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6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 62, Number 20-22 Dec. 19, 2011 TML District Meetings continue in January Fire, police becoming part of

District 7 January 10 City Hall Tennessee’s modern family 9 - 11 a.m. Medina BY VICTORIA SOUTH District 8 January 11 The Chamber Center TML Communications Coordinator 9 - 11 a.m. Covington They’re there when you need TML staff will be on hand to present updates on the latest events and news them, 24/7, even on holidays. That’s affecting municipalities at the state and national levels.For more informa- the message Johanna and Luke Paiva tion, contact TML at 615-255-6416. wished to convey along with baskets of assorted goodies the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at Franklin Fire Department’s Station No.2. Two months ago, the Paiva’s now 10- State’s economic recovery month-old baby boy, Jack, a little fireball with a feathery shock of improving at modest rate strawberry blonde hair, suffered a sudden and unexpected medical BY CAROLE GRAVES "We continue to expect a mod- emergency and Franklin’s fire and TML Communications Director erate pace of economic growth over police staff sprang into action. the coming quarters and conse- What started out as a normal day The state’s economic condi- quently anticipate that the unem- for the Paiva family turned into every Photo by Victoria South tions continue to improve, with ployment rate will gradually de- parent’s nightmare when the usually Ten-month-old Jack Paiva’s parents wound up making the detour of November revenue collections cline,” said Lee Jones, vice presi- playful little boy woke up from his their lives when the the baby became seriously ill and unresponsive coming in 4.5 percent higher than dent Federal Reserve Bank of At- naptime howling in pain. Jack’s during an emergency ride to the hospital. Assessing the urgency of the last year. lanta. “There are significant down- breathing turned shallow and his situation,the 911 dispatcher instructed the Paivas to pull into Franklin’s State finance officials were side risks to the economic outlook, skin pale, as Johanna frantically di- Fire Station number two where Jack received emergency assistance given the news during the Tennes- however, including a stuck housing aled the pediatrician’s office. While from the staff paramedic and fire personnel. On Nov. 23, the family see State Funding Board meeting market, unemployment and expo- listening to the answering service’s returned to the fire department to thank the staff and dispatchers who held earlier this month in Nashville. sure to foreign markets.” pre-recorded message, she felt the helped them. Pictured: Jack, held by staff Engineer Andrew Ivey, tries Commissioner Emkes reported Jones reported that nationally baby go limp in her arms. “His little on an oversized fire hat for size, as his mother Johannah Gilman Paiva that November collections were sales tax revenues for Thanksgiving face and lips turned white, his skin and Franklin Fire Captain Clay Mackey look on. $11.0 million more than the bud- weekend were up by 7.5 percent was cold and clammy, and he closed geted estimate with year-to date over last year and in the Southeast his eyes, and wouldn’t open them through the Mack Hatcher/Cool swered the call. “He remained calm, collections for four months up region it was even higher – an 8.5 when I called his name,” Johanna Springs intersection, Jack grew patient, and caring, determining our $71.0 million more than projected. percent increase. recalls. even more pale and totally unrespon- exact location,” Paiva recalls. As- “It’s important to remember we “Retail sales are coming in Paiva and her husband, Luke, sive. Dialing 911, Johanna tried des- sessing the urgency of the situation, won’t see how ‘Black Friday’ and strong,” Jones said. “The big ques- placed Jack in the car and sped off to perately to revive the child scream- Sedlak directed the distraught par- after-Thanksgiving retail sales per- tion is whether they will continue Williamson County Medical Center. ing his name, as Williamson County ents to pull over at nearby fire station formed until this time next month, throughout the holiday season. But As Luke, a police officer, tore 911 Dispatcher Anthony Sedlak an- See EMERGENCY on Page 3 when we’ve collected revenues for we are cautiously optimistic going November spending,” said Emkes. forward.” Several of the state’s expert Robert Currey, chief economist Governments learning the language of LEAN economists also provided revenues with the legislative Fiscal Review projections for the current budget Committee, reported that nationally BY VICTORIA SOUTH Authority. year, as well as made predictions for the unemployment rate has dropped Parke and guest FY 12-13. Economists described to 8.6 percent and that unemploy- When Chuck Parke first began speaker Keith the state’s economic recovery as ment insurance claims for the state distributing the Lean principals he Groves, from UT’s improving at a modest rate. See ECONOMY on Page 4 learned at Nissan around other de- Center for Industrial partments and industries, he re- Services (CIS), iden- ceived lots of push back. Procure- tified Lean history, Congress repeals three ment and customer service person- applications and nel said “We can’t use this set of tools along with the tools because it’s not manufactur- types of waste that percent withholding ing.” His former employer, TRW plague most indus- Inc., said “We can’t do Lean be- tries and organiza- BY LARS ETZKORN NLC’s Finance, Administration and cause we’re not Japanese—and tions including gov- Nation’s Cities Weekly Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Lean requires an oriental mindset.” ernment services. Policy and Advocacy Committee, “That’s what the push back “The whole idea Legislation repealing 3 percent and council member, Gadsden, Ala. was, not from the hourly people, but behind Lean is to withholding as passed by the House NLC, with its public and private from the managers,” Parke recalls eliminate processes last week awaits President Obama’s sector coalition partners, argued that before a group of more than 50 and things that don’t signature. implementation of 3 percent with- attendees at the recent LEAN Con- add value,” said The House passed the repeal holding imposed significant un- ference, sponsored by the Univer- Parke. “And by after the Senate voted 95-0 to do in funded financial and administrative sity of Tennessee Naifeh Center for value, I mean for the Kathryn Rawls, president of the Tennessee Cen- November. The President is ex- burdens for local governments. Effective Leadership in partnership customer.” Lean is ter for Performance Excellence, greets attend- pected to sign the legislation sup- “Many governments do not with the Tennessee Center for Per- geared to produce a ees from state and local sectors at the recent ported by NLC. have existing systems to handle a formance Excellence (TNCPE). simpler, less com- LEAN conference, Improving Public Service: Ap- In a rare showing of bipartisan large increase in additional informa- But after years of successes, in- plex working space plications of Lean Principals, in Nashville spon- agreement, no House or Senate tion reporting or that contain mod- cluding a four-year stint with the and involves the re- sored by the University of Tennessee Naifeh member voted against repealing the ules that can withhold and remit U.S. Air Force, where he taught the duction of steps re- Center for Effective Leadership. law. monies for each payment made,” overarching principals of Lean, quired to complete While never implemented be- said Ronald Green, member, NLC’s Parke, executive director of UT’s vital processes. want to pay for that,” Parke ex- cause of numerous deferrals since FAIR Committee, and Houston city Center for Executive Education, is “Typically 95 percent of all lead plains. “You tell someone in the pro- 2005, the provision would have controller. quick to inform skeptics that Lean time is non-value-added,” said duction industry to go find a broom mandated that federal, state and lo- In addition, NLC called for re- works in any industry, application Groves. Non-value added items in- and 99 percent of the time they can’t cal governments withhold three per- peal because of withholding’s infla- and culture. “Your organization has clude: inventory, defects, overpro- find one,” Groves adds. “When you cent from the payment for most tionary and anti-competitive effects its own nuances,” Parke stressed. duction, waiting, non-standard finish with the broom, where do you goods and services and remit it di- for smaller businesses. “You have to bend and shape these work, transportation, intellect and put it? Well— you have to hide it so rectly to the Internal Revenue Ser- “Companies would have likely tools to make them work for you.” motion. While business or organiza- nobody else will get it,” Groves vice (IRS), to ensure payment of passed the withholding along in in- The conference, Improving tional challenges can be complex, chides, as the audience roars with federal taxes. creased prices when dealing with Public Service: Application of even mundane issues over time, laughter. “As NLC pushed repeal for a governments,’” said Chris Hoene, Lean Principals, featured a video such as sloppy departmental house- Waste includes the failure to use long time, I’m pleased Congress director of NLC’s Center for Re- spot from Mark Emkes, state com- keeping, could increase overhead individual’s mental, creative, and finally realized the mechanisms to search and Innovation. “In turn, bids missioner of Finance and Adminis- and drastically impede production. physical abilities in organizational collect taxes and punish bad actors to cities would have been higher and tration, and a session with Walt “If I go to get my oil changed settings. “Ask yourself this ques- are already in place, instead of pass- smaller businesses competing for Matwijec, assistant vice president and it takes the technician 15-20 tion,” said Parke. “Does the people at ing on to cities the job of IRS government business would have for Continuous Improvement for minutes to find his tools, that’s non- the lowest level of your organization agents,” said David Hooks, chair of been unfairly disadvantaged.” the Metropolitan Nashville Airport value added time for me. I don’t See LEAN on Page 6 Columbia’s Ridley Park awarded TCAPWA project of the year BY JENNIFER MOODY adult softball or youth baseball and ter plan for an athletics complex that Columbia Assistant City Manager six 200-foot fields that can accom- would meet the needs for a new modate girls fast pitch softball and facility to replace the fields at Pillow Columbia’s Ridley Park Project Little League baseball. Additionally, Park. However, many concerns was recently presented with the 40 acres of the site are reserved for from environmental conditions, is- Project of the Year award by the future development into a soccer sues with access and easements, to Tennessee Chapter of the American complex as the need for the fields safety and budgetary concerns Public Works Association develops. Since opening in April would have to be overcome before (TCAPWA). 2011, the complex has become a the project was successfully com- Each year TCAPWA recognizes top-rated, regional destination for pleted in April 2011. a project in a Tennessee city that tournaments. One of the most significant “epitomizes outstanding planning, With the park’s recent suc- challenges of the project was simply construction, and management.” cesses, it’s easy to forget the facility access to the landlocked site. The Moreover, the project will now be- was more than a decade in the mak- most direct route from nearby High- come the State Chapter’s nomina- ing and faced many challenges that way 43 traversed the Tennessee tion for the National American Public could have ended the project were it Southern Railroad (TSR) line. Early Works Association Top Ten not for the community’s determina- on in the project, the city and BWSC Projects of the Year. tion to see it completed. The project negotiated with TSR to attain a tem- Columbia’s Ridley Park is an began in early 2005, when the city of porary easement to build a construc- impressive, 78-acre, state-of-the-art Columbia contracted with Barge, tion access at-grade crossing while Receiving the TCAPWA Project of the Year award are: Ron Harrison complex featuring 12 multi-purpose Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon, considering further options for the and Buddy Petty of Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. with athletic fields, including four 300- Inc. (BWSC), an architectural and entrance. An at-grade crossing for Columbia Parks Director Brian Borden, Public Works Director Ken foot fields that may be used for either engineering firm, to develop a mas- See RIDLEY on Page 3 Donaldson, and Assistant Public Works Director Jeff DeWire. www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/DECEMBER 19, 2011

