, has jurisdiction to a.m. The conference pro- 1:00 pm Lt. Gov. 8:30 am Laurie Lee Sixth Circuit’s decision to stay of rule on whether the WOTUS rule gram will begin at 8 a.m. Randy McNally Benefits Administration the current regulations. It is too exceeded the Clean Water Act. and continue until 10 a.m. 1:30 pm Gov. Bill Haslam 8:45 am Bob Rolfe soon to know exactly what will In January 2017 the Supreme The two-day confer- 1:45 pm Rep. Tim Wirgau ECD Commissioner happen but I speculate below. Court agreed to review the Sixth ence provides an excellent 2:00 pm Sen. Mark Norris 9:00 am Sen. Ken Yager President Trump’s execu- Circuit ruling that an appellate forum to network with 2:30 pm Sen. Bo Watson 9:15 am Rep. Glen Casada tive order Restoring the Rule of court, not a district court, has other municipal officials 2:45 pm Justin P. Wilson Law, Federalism, and Economic jurisdiction to rule on WOTUS. and interact with your leg- State Comptroller Growth by Reviewing the “Waters This case, National Association islators. For information 3:00 pm TML Staff Reports of the United States” Rule calls for of Manufacturers v. Department regarding registration and 4:00 pm Senate Floor Session the “rescinding or revising” of the of Defense, will not be heard un- hotel reservations, visit 5:00 pm House Floor Session Waters of the United States (WO- til next fall 2017—meaning the www.TML1.org TUS) definitional rule published Supreme Court may not issue an in the summer of 2015. Many state opinion in this case until as late as and local governments objected to June 2018. the broad nature of these regula- What will be the fate of all this Tennessee cities work to recover tions, in particular to the expansive WOTUS litigation over the current definition of ditches and the ambig- rule in light of the executive order? from March tornadoes, severe storms uous definition of tributaries. We don’t know, but the executive order directs the Attorney General BY KATE COIL The executive order acknowl- TML Communications Specialist edges that rewriting the WOTUS to “inform any court of such review and take such measures as he deems definitional regulations will- re Municipal crews across Ten- quire going through the lengthy appropriate concerning any such litigation pending the completion nessee are working to clean-up and complicated process under after damage resulting from tor- the Administrative Procedures of further administrative proceed- ings related to the rule.” nadoes and heavy thunderstorms Act which the 2015 final regula- on March 1. tions went through. This process The Attorney General may ask the Sixth Circuit to voluntarily At least five tornados touched involves proposing a new rule, down across the state, according to receiving and responding to (likely vacate its decision temporarily staying the regulations given that officials with the National Weather thousands of) comments, and issu- Service. ing a final rule. See WOTUS on Page 3 The Cool Springs area of Franklin and Brentwood reported some of the most damage, the result of an EF-1 tornado that trav- eled from Hillsboro Road, north of the Cool Springs Galleria mall, to east Concord Road. The funnel cloud cut a path that stretched 10.25 miles long and 250 yards wide with an estimated speed of 100 to 105 miles per hour. New transportation funding Damage reported by the city of Brentwood included warehouse is essential for meeting doors being blown, roof and wall damages to businesses, and large Tennessee’s future needs amounts of downed trees. The city’s GIS department has worked Tennessee’s flat state gas tax of 21.4 cents per gallon hasn’t been to collect damage along with updated since 1989. Due to inflation, increases in construction costs Brentwood Fire and Rescue and and the cost of land and better gas mileage, the state comptroller esti- city building inspectors. The city’s mates that 21.4 cents in 1989 is now worth approximately 11 cents a public works crews have been gallon. The money goes half as far as it once did. Without additional working to remove downed trees and power lines. April Shore with Brentwood’s 911 Center handles calls during the funding, it would take the state 50 years to complete its current list of A second EF-1 storm caused March storm event. Dispatchers worked during the storm to aid police, projects, and many cities and counties will be forced to raise property damage in the Antioch neighbor- fire, parks and public works crews as well as provide news updates taxes to pay for transportation. hood of Nashville. The storm had and take calls from local residents being affected by the storms. Good roads lead to good jobs. One of Tennessee’s most desirable winds of up to 90 miles per hour power outages were reported in Chattanooga, Red Bank, Hixson and struck between Cane Ridge attributes in recruiting jobs is our location on the map. If you want to Adams, Cedar Hill and other areas and Signal Mountain. Golf ball and and the Four Corners Marina. of Robertson County. distribute product around the country, there’s no better location. But tennis ball-sized hail were reported Another EF-1 tornado caused In East Tennessee, trees were in Hamilton and Marion counties. it’s hard to sell job creators on Tennessee if we don’t have the roads damage in Watertown while two downed and power outages were March, April and May make and bridges to get product where it needs to go. EF-1 tornados were recorded in reported throughout the Chat- up the peak period for tornadoes. At A poor transportation system also costs citizens in time and vehicle Putnam County. tanooga area with an estimated least 12 tornados left two Tennes- Severe storm damage was maintenance. 5,500 people losing power for five seans dead and dozens injured in also reported in Cookeville while minutes or more. The brunt of the 2016, according to weather service fallen trees and around 1,800 damage was recorded in North data. www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 Elvis Presley’s Memphis looks to revive Whitehaven neighborhood

CHATTANOOGA approved two professional service own community, and to encourage Officials with the city of -Chatta agreements with Smith Seckman and nurture a growing arts culture nooga have broken ground on a and Reid to begin design work in Murfreesboro. $1 million park in the Alton Park on a 0.4 miles connecting the neighborhood. The five-acre park western end of the greenway to LA VERGNE at the former site of the Charles Neshoba Park and a segment of Sewing machine manufacturer A. Bell School. Construction by about three-quarters of a mile on SVP Worldwide is relocating Chattanooga-based P&C Con- the east from Cameron Brown Park its La Vergne headquarters and struction began on Jan. 21, and to an east trailhead at Farmington distribution center to a larger officials estimate the entire park Boulevard. When finished, the two 213,774-square-foot portion of project will be complete by June segments will extend the currently the former Whirpool Plant. The 2. The park will have parking at 1.3-mile greenway running along company, best known for pro- both ends, a pavilion, quarter-mile the Wolf River to 2.4 miles total. ducing Singer sewing machines, walking trail, benches, restrooms, The trail will stretch from the city’s currently employs 140 people in water fountains, and a sports field. western edge to the new eastern the La Vergne area. Officials say The Charles A. Bell School was trailhead at Farmington. The the move will help the company Memphis’ famed Graceland is now home to 200,000 square feet closed in 1989 after the consolida- project will cost an estimated $2.4 accommodate a 20 percent growth of exhibits, museums and performance space honoring the King tion of the Chattanooga-Hamilton million, much of which is coming in jobs from a new research and of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis Presley Enterprises opened the $137 million, County School System and was from federal and state sources development team for the Singer master-planned overhaul of the Graceland campus on March 3 as demolished in 2011. Residents through the Memphis Metropolitan brand. Up until now, research for part of efforts to revitalize Presley’s Whitehaven neighborhood in will decide the name of the park Planning Organization. The city the brand has been conducted at the Memphis. Dubbed “Elvis Presley’s Memphis,” the open-air museum after a meeting with city and park will be reimbursed 80 percent of company’s home base in Sweden. gives visitors the ability to tour various Elvis-related memorabilia officials. the total. Town officials estimate and exhibits in an outdoor mall-like setting. The renovation project construction on the new segments LEXINGTON began last October with the opening of a $92 million, 450-room re- CLARKSVILLE will begin in fiscal year 2018. MIG Steel Fabrication, LLC, will sort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland. A strip mall built across LG Electronics Inc. will build a expand its operations in Lexington, from the Graceland mansion will also be torn down and turned into a new home appliance manufactur- KINGSPORT investing $1.5 million and creating park-like area featuring landscaping, trees and a gateway between ing facility in Clarksville, investing One of Kingsport’s oldest city 20 new jobs. The steel fabrication the museum exhibits and the home. $250 million into the facility and parks is getting a facelift as part company is a subsidiary to Lex- creating 600 new jobs. The new of three phases of construction ington’s Manufacturers Industrial Clarksville facility will be LG’s beginning this summer. Plans for Group, LLC, began in 2007 as a first washing machine manufactur- the 18-acre Borden Park include fabrication service to the larger Collierville works to ing operation in the United States. a new walking trail, open space family of MIG subsidiaries, which The global manufacturer, with plaza near the recreation building, employ approximately 1,800 restore railroad history headquarters in South Korea, is a a resurfaced basketball court and people at six Tennessee locations. leader in appliances, electronics improved parking. Improvements MIG Steel Fabrication has since and mobile devices. LG’s new Ten- and new construction at the park grown to become a leader in steel nessee facility is expected to be the are being paid for through a grant fabrication solutions in West Ten- world’s most advanced production from the Tennessee Department of nessee, employing 45 people and plant for washing machines. Con- Health for Project Diabetes with providing structural steel and other struction on the 829,000-square- the goal of improving wellness fabricated metals for the broader foot facility will begin later this initiatives and reducing diabetes industrial, commercial and medi- year. Starting in 2019, the factory and obesity in communities. City cal construction markets across the will initially produce front- and officials are also consulting with Southeast. MIG’s Steel Fabrica- top-load washing machines. The the University of Tennessee Ex- tion’s investment in its Lexington 310-acre site offers the potential tension office on design ideas. The facility will go toward purchasing to expand for production of other first phase of the park project is new machinery equipment to meet home appliances. expected to be complete by June. growing demand. The company The second phase will include in- will hire welders, pipe fitters and COVINGTON stalling playground equipment and salaried support staff. The Covington Police Department the third a fitness playground for will have a new home within the older members of the community. LOUDON next two years following a study Tate & Lyle recently cut the ribbon Painters have finished work on Collierville’s famed caboose, part of the department’s needs. A study MEMPHIS for a $60 million co-generation of a project to restore a trio of railcars located in the town’s historic recently conducted by a