Monthly Meeting of the Gleason Board of Mayor & Aldermen

August 8^th 2013

During the regular monthly meeting of the Gleason Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Thursday, August 8, members approved an ordinance requiring a prescription to purchase products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing the Weakley County Clerk’s Office to collect the City of Gleason’s wheel tax.

Another topic of discussion was a request for Gleason firefighters to be paid when they are called out to establish a landing zone for a medevac helicopter.

Additionally, board members heard department reports and announcements.

An ordinance requiring a prescription for the purchase of products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, known as the “Stop Meth Now” ordinance, passed on first reading with Mayor Diana Poole, and aldermen Jerry Connell, Mike Morris and Charles Bookout voting in favor of the ordinance. Alderwoman Kris Morse abstained because she is a pharmacist at City Drug Store in Gleason and wanted to avoid any conflict of interest concerning the issue.

Both of these ingredients, which are commonly used in cold and allergy medicines such as Sudafed, are necessary for the production of methamphetamine. By eliminating easy access to these drugs, the ordinance seeks to close meth labs and drive meth cooks out of the county, as has occurred in other areas that passed similar ordinances.

During discussion, it was mentioned the City of Dresden passed a similar ordinance on second and final reading; Martin will consider approving the ordinance on second reading Monday, August 12; Greenfield will have the first reading of the ordinance when it meets August 13; and Sharon board members, who decided there was no point to pass the ordinance during the board’s last meeting (because products containing these drugs are not sold in the city limits), have since decided to discuss the issue when it meets Monday, August 12.

Morse said, “I think it’s a serious problem around here.”

However, Alderwoman Morse explained she has mixed feelings on the subject.

“I can see both sides of it. I think it’s pitiful the state hasn’t addressed this. We discuss this at pharmacy meetings every year.”

She stated the majority of the population is being penalized for what a minority of the population is doing.

Alderwoman Morse said, “If you are sick on Saturday night or Sunday (when doctors offices are closed), and you feel awful, you better hope your friends have some (cold medicine).

“I can’t tell you I’m for it or against it. I really have mixed emotions on it. And, I’m really glad I don’t have to vote on it.

Alderman Mike Morris asked if she would be able to write a prescription for products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, as suggested by T. B. I. Agent Tommy Farmer and Winchester Chief of Police Dennis Young, during the board’s July meeting.

She said, “No. Not at this time. Not until they change the law. I will have no control over it whatsoever.”

On the other hand, Alderwoman Morse stated with other Weakley County municipalities passing the ordinance, if Gleason has no such ordinance, all of the meth cooks would be coming to Gleason to get the products they need. However, Morse noted, she only sells these products to her regular customers, anyway.

The ordinance states in part:

“The Mayor and Board of Alderman of the City of Gleason recognize that the clandestine manufacture of the illegal drug methamphetamine has become a scourge on our community, and persons engaged in the clandestine methamphetamine manufacture and use routinely endanger innocent children, their neighbors, and innocent citizens.

“Ten innocent children in 2012 had to be placed into foster care because of methamphetamine/ drug related child abuse and neglect in the last year in Gleason and Weakley County alone, costing taxpayers $110 per child per day for foster care services.

“Five houses in 2011 and three in 2012 have been quarantined as a result of meth labs.

“The environmental impact upon the City of Gleason and Weakley County from the hazardous waste generated by these labs is estimated to be over $35,000 in property damage and the impact is upon innocent victims.

“Tennessee generally, and City of Gleason specifically, have become known to drug enforcement officials for the high incidence of illicit manufacture, sale, and use of methamphetamine.

“The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Gleason believes there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, and welfare in that the manufacture, transportation, possession and sale of methamphetamine is inherently dangerous, and that the chemicals, compounds, substances, byproducts and wastes associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine are both dangerous and injurious to the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Gleason.

“The Board of Mayor and Aldermen do believe, hereby find and determine that the limitations hereinafter adopted will assist the City in its efforts to combat the criminal activity associated with the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the City, and will not unduly restrict legitimate businesses or customers from selling or buying these products.”