to be rebuilt in the spring. But AGC officials decided to delay the rebuild and shut down the line for some period of time. The plant employs 280 to 300 people. Of those, ap- proximately 100 people are tied to BY TML STAFF REPORTS CLEVELAND the production line scheduled for Dozens of agencies are taking part in closure. The plant manufactures BRISTOL the Tennessee Targeted Community glass for the solar industry. Executives with the Kansas-based Crime Reduction Grant programs. telecommunications company The $800,000 grant, in its second MEMPHIS Sprint announced plans to move one year, targets what police call Sectors Smith & Nephew Inc. laid off 80 of their call centers from Interstate One and Two, the south and east employees in Memphis after the 81’s Exit 7 in Bristol, Va., to a areas of Cleveland. One part of the company combined the Memphis- 48,500-square-foot facility that’s program to reduce crime rates and based orthopedic reconstruction di- being built off state Route 394 in recidivism in the area is an elemen- vision and its Andover, Mass.-based Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer Bristol, Tenn. The building, which is tary school class called Resisting endoscopy unit in July. The affected joined the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state and local being built less than 500 yards away Aggression Defensively. Law en- employees were given notice and leaders in Maury County to celebrate the reopening of a section of from the Food City grocery store on forcement, the city and county “comprehensive severance pack- State Route 7. The roadway has been closed since the May 2010 state Route 394, will house the more school systems, city government ages and outplacement support,” floods triggered a massive landslide that caused the road to collapse. than 600 employees who currently and nonprofit agencies such as the according to a company spokes- work at the Exit 7 call center and Boys and Girls Club and the Bradley man. The move affected 150 em- provide the company with room for Initiative for Church and Commu- ployees globally. The London-based auctioning off the huge presses for mates building a streetcar system future growth. Construction on this nity are working to bring down the medical-device maker employs scrap this fall. A small Minnesota would cost twice as much and draw new facility will start during the first crime rate in Sectors One and Two 2,000 to 2,100 here. The Memphis firm is trying to edge into the gift only a few more riders. quarter of 2012. It will become fully using funds from the grant. operation is now part of the wrap business by buying the $7.5 operational by 2013 and sits just off company’s Advanced Surgical De- million worth of equipment left by OAK RIDGE Sprint Drive – a street so-named COLUMBIA vices division, the combination of Cleo. The Industrial Development Oak Ridge leaders are taking steps because it formerly housed a call Columbia State Community Col- the orthopedic and endoscopy busi- Board of Memphis and Shelby toward a new development that center used by Sprint’s yellow pages lege has started buying triple-X nesses. According to a company County approved tax abatements could create more than a hundred operation. Internet domains to keep porn sites statement, there were duplications in worth nearly $1 million over six jobs in the coming months. The city from being associated with the col- roles when bringing the two divi- years for Impact Innovations Inc. of council recently revised its earlier BRISTOL lege. The college is spending about sions together. “Couple that with a Clara City, Minn. The firm is consid- decisions about Woodland Town Approximately 250 full-time jobs $1,000 to buy eight triple-X do- more challenging economic and ering locating a 25-employee plant Center. Plans call for moving for- will be eliminated at Bristol Com- mains. It joins other Tennessee regulatory environment in some of and a related design and marketing ward on the development that will be pressors as part of a significant re- higher education institutions in our more established markets; it’s an office in Memphis, the Memphis located in the center of town on structuring at the company. Com- making the move, including the Uni- overall negative effect on our entire suburb of Southaven or the Nash- Illinois Avenue. It would include res- pany spokespersons report a “num- versity of Tennessee. industry, not just Smith & Nephew.” ville suburb of Franklin. Owned taurants and eventually more busi- ber of factors have made this action most recently by CSS Industries nesses. The plan was approved three necessary, including a sluggish re- FRANKLIN MEMPHIS Inc. of Philadelphia, Cleo prospered years ago, but funding and infra- covery from the worst economic Aldermen have discussed details of a Memphis is scheduled to implement for years, employing more than structure were just finalized. The downturn since the Great Depres- new contract between the city and the 311 system for reaching non- 1,000 Memphis workers in a plant city has decided to abandon Quincy sion, and the lowest level of new the state Department of Transporta- emergency government services in capable of producing a strip of gift Street between South Illinois Av- home sales in the past 40 years, tion (TDOT) to build an access road the spring. The city plans to spend wrap two billion feet long every enue and South Purdue Avenue and which has reduced demand for off Lewisburg Pike and into the $1.5 million to set up the first phase year. use the land for the center. City Bristol’s products. Spokespersons city’s 110-acre Civil War park off of the 311 system. Mayor A.C. officials note the development will said the restructuring plan is geared Carnton Lane. The project would Wharton hopes that first phase will NASHVILLE create 135 construction jobs, while to further improve Bristol’s com- cost around $869,000 and the city be complete by March, with the Nashville received a big donation, the restaurants should create an ad- petitive positioning and enable would commit $369,000. This sum- entire system — at a cost of about $5 which will eventually help make the ditional 100. Bristol to continue to provide its mer, the state approved a $500,000 million — in operation within two city even greener. Family members customers with high-quality prod- grant to build the access road. In years. The operation will be housed and friends of Cornelia Fort Airpark ROGERSVILLE ucts and service. October, the Tennessee Civil War at the main library, which already donated $200,000 to the Open Space Sam Dong, Inc.has announced the National Heritage Area will give operates the 211 system that directs Fund. The money will go toward a company’s decision to locate a sec- CHATTANOOGA Franklin a $240,000 grant to buy the people to community resources. master plan that calls for more parks ond manufacturing facility in The bus system has a grant to buy kiosks, signs and brochures needed The first phase will include three city and green areas around town.The Rogersville. The company will in- three buses that are expected to to help bring more visitors to the divisions: the mayor’s service cen- city says the donation will help re- vest $2.8 million over the next three vastly expand the range of electri- park. Aldermen also discussed de- ter, public works and community plenish the Open Space Fund, which years and create 85 production and cally operated public transit in the tails of a contract between the city, enhancement. The remaining divi- will allow future land acquisitions to maintenance jobs. Sam Dong, Inc. city. A $2.5 million federal grant will the state Department of Environ- sions could be added piecemeal or all be made. The 135-acre Cornelia Fort produces specialty magnet copper be used to buy new electric buses ment and Conservation (TDEC) and at once. Unlike 911 service, there Airpark in east Nashville was the wiring products used in the produc- that can recharge in minutes and the Harpeth River Watershed Asso- will be no fees for 311 on custom- first acquisition for Nashville’s tion of transformers, motors and operate all day on city streets at ciation to remove a low-head dam on ers’ telephone bills. Memphis be- Open Space Master Plan and is now generators. The company’s second about 20 percent of the cost of diesel the Harpeth River, which is directly comes the sixth Tennessee city — a part of the Shelby Bottoms park Rogersville facility will be located at buses.The Chattanooga Area Re- across Lewisburg Pike from the and the last of its four largest — to system. The National Resource De- 303 Thorpe’s Chapel Road. Head- gional Transportation Authority Eastern Flank of the Battle of set up 311 service. The TRA says fense Council named Nashville one quartered in Eumseong, South Ko- (CARTA) says the technology al- Franklin Park. TDEC officials are Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, of 14 “Emerald cities” in the country rea, Sam Dong, Inc. has three South lows bus drivers to park over induc- pledging around $189,000 in in-kind Dyersburg and Mt. Juliet already for its green infrastructure policies Korean facilities and two in the U.S. tion coils in a garage or buried be- contributions, including actual re- have the service. and Open Space Plan. The current facility employs 207 neath a street and recharge the bat- moval of the dam, while a $500,000 people and is the company’s first teries wirelessly in a few minutes. grant would pay for much of the MURFREESBORO NASHVILLE U.S. facility. The technology is called wayside work. Franklin’s share is estimated More than $107 million is being The LifePoint hospital chain plans to induction. The University of Ten- to be around $309,000, but could be pumped into 33 significant transpor- switch addresses from Williamson SPRING HILL nessee-Chattanooga is working with lowered to around $275,000 with tation projects in Rutherford County to Davidson county, bringing hun- General Motors has announced it CARTA to test the wireless charging more in-kind donations. through 2015. The projects are dreds of jobs and a boost in tax will begin building its Chevrolet technology. The new buses will among a five-year work plan, the revenues to Metro government cof- Equinox at its idled Spring Hill plant recharge at the rate of one minute per GATLINBURG Nashville Area Metropolitan Plan- fers. A new building that would total next year and plans to begin making mile. A driver on the three-mile tour- The city has installed electric car ning Organization’s transportation more than 200,000 square feet is a 2015 midsized vehicle there in the ism route downtown would re- charging stations in two downtown improvement plan for fiscal years planned on what’s currently an open future. GM will invest a total of $244 charge while picking up passengers parking garages.The 240-volt Blink 2011-2015. The MPO leads the field. LifePoint plans to consolidate million and create nearly 1,900 jobs. at both ends of the circuit and, in Wall Mount Chargers are part of the region’s planning and funding ef- offices that are spread across sev- The initial $61 million investment theory, keep driving all day. The EV Project, funded by the U.S. De- forts with the goal of creating a eral buildings at Maryland Farms will create nearly 700 jobs. Produc- benchmark is what testers refer to partment of Energy. The stations regional, multi-modal transportation roughly three miles away across the tion on the Equinox is scheduled to as “one minute, one mile, one can fully recharge an electric car system. That regional area currently county border in Williamson. The begin in the second half of 2012.The dime.” battery in four to eight hours.City includes 1.5 million people through- move would be a significant boost timing on the second vehicle was not Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said out Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, for the Seven Springs development, announced. CHATTANOOGA the stations are critical to extending Williamson, Wilson and parts of which has one building with room The Wrigley Manufacturing Com- the driving range of electric vehicles Maury and Robertson counties. for several more. TELFORD pany will add 54 new jobs locally to the town.Gatlinburg was a pre- While the Rutherford County list Nakatetsu Machining Technologies when a $409,244 expansion of its ferred site for the stations because includes traditional road widening NASHVILLE has announced the decision to ex- existing facility is completed. the Smoky Mountains are popular and interchange projects, it heavily Eager to reduce congestion while pand its Telford facility. The $6.3 Hamilton County commissioners with travelers. focuses on alternative transporta- staring at an upcoming quarter-cen- million investment will create 35 approved a grant awarded from tion, such as adding sidewalks, bi- tury of population growth, a group new manufacturing jobs and retain Gov. Bill Haslam’s FastTrack Infra- KINGSPORT cycle paths, bus transit improve- of mass transit leaders agreed that 60 at the plant. The company is a structure Development Program to AGC Flat Glass plans to shut down ments, bus equipment, traffic cam- the city should start planning a bus manufacturer of tapered roller bear- fund the gum and candy company’s one of two production lines at its era monitoring equipment and ex- rapid transit system that would run ings for the automotive industry. expansion, including the addition of Blue Ridge Plant in Kingsport in the pansion of greenways. At least 19 of from East Nashville’s Five Points This latest expansion will allow the a rail spur. Headquartered in Chi- first quarter next year, impacting as the Rutherford projects are within area to Harding and White Bridge company to operate two additional cago, Ill., Wrigley operates as a sub- many as 100 employees. A company Murfreesboro. roads in West Nashville. Transpor- production lines, which are ex- sidiary of Mars, Inc., a private, fam- spokesperson said the business has tation planners estimate the project pected to be installed in January ily-owned company founded in been negatively impacted by a big MEMPHIS would cost about $136 million and it 2012. The facility has been located 1911. influx of imports from China. The Gift wrap maker Cleo is closing its isn’t clear how much local funding in Telford since 2007. plant’s “K1” furnace was scheduled 600-employee Memphis plant after would be needed. The study esti-

