1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 58, Number 4 March 19, 2007 Municipal leaders updated on key legislative issues Ramsey, Naifeh Proposed senior property tax freeze discuss League’s significantly impacts local revenues 2007 priorities BY CAROLE GRAVES the State Comptroller of the Treasury for As- TML Communications Director sessments, reported on the estimated impact on BY GAEL STAHL local governments and the potential adminis- Editor A proposed property tax freeze for senior trative difficulties when implementing the pro- and CAROLE GRAVES citizens will have significant financial impacts gram. on local governments, and in all likelihood on Fleming explained that the tax freeze is a Speaking to some 200 city officials from its residents, according to projections by the local option for counties and municipalities by across the state, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. ordinance or resolution. Taxes are frozen as of: House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh discussed sev- After enactment of the senior tax freeze, a • The date of adoption by the local govern- eral pieces of legislation that affect municipali- penny tax rate increase will no longer generate ment ties during the Tennessee Municipal League the same amount money prior to the tax freeze, • The tax year in which the taxpayer turns 65 Legislative Conference held in Nashville ear- and therefore will place a greater burden on all years old, or lier this month. Both discussed pending legis- other property owners under the age of 65, • The tax year in which taxpayers age 65 or lation to delay implementation of the stream- including that young family who just qualified over purchase their residence lined sales tax – one of TML’s top priorities. for their first home. Fleming said that the freeze will also affect “I wouldn’t be too concerned about In November, Tennessee voters approved reappraisals that will ultimately result in a streamlined sales tax at this time,” Speaker a constitutional amendment allowing for local static tax base that no longer grows during the Naifeh said, who was first on the agenda during governments to enact the property tax freeze. reappraisal or indexing process. He explained the two-day conference. “Cities, the governor, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey In order for the program to be implemented, that it is the tax amount that is frozen not the and the legislature have studied and conferred legislation that defines eligibility limits for the property values, assessments, or tax rates. on it. And due to delays at the federal level, freeze must first be adopted by the General Fleming raised several issues to consider: implementation should be delayed until the Assembly. • What type and amount of qualification right time.” Legislation currently being considered limits should be set (income, wealth, or Naifeh also discussed the AT&T Cable sets the maximum income limit for eligibility at some combination)? Franchise Bill, referring to it as “the Lobbyist $50,000 or $60,000 per year. SB 1 (Jackson) / • Can the income or wealth limit vary by Employment Act of 2007” and one of TML’s HB 1 (Maddox) sets the income limit at county or municipality, or must it be a biggest issues. He reported that the bill has $60,000. SB 2 (Norris) / HB 1033 (Deberry, J.) single limit statewide? been assigned to the Commerce Committee, sets the income limit at $50,000. • Can taxes for special school districts be chaired by Rep. Charles Curtiss, the House According to 2000 census data, in every frozen? sponsor of the bill. Naifeh said the two have Tennessee county the median household in- • Once adopted locally, can the resolution or discussed the proposed legislation and that he come for seniors is well below the proposed ordinance be modified or rescinded? has also spoken to Rep. Ulysses Jones, chair- eligibility levels. With the level set at $50,000, • For mixed-use property (residential/com- man of State and Local Government commit- somewhere between 64 percent (Williamson mercial, residential/greenbelt, etc.), what tee, who is also interested in the bill. County) and 94 percent (Union) of seniors portion of the taxes are subject to the tax “This bill is complex in nature,” Naifeh would qualify. In all but 13 counties, more than freeze? said. “I’d like to bring the interested parties 80 percent of seniors would qualify. At • And who should administer the tax freeze together and thrash out differences, but I don’t $60,000, only Williamson County would have program, including verifying income and know if that can happen.” less than 80 percent of seniors eligible. Seniors determining eligibility? On the topic of illegal immigration, Naifeh make up 20.7 percent of residential households “I don’t have the answers to these ques- stressed that U.S. Congress should really be the in Tennessee. The percentage of senior house- tions, but these are issues that need to be one to address the issue. However, many in the holds ranges from a high 32 percent in considered,” said Fleming. See SPEAKERS on Page 7 Cumberland to a low of 12.7 percent in Ruth- TML’s position erford. TML staff along with county representa- House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh During TML’s recent Legislative Confer- tives met with Sen. Mark Norris, the prime Reinforcing ence in Nashville, Tom Fleming, assistant to See TAX FREEZE on Page 9 Tennessee’s ethics laws BY VICTORIA SOUTH TML Communications Coordinator During his talk on ethics regulations for city officials before the annual TML Legisla- tive Conference, Bruce Androphy, executive director of the Tennessee Ethics Commission, reviewed The Comprehensive Governmental Ethics Reform Act of 2006 designed to strengthen Tennessee’s ethics laws while the new Ethics Commission regulates lobbying and other activities. “Ethics is really the small hot issue of today,” Androphy said, stressing that Tennes- see is no different from New York or any other body relative to ethics concerns. “The public is tired of having government act in an unethical manner,” he said. “The former experience has been one scandal after another, mostly from the private sector.” Androphy outlined the Reform Act’s three Photos by Victoria South primary components: A passenger train donated by Nashville & Eastern Railroad and operated by RTA Engineer Terry Bebout, slams into a stalled vehicle • All government entities must enact a code at 45 mph during a staged train-car crash in Mt. Juliet. There have been numerous close calls and infractions at railway crossing of conduct by June 30, 2007. The ordi- intersections since the first day of operation of The Music City Star commuter rail project in Mt. Juliet. Many are a result of drivers nance restrictions apply to boards, com- attempting to navigate around railroad crossing arms or beat the train while the warning lights and signals are in operation. missions, and all other entities created or appointed by the municipality. The act re- quires local ethics standards to include two Mock train crash used to improve community safety restrictions, rules setting limits on and/or providing systematic disclosure of gifts or BY VICTORIA SOUTH for Tennessee Operation Lifesaver. forcement, and the nation’s railroads and their other things of value received by officials TML Communications Coordinator “We want to make our personal “impact” suppliers. and municipal employees that affect or on the community so they will better under- As police and WEMA officials placed appear to affect their professional judg- Every two hours in the U.S., a vehicle or stand they can make the difference on safety.” three crash test dummies into a parked vehicle ment and rules requiring systematic disclo- pedestrian is struck by a train. A significant Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit, interna- stretched across the tracks, several school sure by officials and employees of personal number of victims do not live to talk about it. tional public program established to end colli- buses loaded with court participants passed the interests that could affect or appear to af- This reality hit home for more than 300 citi- sions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade See CRASH on Page 3 fect their professional standing. The act zens cited for a variety of railroad crossing crossings and on also affects entities created by interlocal infractions in Mt. Juliet at a staged train-car railroad rights- agreement requiring the agreement to be crash hosted in partnership with the Nashville of-way. amended to include ethical standards. The Eastern Railroad (NERR), Regional Trans- Organiza- commission has no regimental control over portation Authority (RTA), Transit Solution tion representa- the format of a city’s code, however a Group, Wilson Emergency Management Au- tives are happy model created by MTAS is readily avail- thority (WEMA), and city of Mt. Juliet, Mt. to bring materi- able, and cities choosing to use it simply Juliet police, and Tennessee Operation Life- als and speak at need to notify the commission of this in saver. schools and writing. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) civic events. • Disclosure Statements – All local elected 2006 statistics show that that from January to With a officials are required to file financial dis- November, there were 327 crossing fatalities, wide-range of closure statements within 30 days of quali- 894 injuries and 2,640 crossing incidents na- supporters, the fying. These statements are considered tionwide. There were also 493 deaths attrib- Operation Life- public documents which will appear on the uted to trespassing. saver programs Ethics Commission website around mid- Tennessee had a total of 61 highway-rail are backed by March. grade crossing collisions, eight fatalities and federal, state • Registration with the commission no later 17 injuries. Also, 13 deaths and six injuries and local gov- than seven days after employing an outside were a result of trespassing. ernment agen- Rescue workers extricate three crash test dummies from a vehicle after lobbyist, and within 30 days of that regis- “We want the community to understand cies, highway it was struck by a passenger train during a mock exercise in Mt. Juliet. The tration, submitting a $150 registration fee the potential danger that exists at railroad safety organiza- filmed event will be used for educational purposes appearing on the city’s See ETHICS on Page 2 crossings,” said Jill Moody, State Coordinator tions, law en- cable channel. www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007

