Save the Date

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 72, Number4 March 8, 2021

TN State Constitutions transferred to new home

TML Virtual Legislative Conference March 15 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m./ CST It’s not too late to register for TML’s Virtual Legislative Confer- ence to be held March 15 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. CST. We are pleased that Gov. Bill Lee has accepted our invitation to join our program. Other speakers for the Legis- lative Conference include Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and Comp- troller Jason Mumpower. Senate State and Local Chairman Sen. Richard Briggs and House Local Gov. Bill Lee Government Chairman Rep. John Crawford will also participate in our program. The purpose of this confer- ence is to provide a forum for local officials to become more involved in the legislative pro- cess – to learn about some of the legislative issues currently being considered before the General Assembly – and to give city offi- cials an opportunity to hear from the state’s top leaders on what Sen. Randy McNally The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol they perceive to be the state’s Lt. Gov. and Senate Speaker (THP) transported Tennessee’s three constitutions from their current building to their new, soon to open most eminent priorities. home on Bicentennial Mall. Preserving Tennessee’s legal and civic history is among TSLA’s statutory The TML staff works hard responsibilities. To honor these priceless documents and to celebrate their transfer to their new home, to advocate on behalf of city the Color Guard of the Tennessee National Guard lead a procession, followed by Tennessee State governments, but our success University’s Aristocrat of Bands drumline as well as a host of state leaders, including Gov. Bill Lee, depends greatly on your involve- House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Secretary of State Tre Hargett (picuted above). The Tennessee ment throughout the legislative Highway Patrol Honor Guard was responsible for transporting the documents. session. Registration is currently un- derway. This is a free event, and Small airports have big economic impact all municipal officials and staff are encouraged to tune in. By KATE COIL To register, go to https:// TML Communications Specialist www.tml1.org/2021-tml-legis- Rep. Cameron Sexton lative-conference. House Speaker Whether its people or packag- es, flying the friendly skies has a Save the Dates! massive economic impact on the state of Tennessee and nowhere is TML Annual Conference this more felt than in smaller and mid-size cities. Sept. 18 - 21, 2021 Chattanooga A recent Tennessee Depart- ment of Transportation (TDOT) With the uncertainty that the Coronavirus still presents and the study on the economic impact of risks that it imposes to our public health, the Executive Committee of aviation found that the industry the Tennessee Municipal League Board of Directors agreed that it is in generates $40 billion worth of the best interest of our membership to reschedule TML’s 2021 Annual A FedEx plane lands at the Millington-Memphis Airport in Memphis. economic benefits to the state and Conference for a time later in the year. Serving as a backup location for the shipping giant’s operations employs more than 220,000 people. With this in mind and with the support of the TML Board, TML staff based at the Memphis International Airport, the MIllington airport While the eight airports located in worked to secur new dates – Sept. 18-21, 2021 – at the Chattanooga has seen exponential growth as the state’s shipping and logistics Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Convention Center. industry has expanded. and Nashville spur billions of dol- So please mark your calendars to save the dates. We will provide lars in impact on their own, the bulk in the state – 51.25% – comes from for their hub at the Memphis In- more program information in the upcoming months. of the economic impact generated the 70 airports operated in and by ternational Airport. We have an air smaller municipalities. traffic control services and have These facilities generate $20.5 an aircraft rescue and firefighting Tennessee Urban Forestry Council billion in economic impact, of- station that is staffed with specially fering services for both major trained firefighters to respond to helps connect cities, trees, and people corporations and locally-owned aircraft incidents. Those services small companies. As the economy help support the ability to take By KATE COIL becomes more globalized, access overflow aircraft or aircraft that to a local airport is becoming a can’t get into Memphis due to With spring right around the must have for many businesses of weather. We offer that redundancy corner, the Tennessee Urban For- all sizes. so they can make their deliveries estry Council (TUFC) is eager to on schedule.” work with municipalities across FREIGHT AND CARGO After Chattanooga’s Lovell the state on programs and initia- One of the biggest jobs for Field, the Tullahoma Regional tives that will enhance and benefit many of the state’s regional air- Airport (THA) generates the most their communities. ports is cargo and freight shipping money of all the TDOT study’s Ashley Kite-Rowland is an services. The TDOT study found Region 2 airports with an economic urban and community forestry the top commodities shipped via impact of more than $21 million. coordinator who works with the air in the state were pharmaceutical THA Manager Jon Glass said air- Tennessee Urban Forestry Council products, transportation equip- port officials are often all hands-on as well as a liaison for the Tennes- ment, precision instruments and deck at the drop of a hat whenever a see Division of Forestry. She said apparatus, electronic equipment local business needs cargo service. there is often a misconception that and components, and textiles and “It’s sometimes hard to predict her organization only works with leather. Transportation and ware- when we will receive cargo, but major metro areas. housing are the top aviation-reli- we handle quite a bit,” Glass said. “I live in Martin, which has a ant industry in the state followed “Mainly, we see a lot of use from population of around 11,000. We by retail trade. Freight and cargo the local auto part manufacturers. have a tree board, we have two With spring approaching, Tennesseans have plenty of opportunities services from airports support an We usually receive cargo when a arboreta, and we are starting a food to plant trees in their own communities. Tennessee Tree Day is additional 82,000 jobs and $19 company gets behind or something forest through our tree board,” she celebrated on March 20 with Arbor Day on April 30. The Tennessee billion worth of economic impact. breaks. We have received cargo 12 said. “It doesn’t matter how big a Urabn Forestry Council (TUFC) has resources that can connect The growth of cargo and nights in a row and then have no community it is as long as there people with tree planting programs as well as provides educational freight aviation services can be cargo for a month. We are still on are people there who want to make material about the benefits of trees in cities both big and small. best exemplified by the growth call 24/7, and I’ve been out there things happen. We are the place of the Millington-Memphis Air- at 1 or 2 a.m. unloading cargo where people, buildings, and trees such as their annual conference in all across the country, so we can port (NQA), which has gone myself.” all come together.” October and the webinar series the bring in information from other hand-in-hand with the growth of The reason for this is that a Kite-Rowland said TUFC organization is presently putting places and get them out to areas Memphis-based shipping giant cargo shipment – ranging from works with organizations like the on. One of the things TUFC is most across Tennessee.” FedEx. While Millington has a goods and services to parts – can Tennessee Environmental Coun- known for is its work with local The organization also works population of a little more than mean big bucks for local business. cil, who sponsor Tennessee Tree tree boards. with municipal foresters across 11,000 residents, the city still man- “It’s really important that we Day on March 20, and the Arbor “I’m actually the president of the state. ages to operate the airport with the can support our local companies,” Day Foundation’s Tree City USA my local tree board,” Kite-Row- “We are trying to organize a third-biggest economic impact of Glass said. “When a factory shuts program, to educate communities land said. “Our goal is to give time to bring everyone together any in West Tennessee. down, it can cost them hundreds of on the benefits of trees as well as those boards the tools to advocate, so it’s not just us pushing down Millington-Memphis Airport thousands of dollars in lost time. If support local tree boards, arbore- to get ordinances in place, and to information,” she said. “We want Executive Director Roy Reming- they need a part from Texas, we can ta, municipal planners, and other promote tree planting and the care to create a network for the munic- ton said cargo is big business for get it to them in two to three hours projects. of trees once they are planted. We ipal foresters so they can come the facility. and get them back up and running.” She said one of the organi- also help them access more devel- together, share ideas, resources, “The biggest user of our air- Located centrally between the zation’s main goals is bringing opment opportunities and connect and energy, and help support the port is FedEx,” he said. “They are cities of Bristol, Johnson City, various groups together to share them to educational resources that development of community for- the largest aviation user in the state and Kingsport, Tri-Cities Re- resources, develop new programs, we develop or can find. We are ests.” of Tennessee. We fill a unique role gional Airport (TRI) serves not and connect through meetings, connected to states and councils See TREES on Page 3 in that we are the backup airport See AIRPORTS on Page 3 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021 Chattanooga welcomes first 3D-printed building facade

CHURCH HILL in 1911, Franke is headquartered more parking in the city’s Snuff A long-awaited $1.6 million park in Aarburg, Switzerland, and District through the use of the project in Church Hill is finally employs 10,500 people in 68 building’s multi-leveled parking moving forward after Norfolk countries. garage. There were also concerns Southern Railroad announced that the blight would hinder other it would grant permission for GOODLETTSVILLE developments in the area, such construction of a public railroad The city of Goodlettsville, Nash- as the Loews Convention Center crossing at the park entrance. The ville Electric Service (NES), Hotel and Renasant Convention Church Hill Board of Mayor and and streetlighting development Center projects. Funding for the Alderman has already awarded firm PATH Company are moving purchase comes from Center City the construction contract to Goins forward with an LED streetlight Revenue Corporate’s payment-in- Rash Cain, Inc. of Kingsport with conversion project for the city. The lieu-of-taxes extension fund. The work slated to begin in April. overall goal of the project is to in- purchase will have to be approved The wait for the construction of crease the quality of street lighting by the Shelby County Commission. the crossing has held up the park as well as reduce annual energy project for the past five years after and operational savings. When the SEVIERVILLE the city of Church Hill purchased installation is complete, the city Construction has officially begun 65 acres of land for the new park in will see an annual gross savings at the newest fire station for the city 2015. The parcel is bordered by the of nearly $100,000. The project of Sevierville. Officials held an railroad, Holliston Mills Road, and began 15 months ago and is now official ground breaking ceremony the Holston River. The first phase progressing to the conversation of at the site at 122 Prince Street in of construction for the park in- 1,124 lights within the city limits. October, but weather has delayed Photo by Matt Hamilton, Chattanooga Times-Free Press cludes the railroad crossing as well Officials estimate the project will construction until March. The new as a gymnasium, paved roadways, take six weeks to finish with a com- station will be a 10,000-square- Chattanooga will soon be home to one of the first 3D-printed build- and parking. Eventually, the city pletion date of late March-early foot facility with room for three ing facades in the world as crews work to construct the new branch hopes to expand the park to include April. Citizens can track the real apparatus bays, an engine, a lad- location for the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. The unique multiple indoor sports facilities, time progress of the project at der truck, and a quick response wave design created by Chattanooga robotics and design company ballfields, and walking trails. https://goodletsville-tn-2119-20. apparatus. Six firefighters will Branch Design is located at 125 West 20th Street. The façade and lightedison.com/project-map. be stationed at the new location, company logo were both created entirely through the use of 3D laser CLARKSVILLE which replaces the former station printers, which allows for a variety of designs to be made in ways Hankook Tire will begin Phase 2 of JACKSON on Dolly Parton Parkway. The new that use less waste and conserve energy. the expansion of its Clarksville tire The city of Jackson has been se- station will primarily serve the plant, which is expected to bring lected for an Urban Transportation West Main, Old Knoxville High- Hohenwald sanctuary mourns North nearly $1 billion in total invest- Planning Grant from the Tennes- way, Gist Creek, and downtown ment and double the plant’s annual see Department of Transportation areas of Sevierville. American’s second-oldest elephant production capacity to 10 million (TDOT). The grant makes the city tires. Officials said one of the goals eligible to receive up to $200,000 WHITE HOUSE of the new expansion is to increase for planning services for the bi- Officials with the city of White the plant’s production from 6,000 cycle, pedestrian, and greenway House have approved $7.8 million tires per day to 10,000 per day, master plan as part of the city’s for renovations to replace and up- enough to generate 24 daily ship- long-term transportation goals. grade the current Billy S. Hobbs ments out of the plant. The South The goal is for the city to create a Municipal Building. The funds Korean-based company will invest livable document that will focus on will go toward a new, three-story, almost $91 million in the plant for improving mobility for pedestrian 26,000-square-foot municipal the construction of a new building and bicycle use. The main objec- facility set in a campus-type envi- on its current facility’s campus tives of the plan include existing ronment on the corner of College and an additional $270 million for conditions analysis, establishment Street and Highway 31 West. The maintenance. The company said of a defined network, identification new complex will house a senior an unspecified number of new jobs of improvements, capital plan for center with updated amenities, a will also be added as a result of implementation, and a design tool- new boardroom for city boards the expansion. The plant present- box. The city of Jackson will work and commissions to meet, a break ly employs just under 1,000 and on a plan over the next year that room and outdoor patio for city operates 1.5 million square feet will include input from the com- employees, and new offices for the of manufacturing, warehousing, munity and stakeholder meetings city’s parks, administration, hu- distribution, and administrative fa- to understand visions and set goals. man resources, finance, and plan- cilities on its Clarksville campus. ning departments. Plans call for KNOXVILLE the demolition of portions of the Hohenwald’s Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee recently announced COVINGTON Global IT and business consulting present municipal facility, which is the passing of Asian Elephant Shirley, who at 72 was the second-old- An anonymous donor has given company CGI is locating new located in the former White House est elephant residing in North America. Born in Sumatra in 1948, the city of Covington $10,000 to operations in Knoxville, investing School built in 1940. City officials Shirley was captured from the wild and sold to a traveling circus. help fund the restoration of the $27 million and creating 300 jobs hope the new facility can keep the During this time, she survived capture by the forces of Fidel Castro, city’s Baltzer Field. The ballfield in the next five years as it locates gymnasium from the old facility a highway accident that killed two other elephants, and the sinking located within Cobb Parr Park its eighth U.S. IT delivery center but add on new restrooms, storage of a ship that left her with burns on her back and the loss of part of was named for L.O. Baltzer, the in the city. The Knoxville location space and a warming kitchen. The her right ear. In 1977, she was sent to live at the Louisiana Purchase former owner and operator of the will become the newest member municipal complex will retain the Zoo and Gardens where she remained for 22 years. Finally, she Coca-Cola Bottling Company of CGI’s innovative U.S. delivery name of Billy S. Hobbs, who was arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary in 1999, reuniting with Jenny, located in Covington. The Baltzer center network that will help cli- the first mayor of White House an elephant she had performed with at circuses nearly a quarter of family owned the facility for 60 ents gain access to high quality, when the city was incorporated in a century earlier. Matriarch of the sanctuary’s herd, Shirley resided years and were keen supporters U.S.