Town Council - Regular Meeting

There we are. Sure. Thank you. Come on. Heat. Heat. Good evening and welcome to our uh May Town Council meeting. Um, I will call to order our meeting and I'm going to ask our Smyrna Police Department Chaplain Tim York. Uh, I saw Oh, to do our prayer. And our pledge tonight will be done by Smyrna Fire Department Chief Brian Goss. If you'll stand with us, please.

Let's pray. Father, we're so thankful for our city and for the country in which you let us live. We pray that you would guide the thoughts tonight of our council. We pray you'd give them wisdom and direction. Father, we pray you would give our town the opportunity to continue to serve you and and may we serve each other. We pray we thank you for citizenship and the opportunity to be a part of a community that cares and that loves each other. We pray that you will bless this uh meeting tonight with your presence. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Amen. and join me in the pledgece to the flag 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. Thank you, chaplain. Thank you, Chief. Okay. Uh, Miss Amber, if you will do roll call, please. Yes, ma'am. Councilman Dempsey, present. Councilwoman Pebbles, here. Councilman Cole. Yes, ma'am. Councilman Short here. Councilman Sullivan. Council or Vice Mayor Atkins? Here. Mayor Reed.

Okay. Um approval or corrections of the minutes. the April 14th, 2026 regular meeting, the April 28th, 2026 special called meeting, the April 30th, 2026 quarterly joint meeting between town council and planning commission, and the April 30th, 2026 workshop meeting of the town council. Ben, are these in order? They've been reviewed and appear to be in order. Great. Um, any additions or corrections from council? Seeing none, do we have a motion to approve the minutes? So moved. A second. Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I.

I. Any opposed? Uh, minutes pass. Todd, I think we need a little air. I think it's a little warm in here. Okay. Um, awards and recognitions. We are super excited tonight because we get to recognize a couple of different people. Um, first off is our awards and recognitions for the 2026 recipients of the Captain Jeff Cous USMC Memorial Scholarship. And Kelly, Kelly, if you will come forward to the podium and Gary? There's Gary. And we've got Landy. Oh, and is Landy on as well? He is.

He is. Okay. So, Janet Cous was not able to be with us, but Landy is in Pensacola. Landy. Um, and Landy is here with us as well. So, um, Kelly, I'm going to let you take the floor and talk a little bit about the scholarship and what all we've done.

Thank you so much. This feels very comfortable in front of Landy. Landy, I hope I say your name right in just a moment. It's a difficult name. So, uh, Gary and I are here as the representatives of the committee, uh, along with mayor and Landy and some other folks we'll mention in a moment to, uh, to just let you guys know what, um, you know, the selection process and what goes on with with, uh, you know, going through the application process for our students who have been received these awards for now the third year. So, the Captain Jeff Cous USMC memorial scholarship is a tribute to the leg legacy of Captain Jeff Cous, a Marine Corps aviator and Blue Angels pilot who exemplified the values of commitment, courage, excellence, honor, respect, and service. The program is administered through the town of Smyrna and overseen by the dedicated members of the Cous Memorial Scholarship Committee, Mayor Reid, U, myself, Kelly Gustry, Gary Winton, Landy Harisher. Did I do that right, Landy?

You did good. and Janet Cous beloved mother good beloved mother of Jeff Cous who we are so honored to be a part of our committee of immortal scholarship aims to support high achieving graduating seniors from local Smyrna schools who demonstrate the desire to succeed in post-secary education or training a legacy of service the Captain Jeff Cous USMC's memorial scholarship serves as more than financial aid it's a platform for young leaders to reflect on on how they will make a difference in the world By leading with empathy and dedication, by awarding students who act as change makers, the program ensures that the community spirit and enthusiastic service represented by Captain Cous continue to thrive in the next generation. And I think we can say that these students who have made application really exemplify these ideals. The selection process to be considered for the award applicants must submit a comprehensive application package that demonstrates both academic discipline and a heart for the community. The requirements include academic achievement, community service, standardized testing, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The impact and excellence the 2026 recipients. The 2026 application pool showcased 19 students who balanced rigorous academic schedules with deep community involvement. applicants were narrowed by the committee members to top five applicants who would proceed to the interview stage which is the what we look the most forward to actually being with these students. Um and that's that's that's a daunting task for them to come in uh at that age. They're high school seniors still and they come in and sit before the mayor and committee and people on uh you know on a computer looking from Durango in Florida. It's a lot for them to do and they do it with grace and uh and and wisdom beyond their years. We've been very impressed. So the three the uh after the inerson interviews uh the three are selected and this year our three uh award recipients

were Zoe Tubs from Smyrna High School. Uh Zoe is ranked 50th in her class and is set to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associates degree. As the president of DECA and a big sister mentor, she has dedicated hundreds of honors, I'm sorry, hundreds of hours to organizations like Feed the Children and Second Harvest Food Bank. and she plans to study human resources management, which was a little surprising to all of us. Most people want to do something else, but she wants to be in human resources, and I think she'll be wonderful. Jeff, she's coming for you.

