Board of Mayor & Aldermen - Regular Meeting

What? Is that what I'm gonna read? No, I'll I'll take care of it. Here we go. Could y'all please stand with us?

Go ahead. Thank you all. That was uh that's uh Jensen Ruck. He is our mayor for the minute. Um, we are the board of mayor and alderman for the city of Hendrisville, Tennessee. Uh, this is March 10th. It's real close to 7 o'clock. And again, that was Jensen Ruck. He is a fourth grader at Gan Brown Elementary School. And I appreciate him open our meeting for us. We're going to follow this up with what we typically do, and that's with a prayer and a pledge. Uh, providing our prayer tonight is Randy Compton. He is our chaplain for the Hendersville Police Department. Randy, appreciate very much what you've been doing for a long, long time for the city. And happy birthday, Mayor Aldin. Oh, I'm sorry. We also Thank you.

Okay. Thank you. Yeah. All right. Mayor Alderman, thank you for the opportunity to be here tonight. Let's pray. Gracious heavenly father, we come tonight with grateful and thankful hearts. Grateful and thankful for your grace, mercy, and the many blessings you have provided. I along with many in this room are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Hendersonville of Tennessee, the city of Hendersonville, Tennessee. Father, please join us in this meeting tonight. Lord, let us not forget the request that was made tonight on behalf of Mark Evans mother and let us not forget those requests that are unspoken. Father, hold hold all of these a little closer and comfort them as only you can. Father, guide the minds and hearts of the board tonight. Grant the wisdom to understand the issues before them, the courage and integrity to make difficult choices, and the compassion to consider the needs of our community. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2, do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest, but each of you to the interest of the others. May this meeting and the word spoken tonight hold honor you and bring blessings to those we represent. May all that we do be pleasing to you, Father. It's in Jesus holy name we pray. Amen.

Again, that's Randy Compton. He's our chaplain for Hersville Fire Department. Thank you, Randy. Appreciate that very much. Please join uh me and Mayor Ruck with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Great job. You're done. Appreciate it. You can go and sit down. Thank you.

Everything good? We're good. Next, I'll entertain a motion that we approve the agenda that was provided to you. We have a motion from Alderman Sassy and a second from Alderman Gars. I do need to bring attention to I do need to bring uh attention to uh items three and four under ordinance and resolutions. Both of those uh we are waving the two-week rule on the uh on one of those that excuse me the on item four that was an item was actually discussed in uh public works committee meeting but we did not have a resolution at the time that was discussed two weeks ago uh in the public works committee meeting. Uh any discussion any motions regarding the agenda?

Okay Collins um I would like to move number three to number one please second. So, we have a motion to move uh item number three, which is uh a resolution honoring a former alderman and county commissioner, Joe Skidmore. Uh up to the first item under ordinance and resolutions, and a second. We had al we had Alman Collins with a motion. Alman Robertson, I believe, was with the second. Any discussion on that? All those in favor, please say I. Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Any other discussion or any other motions regarding the agenda? Okay, so we've made one change. That's remove item three up to item number one. All those in favor of the agenda as it has been amended, please say I.

Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Next on presentations from beautiful Hendersonville. Uh Kathy Pascal. Uh there you are. Super.

Thank you, Mayor and Alderman. It's good to see you tonight. Good to be here. And I'm here to tell you all about our community cleanup day that we're going to have March the 28th. This is the first one that we do in the spring and then we do another one in the fall. But this is the one that we work with the uh Sar County Health Committee on and Hendersonville will be leading the way in Hendersonville. Beautiful Hendersonville will lead the way actually and we will meet at city hall. We have three time slots 7 to 9, 8 to 10, and 9 to 11. and you can come and work as long as you want or as little as you as you need to, but we'd love for everyone to come out and uh and help us clean up and make our city shine. So, you can sign up by going to healthy sumar.com. You can scan the QR code as well there that you see. But um we'll also beautiful Hendersonville will be going into the schools after spring break and uh talking to the third graders about litter and and teaching them about it, what it is and what it does and how they can prevent it and then how they can help clean it up and give them this opportunity to come out with their families on Saturday the 28th. So hope to see you all there. Um, I'll mention too, I think we have most of the areas that we are going to be cleaning up already designated, but if you have any, don't hesitate to submit those because throughout the year, I have students and others that need service hours, which they will be available for the cleanup, but um, that they come out during the year to get those, and so we send them to the locations that need to be cleaned up in the community. So, so thank you. We hope to see you there.

Kathy, thank you. This is a huge endeavor. It's getting bigger every year. Thank you for coordinating. Thank you.

We have no public hearings. Next, I'm going to entertain a motion to approve the minutes from our February 24th, 2026 minute meeting. Um, we have a motion from Alderman Dixon and a second from I'm sorry, we have a motion from Alderman Goodwin, a second from Alderman Dixon. Any discussion on that? All those in favor of approving the minutes from our February 24th, 2026 FOMO meeting as they were provided to you in your packet, please say I. Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Thank you. We have an abstension from Alderman Martin. Okay. Next, we have citizen comments, which we have nobody who signed up for that. Followed by ordinance and resolutions. The first item we have since our agenda was amended is reading a resolution 2026-08, a resolution honoring former alderman and county commissioner Josephine Joe Skidmore for her distinguished and dedicated public services citizens of Hendersville and Sar County. I need a motion, please. We have a motion from Alderman Goodwin,

second and a second from Alderman Garza. Alderman Robertson, I I would like to give maybe go out of order and allow anyone in the audience that would like to make remarks. Maybe you had planned to do that anyway, but we have several officials here and ex alderman. So, I think it would be good to get take give them an opportunity to express themselves. Alderman Robertson, that sounds very suspiciously like a motion to suspend our rules. I do. So without objection, uh we will suspend our rules and we will give uh whoever would like to speak on Joe Skidmore uh feel free. And I the first one looks like he's going to uh definitely uh uh carry some authority when he's does speak.

Hello, my name is Mel Hyde. Um, I think jokingly some people were talking earlier about people who were former students of mine. And I will say that when you're as old as I am, there are a number of people who are former students, including Don here. Um, but to my amazement, lately someone that I ran into identified himself as a former student and said, "On my next birthday, I'll be 72." That was not very pleasant. But I'm here tonight to uh really talk about something of a more serious nature, and that is the uh honoring of someone who was a good friend of mine, Joe Skidmore. Um, I uh I had the distinct pleasure uh in 1970 to be appointed as the principal of Lakeside Park Elementary School. And in that day and time, we had to find our own substitutes. There was nothing automated at the central office at all in that regard. I recruited Joe to be a substitute teacher at Lakeside Park. I can tell you that the kids absolutely loved Joe Skidmore because of her nature, her disposition, and her love of others, and especially her love of children. I um quickly found that I had a real problem with Joe being a substitute because she was such a good substitute. There was not enough of Joe to go around for all of the vacancies that I had because as many of you know in that day

and time, Lakeside Park had 1,500 students on a morning and evening shift, two schools in one building. and there just was not enough of Joe to go around for everyone that wanted Joe as a substitute. When she walked into the classroom, uh the kids were delighted to see her because they they loved her and she loved them. and uh she carried on not only in a matter of discipline as a regular teacher would but she carried on the lesson plans and was just a wonderful wonderful substitute. Later on I got to um sit with Joe on the county commission and let me tell you she has a servant's heart. I could talk to her about any number of things and so could any other commissioner, but uh whatever the issue happened to be or whatever we wanted Joe uh support on, it was always within the guard rails of if it's best for my constituents. If I heard that once, I I heard it 10,000 times. And she meant it. It was not just talking. She was very serious. She She certainly had a servant's heart. And I just want to say tonight, I was so happy to hear that you might be honoring Joe. I u I would not pass up the opportunity of saying she is a wonderful lady and I enjoyed knowing her so much. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. H.

I'm here to share a funny memory of Joe Skidmore and I believe uh Alderman Skidmore has heard this before. Uh for several years I was an elections um I worked for the elections at Jean Brown Elementary School and I have served as a registar and uh judge operator and this year I had that year I had made it to the assistant officer of elections for Jean Brown and it was the August election and around 10 or 11:00 in walks Joe Skidmore dressed to kill in her white suit with the red top and the and the high heels and the red lipstick and her hair all put up and fabulous. And she said, "Hello everybody. Don't forget that Mark's going to be on the uh ballot in November." And but this was right after the driver's license had come in and we were checking IDs and using the computers and I was stationed at the door. And uh I was like, "Oh, oh no, no, we can't, no, we can't have this." You know, we can't have this. So I get on the phone and I call the coordinator of elections and I'm like, "Hey, we have a problem. Um, uh, Jo Kimmore is here and she's she's campaigning for Mark for the election in November and you know what am I supposed to do? She said, "Well, you're going to have to tell her she's got to leave." And I said, "Oh, no, ma'am. I'm not telling Joe Skidmore she's got to leave. She owns this ward. There is no way I'm telling her that she has to leave." And she said, "Well, I'm not going to tell her." And I said, "Well, what are we going to do?" He goes, "Well, let me call let me call Mark." and she stayed for about an hour. And the thing that I noticed about Joe that was so fabulous about her, she knew everyone. She

everybody that came in, she gather shook their hand or gave them a hug or talked about their children or the good old days. And she was just fabulous. Mark Skidmore, your mama was fabulous. and she loved Hendersonville and she loved Sar County. She loved everything about it. Even when she was mad at it, she loved it. She was a lady for all times. And I am so thankful that she came that day and I got to spend that hour with your mama. I love Joe Skidmore and I will be forever grateful for all of the things that she has done for the city of Hendersonville and Zer County. and to that end the state of Tennessee. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Ror.

I wasn't planning on speaking. I don't have anything prepared, but honorable mayor and board of alderman, it's uh good to be with you tonight and to honor Joe. I haven't been back in this building in eight years, Jamie. Uh, and um, growing up in Hendersonville, Mel. Uh, I Jamie may have been a baby, but I wasn't even around in 1970. But, uh, I met I met Joe in 2010, but I sure did know about her growing up in this town. Uh, everybody pretty much knew who the mayor of the city was, but there was this board out there that did something. And they were like many of y'all, you kind of people don't know who we were when we were serving on the board of mayor and alderman, but we knew who the Skidors were. I've since I was a kid. A lot of folks had their opinions about Joe and and Mark Skidmore, and my parents included. I was looking back the other day, found an old uh guide from the the Little League World Series. We hosted it. I was 12 years I'm 48 now. I ran, we're talking 16 years ago, uh when I ran for alumn 2010, but um it was the state little league, whatever it was, Dixie youth, whatever we had down there. We hosted it. That's the only reason Hendersonville Allstars got to go because the host school, you know, host city got to host it because Gillitzville would have taken us out probably pretty easily. Uh but anyway, we ho and I was just looking through it and looking at the advertisers and the local things and there was a picture of the board of mayor and alderman on there and I was looking at the names, you know, these folks that and I know who they are now when I served, but the vice mayor at that time was Joe Skidmore. She was vice mayor uh back then. And when I got into politics uh 2010, as as Arlene knows and and Jamie probably knows, um excuse me, Mr. mayor. Uh I didn't know what I was doing and I just decided to run for

office. And I met uh the Skidors along the way. And um Mark and I became just just almost like brothers during our time together. And your mom, you kind of mentored me. She she was she was kind of a mentor towards me and took me in just just loved on me. And uh I'm so grateful. But when I think of public service in our county, there's a couple people there's a few people in this room that come to my mind. Uh, Mayor Clary comes to my mind, Mark Skidmore comes to my mind. Merryill Hyde comes to my mind. People that have dedicated their lives to making this city and this county a better place. I was very honored to to serve on this board for eight years. And I'm very thankful for each of you that have uh are doing what you're doing. Uh Eddie's in my seat that I was that I sat in many years ago. he took over and has done a fine job. But um Joe u Joe was always about what Mel said just just what what the people I represent. She was she was all about uh making the city a better place and um I just came to love her and I love her son Mark and uh I appreciate what you do and we're known a lot for our legacies and and and kind of the what we leave behind and the fact that her son has uh served so many years uh just like she did says a lot about her um instilling that love of community, love of service because as you know it's a thankless job a lot of times and she gave so much of her life to this county, to this city, and so I'm very thankful for her. I'm thankful for each of you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Hi everybody. I'm Arlene Cunningham and uh I sat in Bob War Garza's seat at one time for a couple years. Uh my first well first Joe and Mark together were my county commissioners. Well she was Joe was my county commissioner and she was my alderman for many years and Mark also were in all in the same ward in ward three when I moved here in uh to Hendrisville in uh 1995. I didn't even know what a ward was, but um Joe uh was there for us uh during the growth of Manser Farms. We had some hiccups that we had to uh go through and she that little woman. She'd come just trotting through and she'd go, "Hell, they don't need to be doing that." She's she was hilarious. And I said, "Well, this this woman has a little bit of northern in her and she's not afraid to speak up and uh she was always there for us and always spoke spoke of for us and she has had a servant's heart and she was always respectful even though she was, you know, a little bit, you know, feisty there. She was a bit feisty, but uh she was always there and she was always uh spoke from her heart and was willing to serve and was willing to stand up and represent us with integrity and honesty and what we wanted what we wanted to do. So, um Mark, we're going to miss her, but um she served us well and she left a legacy and that's that's all we want to do. You know, that's all we try to aim to do. And I'm going to thank all of you for listening and for um uh honoring Joe and uh thank you for your service. And it's it's not it could be a difficult job sometimes and uh you're going to turn

some heads and make some people mad and make some people happy. So uh but thank you. Thank you.

Good evening board of mayor and alderman. I too am here to honor Mrs. Skidmore. She was my alderman and my county commissioner and such a classy lady. Um whenever I would call her and I would say Mrs. Skidmore and she would say, "Oh, just call me Joe." I could not do that. I mean, she was one of a kind. and everything that you've heard here tonight. Servant's heart, um, love of Hendersonville, love of the county, strong lady, feisty. You know, that woman is a legacy to our city and she poured her heart and soul into everything that she did for our city. and Mark, we love you and we're so sorry about the loss of your mama, but she is looking down on you and she's so proud of you and she is and thank you all for your service and for for having this resolution to honor this legacy in our city. Thank you all.