-based IT services, support 1971, and former principal of the there for 21 years. The Elephant Sanctuary has asked those who of local youth sports programs. and solutions. As a core element of school that became the municipal want to memorialize Shirley to make a donation in her honor at Baltzer field was constructed in its business strategy, CGI offers IT facility. shop.elephants.com/give. the early 1960s through donations delivery options to its government from local companies and the Cov- and commercial industry clients. ington Jaycees. It has also been CGI is partnering with the Univer- used by local high schools as their sity of Tennessee at Knoxville on Tennessee cities see some of nation’s home field, but has since fallen the launch of the IT delivery center into disrepair. Donations to restore and will be working with the uni- highest job growth despite pandemic the field are being raised through versity to engage students across the Covington Parks Foundation interdisciplinary programs in col- Seven Tennessee municipali- the education and health services 2,919 new jobs to the labor force. as well as through local sales tax leges such as the Haslam College ties managed some of the highest industry seeing the largest growth Trade, transportation, and utilities revenue. of Business and the Tickle College rates of job growth in the nation of jobs. saw the biggest increase in jobs in of Engineering. CGI will partner despite the ongoing COVID-19 Chattanooga ranked 10th Clarksville. FAYETTEVILLE with the university to build a tal- pandemic, a new study has found. on the list with an employment At 28th, Johnson City saw no Franke Foodservice Systems will ent pipeline focusing primarily on The research by financial increase of 1.7% and adding 8,175 change in its employment rate, but expand its Fayetteville opera- advanced analytics, cybersecurity planning website 24/7 Wall Street new jobs during the study period. did add 1,762 new jobs between tions, creating 56 jobs. Franke is and digital transformation through found that Knoxville, Morristown, Education and health services also February and November. The presently in the midst of a $1.3 emerging technologies for the new Chattanooga, Cleveland, Jackson, saw the biggest growth in Chatta- financial services sector saw the million investment to expand Knoxville facility. Clarksville, and Johnson City were nooga. biggest growth in the city. and making improvements to its among the top 30 cities that have Just out of the top 10, Cleve- Tennessee was one of only operations, including the addition MEMPHIS maintained positive job growth land ranked 11th for job growth 11 states with cities who made it of woodworking capability to its The Memphis City Council has despite the pandemic. with an increase in employment of onto the list. Economists believe core stainless-steel fabrication voted to purchase the building Knoxville ranked third on the 1.7%. The city saw a labor force this may be because companies activities. Franke specializes in the at 100 North Main Street to the list with an employment increase increase of 2,026 jobs with leisure are moving to smaller markets as a design and manufacture of food- tune of $15.5 million. The struc- of 2.8% between February and No- and hospitality seeing the largest reuslt of the pandemic. service equipment to equip major ture is the tallest building in the vember 2020. Overall, Knoxville growth of any sector. The information was compiled restaurant chains with everything city with 37 floors. Completed in saw an estimated 19,488 jobs added Coming in at 15th on the list based on statistics including the from workstations to entire fa- 1965, the property was listed on during that period. Professional was Jackson with an employment change in municipal unemploy- cilities. Franke also distributes the National Register of Historic and business services were the increase of 1% and an addition of ment rates between February and replacement equipment and sup- Places in 2015, the same year it fastest-growing sectors for the city. 2,106 jobs. The professional and November 2020 as well as changes plies to customers globally from was condemned by the Shelby Morristown was ranked sev- business services sector saw the to the total size of the labor force, its facilities in the U.S., Europe County Environmental Court. City enth overall with a 1.9% increase biggest growth in the city. median household income, and and Asia. Founded in Switzerland officials in favor of the vote said the in employment during the study Clarksville was ranked 17th amount of people employed. All purchase would help redevelop the period. The city saw an increase of on the list with a 0.8% increase in information was gathered from the blighted property as well as offer 1,778 jobs in its labor force with employment and the addition of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Tennessee Town & City (ISSN 00403415, USPS 539420) is published semi-monthly except in the months of June and December 19 times per year by Tennessee Municipal League, 226 Anne Dallas Dudley Blvd, Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219-1894. Subscription rates: $6 per year to mem- bers, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER:Send address changes to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Anne Dallas Dudley Blvd, Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219-1894. Official publication of the Tennessee Municipal League. Publisher: Anthony Haynes ([email protected]); Editor: Carole Graves (cgraves@TML1. org; Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any ad- vertising deemed unacceptable. Fax classi- fied ads toTT&C: Attention Carole Graves at 615-255-4752, or e-mail cgraves@ TML1.org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions expressed by non League officials or staff do not necessarily reflect policies of TML. www.TML1.org 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021 Tennessee’s small airports have big economic impact AIRPORTS from Page 1 the only Tennessee but other states key with two Tennessee counties as links in well as the cities of Kingsport, a system Johnson City, Bristol, and Bris- that connects tol, Va., all appointing members the world to the to the airport’s board. Executive Tri-Cities region. Director Gene Cossey said many Without that connec- are unaware that even commercial tion, it would be diffi cult fl ights, like those that land at TRI, for our area to function in that can also be used for cargo. world.” “There is a lot of freight Kingsport-headquartered East- shipped in and overnight type stuff man is one such example of an through the commercial airlines,” international company that relies he said. “A lot of people don’t on air travel. realize these airlines have extra “Everyone – even if you don’t capacity beyond passengers and fl y – gets a benefi t from the eco- have extra cargo capacity. Items- nomic impact here,” Cossey said. can be shipped via those airlines “Not only do you benefi t from the especially when they need to get dollars that come in from travelers here quickly or overnight. We see and the people who work here and things like bank letters, real estate contribute to our economy, but it’s transfers, and all kinds of things the businesses that couldn’t be here that aren’t large cargo items.” without an airport like that. East- TRI also has the added benefi t man is one of our largest companies of allowing companies to bring in in the whole Tri-Cities area, and it cargo from other countries directly would be very diffi cult for them to Freight and cargo makes up $19 billion of the $40 billion-a-year economic impact local airports have on to the region. continue their operations without an the state of Tennessee’s economy. From shipping to corporate travel, local airports are a key ingredient “We have a foreign trade zone airport nearby. If you don’t have a for economic development. and customs and border clearance way for people to travel, it’s hard to at- corporations. We have tripled our just as essential as other modes of even throughout Middle Tennessee station here that allows people to tract those types of businesses. When economic impact in the past nine transportation. who choose to fl y in here. We also directly ship to the airport on char- you think about it, everyone in one years because corporate aviation “Just like having a highway work with the state economic devel- ter services,” Cossey said. “Cargo way or another benefi ts from having is using the airport more and our go through your town or having a opment folks.” gets chartered a lot too, so we can an airport in their community.” facilities have grown here.” rail line serve your town, airports Businesses are locating at air- receive and ship directly here. This Often serving as a “reliever” Due to the COVID-19 pandem- are a way for people to access your ports as well. More than 60 business also allows corporate aircraft to fl y airport for Nashville’s busy BNA, ic, Remington said smaller airports community,” he said. “If you don’t tenants employing around 750 peo- in directly instead of having to stop Smyrna is actually the third larg- have seen more corporate traffi c have a way for people to get there, ple are located at Smyrna Airport, fi rst at another airport. That is very est airport in Tennessee and is the through charter fl ights. you aren’t in the game at all. We are and not all tenants are part of the important for companies that do a state’s busiest general aviation “They have been coming economic drivers. You can have a aviation industry. lot of international travel.” airport. John R. Black, executive through those general aviation air- manufacturing company based in Cossey said TRI is also devel- director of the Smyrna Airport ports because they feel it is a safer your town that employs local resi- oping its own aerospace park to CORPORATE RECRUITMENT said Smyrna’s smaller size and environment,” he said. “They are dents that is headquartered globally. draw related industries in the area. With the economy becoming proximity to Nashville has made it less crowded, and there is less expo- An airport provides an immediate “The park will be completely even more globalized, ease of a choice for numerous corporations sure. People have talked about the touchpoint where they can come fi nished in the spring, and we expect access to an airport is becoming a that want good service without the shift to Zoom and teleconferencing, in, handle the business they need to, as we start getting tenants in the park bigger need for national and inter- hassle of visiting a big international and while I think that will be a part and then get back to other locations. who are employing people and con- national companies. As a result, cor- airport. of business going forward, at the They can meet with vendors and tributing to the aerospace industry, porate fl ights – both chartered and “Our primary service here is end of the day, you can’t replace suppliers all from the reach of their we will see an even larger economic non-chartered – are a main focus of corporate aviation,” he said. “That’s the value of a face-to-face meeting. local community airport.” impact than we’ve seen,” he said. many of the state’s airports. how business America moves. We People who make deals and build As a result, local airports are a “We live in a global economy, have an air traffi c control tower and trust need that. I think airports, valuable economic development tool. THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT and we need fast, easy, and conve- full service, which makes us very at- especially community airports, fi ll “I work with the local chamber As business continues to grow nient transportation to be a part of tractive to corporate aviation. There that role now and will fi ll it in an of commerce all the time about re- in Tennessee, local airports expect that economy,” Cossey said. “We are a lot of good amenities here. A even greater way in the future as cruiting business, not just business- to play a major role in that growth. are defi nitely a part of a much larger business can hit two or three stores larger carriers adjust their networks es locating in the airport,” Black Glass said Tennessee’s location world, and when you think of it from in one day and then be back home. to the demand.” said. “We help recruit businesses makes it ideal for industries who a systems dynamic, we are one of Airports are like a time machine for Remington said airports are throughout Rutherford County and use aviation. “Aviation is such a large indus- try that moves people and material Tennessee Urban Forestry Council connects cities, trees, and people all around the country,” he said. TREES from Page 1 program works to honor and preserve “We live in the eastern part of the Certifi ed Arboreta program trees that have had important roles in U.S. where about a third of the TUFC also off ers the Tennessee local history. population is within a three- or four- Certified Arboreta program, which A tree classifi ed as a “historic tree” Tennessee Tree Facts hour fl ight from our airport. We works to preserve the biodiversity of may mark the place a treaty was signed knew we made a good economic or an important meeting was held while trees in the state. Arboreta certifi ed The tulip poplar has been the offi cial impact and are very proud of that. through the program are located on a “landmark tree” is one that was often state tree of Tennessee since 1947. The Aviation is never going away. Air- university campuses, at schools, city used as a local landmark or gathering eastern red cedar has been the state ports will continue to play a very parks, churches, and in neighborhoods. spot. “heritage trees” are former trees evergreen tree since 2012. vital role in our nation’s economy.” “The arboretum program is typi- on the list who have since fallen. In addition to growing outside cally in public spaces, though we have “We