BY TISH WOMACK Norman R. Carpenter died at age 88 on Feb. 26. He served as vice Huntingdon mayor from 1982 to 1994. Mayor Dale R. BY TISH WOMACK water was judged by government switching yard. The job will mean Kelley is serving Former Chattanooga Mayor Robert TML Research Analyst officials, an environmental official employment for nearly 500 people. as a state director K. Walker died at age 81 on March on the Associa- ALCOA and a Fayetteville radio station 1. He was mayor from 1971 to 1975 tion of Tennessee The city’s FreedomFest celebration owner on clarity, taste, and smell. MEMPHIS and was credited with being the ar- Valley Govern- took two silver awards at the Kalei- A sniffer device, developed by Oak chitect of annexations that doubled ments board of doscope Awards at the Annual CUMBERLAND, MORGAN, Ridge National Laboratory, will be the size of Chattanooga. directors. He will Southeast Festivals and Events AND ROANE COUNTIES used by Memphis to ferret out Kelley serve a three-year Conference held on Feb. 19-21, in Each of the three counties has com- chemical or radiation incidents, ac- Former U.S. Congressman William mitted up to $2.5 million for the cidental or intentional. Memphis is term as a representative for West Nashville. One award was for Best Tennessee. R. Anderson died Miscellaneous Printed Materials. planned Tri-County Industrial Park one of the first cities in the nation to Feb 25, at age 85. Land Development. The land deploy the mobile sensor. The other was for Best Marketing Piperton has tapped Ronnie Bill- He was elected to Campaign. straddles the three counties. four terms in the MURFREESBORO ings to be acting police chief. He replaces Carl Hendricks. U.S. House to rep- BOLIVAR FRANKLIN The police department has invested resent Tennessee Franklin has been advised that it will in the Gang Relational Intelligence Five historic buildings in the town Graysville has a new town recorder, Congressional Dis- square were heavily damaged or receive an undetermined amount of Program system software to help trict 6. He also was federal Community Development officers track suspected gang mem- Kathy Defur, who was sworn in destroyed in a fire on March 1. The March 6. captain of the Nau- Anderson late 1800s and early 1900s era Block Grant monies that the city bers. The system provides a database tilus when it made officials believe will total about where officers program relevant in- buildings were in the plan for revi- the historic trip under the ice to the $250,000. formation about people suspected of Calhoun city officials appointed talization using a pilot state pro- North Pole going from the Pacific gang activity. Chuck Pope city attorney effective gram that directs 5.5 percent of the Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, in HENDERSONVILLE April 1 for a six-month period. sales tax generated toward im- 1958. provements to the court house New turnout gear will be purchased NASHVILLE Knoxville Mayor squares in six cities. The city is by the Hendersonville Fire Depart- Violent crime dropped in 2006 to the Tennessee Justice Bill Haslam an- committed to rebuilding the area. ment using a $129,000 federal lowest level in 16 years, according to Center, Inc. Ex- nounced he will run homeland security grant. The city Metro police. However, two crime ecutive Director for a second term. CHATTANOOGA will add 10 percent matching funds categories – burglaries and robber- Gordon Nearly $1 million in federal grants ies have increased. Bonnyman was Springfield’s new from the U.S. Department of Hous- HUNTINGDON honored by the fire station, ex- ing and Urban Development will be The city was honored with a 2007 NOLENSVILLE Southern Trial pected to be opened used to serve the homeless popula- Governor’s Awards in the Arts in the The town has a new Web site - Haslam Lawyers with its in April, will be tion in the area. Arts Leadership Awards category. www.nolensvilletn.gov - that fea- prestigious War named in honor of Fire Chief David The award recognizes Huntingdon’s tures government information. Horse Award in Bonnyman CHATTANOOGA leadership in the building of the Greer who has been chief since recognition of work for the sick, A $1.5 million state grant will assist Dixie Carter Performing Arts Cen- OAK RIDGE 1972. elderly and indigent in Tennessee. in infrastructure for the Center for ter. The Secret City Festival, held in Advanced Manufacturing at the June, was honored at the Interna- Decatur has hired Laura Smith Kingsport Police Patrolman Dale Enterprise South Industrial Park. JOHNSON CITY tional Festival & Events Association town recorder. She replaces Carrie Farmer has been nominated by a The Center will support new and Johnson City’s firefighters will go with its Bronze Kaleidoscope Davis who resigned. Kingsport citizen for the 2007 All- existing businesses with the aim of through a health screening program Award for Best Event Within an Star First Responder Award for the luring an automaker to the area. that includes a complete physical, Event, a World War II re-enactment Red Bank Mayor Howard Cotter second year running. The award, hearing and vision tests, a pulmo- with more than 200 WW II re-enac- announced he will be resigning ef- sponsored by the “America’s Most CLEVELAND nary function test, and a blood glu- tors representing the U.S., England, fective April 1. He is moving out of Wanted” and Sprint Nextel, honors Starplex Scientific, a Canadian cose test. The program, to be com- and Germany. the city. Vice Mayor Joe Glassock first responders who go beyond the pharmaceutical plastics company, pleted over a several-month period, will serve as mayor until the Novem- call of duty and will be given to the announced it will locate a facility in coincides with a citywide health and PIPERTON ber 2008 election. nominee with the most votes in the Cleveland. First year employment wellness program. The city has purchased a pre-owned eight-week contest. will be 25 according to the an- medical unit in excellent condition Former Columbia Vice Mayor nouncement. KINGSPORT for $30,000 that will be used to trans- Residential and commercial invest- port medical equipment to emer- Bruce Androphy discusses COFFEE COUNTY/ ment growth in 2006 jumped 24 per- gency scenes. A new truck would MANCHESTER cent over 2005 to a 13-year high of have cost $100,000, according to Tennessee’s ethics laws A referendum on increasing the lo- $88.5 million, according to Assis- Fire Chief Reed Bullock. ETHICS from Page 1 cal sales tax passed handily in late tant City Manager Jeff Fleming. February, raising the tax to 9.75 SOUTH PITTSBURG per lobbyist retained. Municipal percent. The measure was sup- KINGSPORT With Mohawk Industries, a spinning employees who perform in-house ported by 71.8 percent of the voters. Cartamundi Inc., a game and collect- yarn company, closing its plant in lobbying duties are exempt from ible cards company, announced it April idling 160 workers, the city registration or fees, however COLLEGEDALE, EAST will close shop in May and leave and county began scouting for a re- some governments choose to go RIDGE, RED BANK, SIGNAL about 100 employees without jobs. It placement. There is an unnamed beyond the law and pay the fee MOUNTAIN, SODDY-DAISY is consolidating its U.S. operations company interested, which would anyway. Collegedale City Manager Ted in Dallas, Texas. employ about 100 workers. “Local officials have a great Rogers met with managers from compliance rate,” said Androphy East Ridge, Red Bank, Signal MARYVILLE SULLIVAN COUNTY citing a submission of 5,750 disclo- Mountain and Soddy-Daisy to pool The Maryville Fire Department is A new industrial park may be in the sure forms out of a possible 6,000 efforts in attracting and keeping upgrading its workforce capabilities works following the approval of the received by his office. good employees by hiring a human by including licensed paramedics/ purchase of 222 acres of land by the While the Tennessee Ethics Androphy resources management consultant, firefighters. Four paramedics, one Networks Sullivan Partnership. The Commission is not a policing could instigate proceedings and Ray Temple of the Temple Group. per fire truck, will go out to acci- county would be responsible for 51 agency, according to Andophy, might work through the city attorney Temple will guide the five cities in dents, fires and other types of emer- percent of the purchase while warning letters and a possible $25 or approach the district attorney to developing job descriptions, per- gencies. Kingsport would be responsible for per day fine could be levied toward investigate. Since cities already have formance evaluations, and pay 31 percent, Bristol 17 percent and individuals failing to file disclosure major ethics provisions on the scales for each city. MEIGS COUNTY Bluff City would pay 1 percent. statements. books, the main impact of state law Construction of Rarity Communi- Each partner would share in the rev- “This is not something we can regulating ethics codes is more COLLEGEDALE ties’ Chickamauga Shores, a enue from sale of land and taxes. force anyone to do. We can’t hold transparency and more ethical con- A newly-installed telephone sys- $500,000 million private commu- anyone against their will and force duct. For example, many cities al- tem will pay for itself in about five nity project, is expected to have a them to be ethical,” Androphy said. ready have an ethics code that pro- WEST TENNESSEE However, according to the MTAS hibits city officials and employees months, according to the city man- significant impact on the county’s A multi-state emergency disaster ager. By changing carriers, the city revenue stream. Meigs is one of the municipal code of ethics model, from accepting gifts. The prohibi- drill, will be held June 19-21 to test members of a municipal governing tion is not about acceptance of gifts, nearly halved its monthly bill and smallest and poorest counties in the preparedness. Tennessee Emer- lowered its long distance rate from state. body could be subject to ouster if a however, but bribery; the ordinance gency Management Agency will municipality fails to adopt a code of is about the giving and acceptance of 17 cents per minute to 4 cents. join officials from 21 West Tennes- MEMPHIS ethics ordinance. gifts of any value to influence gov- see counties as well as people from “Ouster proceedings would not ernmental decisions.” COLUMBIA A $750,000 FastTrack Infrastruc- Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and The Tennessee Association of Util- ture Development Program grant be instigated by the Ethics Commis- “So much of this is self-polic- Missouri from along the New sion,” stressed Dennis Huffer, ing,” Androphy agreed. “If someone ity Districts named Columbia as from the state will help Illinois Cen- Madrid fault line for the drill. having the best tasting water in its tral Railroad Co. relocate its jet fuel MTAS Legal Consultant and writer wants to take a bribe, all the laws in Best Tasting Water Contest. The lines, water, and electric lines in its of the MTAS model ethics code. the world are not going to stop “The citizens of the community them.”