Thank you, Peg. Uh, board of mayor and alderman, my name is Steve Brown. Uh, I think most of you know me and I'm glad to know you. I had planned on saying a lot tonight, Mark. Um, they've said it all. Uh, your mom was a servant not only to this community, but to this county and the and in the general area. Um, I remember when I came on the board, your mother was on the board, you were on the board, and um, when you were a rookie alderman, some of you have been rookies before, you ask around a little bit about, you know, who to pay attention to and and who to listen to and who not listen to. And I was told two or three times, Joe Skidmore, she'll say what she means, and she means exactly what she says, and she'll stand her ground on it. Uh I saw that over the years that I was on the same time that she was. And uh the word constituents, she I've heard her say that many times. I want to do what my constituents want. It might be against everybody else on the board, but she wanted to do what her constituents want. Uh called your mother a couple times for advice. I would never break the sunshine law. That was that was some other time. But I called her for advice. She was willing to give that advice and u um you know that's uh I respect that because you don't have to. She was willing to help somebody that was new learned something. So uh be proud. You are proud. I appreciate your service. Appreciate you bringing this resolution forward. Uh great lady. Um great legacy. And thank you so much for listening. Thank you.

Thank you, Steve.

Shake your hand. appreciate appreciate that. Uh we have a resolution honoring former alderman and county commissioner Josephine Joe Skidmore for her distinguished and dedicated public service to the citizens of Hendersonville and Summer County. Whereas public service is among the highest callings requiring integrity, commitment, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others. Whereas Josephine Joe Skidmore faithfully fulfilled such a calling, serving the citizens of Hendersonville as a city alderman for 18 years during the years 1986 to 1992 in 1996 to 2008 while demonstrating steadfast leadership, sound judgment, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to the growth and well-being of the community and its citizens. Whereas in addition to her service to city government, Joe Skiimore devoted 20 years to serving Hendersonville and county residents as a summer county commissioner from 1994 to 2014, working diligently to represent and promote their interests. Whereas throughout Joe Skidmore's tenure in public office, she was a consistent advocate for strong neighborhoods, fiscal responsibility, improving the city's infrastructure, promoting responsible governance, and quality of life for the citizens she represented. Whereas a lifelong community servant, Joe Skidmore proudly and tirelessly worked for city and county citizens with genuine humility, steadfast devotion to service, wisdom, and grace. Whereas she devoted countless hours to public meetings, committee work, community engagement, and collaboration with city and county officials for the betterment of the city of Henderson and Sar County. Whereas Joe Skidmore is known for preparation, professionalism, and leadership that help shape that that help shape the continued progress and success of the city of Hendersonville and Summer County for the benefit of all residents. Whereas Joe Skidmore's legacy of service reflects a deep love for her community and a commitment to public trust that will have a lasting impact for generations to come and serve as an enduring example of integrity, perseverance, and heartfelt commitment to her community. And whereas it is both fitting and proper that the governing body formally recognize and express its profound gratitude for Joe Skidmore's many years of faithful, honorable, and

devoted public service. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of mayor of and alderman of the Hen of the city of Hendersonville, Tennessee, that the city of Hendersonville hereby recognizes and honors honors Joe Skidmore for her 18 years of distinguished service as city alderman and her 20 years of dedicated service as a Sunry County Commissioner during which she her steadfast leadership and sound judgment helped foster responsible governance, stability, and sustained growth and prosperity for the citizens she so faithfully represented. Be it further resolved that the board of mayor and alderman and the people of Hendersonville express their sincere appreciation for Joe Skidmore's enduring contributions and personal devotion to public service and recognize her lasting commitment to the continuation and preservation of the expected lifestyle and character of Hendersonville. A legacy that will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be spread upon the official minutes of the city of Hendersonville and a copy shall be presented to her family as an expression of the city's respect and appreciation for Joe Skidmore and sympathy on the loss of a truly dedicated and distinguished public service. Alderman Skidmore, would you like to speak?

Yeah, I would. Um, thank you guys. I miss my mother. Um, she was a fire firecracker. I'll tell you that much. And she loved this loved this city. And I she really did. I could tell you stories that would would amaze you. I mean, I'm sorry. She's looking down on She's probably cussing me cuz I'm cuz she goes, "Why weren't you at a loss for words when I was on the board with you?" I'm sure mom is. But um she was a good mom. She really truly was. She She grew up in a man's world and for the older folks, you know what I mean by, you know, um, in a man's world and for for women. I have much respect for mom for that and I have a lot of respect for women because of that. Um, because it's hard. My dad was in Vietnam and she was raising three children and and also uh being a substitute teacher I think for what at that time in those years it was like $12 a day and you know but um you know she she loved uh teaching with school and doing those things. She really did and she loved her children. She really did. You know, I always said that I was, you know, in the old, you know what I'm talking about. Some people

say that, you know, well, I was the mistake of the ch of the family. You know, the and I I would always tell mom even when I was little, I was the oops baby. And she said, no, you were the blessing of the family. And I and that made me feel good. Uh when I look back now, back then I didn't really care. Well, I was just glad to be alive. And uh but she um she she really was a you know no matter you know when we became um alderman um in Hendersonville and and any alderman and you all or any elected official knows you you get to hear so many things you know that are just not true you know and I was in my 20s when I was first elected and mom said I'll never forget it because it was in ' 87 because she was she took office in ' 86 and I've got a picture of well mom had the picture and I had forgotten about it but when I was when I was cleaning out um her bedroom. She had the picture from the Star News of us on the the front page and she looked happy. Um, and I remember that night because it was at the old Star News there and we were we were standing, you know, and heck, I you know, I didn't really know anything at a some young kid, you know, I just know that we had won. and she hugged me and she whispered

these words to me and I I think about them so much and and it really came to roost to me when I saw that picture. She said, "Well, welcome." And I I remember looking at her and people were you know how it works when you're you're in office, they cheer and stuff like that whether they like you or not. you know, you when you win, you you you swore you would have won by 3,000 votes, you know, and um you know, and I'm still grateful for that. Uh you know, those that type of feeling, you know, that people uh respect you enough to cheer for you and congratulate you whether they like you or not. You know, I've always tried to be humble about stuff like that. But she told me, she whispered to me and she looked at me and she had tears in her eyes and she said, "Your life is no longer your own." And I really didn't know what she meant by that. And um God rest his soul, wherever it is now, Harry Frith was there and she he said I stepped off the podium and he said, "You better listen to your mama because you just wait." And it turned out to be true because half the stuff that my family has gone through, you know, or heard about us, you know, we we would be either be in the federal penitentiary or in jail by now. And so my mom, you know,

Oh, well, she and I believed about the sunshine law. Uh, we don't believe in it. And I still break it every chance I get and I don't mind saying it. And and believe me, and you guys know she did, she'd break it, too. She didn't care. Um, if she believed in something as Jamie, I think Mayor Clary, myself, I think that's the only ones that were Coke spirit.

Um I think I think we all served with mother and she was like that. She was a firecracker and she got mad. She was um she was she was like me. I mean I I have to admit cuz I get I get mad but not the way she did. She she just tell you like she saw it where the bear went. But I just want to say thank you again. I and I know I'm rambling. I I just really I just miss her so much. I really do. You know, people, I'll just say this on a on a real serious note about our private lives. I've always tried to keep my private life private and and she did too. and my brother who passed away and my sister who passed away. We were all private, but we um when Ken died, we weren't we were kind of in the public light because a lot of people don't realize what my father did before he went back to Vietnam. He he represented the city, the fire and the police department, and he was sort of like a city administrator. A lot of people don't know that. Um, but that was back when Hendersonville was just a a spot on the on the road, you know, and um but when he decided to go back and um his heart led him to to be with his squadron, um I think back then in the 70s he was a lieutenant colonel and then they promoted him to full bird colonel. um he his heart was to his men and and in public service, you know, and but I understood when he passed away, he passed away at Eggland Air Force Base in

Florida. Um I kind of I it's not that I expected it, but we were always Dad always sat us down before he left to go back to Vietnam. you know, I may not come back, you know, because he was a he was a military man all the way. And we always understood that and mom was always stood up proud about that. Um, you know, she she hung with him. We all did. But but there's just something about you know you can that's your mother and u and she did a lot for this the city and the county and I'm very and I'll always be proud of that and I'll think about her and my whole family who's gone now. I I think about them every day man. I cannot express to you, but I'm like I'm no I'm just I'm like no other person that has had someone pass away in their family. You think about them every day and u you know it's I'm not special for that. But just remember this evening when you go home, you hug your family. And I can't emphasize that enough. And I'm just so grateful that I had the time that I had with Joe Skidmore because I learned a great deal uh from that. And uh and I think that's the reason why God made mothers is because he God couldn't be there all the time. So he made moms. And uh and you should love your mother and you should love your family and and just be so thankful that you have them because when they're gone, the only time you're going to see them is when you go and they'll be there.

When you go to heaven, they'll be there waiting for you. And just it's just important if I can tell you how important it is to love your family because even when you've done something bad. Mom was she'd get on me and boy would she. Even on a vote, I could tell you stories about not having supper sometimes because of my votes. And she'd say, "Well, you're not getting any supper tonight." And I'd go, "Mom, come on. You're my mother. That's this is not alderman stuff." And then she would laugh and then she would fix me some. But she would say stuff like that because um but um I will say this. This is really funny and I can't really God it's been and then I'll close because I know we've got agenda tonight. We've got to take care of it. But this was about the beer sales on Sunday in the city of Hendersonville. And this is back probably in the I want to say it was either in the late 80s or early 90s and I can't remember. So all these people had come up to city hall at, you know, at the podium and and uh she and I had knockout dragout fights because she was for beer selling. You know, she was adamant about it. And believe it or not, I was against it. And so we were voting and sparring with each other on the and I and so I was telling her why. And and you know, I always tried to respect my mother and I would call her Joe because I had to or Miss Skidmore and I'd go and then one and then we we were going back and forth and this is the old old building um Shannon house there behind McDonald's and I just said mother I mama and I stopped myself and everybody in the whole place went

started laughing because they knew you know that we were mother and son and she said uh she goes That's okay, son. Like that. And uh and I smiled. But uh so the vote went down. So people started coming to mom saying, "Well, thank you for not supporting." And she said, "Honey, I didn't do I you need to talk to him." And uh and they all looked at her because she was older than I was and I was in my 20s at the time. And I said, "No, I was the one who did it, you And so they all went over and it was I guess it's one of those things that you had to be there. But um it was funny because then they all just moved away from mom and she didn't care. I she just

she go that's my vote. I do what you know it's what my people are telling me. What are your people telling you? And I said they're telling me not to vote for it.

So um she said well you must not be talking to the our ward. Our ward was ward three at that time Arlene. So um yeah. So, I don't know. But, uh, and then I'll close with this. This is probably one of the funniest stories I I mean, oh, I've got so many funny stories on mother, but this always makes me feel good. We had a we were getting death threats one one um one year. And so, my mom, you know, like I'm still young and I'm I'm scared. And uh because I mean, I heard the guy and I heard him say, "Mom, did she was like whatever. Um, and so she got it, put him on speakerphone, and she said, "Where are you from?" And he said, "I'm living." I remember the guy straight up. And uh, Chief uh, Key was our police chief at the time. And he said, "Do you all need any escorts to go home?" And of course, mom said, and forgive me, mayor, he she said, "Hell no." She said, "I've got something in my purse that'll take care of him if he'" And I'm going, "Mom, you know, and she said,"Well, I do." And I said, "Okay." So then, uh, she said, the guy said, you know, that he, you know, be careful what you're doing because I'm going to shoot you. And she said, she goes, "Honey, go get your gun and come right on over and I'll leave the front door open." I swear to God she said that. And I looked at her and I said, "I'm not going to be here." Um, and she said, "Well, I don't care whether you are here, but I'm gonna leave that door open for him to come through the house and then I'm going to blast him." But he didn't. It was just a threat like, you know, we normally get, but that was the in the years of Hendersonville. A lot of people uh Jamie probably knows it because he was involved in the Megan. I don't think in the city at that time, but I don't think any of you guys were. But it was a very

turmoil um at the time. Um it was during the Osbrooks administration, the the mayor at that time and it just was a lot of difficulty going on. I'm not going to tell you all the stuff that was going on, but it was just a lot of difficult times and but she was always um a proud person and I know she loved you guys. I will tell you that. Um she was so proud of um she she I I could just go down. She loved Steve and that was it. And she would say, "Why can't you be like Steve sometimes and I would go like because I'm me."

And so she'd go, "All right." Yeah. That's what she And she loved Peg. Um I remember when we had to appoint Peg the first time and mom said, "You better vote for her and I said, "Well, I, you know, I'm going to nominate her cuz I think she's she would do a good job." And then Matt, she kind of looked at you as like a son really. She took you under her wing kind of thing. And and she loved the Cunninghams, Arlene, and both your husband too. And it was always a joy to campaign because we would come over to your house and we would stay there for hours sometimes. Do you remember those days? Yes.