represen- Sedgwick Claims Management plant at its corn wet milling facil- town square. The caboose is now located on tracks near the former tative from the Center of Public Services, Inc., will be expand- ity in Loudon. The specialty food train depot in the park. Alongside it are the 1351 Frisco steam engine Safety recommended the depart- ing its corporate headquarters in ingredients manufacturer has re- and the 1940s executive railcar Savannah formerly used by the ment’s relocation to provide ade- Memphis, investing $34 million duced is carbon dioxide emissions Seaboard Railway. The engine will also be undergoing renovations quate space for personnel as part and creating 150 new jobs in the by 10 percent and its greenhouse as part of the project. of a predicted 20-year growth plan. area. The technology-enabled risk gas emissions by 50 percent as City officials are considering new and benefits solutions management the result of recent upgrades to the locations for the department at the company is a global corporation facility, which can now generate Hendersonville cuts ribbon South Industrial Park and at the for- focused on delivering services that electricity on-site and recover mer Tipton County Commission on include management of workers’ wasted heat. Tate & Lyle North on first phase of new park Aging building. Estimated costs compensation, disability, FMLA, Americas is headquartered in De- for the project are between $3-4 property and specialty claims, as catur, Ill., and is a subsidiary of million, which would be cheaper well as managed care, special and London-based Tate & Lyle. Found- than renovating the department’s forensic investigation, Medicare ed as Henry Tate and Sons in 1852, current facility. Constructed in and OSHA solutions and risk con- the company is best known for 1957 to serve as the Covington sulting. Nearly 15,000 colleagues producing sweeteners, stabilizers, City Hall, the police department’s in approximately 275 offices in emulsifiers, food starches, sugars, current headquarters also housed a the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and and paper starches. fire department and jail in the past. Ireland serve more than 2.6 million The department moved into the claimants each year. With this PARIS building in 1998. expansion, Sedgwick will consol- The city of Paris has seen a growth idate its headquarters into a single in retail sales for the third consec- GALLATIN campus in Memphis and locate utive year. According to the city Sumner Regional Medical Center R&D functions at the site. Sedg- finance department, December will open a $5 million freestand- wick has made an investment in an 2016 sales showed an increase of ing emergency room at Galla- innovation lab focused on develop- 6.3 percent over December 2015, tin’s Sumner Station in March, ing technology for next-generation ending the 2016 calendar year bringing 45 jobs to the area. The claims management models cen- with 3.1 percent overall retail sales City officials, stakeholders and Hendersonville Area Chamber of 10,000-square-foot ER will op- tered on the needs of the client and growth. General revenues were Commerce members cut the ribbon on Hendersonville’s Volunteer erate 24 hours a day, seven days the claimant. By redesigning the over expenditures by more than Park at Arrowhead. The $1.5-million first phase of the project includes a week with five rooms, a lab, claims management process, the $13,000 and revenues were ahead two full-size soccer fields. A second phase is scheduled to open next pharmacy, and imaging services company would not only improve of the fiscal-year-to-date by more spring and will include a concession stand and restrooms funded beginning on March 20. The fa- the client and claimant experience, than $403,000. Six new business through a $500,000 state grant. The park will eventually be home to cility will be able to provide the but also give its colleagues a more licenses were issued by the city in a playground, walking trail, soccer and lacrosse fields and a horse same services to patients already meaningful work experience. January as well. barn and training facility for the Hendersonville Police Department. available at the hospital’s 24-bed emergency room. Nearly $40 MURFREESBORO million has been invested by the Cultural Arts Murfreesboro is Kingsport mayors past and present help hospital into Sumner Station since launching the city’s first artist the 103,000-square-foot facility laureate program, an honor for was purchased in late 2013. local artists that will give chosen kick off city’s centennial celebrations recipients the opportunity to edu- GERMANTOWN cate and engage the community in Work will soon begin to design their field of expertise. Murfrees- two new segments of greenways boro Parks and Recreation will in Germantown. The town’s Board launch the program later this year, of Mayor and Aldermen recently and began accepting applications for the program on March 1. The Cultural Arts Program will appoint TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY three laureates — a poet laureate, Tennessee Town & City (ISSN 00403415, a painter laureate, and a photogra- USPS 539420) is published semi-monthly except in the months of June and December pher laureate. They will serve as 19 times per year by Tennessee Municipal the city’s selected laureate for a League, 226 Capitol Blvd, Suite 710, Nash- one-year term and during that time ville TN 37219-1894. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmem- will complete new work inspired bers, $1 a copy. Periodicals Postage Paid by Murfreesboro, will exhibit at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER:Send their craft at city events, and will address changes to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd, Suite 710, Nashville TN complete a number of community 37219-1894. outreach arts related projects that Official publication of the Tennessee will target non-traditional and Municipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: under-served audiences. Each Carole Graves ([email protected]; laureate will also receive a $500 Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Pub- lisher reserves the right to reject any adver- monetary award. The goals of be- tising deemed unacceptable. Fax classified ginning the Cultural Arts Laureate ads to TT&C: Attention Carole Graves at Program are to give experienced 615-255-4752, or e-mail cgraves@TML1. individual artists an opportunity to From left to right, former Kingsport mayors Dennis Phillips, Ruth Montgomery, Jeanette Blazier, Gardner org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: At- Hammond, and current Mayor John Clark participate in the city’s 100th birthday party. Kingsport kicked tention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or share their talents with their com- e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions munity, to give youth citizens and off its year-long centennial celebrations on March 2, the anniversary of the city being re-chartered in expressed by non League officials or staff 1917. (Photo by Matthew Lane/Kingsport Times-News) do not necessarily reflect policies of TML. new artists role models within their 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 www.TML1.org Utility box art adds splash of color to Mt. Juliet infrastructure

By KATE COIL TML Communications Specialist

At best unnoticed and at worst an eyesore, utility boxes are a necessary – if unglamorous – part of municipal infrastructure. But one Tennessee city is looking to change that. Mt. Juliet has been working to turn its downtown utility boxes into works of art. Charlie Daniels, the Music City Star, Davy Crockett, and the local police department are just a few of the subjects that have helped liven up utility boxes across the city. Mt. Juliet City Manager Kenny Martin said the utility box wraps started out as a way to cover graffiti. “We are always looking for bright ideas to add art into the city,” Martin said. “We had an issue with graffiti being put on some of our utility boxes. I thought maybe we could find an artist to paint over the boxes to cover it up. It was too expensive to do it that way, so I decided to reach out to a sign company to see if the boxes could be wrapped.” Local businesses have stepped forward to sponsor each utility box for the $400 price tag it takes to cover them in the wrap. As a result, Above: A utility box outside the Mt. Juliet Public Library is bound the wraps are of no cost to the city. with a vinyl wrap to resemble a bookshelf. Top Right: Local music Martin said the city typically picks legend Charlie Daniels is another subject of one of the smaller utility the artwork while the business gets boxes in town. Other subjects include parks and recreation, local their name on the box. Businesses schools, and the Mt. Juliet Police Department. Martin said the goal can also submit ideas for the box. for the project is to add a bit of art and community pride to the area. “It’s not so much an ad as it is for the ambience and art,” Martin is doing that has a little boy in a helps keep the components from said. “Depending on the part of Superman cape on with a mask,” wearing out as quickly.” town, we try to pick out a theme Martin said. “He is reaching for In a short time, the utility like recreation, quality of life, and the sky, which is cute when you box project has proven so popular school spirit. It’s a neat way to add think of our kids and their future. that Martin said all of the smaller art to the community at no expense Probably my favorite one is the boxes have been sponsored by to the taxpayer.” box with all the school logos on it. businesses. The city is looking into Martin said the boxes have I like that one because it is our way wrapping some of the larger box- helped turn a less-than-attractive of saying everyone is welcome in es, including those along the train aspect of city infrastructure into a our community. It takes everyone lines, which can cost $800 or more. source of community pride. in Watertown, Lebanon and Wilson “The demand got so high for “They are industrial-looking, County to make Mt. Juliet what them the smaller boxes are all gone and there is one at every intersec- it is.” now,” he said. “We have some tion where there is a traffic light,” The vinyl coverings also have bigger boxes that are still available. Martin said. “Not only are they a a useful side-effect. We had two or three up, and people blank canvases for graffiti, but they “My understanding is the cov- started noticing them. It was pretty also look bad. Instead of having ering on the outside keeps the com- quickly after that before they were metal, galvanized boxes all over ponents on the inside of the box a all gone. It’s amazing that we’ve town we now have pieces of art little cooler,” Martin said. “It works been able to take something that that encourage walking, biking, as a sort of deflective covering. It isn’t very appealing and, through health fitness, community and pa- is just another protective barrier on these sponsorships, turn it into a triotism. If the artwork gets old or those cabinets, which can get very work of art relatively cheaply. It’s Above: The Mt. Juliet Police Department is honored on one of the out of date, you can peel it off and hot in the sun. The vinyl covering a win-win for our city.” utility boxes located on Mt. Juliet Road. start over.” While some of the boxes reflect Mt. Juliet and Tennessee culture, others honor important Pick TN Conference highlights state products, places in the local community. The box outside the library is made to helps farmers learn new marketing techniques look like a bookshelf while a runner decorates the box nearest Robinson BY ASHLEY CABRERA farmers with about 10,000 items. Park, a favorite place for walkers, TDEC Office of Sustainable Practices Pick TN Products can also help joggers, and pet owners to get out you find events and attractions such and about. From “Storytelling