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Target Your Advertising Call Debbie Kluth 615-255-6416 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 www.TML1.org Mock train crash serves as stark reminder to use caution CRASH from Page 1 freight train moving at 55 miles scene headed for the fenced in view- per hour can take a mile or more ing area. to stop. An 8-car passenger train “We hope this makes an impres- traveling at 79 mph takes a mile. sion on all who have been cited and • Nearly 50 percent of vehicle/ they will be deterred from doing this train collisions occur at cross- again,” said Moody. ings with active warning devices At the signal, the commuter (bells, lights, gates). train began its rapid journey acceler- • Trains do not follow set sched- ating at an average rate of 40-45 mph ules. Always expect a train! before slamming into the stalled ve- • Never drive around lowered hicle, which rolled several times on gates – It’s illegal and deadly. impact before coming to rest in a • Do not get trapped at a red light deep ravine. or in traffic on a track. Proceed Rescue workers utilized the through the crossing only if Jaws of Life to extricate the dum- you’re sure you can clear the mies, covering one with a sheet as a entire track. fatality, as participants rushed to the • The majority of grade crossing edge of the fence to obtain a better crashes happen when trains are view. traveling less than 30 mph. “Even though it isn’t a real inci- • School buses and commercial dent, the adrenaline really kicks in,” buses in most states are required said one witness. Others watching to stop at every highway-grade were amazed at the damage and crossing. vowed to think twice in the future • Crossbuck signs found at high- before attempting to drive around way-rail intersections are yield crossing arms or beat the train. signs. You are legally required “This staged crash event should to yield the right-of-way to trains. be a stark reminder for every motor- If your vehicle stalls at the high- ist to exercise caution at all railroad way-rail intersection, get everyone Photos by Victoria South crossings,” said Moody. “The safest out and far away from the tracks More than 300 spectators cited for railway crossing infractions gather to view a mock train-car crash. and best practice at highway-rail immediately. Then, call 911 and re- grade crossings is to always expect a port an emergency situation. train on any track, at any time, in any Stop at flashing red lights on direction.” crossbuck signs. A train is approach- Track safety facts and tips: ing. Make sure all tracks are clear • Trains cannot stop quickly. A before crossing.

Pictured above, individuals cited for various railroad crossing infractions in Mt. Juliet arrive by school bus to witness a staged train-car crash, recieving credit toward a court mandated highway safety class.

At left, fire and EMT personnel load three crash test dummies into a stalled vehicle along the railroad tracks in Mt. Juliet.

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Jim Malone Office: (931) 433-6907 President FAX: (931) 433-9714 Toll Free (888) 752-7126 Email: [email protected] www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 Municipal leaders attend TML 2007 Legislative Conference

Carolyn Denton, Fayetteville alderperson, and Gwen Shelton, Fayetteville mayor W.C. “Bubba” Pleasant, Bartlett alderman; Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, and Bobby Simmons, Bartlett alderman

David Gordon, Covington mayor, and Webb Banks, Brownsville mayor Jeff Brighton, Bristol city manager, and Dennis Phillips, Kingsport mayor

Tommy Green, Alamo mayor and TML vice president, and Tommy Bragg, Murfreesboro mayor and TML president Jay Johnson, Franklin city administrator, Eddie Ford, Farragut mayor, and Dot LaMarche, Farragut alderperson

TML Board Members: Johnny Dodd, Jackson councilmember, and Charles Farmer, TML Board Members: Royce Davenport, McMinnville mayor, John Profitt, Athens mayor, and Jackson mayor Don Mull, Alcoa mayor

TML Board Members: John “Duke” Franklin, Chattanooga councilmember, and Bill Purcell, Nashville Sharon Goldsworthy, Germantown mayor mayor 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 www.TML1.org Focus on Today’s Challenges as Tomorrow’s Opportunities

Warren Nevad, MTAS management consultant, Gail Fowler, Cookeville administrative assistant; and Jean Davis, Cookeville vice mayor and TML board member

Avery Johnson, Cleveland councilmember and TML District 3 Director

Carl Holder, Paris city manager; Don Thorton, Union City city manager; and Roger Campbell, Maryville assistant city manager

David Skiles, Soddy-Daisy city commissioner; Sara Burris, Soddy-Daisy city recorder; and Janice Cagle, Soddy-Daisy city manager

Rick Emmett, Knoxville urban growth manager; Tommy Litton, Trenton mayor; and Allen Barker, Humboldt mayor

Ron Sharp, Gatlinburg city attorney, and Doug Bishop, Sevierville city administrator.

Greg McClain, Maryville city manager, and Bill Hammon, Alcoa assistant city manager

Juanita McPherson, John McPherson, Lakesite commissioner, and Tommy Pedigo, Sparta mayor and TML District 4 director

At right, Charles Beal, McKenzie city recorder, and Walter Winchester, McKenzie mayor

Photos by Victoria South and Gael Stahl www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 www.TML1.org Tennessee Municipal League 2006-2007 Officers and Directors Ramsey, Naifeh address city officials and their issues