don’t always think about it, but There are 178 tree species native to business, Black said Tennessee is some neighborhoods involved in the trees are a part of history,” Kite-Row- the state of Tennessee. The biodiversity also ideally situated to advance the program as well,” Kite-Rowland said. land said. “The older trees, especially, of trees found in East Tennessee’s Appa- aeronautics industry itself. “You have to have at least 30 distinct have seen so much. Old trees have a lachian Mountains is second only to that of tropical “In Middle Tennessee in par- species of trees to certify as a Level 1 diff erent place in the community. When rainforests. ticular, we have a sort of corri- arboretum. It’s not that hard to qualify. people think about their community, dor of aviation talent and future To be a Level 4 arboretum – which is trees can play an important role in how As of 2020, there are 45 Tree growth,” he said. “You can start the highest level, you have to have 120 people envision a space. This program City USA communities in Ten- at Fort Campbell where there are nessee. is the oldest tree species, and we do have Level 4 can also be a way to preserve these Norris a lot of folks with aviation expe- historic trees during times of develop- Tree City USA with 41 years in arboreta in the state.” the program. rience. Austin Peay and TSU have Kite-Rowland said many commu- ment.” aviation programs, and on the nities have areas that qualify for arbore- Some of the trees in the program in- The town of Townsend was engineering side Vanderbilt and tum status and may not realize it. There clude willow trees planted by President founded in 1901 by Pennsylva- Middle Tennessee State University are also plenty of ways to expand the Andrew Johnson in Greeneville, a tree nia lumberman Wilson B. Townsend as a company have programs. MTSU has one of diversity of trees in an area to qualify. outside Medina where Daniel Boone town to serve the railroad and timber mill he had built the top programs in the country. “Tennessee Tree Day gives out carved his name, and a group of trees in Tuckaleechee Cove. Within 10 years, the town was You have the Arnold Engineering 10 diff erent types of trees every year, in Elizabethton grown from seeds that producing 120,000 board feet of wood a day. Development Center in Tullahoma and they change every year,” she said. were sent aboard the Apollo 14 space with a lot of aviation-related talent “There are also layers to a tree canopy. mission. The oldest tree in Tennessee is there, and then across the border in believed to be a located They can range from oaks at the top of Kite-Rowland said there are nu- white oak Huntsville there is a lot of aerospace merous benefits trees can have on in McMinnville. The tree is esti- the canopy to dogwoods and redbuds mated to be around 371 years old. technology. I think in the future, this that are in the understory. Some com- communities, ranging from decreasing corridor is really going to play a big munities are also developing food for- pollution in local air and water to im- Approximately 52% of Tennessee - part in attracting new aerospace ests that are growing fruit and nut trees. proving health outcomes for individuals roughly 14 million acres of the state industry to Tennessee.” The foods from those trees can then be with asthma. - are forested. The state is home to an estimated 284.1 Cossey said he hopes the used by the community or donated to “Trees in communities benefi t pub- million trees. An estimated 21.8 million of those trees TDOT study will show not only food pantries.” lic health at the individual level as well grow in urban areas. how much airports economically as bring cohesion to a community,” she There are multiple benefi ts to hav- Before European settlers arrived in the impact their local communities but said. “People are more likely to gather in ing an arboretum in a community. state, American chestnut trees made also how important it is for com- “The arboretum isn’t just about a areas that have trees. People spend more up 25% of Tennesse’s forests. Today, munities to support those airports diversity of trees – which is good for money in areas that have trees. There is the species is nearly extinct. in turn. wildlife and the environment,” she said. also research that found that when trees “As the state continues to “It’s also educational because all of the were planted in public housing commu- The tallest tree in Tennessee is believed to be the look at ways to support airports, trees have to be tagged with the trees nities, people spent more time outside, Boogerman Pine, an eastern white pine located in grow airports, and grow regions common and scientifi c names. That children played outside more, and vio- the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At last around our state and in turn make can be educational both for the people lence in those communities decreased. measurement, the tree was 57.55 meters tall. the state stronger on a national and developing the arboretum as well as the Studies have shown having trees in the international scale, it is important Memphis was known as the “hard- folks who are visiting. We encourage area can improve mental health out- to realize how each airport has an comes by decreasing depression and wood capital of the world” because it municipalities to have tours or activities was home to as many as 40 sawmills. impact on its own region and the in those spaces, and we can connect anxiety. There is also something known The city supplied the vast majority of state as a whole,” Cossey said. “I’m them with curriculum to utilize that as the island eff ect in cities. Having trees the nation’s furniture market in the very hopeful for the state of Ten- space. We really want it to be used as helps cool a city.” early 1900s. nessee, especially post-COVID. an outdoor learning opportunity across Overall, Kite-Rowland said the States like ours have more growth generations.” only thing needed to start reaping these There are 28 Christmas tree farms located capacity, and I think a lot of people Kite-Rowland said TUFC is will- benefi ts in your own community isa across the state of Tennessee, according to the Ten- are looking at places to go where ing to work with any community that desire to help out. nessee Christmas Tree Growers association. they can operate in a better busi- wants to create a certifi ed arboretum “Trees do matter in your com- ness environment, pay less taxes, and can connect those interested in the munity. It’s not just about giving the and have a place for their families. program with local organizations and access to trees; it’s about giving the If we strengthen and build our help access free or low-cost trees. knowledge to plant and care for them,” airports, that will turn around and she said. “A mature tree has so much strengthen and build our economy. Landmark, Heritage and Historic more value than a sapling. Just putting Having a strong, viable airport is Tree program a tree in the ground is the fi rst step. love trees. Even if you just have enthusiasm and a love for trees, just as important as having good Another one of the programs of- Sustaining a healthy community forest you can make a diff erence in your community.” internet, good healthcare, and good fered by TUFC honors specifi c trees takes a community. You don’t have to If there is a particular issue or need a community has, schools.” and their roles in communities. The be educated about trees to get involved. Kite-Rowland said TUFC is eager to help. Contact her at 615-638- For more information on the Landmark, Heritage and Historic Tree My background is not in forestry, but I 8027 or email [email protected]. TDOT Airport Economic Impact study, visit https://www.tasp2040.com/. 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021 www.TML1.org Smyrna police officer honored by DOJ, U.S. DA Smyrna Police Department Detective Kevin Krieb received the Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement from U.S. Department Tommy fied munic- of Justice and the Office of the U.S. Gregg, ipal finance Attorney for the Middle District of mayor of officer Tennessee. Mosheim (CMFO), he Krieb was presented the award for the past will contin- by U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for eight years, ue to serve his role in a nine-month investigation has resigned as the city’s that resulted in the indictment of five his posi- finance di- members of a fraudulent oxycodone tion due to Tommy Gregg rector in Burt Johnson drug trafficking organization. health con- addition to The award is given to officers and cerns. Gregg has a total of 27 serving as city manager. Before agents who exceed the call of duty years of service with Mosheim’s coming to work with the city to keep their communities safe. municipal government as both of Soddy-Daisy, Johnson was a Krieb began his law enforcement an alderman and mayor. He took senior tax accountant at Joseph career as an officer with the Vander- over the position of mayor in Decosimo and Company for bilt University Police Department 2012 when his predecessor Billy seven years. Johnson holds a before joining the Smyrna Police Myers became ill. Gregg initially bachelor’s degree in accounting Department in 2002. He was most intended to retire in 2020, but from the University of Tennessee recently promoted to detective ser- Smyrna Police Department Detective Kevin Krieb, left, receives decided to run again when no one at Chattanooga. geant of narcotics and serves on the the Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement from U.S. Attorney else applied to run for the office. department’s DEA task force. Don Cochran, right. Alderman David Myers has been Mark Led- appointed to serve as acting may- better has or of Mosheim until the end of been ap- Oak Ridge firefighters earn international designations Gregg’s term in 2022. Alderman pointed as James Foshie will serve as vice the new Two Oak Ridge firefighters mayor and Marc Campbell was mayor of have joined the ranks of on 548 selected to fill the alderman seat Cowan af- Fire Officer (FO) designees from vacated by Gregg’s resignation. ter long- the Commission on Professional time may- Mark Ledbetter Credentialing (CPC). Roger Ha- or Joyce Richard Cox, who served as ley, former Brown resigned after 17 years a fire captain and paramedic, and city manag- of service. Ledbetter previously Shay West, who is a firefighter, er of Mur- served the city as vice mayor and EMT, and engineer, also join 11 freesboro, has served on the city council members of the Oak Ridge Fire De- died Friday, since 2015. After a tie election, partment to hold such designations. Feb. 19, Ledbetter was selected to fill the The Designation program is a 2021, from seat left by Councilman Adam voluntary program designed to rec- complica- Nelson. Ledbetter will hold the ognize individuals who demonstrate Roger Haley tions from seat of mayor until the city’s their excellence in seven measured COVID-19 at the age of 75. Ha- next municipal election can be components including experience, Richard Cox Shay West ley’s wife, Holly Sims Haley, was held in August. Councilwoman education, professional develop- also treated for the virus. Haley Kim Shelton will take over Led- ment, professional contributions, an individual successfully meets commitment to their career in the served as city manager of Mur- better’s duties as vice mayor and association membership, communi- all of the organization’s stringent fire and emergency services. freesboro from 1989 until 2009, Richard Hunt was selected to fill ty involvement and technical com- criteria. This professional designation and before that on the Murfrees- the vacancy on the council left petence. In addition, all applicants “I am so proud of Richard is valid for three years. Maintaining boro City Council from 1978 until by Brown’s resignation until the are required to identify a future and Shay for accomplishing this the designation requires recipients 1982, and again from 1985 until upcoming election. professional development plan. achievement. We are very lucky to show continued growth in the 1989. Haley was well known for The FO designation program to have them in our department areas of professional development, his involvement in several major Rachel uses a comprehensive peer review and for their dedication to fire professional contributions, active economic development projects Slusser has model to evaluate candidates seek- service,” Oak Ridge Fire Chief association membership and com- for the city including the Gate- been named ing the credential. The Commis- Travis Solomon said. munity involvement as well as ad- way, the Avenue Murfreesboro, the new fi- sion on Professional Credentialing Achieving this designation here to a strict code of professional and the Medical Center Parkway nance direc- awards the designation only after signifies both Cox’s and West’s conduct. project. He also expanded parks tor for the and recreation opportunities city of Port- through the creation and expan- land, taking Downham joins MTAS as new consultant sions of projects like Barfield over from Rachel Slusser Crescent Park, SportsCom, the retiring di- Chuck Downham has joined city of Tullahoma as a planning Stones River Greenway, and rector Doug Yoeckel. Slusser the University of Tennessee’s and municipal services director Patterson Park and Community comes to Portland from the city of Municipal Technical Advisory from 1986 until 1996 and then Center. Haley was elected to the Greenbrier where she has worked Service (MTAS) as a municipal as city administrator from 1996 TML Board of Directors in 1989 for more than 13 years. She began management consultant based in until 1998. and served as vice chairman of her career in government as an ac- the Middle Tennessee area. Before joining the municipal the Tennessee Municipal Bond counting specialist for the city of Downham officially began his staff in Tullahoma, Downham Fund. He was also named city White House in 2005 and worked duties with MTAS on March 1. served as a staff planner with the manager of the year by TCMA in there until 2007 when she joined Downham has more than 30 years Tennessee Technological Cor- 2009. A graduate of MTSU, Ha- the city of Greenbrier’s finance of management experience in both ridor Development Authority, ley also owned and operated two department. She served as head the private and public sectors, with which was also part of his grad- companies in Murfreesboro: Mr. of the finance department, city more than half of that experience uate program at the University of Tool Rent-All and Murfreesboro recorder, and often as city admin- coming from working in various Tennessee at Knoxville. Supply Company. istration. Slusser holds an associ- municipalities across Tennessee. Downham also spent 15 ate’s degree in accounting from Prior to joining MTAS, he years in various managerial Burt Johnson has been unani- Volunteer State Community Col- served as assistant city administra- roles in the private sector in Chuck Downham mously approved by the board lege and a bachelor’s degree from tor for the city of Spring Hill for both the state of Tennessee and of commissioners to be the new Trevecca Nazarene University in nearly four years. Alaska. During this time, he ter’s degree in planning, both city manager of Soddy-Daisy. 2007. She also holds a master’s He served as growth man- worked at companies including from the University of Tennes- Johnson began working with the degree in public administration agement director for the city of Lend Lease, Littlejohn, S&ME, see-Knoxville. He is also a cer- city in 2011 as the finance director from Walden University and is Lakeland in 2003, planning di- and Looney Ricks Kiss. tified public supervisor through and city recorder. A certified pub- a Certified Municipal Finance rector for the town of Collierville He holds a bachelor’s degree the University of Tennessee at lic accountant (CPA) and certi- Officer (CMFO). from 1998 until 2000, and at the in urban geography and a mas- Knoxville.

