TRACY HARRIS-Staff Writer
Lewisburg City Council met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Councilmembers voted in the following order: Vickie Michael, Linda Thomas, Shannon Crutcher, and Tommy Burns.
Mayor Jim Bingham presented Councilmembers Thomas and Crutcher with certificates for completing the Elected Officials Academy: Municipal Foundations training.
Jackson Smith was presented with a Volunteer Appreciation Certificate by Mayor Bingham. Smith earned Eagle Scout rank with a lot of hard work over the years. Most recently though, his Eagle Scout Project was a full renovation of the Cornersville High School press box including an update of its sound system.
There were no citizen’s comments. The Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes, the bills, and the financial statement. Items under old business included Ordinance 25-02, an ordinance to add Social Media Policy for Elected Officials to Title 1, Chapter 8 of the Lewisburg Municipal Code. It passed 3 – 1 with Thomas as the only no vote.
The second and final reading of Ordinance 25-03, to amend Title 2, Chapter 5 Section 5-101 Miscellaneous Boards of the Lewisburg Municipal Code appointed by the Mayor was a split vote among councilmembers.
Crutcher and Michael voted yes. Thomas and Burns voted no. Mayor Bingham was the tiebreaker vote in favor of Ordinance 25-03.
Under new business, all 5 items passed unanimously:
- Emily Gordon was appointed to the Stormwater Board of Appeals for a term until June 1, 2025, by recommendation of Stormwater Director Stacy Martin for council approval
- Resolution 25-03, Fund Balance Policy for the General Fund consistent with Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 54 Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions
- Resolution 25-04 allows the Firehouse Subs Grant for $25,000 or less with no match required to purchase low/high angle rescue equipment
- First reading of Ordinance 25-04 to amend Section 20-604 of Fence Ordinance to specify materials that can be used for fences in front of residences. Also defines the process for enforcement and punishment of code violations pertaining to section 20-604
- First reading of Ordinance 25-05, amendment 1 to Ordinance 24-10, and approving budget amendments for fiscal year 24-25
City Manager Bam Haislip gave an update on the work around the square with trees. He also reported that there has been an increase in potholes in the city and let everyone know that asphalt is not an option right now but as soon as it is, repairs would be made. Also stated that 5 applicants have applied for the position in ward 3 on City Council.
Jennifer Pearson, Director of Economic Development, reported that the Berry Plastics pilot program that was approved by the Industrial Development Board and the City Council back in 2021 will start back up on July 1, 2025. She attended a conference last week with Emily Darnell from the county.
At that conference, Pearson learned that the Industrial Development Board does not have to be made up of city residents so this may open up opportunities for more participation in hopes that she will have more information to share on this soon.
Fire Chief Drew Hawkins reported that during February there were 115 calls for service- 41 were fire, and 74 were medical. With an engine down and no extra truck, the Lewisburg Fire Department is not able to provide mutual aid at this time.
Police Chief Scott Braden reported that there were 980 calls for service during February, which resulted in 20 new investigations.
Cary Whitesell, Director of Parks & Recreation, reported revenues remain up from this time last year. Baseball and softball signups have recruited over 400 youth. The AARP grant was submitted on March 5. A letter of intent for Project Diabetes grant was submitted on March 6. Whitesell said both grants are 100% grants with no match required.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