Uh Kaylee H. Hearnden, also from Smyrna High School. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and has demonstrated extensive leadership as a student body president. Her commitment to service is highlighted by 13 years in Girl Scouts where she earned a gold award in her work at the Nashville Zoo in the Smyrna Public Library. She plans to pursue social work and at Middle Tennessee State University. The mayor was happy about that.

Uh and Savannah Baker was our third recipient. Uh she's from Stewart's Creek High School. All these students are either from the town of Smyrna or attend a Smyrna school. Uh Savannah holds a 4.0 0 GPA and she has a 31 ACT specializing in technical theater as a prop team lead. Her service includes coaching youth at etc gymnastics and mentoring uh through the epic program. She intends to study biblical studies at the word of life bible institute to become an elementary school teacher. So we cannot say enough uh to the citizens of of the town of Smyrna for supporting this um this scholarship for these students. Uh the funding comes from the Top Gun night run and this will be the 10th year. So applications that's already up. You can already register for that. You have a time if you don't even run, you have time to get in shape to do that for the fall and you can walk it as well. Uh there's no shame in the game of anybody who comes for that. And it's a a very worthy cause and our hope would be that this just expands over the years and it can encompass more students. But uh we have a lot to be proud of in this town. certainly the memorial uh and the mayor's leadership which we are eternally grateful for and um and these students are are the shining example of that that 10 years on uh Jeff Cous's life is is still exemplifies honor and service and uh shines a light on this community and we're very grateful for it and we should be proud of these students and can't wait to hear to hear what they're doing. I I talked without talking.

You did great and I always appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this and for the the town's love for the captain. So, thank you very much.

Well, I want to tell you all the individuals that are on the scholarship committee, Landy, Janet, Kelly, and Gary put in. I can't tell you the number of hours going over the scholarship applications because it's a pretty thick packet that for each one. and um I just appreciate what you all do to make such a difference in the lives of these students. So, thank you for continuing to be a part of our committee. We appreciate you. So, Ly, we appreciate you being here and um maybe we'll maybe see you next year. You think there's any chance the Blues might come back?

Uh I'll have to see what the schedule looks like. At the moment, I don't know. Well, any good words you can put in for the town of Smyrna, for the blues, for the air show, we would appreciate. Oh, I'll be pushing for sure. Great. Okay. Thanks, Landy. Thanks you guys. I appreciate you. Uhhuh.

UM, so it was really interesting for Savannah. Um, Dr. Harold said, "Would you like to be in the room when she gets to call her parents?" And so we couldn't get the mother to answer the phone and so but the dad did and and we got to tell him and they were so excited and so proud of Savannah. So it was nice to be part of that as well. So congratulations to these three individuals. Um next is our first graduating class of 2026 of the Citizens Academy graduates. And at this point, I'm going to turn it over to Todd Spearman because honestly, this was Todd's baby.

It's an ugly baby, but it's my baby. No, they're not. No, they're all pretty babies. They resemble pretty babies.

Um, thank you, Magnum Castle. Um, it was a it was a true pleasure and honor to be involved in this program. what the the citizens academy was. It's a an eight-week program that was developed to show citizens the different aspects of the town of Smyrna and the government. And I'll have to say it it was fun getting together, but for the directors and their staff to get the activities together and the interactive um stuff together for uh each session was very impressive. Everybody jumped right in and everybody enjoyed it. And and so we completed eight weeks. We went through all the departments. We went finished up with the golf course and the event center. Best food ever, right?

Best food ever. And um and so we just basically gave the citizens in attend in attendance an overview and and they could ask questions and get more involved in the processes that we have for um the town of Smyrna and the different things that we have. And some of the some of the comments were I didn't know this was what we did. I didn't know this happened or I didn't know this how the process was. And so it was rewarding for the staff. Every week they would give us feedback and the feedback was always telling us, you know, things that they didn't know or they didn't understand. And so it it fulfilled his purpose and in my mind that we were able to show them who we are, what we do, but not only that, show the citizens how the employees and staff love the town of Smyrna and are engaged in what we do on a day-to-day basis.

Great. Um, so I'd like, unless you have a way you'd like to do it, I would like to bring them all up. One, so they can be on TV, but the second thing is so that um, you can introduce yourself and if there's anything you want to quickly say um, that you have an opportunity to do that. You good with that? Excellent.