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Your Professional Employee Benefit Company The Malone Company 124 North Main Avenue • P.O. Box 616 Fayetteville, TN 37334 Target Your Advertising Office: (931) 433-6907 FAX: (931) 433-9714 Call Debbie Kluth Toll Free (888) 752-7126 615-255-6416 Email: [email protected] Fire, police part of Tennessee’s modern family EMERGENCY from Page 1 nent fixtures in the lives of the citi- No. 2 for emergency assistance. zens they serve. Longer hours and Fearing the worst, Luke thought he advanced training in emergency, could meet an ambulance on the way medical and other procedures have faster than if he pulled over to wait. drawn these professionals into dif- “My husband’s a cop,” Johanna ferent arenas of public service, in explained to Sedlak. “He said he’s many cases, positively affecting the not going to stop ‘til we get there.” outcome of deadly situations. “I don’t care who your husband “The job of the firefighter has is, Sedlak responded. “You need to grown and increased dramatically pull over at the fire station, and they over the last 30 years,” said Dennis will help you right now.” Wolf, Municipal Technical Advisory When the Paivas arrived, Service fire consultant and retired firefighters, including Wes Bryant, Germantown fire chief. “When I the paramedic on duty, were waiting joined the fire department in 1977, I with medical equipment in hand. As responded to the infrequent medical they removed him from the vehicle, call. Today, at least 80 percent of fire Jack unceremoniously opened his department calls are medical.” Wolf eyes, and then vomited all over a recalls the early 60s when ambu- firefighter and his dad. At that point, lance services were mainly operated everyone quietly rejoiced realizing by funeral homes with no medical the child was conscious. Fire staff training. “They would show up, put helped stabilize Jack with oxygen the person on the gurney and drive and IV fluids, before the ambulance like heck to the hospital,” he said. whisked the family away to Today’s firefighters are trained Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. in search and rescue, building col- Later, in a letter to Franklin’s lapse, responding to hazardous ma- Aldermen, Johanna Paiva expressed terial calls such as overturned tank- Jack Paiva, 10 months, held by his father Luke and flanked by his mother Johanna, is surrounded by Franklin her family’s sincere gratitude: The ers and meth labs. They respond to Fire Department staff and police dispatchers at station number two where Jack received emergency care. firefighters on duty that day could floods and weapons of mass de- The staff on duty that day are: Asst. Chief Greg Baltimore, Capt. Clay Mackey, Lt. Michael Pardue, Engineer not have been more kind or profes- struction, have rescued people on Andrew Ivey, Engineer Tommy Anderson, Firefighters Josh Thomas, Jason McCord, Jeremy Martin, and sional. They all worked to get us the cell towers, in trenches, confined Firefighter/Paramedic Wes Bryant. Dispatcher Anthony Sedlak was the calming presence on the phone and help we needed, while keeping us spaces and rain swollen culverts Dispatcher Natalie Keene routed the ambulance to fire station No. 2. calm the entire time. They held Jack where playing children frequently while getting an IV line started, and get swept away. nicipal fire departments require staff medics to provide 24-hour ALS were saving more lives on the battle- kept me from panicking by telling “We’ve had a couple of cases to be an Emergency Medical Techni- care,” Hughes said. “You have to field than we were here in car me about their own children. They where the doctor said if the fire cian (EMT) or a paramedic to be have a minimum of four on staff to accidents. Doctors asked “Why even helped us get the diaper bag department had not taken the medi- employed, which is found in more do that. We are looking at making can’t we apply some of these things and my purse to the ambulance, got cal steps before the ambulance got paid departments than volunteer or arrangements for our staff to oper- here?” The person could be treated at my husband a clean Franklin Fire there, the patient would have died,” combination departments. The offi- ate as paramedics when the ambu- the scene and wouldn’t have to wait Department t-shirt to change into, said Fairview Fire Chief Mike Coo- cials will fund the level of service lance is on the scene.” until arriving at the hospital to receive and moved our van for us while we per. Fairview’s fire department that the community wants or can “I was Germantown Fire treatment. If you have somebody were getting ready to head to the boasts a Basic Life Support program afford. In some communities, they Department’s first paramedic,” said trapped in a car, rather than let them hospital. They were true public ser- (BLS) since 2007 where firefighters will elect to have paramedics on all Wolf. “I got my paramedic license in bleed to death, you could go ahead vants, in every sense of the word, may administer intravenous therapy their fire trucks. Other communities 1979. One of the reasons was I was and start an IV and necessary treat- and friends to us that day– friends and certain drugs on injured or sick can’t afford that, so they may have tired of performing CPR all the way ment. We started applying battlefield we had never met before, and friends patients along with First Responder a few paramedics or none at all.” to St. Francis Hospital and then medicine to the streets. That’s what we very much needed. levels of care. The department Fortunately, Franklin’s fire station watching people die. I could do CPR got the paramedic program rolling.” Doctors diagnosed Jack with would like to eventually offer Ad- No. 2 offers ALS care 24/7. all the way to the hospital, but they EMT and paramedic licensure is intussusception, an extremely pain- vanced Life Support (ALS) care but According to Fairview Fire never recovered.” offered at local community colleges, ful stomach condition common in currently do not have the funds to Captain Scott Hughes, ALS para- According to Wolf, the Vietnam where the paramedic course runs at children where the intestines bind support it. medics are allowed to utilize heart War was instrumental in changing least two semesters and provides upon each other and become inter- “Nothing requires fire depart- monitors for cardiac ryththm and the way emergency services are more skill sets than in the past. locked. It isn’t uncommon for chil- ments to provide medical care, it’s control electricity based on the provided in the US today. “On the “It’s making a difference,” said dren to go into shock during the decided by local elected officials or monitor reading. They also may ad- battlefield they had helicopters and Wolf. “That’s why we do it, we episode. In Jack’s case, doctors depends upon different cities as to minister up to 90 varieties of drugs trained medics who could start IVs want to make a difference. The more suspect the condition corrected it- where that policy decision rests,” and have other medical skills. “We and pick up the wounded to take you know, the more you can help self when the child regurgitated. On said Wolf. “ Many county and mu- currently don’t have enough para- them to the hospital,” he said. “They make people’s lives better.” the Wednesday before Thanksgiv- ing, Jack was clearly happy to be the center of attention and enjoying his Columbia’s Ridley Park awarded project of the year new friends at fire station number two. He giggled and raised his tiny RIDLEY from Page 1 hands in victory, while his parents the volume of traffic entering and hugged and thanked the staff for exiting the park was not logical for their services. safety reasons, but an alternate The next week, more excite- bridge crossing was out of range of ment took place in Memphis as po- the city’s budget. Routing the en- lice officer Melanie Medlock came trance road off State Route 243 to the aid of a pregnant woman and (Trotwood Avenue) was a possibil- her newborn baby. At 10:50 pm, ity, but right-of-way was needed Officer Medlock and her partner from adjacent property owners. were responding to an unrelated do- BWSC and the city officials worked mestic call in the neighborhood, to negotiate terms with owners of when they happened upon the 26- the property to the southern and year-old woman lying on the eastern sides of the site. ground. The woman’s husband in- After more than three years of formed them his wife was in labor, extensive meetings, a route was fi- but when the officers attempted to nally obtained by purchasing a move her into her vehicle to wait, it 2,800-LF by 50-foot right-of-way. became clear the baby had no inten- The less-direct route of the main tion of waiting for an ambulance. entrance road not only improves That’s when Officer Medlock safety for visitors to the park, but reached for her gloves. As fellow also provides a more rural, attractive officer James Dolan held the flash- approach, giving visitors a defined light, Medlock delivered the healthy sense of arrival. The road was de- baby boy, but only after she un- signed and constructed in a way that tangled the umbilical cord tightly maintains the tree line and protects wound around the baby’s neck. an existing fence shielding the neigh- Both mother and child today are boring farm. doing fine. For more information, visit the Throughout the state, Columbia’s Ridley Park is an impressive, 78-acre, state-of-the-art complex featuring 12 multi-purpose TCAPWA’s website at firefighters and police officers are athletic fields, including four 300-foot fields that may be used for either adult softball or youth baseball and www.tennessee.apwa.net or the evolving into more than just public six 200-foot fields that can accommodate girls fast pitch softball and Little League baseball. Additionally, 40 city’s website www.columbiatn. servants, they are becoming perma- acres of the site are reserved for future development into a soccer complex. com. www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/DECEMBER 19, 2011