And and we would because it was just such a joy. Um and um Miss Bergdorf,

she thought you were a hoot. She loved She did. She She said, "Oh, I'm just so glad that she's running for the county." And she goes and I said, "Well, yeah, I'm helping her, you know. I'm going to go." And that's when I was sick with my heart. And I said, "I'm going to go door todo." and she says, 'Well, I'm going to pull out my old book and start calling people, you know, cuz we always um the old days, mama always had a book of an election time and she'd pull it out. And then um Mr. hide. She truly you were a blessing to our family when we and I usually don't talk like this, but we needed we needed you and and I appreciate it. I I could sit here and tell you thank you for all those years, but she enjoyed what she did and I thank this board. U you just think God sent you to her and I'm just so appreciative of it, Mel. Mr. Hyde rather. I'm sorry because she always told me to call you Mr. Hyde and I and I've done that. I've lived up to that. But I in closing I want to say thank you board for for giving this uh mama this honor. I know she's looking down on us and um and I know she cares about everyone on this board because regardless of whether you fought whether it's sort of like me when you fight with me I'll step down on this off this when we get in a fight about something up here and I'll go have a cup of coffee with you because I don't I leave it up

here and she she she kind of did the same thing and I'll just leave it Um, but she could go and have coffee and and you could talk her you could talk reason with her and uh and I I appreciate how that strong um how she was. And so thank you guys and thank you so much for this. Mark, thank you. And Jamie, I mean, excuse Mary Claire, thank you so much. Um, this means a great to me, great deal to me on a personal level because I've served a long time on this board and um, I don't think that I've ever changed. I've always my heart has always tried to be in the right place and I know Mama's was because she she'd talk all day on the phone with constituents. I mean, she's just that way. That was Joe. That was mama. And u, but thank you, mayor. And I just want people to know, go home and hug your people. Um, I just miss mom so much.

Alderman Skidmore, thank you. We appreciate that. Without objection, we're going to add everybody's name as a co-sponsor. Yes, sir. All those in favor of resolution 2026-08, please say I. I. Those Go ahead, Alman Sassy.

Thank you. I I won't take up too much time. Um uh and I appreciate you uh allowing everyone to be included on that and I would actually uh encourage that we be able to sign it as well because I know that this is a copy of this is going but I'm going to leave that up to the administration there. One one thing I wanted to add to it. I want and I'm actually I'm going to make an amendment to this. Joe was such a meaningful person to this community as we've all heard and I'm not going to go down that road again, but I want to add if I could another be it there uh further resolved that the chambers at the city of Hendersonville will be renamed the Josephine Joe Skidmore Memorial City Chambers. And I know that we have um certain procedures. We have a facilities naming committee, but the chairman of that facilities naming committee is our very own Mark Skidmore. So, I think it makes sense for this board as a group to come together and used to

uh support this so we can rename these chambers and so she can have a lasting legacy in this city. And I so move. I appreciate Alderman Sassy. Our our city attorney tells us that we'd have to do that with ordinance, but you could add that in here. So, we could encourage the board to do that as part of the resolution. Yes, please. Okay. Do we have a second to that? Second. Okay. We have a second from Alderman Martin. Uh, all those in favor of that amendment, please say I.

Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Now, we're back on the main vote for all those in favor of resolution 2026-08, please say I. Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Alderman Goodmore, THANK YOU SO MUCH. NEXT WE HAVE RESOLUTION 2026-02. This is a resolution to apply for local parks and recreational fund grant for various projects in the city's park. Alman Gartner, you make a motion. We have a motion from Alderman Garden and a second from Alderman Martin. Alderman Robertson, go ahead.

Tamara, would you please come?

Uh, could you turn to page 12 in our notebook? That's the worksheet on the I I see for the revenue side of the PIP fund and I'm for this resolution. I just uh uh I just I just have a few clarifying questions. Uh the revenue we have uh 7.5 estimated revenue for 2026. Correct. That's what's budgeted. Um we're looking like we're going to come in probably closer to eight um 8 million. So our revenues will be coming in a little bit high.

Good. And the the grant the the 1750 is that the grant for what we're voting on tonight the the the 17 uh yes one 1.75 million. Yes. That would be the grant revenue. That's half of the project cost. So, how long does it take to get the the money from the grant? The reimbursements for this um grant program are very quick. We submit a reimbursement every month and usually within 60 days of submittal, we receive the funds. So, you believe that we'll be able to receive all of that 1.75 million during 2026.

And this is for it'll it would be in 2027's budget. Okay. So, we we should re we should get it all in 2027. As long as we spend the money in 2027, we should receive the funds in 2027. I was just I was just afraid because I know how the grants work. I mean, we're we're still waiting on like the heritage, we haven't started that program yet, so we haven't received our portion of that. So, that one we've spent um to date just over 400,000 on the design work and we have received about 360,000 in the revenues. We just got a check today for almost 150,000.

Okay. So, as these monies come back into the from the state from these grants, where will they be dedicated to? If this new LPRF um grant is funded out of the PIP funds, when when the revenues come in, they would go back into the PIP fund. Okay. I just wanted that for the record that they will go back into the pit fund and not the general fund. Yes. Okay. Thank you. That's all. Al Robertson. Thank you. Any other discussion? Any other questions? All those in favor of resolution 2026-02. Please say I.

Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Now we're in resolution 2026 tax 07. This is a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement for inline hockey supply vending machine in volunteer park at Arrowhead. Alderman Garton, would you like to make a motion again? So moved from Alderman Garden and a second from Alderman Garza. Any discussion? All those in favor of resolution resolution 2026-07, please say I.

Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Thank you all. Now we're on first reading of ordinance 2026-05. This is an ordinance formally requesting the director of the Sumar Emergency Communications District to officially name a certain roadway as Riverwood Drive. that is located in the city of Hendrisville, Tennessee, south of Sterling Road, south of Carmelan Drive and continuing south to the current Riverwood Drive. Need a motion, please. We have a motion from Alderman Skidmore. Second, and a second from Alderman Dixon. Any discussion? Alderman Sassy, go ahead. Yeah, thank you. Um, as I understand it, this road uh is just requesting this change for emergency purposes. Is that correct? Uh, Alderman Skidmore, you want to take that? Y'all discussed it pretty

Yes, sir, we did. Thank you, mayor. Um, it's actually not only for emergency purposes, but it's also for the post office box be or for the mail because people were getting mail from all over, you know, down there on that street. So, um, uh, 911 had it kind of worked out already because of just the emergency aspect of it, even though it wasn't, uh, haven't had has not been changed. But primarily this is for future uh development growth down there because there is a couple of houses that are probably going to be built down there and but for mailing as as well. That's that's the real crux of it. So and it needed to be done because it is it is quite confusing when you drive down there because I've dr I've walked it and I've driven it many times and it is confusing.

Alman Sassy. Yeah. Um, so am I how do will we be uh maintaining that road? Uh, Chairman Skidmore, no sir, we're not maintaining the road is not maintained by the city. Um, and I'm not sure that actually if you drive down there, I'm not sure that it ever will be. Um, I'm probably eventually, but will be way gone from this from this board when that happens. And it's just a dead end street, correct? Okay. Um um also this was requested by I was this wasn't the city requesting this. This was uh requested by homeowners down there.

Yep. And I I appreciate you inviting me to that meeting and I heard from that the homeowners there as well. Um and to them it didn't really matter what the name was as long as they had a name. Right. Right. Yeah. Uh so because this road is not going to be maintained by the road, I want to propose that we instead of Riverwood Drive, which is the road that is maintained by the city across the way, that we just change it to Riverwood Way. So it distinguishes it uh from that other road which is maintained by the city and this road that is now being given a name is not maintained by the city and it kind of builds that separation out. So I so move. We have a motion.

Second. We have a second from Alderman Burgdorf. Uh any discussion on this? Uh go ahead. Okay. Um let we're going to hear from our city attorney. No, I'm sorry. Does that matter to you? Okay. Um well, I'm going to ask you a question. Um and Jesse, this might be for you, too, and maybe Stephen. Um I know we've had conversations or some of the residents have had conversations with the ECC director. They were okay. Did we discuss Riverwood Drive with them? Specifically drive. Who wants to take that? I'll take it. Okay. Oh, yeah. I was going to say

or Alderman. I was just going to say that and I apologize if um L or city attorney Ray if you've got something other than this, but I think the the underlying thing is they wanted to maintain it to be Riverwood Drive um instead of having um have it be a separate uh street because they just wanted that was that was better for them if they kept it that way on the E91. 11 and also the post office. So, but I appreciate what Alderman Sassy is saying and if uh but I I think they really wanted to keep it Riverwood Drive on that Lance. Am I and that you were there too? Isn't that what you felt too?

That that that is correct. And that's what shows up on some maps GIS in particular and I did have a conversation with Director Guthrie at E 911 and that was the consensus also. Yes sir. Okay. Thank you. Well, then I'll withdraw my motion. So, um, who made the second? Alderman Burgdorf, do you want to withdraw your second? Okay. Appreciate that. Any other discussion on this item? All those in favor of ordinance 2026-05 on first reading, please say I.

Those opposed, please say no. That passes. That passes uh unanimously. Thank you all. Now, we're on second reading ordinance 2026-01. This is an ordinance amending the Hendersonville Municipal Code repealing and replacing title 4 municipal personnel, amending section 2-101, appointing members to various boards and commissions, and to adopt a revised addition of the personnel rules and regulations. Uh, I need a motion, please. We have a motion from Alderman Goodwin and a second from uh Alderman Garton. Um, Alderman Collins, go ahead. Um, this time I am organized by chapter and um, I would appreciate it if we could move through it in that fashion as we did last time,

except this time I'm ready for it. Thank you. So, uh, Alderman Collins, do you want do you just want me to start turning pages or do you want me to pass out what you provided? Oh, you did? Okay. Super. Okay. So, does everybody have She she emailed it, I believe, to everybody yesterday. Uh, it came yesterday, uh, and I think then another copy today. And, um, it's it's four it's two sheets of paper, four pages stapled together. Um, but I do think it's a good idea that we go through the same way we did last time.

Uh, if I can get to So, let's go to page 34. This is chapter 1. Any discussion or motions regarding chapter 1? Page 35 begins chapter 2. Alman Collins,

I just want to point out that city administrator at the number four under definitions, city administrator shall mean the city administrator or the chief of operations for the city of Hendersonville, which my understanding is that's the same person. Correct. That's going to be a Lance question. It is the same person. Uh we've the board passed the previous ordinance um where all references to city administrator means city uh chief of operations. Um but uh but yeah that is the same person unless

unless the definition it's in the definitions. I just wanted to point that out because I think that was a cause of some confusion on the first reading. Um, turning pages. Chapter three is on the bottom of page 38. I doubt there are any changes to that. Are you still chapter two? Okay. Alderman Goodwin,

I did an amendment last time on page 36 under 4-202 for D. That wasn't in this version. It should be after consideration with department heads. Is it in the history? Is it in the history? Hold on, Tim. It is. Oh, it's on the history. Okay. Okay. Gotcha. No problem. So Tamara is saying it will be incorporated in the main document once we pass. And then I have a question. Go ahead.

On page 37, number E at the top. Okay. Uh, will that be done using the pay study? Recommended the city administrator a pay plan for all city employees. Uh, this time yes, but not necessarily every year because we only do a pay study at most every four years or when the board is that that's okay. Okay. And under number K, will department heads contribute to that? Uh oh. Yes. Yes. That's part of that's that's the very beginning of our budget process. Okay.

Yep. All right.

And then on page 38, number n. Okay. Do department heads have input on that as well or is that all the COO? promotional policies and procedures. It's it's a longer explanation. Yeah, I don't think we identify the exact process for how everything works, but in practice, the process is we get feedback from department heads, especially uh when it comes to promotions and advancements. You're good. Okay.

That's what I wanted to hear. Okay. Okay. Okay. That's it for that section. Okay. Alderman Collins on chapter 2. Yes. Okay. Go ahead. On page 36.

Okay. 4-202 administration and this is part of what I handed out under C. The only thing is even though I did the document I did make a mistake. Um on C I want it to appoint and it should mark out remove suspend and discipline all employees and then add except department heads. And then at the end, my sentence which I put in red for you guys to add, the city administrator shall be able to remove, suspend, and discipline all city employees. So the point is that Bulma continues to appoint department heads. Also, I'd like to add an F under that notification of actions taken outside of policy will be provided to the board and mayor of all and alderman after the action has occurred except where state or federal law prohibits it.

That's my motion. So, we've got a motion. So you're changing you're adding an F. Yes, ma'am. And you are changing C. Just those two words. I mean adding except department heads. And then this. Okay. Yeah. Gotcha. Do we have a second? Okay. We have a second from Alman Martin. Just a second. Alman uh uh I'm I'm sorry. Just a second. Alman Dixon. Alderman Collins, can you explain what you did to C because it's of course you're changing the change. Is that right?

I am changing the change because I messed it up. Okay. In my uh word document. So a point and then the document I sent you I failed to mark to cross out remove but I would like to cross out remove. Okay.

Suspend and discipline. Okay. Just eliminate those. all employees except department heads and then continue with the language such that this board still appoints department heads like we do now and then add basically all of that back in except for the appointment. So the last sentence would be the city administrator shall be able to remove suspend and discipline all city employees. Gotcha. Does anybody need a clarification there? Okay, one more time. Alderman col.

Um, under C appoint remains, strike through, remove, suspend, and discipline. And then we're back to the text. All employees add except department heads. and then add a sentence at the end to say the city administrator shall be able to remove, suspend, and discipline all city employees. So, uh I'm going to come to you, Alman Dixon. Um the Lance, um I should have asked this already. Um, is it our charter that that requires um the mayor to nominate department heads and the board to ratify that? Uh it's the the the mayor has the uh authority to employ employe discipline suspend and discharge all employees and department heads in accordance with personnel policies and procedures

and that's in the charter. It's in the charter and that's uh our charter is state law. Okay.

Okay. that then this this document would therefore conflict with our charter because on page 36 number six under definitions employee shall mean any individual employed by the city of Hendersonville except other than such an individual such an individual excluding elected officials appointed committee commission and board members policymaking appointees legal act advocates uh volunteers independent contractors and innate inmate workers. So, we did not include department heads in that. So, if we're saying all employees, that would conflict with our charter and so we need to change it.

Which where's that? I'm sorry. So, she's on 366.

Oh, I'm sorry. Under definitions. I see your point, U, Alderman Collins. Um, so where I'm going is that in the initial verbiage that we had, Alderman Collins, it says, um, it set forth in this chapter provisions of the charter. So it recognizes that the provisions of the charter exist. when you add except department heads, I feel like that is opposed to the provisions of the charter. So that's on a hard time, but you still make a good point.