Through as fairs, festivals, and wineries that Martin said he has his own Social Media for Your Specialty you can enjoy while supporting favorites among the box artwork. Crop Farm and Farmers Market” to local businesses at the same time. “We have one a local school “Bamboo – Not Just Another Pretty You can visit their website, pickt- Face – Food, Building Material, nproducts.org and search for a par- New executive and Environmental Services,” the ticular farm or business by name, 2017 Pick TN Conference provid- county, or other criteria, and even order affects ed farmers, farmers markets, and search through recipes, flowers, growers, with tools and resources plants, trees, and local pet food. WOTUS ruling to thrive in Tennessee through their For producers, farmers, and other WOTUS from Page 1 craft. agricultural businesses, they can be the new administration intends to Originally, the Tennessee listed on the Pick TN webpage and change them. The Sixth Circuit is Agriculture Expo encompassed receive help from the Tennessee more likely to agree to this if none all agricultural associations, and Department of Agriculture Market of the parties object. A number of focused on what each were doing. Development Programs. states and environmental groups In 2015, the conference was re- To keep up with Tennessee Pick TN Conference provided farmers, farmers markets, and growers, have intervened in support of the vamped to incorporate educational agriculture and tourism, the edu- with tools and resources to thrive in Tennessee through their craft. current WOTUS regulations and aspects to help famers continuous- cation offered through this confer- may object. ly expand their knowledge. ence is viable to farmers’ success. boost your business. If the Sixth Circuit vacates “Each association chooses Several of the sessions informed Aside from the education the stay, the practical effect is the their session topics and the speak- attendees of new FDA food safety provided for the farmers, this current regulations would no lon- ers to lead the sessions. Each one laws for produce, EPA worker conference allows for farmers ger be valid. Vacatur of the Sixth knows the popular topics that farm- protection standards for using to come together and transfer Circuit stay also would likely moot ers want to hear, so it is relatable,” pesticides, and permits needed at knowledge and network with the Supreme Court challenge on said Amy Tavalin, director of the farmers markets. each other. One farmer may jurisdiction. If the Sixth Circuit Pick TN Conference. The Tennessee Agritourism have a pumpkin patch, but refuses (or isn’t asked) to vacate The various associations part- Association conducted roundta- wants to expand to growing the Sixth Circuit decision regard- nered with the Tennessee Depart- bles to discuss safe cash handling, strawberries, so they connect ing the stay, the Supreme Court ment of Agricultural (TDA), and training seasonal help, generating with a strawberry farmer and jurisdiction litigation is likely to changed the name to Pick TN Con- scholarships, and attracting cus- gain the knowledge to be able proceed indefinitely. ference. Along with the revamp, tomers with special events. Allie to move forward. This is an Given that defining WOTUS the Tennessee Organic Growers and Morgan Huber with Huber important concept in agricul- has been so difficult and conten- Association was also added. Orchard and Winery conducted ture, just as it would be in any tious, almost no matter what new “I believe it is an excellent several sessions to teach how to other field. definition is proposed, it too will resource for the farmers, to be market and add value to specialty “It’s just as important for be subject to litigation. able to partake in these educational crops through events and food and farmers to get together and The executive order instructs sessions,” said Greer Gill, market- beverage sales on the farm. share knowledge and friend- that Justice Scalia’s decision in ing specialist with the Tennessee Panels were utilized to give ship within the same industry as it TN Conference and the Pick TN Rapanos v. United States be “con- Department of Agriculture. farmers an opportunity to ask is for dignitaries and scholars in Products program that allow farm- sidered” in defining the term “nav- Even though the conference restaurant chefs what they look their perspective fields,” said Allie ers to keep up with all the changes igable waters.” Rapanos is a 4-1-4 stands alone in education to farm- for in their produce, find out best Huber with Huber Orchard and that happen within agriculture and decision. Justice Scalia wrote the ers, it coincides with the Pick practices from farmer market man- Winery. “Farmers share a unique continue to make a living off their plurality opinion defining this term TN Products program. Pick TN agers, and an “ask me anything” sense and perspective about how passions and lifestyle. more narrowly than Justice Kenne- Products is a state program that from a specialty crop grower. the world works.” If you are a farmer, own a dy’s solo concurring opinion. The provides Tennesseans information Kia Jarmon, a public relations There is a lot of interest open- farmer’s market, or are just starting Sixth Circuit considered Justice about hundreds of homegrown and and brand strategist for MEPR ing up in agriculture to open up out in the world of agriculture ,then Kennedy’s opinion controlling. If homemade products, including a Agency and Nashville Farmers farms to the community and share mark your calendar for February the new definition of WOTUS re- variety of foods, flowers, trees, and Market board member, spoke on the experiences that come with it. 15-18, 2018, for next year’s Pick lies on Justice Scalia’s opinion—it various artisan products. Through utilizing social media to engage At the same time, there are things TN Conference in Chattanooga, will almost certainly be challenged the support of the Tennessee De- with the community. She covered evolving in the ways of agriculture Tennessee. It might just be the on this ground, along with many partment of Agriculture, the pro- all of the social media platforms and the regulations that surround boost you need to succeed in the others. gram currently lists about 2,500 and how each can best be used to it. An opportunity such as the Pick field.

www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 Tennessee’s longest serving legislator State Sen. Douglas Henry dies at age 90 Douglas Henry, the lon- Corker said. “No one focused more State Sen. Seth Sumner gest-serving legislator in the Ten- over a longer period on the fiscal Lee Harris, has been se- nessee General Assembly, has died issues facing our state than Senator D-Memphis, lected as at the age of 90. Henry, and with a steady hand and has been se- the new city Henry served for nearly 50 wise guidance, he set a tremendous lected to par- manager for years in the state legislature, first example of bipartisanship and in- ticipate in the Athens, be- elected to a single term in the State tegrity in public service.” prestigious ginning his House 1954 and then 11 consecu- Gov. Bill Haslam credited Aspen Insti- work with the tive times representing west Nash- Henry and his role on the Senate Fi- tute-Rodel city on Feb. State Sen. Seth Sumner ville from 1971 until his retirement nance, Ways, and Means and Fiscal Fellowships 23. Sumner Lee Harris in 2014. Review committees with making in Public lead- previously worked as the assistant Born in Nashville and raised in the state more financially sound. ership program. The Tennessee city manager of Savannah for Belle Meade, Henry was the son of “He served the state for nearly Senate Minority Leader is one of the past five years. Before that, former State Sen. Douglas Henry, 50 years, and it is not an exagger- 24 individuals from across the he served as the city manager of Sr., and National Life Insurance, ation to say that he is one of the country selected for the honor. The Clifton for two years beginning Douglas Henry Co., heiress Catherine Craig Hen- primary reasons the state is on Rodel Fellowship program seeks in 2010 and was the youngest city ry. Henry graduated from Mont- into the national scheme of things,” such solid financial footing today,” Americans emerging political lead- manager in the state at the time. gomery Bell Academy in 1941 and Henry said. “It’s happened to a Haslam said. “He was a power- ers with reputations for intellect, Sumner received a bachelor’s de- served in the U.S. Army during lot of other states, and it has to do house intellect, courteous, kind, thoughtfulness and a commitment gree in political science as well as World War II. After returning with national politics. The Ten- genuine and a statesman and I will to civil dialogue. The fellowship is a master’s of public administration from fighting in the Philippines, he nessee Democratic Party has to fit miss his wisdom and perspective.” open by invitation only to individ- from the University of Tennessee. attended Vanderbilt Law School. in with the national party and the Lt. Gov. Randy McNally de- uals who are in elected office and He also completed the University After an unsuccessful run for Republican Party is the same way scribed Henry as “an invaluable who are ideally under the age of 50. of Virginia’s Senior Executive a State House seat in 1952, he ran on the national level. Previously, mentor and a trusted friend.” The program lasts for 24 months Institute in 2012. Sumner was again in 1954 and was elected. we could chart our own course. I “To the state of Tennessee, he and consists of three weekend-long selected following a six-month During the 1960s, he served as an don’t see a reversal any time soon, was far more. Douglas Henry was seminars, generally held in Aspen, long search after the retirement of attorney for the National Life In- but I hope I’m wrong. I hate to see our state’s financial guardian and Colo. Lee Harris represents Dis- long-time Athens City Manager surance, Co., which his grandfather it happening. It’s not good for the protector. He always wanted what trict 29 in Memphis. Mitch Moore. The Municipal Tech- had co-founded. Henry re-entered state.” was best for his state, never for nical Advisory Service assisted the Lawmakers from both sides Ashley How- state politics in the 1970s when he himself,” McNally said. “A true city’s 13-member Selection Com- of the aisle praised Henry as a ell, a Tennes- ran for the State Senate. gentleman, he was consistently mittee in the selection process. model of decorum, kindness and see native, During his tenure, Henry kind and gracious to everyone. served as chair of the Senate public service. U.S. Sen. Lamar Whether you were a Republican or has been se- Ted Finance, Ways, and Means Com- Alexander said Henry’s legacy is a Democrat, a prince or a parolee, lected as the Townsend, mittee as well as a member of the an example to all lawmakers. Douglas Henry treated you with new execu- chief operat- Senate Ethics Committee and the “There was no one in the respect.” tive director ing officer for Fiscal Review Committee. Tennessee General Assembly who Nashville Mayor Megan Barry of the Ten- the Tennes- In an April 2014 interview demonstrated integrity, courtesy said Henry set “a high standard” nessee State see Depart- Ashley Howell with Tennessee Town and City, the and financial stability more than for both lawmakers and the public. Museum, ment of Eco- outgoing senator reflected on his Douglas Henry,” Alexander said. “Sen. Douglas Henry’s tre- beginning her work April 1. Se- nomic and years of service to the state. Henry “To him, party politics were of no mendous impact on the city of lected by the Douglas Henry State Community Ted Townsend listed some of his proudest accom- importance. The citizens he served Nashville and the Tennessee Gen- Museum Commission, Howell Development plishments in the legislature as the were what mattered. His example eral Assembly, where he