The civil penalties section of the ordinance states: “Any City of Gleason sworn law enforcement officer is hereby empowered to issue a citation to any person for any violation of the provisions of this section. Citations shall be issued in person to the alleged violator and shall direct the alleged violator to appear in City Court on a specific day and at a specific hour stated upon the citation. Citations issued for a violation of any of the provisions of this section shall be tried in the City Court. The City Court Judge shall determine whether a defendant has committed a violation of this section. The City shall bear the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. If a defendant pleads guilty or “no contest” to the alleged violation, or is found guilty by the City Court Judge, the City Court Judge shall assess a civil monetary fine as a penalty against any person found to have violated any of the provisions of this section, said fine to be in an amount of $50 for each violation. Each day of violation shall be deemed a separate violation. Each separate package containing any substance containing any ephedrine as defined herein shall be deemed a separate violation. In addition to the civil monetary fine, any defendant who pleads guilty or “no contest” to the alleged violation, or who is found guilty by the City Court Judge, shall be assessed court costs as provided by law. Appeal may be had as provided by law.”

The ordinance will be considered on second reading during the September 12th board meeting.

On a split vote of 4-1, Gleason Board members approved a resolution authorizing the Weakley County Clerk’s office to collect the City of Gleason’s wheel tax.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gleason would pay the County Clerk’s office a fee of $1 per sticker issued and a 5.0 percent commission on all motor vehicle regulatory fees collected by the City of Gleason.

The resolution states, the city sticker fee is collected as citizens renew their license plates.

Gleason’s current city sticker fees are $30 for most vehicles, $50 for 3/4 ton or larger trucks, and $20 for motorcycles.

City Recorder Angela Hunt stated, currently, the city stickers come due January 1 of each year and must be collected by February 28. The resolution changes this requirement, and stipulates the city stickers must be renewed when citizens renew their automobile tags. She notes this spreads the influx of revenue from this source out over the year, rather than concentrating it into a couple of months.

Alderman Connell stated he believes Gleason should continue collecting the fees rather than contract it out to the County Clerk’s office.

“I just don’t think it’ll work,” Connell said.

“Every other city in the county is doing it, so apparently it’s working,” Alderman Bookout said.

When the question was called on the motion to approve the resolution, Alderman Connell cast the only “no” vote.

Gleason Fire Chief Jerry Connell informed board members that when Weakley County EMS calls for an air ambulance to land to airlift a patient, due to a medical emergency, local firefighters are paged out to establish a landing zone for the helicopter.

Chief Connell stated Gleason

firefighters are not being compensated for this type of call-out, and requested the board allow the Fire Department to pay them for establishing a landing zone.

It was noted the firefighters were paid for the service in the past, but approximately three or four years ago, it was discontinued, due to the City going through a rough economic time. The firefighters volunteered to perform the service for free, because it is a public safety issue. However, now that the City is in better fiscal condition, they are asking to be paid for the service.

Chief Connell stated firefighters are paid $25 per fire call, and would receive $20 for establishing a landing zone, providing the pay is reinstated.

The board unanimously approved the pay request on a motion by Alderman Connell and second by Alderman Mike Morris.

Gleason Police Chief Jeff Hazlewood stated, during the past month, the Gleason Police Department officers issued 12 state warrants, 47 city citations issued, but no juvenile petitions. A total of $3,239.79 was collected in fines, court costs, litigation tax and driving school fees.

In the public works report, submitted by Dale Stephens, it was noted Gleason Public Works Department is concentrating on cleaning up the town in preparation for the Tater Town Special. This includes extra mowing and hedge trimming. Stephens states tree trimming from streets has been going on for the past couple of weeks and the public is encouraged to contact Gleason City Hall if they have tree limbs hanging down along the street that need trimming. Additionally, local residents are asked to do a little extra yard cleaning in preparation for the event. Stephens requests citizens to stop blowing grass clippings on the sidewalks or in the streets, because it clogs the storm drains. “If you have clutter around your house, stack it out at the road and we will pick it up,” Stephens said.

Concerning the Parks and Recreation Department, Mayor Poole stated, this is Stacy Collins’ last season to serve as park director, and the City is accepting applications for the job, which begins in January.

Jacky Esch stated Gleason Rotary Club members would be cooking at the concessions stand at Snider Park during the summer ball season.

Mayor Poole stated Gleason Library has received grants to replace some of its computers.

