Clerks Say Kinks Need Ironing out with New Business Tax Collections TML and COAT to Meet with Department of Revenue

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 61, Number 19 November 22, 2010 Clerks say kinks need ironing out with new business tax collections TML and COAT to meet with Department of Revenue

BY CAROLE GRAVES ness tax from municipalities and clerk. “In Davidson County, we Make plans to attend! TML Communications Director counties to the state Department of have seen at least $1 million in Revenue. The reasons cited for the loses.” As the one year mark ap- change were increased revenues “It’s frustrating for our offices TML District Meetings proaches since implementation of a through increased compliance, im- because we don’t have any informa- new way in which business taxes proved efficiency, simplification of tion,” said Shelby County Clerk Dec. 7 District 6 Brentwood Municipal Building 10 to 12 noon are collected, members of the Joint tax forms and tax filing, and a uni- Wayne Mashburn. “We are trying to Light brunch served Select Committee on Business form and fair means for administer- do a job on the local level without the Taxes heard from county clerks as ing tax collections throughout the backup information.” Dec. 8 District 4 McMinnville City Hall 10 to 12 noon to how the new system is working – state. Among some of the issues that Lunch served following the meeting or according to them – how it is not The committee, chaired by Sen. the Tennessee Municipal League working. Douglas Henry, heard from three of and city clerks have discussed with Dec. 9 District 5 Springfield, Tricia’s Restaurant 10 to 12 noon Last year, the Tennessee Gen- the urban county clerks (Davidson, the Department of Revenue include Lunch served following the meeting eral Assembly approved Public Knox, and Shelby). Among their top the timing of when licenses are is- Chapter No.530, which primarily complaints of the new system are sued, the timing of payments to mu- The remaining district meetings will be held in January. Schedule to shifted the responsibility of admin- that the projected increase in rev- nicipalities, and the lack of informa- be announced. istration and collection of the busi- enues have not been realized – in tion provided to municipalities. fact, in some cases revenues have The increased revenue was ex- dropped; it has placed a burden on pected to come from the businesses; and there is a communi- department’s ability to match gross Anytown USA: Welcome to Shelbyville cation gap between the Department sales reported for the business tax of Revenue, the clerks, and the busi- against sales tax collections and nesses. Franchise and Excise reports. documentary depicts sign of the times “Moving from local to state, we Through this process the Depart- were told that we would see $21 ment of Revenue could identify new BY VICTORIA SOUTH million in increased tax collections businesses that were not registered TML Communications Coordinator and that has not happened,” said to pay the tax; bring those under John Arriola, Davidson County See TAX on Page 7 On Sunday afternoon, an unlikely panel from all walks of life is seated before a sparse audience at the Shelbyville High School audito- Employers get reprieve rium. The group includes a filmmaker, a reporter, a teacher, a factory on healthcare reporting worker, a pastor, and a Somali woman, Hawo Siyad, who had been The Internal Revenue Service 2011 Form W-2 that shows employ- a nurse and teacher in her former just announced that employers ers will report the healthcare country. Regardless of the small won’t have to begin reporting the amounts in Box 12, using the new turnout, they are there to answer cost of healthcare coverage under an Code DD. The back of Copy B re- questions following a public screen- employer-sponsored group plan un- minds employers that the amounts ing of Welcome to Shelbyville, a til 2012 (i.e., W-2s issued in 2013). reported aren’t taxable – the infor- documentary following the first ten- Reporting in 2011 will be optional, mation is just there to help employ- tative steps of residents to reach be- with no penalties issued for those ees better understand the value of yond fears and cultural differences who choose to wait until reporting their benefits. to forge a community relationship becomes mandatory. Although reporting the cost of with their Somali neighbors. The U.S. Treasury Department coverage will be optional with re- Directed and produced by award Citizens view a public screening of Welcome to Shelbyville. Seated to and the IRS approved the delay to spect to 2011, the IRS continues to winning filmmaker Kim Snyder in the front left is the imam of a local mosque, Mohamed Ali. provide employers the time they stress that the amounts reportable conjunction with Active Voice and need to make changes to their pay- are not taxable. Included in the Af- part of a series of socially conscious The “newcomers” began arriv- The region had experienced a roll systems or procedures in prepa- fordable Care Act passed by Con- documentaries through the BeCause ing about three to five years ago, similar influx of Hispanic residents ration for compliance with the new gress in March, the new reporting Foundation, Welcome to Shelbyville when 500 legal Somali Muslim refu- in the 1980s and 90s, but according reporting requirement. The IRS will requirement is intended to be infor- takes an intimate look at the southern gees migrated to Shelbyville, a town to Bedford County Mayor Eugene be publishing guidance on the new mational only, and to provide em- town as its residents – whites and of about 19,000, to live and work at Ray, perceptions were different. requirement later this year. ployees with greater transparency African Americans, Latinos and So- the local chicken plant. Angry words “There was a perception that the IRS also just released a draft into overall health care costs. malis – grapple with their beliefs, and tensions ran high among resi- Somalis were not easy or nice to get histories and evolving ways of life. dents amid what Shelbyville-Times- along with like the Hispanics were,” “I came down here two years Gazette reporter Brian Mosely de- said Ray on film. “They were seen as Nashville Cities of Service plan pairs ago because I wanted to do some- scribes on film as “a serious, serious demanding and aggressive; but hey, thing to show how immigration was culture clash.” maybe a year ago they were fighting volunteers with education, flood relief affecting small towns like “This isn’t just an American for food. They had to be aggressive.” Shelbyville,” said Snyder, who di- story, it’s a global story,” Snyder The situation is clarified by Luci BY VICTORIA SOUTH rected the film at the height of the said. “The world’s economy is what Taylor, a local citizen hoping to Obama transition of 2008-09. “It it is and people migrate. This is the make a difference on her own by When Mayor Karl Dean represents what a lot of small towns story of how people figure out how teaching English and Civics classes became one of 17 founding across America are going through.” to live together.” mayors of the Cities of Service See SHELBYVILLE on Page 9 Coalition last year in New York City, he was unaware of the Street sign changes are a gradual process unprecedented volunteerism that would become Nashville’s BY LESLIE WOLLACK trademark and its port in the Nation’s Cities Weekly storm throughout the historic flood in May. Now, with the In 2009, Mayor Karl Dean pledged that Recent news reports from New city’s first comprehensive ser- Nashville would help the country achieve York City highlighted some recent vice plan—Impact Nash- the goals of the Edward M. Kennedy and not-so-recent changes in federal ville—intact, Dean is hoping to Serve America Act by joining the launch rules impacting street signs to im- harness this ‘can do’ spirit to of the Cities of Service coalition. prove readability. help alleviate some of Nashville’s Schools (MNPS) has seen a decline Federal guidelines for govern- most pressing needs, primarily in third grade reading scores, a piv- ing street signs, pavement markings flood relief and public education. otal year for children to move from and all other standards for streets and “When I joined Mayor “learning to read” to “reading to roads open to public traffic are pub- Bloomberg in the creation of Cities learn,” according to the Impact lished in the Manual on Uniform of Service, I was excited about the Nashville plan. In addition, residen- Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). possibilities for Nashville,” Dean tial and business damages due to the Updates in 2000, 2003 and 2009 said. “What I did not realize at that May 2010 flood left debris in and made significant changes in stan- Agencies have until January 2012 to establish and implement a sign time, was that volunteerism would along the city’s natural infrastruc- dards for street name signs impact- assessment or management method to maintain minimum levels of become Nashville’s biggest asset ture. Nashville’s city officials are ing cities. http://mutcd.fhwa.dot. sign retroreflectivity. and biggest source of community working on ways to mitigate poten- gov/. they would replace their street name sign assessment or management pride as we faced a historic natural tial damage from future floods by The latest standards reflect up- signs due to normal wear and tear. method to maintain minimum levels disaster.” identifying ways water can be better dates on safety and are intended to However, there is a 2018 dead- of sign retroreflectivity. The com- The mayor recently held a kick- dispersed and absorbed naturally. In enhance the ability of drivers to read line for changing street name signs pliance date for regulatory, warning, off event for Impact Nashville at May, volunteers will plant trees and signs more quickly, especially at to minimum letter heights, which and ground-mounted guide signs is Glendale Elementary School, rain gardens in flood-affected areas night. The quicker a driver can read was included in the update to the January 2015. For overhead guide which suffered heavy damage dur- to help absorb and manage information from a sign, the less time MUTCD in 2000 and updated in signs and street name signs, the coming the flood. Students and parent stormwater. they take from the road, according to 2003. Cities need to have a replace- pliance date is January 2018. volunteers helped construct a rain Research shows that in America safety research. ment plan in place by 2012. Many The retroreflectivity rule was garden to absorb and divert water today, citizen service is often an According to new standards is- cities have been updating these new requested by Congress in 1993 to during future rainfalls. underutilized or inefficiently uti- sued by the Federal Highway Ad- standards as part of another change make street and highway signs more Other service projects in the lized strategy by municipal govern- ministration of the U.S. Department included in the latest update of the visible at night. plan include: recruiting reading tu- ments. Cities of Service supports of Transportation, the lettering and MUTCD in January 2009. The American Public Works tors to work in the city’s most high- mayors to leverage citizen service materials for street name signs, must A newer ruling on “retro- Association has been working with need schools for kindergarten strategies, addressing local needs be changed to reflect current re- reflectivity” for easier night viewing its members for several years on the through second grade and recruit- and making government more effec- search on safety. of street signs was adopted in late implementation of these rules and ing volunteers to incorporate en- tive. The change garnering news 2007 and went into effect in January has the following resources avail- ergy efficient upgrades and other “Small acts of everyday heroes headlines was a required change 2008. Many cities are changing the able online: environmental best practices into bring communities together and from street name signs with all capi- lettering on their street signs as they • Sign Retroreflectivity: What is it the rebuilding of homes damaged help individuals through difficult tal letters to mixed case letters that comply with the newer ruling and and Why Should I Care by the flood. times,” said Los Angeles Mayor has no deadline, according to the when signs need to be replaced. (Retroreflectivity Part 1) - http:// Improving public education is Antonio Villaraigosa, a Cities of Federal Highway Administration, Agencies have until January www.apwa.net/events/ Mayor Dean’s top priority. In recent Service coalition member. “If years, Metro Nashville Public See SERVICE on Page 7 and can be done by cities whenever 2012 to establish and implement a See SIGNS on Page 5 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 www.TML1.org

