Aldermen Reject Term Limits Proposal

The Hendersonville Standard reports that the city's Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) rejected proposal that would have let citizens vote on whether or not there should be term limits for Aldermen. Here's more:

A resolution that would have paved the way for Hendersonville voters to decide for themselves whether or not the city’s mayor and aldermen should be limited to the number of terms they can serve failed on Tuesday.

Resolution 2019-60, proposed by Ward 5 Alderman Darrell Woodcock, sought to ask members of the Tennessee General Assembly to amend the city’s charter to allow for term limits for the two offices.

 

The measure needed a two-thirds majority of the 13-member board, or nine votes, in order to pass.  It failed 7-5-1. Voting yes were Woodcock, Edwards, Roberson, Waters, Bolt, Skidmore and Mayor Jamie Clary. Voting against were Brown, Petrelli, Sprouse, Pat Campbell of Ward 2 and Jonathan Hayes of Ward 5. Vice Mayor Arlene Cunningham, who represents Ward 3, abstained from the vote.

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Voting Goes to Church

Local churches agree to host polling places for 2020 elections, according to the Hendersonville Standard:

Two Sumner County churches have agreed to offer their facilities for early voting locations in 2020, according to Sumner County Administrator of Elections Lori Atchley.  

Both Freedom Church in Gallatin near Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and the Hendersonville Church of Christ near West Main Street will be used for early voting precincts for all three elections in the coming year. 

Atchley said her office had been scouting out locations for several months following elections in 2018. 

“People were parking and driving on the sidewalks during early voting here at the Sumner County Administration Building,” she said. “It was getting dangerous and the people who were coming here for other business like paying their car taxes were having trouble getting in. We had just outgrown this location.” 

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LeMarbre to Become Interim City Administrator

Alderman Russ Edwards with an update on BOMA business from last night's meeting:

Our meeting last night (Nov. 26th) lasted until almost midnight. A substantial majority of our time was dedicated to discussion of appointment of an interim city administrator. That was approved by a vote of 10-3.

Dave LaMarbe, Hendersonville’s former parks director, was named the interim CA. He is very well respected and will able to help us transition to a permanent CA. One of the stipulations in the resolution is that he will NOT be named the permanent CA. Al

so, this position is only for 6 months.

This was an incredibly difficult decision for me, one that I really struggled over. I voted in favor of it along with Darryl Woodcock and Eddie Roberson, and all three of us consistently voted against having a CA. One of the reasons for my vote is that I did not want any more accusations that the hiring process for the permanent CA was be obstructed in any way. The interim CA will oversee the advertising process of the permanent CA. While I did not want a CA, out of respect for BOMA’s decision to hire one by a majority of its members, we need to move forward with hiring a permanent CA as expeditiously as possible.

I really wish we we did not have to make the decision to hire an interim CA, and I’m not blaming anyone for it. I feel, though, that the correct decision by BOMA was made last night under the very difficult circumstances that are presented.

As I said in the meeting last night, this to me is similar to having an unplanned child. Having a CA was not in my plan, but now that it’s here we need to embrace it and try to find the best person to fill that role. I want the CA to succeed in making Hendersonville an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.

On a lighter note, I wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

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Edwards Pushing Term Limits for Mayor, Aldermen

In a Facebook post, Alderman Russ Edwards indicates he's a strong supporter of term limits for both the Mayor and Hendersonville aldermen:

I assume most people support term limits for BOMA members? I do, and have asked to co-sponsor the ordinance along with Aldermen Darrell Woodcock and Eddie Roberson sending the issue of term limits to the voters via a referendum.

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SCDP Takes on Marsha Blackburn

From a Sumner County Democratic Party email:

Time to call Marsha

Marsha Blackburn is smearing a decorated veteran of our armed forces to advance the GOP's conspiracy theories. This is embarrassing for Tennessee and not at all how we want to be represented.

Let's call her offices and demand that she issue a full, public apology to him. You can just say something like, "I'm calling to say Ms. Blackburn needs to issue a full public apology to Lt. Col. Vindman for smearing his good name on Twitter." Here are the phone numbers you need:

Washington DC: (202) 224-3344
Nashville: (629) 800-6600

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Can't You Read?