It's opposed. How so? Um, uh, isn't that exactly what the charter says? Except of the city maybe if we if we accepted your change we would not need to add department heads under six. Am I correct under

under the definitions? That's correct. I'm not proposing to add that. Yeah. And I don't think you're really changing a whole heck of a lot as long as we leave provision comma provisions under under the provisions of the charter. Then the document conflicts the charter. Where does it conflict here? Where is this department? So she So Collins, can you explain again how the conflict is between C and six? Yes. All employees includes department heads. They have not been excluded from the definition of the word employee. Right?

So when we say all employees, department heads are included in that group. And the charter says that the board of mayor and alderman and the mayor appoint department heads. Where does it say that? The ordinance says appoint all employees. That's a direct conflict. We're in the charters that say that Jamie just read it. Yeah. I mean, was that not what you read a second ago?

The mayor, what I read was the mayor's function, not not Bulma's function. We approved the appointments. So, Alderman Collins, I think what you're suggesting, um, I think it makes sense. I think it actually sort of clarifies a little bit as long as we and I don't think you're you're suggesting this. As long as we don't include department heads under six definitions. As long as I'm not asking. Yeah, I don't think you are. Okay. Um,

Jesse, Jason, do you have any thoughts on this? I don't think it changes the definition too much. It makes it Okay, go ahead. I think it makes it more clear. I mean, in practice, that's what we do anyway, that we bring the departments up uh department heads up here for confirmation. It doesn't change any of the discipline. It's just the initial appointment. Okay. And at least in practice, since I've been here, that's what we've done. We've always brought him up here for confirmation from the board. So, yeah. Ratification, right? I think in practice, it ad it mirrors what we do. So, Alderman Cons, we might come back to you. I know Alderman Goodwin, Alman Dixon, you want to mention something about this? Alman Dixon on this

question. Okay. Go ahead. Yeah. I'm I'm just having a hard time understanding. Um, see um in terms of except department heads but yet the city administrator can remove suspend and discipline all employees. I think that the amend the amendment um still and Alderman Collins feel free to to interrupt me. Um that the city administrator is going to uh appoint all employees except department heads. That's going to continue to be my responsibility because it's under the charter uh which is which is under state law.

Okay. And then it says then we're adding the city minister shall be able to remove, suspend, and discipline all city employees which would include department heads. So our COO has the ability to I'm using different words to fire a department head. Yes. Under remove. Okay, I'm good. Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Uh

thank you, Alderman Dixon. Alderman Robertson. So, Lance, are you okay with with this? I mean, I I think what I think what uh Alderman Collins is trying to do is just stress the point that the board ratifies the recommendation of the mayor and the COO of department heads. I think that's what she's just trying to confirm. Is that is that is that right?

Um the way that this is written literally says that the COO appoints department heads. That's inaccurate. It conflicts with our charter. We need to change the language to clarify that the COO does not appoint department heads. So, so may I offer may I offer a sentence?

Well, can I I I disagree with Alderman Collins because it does say in there provisions of under the provisions of the charter. However, what she's offering makes it clear that the COO does not appoint the department heads, but the COO will be responsible for removing, suspending, and uh discipline all city employees, including department heads. Alderman Collins, did I say that correctly? That's accurate. Okay. I I've got it. An amendment to the amendment. Uh well, I want to just Okay. If if we if we uh take out except department heads and at the end of that C add this sentence. Okay.

The mayor will recommend department heads for confirmation by Bulma. Alman Collins, your thoughts? Do you want to include that in your motion?

Sure. um that I appreciate that Alder Ben Roersonson, but um this section is is specifically referring to the duties of the chief administrator. So, it just makes sense to clarify what the chief administrator does rather than throw in something that the mayor does. To me, it's splitting hairs language wise. Alderman Robertson, you are welcome to make that amendment, that motion to amend the amendment.

Well, I'd like to I don't want to mess up Okay. Alderman Collins's uh amendment, but uh uh Lance, uh what are your thoughts on on the sentence that uh it it it puts in writing for future actions that the mayor will recommend department heads and the board will confirm them, which is which is the the uh actual MMO. Now, that's that's what we're doing. So, Lance, um I mean I I don't want to mess up her amendment, but what what what do you think, Lance? I'm just concerned about the conflict of that language with the charter where the the mayor or the designated or the design which in this case we've designated the chief of operations

um shall um employ promote discipline suspend and discharge all employees and department heads including department heads

yes that's what I'm I think that uh there um the MO Alderman Robertson like you mentioned is that the board um will ratify uh discipline I'm I'm sorry discipline a department heads but nothing in the charter says that unless there's an ordinance that was uh passed um otherwise which I'm not aware of but that's always been the history um but the charter gives that power to the to the mayor that authority. So my language is consistent with the charter. Well, recommend and employ may be a little bit different.

Alderman Collins, Alderman Robertson, what if at the end of Alderman Collins amendment where it says employees, we added comma including department heads. That fixes part of the problem. Uh, so the last sentence would read, "The city administrator shall be able to suspend and discipline all city employees, comma, and I forgot the word forgot." Yeah, I meant to say that. I'm sorry. Uh, comma, including department heads. Yes, that's that is my intent. And we can add that language for clarification. Alman Martin, are you okay with that? You made the second. Yes. Okay. Alman Robertson, I I withdraw.

Okay. So, okay. It's uh mayor, go hold on.

There is there is is there is still nothing in these rules that we're looking at or in the city charter that states that the board confirms the appointment of department heads. I is is that somewhere in the charter or in these rules? I I'm just afraid some future mayor, not this one, but some future mayor would try to usurp the authority and say, "Well, I don't have to take it. I don't have to take the the the department heads to the board." Yeah, you've done it that way, but there's nothing in in the in the these rules that require it. So, Lance, Jason,

yeah, that's why I wanted it's not it's not in the charter. Um, and it's not under the personnel rules. It's it's so much practice that I thought it was. In fact, the uh the um the ordinance that uh created the position of chief of operations also says employee employee, supervise, promote, discipline, suspend, and discharge all employees in accordance with personnel policies and procedures. And if I could add, it would be foolish for a mayor to appoint a department head without coming to the board. Well, it'd be foolish, but we've had some foolish mayors.

That's a truth. Not not not not the current mayor. Okay. Thank you. Okay. And not anyone that I remember. And we're sure to have another one. Um I if if if uh Alderman Collins is fine with that language, I I'll withdraw my language. Okay. Okay. I don't want to mess it up.

So, here's where we are right now. I'm going to come to Alderman Martin in just a second. Um, Alderman Collins, feel free to correct me. Under C on page 36, it's going to read, "Your suggestion is appoint all employees except department heads of the city subject to the policies set forth in this chapter provisions of the charter and those in state law." Or the city administrator may at the city administrator's discussion authorize the head of the department or office responsible to the city administ administrator to appoint and terminate subordinates in such departments and offices. Semicolon. The city administrator shall be able to remove, suspend, and discipline all city employees. Comment including department heads. Alman Collins, do you think we have that? That is C. And don't forget my amendment includes an F.

That's right. An F. Not We haven't gotten to that yet. Notifications of action taken outside the policy will provide to the board and mayor of Altman after the action is occurred except where state and federal law prohibits it. Okay. Alderman Martin.

Um just hearing the discussion and it just reminded me that this came to us um this afternoon which means it it came to Lance Ray this afternoon. He's kind of on the spot right now and I'm kind of wondering if we postpone for two weeks so that he can digest it and cross reference it with the charter and all the stuff he's trying to do right now. Um, I don't know if we have time, but Mark Evans had a lot of great comments and he can't be here and I feel bad for that and so I'm kind of wondering if maybe we take it up in two weeks. Just an idea. So, we have nobody else in the queue right now. Um, and we're and we've got an amendment on the floor that I just read which includes two parts. Uh, changes to C and addition to F. Any Alderman Collins?

Um, if we particularly given the conversation around Alderman Skidmore's mother and knowing we received an email earlier that Mark Evans's mother is pretty seriously sick and he that's why he's not here. Um if we want I'm comfortable deferring it. If we are going to defer it, then I want to wait to make the amendments, but go ahead and discuss them. And I don't know if there's a mechanism for us to know if we have the votes to defer and then wait to make the amendments until uh the next reading or if we can. Do you know what I'm asking?

My suggestion would be to to adopt like this amendment. I feel like is going to pass. Okay. And I think that we should take advantage of that because everybody understands it. Okay. Thank you. Um and I think we should continue to try other amendments and if we get to the end, well, entertain a motion to defer. Uh and what if an amendment doesn't pass and then you point of procedure and then uh it can we bring it back up if we did decide to defer? So we could bring it back up at the same meeting if somebody on the prevailing side is I mean the next meeting. Yes, we can wi with or without the prevailing side issue.

So there are a couple there are a couple options to do that. Um and uh and we've done it maybe two or three times in the past. Uh so that that is an option. I would consider that if the board has a different composition that week that it's probably worthwhile revisiting. Okay. Thank you. And I I will proceed with this amendment. Okay. Any other clarification needed for this amendment? Uh Jason, you ready for us? Okay. All those in favor of this amendment, uh please press your green button. Those opposed, press the red one. That passes unanimously. Thank you all. Um Alderman Collins, anything else on chapter I think we're on chapter two. Is that correct?

Okay. So, um Alderman Dixon, do you have anything else on chapter two? Okay. So, anybody else on chapter two? Okay. So, chapter three. Anything on chapter three? Probably not.

Yeah. Uh, chapter 4. We're now on page 39. I'm going to turn page slowly. We get to chapter five. at the end at the very bottom of page 51 52 and 53 and then we'll go over to the um to the HR policies. Anything on chapter 5? And we do have the opportunity to come back if somebody wants to. Uh anything on chapter 5? I think I'm correct in saying that now we're on HR policies as opposed to any chapters. Code of conduct page 59 page 63 policy H01 Alderman Collins. Um on page 63, section one, the second paragraph where it says, okay, the the second paragraph says for minor items that would benefit from additional definitions, clarification, and or application practice. Um you guys know I don't have the best vision practices. The COO under advisement from the city attorney shall update the policy and Bulma shall be notified as a discussion item in the general committee. So we have a mechanism for making minor changes. Major changes or revisions to the policy must go through Bulma approval. I would like to add via ordinance.

So we have a motion. Yes. and a second from Alderman Robertson. Thank you. That's right. Okay. Any discussion on that? Any clarification? Go ahead.

I I feel compelled to say that um I wouldn't recommend an ordinance. If you wanted to say uh uh must go through Bulma approval via resolution on two readings, it'd be it'd be much better than saying ordinance. An ordinance is a law. Uh it's a it generally applies to the public. It creates uh it's uh legal force uh remedies and um a uh an employee could say that if we violated anything in a in a in a policy or a personnel rule that uh we've violated the law. Uh it could give an argument to uh vested rights uh property rights and employment. Um virtually every city uh amends its personnel rules, adopts its personnel rules by uh by resolution. This is being adopted by ordinance because some of it has to do with amending the Hendersville Municipal Code. But if if the if the goal is for two readings, let's just say that can we just say that we're going to require uh Bulma approval via resolution by two readings instead of

that's acceptable. Okay. Alderman Robertson, you made the second. Okay. Okay. Um approval via resolution resolution by of two how was that again? Two readings with two readings. two readings via two readings of a resolution must go through Bulma approval by um approval by resolution on two readings. We'll use via that makes us all smarter instead of B. Okay. Via sounds good. Okay, that was my word. Okay, just saying pretty clever.

Okay, any other discussion on that? So the change we're making is uh the last paragraph on page 63 63. Any other clarification? All those in favor please say I. Those opposed please say no. That passes unanimously. Um anything else on HR policy one page 63 and 64. Now HR02 page 65. Go ahead Al Robertson. Oh no. on HR2 two. It's on page 67. Okay.

Use of municipal time and facilities. So, uh, would Jesse would would would the CEO ever approve the use of private facilities or use of municipal time for private gain because that's what it's referring to. Says no official can can do these things for private gain unless approved by the COO. So that just I I I don't I I didn't I don't think that's good policy that you know even if you approve it if it's for private gain. Can you give me an example where that that would be appropriate for private gain?

I don't think this was meant to allow people to do it. This was meant to put a provision in that says you can't do it. Um there's been examples when folks have maybe taken equipment home and used it. Um there are policies that we have where you use I guess you could consider we have uh some police officers who take vehicles home, right? We have a policy that allows them to take vehicles home and we approve that. We say hey you can use you know a vehicle

if you live within a certain area you can drive that vehicle home. So, we've approved that policy, but this would restrict someone who, hey, I want to borrow, you know, a tractor for the weekend and do some work on my yard. We're we're not going to allow that. You think that's good policy to allow that? Say to work work on their work on their house or No, sir. rental property or anything like that? No, sir. So, you would you would veto that? You would say no. That's right. But for a st for something like you know kind of an industry standard is that police officers can take police vehicles home if they live within a certain area. Well, they're on duty 724.

So that is an authorized use, but but not where it's for a personal gain outside of any type of approved policy that we have. Okay. Well, I just I just wanted to clarify that that Thank you. Thank you, Robertson. Alman Collins. Um Jesse, stay close. So I this might be a question for um Gallow actually I don't know but we're using the term employee here. If we use the term personnel would that include us? No. What term would include us? You're an officer. Politicians.

I should not have asked such a broad question. You're an officer of the A lot of these things I do think we should be included like Okay, that's all. I just uh H3 on page 68. HR04, page 69, HR05, page 71. Alman Collison,

sorry. Um who I know who it is at this time who is the title six coordinator. Um do we need to specify what their training is? What department that pos that person is from? Like is this really enough detail?