Johnson City and Kingsport into a would build a new $10 million BY TML STAFF REPORTS single, large urban area that will ren- trucking terminal in East Tennes- der the city ineligible for $1.2 mil- see, but drivers feel it was worth the BRENTWOOD lion in federal funding for public wait. The recently opened 26-acre The city is spending $10 million to transportation. City Manager Pete campus, located on West Butter- buy 320 acres, including a home Peterson told the city commission milk Road in Lenoir City includes built in 1825, to create the largest that if adopted, as proposed in a parking for hundreds of trucks, of- park in Brentwood. The land is just Department of Commerce report in fices, a driver center, training southwest of Ravenwood High August, the consolidation of the two rooms, and fueling and maintenance School on the west side of Wilson urban areas will have a “devastat- facilities. Before construction could Pike, and there’s an option to add 80 ing” impact on the city’s public begin, Crete had to contend with more connected acres for another $3 transportation system. City Transit zoning issues, wastewater treatment million. Taxes will not have to be Planner Donna Bridwell said the and even some angry racing fans raised to make the purchase. The city federal dollars for transit operations, who were upset that the new facility including salaries, fuel, utilities, of- plans to have hiking and biking trails would occupy the former site of Millington Fire Chief, Gary Graves, receives a Certificate of Apprecia- on the land, as well as athletic fields fices supplies and other day-to-day Atomic Speedway. A state grant tion presented to the Millington Fire Department by Captain Douglas for youth sports. “There’s already costs, amount to about 50 percent of was awarded which helped in deal- McGowen for outstanding support to the United States Navy during the the department’s annual operating six miles of hiking trails, and then ing with the site’s wastewater treat- May 1st flooding disaster. there will be some areas where we’ll funds. Bridwell said while the pro- ment issues. The new facility is ex- want to put in some multi-purpose posal will not impact the transit pected to bring in as many as 60 new ReNew Crew Project to help elderly, from the recession, according to a fields for the children to play,” said department’s eligibility for federal jobs and $100,000 a year in property disabled and low-income families quarterly labor market report dis- Mike Walker, Brentwood city man- funds for the purchase of assets such tax revenue. with much needed home repairs. Ap- tributed by economist Steb Hipple ager. “From 10 to 50 years from as buses, there are other federal plications are being accepted for for the East Tennessee State Univer- now, when all of northern grantees in the two urban areas that MEMPHIS home repairs and may be picked up at sity Bureau of Business and Eco- Williamson County is built out, this also may be impacted. Bill and Melinda Gates got the phi- city hall located at 1246 Louisville nomic Research. In 2010’s third may be some of the only remaining lanthropists’ tour of public schools Highway in Millersville or online at quarter, Tri-Cities metro area em- open space for people to go to.” KNOXVILLE recently starting at Hamilton High, www.cityofmillersville.com .Appli- ployment expanded by more than Knox County school officials are the South Memphis institution that cation deadline is Dec. 31. 5,900 jobs as compared to the same HENDERSONVILLE working on plans to open a new is nearly an emblem of problems in period in 2009, a 2.7 percent in- Hendersonville has recently re- magnet school in the historic L&N education. The Seattle-based Bill & MILLINGTON crease. In the second quarter, the ceived the 2010 Outstanding Plan- Station near downtown Knoxville. Melinda Gates Foundation an- The Millington Fire Department re- area saw a gain of more than 800 jobs ning Award for the “Plan in the Funding would come from the nounced a year ago that it was giving ceived a Certificate of Appreciation in year-over-year figures, a 0.5 per- Large Communities” division from county’s share of federal Race to the $90 million to improve teacher for outstanding support to the United cent increase. According to Hipple, the Tennessee Chapter of the Ameri- Top money. The proposed school quality in a city where graduation States Navy during the May 1st flood- the Tri-Cities has bounced back can Planning Association. The would take up to 800 students and rates hover at 65 percent. Hamilton ing disaster in Millington. The de- “dramatically,” restoring more than award is in recognition of the city’s would concentrate on science, tech- is the lowest-performing high partment assisted in executing in- half of the almost 14,400 jobs lost in Land Use and Transportation Plan. nology, engineering and mathemat- school in the state and one of eight stallation-wide water rescues of 2009. At the end of 2008, regional The plan was a collaborative effort ics. Officials hope to open it next city schools with a longer school more than 350 base employees and employment neared its highest lev- between Hendersonville Planning fall. The terminal for the old Louis- day this year. Students use the extra housing residents with zero fatalities els at 232,851 jobs. By the first quar- staff and Urban Resource Group and ville and Nashville Railroad is next time, to get more help and a better or significant injuries, according to ter of 2010, 218,531 jobs remained. involved an extensive public out- to the site of the 1982 World’s Fair. understanding of their studies. Last Captain Douglas McGowen, D.A. The most recent third quarter num- reach program to ensure participa- year, Memphis City Schools spent USN Commanding Officer Naval bers show a recovery to 228,407 tion from business leaders, resi- KNOXVILLE $5.2 million out of $7 million from Support Activity Mid-South. jobs. dents, elected officials and other in- Scripps Networks Interactive is Gates to recruit new principals, im- terested parties. By combining the moving its corporate headquarters prove school culture and turn MILLINGTON TULLAHOMA planning processes, the plan was from Cincinnati to Knoxville. Most teacher hiring over to an outside Millington Public Library has been The city, in cooperation with the able to more comprehensively ad- of the company’s operations are lo- nonprofit organization. ranked in the top 25 percent of librar- Department of Tourism Develop- dress the future needs of the city in cated in Knoxville, where Scripps ies nationwide in the $250,000 to $1 ment and the Tullahoma Confeder- terms of growth and development. Networks dedicated a new expan- MEMPHIS million budget category. The ate Association, dedicated a histori- The award was presented during the sion earlier this year. The media Twenty-two Memphis employees rankings are based upon federal sta- cal Civil War Trails marker at recent 2010 Fall Conference of the company’s lifestyle brands include have lost their jobs as part of a work tistics compiled from state reports. Maplewood Cemetery at 920 Tennessee Chapter of the American HGTV and Food Network. Other force reduction by BlueCross The areas of study include material Maplewood Avenue. The marker Planning Association held in Knox- offerings include DIY Network, BlueShield of Tennessee to save circulation, budget to community denotes the “hallowed ground” at ville. Travel Channel, Great American costs on its subsidiary that contracts services per capita, and public com- the mass grave area where more than Country and Cooking Channel. with TennCare. The Memphis per- puter access / services. 500 Confederate soldiers in the area JOHNSON CITY Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman and sonnel worked for the Volunteer were killed or died. Tullahoma was Heartland Payment Systems, a credit CEO of Scripps Networks Interac- State Health Plan. The insurance TRI-CITIES the headquarters and logistics center and debit card payment processing tive, said that the move signals a company also laid off three employ- With two consecutive quarters of of the Army of Tennessee for the center located on Med-Tech Park- shift in the “center of gravity” for the ees in Washington County and 33 in employment growth, the Tri-Cities first six months of 1863 following way, will close its Johnson City cen- company. “Making Knoxville and Hamilton County. The workforce are leading the national recovery the Battle of Murfreesboro. ter in phases beginning in January, Tennessee the focal point of our glo- reduction is one of several initia- according to a company spokesper- bal operations is a logical step in the tives to cut costs, according to a son. The company is integrating company’s ongoing evolution,” company spokesperson. The Volun- center’s functions into another ser- Lowe said. He and other executives teer State Health Plan was the first State mourns the death vice center in Jeffersonville, Ind. will relocate to Knoxville. The com- managed care company to sign on Overall, 140 of the center’s 160 em- pany will keep its financial, account- when TennCare began. The com- of Rep. Ulysses Jones ployees will be laid off by May 2011. ing and some other support services pany manages BlueCare and in the Cincinnati office, which em- TennCareSelect. State Rep. Ulysses Jones Jr. JOHNSON CITY ploys about 50 people. has died Nov. 9 in Memphis of Johnson City commissioners MILLERSVILLE complications from pneumonia. adopted a resolution to vigorously LENOIR CITY In conjunction with Building Safety He was 59. oppose a Census Bureau proposal to It’s been several years since Crete Month held each May, Millersville Jones has represented District consolidate the urban areas of Carrier Corp. announced that it is preparing for the fifth annual 98 in Shelby County for 22 years, serving in the 95th through the 106th General Assemblies. He just recently won his 11th term to the legislature, running unop- posed. BY TML STAFF REPORTS 2009, he was named Administrator her work, including her 12 years Jones has been a municipal of the Year by the Tennessee Chap- representing the area in the Legisla- Morrow is finance commissioner employee for 37 years, joining the ter of the American Society for Pub- ture and her time serving on Gov. Memphis Fire Department in Mike Morrow has lic Administration (ASPA).Goetz Phil Bredesen’s cabinet. 1973 as a firefighter and later been named Commis- was appointed by Gov. Bredesen in Former Rep. A.C. Frensley dies climbing to the ranks as a battalion Jones sioner of the Depart- January 2003, and has been the only chief. He was one of the first emer- ment of Finance and Former State Rep. A.C. “Cliff” lect Oversight Committee on Educa- person to serve as Commissioner of Frensley has died at the age of 77 gency responders on the scene Administration. He re- tion, the Open Records and Open Finance and Administration under following a lengthy illness. He was when Elvis Presley died in 1977. places former commis- Meetings Committee, and chair of Morrow Bredesen. a former clothier with Dad and Lad Jones served for a dozen years sioner Dave Goetz, the House Ethics Committee. McMillan city’s 1st female mayor and Frensley Fashions and state rep- as chairman of the powerful State who announced his res- The Tennessee Education Lot- Kim McMillan is the resentative from 1978-1988. and Local Government Commit- tery, education, economic develop- ignation recently. Mor- tee (S&LG), through which all row is in his 34th year of first woman to be State Solicitor General dies ment and equal pay were among legislation affecting city and some of the issues Jones supported. public service with the elected mayor of Tennessee Solicitor General Clarksville. She also county governments. In 2008, Jones was instrumental in state having served as Michael E. Moore, who oversaw Besides becoming chairman fiscal director, Assis- Goetz made news as the first negotiating a compromise on the state appeals cases and supervised of S&LG in 1997, Jones has Cable Franchising bill. tant Commissioner of the Division woman in Tennessee McMillan legal opinion issued by the state served on Education since 1985. A father of two and a graduate of of Administration and Deputy Com- history to be elected Majority attorney general, has died following He was a member of the K-12; Northside High School who at- missioner. Most recently, he as- Leader of the State House of Repre- a lengthy illness. He was 60. Moore Calendar and Rules, Elections, tended the University of Memphis sumed responsibility for the Tennes- sentatives. “Of the five largest cities served as solicitor general for 17 and State Government, and Local and Tennessee State University, see Recovery Management office in the state, there has never been a GGRIGGSRIGGS & & MALONEY MALONEY years, representing the state in nu- Government subcommittees. He Jones also was first vice president of that provides oversight of the federal female mayor of those cities,” merous appeals to the state Supreme served on the Joint Lottery Over- the National Black Caucus of State funds from the American Recovery McMillan said. She credits her vic- Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals sight Committee and the Joint Se- Legislators. and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In tory to the public’s familiarity with for the 6th Circuit.

