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Recognitions & Resolutions: November City Council

Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 10:00 am

Lewisburg City Council met Tuesday, Nov. 14 at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Jim Bingham recognized Pamela D. Pugh who was sworn in as Chief of Staff of the TN VFW at the 2023-2024 TN State Convention. Pugh is the first woman to hold this position from Lewisburg VFW Post 5109. Hundley L. Ford, Sr. was also recognized after being sworn in as State Commander of the TN VFW at the 2023-2024 TN State Convention. Ford is the second person of color to hold this position in the state.

The second and final reading of Ordinance 23-30 to amend the City of Lewisburg’s Storm Water Ordinance in its entirety passed. The second and final reading Ordinance 23-31 passed to rezone 1313 Old Farmington Road from R-2 medium density residential to R-3 high density residential. The owner is Cameron Coble.  Tim Herdon provided an additional update on 2024 medical insurance plans for city employees. The council was in favor of applying for two grants: 2023 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant, administered through the Infrastructure & Jobs Act and TDOT Traffic Signal Modernization Grant for a red light upgrade at College Street and 2nd Ave.

Resolution 23-61 passed unanimously. The resolution concerns mandates regarding lockdowns, masks, or vaccination. It reads:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LEWISBURG, TENNESSEE:

Section 1. That the City of Lewisburg will not enforce any mandate made by executive action:

  1. that requires a person to wear a mask or any other face covering in accordance with T.C.A. §14-2-103-104;
  2. that confines all citizens to their respective domiciles for any period of time;
  3. that requires businesses to alter their business operation including but not limited to spacing requirements, modified hours of operations, or cessation of operations;
  4. requiring the administration of a vaccine; further within the City of Lewisburg: a. a person shall not compel or coerce an individual lawfully residing or employed in or otherwise enjoying the conveniences of the City into obtaining a medical treatment involving the administration of a vaccine, whether or not approved or authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration, contrary to the individual’s vaccination preference;
  5. a health care provider may not provide to an individual lawfully residing in the City a medical treatment involving the administration of a vaccine approved or authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration unless the provider obtains the individual’s informed consent in writing before administering the vaccine;
  6. Informed consent requires disclosure of general information regarding the vaccine, effects, potential side effects, alternatives to vaccination, alternative treatments; risks associated with vaccination and risks associated with declining vaccination, acknowledgment in writing of the receipt of disclosure of the information.
  7. Violation of paragraphs a-f does not create liability on behalf of the City of Lewisburg or against any person, business, or governmental entity or give an individual any cause of action against the City of Lewisburg or against any person, business, or governmental entity.

Next on the agenda was Resolution 23-62 authorizing the Council’s participation in land pricing of city owned properties. Mayor Bingham wanted to know if, by the charter, the council would be getting into day to day operations. He asked City Attorney Thomas Hutto for clarification.

Discussion ensued about whether or not the selling of public property is really considered day to day operations. Following Hutto’s explanation, Councilman Burns said, “This doesn’t have anything to do with day to day operations.” Mayor Bingham replied, “I think it does.” According to the charter, the City Manager handles day to day operations and the City Council gives broader directives.

Discussion continued because in the week prior at the work session, the council did discuss pricing a specific property at the 1-65 Commerce Park. However, it was not listed on the agenda. Resolution 23-62 only said: Consider approval of Resolution 23-62 authorizing the City’s Council’s participation in land pricing of City owned properties. Burns asked why the property at hand was not included in the resolution since it was discussed at work session.

Hutto explained, “I thought it’d be easier just to say the council can by resolution set its sale prices and all it needs to do is make a motion and approve it in a council meeting.” Eventually, everyone voted in favor of the council having the right to participate in pricing the land.

They added agenda item (i) to deal with the specific property. Motion was made by Councilman Joe Braford to “accept I-65 Commerce Park at $40,000 per acre.” It was seconded by Burns and all were in favor so the motioned passed.

Greg Lowe, Economic Development Director, reported Zaxby’s is very close to closing, Main Street Lewisburg received a $300,000 grant, and the sign at Lewisburg Industrial Park has been fixed.

Bam Haislip, City Manager reported next. Lewisburg now has a Codes Director, Richard Donovan Haislip introduced him. The salary study is closer to being done. Haislip thanked all city employees for operating in a unified fashion during the recent staffing shortages. The Codes Enforcement Officer has not been filled and will be advertised again.

Lewisburg Fire Department Chief Larry Williams reported they are back to working with minimal employees on shirt with three out on medical leave. Employees are having to work extra shifts. Williams also announced his retirement will be Jan. 5, 2024 after decades with the department.

Scott Braden, Chief of Police, reported there were 1,253 calls for service in October. There are currently 28 officers, but they are approved for 34, meaning they are still 6 short.

Director of Parks and Recreation Cary Whitesell reported the Sports Complex repairs will be finished within the next month.

Council Member Vickie Michael made a motion to provide all employees with a $100 Christmas bonus and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

There is a special called meeting on Nov. 20, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Lewisburg City Hall. The purpose will be for considering and taking such action as the Council may deem necessary and to the public interest relative to the following item (s) of business: Interviews and selection of a City Treasurer.

The next work session will be Dec. 5 at 5:00 p.m. The next regular council meeting will be Dec. 12 at 6:00 p.m.

By-Tracy Harris-Staff Writer