Mayor Poole requested each board member to be thinking about future goals and list possible improvements the City might make during the next four years to better serve local citizens. She asked that they prepare to discuss these goals at the September board meeting.

One example she mentioned is a farmer’s market.

Another possibility Alderman Bookout suggested was applying for grants to improve the sidewalks, which are in bad shape, or non-existent, in some areas.

Mayor Poole noted sidewalk improvements along paths children walk to school is of special importance, due to safety concerns.

Board members acknowledged this has been discussed before, but it was never pursued. One of the reasons for this was it is not a 100 percent grant. The Board agreed it’s worth learning more about the grants to see what can be done.

The Tater Town Special begins August 26 and continues through the end of August. The Gleason Board will be riding in the old fire truck during the Tater Town Special Parade scheduled for Saturday, August 31.

T he next board meeting is Thursday, September 12, 2013, beginning at 7 p. m.

There is no property tax hike in the budget for fiscal year 2013-2014, as approved by members of the Gleason Board of Mayor and Aldermen, during their regular monthly meeting, Thursday, June 13, but the budget does include an increase in the water and sewer rates.

The board also heard reports and announcements.

Board members unanimously approved the budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, as presented, with Alderman Charles Bookout being absent.

In the new budget, the property tax rate remains unchanged at $1.39 per $100 of assessed value. However, there is a 3.0 percent increase in the water rate and a 3.0 percent increase in the sewer rate. The residential water rate is now $17.30 per 2,000 minimum gallons of usage; and the residential sewer rate, which is figured at half of the water rate, amounts to a minimum charge of $8.65. The combined minimum water and sewer rate equals $25.95 per month.

Total monies available from all funds amount to $1,278,335, and total expenditures are estimated to be $1,190,730.

A breakdown of money allocated for the City’s various funds in the FY 2013-2014 budget is as follows:

• In the General Fund, total revenues of $621,700, plus a fund balance of $20,000, gives the City a total of $641,700. Total projected expenditures in the General Fund amount to $621,182.

• The Drug Fund shows total revenues of $23,000, and a fund balance of $2,000, which amounts to $25,000 in total available funds. Total expenditures are estimated to be $23,000.

• Total revenue in the Water and Sewer Fund is estimated to be $323,765, and the fund balance is projected to be $20,000, for $343,765 in total available funds. Expenditures are listed at $323,678.

• In the Solid Waste Fund, total revenues are $181,370, fund balance is estimated at $20,000, which amounts to $201,370 in total available funds. Expenditures are estimated at $181,370.

• The State Street Fund shows projected revenues of $41,500, and a fund balance of $25,000, which equals $66,500 in total available funds. Expenditures are listed as $41,500.

In department reports, Assistant Police Chief David King stated, during the past month, there were four state warrants issued. The crimes listed in the warrants are for: assault, public intoxication, driving on revoked and theft of property. Additionally, a total of 42 city citations were issued for various offenses, including: 19 -speeding; four -financial responsibility (no auto insurance); three -driving license violations; six -seat belt violations; one -animal at large; one -reckless driving; two -registration violations; five -wheel tax violations, and one -light law. There were no juvenile petitions issued. Officer King stated local citizens are getting used to the new stop sign installed on Mill Street, and he has only had to issue a few warning tickets.

Gleason Fire Chief Jerry Connell reported firefighters responded to Gleason School after maintenance personnel inside the building accidentally set off a fire alarm. Gleason firefighters were also called to extinguish a car fire on Church Street and to establish a landing zone at Snider Park for a medical helicopter to land and transport a patient having a medical emergency.

Additionally, Chief Connell asked members of the Gleason Police Department to escort a convoy of pink fire trucks into town. He said they would arrive at approximately 3:30 p. m. Monday, June 24, and stop in front of Gleason School for a brief stay before moving to the next town. He explained that Pink Heals Organization would visit Weakley County on its famous pink fire trucks to promote breast cancer awareness and support. Cancer survivors and their families are encouraged to come out and show their support for the fight against cancer. (See separate article, “Pink Heals fire trucks to tour Weakley County.)

Mayor Diana Poole complimented City Recorder Angela Hunt for the highly detailed report she provided board members, showing where all of the money goes to operate city government.