No loan is too large or too small

The city of Milan recently closed on a $1.5 million fixed-rate loan with the The city of McKenzie has used the TMBF programs since 1987. McKenzie Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund (TMBF) issued to finance electric system recently closed on three refunding issues in order to lower the rate of inter- improvements. Seated L to R: Jason Griggs, superintendent of public utilities; est on the debt. The General Obligation Refunding Bond is in the amount of Milan Mayor B.W. Beasley; and Autumn Stewart, city recorder. Standing is $2,648,995 and was placed with a local bank in McKenzie. From L to R Jenni- Tommy Green, TMBF marketing representative. fer Waldrup, city recorder; McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland; and Tommy Green, TMBF marketing representative.

See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 www.TML1.org 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021 TSSBA makes largest bond sale in history Tennessee’s colleges and uni- versities will benefit from nearly $112 million in net present value The Federal Highway Admin- 255,000 homes and businesses interest cost savings over the next istration has named five scenic listed as served by the FCC were 24 years after the Tennessee State byway routes in Tennessee to “at best only partially served. Ten- School Bond Authority’s (TSSBA) the national America’s Byways nessee ranked 34th among states successful sale of $713.4 million of list. The Cumberland Historic By- in broadband coverage, according higher education facilities refunding way, Great River Road National to the FCC’s 2020 broadband de- bonds. Scenic Byway, Newfound Gap ployment report, which itself relied The TSSBA’s largest bond Road Byway, Norris Freeway, and on data taken in 2018. There are sale in history was held during the Sequatchie Valley Byway were still 432,627 Tennesseans living in week of Feb. 8, 2021, and closed all new designations to the list. census blocks where no provider on Feb 24. Because of the TSSBA’s The Cumberland Historic Byway reported the baseline broadband highly-rated credit, investor interest extends from the Cumberland Gap speeds as of December 2019. allowed the authority to reprice most to the Cumberland River, docu- of the maturities of the bonds to at menting the westward expansion Changes to the National Flood least five basis points lower than the of Tennessee while the Great River Insurance Program (NFIP) price that was initially offered. Road National Scenic Byway fol- this fall could mean more than The majority of the bond pro- lows the course of the Mississippi 137,000 Tennessee homeowners ceeds will be used to refund, or refi- River. The Newfound Gap Road could see large increases to their nance, previously issued bonds that Byway covers the mountain pass flood insurance rates.The Federal had formerly financed 111 higher between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, Emergency Management Agency education capital projects. A small Tennessee State Comptroller Jason Mumpower, left, and Secretary N.C., while the Norris Freeway (FEMA) is overhauling the NFIP portion of the bond proceeds will of State Tre Hargett, right, sign off on the largest TSSBA bond sale was built between Norris Dam this fall in what is expected to mark finance the purchase of an existing in history. Colleges and universities across the state will receive and Knoxville to easily transport the biggest change to how insur- bioworks facility for The University $112 million from the sale. materials for TVA. The Sequatchie ance premiums are calculated since of Tennessee Health Science Center Valley Scenic Byway extends from the 1970s. Premiums are expected in Memphis. immediate and lasting impact. Ten- savings allowing us to reinvest in Crossville to South Pittsburg. The to be tied to the actual flood risk The TSSBA sold $713.4 million nessee continues to be a very low- Tennesseans.” five Tennessee routes added to the of individual properties through of Series 2021A taxable refunding debt state, and we’re fortunate that “Tennessee’s commitment to list were a part of 49 new byway the new model. New date released bonds at a true interest cost of 2.03%. our fiscal stability is very attractive stewardship is again paying off in a designations in 28 states across by the First Street Foundation has The aggregate net present value to investors.” big way despite the disruptions from the U.S. including 15 All-Ameri- suggested insurance premiums for savings of $111.8 million represents “Tennessee is a well-managed COVID-19,” said Gov. Bill Lee. can Roads and 34 National Scenic homes located in the most flood- 18.5% of the refunded bonds. The state,” said Secretary of State Tre “These funds result in more than Byways. Presently, there are 184 prone areas could triple, though bonds have serial and term maturities Hargett. “This successful sale is a $100 million that directly support scenic byways located in 48 states. most homeowners won’t see mas- between 2022 and 2045. testament to the conservative fiscal critical needs for higher education sive changes and some may even The bonds will be repaid with management demonstrated by the and I commend Comptroller Mum- The Tennessee Advisory Com- see decreases. Tennessee is home revenues generated by those proj- governor, the Tennessee General power and his team for their work.” mission on Intergovernmental to 19,114 properties within FE- ects that were financed by the Ten- Assembly, and the TSSBA.” “We are grateful that the TSS- Relations (TACIR) has suggest- MA’s Special Flood Hazard Areas nessee’s public higher education “This is yet another example of BA took the initiative to generate ed the state needs to update that are mandated to have flood institutions. how Tennessee continues to benefit more than a hundred million dollars maps showing internet coverage insurance if they have a federal- “The pandemic has caused from smart management of our in savings for Tennessee’s higher ed- before moving forward with ly-backed mortgage. Premiums unique challenges for our state’s financial resources and strong fiscal ucation institutions,” University of expanding broadband access. for these homes could increase public colleges and universities,” leadership by the Tennessee General Tennessee System President Randy TACIR found current federal maps by 3.6 times to adequately cover said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. Assembly,” said Treasurer David Boyd said. “TSSBA’s hard work and that rely on U.S. Census blocks their risk under the new model. “The savings generated by this sale Lillard. “Our low debt and high diligence will translate into tremen- often overstate the availability of More than 10% of the state is are unprecedented and will have an credit rating continue to yield greater dous benefits for our campuses.” high-speed internet, designating considered a flood hazard area by rural areas as “covered” when only current standards, and Tennessee a single household has access. The frequently ranks among the top 10 State, federal officials agree to shared stewardship report concluded that the Depart- inland states impacted by flooding Tennessee’s forests will bene- ment of Economic and Community each year. Scientists have predicted fit from strengthened partnerships Development (TNECD) should that the state will see frequent and between federal and state agencies follow the map-making lead of expansive floods in the future due following a virtual signing of a Georgia, which found that at least to climate change. Shared Stewardship agreement. Under Secretary of Agricul- Environmental group raises $5.25M ture James Hubbard represented USDA and Tennessee’s Depart- to protect Chattanooga natural areas ment of Agriculture Commissioner An environmental group is tected lands in the region by 2055 Charlie Hatcher, Department of launching a $5.25 million fund to by adding 1 million acres. This Environment and Conservation protect and conserve key natural coincides with predictions that Commissioner David Salyers, areas around Chattanooga. the Greater Chattanooga area will and Wildlife Resources Agency The Open Space Institute grow in population by about half a Director Bobby Wilson all signed (OSI) is using the funds to con- million by the same year. on behalf of Gov. Bill Lee. serve at least 30,000 acres of for- By preserving the biodiverse The agreement between US- est through the Chattanooga-based region, officials with the organiza- DA’s Forest Service and Natural Thrive Regional Partnership’s Appa- tion are hoping to increase travel Resources Conservation Service lachian Landscapes Protection Fund. and tourism revenue for the area, and the state agencies establishes Joel Houser, OSI’s Southeast field particularly through recreation tour- a framework to improve collabo- coordinator located in Chattanooga, ism. Preserving the natural beauty ration, accomplish mutual goals, said even more funds could be raised of the area is also a way of preserv- further common interests, and ef- for the project as it continues. ing the area’s history and heritage. fectively respond to the increasing Tennessee’s Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatch- The nonprofit has created a er was one of several state officials who signed a shared stewardship long-range conservation plan for agreement with USDA officials that will help maintain forests across 16 counties located in Southeast TML Board to meet March 15 Tennessee and help ensure long-term sustainability in the state. Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Municipal Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, League will meet in regular public session on Monday, March 15, 2020, ecological challenges and natural adequate markets to help drive and Northeast Alabama. at 9:30 a.m. in the Comptroller’s Conference Room located on the second resource concerns. investments in sustainable forest Areas under the conserva- floor of the Cordell Hull Office Building in Nashville, for the purpose of This new agreement centers management. tion plan include Walden Ridge, considering and transacting all business that may properly come before said board. Some members of the board may participate in such meeting via on USDA’s commitment to work The Shared Stewardship Lookout and Pigeon Mountains, with states and other partners to Agreement will foster collabora- Hiwassee River Corridor, Cumber- ZOOM or by telephonic means, which will be audible to any member of the public attending such meeting. If reasonably possible, an agenda will use the best available science to tive planning, priority setting, and land Plateau, Southern Blue Ridge be available on Friday, March 12, at the offices of the Tennessee Municipal identify high-priority forests that actions to address these challenges. Mountains, the Appalachians Con- League, 226 Anne Dallas Dudley Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville. Additional require active management, and to Proposed actions include restoring nector, and Paint Rock Watershed. information may be obtained from Jackie Gupton, 615-255-6416. ensure the long-term sustainability fire-adapted communities and Funds for the project were of public and private lands. reducing the risk of wildland fire; raised through private donations as Bond Fund Board to meet March 15 Involved agencies are individ- identifying, managing, and reduc- well as partnerships with the Do- Notice is hereby given that the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund Board of ually tasked to address a wide range ing threats to forest and ecosystem ris Duke Charitable Foundation, Directors will meet in regular public session on Monday, March 15, 2020, of challenges that negatively im- health; fostering economic devel- Lyndhurst Foundation, Riverview at 8:00 a.m., local time, in the Comptroller’s Conference Room located on the second floor of the Cordell Hull Office Building in Nashville, for the pact our state’s natural resources. opment strategies that keep work- Foundation, and Tucker Foun- These challenges include human ing forests productive; conserving dation. OSI will work with land purpose of considering and transacting all business that may properly come before said board. Some members of the board may participate in such population increase leading to working forestland; and providing trusts and municipalities on prop- meeting via ZOOM or by telephonic means, which will be audible to any more development, catastrophic quality outdoor recreational expe- erty acquisitions and conservation member of the public attending such meeting. If reasonably possible, an storms, droughts, flooding, wild- riences. easements. agenda will be available on Friday, March 12, at the offices of TMBF, 226 fires, insect and disease outbreaks, The agreement can be found The project is part of an overall Anne Dallas Dudley Blvd., Suite 502, in Nashville. Additional information invasive species, increased rec- online at www.fs.usda.gov/manag- may be obtained at 615-255-1561. goal to double the number of pro- reational pressures, and a lack of ing-land/shared-stewardship. 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021 www.TML1.org