Tempers flared at a recent Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting as Aldermen looked to appoint an interim City Administrator to remove management duties from current Mayor Jamie Clary. The Hendersonville Standard has more:

Cunningham, who is a co-sponsor of the resolution, said the move is necessary because Clary has instructed Human Resources Manager Peter Voss to not advertise the city administrator position. 

“The end result was our mayor unfortunately was violating our law,” she said. “Not only did he violate our law, he violated his oath of office which put us in dire straits. That more or less was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.” 

When asked why he instructed Voss to not fill the position, Clary said that it was his understanding that the board had not passed the salary, job description and qualifications of the city administrator along with the ordinance in May. 

Several aldermen as well as Jaeckel disputed his claim. 

“It’s part of the ordinance, mayor,” said Cunningham. “Can’t you read?”

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Shooting at Save a Lot

More on a bad trip to Save A Lot from the Tennessean:

Gallatin Police have located the 1999-2002 Honda Accord seen leaving the scene of a shooting at the Save A Lot in Gallatin on Nov. 10. According to a Nov. 13 news release, police have now arrested Jordan Eakes.

According to a news release from police, the shooting occurred at 351 E. Main St.

Police announced Monday afternoon that they arrested two juveniles in the case. ,

No other information is available at this time. This is a developing story.

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SCDP to Host Gun Sense Presentation in Gallatin

Moms Demand Action will host an event at the Sumner Democratic Party Headquarters in Gallatin in December. Here's more from an email:

Sumner County residents are invited to hear the Talking Gun Sense campaign from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Learn about how to talk gun sense to people of all different stances on this issue.

This event is 6:00pm on December 12, 2019 at the SCDP HQ,

333 W Main St., Suite F, Gallatin, TN 37066.

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Attempted Murder in Portland

WSMV has the story of a possible attempted murder in Portland:

A woman has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after an apparent domestic incident, according to Portland Police.

Police responded to a traffic accident scene near the intersection of Highway 52 and 109 where a shot was fired inside a car. 

She made statements to police about her mother that led officers to the house she shares with her mother. Officers responding to the home found the front door of the house broken and smashed, and the suspect’s mother covered in blood. The woman, who is in her 80s, was taken to Skyline Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries.

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Batey Barn Makeover

The Hendersonville Standard reports on an Eagle Scout project that provided a facelift to a prominent landmark on the Indian Lake Peninsula:

A visible fixture in the city’s newest park recently received a makeover thanks to a Hendersonville High School student’s Eagle Scout service project.  

HHS junior Ben Gittins recently enlisted the help and donations from friends, family, church members and local businesses in order to spruce up the old barn on the former Batey Farm. 

The city bought the 35-acre property in May 2018. The purchase was made in conjunction with the grassroots non-profit group Friends of the Indian Lake Peninsula (FOFILP) who bought an adjoining 38 acres at about the same time.

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Math and Alcohol

The Hendersonville Standard has the story of a Station Camp High math teacher getting a DUI in the school parking lot:

Serena Cooper, 35, of Gallatin was charged with DUI, first offense after School Resource Officer Thomas Briggs was called to the parking lot in reference to a teacher who was possibly intoxicated at around 11:15 a.m. on Oct. 30. 

Once Briggs arrived, he made contact with Cooper who was sitting in the driver’s seat of her Nissan Pathfinder, according to an affidavit filed by Briggs in Sumner County General Sessions Court. 

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Candy Exchange

Too much candy? There's a solution:

Beginning Friday, the Sumner County Health Department will kick off its fifth annual Treasures for Treats Candy Exchange at eight locations in Gallatin, Hendersonville, Portland and Westmoreland. 

The program, which goes through Nov. 5, aims to help reduce the amount of sugar children consume while also promoting increased physical activity by exchanging Halloween candy for various toys like jump ropes, balls and hula hoops.

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Toward City Wide Recycling?