No. So um so here's what explained to me that the title six coordinator is appointed but there are no legal requirements to hold the position. It's not like a police officer or a firefighter they have to have certain training uh that they have to pass certain test. However uh theor the coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance for all for training all employees. Additionally there are annual trainings by Tekk and T dot that the coordinator completes each year. So um it could really we it could be anyone. Yeah, it could really be anyone, but the expectation is going to be that they go through those trainings every year and nobody has nobody knows that better than Jason and Amanda at this point. Jess, did you want to take that?

Yeah. No, that that's perfect. We we didn't say it had to be Jason because it could be Amanda or someone else in the HR office, but it is appointed by me and we would I don't see it going outside of HR office, but there's multiple people within HR who could do it. Thank you, Alderman Robertson. Thank you, Al. So, is there state certification for a a a title six coordinator? You want to answer that? Sure.

So, there is not a state certification that you get as a title six coordinator. You do get certificates from the T DOT and TAC trainings that are performed. So those are maintained every year, but there's not something like a radiologist would get. It's saying you're certified in title six. So So anybody could be a title six coordinator. There's no cost to it. Yeah. There no prerequisites to go through the course. Are there prerequisites? No. Anybody can go through the course. Anybody can take the training

and anyone can be designated as the title six coordinator. When I talked to Amanda in our office, um, when she worked at the state, she was the title six coordinator within her division, but there are multiple title six coordinators for every division within the state. So, I will tell you before I got here, um, for a brief period of time during the transition, the city attorney was the title six coordinator before I came on board. So, thanks a lot. You're very welcome. But it really can be anybody of, you know, the mayor Jesse's choosing.

Well, I just wanted to make sure that if there is training that that this person that's going to have this responsibility is properly trained. I will say that both the state agencies that I've worked with on this are more than happy to answer any questions that um come up or if there's questions about compliance, they're very receptive. So, they have great resources, whoever it might be. Okay, thank you. That's all Robertson. Thank you.

Okay, still under operating policy and procedure, we're now at H05. That is page 71. I'm going turn into 72 and 73, 74, 75, 76. When we get to page 77, we're at procedure HR10. Page 78, 79. 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 page 89 brings us to HR policy 11. That's page 89. Okay. Page 90 91 92 93. Page 94 gets us to HR12. Page 95 gets us to HR13. Page 96. Page 97 is HR14.

Go ahead, Al Robertson. Do do we have uh Jason any employees that are that are under the federal Hatch Act? No, not that I'm aware of at this moment. that requires 100% of their salary to be paid by the federal government, right? We don't have any employees who their salary is fully paid. Yeah. Is this state approved language is? So the hatch act specifically was MTAS recommended

um language that they are recommending all municipalities include there Lance there's also the little hatch act right state yes and is that that's applicable is that mentioned in here the the little hat the Tennessee little hatch act they call it is it mentioned in these rules and regulations yes I don't think so but it applies to state employees employees or state funded employees. It it restricts political activities certain political activities for state for state employees. Yes. For state, not for municipal employees.

Uh no. Uhuh. Unless they're state funded, but there's other laws and guidance that we've gone by, including the little hatch. Okay. To incorporate. Okay. So, Okay. So our our employees are not covered under the the Little Hatch Act by the state. That's what you sent me last week, correct? Yes, that executive order. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Alder Robertson. Thank you, Alman Dixon. Yes. I'm I'm sorry. I'm It's been a few days since I read this, but so the the bullet points there under the Hatch Act, we can't

we can't change those. 97. Is that a pick up and drop there, Jason? Page 97. Yes. So, that was a a copy over from MTAS's recommendation. Okay. I I did have something there, but I have a general question. Okay. Um, just so the board understands, um, outside of the details of this, um, an employee working for the city, um, we're saying they cannot actively campaign for uh, the current board as a nonpartisan board,

right? So if an employee was to run for a seat on the board, our policy is saying that they would have to resign their position. That's state law. Okay. Well, what if what if an employee is run is an employee is campaigning against um an say the mayor as a full-time mayor. You and Eddie are after me, aren't you? No, I'm just saying that's happened before and I I I I want to know if we we didn't have these policies in place then and I just want to know is that a problem now?

So that would be an elected position falling under the same guidelines. So if somebody were to run for mayor Uhhuh. Uh, no. I mean, can that employee actively campaign campaign for another for an opponent? They're entitled to their political views. They just can't do it on work time or what about Okay, let me I I left something out on city grounds. I don't if they were in the parking lot making video of I mean, is that they shouldn't as an employee. We want to maintain the city hall area as neutral as possible. I understand and it hasn't been in the past. So that's why I'm trying to

I do not believe we explicitly state that they can't have campaign signs on city videos in the parking lot showing city hall with their the other opponent. I might defer a little bit to Lance on this one because we're getting into political views. It all depends on context, but um you can't prohibit somebody. This is serious to me. This is a serious serious I'm I'm just Yeah, it's just serious to me. I mean, you can't prohibit somebody from videoing on public property anyway. But uh

but I don't think what the way I understand what you're explaining the context, it's anything we can prohibit. Okay, that's all I want to know. Okay, thank you. Thank you, Alderman Dix. Alman Collins,

um, Alderman Dixon, I had not thought of the use of the parking lot and but that made me think about when we pay a vehicle allowance and then they have a bumper sticker or a magnet for a candidate, but the car itself maybe doesn't have our emblem on it. Is that acceptable? It's not city pop uh property. I I I don't think it'd be appropriate to put a um a sticker on a on a city truck or a city vehicle, but uh a vehicle allowance isn't

if it's a car allowance. A car allowance isn't city. It doesn't. We don't own the car. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Alman C. Thank you, Alman Dixon. Al Robertson, I cut you off a few minutes ago.

Okay. Um, we're on page 97, uh, HR14, page 98, page 99. Now, page 100, HR15, page 101. Page 102 is the beginning of HR16. Page 103 is the beginning of HR17. 18 is HR18. I'm sorry. Page 104 is HR18. Page 105 is HR19. Page 107 is HR30.

Page 108. Page 109. Alderman Collins. Okay. Um on page 109 under the section that says hard to fill and give me just a second please. Um, so just to catch everybody up, still page one down at the bottom of what Alderman uh Collins sent last night that you've got a copy of. Page one, very bottom. Go ahead, Alan Collins.

Okay. This is under this is under recruitment and employment hard to fill positions. Um, we have had a lot of recent experience with hard to fill positions and we've made some exceptions recently where we have um awarded vacation time differently for a new hire because they negotiated for it. We've also had a few situations where we've hired somebody who hasn't met the minimum qualifications for the job. I think that those exceptions are part of the day-to-day running and one of the reasons that this offers disc that the document provides for the COO to use his discretion. However, when we are operating outside of policy, I would like to be notified. So at the end of the second paragraph under hard to fill positions, I would like to add if exceptions are made to any policy including pay benefits or minimum job requirements, Bulma shall be notified.

And I think that's a proper oversight role. So I'll second that motion. So a motion from Alderman Collins, a second from Alderman Robertson. where we need to look is on page 109. Uh right in the middle of the page. Um hard to fill. Um uh and I got lost myself. Alman Collins, help me out.

Yeah. I um on page 109 under hard to fill, there's two paragraphs. So, I just want to add a sentence onto the very end of the second paragraph. Ex. If exceptions are made to any policy, including pay, benefits, or minimum job requirements, Bona Bulma shall be notified. Okay. And we have a second from Alman Robertson. Alderman Burgdorf. Go ahead.

Thank you, Mayor. Alderman Collins. Um what just looking at this and uh I appreciate the idea of it and I think it um I like the addition. What is the what form of notification are you interested in doing to Bulma? What would that look like? Would it just be an at the COO's report? Would it be how would how would you want us notified? Um I think an email is appropriate. I know in other parts of the document there's notifications provided by adding a item onto the agenda for the general committee.

However, this involves a person, you know, a a real human being. Absolutely. So, I think an email with the reference to their job title, not their name, is appropriate and adequate. Okay. Thank you. I just wanted clarification. Thank you. So, we've got a motion and a second. Any other discussion or clarification? All those in favor of the amendment, please say I. Those opposed, please say no.

We have a no. Um, hold on. Jason, you ready for us? Okay. So, all those in favor, press the green button. Those opposed, press the red one. So, that passes 9 to three. Those voting in favor, Alderman Burgdorf, Martin, Sassy, Garz, and myself. Alman Goodwin, Garton, Collins, Robertson. Those voting against Alman Skidmore, Ward, and Dixon. Did I get that correct? Okay, hold on one second, Jason. Thank you. So, we are still on HR30. We're turning from page 109 to page 110. You're good, Jason. Thank you. Okay, Alman Robertson, do you want to speak or just leave your light on?

Oh, no. Sorry about that. Okay. page 111, 112, 113, 114. Now we're on HR31. On page 115, I apologize for standing up y'all. I've had a sort of problem in my neck and my uh elbow is getting sore because of the nerve in the back of my neck. Um, so we're page 115, page 116, page 16 I'm sorry, Alderman Collins,

I have a question. Um we're referring to cancer screenings um here under the Bradford um under Bradford Barry, I'm sorry, Barry Brady Act, one is a house and one is an act. Um and I'm wondering what is the cancer screening exactly? Blood work, ultrasound, both. I know we don't want to put that in here because medical technology will change, but I would like to know what it currently is.

Yeah. So, there's a variety of tests that they go through. Blood is just one. They give stool samples. They'll go through um and go through a variety of tests. Uh so, they do that annually every year uh to participate in it. And so, as we need to, we modify those tests. Sometimes it's based on the blood results and different markers they're looking for. I assume that if they if their blood work triggers additional testing, we continue to pay as the medical professional determines appropriate. Barry Brady screening is paid by the city. Mhm. Yep. So if there was additional testing that needed to occur because of that screening, that falls to our cost. No different than a pre-employment test would as well.

Okay. Thank you, Alderman Collins. Thank you. Thank you, Jason. Page 115, HR31. We're moving on from there. Page 116. Then we got one page on page 117, we get to HR40. That goes through 118 and 119. Alderman Goodwin. I hit it too. I'm on 121. So, well, I was about to ask you when you when yours is coming up. Um, one of mine's coming up. Okay. Okay. So, we're on HR41, page 120 and page 121. Is that where you need to be? Go ahead.

Question on page 121. The hiring authority desiring to appoint an applicant at a salary above the normal hiring rate must sub submit a written justification through the administrative services director. Such appointments will be decided by the COO. So they can change the pay range and go above or below it. Jason Yeah, when there's justified cause for it. Okay, that fit on that page. Page 122. And then you've got something on 12. I got 123. Okay, go ahead.

Just a suggestion on longevity. Is there a way instead of starting at year one, we start at year five and go past 20 so we can reward the people that stay with the city for a long time? We've talked about that so many times. Jason, can you remind can you remind where we why we decided to stick with this?

I mean with this one we looked at a variety of options. Different agencies also do it different ways. Um some of the things that we have to look at are turnover. So within, you know, departments, especially the newer generations, regardless of what industry they're working in, we see the most turnover within the first three years. And so to be able to have a little bit of a financial incentive to get them to stay is helpful. Um I do know that the state goes up to 30 years on theirs. Um other agencies cut it off at 20. So we're kind of right in the middle with ours, but I know we've entertained the idea a few times to adjust. There's nothing hard and fast about what's right or wrong. It's just what works for us.

I would like to extend it. Do you want to make a motion? Sure. I would like to make a motion to extend it. I don't really think we ought to put an end date on it. So, help help me figure out where I say start at year five and if you stay with the city 30 years, more power to you. So, where would we number six? Okay. So instead of the first year, we would cross it out and say the fifth year, completion of the fifth year. Okay. And instead of 20 years till your end of service, second.

Okay. So then on the third line, instead of 20 years, we would put 30 years. Amen. Let's Oh, no. Actually on the next on help me out. Alman Goodwin. Well, Alderman McGarton's going to change it. I would say um shall receive a bonus of $100 per year till they retire, till they leave Hendersonville.

Yep. So, and cross out the rest of the paragraph. Well, employees who exceed 20 years of service, we need to cross that out, too. Yeah.

So, I think we're doing help me out here. Alman, good one in Alderman Garden. I al you seconded that. Is that right? Okay. She wants to change it to the one to three years. So, just take the ending off. I need to know what the motion is from the person who made the motion to leave it like it is except instead of a maximum of 20 years until they retire. So it doesn't stop at 20 years until they retire.

Okay. So, I think I'm doing this correct. I think this is what your intention is. We would have to we leave the first line as it is. We get to the second line and when it says $100 a year for employment, period. Correct. We would cross out to a maximum of 20 years of full-time service continue to cross out. Employees who exceed 20 years of service will continue to receive their maximum amount equivalent to 20 years of full-time service each subsequent year. That would be crossed out. Correct. We would leave if approved to the end of the paragraph. Correct. Okay. We have a motion from Alderman Goodwin and a second from Collins. Alman Collins. Okay. Um discussion on that. Um Alderman Gart. Discussion on that.

Okay. Just clarify. Are you cutting years one through five? No. One through five is staying in there. Okay. So, under Alderman Goodman's it starts with the first year and continues through the through. Okay. Um, Alman Roberts, I'm sorry, Alderman Sassy on this. Yes. Go ahead, Jason. Yes, sir. So, this uh longevity pay once they've reached 20 years, does it just end?

So, no. So, as it stands right now, once someone reaches 20 years, as they exceed that, let for example, we have employees who have been here 30 years and 35 years, they get the 20-year equivalent. So, they'll get $2,000 uh at this moment. And so, that also gives some boundaries, if you will, when it comes to budget and the cost of these. So, um yeah, as it stands, once they hit 21 years, it's 20 years of service. If it's 45 years, it's 20 years of service as a longevity payment.

Thank you. So I guess point of clarification on this amendment, are you saying that even at on their 21st year they'd received 2100 then 2200? So stopping at the 2,000 you you're want to just maintain and keep it keep it up. Okay. Um, have we analyzed? Well, first of all, would that would existing employees qualify for this for this change? I would assume yes. Okay. And have we analyzed what the financial impact is? This is the first I've heard of it so far.