CLAIMS SYSTEM clerk, and all other responsibilities, as through another state and can be certified ADMINISTRATOR assigned. College degree preferred, but in Tennessee by an abbreviated class at PUBLIC ENTITY PARTNERS . Under not required depending on experience. the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training the direction of the Director of IT, the Finalist must pass a background check Academy will be considered. One-year Claims System Administrator is responsi- and drug test prior to employment. Work experience preferred. The schedule is a 14 Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. plan review, responding to public requests ble to: Support, enhance, secure, optimize, hours are typically Monday through Fri- day a month rotating shift with nights and No charge to TML members. Send for service and resident’s concerns, en- and maintain the Origami Claims Man- day, 7:30 am. – 4:00 p.m., but will vary weekend work required. The employee advertising to: Carole Graves: cgraves@ forcing city ordinances, and assisting the agement System and supporting systems. several days each month for meetings. would be off every other weekend, under TML1.org. building official as necessary. At least one Ensure data integrity and that the system Employment applications available on- normal schedule conditions. Starting sal- ICC commercial certification is required. maintains a high level of security, per- line at www.townofwartrace.com, mail ary is based upon experience ($40,000.00 ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN/H.R. Remaining ICC commercial certifications formance, and availability. Work closely resume to Town of Wartrace, P.O. Box to$42,000 per year). State retirement ASSISTANT must be obtained and maintained within with any IT Staff & End Users (internal, 158, Wartrace, TN 37183, or email to TCRS with match by the town of Somer- PIPERTON. The city of Piperton has one year (building, plumbing, and me- external, or third party) to resolve any [email protected]. ville. An optional retirement plan is also an immediate opening for an accounting chanical inspector) of hire. Must have issues. Provide any assistance needed to available with matching funds. Excellent technician/H.R. assistant. The successful five years code enforcement/inspection access PEP data sources to meet needs and ENGINEER – DEVELOPMENT medical benefits for employee and family. candidate must have the ability to interact experience, including two years super- protect sensitive information. Work close- PROJECTS SPECIALIST After first full year of employment you with a variety of city staff, appointed and visory experience. Valid driver’s license ly with Adjusters and other Claims staff BRENTWOOD. The city engineer – de- may be eligible for college tuition reim- elected officials, vendors and contractors and is required. Background check will be to understand processes and workflows, velopment projects specialist is responsi- bursement for a degree program relating possess effective communication (oral and conducted. Salary is commensurate then make recommendations to automate ble for ensuring new developments, both to the field of law. Somerville Town Hall, written) and interpersonal skills and attention with experience. Medical and retirement these processes to gain efficiencies. residential and commercial comply with 13085 N. Main Street, Somerville, TN to detail. Experience with automated appli- benefit package is provided. Applications Qualifications include: undergraduate city standards and commonly accepted in- 38068. EOE /Drug-free workplace. cations is desirable; computer literacy and may be obtained at the Piperton Adminis- degree in a computer related field from an dustry practices of municipal engineering. extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office, trative Office at 3725 Hwy 196 Suite B, accredited college or university, and six The city engineer is the primary technical PUBLIC WORKS especially MS Word and Excel, is required. or at www.pipertontn.com/jobs. Return years of experience in the computer-re- liaison to the planning department and the SUPERINTENDENT The candidate must have attained a high application and resume to tjohnson@ lated or information technology field, or planning commission during the review GALLATIN. The city of Gallatin is school diploma or G.E.D., plus a minimum pipertontn.com. EOE. a substantially- equivalent combination and approval process for rezonings, site seeking qualified applicants for the open of two years accounting experience. A valid of education and experience is required. plans, subdivisions, and other public and position of superintendent of public works driver’s license from state of residence is BUILDING INSPECTOR/CODE Experience maintaining, optimizing, and private projects. Duties and responsibili- to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the also required. The individual employed ENFORCEMENT OFFICER securing Microsoft Windows network sys- ties include ensuring that plans submitted activities, projects, and operations of in this position will perform bookkeeping PIPERTON. The city of Piperton has an tems. Experience supporting; Microsoft comply with city code regarding areas such the public works department including and fiscal work for various financial and opening for a full-time building inspector/ Windows 10 systems and peripherals; as site grading, floodplain management, environmental services (sanitation and accounts management functions as well us code enforcement officer. Duties will -in Microsoft Office \ 365 suite; Microsoft roadway design, site drainage, roadway stormwater), facilities and vehicle main- all Human Resource functions including clude residential construction inspections Windows Servers \ Networks. Experience signage and lighting, and construction. tenance, recycling collection, and street payroll processing. The accounting work (building, plumbing, and mechanical), using and supporting any of the following The city engineer reports to the director maintenance and construction. Gallatin involves receiving, preparing and processing record maintenance, responding to pub- applications preferred but not required: of engineering working with a high degree Public Works provides excellent envi- financial documents; performing accounts lic requests for service and resident’s Origami Risk Claim System; HTML \ of independence. The job requires a PE ronmental services, facility and vehicle payable and/or receivables work; advanced concerns, and enforcing city ordinances. XML; Microsoft SQL \ SSIS Packages; license and strong civil engineering tech- maintenance, and street and construction customer service tasks; reconciling account- Must hold or obtain and maintain ICC C#; Microsoft Visual Studio; Scripting; nical skills as well as good interpersonal maintenance at competitive rates, and in ing transactions; maintaining and balancing Certifications within one year (building, PowerShell. Full Job description can be skills. The city engineer interacts daily a safe, environmentally clean and efficient accounting ledgers; creating and maintaining plumbing, and mechanical inspector). found at pepartners.org. Salary range with internal staff, engineers, builders, manner. This position supports a depart- accounting databases and automated files; Working knowledge of ICC and local $90,000 - $102,000 DOE. Excellent bene- developers, residents, elected officials and ment of approximately 70 employees. and preparing records, repo1ts and summa- ordinances, legislation, rules and regula- fits and retirement plan.Please send cover government agencies. For a complete job Minimum qualifications include bache- ries regarding assigned fiscal operations. tions is preferred. Computer proficiency letter and resume to ctaylor@pepartners. description and to apply please visit the lor’s degree in civil engineering or closely Hourly wages will be commensurate with and excellent communication skills are a org or Attn: Celeste Taylor, 562 Franklin city of Brentwood web site here, https:// related field with a minimum of 10 years experience. A background check will be must. High school diploma or equivalent Rd. Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37069. www.brentwoodtn.gov/departments/ recent work experience of an increasingly conducted. Health insurance and retirement and valid driver’s license is required. Pri- human-resources/current-job-openings. responsible nature in the public works benefit package is provided. Email letter of ority will be given to certified inspectors COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR management, construction, or related field; interest and resume to mgeorgc@pipertontn. or applicants with current background SPRING HILL. The city of Spring Hill FINANCE DIRECTOR or an equivalent combination of education, com. EOE. in building or related trades.Background seeks to fill the full time, exempt position NASHVILLE. The Greater Nashville experience, and training. Master’s degree check will be conducted. Salary $38-$45k of communications director. He or she Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking an and P.E. preferred. Must have five years ACCOUNTS PAYABLE and and is commensurate with experience. will develop, implement and maintain experienced professional to serve as its of supervisory experience. Must have a RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST Medical and retirement benefit package is the city information program, and oversee finance director. The Finance Director valid driver’s license. To apply, please PUBLIC ENTITY PARTNERS. Public provided. Applications may be obtained at public communications throughout the manages the agency’s financial, account- submit an online application, cover letter, Entity Partners is a public entity risk pool the Piperton Administrative Office at 3725 organization. The director will serve as ing, and budgetary functions and is a and resume at the city of Gallatin web- that has been providing risk management and Hwy 196 Suite B, or at www.pipertontn. the city spokesperson and primary news key member of the organization’s senior site: https://cogselfserve.gallatin-tn.gov/ workers compensation, property and casu- com/jobs. Return application and resume media liaison. He or she will develop and leadership team. GNRC is a public sector MSS/employmentopportunities/default. alty insurance services to Tennessee cities to [email protected]. EOE implement a cohesive communications agency with a typical annual budget of ap- aspx Current starting pay: $89,135 with and city agencies for nearly 40 years. Public strategy. Manage all news media relations, proximately $15 million. The vast majority excellent benefits. Open until position is Entity Partners insures more than 90% of CITY ADMINISTRATOR serving as city spokesperson; write news of revenue is sourced from state and federal filled. EOE / drug-free workplace. the cities in Tennessee and is headquartered SPRING HILL. The city of Spring Hill releases, and other web and social media grants allocated by formula or awarded in Franklin, TN. The accounts payable and (Pop. 46,000+) is seeking a city manage- content; manage primary city social media competitively to fund the agency’s work UTILITY DIRECTOR receivable specialist will process and manage ment professional to be their next city pages using government social media across a variety of programs and services SPRING HILL. The city of Spring Hill the company’s accounts payable and receiv- administrator. The city administrator is management best practices; manage web- aimed at improving the region’s economy is accepting applications and resumes able online workflow, manual functions, appointed by and serves at the pleasure site using content management system, and quality of life. Approximately 60 for a full-time, exempt utility director. and financial reporting in accordance with of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. serving as website administrator; and percent of the budget is used to fund the He or she will perform administrative company policies and procedures. Strong The city has a $90.55M overall budget gather facts to distribute to news media. agency’s day to day operations including and managerial work in the planning, communication and interpersonal skills with 261 full-time equivalent (FTE) Manage Multimedia Specialist position, its 80 member staff. The remainder is organizing, and directing of overall are essential as you will be interacting with employees. Candidates should possess a approving all graphic design work, print subgranted to local community partners operations amongst the water and waste- almost 500 local government members bachelor’s degree from an accredited col- and digital promotional materials, photos, such as municipal and county govern- water treatment plants; and, the water and approximately 2,000 vendors and lege or university in public administration, video projects, and operations of live ments, non-profit organizations, senior distribution, and sewer collection. This business partners. Key competencies in- business administration, or a field closely video streaming system. Attend weekly centers, and aging and disability service employee must possess the ability to make clude: knowledge of and experience in core related to municipal management and a department head meeting and write inter- providers. The finance team is staffed by prudent and independent decisions as they business operations; creative thinking and minimum of eight years of progressively nal weekly staff report; occasionally write four professionals including the Finance apply to daily activities. The incumbent problem-solving skills; strong work ethic increasing city management experience, staff memos based on topical research; director. For more information and to in this position will supervise assigned and results-driven outlook; ability to work or any combination of education and occasionally write mayoral speeches and apply please go to: www.gnrc.org/jobs. employees; coordinate activities between cooperatively and collaboratively on a pro- municipal experience that demonstrates talking points; coordinate with community departments, and maintain records and fessional level’ ability to manage and main- proficiency in managing a complex mu- partner agencies to develop and distribute HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER budgets for various projects. The utility tain confidential information with the utmost nicipal corporation. Residency within the communications materials; provide com- EAST RIDGE. The city of East Ridge director provides substantive and highly care, security, and discretion. Bachelor’s city limits will be a requirement. A position munications support to city departments; is seeking a qualified human resources complex staff assistance to the city admin- degree in accounting or related field from profile is available at www.springhilltn. and develop, present and manage annual manager. Duties include but not limited to istrator and operates under his or her direct an accredited college or university, desired org. Salary commensurate with education, communications department budget. Re- managing/maintaining personnel/medical supervision. The employee will perform but not required Proficiency in Microsoft experience and marketplace conditions. spond to citizen inquiries through multiple files, employee orientation; recommends, other related and/or