served will succeed long-serving director (TNEDC), has been selected to establishment of the state’s Rainy will be important for years to with unparalleled distinction, will Lois Riggins Ezzell, who retired serve as vice chair of the Council of Day Fund, the creation of some of come.” undoubtedly last for generations in 2016. Howell is presently State Governments’ Fiscal and Eco- the state’s first child abuse laws, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker recalled to come,” Barry said. “Nashville employed as the deputy director nomic Development Public Policy and issues dealing with education working with Henry as commis- was proud to call him one of ours, of the Frist Center for the Visual Committee. Prior to becoming and child welfare. sioner of finance in the mid-1990s and we miss him already. I know I Arts. A native of Nashville, Howell chief operating officer, Townsend He also warned lawmakers and said the pair had spoken on the am joined by many across the state earned a bachelor’s degree in art was assistant commissioner of against allowing party politics to phone the Friday before Henry’s of Tennessee, which Sen. Henry history and a master’s degree in strategy where he oversaw all rural get in the way of the state’s best passing. loved so dearly, in celebrating the community from the University programs—including Select Ten- interests. “He was a true gentleman life and legacy of a true statesman.” of Tennessee-Knoxville as well as nessee, ThreeStar, Tennessee Main “Tennessee has been drawn and a true Tennessee statesman,” a business administration degree Street, Tennessee Downtowns and from Boston University with a cer- Retire Tennessee—along with tificate in museum studies. Before federal grant programs that include joining the Frist Center in 2007, she Community Development Block Former Nashville vice mayor and served as a financial consultant for Grants, the Delta Regional Author- the Institute for Contemporary Art ity and the Appalachian Regional in Boston, director of development Commission. Townsend has also TML board member Jay West dies for the University of Tennessee served the department as TNECD College of Architecture, and public regional director over the greater Jay West, a former Nashville worked with him over the years. relations and marketing manager Memphis region. vice mayor and past Metro coun- TML Executive Director Mar- for the Knoxville Museum of Art. cilman, has died at the age of 65. garet Mahery met West in 1990 Greg Wood West served as an at-large when she became involved with Adam Price, has begun councilman for Nashville from the organization. a codes of- serving as 1983 to 1995 before being elect- “He was on the Nashville City fer with the the city ed vice-mayor that year. He later Council, and I was serving on the town of Farra- manager for served as a member of the Tennes- Athens City Council,” Mahery gut, has been Crossville see Municipal League Board of said. “He became a great friend and named the after being Directors and as executive director was always serious about making Code Official unanimously of the County Officials Association our local governments efficient and of the Year by selected for Greg Wood of Tennessee (COAT). user friendly. We will all miss Jay the Eastern Adam Price the position Long before he was elected to Jay West and his friendly personality and Chapter of the by the Crossville City Council. the Nashville City Council, West great sense of humor.” Tennessee Building Officials Asso- Wood was selected from a pool was well-versed in municipal Heights Military Academy in Tennessee Municipal Bond ciation (ETBOA). This is the sec- of 40 applicants in a nationwide government. His father, Ben West, Lebanon before graduating from Fund President and CEO Charles ond time Price has been given the search. The search process was was served as a Tennessee state Belmont University and Nashville “Bones” Seivers said West was honor, making him the first codes conducted with assistance from senator and then was elected mayor School of Law. always enjoyable to work with. official to receive the title for two the Municipal Technical Advisory of Nashville in 1951, a mere two After serving three terms as “Jay was a good friend and consecutive years. Price received Service. Wood served as the county weeks after Jay West was born. the city’s vice mayor, West ran for always very supportive of the bond the honor for 2016 at the orga- administrator for Harris County, Jay West later discussed how mayor of Nashville in 1999, losing fund,” Seivers said. “I enjoyed nization’s recent annual training Ga., from 2013 until 2016. Be- he often found himself eating out to Bill Purcell. West would go working with Jay over the years. In and safety meeting in Sevierville. fore that, he served as the county breakfast with various city depart- on to represent a variety of trade fact, Jay was on the committee that He served as president of ETBOA manager for Jasper County, Ga.; ment heads and officials before associations and interests as a lob- voted to purchase the building that in 2016. The ETBOA award rec- county administrator for Holmes heading off to elementary school. byist at the state level, including TML owns. It was a great move and ognizes codes officers that are County, Fla. He began working in His brother, Ben West, Jr., in the areas of education, health vote on his part. I enjoyed greeting knowledgeable, hard-working and government in 1984. An Air Force represented Davidson County’s care, land use zoning and workers’ Jay in the mornings; he was always dedicated to their community and veteran, Wood earned a bachelor’s 60th District in the State House of compensation. upbeat.” profession. The organization has degree in political science and gov- Representatives for 26 years before West’s dedication to local David Connor, executive di- approximately 200 members. ernment and a master’s in public retiring in 2010. government and his warm person- rector of the Tennessee County administration from the University Jay West attended Castle ality was invaluable to those who Services Association (TCSA), said of West Florida. West’s presence will be missed. “It’s hard to think about local government associations over the last 30 years without thinking of Jay West,” Connor said. “In addi- tion to his years of leadership as the executive director at COAT, Jay himself was a former member of TCSA as a metro council mem- ber and vice mayor of Nashville/ Davidson County and was active within the Tennessee County Com- missioners Association and TCSA as well as the Tennessee Municipal League. While he was quick with a joke or humorous story, Jay took his work seriously and strove to be professional in every aspect of serving as an executive director.” Nashville Mayor Megan Barry said she was saddened to hear of West’s death. “Hailing from a family of public servants, Jay served our city with dignity and honor as a former council member at-large and vice mayor of Metro Nashville,” Barry said. “As executive director of the County Officials Association of Tennessee, he served to empower local leaders and give a steady voice to the principles of local control.” www.TML1.org 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 Tennessee events sweep Kaleidoscope Awards

Youth substance abuse is declin- cities across the nation based on ing in Tennessee, according to six factors including cost of own- a new report from the Substance ing a pet, pet care, availability of Abuse Mental Health Services pet suppliers and services, ability Administration (SAMSHA). Ac- to take pets into non-pet related cording to the SAMSHA’s recently businesses, parks, walking areas, released “National Survey on Drug and population. According to the Use and Health,” the substance use survey, $10 billion was spent on declined among Tennessee youth pet care in the U.S. in 2014 with from 2004-2006 to 2012-2014 another $9.5 billion on dog food with illicit drug use dropping to alone. Americans list if a commu- 3 percent, alcohol use declining nity is compatible with their dog to 10 percent, misuse of pain re- among top factors for choosing lievers dropping to 5 percent, and where to live. cigarette use declining 7 percent. Tennessee’s youth substance use Tennessee’s preliminary un- trends have been decreasing at a employment rate for January faster rate than the national aver- was 5.4 percent, increasing from age. Tennessee youth illicit drug the revised December rate of 5.1 use has declined and is now at or percent, according to the Ten- below the national average. Fewer nessee Department of Labor and Tennessee youth (6 percent) used Workforce Development. The U.S. marijuana in the past month than preliminary rate for January is 4.8 Centerville, Linden, Morristown, Oak Ridge, Union City, and Winchester were among the municipalities compared to the national average percent, up one-tenth of a percent- that hosted events honored at the annual Kaleidoscope Awards. The awards are given by the South- (7 percent). The full report outlines age point from the previous month. east Festivals and Events Association. In total, 20 awards were given to evemts held in Tennessee. many positive trends in Tennessee While experiencing a rate increase related to youth substance use. from 4.8 to 5.4 percent over the past Events held in municipalities several awards. The park’s Great Pudding Festival won silver for its year in Tennessee, the national rate across Tennessee took home 20 American Airshow took home digital media, took home bronze Several Tennessee cities have has declined from 4.9 to 4.8 percent honors at the 2017 Kaleidoscope gold for best promotional poster for best creative idea with its cook- been ranked among the top 100 within the same time span. Total Awards. and silver for best new event; its book, and its cook-off took home U.S. communities for dog own- nonfarm employment increased Held annually by Southeast Cardboard Boat Regatta took home bronze for the best event within an ers, according to personal finance with 1,200 additional jobs from Festivals and Events Associations, gold for best t-shirt; it’s McDon- event. Moon Pie also took home the website ValuePenguin. Knoxville, December 2016 to January 2017. the award ceremony honors vol- ald’s Pumpkin Village won gold gold for best sponsor for its involve- Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, The largest employment increases unteers, organizers, and events for best event within an event; and ment with the Centerville event. and Kingsport were all ranked were within trade/transporta- throughout the region with gold, its Libation Station won bronze Awards were presented during among the 155 cities ranked by tion/utilities, leisure/hospitality, silver and bronze accolades in a for best digital media and bronze the Southeast Festivals and Events ValuePenguin and the Ameri- and mining/logging/construction. variety of categories. for best creative idea. Associations’ annual conference, can Pet Productions Association. Over the year, nonfarm employ- A panel of experts in event Morristown’s 2016 Mountain held in Lexington, Ky., on Feb. Knoxville ranked eighth in the ment increased by 58,800 jobs. planning, marketing, and tourism Makins Festival took home the 19-22. Next year’s conference will country and second in the southeast The largest increases occurred in review entries from five participat- gold for best festival with a budget be held in Nashville. followed by Nashville at 25, Chat- trade/transportation/utilities, lei- ing states and recognize festivals under $75,000 while SFEA was founded in 2009 to tanooga at 36, Memphis at 55, and sure/hospitality, and professional/ and events that display originality, Martin’s Soybean Festival strengthen the festival and event Kingsport at 95. The study ranked business services. creativity, media impact, volunteer won gold for the best children’s industry throughout the southeast. programs, and an overall impact to program and bronze for the best The organization gives out its an- the community. promotional poster. nual Kaleidoscope Awards during Governor’s Rural Task Force Linden’s Remembering World The re-enactment of the Battle its conference each February. War II event took home the gold of Normandy at Oak Ridge’s Secret The organization works to website launches searchable for best digital media and for best City Festival won silver for best recognize events that take place creative idea, silver for best festival event within an event while Win- in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, with a budget under $75,000, and chester’s International Dogwood Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, online resource database bronze for best event program. Festival won silver for best event Mississippi, North Carolina, South The Governor’s Rural Task ments of state government and Union City’s Discovery Park photograph. Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or Force has launched a new website task force partners in one central of America also brought home Centerville’s National Banana West Virginia. and resource database for Tennes- location.” see’s rural communities, featuring “This one-stop shop for com- comprehensive information about munities will make a big difference the task force and a searchable across the state and is just one Annual spring bike ride brings database that catalogs available of a number of task force proj- programs and resources. ects already underway utilizing The website, a recommen- existing resources,” Amy New, cyclists to Henry Horton State Park dation made by the task force in assistant commissioner for Rural its October 2016 strategic plan, Development in the Department of includes information from nine Economic and Community Devel- state departments and six task force opment, said. “Gov. Bill Haslam’s community partners. budget includes $21 million for It is designed to provide Ten- Rural Task Force initiatives and nessee’s rural community leaders we look forward to implementing and citizens with a single source those programs that will address for information about grants, loans, everything from agriculture and technical assistance and other com- wellbeing to leadership develop- munity development programs. ment and job creation.” The commissioners of the De- In October, the task force re- partment of Economic and Com- leased its strategic plan to advance munity Development, Agriculture rural communities and promote and Tourist Development serve as economic development throughout co-chairs of the task force. Tennessee. The task force brought “The launch of the new web- together stakeholders from all parts site is the first of many initiatives to of the state in a grassroots effort come from the Rural Task Force,” to craft the recommendations pre- Tourist Development Commis- sented in the comprehensive plan. sioner Kevin Triplett said. “It Alongside the one-stop-shop serves as a tool to enhance com- resources website, the task force is munication with rural communities working to implement other rec- regarding projects being developed ommendations made in October, Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and Bike Walk by the task force and the opportu- including asset-based planning and Tennessee are encouraging cyclists to come out to Henry Horton State Park near Chapel Hill for the nities available to those areas this the Retail Academy. annual Horton 100 spring ride as part of Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee. program was designed to assist.” Asset-based planning helps “The new website will be a communities identify long-term Henry Horton State Park is a ride of up to three miles. Youth for two days and $70 for one day. great source of information for goals to leverage local assets, while proud to host The Horton 100, the participants will need to bring Online registration will close our communities,” Agriculture the Retail Academy provides com- annual springtime Bicycle Ride their own bike and helmet. More on April 17. Riders can camp for Commissioner Jai Templeton said. munities an analysis of retail gaps Across Tennessee (BRAT) event information and registration for the free, stay in one of the park inn’s 68 “The new searchable grants and and provides tools to grow retail on April 22-23. youth event can be found online. rooms or reserve an RV campsite resources database will especially opportunities. Riders will begin and end each “Biking is such an important for an additional fee. help our rural leaders find grants, More details about the Rural day at Henry Horton State Park in part of the life of our state here in The park is located on the technical assistance, training, and Task Force’s work are available at Chapel Hill. With a mix of beginner Tennessee,” said Anthony Siracua, shores of the historic and beauti- other resources from all depart- tn.gov/ruraltaskforce. and more challenging stretches, president of Bike Walk Tennessee. ful Duck River, one of the most this ride will show the best of what “We are proud to partner with diverse ecosystems in the world. Middle Tennessee has to offer from TDEC and the Friends of Hen- Park rangers will offer interpretive Vets, state leaders discuss higher the prime vantage point of a bike ry Horton Park to teach bicycle programming, including crafts and seat. handling skills to the children of games, for kids and families who ed at first-ever Veterans Academy Participants can ride the full middle Tennessee. Teaching kids are there for the weekend. More than 100 attendees from Executive Director for Adult 100 miles in increments of 50 miles to bicycle at an early age is a great Most of the routes will be on more than 40 Tennessee higher Learner Initiatives Jessica Gibson, per day, or choose a new 25 mile way to encourage bicycling as a two-lane highways. Riders are education campuses gathered at University of Memphis President per day option. life-long activity, and it allows us encouraged to wear appropriate Middle Tennessee State University Dr. David Rudd, Student Veter- “Hundreds of riders come to to show the youth how to operate safety gear, including reflective on March 8 as part of the state’s first ans of America Vice President of Middle Tennessee from all over the their bicycles with awareness and clothing and bicycle lights. ever Veteran Education Academy. Outreach Darren Phelps, Tennes- country for this annual springtime poise.” Helmets are required to par- Gov. Bill Haslam and Depart- see Army National Guard Chief ride,” said Brock Hill, Tennessee Registration includes two days ticipate. Rest stations with refresh- ment of Veterans Services Com- Warrant Officer Mary Deel, and Department of Environment and of rides, two nights of camping ments will be available at various missioner Many-Bears Grinder TCAT Associate Vice Chancellor Conservation Deputy Commis- (Friday and Saturday) and three points along the ride. hosted the event, which was de- for Instruction and Special Projects sioner of Parks and Conservation. meals. The registration fee per More details, including the signed to strengthen the network Carol Puryear. “Henry Horton State Park is an person is $125 for both days and routes for both days, can be viewed and information sharing among Topics of discussion included ideal place for riders to begin and $65 for one day until March 31. On online at tnstateparks.com/events. campuses committed to recruiting, military tuition and STRONG Act end their journeys, with plenty of April 1, the fee increases to $135 retaining and supporting student details, data collection and out- activities for participants and their veterans on their journey to grad- reach, a mental health facts presen- families to enjoy throughout the uation. tation, a tour of MTSU’s Charlie weekend.” TML requests E-mail addresses Other speakers and prominent and Hazel Daniels Veterans and In partnership with Bike Walk Tennessee, Henry Horton will be The quickest way to keep city officials apprised of legislative attendees included retired Lt. Gen. Military Family Center, and infor- happenings is through email or fax. With so many recent Keith Huber, Dr. Hilary Miller of mation about the state department offering an additional feature this municipal elections, TML has been working to update its Middle Tennessee State Univer- of Veterans Services. year for families – a youth bike sity, Tennessee Higher Education For more information on vet- clinic on Saturday, April 22. elected officials and city staff contact information. Send your Commission Director of External erans education, visit www.tn.gov/ The clinic will be open to chil- updates to Jackie Gupton, by fax at 615-255-4752, by email Relations Kate Derrick, Assistant thec/topic/veterans-education. dren of all ages and include lessons to jgupton@TML1. org, or call 615-255-6416. on rules of the road, bike safety and www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 BOOK Celebrating Failure: The Power of Taking REVIEW Risks, Making Mistakes, and Thinking Big

Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No accordance with prescribed purchas- charge to TML members. Send advertising to: BY RALPH HEATH an outcome seems less than ideal, ing regulations and procedures for Reviewed by Margaret Norris look for the positive elements with- Carole Graves e-mail: [email protected]. the town of Collierville. Requires a high school diploma or GED; supple- MTAS Management Consultant in it and encourage others to do the ASSISTANT PLANNER mented by college level coursework same (p. 138). MT. JULIET. The city of Mt. Juliet in Business Administration, Public Have you ever made a mis- Fail smarter. Failure does not is seeking a candidate for a full-time Administration or a closely related take? Have you ever learned equate to a lack of intelligence. assistant planner in the Planning field; Associate’s degree preferred; from your mistake? Has the act People of all intellects and skill lev- & Zoning Department. A detailed or any equivalent combination of of making a mistake made you a els fail. Be willing to learn from it job description and requirements education, training, and experience better person, friend, employee, and fail smarter next time (p. 142). are available online. Applications which provides the requisite knowl- must be filed electronically and are edge, skills, and abilities for this or supervisor? Has fear of making Know when to start fresh. available at the city’s website, www. job. Requires a valid Motor Vehicle a mistake (atychiphobia) kept Not everything can be, or should mtjuliet-tn.gov. The city will accept Operators License. Salary: DOQ with you from trying something new? be, fixed. Persistent “patching” of a electronic applications until positions Excellent Benefits Package. Open If so, then you will want to read failing project can temporarily sup- are filled. The city of Mt. Juliet re- until filled. Full job descriptions are Celebrating Failure: The Power port inefficiency and make success serves the right to stop accepting ap- available upon request. Call 901-457- of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes, impossible. Sometimes a fresh start plications at any time. For questions, 2296. APPLY to Human Resources and Thinking Big by Ralph Heath. is what it takes to succeed (p. 160). regarding the electronic application Office, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Heath owned an advertising The book encourages risk process, please call (615) 754-2552. Collierville, TN Please submit a new EOE/Drug-free Workplace application each time you apply for a company and he drew from his taking. Again, most government town job. Pursuant to Tennessee open experiences in the private sector. environments are risk averse and POLICE OFFICER records law, applications and resumes However, the lessons offered are understandably so. However, in GREENFIELD. The Greenfield Po- are subject to disclosure. EOE/ Drug- applicable to any industry, business the words of Will Rogers, “You’ve move on. Be inspired to fail. lice Department has an immediate Free Workplace. or government. When we share got to go out on a limb sometimes Editor’s note: This book can be opening for a full-time police officer. what we learn, we are collectively because that is where the fruit is.” borrowed from the MTAS Watson An application, job description and a TRANSPORTATION stronger and better educated. Gone So, try something new. Stretch Information and Research Center list of benefits can be picked up at the PROJECT MANAGER should be the days of penalties and yourself and your comfort level. by emailing Dawn McMillen, Greenfield Police Department or the MT. JULIET. The city of Mt. Juliet Greenfield City Hall during regular is seeking a candidate for a full-time punishments for trying something If it fails, acknowledge it with as MTAS Senior Library Associate, at business hours. 