PRESIDENT SPEAKERS from Page 1 tenant governor and speaker of the will have a voice as to what’s best for Tommy Bragg state legislature think they have the Senate, discussed six issues, start- them before the bill goes through. Mayor, Murfreesboro solution and want to do something ing with the state-shared taxes that “You are a powerful group,” he said. VICE PRESIDENTS Tommy Green about it. He acknowledged that were cut a few years ago. “We “You call us on a daily basis, and Mayor, Alamo there is a significant problem with fought like crazy in the General that’s in your favor.” Tom Beehan illegal immigrants not paying taxes. Assembly and got them back,” he Other favorable comments came Mayor Pro Tem, Oak Ridge But he also recognizes that many said. “From here on out you should on the issue of collective bargaining. TENNESSEE Royce Davenport . Mayor of McMinnville businesses rely on immigrants for be protected from running the state “While I don’t believe in collec- FESTIVALS DIRECTORS their workforce. government on the back of local tive bargaining for public employees, Randy Brundige (District 7) “I think there needs to be a veri- government.” I have a little bit of a soft spot in my Let us know the particulars about Mayor, Martin fication process for workers to be On the topic of streamlined heart for the firefighters of Tennes- your most important festivals at least Ed Craig six weeks in advance of the event. E- City Manager, Shelbyville (District 6) here legally. I’m afraid of what will sales tax, he said that it is a hard see,” Ramsey said. “At the same time, Tommy Pedigo happen to a lot of landscape busi- issue. But many of the stakeholders they don’t need collective bargain- mail Tish Womack at twomack@ Mayor, Sparta (District 4) TML1.org or fax to 615-255-4752. Jean Davis nesses or farmers if you take a lot of who really believed in it are pulling ing. Possibly, we’ll be able to do a illegal immigrants out of Tennessee. back. “I wasn’t one of them,” he few things to help them out this year Vice Mayor, Cookeville March 10-June 9: “Smoky Moun- Avery Johnson They won’t be able to operate,” said. “It’s a huge change in the way including helping them increase their Vice Mayor, Cleveland (District 3) Naifeh said. we collect taxes and share them.” training and the stipend they get. But tain Springfest” in Pigeon Forge, Johnny Dodd, Ramsey, who addressed TML’s On the cable franchising bill, collective bargaining is not the way to Gatlinburg and Sevierville features Vice Mayor, Jackson special events, local craft shows and Bill Haslam membership for the first time as lieu- he assured local governments they solve this.” Mayor, Knoxville more. Contact: 800-568-4748 for W.W. Herenton more information. Mayor, Memphis Jay Johnson City Manager, Franklin (TMLRMP) March 31-May 13: “Between Mark Johnson Fences,” a traveling Smithsonian City Manager, Alcoa (TCMA) exhibit exploring the diverse histori- Dale Kelley Mayor, Huntingdon cal, regional and social traditions George Killebrew expressed in land use and space or- Mayor, Milan ganization, at the Lewis county Mu- Ron Littlefield seum in Hohenwald. Fee: students, Mayor, Chattanooga Keith McDonald (District 8) BY TISH WOMACK nate$100,000 to the Governor’s mation packets are available by call- $1, adults, $4. Contact: apeery Mayor, Bartlett TML Research Analyst Books from Birth Foundation in ing Bruce Webster at 615-837-5436 @mlec.net. Jim Messimer (District 1) support of the Imagination Library or [email protected]. Mayor, Bristol Don Mull For the first time ever, automobiles programs. In 2005, Wal-Mart and Mayor, Alcoa surpassed cotton as Tennessee’s top SAM’S Clubs gave $6.2 million in The Tennessee Advisory Commis- Paul Nutting (District 5) export according to data from the cash and in-kind contributions to sion for Intergovernmental Rela- City Manager, Springfield local causes and organizations in John Proffitt U.S. Department of Commerce. tions has released a report entitled, Mayor, Athens Tennessee ranked 15th in the nation Tennessee communities. “Low Growth/High Pressure An ex- Bill Purcell with $22 billion in exports, a 15 amination of Possible Causes for Fis- Mayor, Metro Nashville cal Pressure in Six Low Growth Ten- Charles “Bones” Seivers percent rise in 2006. Interstate 181, running from the President-CEO, Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund Virginia/Tennessee border north of nessee Counties. It is available on March 10-14: National League of Kay Senter Current teacher attrition in Ten- Kingsport to the North Carolina/ TACIR’s website at www.state.tn. Cities Congressional City Confer- Vice Mayor, Morristown (District 2) nessee, after five years of teaching, us/tacir/publications.htm. PAST PRESIDENTS Tennessee border has been re- ence, Washington, D.C. Charles Farmer (1995), Mayor, Jackson is running close to 50 percent. A lack named I-26. New signs with new th Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski of a uniform state induction program exit numbers were posted in March. Tennessee has been ranked 7 in March 20: Tennessee Department Sam Tharpe (2001) Vice Mayor, Paris for new teachers is the cause accord- the nation in child care regulation by of Revenue new business work- Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland the National Association of Child Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg ing to a report by the Office of the The At Home Tennessee maga- shop, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at 1321 John Franklin Jr (2005) Councilman, Chattanooga Comptroller. zine featured Tennessee’s Main Care Resource and Referral Agen- Murfreesboro Road, Nashville. Street program in its February is- cies. Policies and regulations were Register online at www.tennessee. TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS reviewed in determining the rankings (Ex-Officio Directors) Keep Tennessee Beautiful is gear- sue. gov/revenue/bustaxworkshops. Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. ing up for the Great American in the Association’s report “We Can Jennifer Noe, Ashland City Cleanup that runs from March 1 The Division of Forestry of the Do Better.” April 11-13: TMPA Annual Con- Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference through May 31. All 95 counties are Tennessee Department of Agri- ference, DoubleTree Hotel, Mem- Ewing Sellers, Murfreesboro Gov. Phil Bredesen announced a Tennessee Chapter, American Public Works encouraged to participate this year. culture will accept applications for phis, TN. For more information or William “Bo” Mills, Germantown For information on how to partici- grants through April 13 for eligible $425,500 Heritage Conservation to receive a registration form, con- Tennessee Government Finance Officers Assn. pate, visit www.KTnB.org. recipients including local govern- Trust Fund grant to assist Historic tact Richard Stokes at Richard. John Troyer, Knoxville Rugby, Inc. with the purchase of 186 Tenn. Assn. of Housing & Redevel. Auth. ments, non-profit organizations, [email protected] Dow Harris, Cookeville Wal-Mart announced it will do- and educational institutions. Infor- acres from Bowater. Tennessee Building Officials Assn. Jim Brown, Bartlett Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. Keep Tennessee Beautiful 2007 winners David Baxter, Murfreesboro Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports The Keep Tennessee Beautiful Memphis City Beautiful Commis- KAB (second place); Most Innova- Larry Cox, Memphis and the Tennessee Department of sion/CSI; Media: Memphis City tive: Memphis City Beautiful Com- Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police mission, and Morristown/Hamblen John Lowry, Johnson City Transportation 2007 Biennial State Beautiful Commission/Cleaner BY TISH WOMACK Tennessee Water Quality Management Assn. Conference was held in Nashville Memphis Starts With You; Schools KAB (second place); Most Compre- TML Research Analyst Jack Graham, Maryville last month honoring 33 outstanding K-8: Memphis City Beautiful Com- hensive: Keep Knoxville Beautiful Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. winners with grant checks totaling mission/CU, PU,FU; Schools 9-12: TN Keep America Beautiful Affili- Dennis Suiter, Martin The U.S. Postal Service announced Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Assn. $40,000 for their efforts to improve Memphis City Beautiful Commis- ates by population category: it is considering a “forever” stamp Steven Neilson, Brentwood their community’s appearance sion/S.H.IN.E., and South Mem- 35,000 and Under: Keep Bristol when it raises its first-class postage Tennesseee Personnel Management Association through public education programs. phis Cleanups. Beautiful to $0.41. The stamp would be good William Brown, Alcoa 50,000 and Under: Keep Kingsport Tenn. Assn. of Municipal Clerks & Recorders Among the winners were the Leadership: Bartlett in Bloom for future postage increases as an Connie Kittrell, Gallatin following cities and the category in (second place). Beautiful amount would not be printed on the Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing which each was honored: Public Participation: Most Im- 85,000 and Above: Keep Knoxville face. Susan White, Jackson Beautiful TN Section, Institute of Transportation Engineers Public Education: Government: proved: Morristown/Hamblen Greg Judy, Nashville A report issued by the federal Tennessee Public Transportation Association General Accounting Office indi- Tom Dugan, Chattanooga Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors cated the cleanup of contamination Tommy White, Sevierville from leaking underground storage Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools tanks nationwide would cost at least Wayne Miller, LenoirCity $12 billion. TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS DIAMOND LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Bank of America GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Rain or shine, ING Financial Advisers, LLC SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP sleet or hail, Redflex Traffic Systems SECURITY Sensus Metering Systems BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP every day is perfect Ademus Technologies Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC for a GovDeals sale! LaserCraft, Inc. Scott Companies CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP AMEC Earth & Environmental American Concrete Pavement Association Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates, LLC Asphalt Zipper, Inc. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, & Cannon, Inc. BellSouth Telecommunications Buxton Bulli Ray Enterprises CH2M Hill Charter Communications Online Government CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. Surplus Auctions—24/7 Comcast Cable Communications Consoer Townsend Envirodyne Engineers DBS & Associates Engineering Education Networks of America Visit GovDeals.com today Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. or call 1-866-377-1494 Geothermal Utilities, LLC Iris Networks Johnson Controls Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc. TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Margaret Mahery, Executive Director J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Local Govt. Corporation Carole Graves, Communications Director The Malone Company Edna Holland, Government Relations, TML/RMP Manatron, Inc. John Holloway, Government Relations Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc. Debbie Kluth, Dir. Marketing & Member Services McGill Associates, P.A. Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Denise Paige, Government Relations Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Neil Group, LLC Gael Stahl, Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Nortel Tish Womack, Research Analyst Phoenix Tank Services Operate with confidence. Rush Truck Center, Nashville TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY SDP Government Solutions (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 — Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Official publication of the Tennessee Municipal SSR Ellers Inc. League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ Your city is safe with us. TML1.org); Editor: Gael Stahl (gstahl@ TML1.org); Tennergy Corporation Tennessee Asphalt Co. Classified ads and news briefs: Tish Womack Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. ([email protected]). Phone: 615-255-6416.Ad- vertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax advertising copy Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or Thompson & Litton, Inc. e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions expressed non Thompson Machinery League officials or staff do not necessarily reflect TLM Associates, Inc. 1•800•624•9698 policies of TML. Tennessee Town & City is published, TRICOR semi-monthly, 20 times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Utility Service Co., Inc. Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals Vaughn & Melton postage paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 Volkert & Associates per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Tennessee Waste Management Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, Wiser Company, LLC TN 37219-1894. W.L. Hailey & Company, Inc. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 TML vendors presented ACEC

Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No awards for Engineering Excellence FINANCE COMMISSIONER charge to TML members. Send adver- Prestigious engineering awards tising to: TT&C Classified Ads Editor LEBANON. The city of Lebanon is Tish Womack, 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite seeking applicants for the position of were presented to Tennessee Mu- 710, Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: commissioner of finance with responsi- nicipal League’s service providers twomack@ TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 bilities for planning, directing and coor- by the American Council of Engi- 4752. dinating the fiscal management and ad- neering Companies of Tennessee ministration of the city. Duties also in- (ACEC) at a gala presentation held in clude continuous review and analysis of Nashville at the Hilton Nashville CITY ENGINEER fiscal operation, needs and resources; Downtown. LAKELAND. The city of Lakeland is directing collection of taxes, license ACEC of Tennessee sponsors seeking qualified applicants for the po- fees; managing issue and sale of bonds; the annual Engineering Excellence sition of city engineer who will report directing payroll accounting, purchas- Awards competition to turn the spot- directly to the city manager. Duties in- ing, and meter reader departments; and, light on the important contributions clude providing professional engineer- serving as city treasurer and city re- that Tennessee engineering firms corder. A bachelor’s degree from an ing advice and assistance on the city’s make to the health, safety and quality infrastructure systems, traffic, build- accredited four-year college or univer- ings, and equipment for public facilities sity with a major in accounting or fi- of life of the people in Tennessee, the and grounds. The position oversees nance is required; experience in munici- nation and throughout the world. planning, design and construction of pal government financial administra- Top honors were awarded to In less than two years, EnSafe Inc. cleaned up massive, decades-old city facilities and infrastructure includ- tion is highly desired. Salary range: Memphis firm EnSafe Inc. receiving oil contamination in the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, demon- ing subdivision inspections and erosion $60,000 to $80,000, DOQ. Send resume the 2007 Grand Award for Engineer- strating advanced western remediation technologies and project man- control as well as making presentations to: Personnel Department, City of Leba- ing Excellence for work on a Cold agement approaches that the emerging democracy can apply to similar before boards and commissions and non, 200 Castle Heights Avenue N, War legacy site environmental Cold War-legacy sites. day-to-day contact with the public. A Lebanon, TN 37087. Phone: 615-443- cleanup in Baku, Azerbaijan, fol- Professional Engineering license is re- 2809; Fax: 615-443-2844; e-mail: lowed by an Honor Award in the quired as well as experience in munici- [email protected]. Deadline: April 30. small projects category for its in-situ pal subdivisions, drainage and inspec- lagoon closure in Napoleon, Ohio. tion, and oversight of public infrastruc- PLANNER Receiving 2007 honor awards COOKEVILLE. The city of ture construction. Supervisory experi- for Engineering Excellence: ence is preferred. The person hired Cookeville is seeking qualified appli- ARCADIS, Chattanooga, in the must possess excellent communication, cants for the position of planner whose interpersonal, and public relations responsibilities include providing staff water & wastewater category for its skills. Salary range: $67,000-$102,000 support to planning commission, board work on the Whites Creek Perfor- DOQ/E. See www.lakelandtn.gov for of zoning appeals and historic zoning mance-Based Infiltration/Inflow Re- additional information. Send resume to: commission; reviewing subdivision duction in Nashville, a project for City of Lakeland, 10001 Highway 70, plats and site plans for compliance with Metro Nashville Water Services. Lakeland, TN 38002. Fax: 901-867- applicable city codes; assisting director This project has also won Trenchless 2063; E-mail: [email protected]. in development of comprehensive long Technology magazine’s 2006 Reha- range plans; assisting with develop- bilitation Project of the Year award. CITY MANAGER ment, coordination, and implementa- CDM, Nashville won in the wa- COLUMBIA. The city of Columbia, tion of strategic plans; collecting data; ter resources category for the Dry population 35,000+ and growing, is completing research; attending city Branch Stormwater Detention seeking qualified applicants for the po- council, planning commission, board of project in Franklin, completed for the appeals, and historic zoning commis- sition of city manager. The position city of Franklin. reports to a seven-member city council. sion meetings as required; and perform- “Our judges were very im- Whites Creek had concrete and vitrified clay sewer pipes dating from The city has an annual budget of ap- ing other duties as assigned . A the 1960s and 70s that were deteriorating, leaking, and failing. Inflow bachelor’s degree in planning or related pressed by the quality of all the en- proximately $59 million, a Class IV and infiltration were exceeding pipeline and pumping station capacity. wastewater plant, sanitation depart- field, driver’s license, and progres- tries this year,” said David Harrell, ment, police, fire, parks and recreation sively responsible experience in city or PE, co-chair of the Engineering Ex- Overflows of untreated sewage were seeping into the environment. among the 13 departments with a total regional planning or related field of cellence Awards program, and vice ARCADIS and Reynolds Inliner relined more than 17 miles of sewer of 400 employees. The ideal applicant which some must have been in an ad- president at engineering firm and an impressive 41percent overall inflow and infiltration reduction will have a bachelor’s degree in public ministrative or consultative capacity are Vaughn and Melton, Knoxville. The was achieved. This project has also won Trenchless Technology administration, business, or related required. Salary: begins at $35,329. Engineering Excellence Awards magazine’s 2006 Rehabilitation Project of the Year award. field plus 10 years of city management Send application to: HR Department, judges were T.K. Davis, design di- experience; a master’s degree is consid- City of Cookeville, P.O. Box 998, rector, Nashville Civic Design Cen- ered a plus. Applicant needs experience Cookeville, TN 38503-0998; E-mail: ter; Wain Gaskins, PE, director, divi- in budgeting, control of revenues and [email protected]. Deadline: sion of Engineering, Memphis; Dr. April 5. expenditures, and management of com- Fort Gwinn, professor/chair of Engi- plex departments with multiple func- neering Mechanics Department; tions. Experience in legislative issues, POLICE CHIEF economic development, redevelopment TULLAHOMA. The city of Lipscomb University; Dr. Bridget and planning are high priorities. The Tullahoma, population 17,994, is seek- Jones, executive director, position requires a leader, a manager, a ing applicants for the position of police Cumberland Region Tomorrow; Dr. team player with strong communication chief. Responsibilities include plan- Siripong Malasri, professor of Civil skills and other skills of a professional ning, managing, and directing the ac- Engineering and The Douglass J. city manager. Salary: DOE plus excel- tivities of the police department; prepar- Thomas Chair in Engineering, lent benefits. Send resume to: Person- ing and monitoring the annual budget; Christian Brothers University; Kim- nel, City of Columbia, and 707 N. Main and maintaining department accredita- berly McClurkin, Education Coordi- Street, Columbia, TN 38401. Phone: tion. Applicants should have experience nator/Engineering Division, Depart- 931-380-2700; Fax: 931-381-7722; e- in crime prevention strategies, commu- ment of Public Works, City of Chat- mail: [email protected]. EOE. nity policing, and demonstrated experi- tanooga; and Vicki Simms, Execu- CDM identified an area in the Spencer Creek Watershed that would ence in law enforcement management. tive Director, City of Gatlinburg benefit from regional detention. CDM designed the facility to alleviate A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, CITY MANAGER Chamber of Commerce. flooding problems in residential areas including a retirement commu- MOUNT PLEASANT. The city of public administration, or related field is nity and provide reduction in sedimentation, nutrients, and other water required. Certification as a law enforce- Other TML service providor en- Mount Pleasant, population 5,000 plus, quality pollutants. CDM also helped Franklin obtain an EPA grant to is seeking qualified applicants for the ment officer in Tennessee is required, or trants of municipal projects receiv- position of city manager who reports to the ability to attain certification. This is ing merit attention were: Askew fund 44 percent of the project. The project resulted in a preservation of a five member board of mayor and com- a full-time exempt position with ben- Hargraves Harcourt and Associates, open space and an attractive entrance to a major City gateway. missioners for the administration of all efits. Starting salary range: $50,545- Inc., for the Munford Centennial city services and departments, includ- $61,000. Send resume with cover letter Park; Barge Waggoner Sumner & Partners, for the Walker Springs tion and Raw Water Intake and Pipe- ing, but not limited to, finance and ad- to: City of Tullahoma, Attn: Human Cannon, Inc., for the Gatlinburg Un- Wastewater Storage facility, Knox- line, Parsons; and Qore, Inc., for the ministration, public works, budgeting, Resources, P.O. Box 807, Tullahoma, derground Utility/Streetscape Phase ville; TLM Associates, Inc., for 21st Century Renaissance Park De- code enforcement, sanitation, streets, TN 37388. E-mail: cbrice@tullahoma- IV; C2HM Hill & Gresham Smith & Lexington’s Downtown Revitaliza- velopment, Chattanooga. industrial development, recreation, tn.com. Position open until filled. EOE. planning and zoning, personnel, water and wastewater, and general manage- POLICE OFFICER ment of the city’s gas system. The ideal ARDMORE. The city of Ardmore is candidate will have a bachelor’s degree accepting applications for a Lt. Captain in public administration, business, or or Assistant Chief police officer, de- Does your city related field, plus five years experience pending on qualifications and experi- in city management. Experience in bud- ence. The successful candidate should geting, control of revenues and expen- have leadership capabilities with a ditures, management of multiple de- minimum of five years of experience partments, legislative issues, economic and be certified. Salary: DOE and rank. need money for development, wastewater operations Required application is available at the and planning are high priorities. The Ardmore Tenn. and Ala. city halls. For city has an annual budget in excess of $9 more information call: 931-427-2124. million and 63 employees. Salary: DOE Deadline: April 2. EOE. plus excellent benefits. Send resume to: capital projects? City Manager Search Committee, City STAFF ENGINEER of Mt. Pleasant, P.O. Box 426, Mt. BRENTWOOD. The city of Pleasant, TN 38474. Phone: 931-379- Brentwood is seeking qualified candi- 7717; Fax: 931-379-5418. Deadline: dates for the position of staff engineer April 15. EOE. whose duties will include reviewing residential and commercial site plans to ENGINEER/PROJECT MAN- insure compliance with city regulations; AGER assisting with storm water management/ If your pipes are calling, call the Tennessee Municipal Bond CLARKSVILLE. The city of enforcement; performing site inspec- Clarksville is seeking a staff level engi- tions for compliance with approved Fund for all your financing needs. neer/project manager to assist in the plans; and other related duties as as- maintenance and improvement of the signed. A bachelor’s degree in civil en- physical infrastructure of the city’s wa- gineering, or related fields, is required ter, sewer, and gas systems. Responsi- with two years of engineering in public We offer: bilities include performing engineering works or related field. A valid Tennes- design and construction management of see PE license, or the ability to obtain it • low rates, municipal utility projects. The success- within two years, is required. The suc- ful applicant will also perform engi- cessful candidate must be knowledge- • lowest costs, and neering studies and prepare reports, able of all aspects of civil engineering perform engineering analysis and com- including grading, storm drainage de- • best service. puter modeling of water, sewer and gas sign, detention, storm water programs, systems, review developer’s plans, per- and roadway design. Starting salary form project management functions for range: $50,000-$55,000 DOE/Q. Apply contracts performed by outside consult- to: HR, City of Brentwood, P.O. Box We’re making great ants and contractors working for the 788, Brentwood, TN 37024-0788. E- city, and be available for public re- mail: [email protected]. Open until cities even better. quests for information and complaints. filled. EOE. A bachelor’s degree in engineering One loan at a time. from an accredited college, preferably FOR SALE with an E.I certificate, or the ability to 2000 and 2001 Peterbilt 320s with 40 (615) 255-1561 obtain within six months is necessary. YD E-Z Pack Hercules Front Loader; Send resume to: Ruth McPherson, Cummins ISM 305 HP, Allison Clarksville Montgomery County Ca- HD4560, 20F/46R, 50k miles, low reer Center, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite hours and excellent condition. Many 406, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: other styles available. Call Scott: 727- 931-648-5530; Fax: 931-648-5564; e- 460-1098 or visit mail: [email protected]. www.randsmotorsports.com. 