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Office: (931) 433-6907 FAX: (931) 433-9714 Toll Free (888) 752-7126 Email: [email protected] 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 www.TML1.org The 107th General Assembly: Meet the Freshman Class

Tennesse Senate lic education. He pres- TN House District 38 TN House District 60 TN Senate District 25 ently works as consult- Kelly Keisling (R) Jim Gotto (R) Jim Summerville (R) ant for Edvantia in Kelly Keisling, owner of Jim Gotto grew up in Republican Jim Nashville, a nonprofit Keisling Insurance, beat Nashville and earned Summerville beat 10- corporation that helps 13-term incumbent Les his degree in electrical term incumbent Sen. schools, districts, and Winningham. He a engineering from Doug Jackson, a Demo- state education agen- former mayor of Pickett Vanderbilt University. crat, for the 25th District cies meet federal and County. He wants to use He spent 32 years with state Senate seat. state mandates. He his experience as a South Central Bell and Summerville, a Dickson served in the military in mayor and small busi- Bellsouth. He has native and currently an the Tennessee Army nessman to enact poli- spent the last seven adjunct English litera- National Guard for 20 cies that promote eco- years serving on the years prior to his retire- nomic growth in District Keisling Metro Council and the ture teacher at Austin Peay State University, Forgety campaigned for smaller and “smarter” state ment in 2006. He lives 38 and across the state. As state representative, last three on the Metro government. He calls himself a “strict fiscal on a small farm between Athens and Keisling said he will work hard to bring good- Planning Commission. Gotto conservative.” He has published various Englewood and is a member of National paying jobs to the district and improve local He currently operates a books, including a book on the history of Cattlemen's Beef Association. school systems. small, family-owned businesses. He won the Nashville and another about the history of seat left vacant by retiring House member Ben Meharry Medical College. He also chairs the TN House District 25 TN House District 39 West. Tennessee chapter of the National Association Cameron Sexton (R) David Alexander (R) of Scholars, a national conservative group that Cameron Sexton beat in- David Alexander of TN House District 64 opposes affirmative action. cumbent Rep. Eric Winchester is a small Sheila Butt (R) Swafford in the primary business owner, Reli- Shelia Butt, co- and went on to win the able Rental. He cur- founder and managing Tennesse House seat in the general elec- rently serves as secre- editor of S&S Bovine TN House District 3 tion. He has a degree in tary of the Franklin Images and Tennessee Scotty Campbell (R) public administration County Republican Cattle Business, is also Scotty Campbell, former from the University of Party. He is a graduate a Christian author and aide to House Speaker Kent Tennessee. He moved to of Mississippi Col- motivational speaker. Williams, was elected to Cumberland County in lege with a bachelor’s She is a graduate of the seat held by retiring 1999 to work for former degree in English lit- East Tennessee State House member Rep. Jason U.S. Congressman Van Sexton erature., a paratrooper Alexander University with a Mumpower. Campbell for the 82nd Airborne bachelor’s degree in served as an intern with two Hilleary. He cited quality education, job creation, enhancing the state’s farming commu- and reservist for special forces. He beat six- English and history. A members of the United term incumbent George Fraley to represent resident of Columbia, States Congress in Wash- nity, and conservation as some of his top priori- Butt Campbell ties. Franklin, Lincoln and Moore Counties. she ran against incum- ington, D.C.; has previ- bent Ty Cobb to represent House District 64 ously worked for the Republican Caucus TN House District 32 TN House District 42 which includes most of Maury County. Chairman of the Tennessee State Senate Ryan Williams (R) (2007) and for members of the Tennessee Julia C. Hurley (R) Ryan Williams is di- House of Representatives in Nashville (2008, Julia Hurley, a political rector of business de- TN House District 75 2009, and 2010). He is a former volunteer new comer from velopment for J&S Tim Wirgau (R) firefighter, ambulance crew member, and 911 Lenoir City, defeated Construction Com- Tim Wirgau won the emergency dispatcher. He graduated from nine-term incumbent pany in Cookeville. As seat from four-term Cumberland University with a bachelor’s de- Democrat Dennis a former member of the incumbent Willie gree in American studies and has completed Ferguson to capture the Cookeville City Coun- “Butch” Borchert to some graduate work at Tennessee State Uni- 32nd House District cil, he sited economic represent Benton, versity in public administration. Campbell seat. She is self em- development, educa- Henry and Stewart said that quality education, creating a pro- ployed by The JaCy tion, public safety, counties. A business business environment, and placing restrictions Company, which of- quality of life, and bal- Williams owner, Wirgua has Hurley on illegal immigration are some of his top fers collegiately li- ancing the budget as some of his top priorities. owned and operated concerns. censed sports merchandise via a website called Abbotts Print Shop in SECGrillToppers.com She is a graduate of Paris, Tenn. for the TN House District 8 Maryville College with a degree in business TN House District 46 past 18 years. He has Wirgau Art Swann (R) and organizational management and econom- Mark Pody (R) served on the Henry County Commission and Art Swann, former state ics. Mark Pody, a Wilson is a member of the Paris-Henry County Cham- representative from 1985 County resident for ber of Commerce. Jobs, roads, education, to 1989, will return to the TN House District 33 more than 25 years, eliminating wasteful spending, and keeping state House to fill the seat John D. Ragan (R) beat Democrat incum- taxes low are among the issues he wants to vacated by Rep. Joe John Ragan, is a busi- bent Stratton Bone for focus on. McCord. Swann said deal- ness consultant and re- the 46th house district ing with the budget crisis tired Air Force fighter seat. Pody is a financial TN House District 76 and an expected $1.5 bil- pilot. His military ca- planner and insurance Andrew H. Holt (R) lion shortfall will be his Swann reer spanned 24 years business owner. Jobs, first responsibility, but that he also shares the of service. His post education, the budget upset seven-term in- crisis, illegal aliens and cumbent Mark L. concerns of the electorate and pledges to re- military retirement ex- Pody duce the size of government and create more perience includes man- social entitlements are Maddox for the West jobs. He works in the lumber industry for agement duties for stra- all issues he cited during his campaign that Tennessee seat in need to be addressed. Weakley and Carroll Cherokee Lumber Co., and has previously tegic planning at a For- Ragan served four years as a Blount County Commis- tune-20 company, as Counties. Holt, a sioner. He is the brother of Joe Swann, well as a business consultant to dozens of other TN House District 49 farmer, holds a Maryville councilman. national companies. He describes himself as “a Mike Sparks (R) bachelor’s of science solid conservative” who believes in limited Mike Sparks, a life-long in agricultural eco- TN House District 10 government. He defeated Democratic incum- resident of Smyrna, was nomics & business Don Miller (R) bent Jim Hackworth. elected to the 49th dis- with a minor in animal Holt Don Miller, a long-time trict, beating three-term science from the Uni- resident of Hamblen TN House District 34 Democratic incumbent versity of Tennessee at Knoxville and master’s County, is the business Richard B. Womick (R) Rep. Kent Coleman. of business administration from UT Martin. He administrator for Manley Richard Womick of Sparks has served on the and his wife own and operate a diversified Baptist Church in Rockvale, won the seat of Rutherford County agricultural operation outside Dresden. He Morristown. He pledged retiring Republican Rep. Commissioner for the was recently elected to the County Commis- to reduce the size of state Donna Rowland. He is a past eight years and is a sion of Weakley County. He supports common government, fight illegal Boeing 777 international member of the Smyrna sense fiscal responsibility, traditional family immigration, and bring pilot, served in the U.S. Municipal Planning Sparks values, uninhibited second amendment rights, more high-quality jobs to Air Force as an officer Commission. Sparks and tax rate reductions for Tennessee families Hamblen County. Miller and an F-15 Fighter Pilot said he wants to focus on job creation, educa- and small businesses. through the 1st Gulf War, tion and social issues. TN House District 11 and is former teacher and TN House District 77 Jeremy Faison (R) high school football Womick TN House District 57 Bill Sanderson (R) Jeremy Faison defeated coach. He currently serves as chairman of the Linda Elam (R) Bill Sanderson has incumbent Rep. Eddie Rutherford County Republican Party. He cites Linda Elam was spent the past 29 years Yokley. Being a small as the most immediate issues as the local elected to former Rep. as owner and operator business owner for more economy and job creation. Susan Lynn’s seat. of a regional furniture than 14 years, Faison Elam has served as the and appliance store, said he will work to grow TN House District 36 mayor of Mt. Juliet for C.W. Sanderson. He the economy by attract- Dennis Powers (R) the past six years. She currently serves on the ing new industries and Dennis Powers, a was first appointed to Kenton Planning and higher paying jobs to graduate of UT Knox- the Mt. Juliet Regional Zoning Commission, state. He is also focused ville, is a owner of an Planning Commission is a member of the on improving education. Allstate Insurance in December 2000, Kenton School Board, Agency. During his was elected vice chair and is an advisory Faison TN House District 18 campaign he said his in 2000, and chair of board member of the Sanderson Steve Hall (R) top issues were mak- the Planning Commis- Elam First State Bank. He Steve Hall was elected to ing Tennessee more sion in 2002 – a post also served as chairman of the Kenton Mer- the seat previously held business friendly by she held until she ran for mayor in 2004. In chants Association. Sanderson and his family by Stacey Campfield. working to keep taxes 2008, she was re-elected to her second term. As have shown and trained Tennessee Walking The former two-term low, and addressing Powers state representative, Elam says she will root Horses for the past 35 years winning many Knoxville city council- generational welfare and its relationship to the out the inefficiencies and work to save taxpay- awards at the Walking Horse Celebration in man owns an interior growing drug problem in his district. ers’ dollars. Shelbyville. construction company. Hall said he wants to help the business community by assisting rather than putting obstacles up when owners want to ex- Hall pand or start a new business.

TN House District 23 John W. Forgety John Forgety, former superintendent of McMinn County Schools for 16 years, was elected to the House seat previously held by Republican Mike Bell. Bell ran and won the Senate seat relinquished by former Sen. DeWayne Bunch. Forgety, a former high school teacher, coach, high school principal and assistant principal, spent 40 years in pub- www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010