Okay. Okay. So, if you'll all come up and you'll have to face the crowd so we can get you on camera. Don't be shy. I know y'all are not shy. And Todd, I got a tad distracted. So, can you tell us qual Did you say what the qualifications were to be in the class? Maybe you did and I wasn't listening. Okay, good. Qualifications was to be over 18 years old and to be a citizen, a resident of the town of Smyrna. Okay. And if someone wants to sign up for the next one,

we actually we already have three four people that are actually wanting to sign up from the last class that we have. And we will be putting out the invitation like we did last time. And I've kind of talked a couple of them into come in and helping us out next time, right? Being an official photographer and some some of that other stuff. But uh we will we will repost, reapply. the time frame worked out, but we want to kind of adjust the schedule a little bit because of the weather and want it to be a little bit more warmer weather instead of some of the activities we did outside. So, okay. So, I'm going to pass the mic. I'm going to let you just tell us your name and if there's something you want to say either why you signed up or if you enjoyed it, you can, but if you don't want to do that, you can just pass the mic on. Nathan, I'm gonna start with you. Class of

89. 89. That's right. So, yeah, Nathan Hudson. Um, I just wanted to see how things worked and it was great and my shirt's in the washing machine.

Glenn Kotant and I'm new to the community and so I was interested on how things were run and and uh how things worked and I was fascinated by what goes on here and just the camaraderie uh of all the people involved and how they pitched in and and uh showed us about what they do. There's some real experts in the community. Hey, my name is Kelly Tilton and I've been living here for a few years now, but I didn't really know everything about how the the town was run and I really really appreciate all the time and effort so many people put into this and I really Todd of course, but everybody was great and I've learned a lot so I appreciate it.

Uh Brad Kelly, same story. Lived here a few years, just bought a house this past year. Curious about how things worked and glad we had the opportunity. Uh Nikki Sasser lived here my whole life and have always wanted to get involved and very thankful for this opportunity and for the dedication given from all the town. Uh Len Ray uh retired military uh retired no I went to the citizen police academy. Uh we've been involved with that for over you know 15 years. So we enjoyed that. So we wanted to see what the town did other than the police department. Uh very impressed with every director. They knew their job. They had a positive attitude. And uh I was really overall impressed with each person.

Wendy Lloyd and I've lived in Simrna over 35 years and um just wanted to learn more about what get more involved in the community and learn more about what we do here. And I wanted to commend all of the presenters as an educator at Vanderbilt. I could not believe uh how well everything was put together from the slides to the presentation and all the information that you guys provided. So, thank you,

Chris Ruff. um a member of the citizens academy of course but um no the reason why I got more involved is I'm on the charity assistance board and I wanted to see actually the ins and outs of how the town actually worked and this was my opportunity to actually go out there and get handson and actually go through the steps and actually meet more people that was involved making the everyday option actually work

Don Merritt uh class of 74. Lived in the Smyrna area all my life. Just recently, two years ago, moved within the city limits. Uh married second time. Loved the academy. We learned so much, had great time. Hi, uh my name is Barney. Uh I recently moved to Svena almost one year back and I just thought of knowing how the term uh how the town performs and all the departments. I should thank everyone who put much effort in explaining how things going on with each department. Yeah, that's thank you.

Yeah, Susan Crest lived here a year, so I wanted to know more about the community in which um we decided to move to and I'm have been so impressed. Hi, Laura Cruz. I've lived in Smyrna for 12 years. The tagline I keep hearing around Smyrna is love where you live. And I truly do love living in this environment. And I'm so thankful for all of the departments, all of our presenters, for Todd, for Mayor Reid, uh, for taking the time each week to teach us about our local government. It was such cool experience. I will definitely be telling my friends to do this.

My name is Bruce Crowder. Everybody calls me Batman. Um, I've lived here for six years now. I've been through a number of othermies, a police academy, sheriff's academy, fire academy. Um, and I had never had an opportunity to go through and learn about how the town government worked and it was very exciting, very enlightening. Um, very much enjoyed being a part of this group.

Well, I'm not going to repeat what they all said because I agree with all of it. It was amazing and I loved meeting all these people. Um, I am still waiting on some answers to a very long list of questions I sent. Um, and I think I'll keep having more questions. Um this has been a great foundation to understand like who is doing what and why and how and um you know it has been really nice to see how everything works but it has also highlighted like some of the issues that I see and that I'd love to dig into further. Um, so I hope that, you know, I know that this is all a very beautiful thing that we've all learned a lot, but um, I do want to make sure that the intentions behind it are really pure and the timing of everything is all very convenient. And I know there's some massive changes coming to Smyrna pretty soon. Um, and so I'm really interested in delving into this Smyrna vision 2045 thing, which is awesome. This is a great um this is a great starting point to understand the the feedback that we're going to be getting. Um but it has uh uncovered more questions so far than it's answered and I'm excited to find out the answers. Thank you to Todd. You've been amazing.