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 www.TML1.org Arbor Day tips: challenges for green communities BY VICTORIA SOUTH tional recognition for urban and TML Communications Coordinator community forestry programs. To qualify for the program, mu- As last year’s devastating torna- nicipalities must meet four stan- dos have demonstrated, the Ides of dards: March can mean severe storm dam- A tree board or department – A age across the state destroying lives, body legally responsible for the care homes, and substantial segments of and management of the urban forestry and landscaping. Ice community’s trees, including either storms, hurricanes, and tornados can a professional forester or arborist, a often leave neighborhoods looking forestry department, or group of like war zones. concerned citizens comprising a vol- Municipalities investing money unteer tree board charged by ordi- and resources into greening the envi- nance with developing and adminis- ronment with trees might lose their tering a comprehensive tree man- investment if a plan is not developed agement program. A combination of to respond to and re-green in the the above designees would be ideal. aftermath of natural disasters. A tree care ordinance – Designates “Because trees are such a large the establishment of a tree board or part of a city’s visual landscape, forestry department and confers re- damage to them from a severe storm sponsibility upon this body for writ- can be a major shock to residents,” ing and implementing an annual said John Rosenow, president of the community forestry plan and pro- National Arbor Day Foundation. vides clear guidance for planting, Photo by Victoria South A statewide Arbor Day ceremony was held March 2nd in Clarksville, selected 2006 Tree Advisory board of “Seeing a favorite tree down or badly maintaining and removing trees the year by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Arbor Day and Tree City USA recognition ceremonies damaged in the front yard can be a from streets, parks and other public will be hosted by communities, schools and Tree Boards in cities and towns across the state throughout traumatic experience, almost like places. March and April. Pictured lower left: Tracy Jackson, Clarksville Tree Board; State Forester Steve Scott; losing an old friend.” A community forestry program Commissioner Ken Givens, Tennessee Department of Agriculture; and Dottie Mann, Clarksville Tree Board According to the foundation, budgeted at least $2 per capita – plant a Yellowood tree in honor of the 101st Airborne. Other notables in attendance were: Johnny Piper, only 39 percent of America’s mu- Research shows that most munici- Mayor of Clarksville; Sen. Rosalind Kurita, Rep. Curtis Johnson, Col. Edward Loomis, 101st Airborne; nicipalities have programs to sys- palities already spend more than this Jennifer Smith and Patrick Haller, director and president of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council tematically care for publicly owned amount on trees. Development of an respectively. trees. annual work plan including an in- “Trees are vital elements in the ventory and report on species diver- “We were among the first ones. A tree is planted for an honoree tree’s appearance and eliminate fabric of any community,” says sity, planting needs, hazardous trees, people in Tennessee to sign up for on Arbor Day and school children hiding places for insects, care- Rosenow. “They provide cooling insect and disease problems and a Tree City,” said Regina Merritt, are given seedlings for planting and fully use chisel or sharp knife to shade in the summer, help reduce the pattern of regular care such as prun- chair of the Norris tree board. perform a musical program. Our smooth the ragged edges of chill of winter winds, clean the air, ing and watering to be approved by Known for its beautiful oak- utility board has developed a prun- wounds where bark has been torn reduce noise, and provide a home for the city council. lined sidewalks, Norris has been a ing program, Tree-Line USA, where away. Try not to expose the songbirds to name just a few of the An Arbor Day observance and Tree City USA member for 27 years, tree crews adhere to strict pruning greenish inner bark any more benefits of trees in an urban setting.” Proclamation – A tree-related cel- followed by Athens and Maryville at standards.” than necessary, as these layers Several cities across Tennessee ebration of any type or size, whether 25 years each. The Norris board While a plan has not been devel- are the lifeline to the tree’s nour- belong to the Tree City USA pro- brief, day-long or all week to cares for and maintains 180 trees oped in Norris, Merritt, like other ishment between roots and gram, established by the foundation heighten community awareness and across the city aided by resident state municipal tree board members leaves. in cooperation with the USDA For- promote better community forestry. forester Darren Bailey. across the state, has become more • Don’t top trees – Professional est Service and the National Asso- Some cities link Arbor Day with “It’s a yearly process of mainte- aware of disaster maintenance arborists say that cutting main ciation of State Foresters. Tree City tree-related festivals such as dog- nance and programs,” said Norris. trends “We’ve never really had to branches back to stubs (topping) USA provides direction, technical wood festivals, which garner sub- “In our memorial program, people deal with it before, but I’ve been is one of the worst things to do to assistance, public attention, and na- stantial revenue for the community. can plant a tree in honor of loved reading about disaster plans.” trees. Stubs tend to grow weakly Merritt said. “Currently we’ve been attached branches that are more working on maintaining our existing likely to break when a storm trees.” strikes. Topping also reduces the In the event of a natural disaster, amount of foliage producing food the National Arbor Day Foundation and nourishment needed for dam- urges property owners to administer aged trees to regrow. A severely tree first aid rather than making damaged tree is more likely to hasty decisions to remove damaged die than repair itself after top- trees. ping. “Trees are amazingly resilient,” In August, the UT Municipal says Rosenow. “It may take several Technical Advisory Service and The years, but many of the trees damaged Tennessee Urban Forestry Council by a storm will recover as they will sponsor a number of workshops grow.” designed to educate municipal tree The foundation advises the fol- board members and employees in lowing steps: the fundamentals of urban forestry, • Safety first - Be wary of utility while promoting local government lines and hazardous overhang- awareness on this increasingly im- ing limbs. portant topic. • Hire a qualified arborist – A pro- Topics include the economic fessional is best for trees that are and environmental benefits of urban large, require high climbing, are forestry, starting a community urban leaning against wires, buildings, forestry program, the roles of tree or other trees. boards and staff, and best manage- • Remove broken branches still ment practices of urban forestry. attached to tree – If done prop- Tentative workshop locations erly, this will reduce the risk of are in Knoxville, Johnson City, decaying agents entering the Cookeville, Smyrna, Collegedale, wound. Small branches should Bartlett, and Jackson. be pruned at the point where they For a free booklet about saving join larger ones. Large branches trees damaged by a storm, send your should be cut back to the trunk or name and address to The National a main limb by an arborist. Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor • Repair torn bark – To improve Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410. Senior property tax freeze impacts local revenues TAX FREEZE from Page 1 who are making more money BankBank ofof AmericaAmerica sponsor of the constitutional amend- than they do. ment, to address local concerns with • With high eligibility levels, many this implementation legislation. cities and counties will not be is proud to support TML’s concerns include: able to afford the program. Set- is proud to support • The large percentage of seniors ting high income eligibility lev- expected to be eligible for the els may result in fewer counties freeze and the fact that a larger participating meaning that truly TennesseeTennessee MunicipalMunicipal League.League. percentage of the population will needy senior taxpayers do not pass the age threshold as baby benefit. boomers reach retirement age, • Local governments are not cur- will create a cap on local govern- rently structured to administer a ment revenues from a significant tax system with an income veri- portion of their residential tax fication factor. As incomes fluc- base. tuate, this program will require • This cap will require larger and annual reverification. more frequent rate increases on • After a local government opts industrial, commercial, agricul- into the program, the General tural, and younger residential Assembly may significantly property owners to generate ad- change the program, making it ditional needed revenue. more costly. • In those cities or counties adopt- • Many terms used in the amend- ing this program, the cost of pro- ment are not clearly defined. This viding public services will not will result in ambiguities and Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. be capped, but an increasing difficulty in administration of the portion of their tax base will be program. frozen. This will ultimately re- TML’s recommendation sult in a reduction of services to TML supports income eligibil- all citizens or higher taxes for ity levels that match the state’s low- non-seniors. Also, as a matter of income elderly tax relief program equity, the proposed eligibility (currently set at $20,000). This will thresholds are, in most counties, ease administration since it will use higher than the median income an existing application process and level of younger heads of house- will target relief to the truly needy. It holds. This means many younger will also enable more local govern- taxpayers will have higher prop- ments to be able to participate in the erty taxes in order to offset the program without being fiscally irre- freeze on taxes for some seniors sponsible. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2004 Bank of America Corporation. SPN-41-AD www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2007 With Cookeville’s Jean Davis, nursing, politics, pharmacy run in the family