hold the 2011 State Fair. An eco- probably going to be too little, too nomic impact analysis on the rede- late for a lot of the crop, unfortu- velopment of the fairgrounds, re- nately,” said Bob Pearce, a Univer- leased by the Nashville Area Cham- sity of Kentucky extension tobacco ber of Commerce, concluded that a specialist. Ideally, the post-harvest BY TML STAFF REPORTS zures in the country last year. “I don’t mixed-use development with one curing process gradually changes think we can wait until we’re number million square feet of Class A office long green burley tobacco leaves to College dropouts cost to taxpayers one,” Gwyn said. He said the states space would create opportunity for a dark reddish brown tint amid Taxpayers in that have had the greatest success in 6,500 jobs and $200 million in capi- cycles of dry and moist conditions. Tennessee and fighting meth have done it by limit- tal investment. The total economic This year, little rain and warmer Georgia are ing access to pseudoephedrine. The impact of such a development, in- temperatures for much of the fall spending more request will come just six years after cluding direct and indirect spending, 3 percent. “That doesn’t mean the left some tobacco with an undesired than $100 mil- passage of the Meth Free Tennessee would be $2.5 billion. The opera- new administration might not want light tan color as the burley dried too lion a year sup- Act of 2005, which led to an immedi- tions at the fairgrounds have been to take some of those reductions and fast in barns. That pigmentation porting college ate and encouraging decline in the losing money since 2002, and the deal with that,’’ Goetz said. “But the problem, plus average yields, could students who meth trade. Fair Board’s reserve fund is nearly good news is that we might be able to result in lost income when growers drop out in their depleted. If the current operations at leave them with the prospect of rea- take their crop to market. “A lot of freshman year, Conservancy proposes artificial the fairgrounds continue, the Fair sonable revenue growth.’’ David them could be facing at best a break- according to a cave to fight white-nose syndrome Board will require a subsidy from Smith, the spokesman for Gov.-elect even and at worst they could be new study of state and federal fund- The Tennessee chapter of The Na- Metro taxpayers in the near future to Bill Haslam, who takes office on losing on this crop,” Pearce said. ing of four-year colleges. The ture Conservancy would like to build cover operating expenses. Jan. 15, called the quarter’s growth American Institutes for Research an artificial cave to safeguard hiber- “encouraging’’ but noted that they TDOT Smart Fix wins awards found that more than $550 million of nating bats from white-nose syn- TDOT reviews cable barriers compare with a year-ago period that The Tennessee Department of taxpayer funds were spent between drome, a fungal disease that has ex- Transportation officials looking to was poor. General fund collections Transportation’s SmartFIX40 2003 and 2008 on freshmen in Ten- perts predicting regional extinction prevent head-ons and other lane de- in the same quarter of last year were project is being recognized with two nessee and Georgia who didn’t re- for at least one common bat species - parture crashes in Tennessee are tak- $88 million below expectations, and national community outreach and turn in their sophomore year. Na- the little brown bat - within the next ing a close look at cable barriers. they were $200 million short in the communications awards. The Na- tionwide, nearly $9 billion was spent two decades. To fund the cave, The After installing more than 1.4 mil- first quarter of 2008. tional Partnership for Highway on the 30 percent of freshmen at Nature Conservancy has entered its lion linear feet of the multiple Quality recently selected four-year colleges who didn’t make proposal in the Pepsi Refresh online strands of thick wire in recent years, TN jumps 5 spots in Kids Count SmartFIX40 for their national Gold it past their first year. “When stu- the department will evaluate how Tennessee has jumped five spots in Award for “Making a Difference – dents enroll in a college or university well the barriers are working. Lane the national Kids Count rankings, Public Communications.” In addi- and drop out before the second year, departure crashes in recent years but is still well below the national tion, the American Association of they have invested time and money have been a major cause of highway average. The state is currently State Highway and Transportation only to see their hopes and dreams of fatalities and the “cable barrier rail is ranked 41st among all 50 states, the Officials Subcommittee on Public a college degree dashed,” said Mark one main strategy” to prevent them, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico Affairs recently selected Schneider, a former commissioner according to TDOT. “What is so and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ten- SmartFIX40 as one of four Excel of the National Center for Education good about these barriers versus a nessee was ranked 46th last year Award winners for best public out- Statistics who wrote the study. concrete barrier or guardrail is that and 42nd in 2008. The Tennessee reach and communications work by “These costs can be heartbreaking the cable is much more forgiving,” Commission on Children and a state department of transportation. for students and their families, but grant competition, a monthly con- said Steve Hall, the department’s Youth recently released the Kids In selecting SmartFIX40 for the the financial costs to states are enor- test for ideas that positively affect assistant chief engineer. “Concrete Count: The State of the Child in Gold Award in Public Communica- mous.”… Tennessee is among a communities. If the idea garners Tennessee 2009 report. Most of the tions, the NHPQ noted, “from 2005 handful of states trying to boost col- enough public votes, Pepsi will data is from 2007. Tennessee has to 2009, TDOT focused on public lege retention and graduation by award The Nature Conservancy made considerable gains since outreach through community meet- paying public colleges not just for $250,000 to build and outfit the arti- 1999, said Pam Brown, the state’s ings, media reports, public service enrollment but also for the number ficial cave. Built of metal, the artifi- Kids Count director. “We’re mov- announcements and involvement of graduations.” cial cave would resemble an elon- ing in the right direction, but we with community leaders. gated dome. The main room would still have a while to go.” Brown is SmartFIX40 was a multi-year road measure 40-by-52 feet, with a 33- concerned about the state’s infant construction project with a total Prescription for common cold? foot-tall air shaft and a 6-foot-long mortality rate, which was 8.3 per price tag of more than $190 million. Tennesseans may one day need a entry tunnel. To achieve optimum 1,000 people. The project began in 2005 and was prescription before getting some benefit, the artificial cave would be doesn’t give too much. The guard- completed 18 days early in June popular over-the-counter cold medi- buried near a natural cave where rail has a deflection of approxi- Dry spell hurts TN Burley crop 2009. cines due to the state’s mushroom- federally endangered gray bats are mately three feet. These cables This autumn has not been kind to ing methamphetamine trade. Law known to hibernate. Public voting amount to about eight feet and can burley tobacco farmers in Tennes- IRS search to return $2.48 M enforcement agencies want the state continues through Nov. 30 at http:// deflect to about 10 or 12 feet. It stops see, one of the top two burley-pro- The Internal Revenue Service is try- legislature to make pseudoephe- www.refresheverything.com. the vehicle from crossing but ducing states in the U.S. alongside ing to return $2.48 million in unde- drine a prescription-only drug. The doesn’t impact the occupant as with livered checks to 2,091 Tennessee decongestant is the key ingredient in concrete.” taxpayers. The agency said the tax- meth. Pharmacists oppose the payers are due one or more refund change, arguing it would be a costly Sales tax on upswing checks that could not be delivered burden to law-abiding consumers Tennessee’s latest revenue figures because of mailing address errors. with legitimate health needs. Two show monthly sales tax collections The undelivered refund checks av- other states, Oregon and Missis- grew at their highest rate since April erage $1,188. Information is at the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on sippi, already have made pseu- 2007 and the state’s general fund Kentucky. With some buyers begin- IRS.gov or by calling 800-829- doephedrine a prescription-only exceeded projections by $46 million ning to make their purchases, the 1954. IRS officials urged taxpayers drug. Tennessee Bureau of Investi- through the first quarter of the bud- season could turn out to be disap- to use e-filing, which reduces filing gation Director Mark Gwyn said get year. Former Finance Commis- pointing financially as a dry spell errors and speeds up refund pro- lawmakers in this state will be asked The search is on for new fair locale sioner Dave Goetz, said the im- has hurt the quality of some leaf cessing. to do the same during next year’s The Tennessee State Fair Associa- proved economic performance stored for curing before going to session. He noted that Tennessee tion has been formed and is cur- could mean the cancellation of a call market. Rain fall has offered some had the second-most meth lab sei- rently looking for a new location to for agencies to cut spending by up to help for tobacco producers, but “it’s Rain or shine, New Ad sleet or hail, every day is perfect for a GovDeals sale!

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570 Beechgrove Way Burns, TN 37029 USA

T (615) 973-0367 [email protected] www.sensus.com 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 www.TML1.org Breakingdown revenues, expenditures of State Street Aid

BY RON DARDEN ing the purchase, construction or or employee who violates this provi- highway through the city; and MTAS Management Consultant leasing of facilities to store equip- sion shall be personally liable for • The city’s part of the cost of grade ment, street lighting, signage, and any unauthorized expenditures of eliminations on streets and high- The Tennessee Legislature au- other traffic control devices, and ad- such fund. T.C.A. § 54-4-205. ways, including state and federal Nov. 30: Sustainable Tourism / thorized the state to distribute a por- ministrative and other necessary ex- highways. Green Certification Workshop tion of the proceeds from the state penses, including labor and em- Expenditures hosted by The Tennessee Depart- gasoline fuel taxes to incorporated ployee benefits in connection with General State street aid funds can not pay for: ment of Tourist Development and cities and towns for use on munici- such street improvements. T.C.A. § State street aid funds can pay: • Extending municipal sewer lines Tennessee Department of Environ- pal streets. 54-4-201. • Street improvements, including even if tunneling under city streets is ment and Conservation in Memphis Of the approximate $243.8 mil- work by TDOT or by a county high- necessary; or at the Memphis Marriott Down- lion (TDOT 2010-2011 tax data) in Administration way department or another munici- • Drainage improvements not asso- town. Seating is limited. To reserve petroleum and alternative fuel taxes Each municipality is required to pality, performed under an agree- ciated with protecting a street. a seat, email VionneWilliams, allocated for cities and counties, cit- keep records of receipts into and ment; [email protected] or call ies receive approximately expenditures for its state street aid • Valid administration expenses Be careful: Patricia Gray or Lee Curtis, Tennes- $97,686,000 (TDOT 2010-2011 tax fund in accordance with sound mu- connected with issuing street im- • Funds may not exceed one-third of see Department of Tourist Develop- data) based on per capita distribu- nicipal accounting practices. At the provement bonds; the total costs of rights-of-way for ment at 615-741-2159. tions. The current allocation to cit- end of each fiscal year the munici- • Principal and interest on street im- state and federal highways within ies is based on $26.08 (2010-2011 pality must provide an audit of the provement bonds or other indebted- the municipality; and Nov. 30:Franklin Regional Trans- State Shared Taxes and Appropria- accounts of the fund by a certified ness incurred to pay for street im- • All purchases must be made in portation Planning meeting. tions by Dick Phebus, MTAS fi- public accountant and submit one provements issued after February conformity with public advertise- Mayor John Schroer invites the com- nance and accounting consultant) certified copy of the audit to the 19, 1953; ment and competitive bidding laws munity to join him in a discussion per capita. comptroller of the treasury to be re- • Street work supervision fees; applicable to the city. and in-depth presentation regarding viewed for compliance with the pro- • Workers’ compensation insurance regional transportation planning ef- State Gasoline Tax Revenue visions of the statute. Minimum for employees engaged in street im- Repair and Maintenance forts. Held at 5:30 p.m. in the Com- The state petroleum and alter- standards for municipal audits pre- provement activities; State street aid funds can pay for: munity Room at the Franklin Police native fuel taxes are: scribed by the comptroller of the • General and automotive liability • Purchasing machinery to repair and Headquarters at 900 Columbia • Gasoline tax—21.4 cents per treasury must be met (see T.C.A. § insurance coverage of street im- maintain municipal streets; Avenue. An open house will be held gallon; 54-4-204 (c)). provement activities; • Purchasing and maintaining equip- at 5:p.m. The public may submit • Diesel tax—18.4 cents per gal- All purchases made by a mu- • Property insurance coverage for ment for mowing areas within street questions and comments on the pro- lon; nicipality with state street aid funds portions of buildings used to store rights-of-way; posed plans. For more information, • Liquefied gas tax—0.14 cents are required to be in conformity with and maintain street improvement • Removing dead trees, tree limbs, visit www.nashvillempo.org. per gallon; and public advertisement and competi- equipment; and leaves, and similar objects; • Natural gas tax—0.13 cents per tive bidding laws applicable to the • Mass transit systems, provided that • Purchasing boiler for asphalt plant gallon. particular municipality. Generally, such funding shall not exceed 22.22 if used to heat asphalt for street im- Street sign municipalities must follow the pro- percent. provements; and These tax amounts include a visions of the 1983 Municipal Pur- • Purchasing street cleaning equip- changes special privilege tax of 1 cent per chasing Law. State street aid funds can not pay for: ment. gallon on petroleum products and a Municipalities are not required • Auto expenses for the city re- SIGNS from Page 1 0.4 cent petroleum tax for the under- to employ a licensed engineer to corder; State street aid funds cannot pay for: eventdetail.asp?ID=5217 ground storage tank fund. prepare bid specifications and esti- • Salary supplements to the street • Maintaining county roads; or • Sign Retroreflectivity: Best Man- The proceeds from these taxes mates. T.C.A. § 54-4-204 (d)(2). superintendent; • Purchasing refuse pick-up equip- agement Practices for How to Imple- are paid monthly to local govern- Upon written request of a municipal- • Loans temporarily borrowed from ment. ment (Retroreflectivity Part 2) - ments on a per capita basis. The law ity, the comptroller of the treasury the municipal state street aid fund; http://www.apwa.net/events/ permits motor vehicle fuel tax mon- may authorize that funds received • Audit fees; Be careful: eventdetail.asp?ID=5220 ies to be used for street-related pur- from municipal state street aid fund • Recorder’s commission; If purchasing a piece of equipment is • MUTCD Revisions: Changes Ev- poses. The law further requires that may be kept and accounted for in the • Personal damages; questionable, spend the money on ery Local Community Needs to these funds be accounted for sepa- general fund of the municipality. • Property damages; equipment, supplies, or paving that Know - http://www.apwa.net/ rately in a special revenue fund, Fund revenue and expenditures re- • Office assistance; or is not questionable. events/eventdetail.asp?ID=5233 commonly titled the state street aid lated to funds received for the mu- • General administrative expenses. • Information available on the Fed- fund or gas tax fund. Cities may nicipal street aid fund are required to Street Signs and Street Lights eral Highway Administration request permission from the state be accounted for separately in the Be careful: State street aid funds can pay for: website includes: comptroller’s office to account for general fund in such a manner as to • If a city makes curb and gutter • Erecting street signs; http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ these funds in the general fund. allow identification of the source of improvements and pays the total • Installing and maintaining traffic roadway_dept/night_visib/ T.C.A. § 54-4-204. See T.C.A. § 54- revenue and the expenditures re- cost from state street aid funds but lights; and policy_guide/fhwasa07020/ 4-203 for distribution of funds for lated to such revenue. has assessed the abutting property • Street light installation and electric http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publica- premier tourist resort cities. Funds in the municipal street aid owners for two-thirds of the cost, the bills for street lights. tions/research/safety/09030/ fund may be used by municipalities funds derived from the assessments Finally, the Federal Highway Definitions receiving such funds for funding must remain available for other State street aid funds can not pay Administration has prepared a sign • “Municipal Street Aid Fund” mass transit systems. No more than qualified street projects; for: retroreflective toolkit at means the funds provided for mu- 22.22 percent of such funds may be • Interest received by a municipality • Welcome-to-the-city signs; or www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro. Copies nicipalities from state gasoline fuel used for funding mass transit. from the investment of state street • Community event and general in- can be ordered online. The toolkit taxes; T.C.A. § 54-4-204 (e). aid funds is subject to the same re- formational signs. provides information to assist • “Municipality” means any incor- Cities may be eligible for 15- strictions as the state street aid fund smaller and medium sized agencies porated city or incorporated town year loans from funds accumulated money; and Other Facilities to meet the new requirements and charged with the duty of construct- and set apart from petroleum funds • A city must keep records in accor- State street aid funds can pay for: consists of a compact disc and ing and maintaining streets within to fund costs incurred in relocating, dance with sound municipal ac- • Purchasing, constructing, repair- guidebook that helps agencies es- its corporate boundaries; moving or reinstalling utility facili- counting practices and include the ing, or leasing a facility to store tablish a maintenance program and • “Street” includes streets, high- ties, without any additions thereto. state street aid funds in the year-end street equipment, street lighting, set a budget for updating their traffic ways, avenues, boulevards, pub- Such loans are allowable only for audit. signs, and other traffic control de- signs. licly owned rights-of-way, bridges, relocating utility lines located vices. For further information, contact tunnels, public parking areas, and within rights-of-way of highways on Construction your state department of transporta- other public ways dedicated to pub- the system of state highways if relo- State street aid funds can pay for: Cities are advised to use munici- tion. lic use and maintained for general cation is required because of high- • Engineering fees for street im- pal street aid funds for known eli- You can test your knowledge public travel lying within a way construction projects adminis- provements. Cities are not required gible expenditures and fund ques- about street signs at http:// municipality’s corporate bound- tered by the department of transpor- to employ licensed engineers to pre- tionable expenditures from the gen- mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/Signs/ aries; and tation. Applications for assistance pare bid specifications and esti- eral fund. index.htm. • “Street improvements” means should be directed to the State Util- mates; construction, reconstruction, im- ity Management Review Board (see • Constructing sidewalks along city provement, and maintenance of T.C.A. § 67-3-901). Cities are ad- streets; streets, including paving, repaving, vised that utility relocation expenses • Acquiring rights-of-way for city TML requests E-mail addresses grading and drainage, repairs, for state highway projects may be streets, including approaches to cleaning, acquisition and mainte- paid for with state highway project bridges and tunnels; The quickest way to keep city officials apprised nance of rights-of-way, extension funds. • Widening and/or draining a creek of legislative happenings is through e-mail or fax. and widening of existing streets, It is a Class C misdemeanor for to prevent city street flooding, where Please send any changes in your contact infor- elimination of railroad grade cross- any municipal official or employee the primary purpose is to stop street ings, acquisition or lease or lease/ to authorize, direct, or permit the flooding. Protecting other property mation to Debbie Kluth, by fax at 615-255-4752, by purchase of trucks or other equip- expenditure of such funds for any may be an incidental benefit; e-mail to dkluth@TML1. org, or call 615-255-6416. ment necessary in the construction purpose, except those authorized by • Up to one-third of the city’s rights- and maintenance of streets, includ- the state law. Any municipal official of-way acquisition costs for a state