Okay. Um, I mean, I I would have I would want to see the financial impact on this before we voted on it. Uh I mean it may be small but it is it's something. So um if we could get those numbers and maybe if we do defer this then we can bring this one back. So I'm offering uh to us to maybe postpone this until the next reading if we decide to defer this which I will support by the way. Thank you.

Alderman Sassy. Thank you. Alman Robertson. No, I was I I I concur with uh finance chairman on that that I'd like to I'd like to know what the fiscal note on that is. So, uh I Okay, thank you. Uh any other discussion? Any other discussion or need for clarification on the amendment? Jason, you ready for us? Um I can withdraw it for now. Okay. So it doesn't fail. Okay. So that's withdrawn. Alderman Goodwin, did you have anything else on this on this se in this section? Yes. Oh, I'm sorry. Alderman Collins, did you I thought she was done. I'll wait my turn. Okay. Are you okay withdrawing this amendment, this motion? Yes, I am. Okay. Thank you. Go ahead. Alman Goodwin.

Page 125. Okay.

Jason, can I borrow you just a minute? I have an amendment, but I want to go over a couple of things first to make sure that everyone is clear on it. I have a question. If we have two employees that are starting today, the way that this is written, we have they're starting the same position, two employees, one has a master's degree, one does not. So, the one with the master's degree is going to come in under the way the e pay is in here after March 22nd. The new way, they would start on step four. Correct? Because they have a master's.

Correct? The other employee who has no degree will start on step one. Mhm. So after 13 years, employee number one is maxed out at step 17. Correct? Because they've taken no promotions. Employee number two that started um on step one will catch up to him four years later. So he's now at 17. They both make the same money for the rest of their careers. Is that correct? That's correct.

Okay. That is why I am proposing this amendment because I don't think that is right. I think that is um costing the employee too much money. So my first amendment, I have two in case the first one doesn't pass, is handed out to you. Everything would stay the same. You are going to strike in red any employee hired before March 22nd. I I think everybody has this. No, I handed it out. We've got more. The mayor didn't pass it all the way down.

He didn't hand it down. Oh, sorry. Right here. Okay. Does it say page down here? Okay. So, you were going to strike. Are y'all ready down there? Get with it.

Okay. We are going to strike any employee hired before March 22nd, 2026 will continue to be eligible to see receive e pay. Employees hired after that, the part in red is going to be stried. Then you're going to come down to where it says employees hired on or after March 22nd, 2026. that paragraph. Everything from that paragraph down will be gone. And what that will do will put this back to the way that e pay has always been done. We'll get rid of the old people have it done one way and the new people have it a different way. That way all of our people that are currently working on degrees. So basically we are putting it back to the way that it's been since Jason's been here. I've been told it's been configured consistently and so I'm good with that. So that is my first amendment to put it back to the way it is and we accomplish that by striking that out.

Do we have a second? I'll second that. Alman Collins. Alman Collins, go ahead.

Um if it is considered a friendly amendment, if we could add um if we could add to that under what now becomes the last paragraph. If approved, changes in pay status will be will be made on the soonest effective payroll date after approval is granted and submitted to the HR department. I would just like to add all calculations shall be performed by the HR department to ensure uniformity in the application of EPA

if that's if that's a friendly amendment. Thank you. So my comment on that is that if our concern is that people who are working on uh degrees right now under the reasonable assumption uh or obligation that the city will provide them uh a greater e pay. The easy solution is to grandfather two years, four years so that this so that this change keep it the way it is written here um not the amendment and just grandfather for four years because I do feel like if somebody just recently started a uh a degree program I feel like we're we're changing the rules on them if we don't allow them to have eay. Um and so my suggestion would be that we just grandfather those who are in a degree program as of let's say July 1st uh 2026 and they have four years to complete it and they will be and they will receive e pay as it is today. Everybody after that um would and we'd give them say four four or five years to finish their degree but then everybody after that the e-ay would would be what's what is in here. So if the concern is that people have start as Alderman Mc Goodwin said if people have if the concern is that people who have started programs and degree programs um that we're changing the rules on them the solution is to grandfather those people who have started the degree program. Um so that's

Can I respond to that?

So so hold on. So so I'm going to vote against this and then I'll make a motion to address those folks that are in uh a degree program under our obligation to pay them. Alderman Goodman go ahead. What I failed to mention, another reason that I'm for this, we've promised all these employees all these years that this is the way it's going to be and this is another thing that we're going to take away from them. Um, and I completely disagree with that. And to give somebody four years or whatever, what if they're going to take their time and and do it in a and I believe the way that's being proposed, if someone stays here 30 years, you're cheating them out of 13 years of EPA, and I I have a real problem with that.

So, I won't be supporting yours. Any any other discussion? I I do.

Go ahead, Alman. Um, thank you. I realize my lights's just been on continuously and you probably didn't realize I wanted to speak again, but I do. Um, I appreciate what you're saying, Mayor Clary, because the way that it's currently written, we wouldn't just be switching it in the middle of somebody's quest to get their degree. We'd be switching it in the middle of the semester. So, you can't have any control over that. You could be getting your last three credit hours. You can't make the semester end in March. It won't, never has, never will. But, um, I don't think it addresses the real to me the underlying problem with EPA is that it's been applied differently for different people, for different departments perhaps, perhaps by different administrations that we have had. um but it certainly has not been applied equally amongst all our all of our employees. So changing the way that we use e pay for yet another group of employees does not make sense to me. I think that um clarifying the way that we do the math, making sure that one department does the math, we now have the example of how the math is done. It would be really hard to argue that there's another way to go about doing the math that we can expect moving forward with Alderman Goodwin's amendment that EK e pay would be applied equitably for all employees. And that is my goal. And so having two different systems to live under no matter when you start it still creates this chaotic e pay environment in my opinion. Thank you,

Alderman Collins. Thank you, Alderman Burgdorf.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh, Alderman Collins, uh, thank you. Uh, I don't often agree with you, but I will on that one. Um, I like simplicity. Simplicity in its best form. And sometimes when we are trying to switch horses in midstream, it tends to muddy the waters. Uh, no pun intended at that. Uh, but I we this goes back to our point about we're doing a pay study. We've asked last week already that if there were any consistencies that we could identify out there in the community and you've identified that they were all across the board. I did a little research on my own and between these four cities, Mount Juliet, Henderson, Milville, Gallatton, and Lebanon. I'm sorry, I didn't mean the city to the north. I apologize. Okay. Um, out of those four, we are right in the middle as far as compensation goes, as far as employee compensation. Um, what it breaks down to is Mount Juliet just had a large push to get employees, correct? And they also just had a large, anybody want to say the word increase. So, um, so to pay for the employees, uh, Gallatin starts a little lower. Lebanon is a little bit lower, but we're Hendersonville is right there in the sweet spot. I would say we're right between those two major cities. At this point, it appears that Hendersonville values education. They value the employee. They work the employee from the bottom up and they want the employee to stay with them. So, I would um like to I appreciate Jason's efforts to make sure everything is um the e pay is applied equally and equitably. Um so I appreciate the Collins. Was that your amendment, Collins?

A combination. Combination. Okay. I I appreciate it. Uh so I'm going to speak to this and support uh the EPA resolution. Thank you Burgdorf. Thank you. Alderman Robertson, what's what's the the motivation for doing this? What did this staff have? It's the motivation for trying to change it.

What we're looking for is just consistency and application. At the end of the day, we walked into something that was very confusing for a lot of employees. So we're trying to come up with a mechanism that if we removed everybody who was involved and all the historical knowledge that goes with it, anybody could walk in and apply the same standards. I have no idea where this goes. So have we established systems that calculate it correctly? Now we have had to. Yes.

So we've fixed the problem. I mean through your hard work. I mean, you know, that's what I'm asking. Are we still are we still seeing errors or does the system that we have now appear to be working? There are still inequities from the past that we've have not corrected, but the ones that the promotions that have occurred since my time here. The best I can say is that those are done correctly, but we still have a few that are outstanding. So, Alvin Robertson, may I ask a follow-up question to yours, please? Okay. Jason, under the current system, a department head could follow what we our expectations are and come up with a level of pay involving

e pay. An employee would have reason to contest that, right? As it should be more. Am I correct? We've had issues where they have argued yes that they felt it should be more. That's what that's that's the motivation is to make sure the employees and the staff know what it's going to be so that we can remove the argument of an employee saying no no no you didn't figure it correctly. But they shouldn't have that argument now because we've got it fixed. Right. You will always have someone who's going to argue the point. Well, yes, they shouldn't have that argument. You're exactly right.

Okay. doesn't doesn't prevent them from hiring counsel and making making that case which I don't want you all to face that decision. So passing this will prevent that from from happening. So uh anything else on the amendment? Jason, you ready for us? Okay. Alderman Goodwin. Go ahead.

We will be striking. It will basically be left the way it is. been done. Now that HR has got it figured out, it'll be done consistently. And you are going to strike from where it is in red, any employee hired before that date all the way down to the end with Alderman Collins that it will all be done through the one department. Any other discussion? Jason, ready for us? All those in favor press the green button. Those opposed press the red. So that passes 9 to3. Alman Robertson, Collins, Garten, Goodwin, Alman Garza, Martin Ward, Skidmore, Burgdorf voting in favor. Those against Alman Sassy, myself, and Alman Dixon. Um, okay. We Alman Collins. So that passes. Alderman Collins. Um, you had something I believe on page 120.

No, I think I'll be quiet for a few minutes. Okay. All right. Okay. Go ahead. Um, actually the first thing is in section two, the first paragraph we go we go back. Is that correct? On page 120. Yes. Thank you. Okay. 12 on page 120 section two maintenance of the pay plan after consultation I wanted to add after consultation with department heads but actually I think we might have done that in the first reading and I just does anybody know it will be in the history

where's that Jesse I I didn't what what was talked about First reading was for the staffing numbers.

Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um, so the I would like for the last sentence of the first paragraph of section two to read, "The COO after consultation with department heads shall then recommend to Bulma such changes in salary ranges as appear to be in order." Not that I think we are not consulting the department heads but just to clarify that and have it written. Um and then under section three the hiring rate I would like to add on to the end of that paragraph. Bulma will be notified if a candidate accepts an offer outside the normal hiring rate. Previously in that paragraph, you can see the minimum rate established for the class is the normal hiring rate and um we're only making exception exceptions under unusual circumstances. I don't need to be a part of that decision at all, but I just want to be aware so that we can see if there's a trend where it's happening frequently, we may need to make some changes. So, it's just a notification after the fact. And of course, only if they accept the position, offering it to them and they don't accept, then it it doesn't really count in my mind.

So, it's a two-part motion. Yes, it is. Do we have a second? We have a second from Alderman Goodwin. Any need for clarification or discussion on the motion? Uh uh. Go ahead. Officer Officer Alderman Collins. Go ahead. They'd like you to repeat it. Oh, I'm so sorry. Page two.

Page two, section I mean page 120. Section two, first paragraph, last sentence. The COO, I would like to add after consultation with department heads and then continue shall then recommend to Bulma such changes in salary ranges as appear to be in order. Section three under hiring rate. I would like to add at the very end a sentence to say Bulma will be notified if a candidate accepts an offer outside the normal hiring rate. Any other discussion or clarification? Jason, ready for us? We have a motion. Who made the second?

Okay, we're voting on both. All those in favor press the green button. Those against press the red one. So that passes 7 to five. Those voting in favor, Alderman Burgdorf, Martin, Garza, myself, Alderman Goodwin, Garton, Collins. Those voting against Alman Robertson, Dixon, Sassy, Ward, and Skidmore. That passes 7 to five. Okay. So, are we finished with HR41? We're not. We need to go to page Alderman uh Collins, we need to go to page 125 and 126. Am I correct?

Actually, we do we Okay. Okay. So, we're on page 126 127. Page 128 is HR42.

Alderman I I Okay, Alderman Collins, go ahead. I think um I'll need um Mr. Ray to clarify this, but I think with the amendment that we just made to eay that we need to cross out this grandfather to e- pay employment section on page 131. Is that true under examples? Well, the whole grandfather pay and the examples. I think that is right here.

Just just the uh just that part. Yeah. So, you're saying there's no reason to grandfather anybody because we didn't we're continuing with eay as is. Yes.

Jason, you see right. So, we are going to have to rework this whole section, okay? Um, with even the examples that are there. So, based off of what was just voted in removing the grandfather clause, okay, we'll have to rework all of these examples and remove that section. It might be time to take a break. Uh, I don't think we can rework examples tonight. I I'm not sure I can do the math that quick. What if we took a 10-minute break? Can I ask a question? Hold on a second. Will you have to rate Why would you have to reconfigure?

Yeah, I don't think we'll have to redo the calculations, but in in my opinion, this would be, you know, we have the ability with minor revisions. So, we would be making some of these minor revisions to match the amendment language. So, if the amendment language pulls out a grandfathered clause, then we would just clean up the language in here. We'd come back to general and we'd submit that as, hey, this is what it looks like cleaned up. But we don't I don't think we need to rework that all tonight because we'll want to go through it pretty methodically to make sure that we've taken those clauses out. But if EP pay is going to stay the way it is, we will remove those. But that will just be kind of an administrative removal. Okay.

So should should we I'm asking all three of y'all on page 131 where it says grandfather eplay e pay employees all the way down to promotional benefit level those one two three paragraphs. Is it best to scratch those tonight? What do you think? One shaking yes and one shaken no. Remove this. There may be more than that. So my recommendation would be that based on the amendment that was made that we go back and we clean up any language in there that refers to grandfather because it may be other places and then we'll we'll submit just to receive and file as a clean copy at general committee.