non-specific work as Office Suite, Sage 100 and AvidXchange, Send cover letter and resume immediately communications platforms; plan, manage plans, and implements changes in per- required, some of which will be mechan- desired but not required. Minimum of five by electronic mail to the University of Ten- and execute annual State of the City Ad- sonnel policies and procedures. Must be ical. Must possess a bachelor’s degree in years of experience in accounts payable and nessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory dress event. The ideal candidate has strong familiar with governmental requirements engineering; must possess professional receivable functions. Demonstrated ability Service, attention Gary Jaeckel, at gary. writing and verbal skills, experience in and reporting. Manages workers compen- engineer (P.E.) licensure from the state of to accomplish multiple projects and tasks [email protected]. Initial review news media relations, social media and sation claims and annual audit, responsible Tennessee; Must possess a valid driver’s on deadline. Strong interpersonal, commu- of applications will occur in April/May, website management experience, and a for all government reporting. Manages license; 10 years’ experience in water or nication, and analytical skills. Technological 2021. Please direct questions to Gary passion for working in the public sector. entire benefit program and serves as liai- wastewater system maintenance or con- competency in software applications. Full Jaeckel, MTAS Management Consultant, This strategic communications position son with insurance company. Responsible struction, hydraulic engineering, or civil Job description can be found at pepartners. at the same email address. will serve a pivotal role in citywide and oversees payroll administration and engineering of which some experience org. Excellent benefits and retirement plan. communications to ensure accurate and prepares documentation for budget review. having been in an increasingly responsible Please send cover letter and resume to CITY ENGINEER consistent messaging on behalf of the Clerical duties are also part of this job administrative or supervisory capacity. [email protected] or Attn: Celeste SPRING HILL. The city of Spring Hill city of Spring Hill. Four-year degree function. Qualified applicants should have The city of Spring Hill offers an extensive Taylor, 562 Franklin Rd. Suite 200 Franklin, is seeking to fill the full time, exempt in communications, public relations, five years experience in Human Resources and generous employee benefit package, TN 37069. Salary range: $65,000 -$75,000 position of city engineer. This employee journalism, public affairs or related area management; or three years experience which includes an 100% employer paid (DOE) EOE/Drug-free workplace. performs administrative/technical func- of study. Minimum of five years of rel- in Human Resources management with medical coverage option for the entire tions to ensure that infrastructure pro- evant communications, media, or public a bachelor’s degree in human resources family, optional vision insurance, employ- BUILDING CODE INSPECTOR III posed through development plans meets relations experience. Excellent oral and management, business management, or er paid dental insurance for the employee GALLATIN. The city of Gallatin is city regulations and to provide general written communication skills required. related field. Salary DOQ. Open until with the option to purchase family cover- seeking applications for a building codes engineering support to the public works Knowledge of media tactics, and modern filled. EOE/ Drug free workplace. age, Flexible Spending Account, employer inspector III. The purpose of this position department, and other departments. Duties principles of digital mass communications paid Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance, as is to perform intermediate technical work and responsibilities include providing and public relations required. Proficiency PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR well as voluntary life and STD. TCRS in the inspection of residential, commer- technical expertise in areas of construc- with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe MANCHESTER. The city of Manches- pension. Applications/resumes MUST cial, industrial, and public facilities for tion problems, floodplain and drainage Creative Cloud. Management experience ter is seeking a director of parks and be submitted online at: www.springhill- compliance with building, plumbing, me- issues; overseeing new development desired. Some event planning experience recreation. This will include day-to-day tn.org/Jobs.aspx Questions to staylor@ chanical, gas piping and electrical codes, work; reviewing sewer and water system a plus. The City of Spring Hill offers an operation of the recreation complex. This springhilltn.org NO PHONE CALLS and other ordinances. May be assigned capacity in conjunction with the system extensive and generous employee ben- includes providing advisement to the PLEASE. Applications will be considered specific inspection areas, and other duties managers; setting bond amounts to ensure efit package, which includes an 100% board of mayor and alderman on facility, on basis of qualifications, experience, and per position. Performs field inspections of city protection from developers’ defaults; Employer paid Medical coverage option program development, long-term mainte- suitability for position without regards to residential, commercial, industrial, and performing site inspections and estimat- for the entire family, optional vision nance of facilities, and development of ad- race, color, religion, sex or national origin. public facilities for compliance with build- ing project costs; project management; insurance, employer paid dental insur- ditional funding through private donation The city of Spring Hill is an EEO/AA/Title ing, plumbing, mechanical, gas piping and and providing information to the public. ance for the employee with the option and grant resources. Key attributes include VI Employer. Minorities and women are electrical codes, and other ordinances. This employee also supervises and directs to purchase family coverage, Flexible ability to develop and update long-range encouraged to apply. Conducts building and related inspections. the work of the associate engineer and Spending Account, employer paid Life, plans for department, speaking ability to Prepares and maintaining inspection re- utility inspectors. Bachelor’s degree in AD&D and LTD Insurance, as well as large groups of people, communicate to the UTILITY AND PUBLIC WORKS cords and files. Receives and investigates civil engineering or related field required, voluntary life and STD. TCRS Pension. public in a polite manner, and the ability SUPERINTENDENT complaints regarding non-compliant with five to seven years of experience as Applications/resumes MUST be submit- to work under pressure and deadlines to WARTRACE. The town of Wartrace is construction and inspects existing build- a Professional Engineer knowledgeable ted online at: www.springhilltn.org/Jobs. complete recreation programming, grants, accepting applications for a utility and ings for hazardous conditions or systems in general construction, water and sewer aspx Questions to staylor@springhilltn. and all assigned tasks from the board of public works Superintendent to supervise failure. Receives and resolves complaints system construction, stormwater drainage, org NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Ap- mayor and alderman and the recreation the overall operations of Wartrace Wa- regarding defective construction and roadway construction, estimating, and de- plications will be considered on basis of commission. A BA/BS in parks and terworks and Sewer Systems and public handles enforcement issues. Researches velopment plans review; or any equivalent qualifications, experience, and suitability recreations with five years of experience works duties. Responsible for proper oper- manufacturing specs for compliance combination of education, training, and for position without regards to race, color, in administration of parks and recreation ation, maintenance, reporting, collection, with standards. Communicates findings. experience which provides the requisite religion, sex or national origin. The city facilities and programs including employ- treatment, distribution and/or disposal of Inspects existing building for hazardous knowledge, skills, and abilities for this of Spring Hill is an EEO/AA/Title VI ee supervision is preferred. Applications water and wastewater. Maintenance of conditions, structural failure. Reports job. Valid Tennessee licensure as a Pro- Employer. Minorities and women are and full job description may be picked up city fleet, equipment, streets, storm water hazardous or life-threatening conditions fessional Engineer required. The city of encouraged to apply. at City Hall, 200 W. Fort St. Manchester, drains, city-owned buildings, and parks. to the building official and assists with Spring Hill offers an extensive and gen- TN 37355. Online applications may be Supervises three employees. Prefer four the complaint as assigned. High school erous employee benefit package, which DEPUTY CLERK / MUNICIPAL filled out at www.cityofmanchestertn. or more years of experience and State of diploma/equivalent. Must have 5 years includes an 100% employer paid medical CODES OFFICER com, resumes may be sent to cdavis@ Tennessee Grade 1 Water Distribution, recent construction related experience. coverage option for the entire family, WARTRACE. The town of Wartrace is cityofmanchestertn.com. Applications Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment and Grade Valid driver’s license. IAE/or equivalent optional vision insurance, employer paid seeking to hire a deputy clerk / municipal will be accepted until April 1, 2021, at 1 Wastewater Collection Certifications. Electrical Certifications required. Must dental insurance for the employee with codes officer to help manage day-to-day 9 a.m. EOE. Valid Tennessee driver’s license and valid have six (6) or more I.C.C. certifications the option to purchase family coverage, administrative operations. This position is Tennessee CDL or ability to obtain within as identified by and beneficial to the flexible spending account, employer paid a full-time training position for succession POLICE OFFICER 6 months. All licenses will be verified. City Must meet TN requirements for Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance, as well planning. Responsible for scheduling, SOMERVILLE. The Somerville Police Experience with Telemetry and SCADA plumbing, mechanical, and/or building. as voluntary life and STD. TCRS Pension. advertising, and support of meetings and Department will be accepting applications Systems, administrative and superviso- To apply: go to www.gallatintn.gov or Applications/resumes MUST be submit- public hearings, and maintain records of for CERTIFIED ONLY Police Officer ry skills, experience with operation of https://cogselfserve.gallatin-tn.gov/MSS/ ted online at: www.springhilltn.org/Jobs. same for safekeeping. Additional respon- candidates for current openings. Eligible heavy equipment: Backhoe, Skid Loader, employmentopportunities/default.aspx. aspx Questions to staylor@springhilltn. sibilities include writing resolutions and applicants must be certified as a police etc. Knowledge of safety requirements Position open until filled. EOE / Drug- org NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Ap- ordinances, grant management, oversee officer by the Tennessee Police Officer and precautions. Finalist must pass a free workplace. plications will be considered on basis of all aspects of municipal codes inspections, Standards and Training Commission background check and drug test prior to qualifications, experience, and suitability train for and get licensed to perform (P.O.S.T.), be at least 21years of age, employment. Work hours are Monday CHIEF BUILDING INSPECTOR for position without regards to race, color, building inspections, permit issuance possess a valid driver’s license, have a through Friday, 7:30 am. – 4 p.m. (subject PIPERTON. The city of Piperton has religion, sex or national origin. The city within three years of employment, train high school diploma/GED a U.S. citizen, to change). Some overtime required (on an opening for a full-time chief building of Spring Hill is an EEO/AA/Title VI in the management of the annual budget, have no felony convictions and be able to call hours), some weekends. Applications inspector. Duties will include residential Employer. Minorities and Women are banking services, financial obligations, successfully pass psychological, physical, available online at www.townofwartrace. and commercial construction inspections encouraged to apply. debt obligations, annual audit, tax prepa- and polygraph exams as well as a drug com or mail resume to Town of Wartrace, (building, plumbing, and mechanical), ration (1099s), cross-train with town screen. Officers who are P.O.S.T. certified P.O. Box 158, Wartrace, TN 37183. www.TML1.org 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021