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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 Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979 Tennessee Municipal League 2010-2011 Officers and Directors Emerging Issues: PRESIDENT Dale Kelley Are we ready for government by the people? Mayor, Huntingdon VICE PRESIDENTS BY BILL BARNES ample, a quick count of portentous should. Kay Senter Nation’s Cities Weekly vocabulary in a publication from a The Road Ahead Councilmember, Morristown Ken Wilbur major democracy organization So, what to do? There are lots of Mayor, Portland Many city officials feel they yields 13 weighty terms like democ- oracles who have "shoulds" and Allen Barker and their community have been hurt racy, community and self-govern- "oughts" to offer. Not much help Mayor, Humboldt ment on just the first page. It’s there. DIRECTORS by well-intended participatory pro- Bryan Atchely cesses gone badly awry. Once enough to weigh a person down. Happily, there are also lots of TENNESSEE Mayor, Sevierville burned, twice shy. You can imagine City officials agree that great “how to” materials and resource Angie Carrier that citizens feel the same way. things are at stake. The NLC survey people who have experience and FESTIVALS City Administrator, White House ( District 5) techniques to offer. Mostly helpful. Vance Coleman (District 7) It is, however, not unusual that asked about the rewards and benefits Dec. 4: Sevierville th Mayor, Medina residents and city halls first meet that they think accrue from effective NLC’s recent guidebook on “Civic 48 Annual Christmas Parade Betsy Crossley each other in special deliberative public engagement. Two items were Engagement and Recent Immigrant A traditional hometown parade with Mayor, Brentwood (District 6) sessions when there is a particularly selected most frequently as being Communities” is a good example. baton twirlers, pageant winners, Karl Dean Mayor, Metro Nashville troublesome issue that severely di- “most important”: “build a stronger Mainly, officials and citizens marching bands and floats leading Chris Dorsey vides the local polity. Like the cur- sense of community” and “build continue to learn, to experiment, and up to the appearance of the Grand City Manager, Red Bank (District 3) rent budget crises. Strong emotions, trust between citizens and govern- to take interesting ideas from else- Marshal – Santa Claus. Parade be- David Gordon ment.” where because they are seeking gins at 11am and can best be viewed Mayor, Covington (District 8) forceful words and bad feelings fre- J.H. Graham III quently follow. Leighninger clearly believes ways to make local situations better. on Forks of the River Parkway and Mayor, Crossville Taking a longer view, Matt that all these big issues are at stake, That is the key driver of all this Court Avenue in historic downtown Bill Hammon Leighninger, executive director of but he is pragmatic about how to change: people who care about their Sevierville. For information, call 1- Asst. City Manager, Alcoa (District 2) Bill Haslam the Deliberative Democracy Con- proceed. He urges that we see all this community are looking for ways to 888-738-4378 or visit the website, Mayor, Knoxville sortium and long-time NLC col- as part of a “transition” to “The Next solve problems and seize opportuni- www.visitseiverville.com Curtis Hayes laborator, observes that the founda- Form of Democracy,” the title of his ties; and the shared power of the Mayor, Livingston excellent 2006 book. The book’s citizen/government relationship is Dec. 4: Cumberland Gap Richard Hodges tion for dealing with really wicked Mayor, Millington issues must be laid way before an subtitle tells us his thesis about what crucial to their ability to do that. Annual Victorian Christmas Dot LaMarche, issue escalates. And, he adds wryly, this “transition” is — “How Expert Public engagement is not a from 10 am – 3 pm at the Victorian Vice Mayor, Farragut why not build that foundation by Rule is Giving Way to Shared separate thing; it is not a one-time House, 511 Colwyn Ave. Kids will Ron Littlefield event. It is ways of thinking and Mayor, Chattanooga doing excellent citizen involve- Governance…and Why Politics visit with Father and Mother Christ- Keith McDonald ment when the topic is more posi- Will Never Be the Same.” ways of doing the governance you mas, enjoy the reading of the Christ- Mayor, Bartlett tive and less divisive — planning a That “expert rule” bit will need to do to make your community mas Story and The Legend of Santa. Bo Perkinson park or envisioning a strategy for present difficulties for city officials better. Big successes will likely be There will be hot cider and cookies. Vice Mayor, Athens Norm Rone green jobs? because it turns out that they are the outnumbered by “sort of okay’s” For more information, call 423-869- Mayor, McMinnville (District 4) New NLC Report ones who are often perceived as the and even duds, so a commitment to 3860 or visit the website Charles “Bones” Seivers A new NLC report, “Making overbearing experts. And “shared keeping learning and keep trying www.townofcumberlandgap.com President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund governance” may sound fine until will be crucial. Randy Trivette Local Democracy Work,” adds in- City Recorder, Erwin (District 1) formation about the views of mu- officials’ preference for making sure An appreciation of the purposes Dec. 4:Clarksville A.C. Wharton nicipal officials to the on-going dis- everyone has the right information to be served and the historic transi- Downtown for the Holidays Mayor, Memphis course about democracy. The gov- (a preference that is strongly ex- tion we are muddling through may Jingle Bell Jog, Caroling and family Bob Wherry City Manager, Lakeland ernment side of the citizen/govern- pressed in responses to the NLC sur- thus be more helpful to local offi- activities, Christmas cookie bake President (TCMA) ment relationship is too often ne- vey) confronts people’s inclination cials who are trying to decide what to off, topped off by the 51st annual Doug Young glected, to the detriment of the to just speak their minds and hearts do than knowing the next new thing Christmas parade at 5 pm. For more Council, Murfreesboro or a neighborhood’s desire to take or carrying out the latest “engage- information, visit the city website at PAST PRESIDENTS whole discussion. Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge The NLC study surveyed over decision-making about a pro- ment” methods or using the glitziest www.cityofclarksville.com Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo elected and managerial municipal posed facility. How can those ten- technology. Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro officials about public engagement. sions be managed constructively? Details: “Making Local Democracy Dec. 14:Tullahoma Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg Work: Municipal Officials’ Views Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland It defined public engagement as There’s no easy way out of this. Old Towne Christmas Stroll Sam Tharpe (2001) Mayor, Paris “proactive efforts to involve people We know that the relationship ‘twixt About Public Engagement” by Wil- From 5 – 8:30 pm, enjoy refresh- Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski in deliberating public issues and in government and citizens is chang- liam Barnes and Bonnie Mann, an ments and the sights and musical helping to solve problems.” ing, Leighninger says, but we don’t NLC Research Report, is available sounds of an old-fashioned Christ- TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS (Ex-Officio Directors) Heavy Burdens know where we are in this journey. on the NLC website, www.nlc.org, mas presented free in Tullahoma’s Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. Heavy burdens have accumu- So we should do what we can to on the “Governance” topic page. historic district at sites delineated by Ken Krushenski, Oak Ridge lated around the topic of govern- improve that relationship and keep The “Recent Immigrant” guidebook luminaries.The route has been di- Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference searching for what works the way it is on the same page. vided into two areas, the “Holly” John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet ment/citizen relationships. For ex- Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works and “Mistletoe” strolls in the down- Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering town area. The Tullahoma Fine Arts Tennessee Government Finance Officers Center will host the opening of the Daisy Madison, Chattanooga Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. stroll, and will have programs avail- Melba Johnson, Lexington able for strollers that evening. Tennessee Building Officials Assn. Steve Mills, Hendersonville Sex offenders evading authorities Job market on the upswing growing faster than the roughly 2% TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. Thousands of convicted sex offend- The American job machine appears rate that many analysts project for Margaret Mahery, Executive Director Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports ers are evading state and federal au- to have finally slipped into a higher the fourth quarter. Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Larry Cox, Memphis thorities, congregating in regions gear. Employers boosted hiring in Carole Graves, Communications Director & Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Editor, Tennessee Town & City thought to have lax enforcement, October, offering hope that the re- John Holloway, Government Relations Gil Kendrick, Jackson slipping back and forth to Mexico, covery may be picking up steam. Middle class jobs disappearing Debbie Kluth-Yarbrough, Director of Marketing / Tennessee Water Quality Management or disregarding laws on reporting Member Services Jack Graham, Maryville The government’s broadest snap- The well-paying, predominantly Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. their whereabouts. As state and fed- shot of the labor market showed the white-collar jobs that once sustained Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant George Brogdon, Germantown eral authorities stitch together a na- U.S. created 151,000 jobs last many American communities are Denise Paige, Government Relations Tennessee Chapter, American Planning tional system for overseeing Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Karen Hundt, Chattanooga month, mainly on a surge of hiring disappearing at an alarming pace, Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. America’s 700,000 convicted sex by service businesses. The private keeping the unemployment rate TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Alan Jones, Metro Knox Airport Authority offenders, they face a sobering chal- sector notched its largest gain since stubbornly high despite the end of (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders lenge: locating the estimated April, adding 159,000 jobs. The the Great Recession. Jobs in ac- — Official publication of the Tennessee Mu- Lanaii Benne, Franklin 100,000 sex offenders who aren’t government also revised up job fig- counting, financial analysis, com- nicipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Rex Gaither, Smyrna saying where they are. State and ures for August and September, in- mercial printing and a broad array of Graves ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255- TN Section, Institute of Transport. Engineers local authorities, working with the dicating the economy shed 110,000 other mostly white-collar occupa- 6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right Kevin Cole, Knoxville U.S. Marshals Service, are conduct- fewer jobs than previously thought. tions are unlikely to come back, ex- to reject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. Fax classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Rebecca Harris, Cookeville ing sex offender sweeps, checking Even so, the jobless rate, based on a perts predict. Some of it is explained Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors old addresses and hunting down the separate survey of households, re- by changing technology, some, the mlawrence@TML1. Tommy White, Sevierville absconds. Oftentimes, officials say, mained at 9.6 percent for the third result of automation. Sending well- org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: Attention Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools Debbie Kluth-Yarbrough at 615-255-4752, or Reecha Black, Alamo the offenders are where they have straight month as more workers gave paying jobs to low-cost centers e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions ex- TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS been all along - they’ve just fallen up looking for work and left the abroad is another big part, as is glo- pressed by non League officials or staff do not PLATINUM LEVEL MEMBERSHIP behind on paperwork. But some- official jobless rolls. The upbeat job bal competition from emerging necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee Bank of America Town & City is published, semi-monthly, 20 times not. “They could be up to no report came just two days after the economies such as China and India. times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, First Tennessee Bank good, stalking another child,” said Federal Reserve announced a plan to Jobs that paid well, required skills Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals post- GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP age paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. Tom Henman, supervisory deputy buy up government debt in an effort and produced vital communities are $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP U.S. marshal of the Child Predator to boost growth, and it follows other going away and aren’t being re- a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to AT&T Apprehension Team in the Arizona indications that the economy may be placed by anything comparable. Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., ING Financial Advisers, LLC Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Sensus Metering Systems District. SpeedFix BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Alliance Water Resources Collier Engineering Co., Inc. Johnson Controls No loan is too Lee Company McGill Associates, P.A. Sophicity CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP A To Z MUNI-DOT Company large or too small Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. Comcast Cable Communications Concrete Paving Assoc. of Tennessee See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 DBS & Associates Engineering Desktop Risk Manager Education Networks of America Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. Florence & Hutcheson, Inc. Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers,Inc. LaserCraft, Inc. Local Govt. Corporation Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. OHM(Orchard, Hiltz, & McCliment, Inc. One Source Document Solutions, Inc. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Rare Element, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Statewide Insurance Group of America Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities Thompson & Litton, Inc. Thompson Engineering Thompson Machinery Third Rock Consultants,LLC TLM Associates, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC Tysinger, Hampton and Partners, Inc. URS Corporation Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Volkert & Associates Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. The city of Murfreesboro closes a $103 million loan, The town of Nolensville closes a $21,000 loan. Waste Management the largest in TMBF history. Wiser Company, LLC 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 www.TML1.org Troops to Teachers program honors national heroes The Tennessee Department of teaching. State offices provide Education plans to honor our na- counseling and assistance re- Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No tional heroes for their service to the garding certification require- charge to TML members. Send advertis- country and the classroom. Tennes- ments, routes to state certifica- ing to: TT&C Classified Ads, Mona see military personnel have the option, and employment leads. Lawrence, 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, portunity to start a second career as Successful program candi- Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: the great teachers and leaders dates obtain certification or li- mlawrence@ TML1.org; or fax: 615- needed in education through the censing as elementary, second- 255 4752. Tennessee Troops to Teachers pro- ary, or vocational teachers. To ANIMAL SHELTER DIRECTOR gram. date, 411 former military service MT. JULIET. The city is seeking appli- “Tennessee is looking to fill our and veterans in Tennessee have cants for the position of Animal Shelter classrooms with highly qualified successfully started their second Director. This position will require talent and positive role models,” career through the program. someone with a strong background in said Education Commissioner “Teaching is a rewarding ca- running an operation and facility in ex- Bruce Opie. “The men and women reer. Tennessee’s Troops to cess of $1 million dollars, and with that have served our country are not Teachers office has counseled familiarity of animal control require- only respected leaders, but the dedi- hundreds of interested military ments, standards and animal care prac- cated professionals that have the personnel, advising them on tices. Responsible for overseeing and diversity, experience, and the skills routes and programs to achieve planning all aspects of a first class, state to make a difference in classrooms.” full teacher certification in Ten- of the art animal shelter and adoption nessee, and referring them to program. Position provides opportuni- Troops to Teachers works to ties to directly influence decisions re- improve education by providing school districts for employ- lated to operations, future development, motivated, experienced, and dedi- ment,” said Cliff Yager, director and more. A bachelor’s degree is cated personnel for the nation’s of the Tennessee Troops to Through the Troops to Teachers program, the Tennessee Department of strongly preferred with recommended high-poverty classrooms. The pro- Teachers program. Education is looking to improve education by providing motivated, expe- studies in business management, fi- gram helps relieve teacher short- The Troops to Teachers pro- rienced, and dedicated personnel for the nation’s high-poverty class- nance or animal science. Preference ages, especially in math, science, gram is funded by the U.S. De- rooms. will be given to candidates with experi- special education and other critical partment of Education and ence. Candidates will be required to subject areas, and assists military administered by the state Depart- Defense. Teachers website at complete a pre-employment physical, personnel in making successful ment of Education in collabora- For more information on this www.tennessee.gov/education/lic/ drug screen and background check and transitions to second careers in tion with the U.S. Department of program, visit the Troops to troop.shtml. hold a valid TN drivers license. Com- pensation includes the city’s insurance programs, retirement, uniform allow- Nashville pairs volunteers/education, flood relief ance, and longevity pay when appropri- Problems ate, etc. Must be able to perform execu- SERVICE from Page 1 “We tive functions while working alongside Americans, and especially our have team members. Salary will be DOQ but young people, do their part and an- launched with new will not exceed the mid $40’s. Applica- swer the call to service, cities across and mobi- tions must be filed electronically and are the country will support their efforts lized seven available online at the city’s website, tax system and help them contribute to the com- initiatives www.cityofmtjuliet.org. We will ac- TAX from Page 1 mon good.” and volun- cept electronic applications until such reporting businesses into compli- Michelle Nunn, co-founder of teer agencies time when a qualified candidate is cho- ance; and in some cases, reach back HandsOn Network, the nation’s are provid- sen with the first cut-off date being De- and collect for delinquent years. largest volunteer network, recog- ing training cember 1, 2010. The city of Mt. Juliet “We looked at what we thought reserves the right to stop accepting ap- nizes the idea of plugging volunteers for volun- we could gain from bringing busi- plications at any time. For questions, directly into local city government teers in addi- nesses into compliance,” said regarding the electronic application problems as a new approach to tion to the Deputy Revenue Commissioner process, call 615-754-2552. The city of volunteerism. “A lot of times, volun- micro-initia- Glen Page. “We could still get there Mt. Juliet does not discriminate based teering is seen as building capacity tives,” said (reach the estimated $21 million in on race, color or national origin in fed- for nonprofits,” Nunn said, “but this Creech. additional revenue). But we haven’t eral or state sponsored programs, pursu- is a movement to say, ‘This is how “We’re ant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of been able to devote an entire year to we can help solve problems around learning 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d).EOE/Drug- just focus on matching all of the education, the environment and spe- how to transition the energy of free Workplace. clude: Mayor Shirley Franklin – At- data.” cific challenges our community is Nashville’s volunteers to the needs lanta, GA; Mayor Sheila Dixon – Page reported that the depart- facing.” of the city, utilizing the power.” CHIEF BUILDING/CODES Baltimore, MD; Mayor Richard ment has taken in an additional $5 As part of a “Declaration of Ser- The city will submit a year-end OFFICIAL Daley, Chicago,IL; Mayor Marilee million through a voluntary disclo- MT JULIET. The city is seeking appli- vice,” all coalition members commit report on Impact Nashville in Dec. Chinnici-Zuercher – Dublin, OH; sure program that allowed busi- cants for the position of Chief Building to developing a comprehensive ser- 2011, and has launched a website Mayor John Peyton – Jacksonville, nesses that had previously not been and Codes Official. The person selected vice plan and a coordinated strategy that allows volunteers a venue to FL; Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa – paying the tax to register and not be will be responsible for developing, focused on matching volunteers and scout for service opportunities as Los Angeles, CA; Mayor Michael R. penalized for past years. overseeing and planning all aspects of established community partners to well as service organizations a place Bloomberg – New York, NY; He acknowledged that the tran- fast paced, multi-faceted building and the areas of greatest local need. to recruit citizen engagement. For property codes inspection and compli- Mayor Cory Booker – Newark, NJ; sition has been an arduous task and Nashville was one of 10 cities more information or to view the Im- ance programs. The position provides Mayor Phil Gordon – Phoenix, AZ; that just identifying the various busi- selected to receive a $200,000 Lead- pact Nashville plan, visit opportunities to directly influence deci- Mayor Luke Ravenstahl – Pitts- nesses and getting them registered ership grant through Cities of Ser- www.impactnashville.net or the sions related to operations, building and burgh, PA; Mayor David N. on the state level took more time and vice and the Rockefeller Foundation Mayor’s website at http:// codes inspection and enforcement ac- Cicilline – Providence, RI; effort than originally planned. toward hiring a Chief Service Of- www.nashville.gov/mayor/volun- tivities, building and property code up- Mayor Kevin Johnson – Sacra- “It was a lot harder to get the ficer that will develop and imple- teer/. dates, employee development, and mento, CA; Mayor Douglas H. businesses registered than we ever more. Experience in building construc- ment the Impact Nashville plan. The Cities of Service, founded Sept. Palmer – Trenton,NJ; Mayor Paul E. would have dreamed,” said Page. tion, inspection, codes inspection and position is held by Laurel Creech, 10, 2009, is a bi-partisan coalition of Winfield – Vicksburg, MS; “We thought that a business that has enforcement, administration, budget- whose background includes initia- the mayors of large and small cities Mayor Adrian Fenty a sales tax account would have the ing/finance, and team management tives in sales and marketing, envi- from across the country who will Washington,DC; same name and address for the state, strongly desired with clear demonstra- ronmental advocacy and radio work together to engage citizens to Mayor Lois J. Frankel – West Palm city and county. And that was not the tion of experience in a comparable or broadcasting. address the great challenges of our larger municipality. Required academic Beach, FL. case. We had to do an extreme time. Other founding mayors in- credentials (High school diploma with a amount of manual intervention.” minimum of twelve (12) years experi- “It’s been a struggle,” continued ence in a supervisory role in the building Page. “But we’re making significant construction industry or a bachelor’s progress at it. Now that we have degree from an accredited college or everyone registered we can start university with major coursework in matching our information against all construction management, public administration, engineering, architecture data that is available to us.” or other related field. Must be able to Page said that they have regis- perform executive functions while tered some 400,000 businesses and working alongside team members. their total business tax collections Candidates will be required to complete are about the same, if not more, than a pre-employment physical, drug screen last year. He suggested that perhaps and background check and hold a valid the discrepancies with the larger TN drivers license. Salary DOQ. Appli- counties were due to the down turn cations must be filed electronically and in the economy. Those reporting are available online at the city’s from the smaller counties said their website, www.cityofmtjuliet.org. Elec- collections were about the same as tronic applications accepted until a last year. qualified candidate is chosen with the first cut-off date being Nov. 29, 2010. Another complaint that Arriola The city of Mt. Juliet reserves the right conveyed was the lack of input on to stop accepting applications at any the front end. time. For questions regarding the elec- “We were told that we would be tronic application process, call 615- a part of determining the rules and 754-2552. The city of Mt. Juliet does regulations and that has not been the not discriminate based on race, color or case,” said Arriola. “We have basi- national origin in federal or state spon- cally been on the outside looking sored programs, pursuant to Title VI of in.” the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Page agreed that it was time to 2000d).EOE/ADA/Drug-free Work- sit down with the clerks again to fine place. tune the process. Prior to implemen- PUBLIC WORKS tation of the new system, the Depart- SUPERINTENDENT ment of Revenue established a PORTLAND. The city is now accepting working group that included the applications for Public Works Superin- Tennessee Municipal League, the tendent. The full time position includes County Officials Association of oversight of the Natural Gas, Water and Tennessee, city clerks, and county Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater and clerks. Wastewater Treatment Plant, Streets, “We are at a place now, where and Sanitation departments. A we are better able to sit down with Bachelor’s degree in engineering, man- the group again, see what their needs agement or other appropriate field is are, and let them help us identify required along with substantial experience in financial management for public some businesses that we’ve works and utility departments. Salary missed,” said Page. will be based on education and experi- Sen. Henry suggested that the ence. Application and job description groups get back together and try to may be obtained from the receptionist at work through some of the issues. Portland City Hall, Mon. through Fri., 8 “We have more money coming in,” am to 4:30 pm, or by email said Henry. “And I’d hate to turn [email protected]. Com- loose of the money.” pleted application and resume must be Revenue has invited TML and returned no later than 4:30 pm on Nov. COAT to meet with them again to 30, 2010, to: Office of the Mayor, Port- address the city and county clerks’ land City Hall,100 South Russell Street, concerns. TML will continue to Portland, Tennessee 37148. EOE. keep cities updated on the issue. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 TML Board meet, discuss 2011 legislative issues

Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg and Bones Seivers, president and CEO of the TML Municipal Bond Fund

Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley and TML Executive Director Margaret Mahery

Bob Kirk, Dyersburg alderman, and David Gordon, Covington mayor Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III Kay Senter, Morristown councilmember

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg

Sevierville Mayor Brian Atchley

Steve Thompson, MTAS executive director

Above, Randy Trivette, Erwin city recorder Portland Mayor Ken Wilber and Farragut Vice Mayor Dorothy LaMarche

At left: Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald, Alamo Mayor Tommy Green, Covington Mayor David Gordon, and Portland Mayor Ken Wilber

Photos by Victoria South 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 www.TML1.org Welcome to Shelbyville depicts signs of the times Resources SHELBYVILLE from Page 1 broader community.” for Cities to the immigrants. Hawo Siyad is a “If the receiving community former student of hers. “I’m third members don’t believe the immi- The Tennessee Immigrant and generation Mexican; I’m not even grants are part of the collective fu- Refugee Rights Coalition from Bedford County. I’m from ture, there will be little public effort (TIRRC) is currently forming Kansas, where Dorothy’s from,” to help them settle in more quickly,” Welcoming Committees Taylor begins. “We came here 27 the website states. throughout Tennessee. Mem- years ago within the time period the “Integration is a two-way pro- bers of the committees will re- Hispanics started coming here, and cess,” continues Abdulla. “You ceive training by the staff of my job was to work with young have immigrants coming here, TIRRC on relevant topics, in- Hispanic children in English lan- learning the language to become cluding: cultural awareness, guage where they could be U.S. citizens and learning how to community issues, realities of mainstreamed into our school class- physically participate in society, the immigration system, and rooms. I found that first we had to and the receiving community help- civil rights. In addition, the educate citizens about the Latino ing understand there are changes committee will also learn how community. We shared what Mexi- taking place in the city as well.” to present “Welcome to Ten- cans were all about, we brought food According to Mosely, who nessee” to other community and language, taught English to wrote a series of award winning ar- groups and organizations and mothers and babies, so children ticles chronicling the Somalis’ ar- will then become the local could have dialogue with their rival, even emergency officials had Photos by TML videographer, Mark Barrett voice and coordinating body of no way of communicating with the teachers.” Kim Snyder, director/producer of Welcome to Shelbyville. the initiative. For more infor- In the film, Taylor, along with new residents. “They would Google mation, visit www.welcometn. another resident Beverly Hewitt, “Somali,” and reports of violence Department to be shown abroad as the community by promoting civic org or contact David Morales at join others at Siyad’s home for din- and extremism would pop up, he part of its Documentary Showcase. engagement and naturalization 615-833-0384 ext. 201 or e- ner. As the American and Somali said. Today, through a TIRRC pro- “I think they’re going to see a among immigrants. Memphis is par- mail [email protected] women begin to swap recipes, chat gram called “Welcoming America,” caring community dealing with is- ticipating in MAII’s NewCITYzen and get to know one another, hugs, formerly the “Welcome Tennessee” sues that are common throughout the Naturalization Campaign and the NLC’s MAII Project laughter and eventually dancing initiative created in 2006, country,” said former Shelbyville New Americans Citizens Academy, The Municipal Action for breaks forth in the tiny kitchen. Shelbyville’s auditoriums and city manager Immigration Integration Ed Craig. (MAII) project is a National “We are League of Cities (NLC) project understanding to assist NLC member cities each other a build more inclusive and stron- lot better, I ger communities. The MAII pi- hope,” agrees lot program for cities will pro- Mosely. “I vide technical assistance in two think it’s a areas: slow process, (1) Promoting naturalization, but we learn as an official act by which a per- we go along.” son is made a national of a A similar country other than his or her effort in Mem- native one by using the MAII phis, the Mu- NewCITYzen Naturalization nicipal Action Campaign tool kit. The kit infor Immigra- cludes public service an- tion Integra- nouncements and a media tion (MAII) guide, and; project, (2) helping city government ESL teacher Luci Taylor and Somali immigrant, Hawo Siyad, in a partnerswith make connections with com- panel discussion following a screening of Welcome to Shelbyville. NLC to help Kasar Abdulla, director of Advocacy & Education with the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition. munity-based organizations to citizenship better address the needs of the “These people came to town just churches are the sites of a series of local immigrant population to make some money, they just want talks organized by a local committee through the New Americans to live,” Hewitt said. “They’re not where residents and immigrants Citizens Academy. The Acad- trying to bother anybody. Until you alike are invited to exchange dia- emy. get to know an individual, you have logue and ideas. For more information no idea what’s going on. I’m beg- “There are no set of rules,” said about the Municipal Action for ging people; love one another be- Abdulla. “We just sit down together Immigrant Integration program cause you don’t know who might be creating the environment for having or to subscribe to the program’s there to help you one day.” dialogue about issues whether it is e-newsletter, contact Ricardo “There’s a huge gap between about immigration or integration or Gambetta, NLC’s Program resettlement and adjustment,” notes immigrants learning the language – manager for Immigrant Inte- Kasar Abdulla, director of Advo- just providing that opportunity for gration, at 202-626-3153 or e- cacy & Education with the Tennes- both the receiving community and mail [email protected] or visit see Immigrant & Refugee Rights the newcomers, as they’re called, to www.nlc.org/RESOURCES Coalition (TIRRC). “In rural places have a chance to interact with each FORCITIES/PROGRAMS like Shelbyville, there really isn’t a other.” SERVICES/MAII/ good infrastructure in place to help “Shelbyville is a very inspiring aboutmaiii.aspx immigrants integrate into society or example of people trying to find go through the civic process of be- ways to talk about issues,” Snyder Active Voice uses film, televi- coming a naturalized citizen.” said, “People interested in sparking sion and multimedia to spark According to the TIRRC dialog that’s constructive not flam- social change from grassroots website, “there are few programs mable.” Hispanic resident Miguel Gonzales, who also appears in the documen- to grass tops. Their team of stra- and institutions designed to facili- In December, as part of the Con- tary, joins the panel discussion. Beverly Hewitt listens in the foreground. tegic communications special- tate the process of immigrant inte- gress of Cities, the National League ists works with mediamakers, gration, while rapid demographic of Cities (NLC) will show a screen- and community integration work which assists municipal officials funders, advocates and thought change can trigger people’s fear of ing of Welcome to Shelbyville, more fluidly. and community leaders educate im- leaders to put a human face on cultural submersion often reinforc- which was viewed at the Brookings Supported by the Knight Foun- migrant residents about local gov- the issues of our times. For ing the perception that new immi- Institute in Washington and will air dation, the MAII project acts as a ernment and its functions. Partici- more information, visit grants are somehow less willing, on PBS stations nationwide next resource for city officials and com- pants will learn about local govern- www.activevoice.net. able, and entitled to become fully spring. Welcome to Shelbyville has munity-based organizations; ad- ment finances, structure and city ser- participating members of the also been selected by the U.S. State dressing immigrant challenges in vices. www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/NOVEMBER 22, 2010 During Mayor Bryan Atchley’s 25 years, Sevierville has soared