Okay. Okay. But we could still go ahead and pass the whole thing tonight and then we'll come back to general. Okay. Okay. Appreciate that. Um so Alderman Collins, go ahead. Oh. Uh, actually I'm comfortable with that. Okay. Okay. Alderman Alderman Goodwin, I think. Um, so from what you handed out, I don't think you have any more proposed changes. Am I correct? Okay. Alderman Collins, do you have any other proposed changes? I have some questions, but I don't have any more amendments. Okay. necessarily depending on my questions. Can I answer? We're going to go to Alman Sassy and then we'll start restart the process. Let's go to Alderman Sassy first. Alman Sassy, go ahead.

Thank you, mayor. I'd like to make a motion to defer this uh this ordinance until uh two weeks from now. Okay. Um do do we want to do that now or do we want to take a break first? It might do that now and get it done. Okay. So, we have a motion to defer this for two weeks.

And we have a second from Alderman Garza. Um, I'll speak on that real quick. So, my problem is is that is that we have, and this is Jason's analogy, we have a broken car sitting in the in in the front yard. We know it's broken and we've been putting it off and putting it off and putting it off. Um, I think that we can muddle through this tonight, answer the questions tonight. Um, and I I feel like we've done a lot of good work. If we put it off, I'm okay with that. We're still going to come back here and have the same work in front of us. I don't think putting it off is going to help us overcome some of the questions and concerns we have. We need to fix the car. Um, and putting it off a couple weeks means the broken car is going to sit in the in the front yard for longer. What I'd rather do is instead of deferring it, let's finish uh everything we need to do tonight when we come to uh final passage. Then we'll have a a discussion on deferring it. Um, but I think we should keep going on and see if there's any other changes that are proposed. So, we have a motion, a second. Anybody else wish to speak on that motion? Okay, Jason, ready for us? Okay, so deferring it for two weeks, press the green button. Opposed to deferring it, press the red button. Okay, so that fails five to seven. Those voting in favor of deferral, Burgdorf, Skidmore, Ward, uh, Dixon, Garton, and Robertson, and myself. Those voting in favor of deferring, Martin, Sassy, and Garza, Goodwin, and Collins. So, we're back to the May motion, but hold on just a second, Jason. Alderman Goodwin, go ahead. You want to make a motion

to take a break. Okay. Uh we have a motion to take a break. Do we have a second? Second. A second from Alderman Garton. All those in favor, please say I. I. Those opposed, please say no. No. Okay, hold on, Jason. Oh, come on.

So, thank you, Jason. So, um those in favor of taking a break, you ready for us? Press the Nope, not yet. Okay. Those in favor of taking a fivem minute break, you're going to press the green button. Those against are going to press the red button, but not quite yet. The suspense is building. There we go. So that passes 8 to four. Those in favor, Alderman Burgdorf, Skidmore, Ward, myself, Alderman Goodwin, Garden, Collins, and Robertson. Those opposed, Alderman Dixon, Garza, Sassy, and Martin. Jason, if you could leave that up for a second, I'd appreciate that. And we'll be back in five minutes.

ready. You can take this down and we're ready to go. Okay. Okay, we're back. Appreciate that. Um, so we're Is he not here? Ski is are we still waiting on He's down here. He switched. He wants to hang out with the girls.

I heard his voice. I thought we were okay. You're fine. No, my fault. I I'm not agenda for my planning commission. We can probably work something out.

Hold. No, we already we did it two weeks ago. We just had a meeting. Yeah, we have one coming up. Yeah, we have one next. No, we did have one last week. Okay, we'll see what the rest of the board thinks about.

I apologize y'all. I uh started the meeting before a break was finished and uh we weren't ready. So, apologize for that. I should have done a better job with that. So, um, we are on, let's see, uh, we're on page 131, 132, 133, 134. Feel free to stop me anytime. 135 is HR50. If I have any questions or amendments, please let me know. Okay, we're going to 136 and 137, 138, 139. Then HR51 on page 140 141 142 143 144 145 14 I'm sorry

Alman Collins 143

um So to me, the the bullet points at the bottom that talk about if you miss three days of work, you have to have a doctor's

excuse for the third day. And it has to tell you when you're allowed to come back to work, when you're released to come back to work. And um I understand that is a common practice in government but it's not in the public sector I should say but it's not a common practice in the private sector and I it also has a part in here about uh that the department head as soon as can ask them for it anyway and then it says it's required and I don't like it.

That's a question like that. I'm going to turn to Jason Galla. So on this one, we have a lot of department heads who are looking for teeth, if you will, ways to hold employees accountable who are abusing time. And so I understand kind of because I came from the private sector of asking for doctor's notes is kind of a practice that's largely ended in in the private sector but in public sector it's still very much a thing that is looked to and it was a question that you had posed I think when we had the workshop

and even after then I have had department heads reach out to me and ask if we can still require doctor's notes after 3 days. So the ones who do it every time are dealing with employees who have excessive absences. And so again, it gives some teeth for them to hold their employees accountable and staff their departments. One, two, three, four. Okay. The fifth bullet point says medical certificates or other acceptable evidence may be required at uh for a shorter period of time at the discretion of the department head.

What if we just said crossed out for a shorter period of time of absence and just said at the discretion of the department head? because also the way this is written out, the way it reads to me anyway, I've learned that what I think it reads as and what it says are maybe not the same thing, but um the way it reads to me is the doctor's note, like let's say I have the flu and it's been three days. So, I go to the doctor, even though that's over the counter medication, right? So, it's a total waste of my time and resources. But I go to the doctor. I get my doctor's note. He says, "Well, the flu usually takes 11 days." Okay. And here's a I think it's called Tama flu and I'm better in three. Can I not come back to work?

You need to get an updated doctor's note. It also protects the city. So, I understand. If somebody's coming back before a doctor releases them, that puts us liable for anything else. Does this doctor really need to release me from a virus? if they did. I'm not disabled. I don't have a broken back. I don't have a limb impairment that prevents me from doing my physically doing my job. Sure. We're not trained medical professionals though to make that decision, which is what we're getting into by requiring notes. I also think people are just going to take two days sick, a day of vacation, another two days sick, another day of vacation. I mean,

and I've seen people do that as well. So, yep, you're always going to find someone who's going to work it no matter what the requirement is. So, okay, if you if you really want to do this. All right, Jason, can Teld do provide that? Uh, yes. I'll give my example. I had pink eye courtesy of my children. And uh with that um while I was on the phone with Teldoc, they said, "Do you need a note for work?" I actually said no and they sent me one anyway. Okay. So that's a common practice with Teddoc that they will issue a note. Okay. Thank you, Alman Collins. Alman Ward,

uh I think we should leave it like it is. It relieves the city of liability if somebody is hurt. The notes that we would require back in the day would be, you know, can they return to back to full work? Does it need to be limited work that covers viruses or anything else? And if you're good after 3 days of taking Tamlu, I would like for the doctor to say she's not contagious and she can come to work and that would require an updated doctor's note. I think we should leave it in there and leave it intact.

Thank you, Alder Ward. So that was page 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148. That takes us to page 149, which is HR52. Page 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156 is HR53. Hold on. Did I say that incorrectly a second ago? Yeah, HR52 is what we just finished. Now, we're on HR53 on page 156, then 157. Page 158 is HR54. Jason and JP, thank you for helping me following along. Um, page 159, then page 160 is HR60, 161, 162. Page 163 is HR61. Then page 164, 165, 166, 167 is HR70. 168 169 170 we get to 171 and that's HR policy 71 page 172 173 174 I heard somebody down there okay page 175 is HR80 go ahead Robertson did I go too fast

uh yeah on page 168 Okay. Um, Alderman uh, Evans also brought this up, the the the phrase immoral conduct. Uh, uh, Lance, what what would be the definition of immoral contact conduct? Usually it involves 168. Um, uh, what page are we on? It's on page 168. 16. Yeah, item 16. dishonesty and temperance. That's so the state I'm sorry. State has a definition. Am I right, Lance?

Uh, it's more about moral turpitude, which I think may be a different context than this. Let me just read this, Jason. Is this from the state? Is this from the state uh policies? This is a combination of what was from MTAS and our prior policy as well. Okay. Okay. Anything? No. Okay. Are you satisfied with that, Alen Robertson? Robertson, anything from Lance or you good?

Um, I guess immoral conduct you you know it when you see it. I guess, right? Um, I won't name names, but there was another municipality that dealt with this. Was it the city to the north? No, opposite direction, but okay. Keep it anonymous. We'll keep it anonymous, but they um had this with their employees. It hit the news. They had conduct that was very much unbecoming. Yes. Of the department uh and the city as a whole. Yeah. So,

so that would be like Epstein Island, I guess. Okay. Uh, no. I think that's good enough. I just wanted to raise that

because it's a page 169 170. Thank you, Alderman Robertson. Okay. 171 171 starts HR71 and page 172 and 173 174. We get to HR80 on page 175, 176 and 177. We get to HR81 on 178, 179, 180. On page 181, we're at HR90. I'm sorry, I heard somebody. Oh, Alman Collins.

I'm on page 176 because apparently I'm slower than you. Um, I just want to make sure I understand what we're saying here is that if we decide to have layoffs, we're in a really bad place, but um, we would give our employees two weeks notice before their last day of work. Good. That's just the minimum standard that we're putting. We can give more. So the minimum would be two weeks. Okay.

So if you wanted to give three months, you could do that. So can you give me an example of what circumstances we would like we would have we would have to vote to lay people off, right? You would be like when you pass a budget, you'd be eliminating funding for positions. Yes. And then two weeks later, you're going to you're going to already know who it is and tell them and two weeks later they'll be gone as soon as we would place that vote.

That would be the fastest that we would do that. Or we could, the board could decide that by Christmas the mayor needs to eliminate so many positions in each department or something like that.

I guess leaving it as a two week minimum does make sense, but I would certainly hope we could do more than that. I pray we never have to go down that path, but Absolutely. Yeah. But if we did it, I would like to give people more notice. But I understand I can't I can't think of an example of why that would be necessary, but I guess we need to leave that option open. Thank you.

So that's page 176 and page 177. 178 gets us to HR81. That includes page 179 and 180. Then we get to HR90 on page 181 followed by 182 and 183. And then page 184 we get to definitions which is HR9. That goes to 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191. And then you get to uh essentially an index uh back there. And then you get to exhibit B on page 196 and 197. So we are

so Alderman Collins, go ahead. I'm so sorry. I really am. Page 186. The definition of employee does not match the initial definition of employee. And so I just want to understand does that include us? Does it include uh the planning commission? No. Does it include us? No. It excludes the same groups that were excluded in the beginning. Yes.

Okay. Thank you. So, I had a conversation with Jason and Jesse earlier. Um, and following up on their on what they said about removing that grandfather piece and refiguring some things. That's probably going to take some time. Um, uh, Jesse, we also said that there was something Oh, and that um there are some other items that we could include in the compensation study that we're doing right now. We're what did you say? 80% finished with the compensation study. 60 70.

Okay. Okay. Um so here's my suggestion is that we pass this on second reading. Any other changes fine? Any other discussion? Fine. Um since we're going to need more time to look at e pay and the changes they're going to need there. It's probably not something it may take longer than two weeks. Um and I think we addressed most of Alderman Evans questions. He might still have some. Um, and some of those items can be addressed by resolution if we pass this tonight. Um, and certainly if it's a major change, we can come back with uh with an amendment to this, which should take an ordinance. So, my preference is is that we fix the car on on the front lawn. Um, what I worry about is if we if we put it off, we won't be able to do everything we need to do in two weeks. So, if we passed it tonight, we have a base. we can figure out what changes need to be made based on the conversations, based on some of the amendments, come back and make those and make those amendments. Um, and it gets us into compliance right now with state law. That bothers me a lot that we're having to make decisions on state federal law, Jason.

State, okay, it's just state. Um, that uh don't fit what our ordinance is. Of course, we're going to follow state law. State law allows us to exist. Uh, so we're definitely follow that. So, I would hope that we would pass this tonight, give the board, give the uh staff some time to look at the changes we made in EPA. Um, also then we would we're still working on the compensation study. Um, and that and that might require some changes as well, but this would be our base. We would allow staff time to make suggested changes and then come back to the board. Jesse, go ahead. Yeah, and I know you probably have this in the queue, but just as a reminder on page 196 and 197, there were some clerical errors that we just wanted to clean up some of the language that could be passed along with this ordinance. Okay. Um Oh, thank you. U so this came from Jason also. This is something that we need to do. Um a clerical uh absolutely. Um, but since we caught them before we passed second reading, I want to bring them to you as opposed to as opposed to just go to Lance and say, "What do we do with these?" Um, Alderman Sassy, you're in the queue. Could I make a motion for these clerical errors to be fixed before? Okay. Okay. So, if you look at page 196 197, thank you, Jesse, for reminding me that. Um, and this was included in your packet that that you that you've had available to you since Thursday. Um, all clerical. You see a couple things with some dates, which is what most of them are. Um, and then with I mean one of them is just really very very much a typo. Um, I'm going to make that motion that we adopt the items on 196 and 197. Um, do I have a second?

We have a second from Alderman Garza. Any discussion on that? All those in favor of adopting that that motion for amendment from pages 196 and 197, please say I. Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Gabby, are we good? Okay. Uh, Alderman Sassy. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I appreciate your car analogy. Made sense to me. It really It wasn't mine.

It wasn't, but at the same time, when I take my car into the shop to get the transmission replaced, I don't leave it just an oil change. So, um, I think there there was still a lot of questions around some of the things in this and I want to make sure we do it right. Plus, I know, you know, unfortunately, Alderman Evans wasn't able to be here due to his family emergency, as we all know. And, um, and also, uh, Alderman, uh, Goodwin had an additional amendment, which we held off on. Um, so I think it makes sense at this time to postpone this, to defer it until two weeks from now. uh it's when we can all come back together and look at this again and do those few final adjustments that we have to do uh knock it out and uh get it approved and make sure it's done right. So with that make a motion that we defer.