Tennessee Municipal League 2020-2021 Offi cers and Directors PRESIDENT Rural communities are fi nally getting Mike Werner Mayor, Gatlinburg attention; so where do we go from here? VICE PRESIDENTS . Ken Moore Despite a recent groundswell of interest, rural America still has unique challenges ahead Mayor, Franklin By GARRIS STROUD sweeping generalizations about rural to those willing to migrate, have all Bobby King communities can have damaging Mayor, Henderson Route Fifty been employed with mixed results. March 15, 2021 Ron Williams consequences and should be avoided. Data suggests that college graduates TML Legislative Conference Mayor, Farragut Revitalizing rural Ameri- with the highest loan balances are Virtual Event DIRECTORS ca has garnered more attention 2. Understand the complex rela- the most likely to fl ock to cities, yet 11 a.m - 1 p.m. / CST Andy Berke in the past four years. Despite tionship between education and initiatives to help tackle the student Mayor, Chattanooga this renewed interest, reports rural workforces. debt crisis, like loan forgiveness April 6 - 8, 2021 Paige Brown, continue to identify a growing The labor force behind rural and expanding community college TN Fire Chief Association Mayor, Gallatin economies, which often depend access, still haven’t been widely Randy Childs divide between America’s ur- Spring Conference Councilman, Kingston (District 2) ban centers and rural heartland. on mining, agriculture and service adopted. To beat back the eff ects of Gatlinburg Vance Coleman The unique challenges and industries, is diff erently skilled than rural brain drain, federal, state and Mayor, Medina misconceptions facing rural those in urban areas where access to local leaders will have to be creative April 7 - 9, 2021 John Cooper communities continue to hin- job training is higher and industries through loan forgiveness initiatives TN City Management Association Mayor, Metro Nashville der economic and educational are more digitized. Consequently, and other bold actions. (TCMA) Spring Conference W.T. Daniels progress. These obstacles— when employers relocate to rural Murfreesboro Mayor, Greeneville communities, the skills gap creates Mike French further exacerbated by the 4. Expand broadband access. Alderman, Somerville (District 7) Covid-19 pandemic—raise serious challenges. Expanding broadband con- May 20 - 21 Blake Lay several questions about the The growing popularity of career nectivity is already a proven game Municipal Court Clerk Conference Mayor, Lawrenceburg (District 6) sustainability of rural commu- and technical education (CTE) in changer for rural communities Franklin Terry Jones nities. rural states like Kentucky is encour- seeking to retain their young talent, Mayor, Millington (District 8) Below are several steps aging, but school districts and local particularly now that more employ- June 2 - 4, 2021 Indya Kincannon organizations and leaders can employers must continue thinking ers are making the work-from-home TN Association of Municipal Clerks Mayor, Knoxville outside the box to upskill their local Katie Lamb take to tackle harmful miscon- jump a permanent one. Unfortunate- and Recorders (TAMCAR) Mayor, Collegedale (District 3) ceptions about rural America workforces and make rural econ- ly, more than 20 million Americans Spring Conference Christa Martin and address the unique chal- omies more sustainable. Doing so lack adequate access to high-speed Murfreesboro Vice Mayor, Columbia lenges that threaten the sus- will likely mean more apprenticeship internet, and they disproportionately Keith McDonald tainability of our communities. and work-based learning experiences live in rural areas. Sept. 1-3, 2021 Mayor, Bartlett for students, as well as targeted in- While activist groups have TN City Management Association Wade Morrell vestments in CTE by state and local been drawing attention to inequi- President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund 1. Recognize that rural com- (TCMA) Fall Conference Todd Smith munities aren’t a monolith. governments. table practices by internet service Chattanooga City Manager, Greeneville (District 1) While the national media providers since the onset of the Jim Strickland often paints rural communities 3. Get serious about addressing pandemic, rural areas often have their Sept 15 -17, 2021 Mayor, Memphis with broad brushstrokes, the brain drain. own geographies to blame for their TN Association of Municipal Clerks Mary Ann Tremblay reality is that we’re far more di- When large numbers of young, chronic lack of access. Kentucky has and Recorder (TAMCAR) Vice Mayor, Three Way verse ethnically, culturally and talented college graduates leave their put forward an interesting proof of Fall Conference PAST PRESIDENTS rural hometowns for big cities like concept in its broadband expansion Jill Holland (2019) Mayor, McKenzie ideologically than believed. Franklin Wallace Cartwright (2018) Mayor, Shelbyville The Rural Matters Institute Atlanta, Seattle, and Nashville, it project KentuckyWired, which, Bo Perkinson (2017) Vice Mayor, Athens gets it right when they say that can pose serious economic concerns despite early challenges, off ers a Sept. 18-21, 2021 John Holden (2016) Mayor, Dyersburg to understand rural America, for the communities they’ve left model for other rural states seeking TML Annual Conference Curtis Hayes (2015) Mayor, Livingston you have to understand one behind. This phenomenon, called to expand access. State and federal Chattanooga Dale Kelley (2013) Mayor, Huntingdon community at a time. brain drain, disproportionately im- leaders must step up by investing Kay Senter (2011) Morristown Vice Mayor For media organizations, pacts rural areas struggling to retain in broadband expansion, working Nov. 1-3, 2021 Sam Tharpe (2010) Commissioner, Paris college-educated workers. Tommy Pedigo (2009) Councilman, Morristown this means that greater part- collaboratively with providers, and TN Chapter America Public Works nership between national and Case studies from around the making rural communities a priority. Association (TCAPWA) & Solid AFFILIATE DIRECTORS local outlets can lead to more nation have shown that most rural It’s past time we consider the needs Waste Association of North America Tracy Baker, Sevierville (TCMA) nuanced, informed reporting communities are having middling of rural communities in the same way (SWANA) Annual Conference TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS on rural communities, which success in addressing brain drain. we consider the needs of other places. Memphis (Ex-Offi cio Directors) can in turn help combat Tuition breaks, tax incentives, and There are no fast or easy answers. TN Assn. of Air Carrier Airports harmful misconceptions. For even free land programs, in which cit- But these initial steps off er some TN Building Offi cials Assn. ies and counties give away property TN Assn. of Chiefs of Police policymakers, it means that concrete ideas for a path forward. TN Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders TN Government Finance Offi cers Assn. TN Fire Chiefs Assn. TN Fire Safety Inspectors TN Assn. of Floodplain Management TN Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. TN Municipal Attorneys Assn. TN Municipal Judges Conference Energy infrastructure its capacity as much as 35% to handle increased in 2020 despite the ongo- struggling with pandemic-related TN Chapter, American Public Works across the nation might be the fallout from such events while ing COVID-19 pandemic. A study issues such as supply-chain short- TN Recreation and Parks Assn. tested by increasing amounts still providing services to customers. from fi nancial services company LT ages and short-term shutdowns for TN Chapter, American Planning of extreme weather events, Trust found that the average 401K sanitizing factories. Global short- TN Personnel Management Assn. with consumers paying the A lack of pharmacies may be one of balance increased by 30.3% between ages of necessary components, like TN Assn. of Public Purchasing cost. A new report from Sci- the reasons many rural Americans 2019 and 2020 with employee con- semiconductors in the automotive TN Section, Institute of Transport entifi c American found that an tribution increasing by 6.12% in the industry, may hamper continued TN Public Transportation Assoc. have been unable to obtain and Assoc. Independent & Municipal Schools increasing amount of weather COVID-19 vaccine. A new report same time period. Utah recorded manufacturing growth. TN Renewable Energy & Economic events like wildfi res, droughts, looking at pharmacy deserts – areas the largest average balance increase Development Council fl oods, heat waves, hurricanes, where there are no pharmacies or not at 47.2% while North Dakota saw Americans are by-and-large skip- TN Urban Forestry Council and deep freezes are putting enough to serve the local population – the lowest increase at 11.5%. Males ping Spring Break trips this year TN Stormwater Assn a strain on both electrical found at least 111 rural counties in the were more likely to see their 401K amid the ongoing pandemic. The and natural gas infrastructure U.S. have no pharmacy to dispense contributions grow over females by U.S. Travel Association said only TML SPONSORS across the country, often caus- 3% while employees between the 12% of Americans were planning 5 STaR SPOnSOR vaccines. The recent analysis by the Voya Financial Advisors ing them to fail when they Rural Policy Research Institute found ages of 21 and 30 saw the largest a trip during Spring Break this year 4 STaR SPOnSOR are needed most. Many of the more than 1.6 million Americans average balance increase rate at 77%. with travel demand remaining low. Blue Cross Blue Shield nation’s power grids are not needing to travel more than 20 miles Industry offi cials said it remains “far 3 STaR SPOnSOR prepared to deal with extreme to reach their nearest pharmacy. As U.S. manufacturing expanded at from clear when demand for travel First Horizon Bank weather events and states have a result, rural residents often must its fastest pace in three years in will rebound on its own.” Industry 2 STaR SPOnSOR had to resort to tactics like February. The Institute for Supply offi cials have continued to urge tax Alexander, Thompson, Arnold, CRA’s drive long distances to obtain vaccine Alliance Water Resources having rolling blackouts to doses – twice in the case of multiple Management reported that man- credits to encourage leisure and Bank of America prevent wildfi res. Likewise, doses. As vaccination opens up to ufacturing activity rose 60.8% in business travel, though the CDC Bank of New York Mellon, Co. systems running on coal and more groups, it may become harder February, 2.1% above the January is still encouraging all Americans Entegrity gas are often unable to work for rural pharmacies to the demand rate of 58.7%. Economists said man- from refraining from travel that is Environmental Products Group at certain temperatures. Many from local population, especially as ufacturing has been buoyed by a shift non-essential. Many foreign coun- Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee grids in place are not designed many pharmacies are the only health in the way Americans are spending tries are still prohibiting travel to 1 STaR SPOnSOR to handle frequent weather their money during the pandemic, and from the U.S. with the CDC The Brick Industry care center that can provide vaccina- Charter Communications events, like those the nation tions in their rural communities. choosing to invest in their homes saying the U.S. should not relax its Employee Benefi t Specialists, Inc. has seen in past years, and parts and other projects rather than going own international travel guidelines J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers of the national energy infra- The average state retirement con- out to eat or shopping. However, until at least 80% of the country is Local Govt. Corporation structure may need to increase tributions and balances in all states many manufacturing fi rms are still vaccinated. Mattern & Craig, Inc. NORESCO Pavement Restorations, Inc. Republic Services Smith Seckman Reid Tennessee 811 Trane Commercial Systems & Services TLM Associates, Inc. Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries USA, Inc. TML SPOnSOREd PROGRaMS Public Entity Partners Tennessee Health Works Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund TML PaRTnEREd PROGRaMS American Fidelity GovCard GovDeals Omni Partners Peachtree Recovery Services, Inc. Reach Alert TN Drug Card VC3 TML STAFF Anthony Haynes, Executive Director Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Kate Coil, Communications Specialist Jackie Gupton, Administrative Assistant Carole Graves, Communications Director & Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sylvia Harris, Conference Planning Director John Holloway, Government Relations Debbie Kluth, Marketing Director / Member Services Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst Denise Paige, Government Relations 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 8, 2021 www.TML1.org Lamberth outlines plans for criminal justice reform, education By KATE COIL TML Communications Specialist

House Majority Leader William Lamberth never considered running for public office until he was encouraged to do so by a friend. Now nearly a decade later, he serves an important leadership role in the State House. A fifth-generation resident of Sumner County, Lamberth grew up on his family’s farm. After graduating from Portland High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and then went on to earn a law degree from the William and Mary School of Law at the College of William and Mary, one of the oldest institutes of higher education in the country. While there, he was elected president of the Student Bar Association. After graduating from law school, Lam- berth served as an assistant district attorney in Sumner County and presently is in private House Majority Leader Lamberth bringing dinner to the officers of the Gallatin Police Department. A former practice as an attorney in Gallatin. He has also William Lamberth, assistant district attorney, criminal justice issues and reform are concerns close to the served in a variety of leadership roles within R-Portland lawmaker’s heart. his district. college degree, a TCAT degree, a four-year Lamberth was first elected in 2012 to rep- college degree, and beyond, it just changes the resent State House District 44, which includes trajectory of an entire family. We are going to much of Sumner County, the cities of Mitch- make sure they have every single support and elville and Westmoreland, and portions of the service they need. municipalities of Gallatin, Hendersonville, and Portland. TT&C: What piece of legislation have you He was then elected to serve as House Ma- worked on that you are the proudest of or jority Leader in 2018. House Speaker Cameron feel has had the biggest impact? Sexton, R-Crossville, said Lamberth has been WL: When I first ran for state representative, I a valuable asset to the House. wanted to combat intoxicated driving. Driving “I appreciate William’s partnership with under the influence is a horrible decision by our members and all of his hard work guiding anybody, and is a potentially deadly crime. I Gov. Lee’s key initiatives through the House have seen both in my own family and in so over the last two years,” Sexton