More on the recycling in Hendersonville from the owner of Green Village Recycling:

There has been a request for proposal for city wide-recycling.  Three companies have submitted bids to the city for recycling services.  The future of city wide recycling is currently being discussed by city leaders.  In addition a Waste & Recycling Committee has been established to help review and recommend plans moving forward.

 

Green Village Recycling is proud to be a local small business, helping to affect change in this beautiful city.  We are confident that the city residents and city leaders will come to the right conclusion to offer a city wide recycling program.  We must work together to reduce our waste output.  With the volume of household waste increasing from Internet sales worldwide, we are facing a greater problem with waste than ever.

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RESIGNED

The Hendersonville Standard reports that Station Camp High School football coach Shaun Hollingsworth has resigned:

Shaun Hollinsworth is ready for a change.

The 17-year head coach of the Station Camp High School football team announced to his players Monday morning that he is stepping down, effective immediately. 

Hollinsworth finishes his tenure 80-106 overall. His teams won region titles in 2007 and 2013. However, the Bison went 0-10 this season. 

“Last Sunday [October 27] Principal Art Crook and I had our conversation that Friday [against Wilson Central] would be my last game as head coach,” Hollinsworth said. “I have been ready for a change for a couple of years, and I’m at a point in life where you start to think about how many years (you have left). I think I have a lot of coaching left. My mind was pretty much made up this summer, but I wanted to see these seniors through. This is a good group, and they have been a good group since they were freshmen. As hard as this decision is, I felt like I needed a change. I feel like Station Camp needs a change. This was decided a long time ago.”

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Doesn't Pay the Trash Bill

A story in the Hendersonville Standard indicates Mayor Jamie Clary is disputing a trash bill from former waste services provider Republic Services, and that the refusal could cause problems for the city:

Mayor Jamie Clary’s refusal to pay an overdue bill from Republic Services, the city’s former trash collection provider, ignited a heated - and confusing - discussion during a recent Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. 

According to Finance Director Robert Manning, the city paid Republic $175,416.94 on Sept. 20, leaving a balance of $215,492.

“I’m stunned after what we were just advised in executive session to come out and hear this,” Ward 1 Alderman Peg Petrelli said during the meeting. “The lack of leadership is absolutely stunning to me at this point… This is a prime example of one of the reasons why I voted to move up the selection of a city administrator this evening – because of situations like this.”

MORE on the trash controversy

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On the End of Recycling (for now)

NewsChannel5 reports on the end of Hendersonville's recycling pilot program:

 Hendersonville is ending city's two-year recycling pilot program. More than 800 homes will no longer receive the free pickup.

The City of Hendersonville decided to trash the idea at a board meeting Tuesday night. The program began as a six-month free recycling pickup service for more than 800 Hendersonville homes, then turned into a two-year plan. The program will end on October 30.

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A New Face for Sumner Justice

There will soon be a new justice center in Sumner County, consolidating the area's many courts into a single building and providing a safe building for workers and those with business before the courts. The Hendersonville Standard has more:

A resolution adopting the overall new judicial center for Sumner County, including a new courthouse, parking garage and jail expansion, was approved by the Sumner County Commission in a 20-4 vote Monday. 

County leaders also approved a total of $10.2 million in additional funding for the project during the meeting. However, additional votes will still be required in order to fully fund the project, which is estimated to cost $91 million in total. 

One of those opposed was Jeremy Mansfield, a commissioner from Goodlettsville, who seems to reject opportunities for progress at every turn. Mansfield wants to wait four years -- allowing judicial system employees and visitors to conduct business in unsafe facilities until then. According to his claims (with no evidence), waiting four years to begin this project would mean it could be done without raising taxes. Mansfield also opposed a tax increase that funded the road department and teacher raises earlier this year.

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Recycling Pilot to End

Alderman Scott Sprouse explains why the recycling pilot program is coming to an end:

Last night, our board voted to end the pilot recycling program. Here’s why.