Jason Foundation, based in since April 22, 2010. According to Hendersonville, which works to pre- the Energy Division of the Tennes- vent youth suicide. see Department of Economic and Community Development, about Energy rebates still available $4.1 million has been paid to Tennes- BY TML STAFF REPORTS More than $1 million remains for seans through the program. New energy efficient appliance rebates in applications must be postmarked by TNTrade to boost exports Tennessee. The money is for con- Jan. 14. For details go to www.e- State officials announced an initia- sumers who have upgraded to a rebates.org/teearp or call 877-741- tive designed to bolster Tennessee qualifying Energy Star appliance 4304. exports and offer modest help to small companies that want to sell products overseas, perhaps for the first time. The new trade program, Gov. Haslam announces $10M in TNTrade, was launched in Mem- block grants for East Tennessee phis, the city that government and business leaders praised as a leader East Tennessee will soon re- Community Livability - Bulls in logistics. One key component ceive more than $10 million in block Gap: $240,363, Ducktown: would reimburse companies up to grants designed to help with infra- $100,000, New Hope: $200,000, $5,000 in export expenses to aid structure improvements, Gov. and Sunbright: $176,720. small and mid-sized companies that Haslam announced. The money Sewer Lines - Soddy Daisy: want to do business or expand sales comes from the more than $23 mil- $340,000 overseas. State officials believe ex- lion in Community Development Sewer Systems -Copperhill: ports are concentrated too heavily in Construction of a new headquarters and visitor complex for the Block Grants (CDBG) recently ap- $225,000, Crossville: $500,000, a few areas of Tennessee at this Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is under way. The new headquar- proved by Haslam and Community Elizabethton: $500,000,Greeneville: stage. The state’s export industry is ters is located on Britton Ford Peninsula of the Big Sandy Unit, a 15- Development Commissioner Bill $500,000, Jamestown: $500,000, expected to exceed $30 billion this minute drive from Paris. Hagerty.CDBG funds were distrib- Mount Carmel: $500,000, Norris: year, a 15 percent increase over uted based on priorities set by the $300,000, Oneida: $500,000, 2010. A trade mission to China and Creeks National Wildlife refuges and might take a role in a 12-state com- communities themselves. Sneedville: $500,000 and South Korea to make contacts for will not only provide office spaces pact that promotes hardwood sales, The Tennessee General Assem- Spring City: $350,000. Tennessee-based medical equip- but a state of the art visitor center, which total $300 million a year in bly authorized the funds, which are Water Lines - Newport: $500,000 ment manufacturers and other auditorium, observation deck, na- Tennessee, by seeking LEED, Green administered by the Department of Water Systems - Benton: health-care interests is also on tap ture book store and a classroom for Globe and other “green” certifica- Economic and Community Devel- $500,000, Caryville: $468,420, next spring. environmental education programs. tions for Tennessee wood products. opment. Cities scheduled to receive Gainesboro: $300,000 and Construction of the building, as well block grants include: Livingston: $500,000 Original Emancipation Proclama- as upgrading the access road and THP radio system announced tion coming to the State Museum bringing utilities to the site, is ex- The state has announced an agree- The original copy of the Emancipa- pected to be completed by next fall. ment with Motorola Solutions Inc. November tax collections tion Proclamation is coming to Ten- for a statewide radio system for state nessee in 2013, in a rare display Recession changes government troopers. Under $39.2 million appro- represent modest growth marking the 150th anniversary of the The aftershocks of the 2008 Great priated by the General Assembly, beginning of the end of slavery. Gov. Recession are changing the face of radios will be upgraded in the Ten- Tennessee revenue collections $40.7 million, which is $2.7 million Bill Haslam announced an effort to Tennessee government, particularly nessee Highway Patrol Chatta- for November were $765.6 million, above the budgeted estimate of bring the first Emancipation Procla- its size. Most state functions are nooga, Fall Branch and Knoxville which is 4.58 percent above No- $38.0 million. Year-to date the mation signed by President Abraham operating with almost 10 percent districts. It’s the first phase of the vember 2010. November collec- growth rate for four months is posi- Lincoln to Nashville, as part of an fewer workers now than before the project replacing a system more than tions represent consumer spending tive 10.47 percent. exhibition of Civil War documents at downturn. Data compiled by legisla- 30 years old. Officials said it would that occurred during October. Gasoline and motor fuel collec- the Tennessee State Museum. The tive analysts shows there were help troopers communicate with “The overall growth rate in our tions were $3.4 million less than the exhibition will cost about $450,000. 47,102 full-time positions supported authorities in Kentucky, Arkansas, November tax collections - particu- budgeted estimate of $73.8 million. The document has been put on dis- by the general fund in the pre-reces- Georgia, North Carolina, South larly the sales and corporate taxes - For four months year-to-date col- play in the Southeast only one previ- sion 2007-08 budget. That has fallen Carolina and Virginia. Officials said leads us to believe that growth dur- lections are $6.2 million below the ous time in the past half century. The to a projected 42,856 in the 2012 the new system also will help com- ing fiscal year 2012 will be moder- budgeted estimate. display will be part of a six-month state budget that took effect July 1. munications between troopers and ate," Finance and Administration Tobacco tax collections for the exhibit about the Civil War that will The information is based on annual similar Motorola radio operations Commissioner Mark Emkes said. month were under collected by open at the state museum on Feb. 12, figures for the last five budget years used in cities including Nashville, “Typically, about one-fourth of all $900,000. Privilege tax collections which is also Lincoln’s birthday.The compiled by the House and Senate Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, franchise and excise collections were $400,000 less than the bud- proclamation — signed by Lincoln finance committees and the Office Jackson and Franklin. come in during April, and coupled geted estimate of $16.6 million. In- on Jan. 1, 1863 — ended slavery in of Legislative Budget Analysis. Fig- with national economic indicators, it heritance and Estate taxes were over the 11 Southern states that seceded ures exclude the Transportation De- City, counties stock up on salt means we must remain vigilant in collected by $100,000 for the from the Union. partment, which is funded sepa- City and county road departments monitoring our spending patterns. month. All other taxes were over rately. That department lost 6.6 per- are stocking up on road salt ahead of On an accrual basis, November is collected by a net of $3.5 million. Oct. unemployment rate drops cent of its workers during the period time for winter weather in Middle the fourth month in the 2011-2012 Year-to date collections for four Tennessee’s October unemploy- and has 4,667 in the current budget. Tennessee. Last winter, the weather fiscal year. months were $71.0 million more ment rate of 9.6 percent dropped Higher education employees also was so harsh nationwide it caused a November collections were than the budgeted estimate. The gen- slightly from the previous weren’t included in the analysis. shortage in the amount of road salt $11.0 million more than the bud- eral fund was over collected by month.The September rate was 9.8 State legislative analysts estimated available for roads departments to geted estimate. The general fund $69.5 million and the four other percent. The national unemploy- the share of the budget funded by purchase. The Tennessee Depart- was over collected by $12.6 million funds were over collected by $1.5 ment rate for October was 9 per- state taxes and fees dropped some ment of Transportation (TDOT) re- and the four other funds were under million. cent. State Labor Commissioner $1.5 billion between fiscal year 2008 ports that all salt bins are at capacity collected by $1.6 million. The budgeted revenue estimates Karla Davis says education and and FY 2012. Tennessee revenues in the state’s 95 counties. TDOT has Sales tax collections were $9.4 for 2011-2012 are based on the State health services were two of the sec- are improving, but are still expected increased its winter weather budget million more than the estimate for Funding Board’s consensus recom- tors fueling the employment hike. to come in short of FY 2008 levels by nearly $1 million to $15.5 million November. The November growth mendation of April 15, 2011 and According to a survey of busi- until next year. and has more than 191,000 tons of rate was positive 5.19 percent. Year- adopted by the first session of the nesses, monthly employment in- salt and more than 1.6 million gallons to-date the growth rate for four 107th General Assembly in May. creases came in local government Officials explore ways to promote of salt brine ready for use. This year months is positive 6.18 percent. They are available on the state’s education services, up 7,500 jobs; TN farmers and forester products the department also added two addi- Franchise and excise combined website at http://www.tn.gov/fi- educational and health services was State agriculture officials are explor- tional salt vendors in case there is collections for November were nance/bud/budget.html. up 4,100; and trade, transportation ing various ways to promote Ten- another shortage of salt. and utilities increased by 2,600 jobs. nessee farmers’ and foresters’ From September to October, leisure products as part of a broader effort New app aims to prevent suicide Economy gradually improving and hospitality decreased by 2,000 to spur economic development in State officials announced a new sui- jobs; mining, logging and construc- rural areas. Among the ideas on the cide prevention smartphone app for ECONOMY from Page 1 Currey projected that for the tion was down 1,000; and financial table: targeting agribusiness recruit- Tennessee soldiers.The “Guard are hovering just below 400,000. remaining FY11-12 year, revenues activities declined by 800 jobs. ment efforts, marketing lesser- Your Buddy” app is the first of its “We’re at the threshold,” he will grow by 3.8 percent, bringing known commodities and seeking kind in the country with the potential said. “We need to get below 400,000 the total growth for the year to 4.4 Wildlife headquarters underway “green” certification for building to spread to other states. At least six before we can say that we are really percent; and FY 12-13 will see a 3.9 After two years of planning and products from Tennessee. The Ten- Tennessee guardsmen or women adding jobs back into the economy. percent increase. design work, the construction of the nessee Agriculture and Forestry have taken their lives since 2004. He reported that Tennessee lost At press time, the Funding new headquarters and visitor com- Economic Development Task Force Soldiers, or others, can use the app 6 percent of its jobs during the peak Board had not set revenue estimates plex for the Tennessee National has met twice since it was formed in to dial a clinician when suicide is of the Recession. Currently, that for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Wildlife Refuge is under way. The October. The group is looking at threatened. Maj. Gen. Terry “Max” number has climbed to 2.5 percent The Funding Board, which is 12,479-square-foot center is being several key concepts to better target Haston, the state adjutant general, fewer jobs prior to the peak perfor- made up of Commissioner Emkes, built with funding from the Ameri- agribusiness recruitment efforts by said the Guard faces a challenge mance in 2006. Secretary of State Tre Hargett, can Reinvestment and Recovery Act identifying which companies are because it is not a post like nearby “Retail sales will continue to Comptroller Justice Wilson, and (ARRA). The new center will pro- most likely to relocate here or ex- Fort Campbell where in-person grow, but at more sustainable rate. Treasurer David Lillard, uses the vide an administrative headquarters pand in Tennessee, then aggres- counseling might be available. The But the housing market will remain projections to make budget esti- for both the Tennessee and Cross sively courting them. The state also project is being done along with the sluggish through 2012,” he said. mates for each fiscal year.