Addressing the board, local citizen Jackie Esch said, “I appreciate everyone of you very much, and the good job you’re doing.” Mr. Esch stated he expects Gleason to continue to flourish and prosper. He stated the clay processing industry located in the area would likely remain at Gleason, due to its central location to surrounding clay mines, and the high cost of shipping. He explained that it’s much more cost effective to process clay as close to the source of the raw materials as possible.

The board is scheduled to meet at 7 p. m., Thursday, June 27 to approve the second reading of the budget.

The next regular monthly meeting of the board is Thursday, July 11, at 7 p. m.

The Gleason Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a new four-way stop, during their regular monthly meeting, Thursday, May 9.

Additionally, the board also approved purchasing a new air conditioner and ductwork for the Gleason Fire Department, and heard reports and announcements.

Four-Way Stop

Board members voted unanimously to convert a two-way stop at the intersection of Mill and Holland streets into a four-way stop.

Currently, drivers on Holland Street must stop at the intersection of Mill Street.

Alderwoman Kris Morse stated there are a lot of children in the area and the four-way stop would slow traffic and make it safer for pedestrians.

The installation of a “Four Way Stop Ahead” sign to warn motorists of the new four-way stop was also approved.

The board agreed to have an announcement printed on City water bills to inform local citizens about the new four-way stop.

According to City Recorder Angela Hunt, the signs could be installed as early as Wednesday, May 15.

Air Conditioning System

Gleason Fire Chief Jerry Connell stated the air conditioning unit at Gleason Fire Department has been inoperable for the past two years and needs to be replaced, now that a donated unit to take its place has stopped working and is beyond repair.

Connell said he wishes to purchase a three-ton air conditioning unit and ductwork to route the airflow where it is needed.

He noted the air conditioner could be purchased from Gleason Hardware at a cost of $727.70, the ductwork would cost $450, and installation is $75, for a total cost of $1,252.70.

 It was noted, because the air conditioning unit costs less than $2,500, it may be purchased without going through the bidding process.

Connell noted purchasing items locally, when this is possible, helps support local businesses.

The board unanimously approved the purchase on a motion by Alderman Mike Morris and second by Alderman Charles Bookout.

Department Reports

In department reports, Assistant Police Chief David King stated, during the past month, Gleason police officers issued three state warrants, 24 city citations, but no juvenile petitions.

“We’ve had complaints about speeding on East Grove Road, and we’ve written a couple of tickets there, but for the most part, everyone was pretty much driving the speed limit,” King said.

In the Public Works report, Mayor Diana Poole stated on Monday, May 6, OSHA inspected the Gleason Water Plant and issued a good report, saying the facility is clean and orderly.

In the Fire Department report, Chief Connell stated, during the month of April, firefighters extinguished a grass fire on Janes Mill Road, conducted driver’s training and attended a meeting.

City Recorder Angela Hunt stated a bake sale raised $233 for the Gleason Library.

Announcements

Mayor Poole said the rainy weather the past few times a citywide yard sale was held has decreased participation somewhat, but everything considered, “they did pretty good.”

The next regular monthly meeting of the Gleason Board is Thursday, June 13, at 7 p. m.

The installation of security measures at Gleason City Hall was among the many topics of discussion during the regular monthly meeting of the Gleason Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Thursday, April 11. Other items on the agenda included: the possible future use of hand-held police speed cameras; developing a Website for the City of Gleason; adding Internet security to the City’s insurance policy; the status of UT Martin’s recycling trailer; and department reports and announcements.

Gleason Police Chief Jeff Hazlewood stated he continues to research the installation of additional security measures at Gleason City Hall.

Chief Hazlewood said he is in the process of obtaining prices on security glass and security doors to be installed in the front lobby of City Hall, to protect city employees in the event of an altercation.

He stated fingerprint locks on security doors would cost approximately $800.

Chief Hazlewood stated he is still researching the possibility of using portable, hand-held speed cameras, but is not ready to recommend their use at this time.

Hazlewood said he wishes to speak with officials in more local towns to see what they have to say about the system before proceeding further.

Specifically, he mentioned consulting with the City of McKenzie about the issue.

Local citizen, April Lieberman, gave board members an update on the status of the volunteer work she is doing to develop a Website for the City of Gleason.

Lieberman stated she is collecting data and needs more information from members of the community to complete the project.