222 N. Front Street, transportation project manager in the new and not being perfect the first much zest as you did when you [email protected] or Greenfield, TN, 38230. Applications Public Works Department. A detailed time. Heath promotes an organi- tried, explain what went wrong and calling at 865-974-8970. will be received until position is filled. job description and requirements zational culture where supervisors are available online. Applications and colleagues celebrate and share POLICE SERGEANT must be filed electronically and are new ideas and learning mishaps for FAIRVIEW. The city of Fairview available at the city’s website, www. the benefit of everyone. is accepting applications for Police mtjuliet-tn.gov. The city will accept Heath states: “To support Sergeant with the Fairview Police De- electronic applications until positions partment. Applicants must be P.O.S.T. are filled. The city of Mt. Juliet re- failure as a tool, job one is to let Certified to be considered for this serves the right to stop accepting ap- your associates know that they are Manufacturers are cutting costs extinction, the study found. Habitat position. A pre-employment physical plications at any time. For questions empowered to try new things that and creating new products in loss, along with heavy pesticide and drug screen, as well as a psycho- regarding the electronic application will not always work, and that is 2017, according to the LBMC Na- use, climate change and increasing logical exam will be required. Full process, please call (615) 754-2552. okay. They will be richly rewarded tional Manufacturing and Distribu- urbanization are the main causes job details and applications may be EOE/Drug-free Workplace if they succeed, and will be allowed tion Outlook Survey. Seven in 10 for declining bee populations. Last obtained online at www.fairview-tn. to survive if they fail.” U.S. manufacturers expect revenue month, the rusty patched bumble org or at Fairview City Hall during WATER / UTILITIES MANAGER growth of at least 3 percent this bee was listed by federal authori- normal business hours and are in two Granted, taxpayers are typi- WARTRACE. The town of Wartrace year, but labor issues — including ties as endangered, becoming the parts. It will include a background is looking for a Water and Utilities cally not too keen on creative uses investigation waiver, as well as an Manager to supervise the overall op- with their tax dollars. However, the lack of qualified workers — are first wild bee in the continental application. Applications will be ac- erations of Wartrace Waterworks and what small improvement or tweak seen as a significant challenge to U.S. to gain such protection. The cepted until position is filled. Submit Sewer Systems and the Public Works can you make to a system that may expansion. The survey found that services provided by pollinators, applications in person or mail to the Department. Responsible for proper just have a huge impact? Don’t you 30 percent of small manufacturers such as bees, has been valued at attention of: City Manager, 7100 City operation, maintenance, reporting, owe it to your community to try? Try expect revenue growth in 2017 an estimated $3 billion each year. Center Way, Fairview, TN 37062 collection, treatment, distribution it and if it doesn’t work, learn what of between 3 percent and 9 per- or at [email protected]. The city and/or disposal of water and wastewa- cent, while 31 percent expect 10 of Fairview is an equal opportunity went wrong, revamp, and try again. A new study has found that 84 ter. Maintenance of city fleet, equip- percent to 20 percent growth, and percent of wildfires that occur in employer. Applications are subject to ment, streets, storm water drains, city The book is an easy read, less disclosure. owned buildings, and parks. Super- than 200 pages, arranged into 30 13 percent expect 20 percent or the U.S. are man-made. Accord- vises three employees. Prefer four or chapters, and each chapter has one greater improvement. Among large ing to the study from the University PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST more years of experience and State “Failure Factor” highlighted. Here manufacturers, 50 percent expect 3 of Colorado, human intervention COLLIERVILLE. of Tennessee Grade 1 Water Distribu- are a few: percent to 9 percent growth, while adds an additional three months The purpose of this classification is tion, Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Maintain a positive attitude. 13 percent expect 10 percent to and 40,000 fires to the national to perform skilled technical work and Grade 1 Wastewater Collection 20 percent growth, and 6 percent wildfire season on average. The in the procurement of a variety of Learning from failure experiences Certifications. Valid Tennessee Driv- expect 20 percent or more. study looked at 1.5 million wild- materials, equipment, and supplies in er’s License and valid Tennessee CDL provides growth opportunities. accordance with prescribed purchas- License or ability to obtain within Keep a positive attitude and believe fires from 1992 to 2012. The most ing regulations and procedures for the 6 months. All licenses will be veri- that you will create a new outcome More than 700 of the 4,000 native common day for wildfires to begin Town of Collierville and to coordinate fied. Experience with Telemetry and with the next challenge (p. 63). bee species in North America are is July 4 with the most common rea- documentation covering contractual SCADA Systems, administrative and Make more mistakes. If believed to be inching toward ex- sons for human-started wildfires obligations between the Town of Col- supervisory skills, experience with you’re not making mistakes, tinction. The Center for Biological being the debris burning, arson, lierville and various vendors, contrac- operation of heavy equipment: Back- you’re going for the sure win, Diversity’s report concluded that equipment use, campfires, and tors, and services providers. Requires hoe, Skid Loader, etc. Knowledge of of the 1,437 native bee species for children. The remaining 16 percent an Associate’s Degree with major working below your potential, and safety requirements and precautions. which there was sufficient data to of wildfires were started naturally coursework in Business Adminis- Finalist must pass a background check avoiding risks (p. 73). tration, Public Administration or a and drug test prior to employment. Know your limits. Negoti- evaluate, about 749 of them were by lightning. Fighting wildfires in closely related field; supplemented Work hours are Monday through Fri- ating or taking a calculated risk declining. Some 347 of the species, the U.S. has exceeded $2 billion in by four (4) years of job related expe- day, 7:30 am. – 4:00 p.m. (subject to requires advance knowledge and which play a vital role in plant pol- recent years, the study said. rience; or any equivalent combination change). Some overtime required (on planning. Do your homework so lination, are imperiled and at risk of of education, training, and experience call hours), some weekends. Employ- you can recognize the signs leading which provides the requisite knowl- ment applications available online at to dead ends (p. 89). edge, skills, and abilities for this job. TML Board to meet March 20 www.townofwartrace.com or mail Help others embrace failure. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and resume to Town of Wartrace, P.O. Box Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Munici- We’re not alone in this world. Excel are required. Requires a valid 158, Wartrace, TN 37183. pal League will meet in regular public session on Monday, March 20, 2017, Motor Vehicle Operators License Lending a helping hand goes with- at 10 a.m. in the Nashville Meeting Room of the Doubletree Hotel, 315 4th Salary: DOQ with Excellent Bene- WATER/WASTEWATER out saying. We’re not talking about Avenue North, Nashville, TN., for the purpose of considering and transacting fits Package. Open until filled. Full OPERATOR suffering here; we’re talking about all business that may properly come before said board. If reasonably possible, job descriptions are available upon WARTRACE. The town of Wartrace learning. What actions might you request. Call 901-457-2296. Apply an agenda will be available on Friday, March 17, at the offices of the Tennes- is looking for a Water/Wastewater Op- take to compassionately support see Municipal League, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville. Additional to Human Resources Office, 500 erator. Experience required, waste- other people when they fail, help Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, information may be obtained from Jackie Gupton 615-255-6416. water distribution license helpful. them carry on, and encourage them TN Please submit a new application Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds. each time you apply for a town job. Valid driver’s license required, CDL to achieve even greater failures – and successes (p. 114)? Bond Fund Board to meet March 20 Pursuant to Tennessee open records helpful. All licenses verified prior to Notice is hereby given that the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund Board of law, applications and resumes are Learn from others. If others employment. Must pass drug screen- Directors will meet in regular public session on Monday, March 20, 2017, at subject to disclosure. EOE/ Drug Free ing prior to employment. Work hours have tried and failed – and learned 8:30 a.m., local time, in the Vanderbilt Room on the lobby level of the Dou- Workplace. are Monday through Friday, 7:30 to succeed – understand the lessons bletree Hotel at 315 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, Tenn., for the purpose am. – 4:00 p.m. (subject to change). they have to teach. It may not be of considering and transacting all business that may properly come before PROCUREMENT TECHNICIAN Some overtime required (on call as memorable as living through the COLLIERVILLE. The purpose of said board. Some members of the board may participate in such meeting hours), some weekends. Employment failure yourself, but it isn’t as pain- this classification is to perform entry applications available online at www. by telephonic means, which will be audible to any member of the public level to intermediate technical work townofwartrace.com or mail resume ful or expensive either (p. 124). attending such meeting. If reasonably possible, an agenda will be available in procurement of a variety of ma- to Town of Wartrace, P.O. Box 158, Set an example by being pos- on Friday, March 17, at the offices of TMBF, 226 Capitol Boulevard, Suite terials, equipment, and supplies in Wartrace, TN 37183 itive. Even when a failure occurs or 502, in Nashville. Additional information may be obtained at 615-255-1561. 