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Target Your Advertising Call Debbie Kluth 615-255-6416 dkluth@ TML1.org. 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/DECEMBER 19, 2011 www.TML1.org

BY TML STAFF REPORTS Victorville, Ca. for more than 20 systems across the state with cur- years. His background includes ex- riculum and research initiatives. Sen. Lamar Alexander has a new tensive experience in street mainte- chief of staff. Ryan Loskarn will nance, sewer collection, traffic con- Ridgetop Police succeed Matt Sonnesyn, who is trol, fleet maintenance, street light- Chief Randall leaving to pursue private interests. ing, transit services, stormwater, Adcock has been Sonnesyn will continue his job as park maintenance and managing appointed to the staff director of the Senate Repub- contractual services. Patterson Tennessee Peace lican Conference through early started his new positon on Nov. 21. Officers Stan- 2012. Among his previous jobs, dard and Training Loskarn served as communica- Dr. David R. Reagan of Johnson (POST) Commis- tions director for Tennessee U.S. city is the new chief medical officer sion by Governor Rep. Marsha Blackburn. for the Tennessee Department of Bill Haslam. Adcock Health. He currently serves as chief The Tennessee POST Commission Rockwood City Council has of- of staff for the Veterans Affairs is responsible for developing and fered the city administrator’s job to Medical Center in Mountain Home. enforcing standards and training for Jack Miller, Crossville’s former Reagan has a medical degree and a all local police officers. The com- top official to replace Jim Hines, doctorate in organic chemistry from mission also promotes continuing who is retiring. Miller has a work Vanderbilt University. law enforcement training for the full Detective Jason Kennedy recently graduated from the National record that includes extended stints time peace officers in Tennessee. In Forensic Academy (NFA) with ceremonies in Knoxville. The NFA is as city manager in several cities. Mike Foster has addition, the Commission certifies a program of the University Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation been appointed as law enforcement training instruc- Center located in Oak Ridge. The academy provides students with Jennifer Decherd’s new city tors, curricula, and specialized practical hands-on experience in the fields of photography, firearms Rawls, former administrator. Fos- schools. The commission is com- and ballistics, fingerprinting, blood spatter interpretation, fire inves- executive direc- ter previously served posed of 18 members and includes tigation, and a variety of death investigation techniques. Instructors tor of the Ten- as Decherd’s City local law enforcement personnel, for the academy are from all areas of law enforcement and forensics. Foster nessee Eco- Recorder, City Ad- legislators, and Tennessee citizens. Detective Kennedy is the first Tullahoma police officer to attend this nomic Council ministrator, and Municipal Judge training and now will be able to train fellow officers on photography on Women, will and as Franklin County Commis- City Recorder Lynn McClurg has and fingerprint techniques at crime scenes and crime scene man- be the new di- sioner. He also served as sheriff of been selected as Sevierville’s interim agement. Kennedy has been an officer with the Tullahoma Police rector of com- Rawls Franklin County through 2006. city manager following the resigna- Department for six years; and has been an Investigator for three. munications for the city of tion of Steve Hendrix. Clarksville. Rawls, who is a licensed Kenny Martin, attorney and worked in private prac- Mt. Juliet’s Di- tice, has also worked in the Tennes- rector of Eco- see Attorney General’s office for 10 nomic and years. Community De- velopment, will Brian Noland become interim was unanimously city manager re- Martin approved by the placing Randy Tennessee Board Robertson, who has accepted the of Regents as the city manager position in Vestavia ninth president of Hills, Ala. Martin, 46, also served as East Tennessee the city’s former police chief. He will State University. start the job Dec.19. He will succeed Noland Dr. Paul E. Stanton Jr. on Jan. 15. Director of Putnam County Schools Stanton’s retirement is scheduled Kathleen Airhart has accepted the for Jan. 14. Stanton has been presi- position of Deputy Commissioner dent since January 1997. Noland is for the Tennessee Department of currently chancellor of the West Vir- Education and is resigning from her ginia Higher Education Policy Com- post in Putnam County effective De- mission, a job he has had since 2006. cember 30. Airhart has been director of Putnam County Schools since Guy W. Patterson has been named 2007 and was recently named Ten- the new director of Public Services nessee Superintendent of the Year. for the city of Goodlettsville. Before being named director of Patterson has more than 30 years of Putnam Schools, Airhart worked as professional experience and served the Tennessee Curriculum Repre- as assistant director and director of sentative for the McGraw Hill Pub- Public Works for the city of lishing Company, helping school

The city of McMinnville closed a $2 million variable rate loan with the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund (TMBF) to finance street and sidewalk improvements. Pictured are City Recorder Shirley Durham, Mayor Norman Rone and TMBF Representative Steve Walker. www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/DECEMBER 19, 2011 Governments learning the language of Lean