To keep jobs and shopping local, she mentioned posting a free business directory on the Website listing the goods and services offered by area businesses. Lieberman stated this would provide local citizens with the information about who in the area offers what services (electrical, plumbing, auto repair, carpentry, etc.), and what types of goods are offered at local stores and shops. Phone numbers, addresses, days and hours of operation of these local businesses would also be listed.

This is in addition to official information provided on the Website concerning local governmental offices and departments; the names of public officials and how to contact them; a list and description of city services; public meeting times, dates and locations; local events, such as parades, carnivals, citywide yard sales, fund-raisers, and other activities; sporting activities, including playing schedules, who to contact for team tryouts; and other useful information.

Lieberman stated she is also working on the design and layout of the Website.

Once the project is completed, she noted it typically costs $170-$180 per year for a company to host the Website.

Lieberman added she would volunteer her time to keep the City’s Website current, once it is developed and becomes operational.

She encourages anyone with information useful for the business directory or other community information to contact her at her email address aprilliberman@gmail.com.

Alderwoman Kris Morse said, “I appreciate what you’ve done. You’ve put a lot of time into this.”

Other board members shared the sentiment and gave Lieberman the green light to continue developing the City’s Website.

A proposal to add Internet security to the City’s TML insurance policy was tabled for further study.

City Recorder Angela Hunt explained the City of Gleason recently renewed its insurance policy with TML and the representative mentioned it would be possible to add Internet security onto the policy at a cost of approximately $792 annually. This would provide liability insurance protecting the City in the event of a lawsuit over the loss of personal information, due to the system being hacked by Internet thieves who use such information to steal people’s identity. However, the policy carries a $25,000 deductible.

The board agreed to table the proposal until the insurance agent can come to talk to the board and explain the details of the policy.

Hunt said she would contact the agent and ask him to address the board during the next meeting.

Board members mentioned several local citizens have contacted them and expressed their desire for the City to bring back the UT Martin recycling trailer, because it is something they use and provides a valuable service to the community.

UT Martin previously delivered the recycling trailer to Gleason, picked it up, emptied it at the sorting center, and returned the trailer. However, due to financial cutbacks, the program no longer has the funds to deliver and pick up the trailer. For this reason, if the City of Gleason wishes to use the trailer, city employees must transport it back and forth between the City and UT Martin.

Board members agreed the recycling trailer is worth keeping.

Alderman Jerry Connell stated he plans on getting another empty trailer when one becomes available and bringing it to Gleason to continue the service.

In department reports, Police Chief Jeff Hazlewood stated, during the month of March, there were: three state warrants issued, 31 city citations written, but no juvenile petitions. Total fines collected amount to $1,994.15. Of this amount, $314.15 was collected in fines, $1,147.50 in court costs, $82.50 in litigation tax, and $450 in driving school fees.

Fire Chief Jerry Connell stated the only fire call Gleason firefighters responded to was on Parks Well Road, which turned out to be a false alarm. He mentioned Gleason Fire Department is hosting a chicken cookout at the fire station, Saturday, May 11, which is a fundraiser for the department. He noted there is also car wash at the fire station on that date, sponsored by Gleason High School students. Connell said on May 18, a local softball team is holding a car wash at the fire station.

In the Parks and Recreation report, Mayor Diana Poole said the summer sports season is “in full swing” at Snider Park.

In announcements, Mayor Poole stated the next citywide yard sale is Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.

A Library Bake Sale is on Saturday, May 4.

A citywide cleanup is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at which time debris will be picked up curbside.

A Health Fair will be held Saturday, May 11, featuring numerous free health checks. Some of the events include: a medical helicopter landing and being on display in downtown Gleason; free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, mammograms, diabetes screening, and cholesterol checks. Law enforcement will provide several educational programs -two featuring drug dogs, one about gang activity, and another concerning drug activity. The Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse will have a display during the Health Fair. And April Lieberman offered to set up a booth to provide local citizens who cannot afford to buy prescription medication with the information they need to get free prescriptions. A schedule giving times and locations of these events will be made available to the public prior to the Health Fair.

The next regular monthly board meeting is Thursday, May 9 at 7 p. m.  Source: Dresden Enterprise.

Gleason Board Approves Hiring New Police Officer