BY GAEL STAHL Editor TT&C: Does Cookeville get along with its Cookeville Vice Mayor Jean Davis, in her municipal neighbors? first year serving on the Tennessee Municipal JD: Baxter, Algood and Monterey are our League Board of Directors, is in her first year sister cities in Putnam County. Algood shares as vice mayor. She previously served four city limit lines so that people used to joke that years as mayor and four as council member. Cookeville ought to annex Algood. Now, Her unpadded four-page resume is so long as Algood is growing so much it is saying it needs to be forbidding and relentless. Where did a to annex Cookeville. When a Super Wal-Mart full-time nurse, mother, and teacher find the came to Algood a few years ago, a lot of time to be a nearly full-time community activist subdivisions sprang up around it. Because too? Algood has more land around its perimeter for The daughter of parents who were teach- people to build subdivisions, that former small ers, she met her future husband, Bobby Davis, town has grown much larger. Cookeville sells at Cookeville High School where they dated them water and shares many things, like sisters intermittently. When Bobby graduated from usually tend to do. high school, he went to Tennessee Tech for preliminary pharmacy studies. When Jean TT&C: Besides its city-owned airport and graduated, she entered the University of Ten- hospital, what city services does Cookeville nessee at Memphis to pursue a B.S. in Nursing. provide? Later Bobby entered UT at Memphis to com- JD: The city is a little unusual in that it owns all plete his pharmacy education. They began its utilities, electric, gas, water and sewer as dating again and were married in 1956. well as Cookeville Regional Medical Center After the Davis medical team graduated Photos by Gael B. Stahl and our airport – all those services that coop- and returned to Cookeville, they started their Cookeville Vice Mayor Jean Davis at the TML Board of Directors meeting in March with eratives and utility companies often provide to family and careers. Jean worked at Cookeville with fellow board member, Jackson Vice Mayor Johnny Dodd. municipalities. We have automated trucks to General Hospital part-time as a staff nurse pick up the trash cans that are supplied to and sometimes a relief head nurse/supervisor its first-class symphony orchestra, for instance. here. We will continue to recruit physicians residents. We have free pick ups of brush and until 1968. She then taught a health occupa- When the city and chamber of commerce were and other health care providers so that our limbs, that a lot of municipalities don’t. The tions course at Cookeville High School for five recruiting Oreck Manufacturing Company – citizens can be well served. Putnam County Library is owned by the county years in order to have similar hours as the two perhaps you’ve seen Dave Oreck advertising but sits on city land, and a healthy portion of young children. his vacuum cleaners on TV? – he and his son TT&C: Has your economic picture changed our municipal budget each year goes to operate In 1973, she began a 17-year career with visited Cookeville. When we told him about with the closing of the TRW air bag com- that cooperative service. the Putnam County Health Department, start- some of our amenities, he was amazed that a pany and Russell Stover candy company? ing as a staff nurse from 1973-1976, after community of 27,000 inside the city limits and JD: The Oreck vacuum cleaner program TT&C: How does Cookeville’s employment which she was promoted to nursing supervisor of 62,000 within the county had such a high bought the TRW building and is transforming picture look to you? and held that position until October 1990. She quality symphony. No question, the university it for its needs. So, while TRW is slowing JD: The university employs more than 1,300 credits this job, the patients, and fellow em- adds layers of value beyond all the jobs and down, the OREK manufacturing facility is and draws 10,000 students. It’s a vital organ in ployees for providing her the opportunity to good people it brings to Cookeville. starting up and getting settled. We are purchas- our body politic as is the hospital, which em- touch lives and prepare for leadership roles That’s partly why our city and county ing approximately 400 acres parallel to I-40 ploys nearly 1,500. The biggest employer in that lay ahead. continue to be rated a No. 1 retirement spot west of the Willow Ave interchange for a the county is up the mountain in Monterey In 1985 she received a Master of Arts nationwide. Real estate persons will tell you Highlands Business Park/Industrial Park. The where Perdue Farms, a chicken processor degree in Educational Psychology and Coun- how many calls they get from Florida and chamber, Putnam County, and Cookeville are draws workers from all the counties east and selor Education. The course of study was done elsewhere almost every day. An amazing num- working on these projects together. We have a north of Putnam, including Cumberland and a course or two at a time while maintaining the ber of people are moving in from out of state. common need to meet the needs of prospects Morgan counties. I’ve heard Chamber of Com- full-time job at the health department. Davis We got our share of people escaping from that are looking at Cookeville. If we do not merce people say that with all our industry, says going to college a second time around was Katrina. Once they moved up from the coast, have something ready for them, such as a about 10,000 people come into Putnam County enjoyable and more relaxed. She enjoyed be- they found they liked our change of seasons prepared site, water, sewer, electric utilities, to work every day. ing with the traditional students, claiming they and our community. Last night, I talked to a and roads, they are going to move on to where To keep them coming, I will continue gave her more energy and enthusiasm. fellow at a reception who said he and his wife something is ready for them. The state will be working for our safety and welfare. I’ve Her appointment in 1985 to the Cookeville moved here from Bay St. Louis. They love the helping us, we hope, through the Department learned in public service that a community General Hospital Board of Trustees was her friendliness especially. of Economic and Community Development. does not stand still. People can say that all they springboard into the world of politics. By the want is for our town to stay like it is, but it will time that seven-year term was completed in never stay like it is. It will grow or diminish, go 1992, she was working at Tennessee Tech I’ve learned in public service that a community does not stand backward or forward. University as director of Student Health Ser- still. ... we need to be sensitive about our needs for more streets, What we must do is look at how we grow. vices, where she started in the fall of 1990. That Cookeville is getting to be like many large is where she was working when she ran for quality parks and libraries, improving healthy living for our towns. We’re seeing it get congested at rush council in 1994. She got the most votes of citizens and improving the health of our economic development time, so we need to be sensitive about our needs council candidates and thus became mayor for for more streets, quality parks and libraries, the next four years. so citizens have good jobs and varied work opportunities. skateboard parks, improving healthy living for Her 10-year involvement in several com- our citizens and improving the health of our munity organizations such as E-911 and on the economic development so citizens have good Tennessee Tech School of Nursing Foundation TT&C: What have been your council goals? TT&C: Has Cookeville been able to imple- jobs and varied work opportunities. If they Board of Trustees, and other community orga- JD: Being a nurse, all through my three terms ment its urban development plan pretty have jobs, they’ll enjoy their parks more, and nizations was very helpful in being elected on my ultimate goals have been the safety and well well? Cookeville will be an even more wonderful her first try. A mayor in Cooke-ville’s form of being of citizens. What rapidly opened my eyes JD: We do annexations carefully and try to place to learn, live, and move to. government chairs the council meetings