LEAN from Page 1 know what your biggest problems Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No 865-453-5518; or e-mailed to are? If the answer’s no, then how charge to TML members. Send adver- [email protected] by Fri. Dec. 30, could they help you fix it? “Ordinary tising to: TT&C Classified Ads, Mona 2011. The city of Sevierville is EOE and people can do extraordinary things Lawrence, 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, doesn’t discriminate on the basis of sex when given the right set of tools,” Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: or handicap in its programs or activities Parke continues. “What is the skill mlawrence@ TML1.org; or fax: 615- pursuant to Public Law 93-112 or 101- level for problem solving for your 255 4752. 336. employees? Is the environment in CITY ADMINISTRATOR FINANCE DIRECTOR your organization where people can SEVIERVILLE. The city is seeking FAIRVIEW. The city is accepting ap- speak? How easy is it to tell low-level qualified applicants for the position of plications for a Finance Director. The employees “Just shut up and color?” City Administrator. The position an- Finance Director has general supervi- Organizational processes are swers to a 5-member council and is sion over general financial affairs of the slowed routinely through delayed responsible for 275 full-time employ- City. A complete job description and signatures, lengthy hiring proce- ees and a $50 million budget. Candi- list of qualifications are available at dures or excessive decision making, dates must be proven managers with Fairview City Hall or at www.fairview- broken or worn out office machin- excellent communication and team tn.org Applicants should submit their ery, even storage spaces that can’t Parke Groves resume to 7100 City Center Way, building skills. Requirements include: be utilized because they’re crammed government environment. The but when people have limited re- demonstrated success in Public Fairview TN 37062 or to Admiistration, budgeting and finance, [email protected]. The posi- with unneeded surplus supplies. project led to a savings of more than sources, you want to pick out the intergovernmental relations, leader- tion is open until filled. EOE. “When I walk into a manufacturing $75,000 for Madison County. “The ones where you’ll have the most ship and strategic planning. At least plant, I instinctively start counting county wanted to move the property bang for your buck and the most seven years experience as City Man- FIRE CHIEF the number of forklifts,” Parke said. assessors’office in Jackson (located impact for the organization,” Rawls ager/Assistant City Manager or MCMINNVILLE. The city is accepting “If there’s a lot, that tells me there’s across the street) back to the court- said. “Our process helps you pick equivalent. Bachelor’s degree re- applications from qualified individuals a lot of waste.” house,” Groves explained. “Our goal out where you will get the best ben- quired. (Master’s preferred.) Salary for the position of fire chief. The city Lean links processes— from was to save the county $75,000 in efit in making these improvements.” $83,408 to $136,792 plus excellent ben- has two stations with 28 firemen work- the final step back to the start—in a rent and to create a more user- As a statewide non-profit orga- efits depending on qualifications. Ap- ing 24 on and 48 off. The department smooth continuous flow, without friendly service for the customers of nization, TNCPE invites organiza- plications are public record. To learn also provides first responder services. detours and generating the shortest Madison County.” tions or departments within organi- The ideal candidate will possess more about Sevierville, visit us on the zations, to complete self-assess- web at www.seviervilletn.org. Re- highly developed technical, presenta- lead time, highest quality and lowest Before the move began, all of the sumes should be mailed to Mayor tion and communication skills, will cost,” according to Groves. Agen- county’s directors attended a Lean ments based on the seven Categories Bryan Atchley, P.O. Box 5500 have in-depth knowledge and experi- cies begin by creating a strategic training session. Lean principles of the Baldridge Criteria. After an Sevierville, TN. 37864-5500, faxed to ence in the management of fire depart- plan of their most relevant areas, were applied to the new location to organization’s initial assessment is ments and will have significant opera- breaking the processes down step ensure that all materials and records complete, it will be evaluated by a tional experience in the various ranks by step and creating new patterns to fit in the newly selected space. “The team of TNCPE examiners, who of a fire department as his/her career guide those processes in the future. property assessor’s office has a dis- prepare detailed feedback based on has progressed. It is imperative that “Separate what adds value to the tinct path of the way the work needs the findings. The feedback identifies the fire chief set high standards of customer to what does not,” Parke to flow, and the Lean project helped the organization’s strengths and op- professional excellence develop a su- advises. “You’re also going to find the office work more efficiently,” portunities for improvement. “We Rain or shine, perior training program for staff and said Madison County Mayor Jimmy use a holistic, global approach by establish a succession plan for the there’s a lot of things that don’t add sleet or hail, department. The ideal candidate will value that you (as an agency) don’t Harris. looking at an organization as interre- have a minimum of six years of progres- have the choice to eliminate due to “Our government at the federal lated pieces to get the results you every day is perfect sively responsible supervisory or ad- governmental regulations or other and state level is facing challenges want, honing in on the greatest op- ministrative experience in fire fighting restrictions.” Parke suggests that that I haven’t seen before,” Parke portunities for improvement,” said for a GovDeals sale! services, Certification of Fire Officers groups set these processes aside, stressed. “As a senior leader, you Rawls. “The TNCPE conference school level 4, Fire Inspector State Cer- focusing only on those that can be have to make a compelling argument would be a great educational oppor- tification or obtain within one year. controlled and refined. “The last that things have to change. It’s not tunity for local government folks,” The successful candidate will be exam- thing that you want to do is make a toe in the water deal.” she added. ined by city physician to determine if something efficient that you don’t “This has been really educa- TNCPE will host its annual con- applicant can perform all essential du- need to do at all.” he adds. tional for me because I haven’t had ference 2012: Building a State of ties required of this position. The can- didate must be physically able to com- By creating a value stream, lead- Lean training,” said Portland Mayor Excellence on February 21-22 at the plete a job task related physical abili- ers are able to map out and edit the Ken Wilber, who attended the con- Franklin Marriot in Cool Springs. ties exam annually. Residency within number of steps leading to the most ference in Nashville.“I thought it Pre-conference workshops will in- Online Government the city is required within 90 days of desirable outcome for processes. was more for manufacturing, but it clude a session on Lean principals employment. The full job description Through value stream mapping, the is good for helping cities too. I have and the lunch keynote speaker will Surplus Auctions—24/7 can be viewed at http:// city of Cape Coral Florida, for ex- now set up a team to evaluate the be Michael Perich, consultant in www.mcminnvilletenn.com/. The sal- ample, reduced the time to obtain a way we handle calls for water, Systemwide Continuous Improve- ary for this position is dependent on Visit GovDeals.com today permit for construction from 21 sewer, and gas in our Utility Depart- ment for Montgomery County Pub- experience and qualifications. The sal- days to eight days. The time required ment. Currently, workers pick up lic Schools in Maryland, recipients or call 1-866-377-1494 ary range is $58,846 to $85,252. In addi- to hire a firefighter was whittled job tickets, then go out to the site. of the Baldridge Award for Perfor- tion the city offers a progressive ben- mance Excellence. For more infor- efit package that includes paid vaca- down from 66 days to 30 days, and We want to look at how to streamline tion, paid holidays, an extensive ben- lot mowing time was reduced from this process and eliminate the non- mation about TNCPE or the Annual 52 days to 19 days. “Come up with value added time by utilizing Lean conference, visit www.tncpe.org. TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF efit package that includes; insurance, Margaret Mahery, Executive Director dental, vision etc., and contributions an action plan to get from point to principals in the future.” To download Nashville’s Lean Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director to the state of Tennessee retirement point,” said Parke. “And then, do it Because Lean is an effective tool conference resources, visit Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst plan. Qualifies persons should submit all over again.” to streamline or take waste out of www.ips.tennessee.edu, scroll Carole Graves, Communications Director & a resume of experience and qualifica- Editor, Tennessee Town & City Groves recently participated in a processes, the Baldridge Criteria for down to “News and Announce- John Holloway, Government Relations tions, letter of interest, salary history benchmarking process initiated by Performance Excellence, the core of ments,” then click on the Lean Con- Debbie Kluth, Director of Marketing / and four professional references to : the Municipal Technical Advisory TNCPE, can serve as an extremely ference Schedule. Member Services Jennifer Rigsby, Human Resource Ad- Service and implemented by the complimentary program to Lean, Also, read about the history of Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst ministrator, City of McMinnville, PO County Technical Advisory Service according to Rawls. “Any organiza- Lean production in James P. Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Box 7088, McMinnville, TN, 37111. Denise Paige, Government Relations Closing date for applications is Dec. 29, and CIS to see how Lean manufac- tion would have hundreds of pro- Womack’s book “The Machine Victoria South, Communications Coordinator turing principles could benefit a local cesses which could be improved, That Changed the World.” Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning 2011. TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 — Official publication of the Tennessee Munici- pal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail mlawrence@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. Tennessee Town & City is published, semi-monthly, 20 times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage paid at Nash- ville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Tennes- see Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Good Risk Management is just Good Management

Cities and municipal agencies have joined together to create in the TML Pool what has grown to be the largest municipal insurer in Tennessee. The extent of the coverage provided for municipal exposures is staggering.

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

5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/DECEMBER 19, 2011 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2011-2012 Officers and Directors PRESIDENT Kay Senter Mayor Pro-Tem, Morristown VICE PRESIDENTS Ken Wilber BY TML STAFF REPORTS Mayor, Portland Allen Barker Mayor, Humboldt The war on methamphetamine David May has gotten some support from TENNESSEE Councilmember, Cleveland Congress — millions of dollars to DIRECTORS FESTIVALS Bryan Atchely clean up the toxic waste gener- Mayor, Sevierville ated by clandestine labs. President Dec.19-Jan.7:Bristol Madeline Rogero Barack Obama signed a wide-rang- Speedway in Lights. Drive on the Mayor, Knoxville ing appropriations bill that included legendary “World’s Fastest Half- Kevin Helms the restoration of $12.5 million for City Manager, Oak Hill ( District 5) Mile” where millions of holiday Vance Coleman meth lab cleanup. Tennessee led the lights and hundreds of displays line Mayor, Medina (District 7) nation in the number of meth labs in the route. All proceeds benefit the Betsy Crossley 2010. The measure restores funding Bristol Chapter of Speedway Commissioner, Brentwood (District 6) lost in February, when federal meth Karl Dean Children’s Charities. For more in- lab cleanup money through the formation, call 423-989-6900. Mayor, Metro Nashville Community Oriented Policing Ser- Bo Perkinson Vice Mayor, Athens (District 3) vices program ran out, and was not Dec. 31:Gatlinburg David Gordon renewed. The program provided New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and 24th Mayor, Covington (District 8) $19.2 million for meth lab cleanup in J.H. Graham III President Barack Obama signed a wide-ranging appropriations bill annual Fireworks Show. Held at the 2010. Studies showed without fed- that included the restoration of $12.5 million for meth lab cleanup. Space Needle at Traffic Light #8. Mayor, Crossville eral cleanup money, many local po- Bill Hammon The Space Needle will come to life Asst. City Manager, Alcoa (District 2) lice and sheriff’s departments were nearly $667 billion in general fund payments to Netflix’s DVDs-by- at the stroke of midnight with fabu- Curtis Hayes far less likely to seek out meth labs expenditures this year, a 2.9 percent mail, add costs to mail-order pre- lous fireworks. Begins around 11 Mayor, Livingston because they couldn’t afford the increase compared to $648 billion in scription drugs, and threaten the pm. For more information, call 800- Dot LaMarche, clean up. general fund spending last year. But Vice Mayor, Farragut existence of newspapers and time- 568-4748. Ron Littlefield that’s still $20 billion less than the sensitive magazines delivered by Mayor, Chattanooga State governments are facing a pre-recession high of $687 billion in postal carrier to far-flung suburban Dec. 31: Nashville Keith McDonald “big squeeze” from local govern- 2008, according to the survey. State and rural communities. That birth- Music City New Years Eve Bash Mayor, Bartlett ments and the federal govern- governments also will be pressured Held On Broadway from 7 pm to 1 Troy Beets day card mailed first-class to Mom ment, according to a fiscal survey by local governments impacted by also could arrive a day or two late, if am. Street party features hours of Mayor, Kingston released by the National Gover- Norman Rone the decline in housing values. people don’t plan ahead. The cuts, live music, a beer garden, partner Mayor, McMinnville (District 4) nors Association (NGA) and the now being finalized, would close exhibits and special event party hats Charles “Bones” Seivers National Association of State Facing bankruptcy, the U.S. roughly 250 of the nearly 500 mail and horns. On the countdown to President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund Budget Officers (NASBO). That Postal Service is pushing ahead midnight, fans are treated to a Guitar Margaret Feierabend processing centers across the coun- squeeze will happen as states get less with unprecedented cuts to first- try as early as next March. Because Drop and a dazzling fireworks dis- Councilmember, Bristol (District 1) federal funds due to anticipated cuts A.C. Wharton class mail next spring that will the consolidations typically would play. Free admission. For more in- Mayor, Memphis while local governments attempt to slow delivery and, for the first lengthen the distance mail travels formation, visit http://visitmusic Ron Washington (Director-at-Large) look for state help to deal with de- time in 40 years, eliminate the from post office to processing cen- city.com. Councilmember, Murfreesboro clining local property values. “State chance for stamped letters to ar- James Lewellen ter, the agency also would lower budgets are certainly improving, rive the next day. The estimated $3 delivery standards for first-class Jan. 5-8: Memphis City Manager, Collierville however, growth is weak and there President (TCMA) billion in reductions, to be an- mail that have been in place since Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration John Holden is not enough money for all of the nounced in broader detail, are part of 1971. Currently, first-class mail is Celebrate Elvis’ birthday with four Mayor, Dyersburg bills coming in,” NASBO Executive a wide-ranging effort by the cash- supposed to be delivered to homes days of fun events in Memphis. PAST PRESIDENTS Director Scott Pattison said. “State strapped Postal Service to quickly Includes dances, special guests, a Sam Tharpe, (2011) Mayor, Paris and businesses within the continen- officials will still be cutting some trim costs, seeing no immediate help tal U.S. in one day to three days. That nighttime tour and reception for Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge programs, and increases in funding Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo from Congress. The changes would will lengthen to two days to three members of the Elvis Insiders, a Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro for any program except for health provide short-term relief, but ulti- days, meaning mailers no longer concert by the Memphis Symphony Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg care will be rare.” Pattison said mately could prove counterproduc- could expect next-day delivery in Orchestra and more. A highlight for Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland growth in states’ budgets hasn’t tive, pushing more of America’s the celebration is a birthday procla- Dale Kelley (2010) Mayor, Huntingdon surrounding communities. Periodi- come back to pre-recession levels. business onto the Internet. They cals could take between two days mation ceremony on the front lawn Overall, states’ budgets included TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS could slow everything from check and nine days. of Graceland. For more informa- (Ex-Officio Directors) tion, Email: [email protected] Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. or call 901-332-3322. Joe Thompson, Gallatin Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering Tennessee Government Finance Officers Daisy Madison, Chattanooga Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. Melba Johnson, Lexington Tennessee Building Officials Assn. TML District Meetings Steve Mills, Hendersonville Jan. 10:District 7, Medina City Hall, Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville 9 a.m. Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports Jan. 11: District 8, The Chamber Larry Cox, Memphis Center, Covington, 9 a.m. Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police TML staff will be on hand to present Gil Kendrick, Jackson updates on the latest events and Tennessee Water Quality Management Jack Graham, Maryville news affecting municipalities at the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. state and national levels, as well as George Brogdon, Germantown the legislative agenda approved by Tennessee Chapter, American Planning the TML Board for the upcoming Karen Hundt, Chattanooga session. For more information, con- Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. Peter Voss, HR Director, City of Bartlett tact TML at 615-255-6416. Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders Lanaii Benne, Franklin Feb. 21-22: The Tennessee Cen- Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing ter for Performance Excellence Rex Gaither, Smyrna Annual Conference and Awards TN Section, Institute of Transport Engineers Kevin Cole, Knoxville Banquet- 2012: Building a State of Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. Tennessee Delegation participate in NLC Business Meeting Excellence. Held at the Franklin Rebecca Harris, Cookeville The 2011 NLC Congress of Cities and Exhibition culminated last month with the 88th Annual Business Marriott, Cool Springs. Learn best Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Meeting. In addition to electing new officers for the organization, nearly 700 delegates from cities and practices from role-model organiza- Tommy White, Sevierville tions. Pre-Conference Workshops Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools towns across the country approved additions and changes to the National Municipal Policy (NMP) for Reecha Black, Alamo the coming year. The NMP consists of policy statements that guide NLC’s federal advocacy efforts on Feb. 21 include: Balanced Scorecard TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS a wide range of issues impacting municipalities, including transportation, federal funding, sustainability and LEAN. For registration and Diamond LEVEL MEMBERSHIP and tax reform. The full NMP is available for viewing on the NLC website, www.NLC.org. more information, visit the TNCPE Bank of America website at www.tncpe.org.or call PLATINUM LEVEL MEMBERSHIP 800-453-6474. First Tennessee Bank GOLD L EVEL M EMBERSHIP Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. Fifth Third Bank SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP ING Financial Advisers, LLC No loan is too SpeedFix BRONZE L EVEL M EMBERSHIP Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Alliance Water Resources large or too small Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Lee Company Sophicity CORPORATE L EVEL M EMBERSHIP A To Z MUNI-DOT Company See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. DBS & Associates Engineering Education Networks of America Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Brown, Pearman, Russell, LLC Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley, P.C. Local Govt. Corporation Mapletronics Computers Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc McGill Associates, P.A. One Source Document Solutions, Inc. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities Third Rock Consultants Thompson & Litton, Inc. TLM Associates, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC Tysinger, Hampton and Partners, Inc. URS Corporation Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton The city of Murfreesboro closes a $103 million loan, The Town of Cumberland Gap closed a $5,000 Highway Safety Grant Volkert & Associates Anticipation Note. Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. the largest in TMBF history. A year in photos: new administration, economic progress

Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam at the Governor’s Officials with German company Wacker Chemie AG break ground on a new polysilicon production plant inauguration cermony. in Bradley County.

Senate Speaker Pro Tem Jamie Woodson and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey during Gov. Haslam’s first State of the State address. Sen. Woodson stepped down from her senate seat following the 2011 session to become the president and CEO of the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE). State Rep. Beth Harwell is sworn in as Speaker of the House.

Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley (right) serving as legislative liason, a cabinet- level post with Gov. Haslam, speaks with Rep. Richard Montgomery.

Nashville’s Planning Director Rick Bernhardt and community members examine a redistricting map.

Sam Tharpe, TML’s president and Paris mayor, greets city officials during TML’s 2011 Legislative Conference in Nashville. As part of the 2011 Tennessee Festival celebrating the state’s Sesquicentennial, Daniel E. Hughes portrays Civil War Major Gen. George H. Thomas and Mike Cole, superintendent of the Capitol Bicentennial Mall State Park, portrays Confederate Colonel Corn, CSA. 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/DECEMBER 19, 2011 www.TML1.org A year in photos: a look back at 2011

Ecotality unveiled the first Blink® Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger in Tennessee in Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes accepts the 2011 Lewisburg’s Air Evac Lifeteam crew, as part of a workshop, arrives by helicopter at TML’s 2011 Annual Conference. Lebanon at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Tennessee Municipal League’s Mayor of the Year Store®. award at TML’s Annual Conference in Murfreesboro.

Erwin City Recorder Randy Trivette, flanked by State Comptroller Justin Wilson and UT Institute “Welcome to Shelbyville,” a documentary film that depicts the assimilation of for Public Service Vice President Mary Jinks, receives his certificate of completion for the state’s Somalian refugees in small town Tennessee aired locally on PBS. Pictured are inaugural session of the Certified Municipal Financial Officers (CMFO) class. film director Kim Snyder and Hawo, a Somalian refugee.

Middle school students arrive to lend a helpimg hand after Cleveland was Amazon.com is commtted to creating 3,500 full-time jobs and hiring thousands of seasonal devastated by April’s tornados. Bradley County was one of the hardest hit areas. workers with projects in Chattanooga, Cleveland , Lebanon and Murfreesboro.