Nearly two years ago, the city initiated the pilot program in order to gauge public support of recycling. We needed data - percentage of homeowners participating, average volume collected per household, etc. - to help with planning and decisions regarding a potential community-wide program.

Last spring, the board was told all needed data was collected and funding for the pilot program would expire when the fiscal year ended on June 30. The board voted to fund the program for four additional months to help foster a transition to a community-wide solution.

I don’t have to remind you what happened in the meantime. The near last-minute vote to change who both collects our garbage and how often they collect it set off a series of short term decisions too reactive and often lacking details. (I voted against changing our trash services, but once the decision was made I accepted it, rolled up my sleeves, and started doing what I can to help other officials and staff implement it.)

Last night, the board was told the funding extension we passed in June for the pilot program will expire at the end of this month. We were asked to extend it for another six months with no timeline or next steps towards a community-wide solution. That would be just another reactive, short-term decision made without a proactive, long-term plan.

Voting to extend the pilot program may have been the politically expedient thing to do, but I could not in good conscience vote to continue a program that has completed it purpose. I could not ask every homeowner across the city to continue funding a service provided to only the chosen few. In some wards, the service is provided to only one subdivision. In Ward Two, the service is provided to only one block.

The next step toward recycling is not endlessly continuing a pilot program. The next step is developing a proposal, including a timeline and costs, and making a long-term decision to benefit the entire community.

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Gallatin is Listening

According to Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown, in spite of runaway growth and almost blanket approval for new development, Gallatin IS listening to residents expressing concerns... you know, just NOT taking any action.

Here's more from the Tennessean:

As part of the city’s comprehensive plan, the city held a kickoff lawn party last year to hear from residents, and district open houses have been held in order to garner more input.

While longtime residents feel growth is a threat to the community’s way of life, newer residents are concerned that what attracted them to the city may be negatively impacted by growth, Brown said.

But, Brown added, the city is listening to residents.

Residents have suggested more parks and trails, more green space, and increasing the number of community events, including utilizing the lake for more than just fishing.

“There is a common misconception that we can deny development to preserve our land,” she said. “Of course, that’s not the case.”

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Edwards Campaigns for Hendersonville Trader Joe's

Hendersonville Alderman Russ Edwards has taken to Facebook to campaign for a new middle Tennessee Trader Joe's to locate in Hendersonville.

While it's not clear the store has any plans to come to Hendersonville or even to open another store in the region, the Tennessean is taking a poll on the hot-button issue. It seems likely that Trader Joe's will use the responses of a Tennessean poll to determine where to locate it's next store in the area.

Hendersonville has experience with a "higher end" grocery outlet, having seen a Fresh Market in the area for a short time before that store closed due to low revenue.

Of course, Trader Joe's operates at a lower price point than Fresh Market AND Hendersonville is growing rapidly, so perhaps that combination would entice the chain to open a store here.

Next, of course, will be the discussion of where the would-be Trader Joe's would locate...

Thoughts?

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Payne Promises Leadership in Mayoral Announcement

Former Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce CEO Brenda Payne has officially entered the race for Mayor, according to the Hendersonville Standard:

Leadership is coming as Brenda Payne has formally announced her run for Mayor of Hendersonville. Her supporters call Brenda the perfect candidate for this city.  She is a champion of strong leadership, she has vast experience and Payne has a true heart for community service.

Payne will concentrate on economic and workforce development for new business and industry and will support public safety and improve infrastructure. She will lead with conservative, transparent and financial accountability.  

Payne states “I feel that this is the natural next step in serving the good people of Hendersonville, a city that I have loved and been a part of for so many years.”

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Payne Announces Mayoral Bid

Former Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce CEO Brenda Payne has formally announced her candidacy for Mayor of Hendersonville. The Tennessean has more:

Brenda Payne has announced she will run for mayor of Hendersonville. She will kick off her campaign with a fundraiser event Oct. 17.

Payne has more than 45 years of experience in management, fundraising and relationship building, according to her campaign announcement. Her professional roles include growing the endowment fund at Volunteer State Community College, establishing and managing the regional claims operation for a large insurance company and holding the president and CEO position of the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce from 2008 through 2015, according to her LinkedIn profile. 