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2016-2017 Officers and Directors State, local leaders defend tax exempt PRESIDENT John Holden “muni bonds” as Trump, U.S. Congress Mayor, Dyersburg VICE PRESIDENTS talk infrastructure improvement plan Bo Perkinson Councilmember, Athens MUNI BONDS from Page 1 housing and are secured by mort- during that debate. In a recent inter- TENNESSEE Wallace Cartwright ey makes the tax exemption a gages. view, he recalled the mad scramble FESTIVALS Mayor, Shelbyville tempting target. Shortly before President Don- to keep muni bonds tax-exempt as Jill Holland U.S. House Ways and Means ald Trump’s inauguration, Benja- President Ronald Reagan and Repub- March 27- April 2: Columbia Mayor, McKenzie Committee Chairman Kevin min and other mayors of cities large licans in Congress sought to eliminate Mule Day DIRECTORS Brady, a Texas Republican, said and small met with the incoming or scale back the exemption. An annual celebration of all Jimmy Alexander at a Heritage Foundation event in president, who assured them that he Shafroth said awarding tax things related to mules and held Mayor, Nolensville December that he thinks there’s opposed taxing any of the types of credits to private firms, as Trump’s in Columbia, the “Mule Capital” Megan Barry “merit” to eliminating the deduc- bonds. “He said he understood and economic advisers have proposed, of the world. What began in 1840 Mayor, Metro Nashville would be fully supportive” of the “would not help with the vast num- as “Breeder’s Day,” a meeting for Andy Berke tion as part of a broader tax pol- Mayor, Chattanooga icy makeover that would lower tax-free bonds, said Larry Jones, ber of projects” because, he said, mule breeders, it now attracts more Daniel Brown rates. “The added benefit here is assistant executive director of the those tax credits would most likely than 200,000 people and takes City Council, Knoxville (District 2) that the federal tax code will no nonpartisan U.S. Conference of go to big, new projects, where they place over four days. In addition Vance Coleman longer subsidize higher taxes at Mayors. “However, we have yet to would be worth the most to private to mules, traditional Appalachian Mayor, Medina the local level,” Brady said. see how he would treat tax-exempt companies, not smaller efforts like food, music, dancing, and crafts are Betsy Crossley House Republicans released bonds in any budget proposal or road repair or school reconstruction. featured. For more information go Commissioner, Brentwood (District 6) a tax policy blueprint last year tax reform proposal. We’ve been Elizabeth Kautz, the mayor to http://muleday.org/about/. Richard Driver that proposed eliminating most making our case on the Hill.” of Burnsville, Minn., just south of Mayor, Lafayette (District 5) itemized deductions, including Governors also have expressed Minneapolis, emphasized that her March 31 - April 1: Savannah Bill Graham support for keeping the bonds city relies on municipal bonds to Blues Hog BBQ & Music Fest Councilman, Dayton (District 3) those taken for interest earned on Hoyt Jones municipal bonds. The proposal tax-exempt. “Municipal bonds pay for street repaving and other The Kansas City Barbeque So- Alderman, Sparta (District 4) would keep intact deductions for remain a critical tool to financing basic maintenance, not to build ciety sanctioned cook-off Blues Christa Martin mortgage interest and charitable the construction or improvement shiny new stuff. Hog BBQ & Music Fest is back Vice Mayor, Columbia giving. They are now drafting a of schools, streets, highways, hos- “It’s not like you do it once and for its third year. The event will Lonnie Norman new version of the plan. pitals, bridges, water and sewer it’s done,” Kautz said. “There are take place at Wayne Jerrolds Park Mayor, Manchester systems, ports, airports and other always improvements and mainte- in Savannah. Friday night activ- Pete Peterson A Meeting With Trump public works,” the National Gover- nance you have to do.” She said the ities will include a Kids Que and City Manager, Johnson City (District 1) Even though they are called nors Association said in a statement city has a fiduciary responsibility cooking classes by professional Madeline Rogero “municipal” bonds, states and earlier this month. to citizens to make these improve- BBQ cookers. Saturday brings a Mayor, Knoxville other entities such as school dis- Despite Trump’s assurances, ments and to issue the bonds to classic car show as well as other Paula Sedgwick muni-bond supporters have reason finance them. activities. Attendees will have the Alderman, Bartlett (District 8) tricts and water authorities also Charles “Bones” Seivers rely on them. In 2016, there were to be wary. During the presidential But critics of muni bonds argue opportunity to taste BBQ cooked President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund $423.8 billion in new municipal campaign, Trump’s economic ad- that they make borrowing money by the professional cookers. More Barrett Stevens bond sales, which include bonds visers Peter Navarro and Wilbur for infrastructure projects so easy information on the event can be Mayor, Bolivar issued by state authorities, water Ross (since confirmed as secretary that some cities and towns unneces- found at www.blueshogbbqand- Jim Strickland and sewer districts, local author- of commerce) questioned the wis- sarily construct things. If the cities musicfest.com or by calling Mary Mayor, Memphis ities, municipalities, counties, dom of relying on tax-exempt bonds had to pay outright, there would be Beth Hopper at 731-616-7474 or Mary Ann Tremblay and colleges and universities. to rebuild the nation’s infrastruc- more discretion on what projects to emailing [email protected]. Vice Mayor, Three Way The tax-free bonds come in ture, as Trump has pledged to do. fund, the theory goes. Garry Welch three varieties. Most municipal Instead, they suggested award- Scott Greenberg, an analyst April 1: Union City City Manager, Savannah (District 7) ing federal tax credits to private at the Tax Foundation, said muni Southern Nights Concert at Dis- Mike Werner bonds used to finance infrastruc- Mayor, Gatlinburg ture projects are “general obli- firms to do the work. The tax credits bonds may encourage cities to covery Park of America PAST PRESIDENTS gation” bonds, which means the might not replace municipal bonds, “overinvest in infrastructure, par- Enjoy live music, good company Curtis Hayes (2016) Mayor, Livingston governmental body that issues but they could crowd the market for ticularly if states and localities are and delicious food as the concert Tom Rowland (2015) Mayor, Cleveland them puts its “full faith and cred- infrastructure investing. also able to shift their tax burdens series on the Great Lawn kicks Dale Kelley (2014) Mayor, Huntingdon it” behind them. In other words, onto nonresidents.” That shift off for the season. Tickets are Ken Wilber (2013) Mayor, Portland the city or county issuing the A Traditional Target occurs when nonresidents buy the $10 and are available to purchase Kay Senter (2012) Morristown Vice Mayor bonds pledges that its taxpayers Muni bonds also came under municipal bonds. at the gate. Don’t forget to bring Sam Tharpe (2011) Commissioner, Paris will pay them off, no matter what fire during the last major revision “The subsidy goes to fund your picnic blankets and lawn Tommy Pedigo (2010) Council, Morristown happens. Cities and counties also of the federal tax code, in 1986. both projects that would have been chairs. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. For Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo issue “revenue bonds,” which Frank Shafroth, director of funded no matter what, and projects more information email: kjarvis@ Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg the State and Local Government that would not have been funded discoveryparkofamerica.com; or AFFILIATE DIRECTORS they pay back using fees, such Chris Anderson, Council, Chattanooga (NLC) as tolls or public utility fees. Leadership Center at George Mason without the subsidy,” Greenberg phone 1-877-885-5455 Karen Johnson, Councilwoman, Nashville (NLC) Then there are “private activity” University, was the National League said. “It’s the second category we Rob Lyons, Murfreesboro (TCMA) bonds, which are used mostly for of Cities’ director of federal relations should be at least a little wary of.” April 8: Pulaski TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS Hayride Easter Egg Hunt (Ex-Officio Directors) Spend a fun filled afternoon Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports at Milky Way Farm in Pulaski Tennessee Building Officials Assn. searching for candy treasures. Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police UT-MTAS MARCH / APRIL MAP CLASSES Bring your baskets and camera for TN Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders photo opportunities with the Easter TN Government Finance Officers Assn. Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. Bunny. A $12 fee for adults and Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors DRINKING FROM A FIRE HYDRANT: OVERVIEW OF MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS children includes participation in Tennessee Association of Floodplain all activities and snacks. For more Management This course covers key topics Dates/Locations/Times Credits: 4 CPE/CMFO (Other) information go to http://milkyway- Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. (PA) farm.org/event/milky-way-farms- Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. concerning the municipal water March 28: Memphis system including TDEC fire 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT spring-easter-egg-hunt/?instance_ Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference id=3308, or call 931-808-2281. Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works hydrant rules and regulations; March 29: Jackson To register for a course, go to Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. protection of water systems from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT www.mtas.tennessee.edu, or fax Tennessee Chapter, American Planning physical damage by fire depart- April 4: Kingsport to 865-974-0423. Credit card pay- April 7-9: Knoxville Tennessee Personnel Management Assn. ment personnel; non-revenue 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT ments must register online with Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing water use, water loss, and theft; April 5: Knoxville the Solution Point System: http:// Knoxville’s largest music festival TN Section, Institute of Transport and others. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT www.solutionpoint.tennessee. returns to Knoxville’s Historic Old Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. edu/MTAS or by invoice. For reg- City along Jackson Ave. and other Assn. of Independent and Municipal April 6: Collegedale 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT istration assistance, call 865-974- Old City venues. Purchase week- Schools end passes, get information about Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic April 7: Nashville 0413. Or for more information, Development Council 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT contact Kurt Frederick, training the Old City, Downtown Knoxville Tennessee Urban Forestry Council consultant, at 615-253-6385. and the full festival experience at Tennessee Stormwater Association rhythmnbloomsfest.com. TML SPONSORS 3 Star Sponsor Bank of America Bank of New York Mellon, Co. Civil & Environmental Consultants No loan is too large or too small First Tennessee Bank 2 Star Sponsor Alliance Water Resources Ameresco, Inc. Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC VC3 Voya Financial Advisors Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee 1 Star Sponsor A2H Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers Local Govt. Corporation McGill Associates, P.A. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid Tennessee 811 TLM Associates, Inc. Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries USA, Inc.