Hollywood actor/director Corbin Bernson at a movie premier of his new soap boax State lawmakers pass a controversial measure to install a tracking system in order to control derby film 25 Hill, hosted by the city of Athens. Proceeds from the premier helped the ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is found in common over the counter cold medicines raise funds for the National Soap Box Derby. and used illegally to make methamphetimine. House S&L Chair Bob Ramsey gives life’s challenges total focus BY GAEL STAHL year he will be committee chairman. out if it is a financial man Todd and Speaker Harwell Bob and Margaret have a 40- burden. wisely and fairly placed members and Bob Ramsey, a dentist since year-old daughter Heather Kelley staff in productive and supportive 1974 and a politician since 1990, can who got a master’s in English and TT&C: You told our positions to adequately facilitate de- be slow to take up a challenge, but raises their granddaughter, 10 year- membership there liberation. Their intent has been when he does, he brings to it his old Greer Kelly, in Birmingham, would be an in- to maintain the attitude that citizens whole-hearted attention, life Ala., where she works for a financial creased emphasis on and members will remain relevant to experience, and dedication. He department in Human Resources and cooperative delibera- the process. I will strive to do that as learns fast. As a boy, his dad took him Advertising. Their 33-year-old daug- tion between the well. I must commend the valiant canoeing and to the mountains. He hter Haley Ramsey has a Ph.D. in House and Senate. efforts of our support staff, legal developed into a fervent hiker and microbiology and biochemistry with Did that happen? analysts, clerks, interns, and assis- camper in the Smokies to the a focus on immunology and does BR: It has. Each week, tants, especially my assistant, Angela Chimney Tops and 10 times to Mt. bone marrow transplant research in my counterpart chair- Brown, Without these fine people in LeConte. Cascades was a favorite. Austria. She’s now working with man of Senate State place our effectiveness would be di- Last year, he crossed the Atlantic Harvard Medical Unit in Boston and Local, Sen. Ken minished. with his younger daughter on a 72- while finishing her post doctorate Yeager, would invite foot sail boat from the Canary work. me to sit in on his pre- TT&C: As a dentist you sponsored Islands to Santa Lucia. They ran the meeting conferences a bill requiring public water sys- 3,200 miles in 19 days as part of a TT&C: During your long tenure with his research ana- tems that discontinue fluoridation crew of 10 standing watch three on the Blount County Com- lyst and the governor’s in their water supply to give notice hours and off six. He’s taken his mission, how did you relate to city research analyst. to their departments of health, family to Tikal, Guatemala, and in officials? Then, I would do a pre- environment, and conservation the 1980s obtained his pilot’s license. BR: We have a highly envied meeting for my com- and customers. Why was this im- He was slow to run for public program of county cooperation with mittee with a research portant? office. He resisted running for county our cities. Of the seven municipalities analyst, and later with BR: When I was county commission commissioner and state legislator, in Blount County – the largest being the chairman. Last chairman the director of one of but once he did, he ran, won, and Maryville and Alcoa – my District 20 year, the governor sent Blount County’s water districts had a quickly become first, the commission has a little less than half of Blount and a legislative liaison to wife who had an illness that might chair, county executive and mayor, the four municipalities of Louisville, those meetings with a have been affected by fluoride. He then later in his third year in the Friendsville, Alcoa and Maryville Bob Ramsey list of bills with sug- pretty much unilaterally decided to House, became a subcommittee chair with whom we relate well. We have a discontinue the fluoride in their water and next year, his fourth, he will be chamber of commerce that has a system. That became a big issue for the committee chair. partnership for industrial develop- several utility districts around the His father was a physician from ment of all the cities with the state’s state, the Tennessee and American Hancock County near Sneedville help. It’s very cooperative. In Dental Associations, physicians, and who moved to Maryville in 1940. deciding the extent of development health departments. But once done Ramsey, born in Maryville in 1947, for cities, there has been no without public discussion, it was graduated from Maryville High controversy, few problems. hard to reverse it or get it publicly School in 1965, earned his discussed. The county mayor after bachelor’s degree from the TT&C: What legislation have you me stuck his neck out and said he University of Tennessee (UT) in passed for municipalities in your would not approve any utility board 1970, and became a doctor of dental district? member that didn’t approve of fluo- surgery at UT Medical Units in 1974. BR: I’ve worked closely with Alcoa ride. Before long he was doing dental and Maryville. Cities have been most Dental caries is the most preva- surgery on the same patients his interested in bills proposing to put lent chronic disease in childhood, father was doing surgery on. For 30 restrictions on the development of seven times more likely than asthma. years he was the Blount County utilities. Maryville provides a great We dentists are convinced it needs to dental examiner doing the dental preponderance of the waste and sew- be in the water system until we can autopsies on John Does. age services. Alcoa has a great mea- get parents and citizens to apply it His wife Margaret earned her sure of the water supply. Cities are topically with rinses. Our bill just bachelor’s degree and teacher interested in maintaining the produc- wanted to allow the community and certification from UT. Serving as his tivity and progress of their utilities clients of the utility district to have a office manager, he calls her the through state law and ask us to ad- voice, not to bind or restrict any biggest influence in his life and his dress it whenever something looks utility district considering clients’ mentor in caring for the community like it’s going to restrict their ability to Rep. Ramsey on the House floor. health. We’re gong to have to tweak and neighbors. She supported his perform services. that bill a little this year to encourage public service and was the difference Cities also want to keep options any rule or regulation by the state gestions on each one. Those meet- public awareness and discussion. that his dental career didn’t open to provide cable service, if it is that fiscally impacts local govern- ings of the House and Senate chair- evaporate when elective office ever advisable. Cities are certainly ments include a written justifica- men and the subcommittee chairmen TT&C: You voted for legislation sacrificially cut into his dentistry. interested in alcohol beverage laws tion, fiscal note, and cost-benefit make four meetings a week in pre- to help regulate meth-making? Especially after becoming a state that affect licensing and adoption of analysis. What is your opinion of consideration of the bills where I saw How do we solve this problem? representative three years ago and premiere resorts and related matters these? what the Senate was doing and what BR: Of all the public testimony that his days in the office dwindled from that affect their revenue. BR: We adopted those requirements the governor’s suggestions were all we’ve seen, that was probably the four days a week to a day and a half. They’re attentive to pending on a county level several years ago. It at the same time. It made a fabulous longest one. Tennessee’s social hab- Though he had always voted transportation grants and always is a shortfall of planning when some- situation going into meetings know- its have put it at the top of the list for Republican he’d never been active contact me whenever that opportu- one brings legislation that costs ing the answers to questions and prescription drug abuse, controlled until 1988, in his 24th year as a nity comes up. Right now cities and money with no way to pay for it. I probable impact of new legislation. substances abuse, and prescription practicing dentist, when a medical the county are involved together in would be totally supportive of look- usage for many years. Our topogra- waste incinerator company tried to several industrial development parks ing at that on the state level. TT&C: What other hot topics will phy is supportive of clandestine drug put a facility in Blount County. The that they are supporting financially. Last session we debated be deliberated in your committee activities. They can now carry meth group that opposed it pulled him in Local governments are interested in whether any bill with expenditures in next month’s session? labs instead of moonshine around in and pestered him into running for the the state support for recruitment and should go through the Finance Com- BR: Everything we didn’t address, the trunk of a car. Due to increasing county commission. tourism. mittee or be ruled on in the subcom- take to the floor, or that was with- economic pressure and social prob- In 1990, he gave in, ran against mittee. We decided to send the fiscal drawn or voted down in the commit- lems we expect an increase in drug a brisk slate of good candidates and TT&C: Some members of the Ten- note to Finance and let them rule on tee is filed and may or may not be put usage. That bill I voted for was was one of 19 freshmen who beat 21 nessee General Assembly view lo- it. I don’t think you’ll find anybody on notice. The big item will be redis- one that can help, but the outlook for incumbent commissioners. He had no cal governments as political subdi- that would oppose that. We would tricting. It will be moved quickly and it doesn’t look good. We have so idea really what a commission did but visions and partners with the state approve a cost benefits analysis also. will have quite a lively debate. This is many budget constrictions. Flow- they elected him commission while others see it more as a ruler- Sending them all on to Finance was the first time that the Republican through federal grants are going to be chairman. He quickly learned subject relationship. What school part of an effort of the administration Party has been in the majority when difficult to maintain. With the cost of Roberts Rules and did a good enough of thought do you follow? to try to streamline things because redistricting was done. I researched cleaning up meth labs, we’re starting job so that when the new county BR: I’m definitely the former. The Finance is usually absolutely over- the history and can tell you that this is to lose money because it’s an expen- executive died in 1992, they operation of the cities and the coun- whelmed. by far the fairest most legal manner sive process. Law enforcement does appointed him interim county ties really exist at the privilege of state Let’s face it. A lot of people in it’s been done since the 1800s. what it can and we’re trying to help executive for six months. That was a law. At the state level we need to public office feel they have to pro- Rep. Womack has received pub- them but due to budget constraints I full-time job so Margaret had to keep regulate what will enhance the pose legislation that’s costly just to licity lately on immigration and I as- think we have to go with education the office going. When a new county progress of our cities and counties. address the needs of their constitu- sume some of those bills will be put programs, detection programs, and executive was elected in September, We don’t want to be unilateral in our ents. They realize there’s no likeli- back on notice. Also, some of the try to make meth not profitable. he was off the commission. A year regulation or pressure of any kind. hood that it’s going to pass so we alcohol and firearms bills that were Sen. Yager and I sponsored a later, one of the commissioners had a We want to be of use to maximize decided to just go ahead and send not addressed last year will be this totally different bill dealing with pill conflict, and he was appointed to their economic growth and be in a those and the fiscal note to Finance to year. Election bills will come through mills and non-credible pain control replace him. In 2005, when the regulatory position to help the rule on them. us. With revenue problems all over clinics. In Blount County we’ve seen county mayor resigned due to progress of our cities and counties. the state, bills for extending alcohol a great increase in pain management Parkinson’s disease they appointed TT&C: At our TML legislative licenses, premiere resorts, wine in clinics doing atrocious things. Law him to replace her until the next TT&C: When elected you said that conference last session, you said grocery stores, and open container enforcement got in touch with me election. Ramsey was re-elected due to your county commission your subcommittee would hear as laws will be heavy as always. After and we put together something the commissioner in 2006 and re-elected experience you were looking for- many as 80 immigration bills, Speaker Harwell combined the three Tennessee Medical Association, the chairman. ward to limiting unfunded man- some that require local law en- subcommittees in State and Local Board of Nursing, and the Pharmacy In late 2007, Rep. Doug Overbey dates that burden local govern- forcement to get involved. Will Government to the one I chaired last Association could agree to. In Octo- resigned his District 20 House seat to ments. Did you have any luck lim- your committee move these bills? year, we considered about 300 bills ber the Department of Health will run for a Senate seat. Ramsey’s iting unfunded mandates? BR: The only ones I remember pass- with 79 on the agenda during the last adopt guidelines to regulate non- friends urged him to run for the open BR: Oh yes. That’s one of the first ing were the e-verify bill and the days. I’m told that a third of all the credible pain clinics. We hope that House seat. Although reluctant at litmus tests we give legislation. Of Sharia Law bill. They were amended bills that come through the House this gives local law enforcement first, once he made the decision he course it happens. There are certain after we worked with employers and come through my committee. It will some options with some saving of campaigned heartily and won the federal regulations with financial re- local law enforcement too make sure be a huge challenge. money and time to move toward seat over three others. In 2009, he quirements that are passed through that local law enforcement was sat- more detection, eradication and, edu- joined the General Assembly with a the state to local governments regar- isfied. I voted for the e-verify after TT&C: In approaching your new cation. feeling of purpose. Gone four days a ding education systems and utilities. calling our law enforcement in role as committee chair what week, Margaret was more We try to minimize it. Many bills Alcoa, Maryville, and Blount County. traits, qualities or pitfalls that you TT&C: You said that your com- indispensable than ever covering the come through State and Local Com- They said it would not be a financial have observed in others will you mittee would focus on comptroller office. Ramsey found it almost mittee that fail for the specific reason burden and might help in being able to emulate or avoid? and treasury bills. Which ones? impossible to get any dental work they are unfunded mandates. The have a little more cooperation with BR: The real essence of the process BR: The comptroller and the trea- done. state is much more sensitive to that federal law enforcement. We depend is making the effort to communicate surer are heavily involved in the re- That first year was ticklish. than when I first took office back on the lobbyists representing our lo- and cooperate with as many of the tirement program and there may be House Republicans won a 50-49 when we were starting into the eco- cal services to determine impact of members as possible recognizing that some requests from the Treasurer’s majority in the House for the first nomic slump. I think we’ve been legislation. A lot of constituents have parties and members have different Office to improve our retirement pro- time in 150 years but Republican adequately sensitive to detecting un- a certain distrust of lobbyists. I use interests reflecting their unique dis- gram. The comptroller is interested in Rep. Kent Williams was elected funded mandates. them as a resource to see if there is tricts. The committee process is es- the budgeting and borrowing prac- House speaker by the Democrats and going to be a negative local impact. It sential to ensure that the public has a tices of cities and counties and has his own vote. Ramsey maintained a TT&C: TML has two priority bills was mainly the business community chance to give testimony and delibe- been very cooperative about visiting good relationship with all and Will- that pertain to unfunded man- that had problems with the e-verify rate on legislation. The operation of us. His office has much to do with iams gave him his favored committee dates by the state. One stipulates law. the committees must be conducted education. He changed accounting assignments: State and Local Gov- that any legislation with an esti- We passed the Sharia Law, Rick fairly, legally, and transparently. practices to make them more effi- ernment due to his county com- mated cost to a local government Womack’s bill, after amending it to Although we have a distinct Re- cient. Some have been considered missioner experience and the House in excess of $100,000 or combined mainly endorse local law enforce- publican majority it still needs to be as burdensome to local governments, Health & Human Resources Commit- estimated costs to local govern- ment’s involvement with federal law much a consensual process as pos- so we get requests of all kinds. It is tee due to being a dentist. Last ses- ments exceeding $1 million shall enforcement. Of course, any bill sible. Previous chairing members not always pleasant for local budget- sion, in 2011, he chaired the State not be mandatory unless fully filed at the beginning of a term is still have been diligent in conducting ing agencies but we’re there to help and Local Subcommittee and next funded. A second bill proposes that alive for the second session and meetings, appropriately. Past Chair- the communication. That’s impor- many may come back. We will find