Payne will concentrate on economic and workforce development for new business and industry and will support public safety and improve infrastructure, her announcement states.

Payne will take on incumbent Mayor Jamie Clary. So far, there is no indication that any other serious candidates will be in the race. Admittedly, referring to Clary as a serious candidate is generous, but he is the incumbent Mayor, so...

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Picasso Coming to Monthaven

From the Tennessean:

The exhibit "Picasso: Master in Clay" will be at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center through Oct. 20, 2019.

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Atchley Throws Tantrum, Resigns

Sumner County Administrator of Elections Lori Atchley is throwing a fit (and playing and loose with "the facts") as she leaves her post by way of resignation.

The Hendersonville Standard has more:

Citing a growing frustration with the Sumner County Commission’s unwillingness to pay her employees a comparable wage, Sumner County Administrator of Elections Lori Atchley has resigned from the post she has held since 2011. Atchley’s resignation will become effective Nov. 18. 

While Atchley claims the County Commission is not paying attention to her staff's salary needs, here's what Budget Committee Chair Chris Taylor had to say:

Budget Committee Chairman Chris Taylor says the budget committee met and used the comparative information Atchley provided and came up with a fair raise of 12 percent for election office employees.

“Her budget was increased more than anyone else’s budget,” said Taylor. 

Atchley acknowledged that her department employees received a seven percent raise as well as the same five percent cost of living increase all county employees received.

Atchley also indicated she's tried to improving voting in Sumner County -- this despite the fact her office has actually worked to close polling places and reduce satellite early voting:

In recent months, the Election Commission has voted NOT to have satellite early voting in the Presidential Preference Primary in March -- which is also the primary for the Tax Assessor position. Then, the reaffirmed that vote, in spite of resolutions from the cities of Hendersonville, Portland, and Goodlettsville asking for the voting. And most recently, they voted against allowing a public comment period before meetings.

The facts just aren't on Atchley's side.

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Toward a City Administrator?

It appears the City of Hendersonville is moving forward with plans to hire a City Administrator, reports the Hendersonville Standard:

Members of the city’s General Committee unanimously voted Tuesday to recommend the city move forward with hiring a city administrator.

The full Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 7 to 6 on May 28 to establish the position of a city administrator – a controversial vote preceded by nearly three years of discussion as well as the formation of a special committee to explore the issue.

Those who opposed the new position have argued it would take away many of the responsibilities performed by an elected mayor and put more control in the hands of the full Board of Mayor and Aldermen. A city administrator will report to the full board, and not just the mayor.  

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One Call Could Save a Life

From the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

Too many lives are cut short by suicide. The national suicide crisis is affecting our friends, our families, and our communities. And tragically, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-34.

The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, H.R. 4194, is a bipartisan bill that would create an easy-to-remember 3-digit number as the nationwide hotline for suicide prevention and mental health crisis*. This number will make it easier for people in the U.S. experiencing a crisis to receive immediate and appropriate mental health support and referral.

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we need your help to make this number a reality.

Contact your member of Congress. Ask them to cosponsor H.R. 4194, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act.

Want to have more impact? Personalize the message to your member of Congress.

*If you or somebody you know is in mental health crisis, help is available now. Text “NAMI” to 741741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This bill will make the Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number 3 digits, so it’s easier for people to remember.

EMAIL NOW

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Fewer TN Kids in Poverty

Tennessee News Service has the story on kids in poverty in Tennessee -- and, finally, some good news on that front:

The number of Tennessee children living in poverty has fallen by 7%, according to a new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

That makes the state one of 29 nationwide making progress in reducing child poverty. Richard Kennedy, executive director of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, says an improved economy is a contributing factor.

"It would be difficult to not acknowledge just the tremendous growth that has happened,” says Kennedy, “especially in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area, with investments and corporate-headquarter relocations."

Still, Kennedy points out there currently are 200,000 Tennessee children living in concentrated poverty – that's almost one in eight children in the state.

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