Do we have a second? Second. We have a second from Alderman Martin. Any discussion on that? I'm not going to bring it up again. You know how I feel. Any except this Goodwin, did you have something else or did you knock it out? You're good. I'm good. Okay. Uh, Alderman Robertson, but Mayor, you you have outlined uh a way that we can continue to modify this going forward. So, with with that understanding that it can it can continue to be modified. Uh, I I I think I think you're right. I think we need to move forward and and get in compliance as much as we can. So, thank you,

Robertson. Thank you. Alman Collins, what is what is an example of where we are out of compliance with state law? Can you help us, Jason? Yeah, without telling any the rest of the world. Yeah, we're going to end up fllaying ourselves on that one. Um, so the state of Tennessee has a paternity leave law. Nowhere in our current policy does that even exist. How long have we been out of compliance? Since that law came out. I couldn't tell you the date. I'd have to go back and look, but since I started four years ago, who is never in there? So, two more years is going to kill us. Uh, two more weeks isn't going to kill us. It just Do we have anybody who's currently on paternity leave? We do. Yeah. Okay.

So, and we're doing our best to stay up and be within the law, but our policies are not. I just don't see how two more weeks is going to matter. And um one more question, Mayor Clary, you just said if it was more important change, it would be an ordinance. What is an example? I The way this reads to me, we do not amend it by ordinance. We amend it by resolution reading it twice. I'm sorry. Yes, you're right.

Okay. So, two more weeks to get it as close to right as we can or we start over with amendments. Six weeks to amend it. I just we've been out of compliance with a paternity leave policy for nobody even knows how long. I just don't it does not feel urgent to me. Thank you.

Appreciate that. So all those in favor of the deferral press the green button. Those opposed press the red missing one. Uh so that fails four to eight. Those in favor alderman Burgdorf, Martin, Sassy, and Collins. Those against Alderman Skidmore, Ward, Garza, Dixon, Goodwin, Garton, Robertson, and myself. Thank you all. So now we're back on the main motion, and that is multiple amendments. Um, and this is uh second reading of ordinance uh 2026-01. Any other discussion? All those in favor press the green button. Those opposed press the red. Two more. So that passes 10 to two. Those voting in favor, Alderman Burgdorf, Ward, Martin, Garza, Alderman Dixon, Goodwin, Gordon, Collins, Robertson, and myself. Those voting against Alman Skidmore and Alderman Sassy. Thank you all. Next, um to brief committee reports and uh Alderman Martin brought up something that I think is worth mentioning. Alderman Martin, would you like to make a motion?

Would you like to amend the agenda? Oh, sorry. Uh, I've got planning commission reports so after Bob goes. Okay. So, uh, we need a motion to amend our agenda to include the planning commission report because it's not currently on the agenda. So, Alderman Martin makes a motion. Uh, Alderman somebody uh, Alderman Gart seconds that. Um, it requires a two-thirds vote. Um, which would be eight of us. So, um, all those in favor, please say I. Those opposed, please say no. No. No. Jason, can you help us out here?

Because it's twothirds, we're going to put this. All those in favor of amending the agenda, press the green button. Those opposed, press the red. Oh, sorry.

Skidmore's voting no on everything. Alderman Collins. Alderman Skidmore. Okay. Oh, did I not vote? Is that right? Yeah, we're still waiting on you. Goodness. So, that passes 11 to one. Those voting in favor, everybody. Those voting against Alman Skidmore. Um, so, uh, first we need to have our general committee report from Chairman Garza. All right. Thank you. We met tonight. Uh, two of the things on microphone there we go. Yeah, we met this evening and two of the things on our uh

uh agenda were um the renaming of the Riverwood Drive which we waved the two week and it came and that went good tonight and but the most important one was the resolution um for um Joe Skidmore after her 28 years of service. So, uh, outside of that, we've got a couple things brewing. Um, procedures for cancelling, uh, Bulma meetings is on our agenda and that went with a positive recommendation of Bulma and also two, uh, discussing discussion, try that again, discussing on paying certain board members on the table, but we're not giving them money. We're just doing it to open up the possibility it could be done. And that is going to Bulma with a neutral recommendation. And that's general committee

chairman Garza. Thank you. Alderman Martin, Planning Commission. Thank you, Mayor. Um we met last uh Tuesday. Uh and um had a pretty brief meeting. Uh on the consent agenda, we had Forest Park phase 5. That's located at 1685 Saundersville Road. Um that was approved uh unanimously. uh site plans that we reviewed was the Rogers group. Um the Hendersonville shop uh we gave them two variances. One was uh they could use a metal sighting. Um it was in kind of an industrial type area, so we were okay with that. The second one, they asked uh for a waiver to not have to to build a greenway, which they had promised that they would do. um we looked at it and the greenway located there just did not make sense. So what we did was we are allowing them to pay us in lie of building that uh and then we're going to give that back to parks uh to use for other higher priority greenway projects or or something else that they might want to use it for. Uh the another project we looked at was uh Winstar Bay. Uh uh this is a property that was asking for uh an easement to to build over it. Um there was a letter from the HOA that said they were okay with it. Um, it's located at 107 Fair Lake Court and with that HOA letter, we were comfortable uh voting it uh to grant that variance on the easement and staff level projects that were

approved. Uh, Christ meth Methodist Church office parking and sidewalk 103 Maple Drive. Uh, Freehill Business Park Final Plat and that's at 157 Molly Walton Drive. uh Meadows of Indian Lake, uh the final plat at 344 and 342 Raintree Drive and the YMCA Pavilion Edition site plan located at 102 Bluegrass uh Commons Boulevard. Staff level projects that are pending, uh CL Powell Edition, lot 17 and and 18 located at 134 Powell Drive. Uh Hendersonville Business Park uh located at 100 New Shackle Island Road. Uh Maple Row subdivision final plat located at 105 Maple Row Boulevard. Uh Stone Crest phase 5 um is an elevation amendment and site plan that's located at 1351 Saundersville Road. And then WA Shival addition lots one, two, and three. It's a final plat for consolidating or uh dividing up a large plot from one into three. Um that's located at 134 Shival Drive. Um planning director uh Free was out so assistant director Timothy uh Whitten gave us an update on the Chick-fil-A and how great it looks. And uh we talked a little bit little bit about the new Westlake Gateway sign um and the progress of that. And that concludes my report. Alderman Martin. Thank you. Jesse Bowman report.

Thank you, Alderman Martin. I think we are at at least at city hall trying to call that Chick-fil-A Chickfil B instead of Chick-fil-A because now there's two in town. Uh Gabe, if you wouldn't mind coming up. I didn't tell Gabe he was going to have a report to do tonight, but I at least wanted to introduce Gabe and get him on the camera tonight. Mr. Gabe Hannah is HFD's new assistant fire chief. Gabe has done a great job. Um he was a division chief for many years and has worked up through the ranks at HFD. And we're really excited for um both uh Chief Edwards and Chief Hannah to be uh in the leadership roles. And we just continue to hear really good things. Even after Gab's announcement, just unsolicited information came to me that says it was a really positive move for the fire department. So, uh, we're excited and, uh, congratulations and you get to attend more meetings with us now, too.

Fantastic. Thank you. Thanks. Appreciate it. Appreciate it.

Okay. Before we get into the report, I want to give you guys an update on the limbs from the uh, storm winter storm firm. We are uh up to almost $2 million in uh cost on cleaning up winter storm storm fern. We have over 95,000 cubic yards we've collected, which is about 3,000 loads that between us and our contractors have collected and and brought into the uh city landfill. There's over 2,000 hanging limbs or compromised tree limbs that were cut. um that work's been done and we estimate that we will probably have our contractors out by next week, sometime next next week. So, we're still looking around that mid-March. Um so, if anyone's listening and have limbs to pull out, do that because our contractors likely will be heading out by the end of next week. Um I also want to remind you too, we have our own in-house traffic engineer and our traffic technician. So, if there's areas of town that you see are experiencing somewhat of a malfunction, please let us know. just email me or Stephen. I know Mayor Clary and I have recently been engaging Stephen about Saunders Ferry when you're coming out Saunders Ferry onto Maine. Now, there's construction going on on Walton Ferry. So, that's something inhouse where our traffic engineer could look at, hey, during construction times, you might change the signal timing um or when there's construction activity, a loop, a detection piece gets gets hit and gets knocked out. So, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're continuing to look at some of the areas that uh are frustrating for drivers. The citywide LED project is underway. We're about 12% complete with that. There's been 285 lights that have been retrofitted to LED and we expect to be completed midsummer. So, you'll just start to see the colors of the lights start to change throughout the city. It's a big project. So,

yeah. Okay. Um anyway, so about 300 lights have been done, but we expect to have that done around midsummer. Update on Drakes Creek and stop 30. HUD is doing the waterline relocation on that project. So they're probably going to get mobilized this week, maybe next week. Most of the work is going to be to the east of Drakes Creek, so there won't be lane closures for most of the work, but we will be putting social media out. There are times where HUD has to get into the street to do the water line. So, we'll probably do a full road closure and then uh do a detour to Arrowhead and Spear Point at that point in time. Question.

Alderman Robertson, hold on. Go ahead.

Will uh will they not be during school hours? We want to uh not close not have a one lane during school hours. Yeah, we're we're going to try to not have a one lane at all. So, if it is a area there's an area where we have to be in the lane, we'll probably do a full road closure and detour around rather than go down to one lane in that area there. It's a it's it could it's possible that that work could be after the school is out for the summer, but likely it'll be towards the end of the school year. And so in talking with uh HPD on traffic and our engineer, it's probably best to just close that section and a reroute around Arrowhead and Spear Point because otherwise it has to go down to one lane.

With the school system on that Yes, sir.

Yeah, we've been in in communication with the contractor and with HUD because they're doing that work. So, we'll continue to push out um messages on that and we contact the school department to work with their uh bus transportation system to let them know what's going on. All right, we will go through this report. It's updated since last month. So, if you go to page 198, you will see that sales tax is up slightly uh just north of inflation and interest earnings continue to do good uh surpassing projections. We earned 120,000 in January. Uh if you go to page 199, you'll see that combined permit and sales tax revenue is slightly down from the previous year about a half of a percent. Uh but still saying stay staying, you know, relatively consistent with what we did last year. Our operating expenditures also on the same page, it's that graph below are up 5.18% from last year. uh we kind of expected to see that just with the with the uh increases in employees and just costs going up. If you go to page 200 through 2011, that's the pit fund collections are still coming in strong. Um again, like we mentioned, a significant portion of revenue and expenditures uh are related to the Heritage Park project. So, we won't see those either revenue or expenditure until we actually kick off that project. Uh page 202 to 203. Public uh safety calls for service were elevated in January in a response to the winter storm Fern, but February ticked down to pretty normal numbers. Uh PD has over 45,000 calls and HFD had almost 6,000 calls. If you go to page 204, you'll see residential activity is still down compared to last year. It's really kind of the story there. Uh page 206, we get into the parks activities. Uh of note is that we have a special needs egg hunt at

Mary's Magical Place March 26. So Mary's Magical Place will be closed on the afternoon of March 26 for that special needs egg hunt. Uh but a lot of activity in and parks for the month of March as it's kind of ramping back up. Page 208 shows public works activity. uh storm water projects are getting kind of near uh our budgeted um expectation for the year and then we will start to see paving really tick back up as Rogers I believe is opening up their plant within a couple weeks. So we'll be back out on the streets paving. So we'll start to see paving and lane miles uh really tick up probably in the next report and the next report after that. Uh and then page 209, we still see that vacancies are remaining extremely low in both police and fire. So, great news for our public safety departments. And that concludes my report.

Alderman Skidmore has a question for you.

Yes, thank you. I just wanted to make a couple of points. One, uh I appreciate you all uh looking at uh Saunders Ferry Road because it was really backed up and it could have been a multiple of reasons. One because of Walton Ferry Road and a lot of people are going that way. But u I just want to let the folks out there know that uh this board, the mayor's office, public works, and this whole board is committed to to trying to relieve our traffic as best as we can. Um and as what's good for, you know, the city of Hendersonville and its constituency. So, we just want to let the folks out there know and to please just have patience with us because we've got a lot of projects that are in the in the wheel. And I and I appreciate y'all looking at Saunders Fairy Road because it was tremendously backed up. And I mean, it could be, you know, it could be the the timing. Um, I know there was a guy that was out there looking at it the other day and I app I appreciate that. um had several calls on that. Um and there was one other thing. Oh, yeah. About tree limbs. I'm still getting a lot of and I'm I'm glad to know that about the tree service. And could you tell us one more time and the public about the the guys are going to be the the other I mean not the city guys, but the other guys we've got working. They're going to be out in the city uh doing or picking up uh for what another week. Is that correct? approximately one more week.

Okay. Yes, sir. So, that means that to try to uh get the limbs out one more shot at them. That's right. Before before our city takes back over. Okay. Thank you. And thank you, Mayor. Alman. Good morning. Thank you. Alman Sassy, do you have a question for Jesse? Uh you probably mentioned this, but if you could just say one more time for stop the stop 30 construction. When would when do you expect to begin to break ground on that?

Well, the utility relocation is is happening. It's already happened for the gas company. The waterline company, uh, HUD is going to be doing that. They will probably break ground maybe next week. You know, they will probably take two to three months to complete that section, uh, of the work, the utility relocation. At that time, the city would be able to start construction. We are still waiting on permits from, I think, uh, the Army Corps and Tde. So, until we get those back, we can't go out to bid. So, um, we're closing on the final piece of property. Um, I don't really see any hiccups with that. So, we are working through some of the final permitting issues. Hopefully, we can dovetail as soon as HUD's done with the water relocation. We can go out to bid, but I don't have a start date yet for when we'll be actually widening the road.

Thank you, Jesse. Thank you, Alderman Sessie. Um, Alderman Skidmore, I appreciate what you said earlier uh about your time on the board and about your mother. So, my reply is happy birthday, Mom. tomorrow. Alderman Dixon, do you have a motion? We have a motion to adjurnn from Alderman Dixon and a second from Alderman Gooden. All those in favor, please say I. Those opposed, please say no. That passes unanimously. Thank you'all.