said. “He many other families the devastation that can has done a tremendous job, and we are very occur when someone gets behind the wheel fortunate to have him as a member of our when intoxicated. The first bill I filed was an leadership team.” aggravated vehicular assault bill to crack down Lamberth is married to Lauren Schimdt on folks that had multiple DUIs and seriously Lamberth, and they have two children: Allison injured someone. It took multiple years to get and Pierce. that funded, but I was very proud of the fact that we stood up for victims and combated in- TT&C: What first interested you in politics? toxicated driving. Since then, I’ve carried bills Was there a particular cause that made you to create a DUI fifth offense and sixth offense, decide to run for office? House Majority Leader William Lamberth after a spelunking expedition with his family stiffen the penalties on vehicular homicide, and William Lamberth: About six or seven years at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Lamberth said the pandemic has given his family at the same time provided a variety of options into serving as a district attorney, a really good a chance to visit much of the state’s park system and better appreciate the natural for treatment for those who have gotten a DUI friend I had known my entire life, Tommy wonders the state has to offer. so they never get that next one. Whittaker, sat me down at lunch one day and told me – not asked me – that I should run. stand exactly how the state can best serve those pathway, but it’s a small percentage of folks TT&C: You and your family are frequent Quite frankly, it had never crossed my mind to who are serving at the local level. Most of them coming through the system. Our code doesn’t visitors to Tennessee State Parks. Why do run for public office. I was never a person who are very good friends of mine. Most of them recognize that. We have to have a conversation you feel the state park system is an asset? thought this was a pathway God would have have served their communities for years. I have about truth in sentencing and about better pro- WL: I have an 11-year-old and a nine-year- wanted for me. I told Tommy – and he also known some of them since I was a very young gramming, both inside in the jail and outside. old. It is truly majestic seeing the beauty and had the chairman of the state Republican party man. The relationship I have with folks at the Anytime someone comes into the criminal splendor Tennessee’s natural surroundings there with us for lunch – that my wife was six local level could best be described as we’re just justice system, we need to ask what brought have to offer through our parks system and months pregnant with our second child, and I very good friends. In Sumner County, I don’t them there. We need to ask are they punished especially through the eyes of a child. During had a job that I absolutely loved that I would think there is a single local elected official who appropriately for their behavior, but we also the pandemic when life slowed down a bit, have to quit to pursue this. I told him I didn’t would feel uncomfortable picking up the phone have to make sure there is a pathway back to my family spent as much time as we could think it was the right timing. He told me to pray and calling me if they needed something. prosperity for that individual. traveling through our state parks system. Every about it and talk to my wife about it, and I did. single park has a gem to offer that you won’t As soon as I talked to my wife Lauren about it, TT&C: What is your stance on preemption TT&C: You have proposed House Bill 434 expect to see until you are there. We have trav- she was all in. She said this is our community. and local control? that would offer lifelong orders of protection eled throughout the U.S. and the national parks This is where our children are growing up. And, WL: The best government is the government to help victims of violent crimes. Why is this system, and Tennessee has parks that are just as we need to make sure that it is safe. I just felt I that is closest to the people, which means most an important issue for you? gorgeous as anything they can offer in any other was led to serve our community, and it’s been decisions should be made at the local level. WL: There is a young lady – Nikki Goeser – state. I would encourage every Tennessean to an honor to do so these past nine years. At the same time, there are things that need who used to work in the legislature. Nikki had visit our parks. I am proud to say that this year statewide application. Those fall mostly into to suffer the horror of watching her husband in the budget there is $33 million for deferred TT&C: Congratulations on your re-election areas like criminal justice, budgetary issues, being killed in front of her. Then, after the in- maintenance to help those parks get up to the as House Majority Leader. What do you healthcare, and education. Sometimes there dividual who did that was convicted and sent standard they should be. feel are the important characteristics of a are issues that are state responsibilities. You to prison, the murderer continued to send her good leader? wouldn’t want something that is a crime in letters. The person sent what I can only refer to TT&C: In what areas is the state of Tennes- WL: I think you have to always put others Sumner County to not be a crime in David- as love letters in essence to a victim of a violent see doing well? Where does the state need before yourself. I think a true leader is always son County or a crime in Knoxville but not crime. This is a person who is still going to be improvement? How do you envision the a servant to those that have elected them to in Memphis. Your criminal code has to be dangerous when released if he is still fixated on state’s future and what needs to be accom- serve. When I’m in a room – no matter how consistent statewide. Other than those obvious the victim. It is critical in the criminal justice plished to get there? many people are in that room, whether it’s just issues where you need a statewide policy, the system that we protect victims of a crime, and WL: When I first ran for public office, I wanted a couple of other folks or hundreds of people best kind of government is closest to the peo- that we respect their wishes to be left alone by to focus on making sure we had great schools, – I just always assume that everyone else in ple. That means that our local officials are the the defendants who have already victimized that we were keeping our budget in control, that that room knows more about different subjects ones who need to be running the day-to-day them. we continued to balance our budget, cut taxes, than I might know myself. I try to engage in operations of their community. There are so many other victims and sur- and that we have safe communities. I can tell conversation and learn from the folks that I’m vivors of violent crime that fall in this same you we have focused hard on that in the past spending time with. While everyone has differ- TT&C: As a former assistant district attor- category. I am very passionate about support- year. During a global pandemic, we cut $1.5 ent levels of expertise, if you listen and learn ney, you have an interest in criminal justice ing victims. We focus a lot on defendants in the billion out of the budget in a very short amount from other people you learn how well you can reform. What measures do you think need criminal justice system, and we should. Their of time. We cut to the bone. do collectively. You have to love people, and to be taken that allow offenders who want rights should be protected. We should make Now, this year, when other states are really you have to put others above yourself. it to be rehabilitated while still making sure sure our criminal justice system keeps our com- suffering and have to raise taxes on their con- serious crimes are punished? munities safe, which means figuring out what stituents and cut services, we are running over TT&C: What do you feel is the primary WL: One of the things that has to happen is we programs someone needs. But we should never a $2 billion surplus because we prepared for the role for the majority leader? How do you have to take a complete top to bottom look at lose sight of the fact that, especially in cases of worst. The worst did not occur, and we haven’t personally approach fulfilling this role? our sentencing code. It hasn’t been rewritten violent crimes, a victim and a victim’s family seen absolute economic fallout from this yet. WL: For me, being the majority leader is about since 1989. The world has changed dramatical- have had their lives destroyed by the actions We have put back more than $1.5 billion in our making sure the House Republican Caucus’ ly since then. The types of crime that are being of another. They have a right in the system rainy day fund, we have balanced our budget, voice is heard. I spend a lot of time with our committed and how they’re being committed to – at the very least – have a lifetime order of and we have ensured that Tennessee’s best days members. We went into the election cycle have simply shifted. I think our understanding protection so the victims know the court, the are still in our future. We are leveraging those last year with 73 members, and we brought of ways to intervene when someone has com- legislature, and the laws of this state will have federal dollars that came in to make sure that back all 73 seats. The role is kind of twofold. mitted a crime has changed. When I say ‘inter- their backs every step of the way so they can TennCare, the unemployment trust fund, and During election time I’m there to support my vene’ I really mean it that way, because that is live their lives the best they can. education are on solid footing. fellow members by raising funds to support what the criminal justice system is meant to do. In the educational realm, we came in their campaigns. I crisscross the state. Most of It is there to mete out punishment when needed TT&C: You are sponsoring HB 139 that the second week of session and had a special the members’ whose districts had competitive and keep the community safe, but the goal is to expands eligibility for the Tennessee HOPE session on education. Our children have fall- races used some of the funds we had raised alter someone’s behavior so they don’t recom- scholarship’s foster child tuition grant. en behind because, unfortunately due to the from the caucus as well as some of the funds mit the same crime or another crime. What do you hope this will accomplish? pandemic, children have missed school. I’m I had raised from my leadership PAC. I knock You want to pursue justice and justice WL: Unfortunately, we have had over the past proud to say that all of our school systems are on doors with other candidates. Really, that’s a should always be tempered with mercy. The couple of decades a real break down of the fam- now offering in-person education and virtual huge portion of what the majority leader does people I prosecuted were not just names on ily unit. We have a lot of broken homes, and we learning as an option, based on what’s best for when we’re out of session. a page. These were young men I had played have a lot of children who go into foster care, their family. Another thing I think we’ve done When we are in session, I work on all of ball with or against. These were young men far too many. When they age out of the system to position Tennessee for the future is raised the policy issues from the budget to educa- and women who I had gone to church with or at 18, a lot of these children don’t have the teacher pay significantly and increased the tion to healthcare to criminal justice. If it’s a with their families. I knew their moms, dads, resources to pursue a higher education. Many funding for K-12 education by $1.8 billion in significant issue that is coming through the aunts, and uncles. I learned from day one it is have really buckled down through difficult sit- the past several years. On top of that, we have Legislature, then part of my role is to make really about digging into the issue that brought uations and persevered, doing very well in their put in place learning loss stop gap measures sure our members have a role in that process someone into the criminal justice system and educational journey. They deserve the ability to that will help with literacy, provide some after through making sure that the governor’s office, then trying to figure out what punishment or further their educational opportunities. school services, and summer school programs. the Senate, and the minority caucus all hear what remedy would alter the course of their What this will do is really expand the We have also invested very heavily in collectively what our members care about. life so they live life back in bounds. eligibility for the HOPE scholarship fund’s our rural healthcare safety net. We have the That is a job that takes a lot of time and effort Obviously, there are some people who foster child tuition grant. It creates opportu- amount up to about $22 million a year now. to make sure I understand what is important to refuse or are incapable of doing that. There are nity for those children who have spent nine to That is for places like the Salvus Center that our members, their constituents, and our shared repeat, violent felons who simply will not stop. 11 months in custody to be eligible for those do such a good job providing care to people constituents. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do for a funds. Hopefully, what it will do is change the who are uninsured or under-insured so they small subset of the folks in the criminal justice trajectory of not just that child’s life but their can get actual care. A lot of folks talk about TT&C: How would you describe your rela- system but lock them up for as long as possible children, their grandchildren, and for genera- getting people insurance, but we are focusing tionship with city officials in your district? because they are simply bent on havoc. There tions. Education is a gamechanger for so many very heavily on making sure they get quality WL: I rely on them heavily to help me under- are a lot of things that lead up to that along the kids. If they can achieve a two-year community health care, not just insurance.