BY GAEL STAHL I’ve always felt that although my recruit new people because you’re family heritage might affect some of going to lose a certain number of the Sevierville. You think you know my decisions, most of the time I’ve repeats. the place – the first of three operated on my own personal self suburban pass-through gateway convictions about how we could TT&C: How much has Sevierville cities at the northern entrance to best help the most people. My dad, grown compared to when you Smoky Mountains National Park. being a Southern Baptist miss- took office in 1979, taking into The stories of mountain village ionary, did not agree with every account that tourists may double Gatlinburg and of Pigeon Forge’s stance I took on city council. I was your population at times? Dollywood are well known. Fewer the deciding vote in 1985 that put BA: I know that 16 years after 1979, may be aware of just how beer in grocery stores. Had I wanted in 1995 when I was elected mayor, Sevierville has joined them as a to do the popular family thing, I the population was barely over major destination city in its own would have voted no. 7,600 people. We’re probably close right. It is much more than host to to 18,000 now. Like you say, those millions of visitors passing through TT&C: Was your family’s can be misleading figures because on their way to the most visited political tradition why you we’ve got thousands of people here national park in the nation. majored in political science? over the weekend. In summertime You can’t really ‘know’ a BA: Actually, I intended to go on to we’re providing police, water, double-edged community like law school. Even though I never did, sewer, and electricity for thousands Sevierville until you see it through my interest in history, constitutional more people. It’s a challenge but the eyes of someone who lives there, law, law, and politics has helped in we’ve done a good job providing the best of all, someone who helped my political career. But political infrastructure for that kind of make it what it is today. That’s office has never been a major source growth. Bryan Atchley. He’s a longtime city of income. That’s an advantage official and currently a Tennessee when it comes to making decisions. TT&C: Do you have major indus- Municipal League board member. I don’t think, “Gee whiz, if I don’t tries not connected to tourism? His family has lived there since the make the right choice I could be out BA: We have a couple of industrial 1700s when it was a frontier of a job.” I’d just be losing $600 a parks for soft industry. Neither the settlement; during the 200 years it month – never an overwhelming Photo by Victoria South city nor county are looking for was a community, and as visitors factor. Bryan Atchley smokestack industry. The county sped through to get to the My oldest brother became an does most of the industrial mountains, and during the last attorney. None of us followed our growing up here and probably felt hard economic times, a lot of cities recruiting and has done a good job quarter century when it became a father into the religious field. My we could do better. That’s not say- have seen double-digit drops in bringing in a hardwood floor major Tennessee city even outside sister, the oldest of the six, is a ing I or anybody else could have their income. We’re not manufacturing company, TRW, and of tourist season when its teacher, a brother is a CPA, another ever imagined that Sevierville experiencing that. We were down other small industries. population doubles. is in sales for time shares. Another is would become what we are now. maybe 2-3 percent in 2008, we were We have also lost some Born July 28, 1952, fourth an environment services director. People think of Pigeon Forge and up in 2009, and we’re going to be up industry. We had one of the biggest oldest of six children, Atchley That’s not to say we weren’t Gatlinburg as being huge sales tax in 2010. textile plants in Tennessee, but it graduated from Sevier County religious. collectors, but it’s Sevierville that shut its doors about four years ago. High School in 1970 where he and collects about 43 percent of all the TTC: Up enough for the city to That, ironically, turned out in a his brothers played all the usual TT&C: Who’s been most sales taxes collected in Sevier work up new projects? positive way. I felt that 60-acre sports. He was a football influential on your life? County. BA: About five years ago we started property was too valuable for quarterback, involved in student BA: That would be my mother. I wanted a better place for my focusing on our central business dis- anybody else to have, so the city government, on the student council, When I was recently named the kids and grandkids to enjoy and had trict tourism development zone. In bought it. When a prospect asked if class president his freshman, nursing home administrator of the benefited from people in the 1998, the legislature had passed we were willing to sell it, I said yes sophomore, and junior years, in the year I said in my acceptance speech, community, like teachers and what they called the Convention Act if you let us make a dollar. Now, Beta Club, Pep Club, and very there were two things she taught me baseball coaches, that had been that meant any new business created Thompson Cancer Research Center active in his church. He married his – to listen and to care. That’s what positive influences on my life and so within a mile radius of the conven- out of Knoxville is located there, high school sweetheart, Cherie I’ve seen her doing all her life. No I felt like passing that on by getting tion center would get not just 2.5 and LeCount Medical Center Jordan Atchley, in 1971, and matter who the person was or what involved in city hall. Did I think in percent of the sales tax, but some- opened up there last February. graduated from Carson Newman walk of life they came from or how 1979 that I would eventually be the thing like 8.5 percent until the bonds That’s a $120 million state-of-the- College in 1973. His wife got her much money or influence they had, longest serving mayor in the history are retired. It was a complicated art hospital with a beautiful campus. RN degree at Walters State if a student had a problem or needed of Sevierville? Absolutely not. piece of legislation meant primarily It’s owned by Covenant Health that Community College. They had a something she was there for them. When people ask after eight terms for the four biggest cities. Knoxville has the lease from our county. It son and a daughter, became She taught algebra and geometry in when am I going to quit being used it to build its new convention grew out of our former county grandparents, and in the 33rd year high school, including all of her mayor, I say, when I get beat or it center. Memphis used it to remodel hospital when Covenant got the of their marriage, in July 2005, kids. Now 90, she’s been inducted quits being fun. It’s still fun. theirs, Nashville and Chattanooga lease on it years ago. Covenant Cherie lost a battle with brain into the Sevier County High had their own uses. We were the Health is a comprehensive health cancer. School’s Sports Hall of Fame. She TT&C: When or how did fifth city to get it passed. They never system established in 1997 by the Having a starter family to raise qualified as a supporter and still Sevierville start becoming the imagined a city the size of consolidation of Fort Sanders when he graduated from college in goes to the football games. Her phenomenon it is now? Sevierville would utilize something Health System of Knoxville and 1973, Atchley deferred career special parking place is beside the BA: When I became alderman, like that, but ours was by far the MMC HealthCare System. They’ve plans and went to work for Sevier stadium simply marked: “Miss Sevierville didn’t have a largest project. Out of that we got a done a great job with a long-term County Hospital for five years Emma.” They both supplied me with community center. I was 26. Gary Bass Pro Shop located in that district managing contract. After that before becoming a medical supply a solid foundation that I credit for Wade probably 32. An important and built a 250,000-square-foot opened in February, we cut the sales person for Nashville Surgical. most of my success. thing we did was propose building a Events Center that had more than ribbon for a $12 million library in Since 1991, he has been either the $2 million community center. Our 8,000 people in attendance this June toward which we contributed assistant administrator or the TT&C: What was it like having budget wasn’t much more than that. week. Even in the middle of the the $2 million. administrator of Sevier County your mother for teacher, your We built a center with a first-rate Health Care Center. In January, he father your minister? gym, indoor swimming pool and finished serving as president of the BA: Every time the church doors bowling alley that’s been successful If your city doesn’t think it’s part of the county it’s Tennessee Health Care opened we were there – Sunday to this day. At times, people would Association (THCA), a pro- morning, Sunday night, Wednesday say we’ve done everything for not making your city or your county a better place fessional association for long-term night, and every revival meeting. tourism and not enough for our local for all. I pay county taxes and am proud of what care facilities somewhat equivalent You didn’t miss. That was not a bad people. I tried to keep in mind that to what TML is for cities. Last June, thing. My dad died two years ago at people living here are more the city has been able to do for everyone so that Atchley finished an eight-year term age 89, a resident in the nursing important even than the people that on the Health Services home where I’m administrator. visit. So, in the early and mid-1980s when we win, we all win. It pays off. Development Agency. Appointed Mom will be 91 December 3 and we started building a good by Gov. Sundquist and reappointed lives at home by herself. foundation based on sound budget Mayor Bryan Atchley twice by Gov. Bredesen, it is the decisions. We didn’t overspend. I agency that grants certificates of TT&C: Did your high school don’t think we’ve had a property tax week, you couldn’t find a motel TT&C: Has Sevierville won any needs for new hospitals, nursing classmates predict you’d be a increase since 1979. room in Sevierville. The Events TML awards for municipal homes, and clinics. minister, a football coach, or a While we’ve done proper Center is booked solid. progress or innovation? Atchley describes himself as lawyer? planning since I was elected mayor, We’re expanding our city golf BA: We got an award for our Events being a brash young salesman of 26 BA: Ironically, I couldn’t decide if I you have to understand that course from 18 to 36 holes Center and one for our greenway when he was elected a Sevierville wanted to be an attorney or a football virtually any city in the shape we’re including a new clubhouse that system. Not too many cities in alderman in 1979. In 1989, he coach. That’s the truth. I didn’t end in right now has had to have some we’re going to move into next Tennessee have won for that. We stepped down to better help the up either – out of necessity. Being good luck along the way. Some of month. Soon after all this got built walking trails along a lot of the children through high school and married so young I had to work so I our good luck was that some good started, the economy went south. river banks and were named as college. His daughter, Ann Marie, took a job at the local hospital and developers brought in first class Developers that held off for a bit “walking trail friendly.” We also 36, is now an administrative worked in housekeeping – in development that’s enabled now look around at what’s got one for the new baseball assistant at the Health Care Center laundry – to put myself through Sevierville to be a place that’s fun to happening and wish they hadn’t. stadium. Atchley heads. His son, Bryan Jr, college. My son came along and I visit. Our wide variety of venues This summer, thousands and What happened is that the 38, is a coach and teacher at Sevier just stayed in the medical field, include minor league baseball, thousands of people came in for Knoxville Smokies used to be in County High School and has made enjoyed the local hospital until 1978 theaters, a NASCAR speed park, weekends as well as during the Knoxville. When Knoxville and his father a happy, eager when I got a job in sales. and first class shopping. We’ve week. You’re going to see more Knox County refused to build the grandfather to granddaughters I’d wanted to be a football coach become such a shopping mecca that development coming into that team a new stadium in 1998, we Ansley, 8, and Jordan, 5. or lawyer, and now my son is a next Friday afternoon folks will be tourism development zone in the contacted the Smokies’ owners and In 1995, Atchley ran for mayor, football coach and my daughter has coming in for Alabama weekend. It coming year. told them that before they leave was elected and re-elected every a law degree from Tulane will take me 30 minutes to get home, Tennessee, they should give us a two years since. Now in his eighth University. I couldn’t be either but what’s usually a six-minute trip. TT&C: How do you explain doing call. They reminded me that a minor term, he is the longest serving sort of live that through them. My so well, comparably speaking? league baseball team is not a tourist mayor in the history of Sevierville. daughter worked in the law field, TT&C: What were some of the BA: We’re within a day’s drive of attraction. I said I knew that but that didn’t like it at all, and works at the new developments? three fourths of the population of we’ve got a location for them that TT&C: Anything special about nursing home. She still hasn’t BA: I’ve been very supportive of the country. People from Ohio, would make them a regional team. your family’s early years? decided what she wants to be when our school system that is run by the Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and When Knoxville and Knox BA: My Grandpa Atchley started a she grows up (chuckles). whole county. We support it in Pennsylvania that normally would County found out that we were funeral home about 1920 and had every way we can. For example, we go all the way to Myrtle Beach or talking, they tried to step back in, three sons who were all in that TT&C: Any particular reason recently passed liquor by the drink Disney are shocked to see how but I had made the Smokies sign an business. In 1950, my father you ran for alderman? and gave our portion of that sales tax affordable a vacation is in this area. exclusive deal for maybe 30 days to decided to get into mission work, BA: I’d been involved in the Lions to the school system. We didn’t have In Florida they’d pay $190 for a give us time to talk to them. Long left Sevierville with his wife and Club, Little League football and to; we wanted to. In the past year we room that costs $80 here. Sure, story short, we started talking in two kids in 1950, and went to a baseball, and all those things a gave $1 million to the new county we’ve got some that charge more, August 1998 and threw out the first seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He young father does. In 1977, a very hospital and $2 million to the new rooms that are worth more, but it’s pitch in March of 2000 in a $20 returned in 1955 with six kids and good family friend, Gary Wade, was county library. If your city doesn’t affordable here. million stadium. It’s located right at became the director of missions. I elected mayor. He’s now a Supreme think it’s part of the county it’s not One of the big hotels next to the the interstate. Affiliated with the was the fourth oldest, two years old Court justice. That same year, a city making your city or your county a Events Center is a 900-unit Chicago Cubs, it has been one of the that year. charter referendum changed city better place for all. I pay county Wilderness Indoor and Outdoor most successful Southern I think my roots going far back council terms from two years to taxes and am proud of what the city Resort with a gigantic swimming franchises ever. The Haslam family in Sevierville and Sevier County is four. In 1979, there were five open has been able to do for everyone so pool – not just any indoor pool but owns it now. They bought it from one of the reasons I ran for public seats. The top three vote getters that when we win, we all win. one with the waves – one of the Don Beavers who owned it for office. My dad was active and were elected for four years and the It pays off. There was a time largest in the country. That hotel years. The Cubs, normally sign two- served two terms in the legislature. bottom two for two years. By 1989, when Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and stays full just about year around. year deals only. Halfway through My grandpa served one term. My all terms were four-year terms. With Sevierville hardly worked together. Their surveys show 30 percent of their first two-year contract, they uncle Harold Atchley was on the five chances to win a seat, I figured Over the past 10-15 years we’ve the people coming there are coming asked for a four-year deal. That’s county court for years and years. I’d try so I ran and was elected. seen a spirit of cooperation that has for their first visit to the area. It’s how pleased they are. Politics definitely runs in the blood. I had no agenda. I’d enjoyed paid off. During the last two years of vital during a down economy to