The town of Livingston recently closed a $3 million fixed rate The city of Humboldt recently closed a $3,825,000 TML STAFF Margaret Mahery, Executive Director loan with the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund to finance fixed rate loan with the Tennessee Municipal Bond Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director water and sewer system improvements. Pictured are Liv- Fund to finance renovations and improvements to Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst city schools. Pictured are Humboldt Mayor Marvin Kate Coil, Communications Specialist ingston Town Clerk Phyllis Looper, TMBF representative Jackie Gupton, Administrative Assistant Linda Mooningham, Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes, and Sikes, TMBF representative Tommy Green, and Carole Graves, Communications Director Vice Mayor Bill Winningham. Humboldt Treasurer Kim Hadley. & Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sylvia Harris, Conference Planning Director John Holloway, Government Relations Debbie Kluth, Marketing Director / Member Services See us for your special Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst projects needs. Denise Paige, Government Relations (615) 255-1561 www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 13, 2017 Drone network to aid in natural disaster response BY KATE COIL TML Communications Specialist

Using eyes in the sky, a Memphis-based organization is working to ensure that Ten- nessee and several other neighboring states are prepared for major disaster events. A non-profit organization, the Cen- tral United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) was established in 1983 to repre- sent the states most impacted in the Central U.S., particularly those along the New Ma- drid Fault Line. Tennessee is one of those eight states along with Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri. Emergency managers from each state serves on the CUSEC’s board of direc- tors. The goal of the CUSEC is to help states develop earthquake management programs and helping the states work together as a region in case of a major earthquake event. As part of the organization’s work to help states prepare for and recover from earthquake events, CUSEC Executive Di- rector Jim Wilkinson said the consortium is piloting a new aerial drone program with help from volunteer operators across the eight-state region. “We want to help our state emergency management agencies be better prepared for an earthquake,” Wilkinson said. “Drone technology is rapidly emerging, and the ap- plications are endless. As we started looking into it, there wasn’t any structure the emer- gency management community could tie into to use these drones. We know the information drones provide is a huge resource and indis- pensable for helping us figure out what has happened.” Often times, emergency personnel can- not begin making assessments about a natural disaster until after they have been on the After a major earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, unmaned aerial vehicles, or drones, were used to help in rescue and recovery scene. Wilkinson said the use of drones could efforts. The Memphis-based Central United States Earthquake Conservatory is hoping to develop a similar program, creating a give emergency management officials an network of drone operators along the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Intended to help identify areas of major infrastructure destruction earlier look into disaster areas and help speed and help in rescue efforts in the event of a major earthquake, CUSEC officials said emergency management operations could also up the decision-making process, potentially eventually tap into this network to track missing persons or for other natural disasters like tornadoes, wildfires, and ice storms. saving lives and infrastructure. “An earthquake is a no-notice event, and station and other facilities were destroyed.” protect yourself. You are supposed to take can take emergency management operations One of the reasons the drone network is measures as soon as the ground shakes, but Tennessee Earthquake a while to get up and running. That time delay being developed is because of how devastat- we aren’t accustomed to that shaking. Those Quick Facts means lives could be lost, and infrastructure ing a major earthquake could be to the central seconds when you are trying to figure out could be lost,” he said. “If we create this region of the country and Tennessee in par- what is causing that shaking is usually that The series of New Madrid earthquakes network of volunteer operators throughout ticular. The last major series of earthquakes same period when people are hurt or killed.” in 1811-12 created Reelfoot Lake. the central United States and have worked occurred on the New Madrid fault between One of Tennessee’s main issues is that them into our emergency plan, those people 1812 and 1811, estimated to have ranged infrastructure is not prepared for a disaster The largest single earthquake event know when this happens to get that drone between a 7.4 and a 7.9 on the Richter scale. of this kind. recorded in the state was the Aug. 17, up in a predetermined radius to look at that By comparison, the famed 1906 earthquake “The challenge for the emergency man- 1865, quake in Memphis. area. They can then start sending back photos in San Francisco peaked a 7.8. agement community – which is charged with to the decision makers, drastically reducing “Every earthquake that occurs each day saving lives and property – sometimes faces The U.S. Geological Survey reported the time it will take to send what are often is a roll of the dice,” he said. “If that right challenges when it comes to the economic an estimated 226 minor earthquakes or limited resources.” number comes up, it is going to be damaging. growth and vitality aspect of a community,” seismic events in Tennessee in 2016. Drones can also help determine what ar- In this country, we have been very lucky if Wilkinson said. “We need to build our com- eas have the most damage and help identify if you look at earthquakes globally. Whether it munities to be safer, more resilient commu- Ridgely was the municipality with the infrastructure like bridges, streets or tunnels is the San Andreas or New Madrid, the U.S. nities so the time they are down because of a most recorded earthquakes or seismic are destroyed so emergency officials can find is overdue.” disaster is minimized. A lot of times our most events in Tennessee last year. The the quickest route to providing help. Wilkinson said the longer an area has important structures, such as our town halls town recorded some 103 events in its Wilkinson said massive natural disasters gone without an earthquake the more likely it and local businesses, don’t always have the vicinity in 2016. can sometimes overwhelm local emergency is an earthquake will occur. A report released preparation or infrastructure to survive these management agencies, even putting recovery by the Federal Emergency Management disasters.” According to USGS data, the biggest into a holding pattern before state officials Agency in 2008 said a serious earthquake Relationship building is also essential to earthquake recorded in Tennessee last can arrive. If a disaster has damaged fire on the New Madrid fault could create “the disaster preparedness. year was a 3.4 magnitude event about departments, police departments, EMS highest economic losses due to a natural “Officials need to work together ahead of 5.6 miles northwest of Tiptonville. services, and other emergency management disaster in the United States,” and Tennessee time so that when they need to implement an facilities or equipment, local officials may specifically could lose “tens of thousands of emergency management plan, it isn’t the first potential to produce a 6.5 earthquake. That not have the ability to respond. structures affecting water distribution, trans- time they are building those relationships or could be devastating depending on the right “In an earthquake situation, it is very portation systems, and other vital infrastruc- plans,” Wilkinson said. “Natural disasters combination. Unfortunately, it seems that easy for local officials to be affected them- ture,” if the quake were a 7.7 or higher. The have a way of finding your shortcomings the further east you go in this state the less selves,” he said. “You also sometimes have report also estimated that such an earthquake and exposing them. Emergency management prepared people are for earthquakes. Our a situation where pockets are unscathed and would cause “many thousands” of fatalities needs to be on the priority list as an integral awareness of our earthquake risk is also fairly others are devastated, so emergency respond- with an expected 4,000 deaths in Memphis part of the overall vitality of a community.” new. They only began studying them in the ers could be cut off from each other. In that alone. While the western part of the state has 1960s. As we saw in Mineral, Va., these east situation, you have officials on the state and “I would say the level of preparedness the biggest risk being around the New Ma- coast earthquakes can be dangerous. We had even federal level taking over making the de- in Tennessee has increased significantly, but drid fault, Wilkinson said the state’s other schools closed down and the Washington cisions, and they often find themselves in the the level of awareness that an earthquake is a two grand divisions are not without risk Monument was damaged.” dark for quite a while before the local officials central U.S. problem is not where it needs to themselves. CUSEC works with communities to can get in a position to say what they need. be,” Wilkinson said. “That lack of awareness “We have a seismic risk on the eastern prepare for these events through geological, We saw that back during Hurricane Katrina can contribute the number of people who and western side of the state,” he said. “The transportation, public information officer, when entire areas of New Orleans were gone. could be hurt or killed. People don’t know Appalachian Mountain Chain is part of the GIS work groups established to address There were areas where the town hall, fire there is a process or a drill we promote to East Tennessee Seismic Zone, and has the hazards related to earthquakes. While the drone network is being put together for earthquake response, Wilkinson said the hope is state emergency management officials will be able to tap into the network for other issues. “An earthquake in the central U.S. is our worst-case scenario, but we feel the work and plans we do here have applications to other natural disasters, whether it is a flood, tornado or ice storm,” Wilkinson said. “The drone piece of this is being built around the earthquake threat, it can be tapped to be used for anything from search and rescue for a lost child or a HazMat situation. You can call on these guys for any response where you need better situational awareness.” A former city planner himself, Wilkin- son said his best advice to community leaders is to plan ahead and make sure they have the right decision makers working to ensure their community is prepared for any disaster event. “I encourage people to get familiar with us and what we do,” he said. “We have some pretty exciting things we are working on. We are developing a whole regional common operating picture. It is at the state level at this point, but we are making it available to ev- eryone. We have a power outage application that shows you where power outages are in all eight of our states, which is a way to track storms on their way through. We want to help our emergency management community make decisions. This 2014 map showcases the earthquake risks for various areas of Tennessee and the surrounding states. Tennessee is located For more information on Tennessee’s on two fault lines: the New Madrid Seismic Zone that follows along the Mississippi River and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone earthquake risk and what communities can or Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone that runs along the Appalachian Mountains. The 2014 study of seismic zones across the do to prepare themselves, visit www.cusec. coutnry conducted by the U.S. Geologic Survey found East Tennessee is more at risk than previously thought for an earthquake org. and ranked Tennessee 16th on a list of states most likely to experience a major earthquake event.