and during my first term to public safety needs was work with the county. One of the beautiful performs numerous ceremonial duties and re- attending the six-week citizen police academy things that evolved during my years in politics TT&C: The Nursing School is still impor- sponsibilities required by charter. and the fire academy classes. Both depart- has been cooperation between city and county tant to you and keeps you involved? In November 1995, Davis retired from her ments hold courses periodically to teach and governments. I didn’t see much of it during my JD: The nursing building is so small we can nursing career to spend more time with her help you see from the inside how police and first term, but since then, we realized we need enroll only 45 a year but we need to graduate mayoral duties. After, her husband retired and firefighters operate. I saw how important the each other. When business prospects inquired twice that many, so Tennessee Tech is building sold his pharmacy in 1996, they began to slow people who fill those positions are. and asked about the kind of building and land a new nursing school. Lots of people worked to their pace. In 1998, Jean decided not to run for Both are good departments. The fire de- they needed, we realized we didn’t have raise $21 million for the construction. We reelection so they could travel and spend more partment is so good that only two other cities in enough of either. We cannot do this by our- reached our goal, and the state will do its part, time with children and grandchildren. Tennessee have the same high ISO (Insurance selves. We needed each other. It’s become a so we’re going to get that nursing school. It is But in 2002, Davis was running for coun- Services Office) rating that Cookeville has. good working relationship. The city and being built as we speak. It should open in 2008. cil again and won a seat. Continuing to enjoy We’re proud of that. That’s one of the goals we county now have economic development funds We also have more than $100,000 in scholar- serving, she ran for reelection and won the vice reached, and I’m always looking to improve in their budgets for land purchases. The city ship money to give out each year. mayor position with the second most votes. In community safety and well being. June 2006, she was elected to the TML Board of Directors. TT&C: What will Cookeville’s emphasis be Over the last 30 years, Davis has had 23 for the next four years? major community involvements and some JD: We discuss priorities and set goals every weeks find her still attending as many as three year. We just bought about six acres across different meetings a day. Asked to point out from city hall. Since that land connects to which ones keep her most busy, she tells how Dogwood Park, which has a pavilion for con- she helps the TTU School of Nursing raise certs, we can now expand the park. That has the money, serves as president of the local Hospice citizenry excited because that acquisition is a Foundation, is a member of the history mu- good-sized space in the middle of town that has seum board, a member of the Putnam County been an eyesore. We can demolish some old Health Council, and vice chairman of the re- stores, upgrade the area and expand the library gional airport board. The Cookeville airport is and history museum, which is being refur- co-owned by the governments of Cookeville, bished. The contracted landscaping designer Putnam County, Sparta, and White County. firm will meet with a steering committee of Bobby Davis is also a former Cookeville citizens to come up with ideas to develop mayor. He served two three-year terms in something attractive. 1967-1973. The Davis children followed in his Another emphasis is a vision of my prede- tracks. Both are pharmacists. Daughter Kim cessor, Mayor Womack, the Rail and Trail Morton is married to a Knoxville physician, Initiative. I hope it will continue. We would Bobby and Jean Davis arrived early at the Doubletree Hotel ballroom to hear Speakers and works part-time as a hospital pharmacist. like to build a trail alongside the railroad that Ramsey and Naifeh and Comptroller Morgan speak at the first session of the annual TML Son Bill, married to a pharmacist, has a degree passes through Cookeville. It would go all the legislative conference. On the right is Cookeville City Manager Jim Shipley. in pharmacy and law, using both to work for a way up the mountain to Monterey. As much as pharmaceutical Company, AstraZeneca, as a possible, we’d like to replicate the rail and trail and county work together on the animal shelter The new building will mainly house the senior medical information specialist. in Damascus, Va. Money has been placed into and the airport. Another project we worked on school for teaching nursing students. One that fund to replace some track, and it will be together was the half dozen or so soccer fields section will house Student Health Services. TT&C: What was the spark that ignited slow going, but it is something citizens would on one of the county properties next to the high That’s where I worked for five years and your interest in elective office in 1994? like to see. school for community and school use. where, as director of Student Health Services, JD: Beyond the fact that my husband had been Our city-owned hospital has an $80 mil- I spent the final years of my nursing career. in politics earlier, I’d done similar things. But lion project underway to build a north tower TT&C: What do you remember about I didn’t have a burning interest to get actively with all private rooms in order to provide the Mayor Bobby Davis’ two terms as mayor? TT&C: Will the state ever be able to meet involved until my term on the hospital board proper treatment to patients of this region. The JD: When he went into office in 1967, he its huge need for nurses, especially RNs? from 1985-1992. Serving on that board was rapidly growing cancer center will be moved to worked extremely hard on our water supply, JD: That’s debatable, but we think we’re hard, a lot harder than being mayor. With city this location. Our hospital is well managed so which then came from a city lake east of town. quite lucky here to have had this nursing government involved in its city-owned hospi- that we are going to have to borrow only about As the town grew, water shortages started school in place for about 20 years now. And tal, I became interested in running for munici- 45 million for the tower and finance the re- happening, and one summer there was a near soon, we’ll be able to enroll many more pal office. Becoming mayor meant I served mainder our self. Our hospital, like all public- drought. During his administration the council nurses. That puts us in much better shape than another four years on the hospital board by owned hospitals has to treat more uninsured worked with the federal government in Wash- a lot of places that don’t have a nursing virtue of office. That hospital board was just and indigent patients due to the cutbacks in ington to get help bringing a main water line school. It contributes to a lot of people staying intense, and I probably felt it more because I TennCare. We are lucky that we have a couple from Center Hill Dam. That is where our water in towns around here, places that have fewer was a nurse – attentive and attuned to the of clinics relieving the hospital’s emergency comes from today. A few years ago, we in- health care providers, places like Jamestown, quality of care at that facility. room of some of the load of free ambulatory stalled a second line. Celina, Gainesboro, and Livingston. They care. Still, the flow coming through makes it His administration was best known for may want to come to the university and go TT&C: What attracts newcomers to dicey. Reimbursement for any medical pro- providing Cookeville an adequate supply of back home to work. Having good training Cookeville? vider including physicians is not the best. As water which in turn brought industries here. here for the region helps rural areas get an JD: People love our community’s quality of for physicians, our community does quite well The model cities program also was awarded to adequate number of well-qualified health pro- life. Tennessee Tech University adds a lot to it, at recruiting physicians. They like coming Cookeville while he was mayor. viders, specifically nurses.