Great. Thank you so much. I'm gonna let you start and let y'all so we have um our Smyrna 250 pins for each one of you. I hope that after finishing this class, you love where you live even more. I hope it makes you question. I hope it makes you get involved. Some of you are already on boards and committees. I hope others might choose in March to come be a part of. Um, we want you to see what goes on behind the curtain and I hope that's what you were able to see. And the biggest thing is our biggest asset sits here at each one of these meetings. They are the people that are in the field wearing the town of Smyrna uniforms day in and day out. Um we just get to be the lucky ones that reap the rewards that they bring to us because they are the backbone of our community. So if you don't mind, I'd like to get a picture. council will stand up behind you and Miss Heather, can you get us a picture?

True Millennial. Okay, everyone. Here we go. Right here. Good. Okay.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

You all are more than welcome to stay if you'd like to stay, but you also don't have to if you choose not to. So, totally your choice. Okay, we'll move on to our consent agenda. said these are items that um are determined by the town manager to be routine items and not necessarily needing individual discussion. Um we have a few items tonight. I always like to read these items so that those in the audience and at home know exactly what we're voting on. Our first is approval of a professional services agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services Incorporated for an employee health plan and benefits consulting services effective January 1, 2026. Item B is approval of the terms of an author authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with the Department of Commerce and Insurance with the state of Tennessee. Item C is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute an agreement with Chime Master to replace the clock mechanism for the town of Smyrna Event Center. Item D is approval of the terms of the Smyrna Police Department standard operating policy relative to the crime suppression unit. Item E is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a biianial contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for litter pickup, mowing, street sweeping, and road repairs. Item F is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute an agreement with Capitol City Construction for reconstruction of the retraining wall and guard rail along Industrial Drive. Item G is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with Blankenship CPA Group PLLC for audit services for the year ending June 30th, 2026. Item H is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract for the purchase of the Pierce Custom Enforcer walk-in rescue apparatus for the fire department. And item I is approval of the terms of an

authorization for the mayor to execute an agreement with Boozer and Company for appraisal services to purchase property around the water treatment plant for a future plan expansion. Do I have a motion for the consent? I'd like to pull item C off, mayor. Okay. Discuss. Pull off item C. Can you pull a D as well? And we'll pull off item D. I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda and pulling off items C and D for further discussion. Okay, have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Motion is second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Consent agenda passes except for items C and D. And item C is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute an agreement with Chime Master to replace the clock mechanism for the town of Smyrna Event Center. So I want to discuss this again. And last at the um work session, we kind of took impromptu, you know, what what is everyone's opinion

and Raquel wasn't here. So, I'd like to take that impromptu again. U the to replace the clock or the chime to have it repaired is 13,500. To put architectural elements in, you know, a Hardy board, whatever it may be, was 2500. And my I mean I know it adds a lot of character to it. Um but does anyone ever look up at that clock and say okay that's what time it is. You know is it really useful and was and so I'd like us to get another round of opinion here.

It always just frustrates me to death to look up there and it's always wrong. So, I mean, for it to be architectural is fine with me, but if the rest of everybody wants it the clock back, I'm okay with that, but I'm just as okay with just the architectural feature and not the clock. Yeah, I'm I'm in favor of architectural feature. And I think with that mindset, the savings of about $11,000, if everybody's okay with either or, kind of makes sense to go that direction. Yeah. But I I'm I'm like you guys. I I can go with the direction of the whole council because I think both will look good, but the architectural is not bad. Uhuh. Jerry,

well, I was one said last time I I wanted to see the clock, but I'm I'm good with whatever the the committee council wants to do. HG, the will of the council. My you are accommodating tonight. I'm saving up. Oh. So, do I have then a motion? I'll make a motion to um do the architectural features for the Do they call that a Koopa? That's what it is. Very good. Got architectural daughter. I should know that. Okay.

In case that's not what it is, are we going to get architectural features on something else? I don't even know how to spell. So, I got architectural. Got it. Yes. Architectural features. Yes. I'll say. Okay. They look like they're Y'all have questions? I also want to make sure that it's not a motion. We don't need a motion to disapprove the item in its entirety. Um, Mr. Gross is saying that just it should be a motion to approve option two, which is the architectural uh feature. Okay. And that's what Derome did. So, I have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. And Raquel seconds that question. and HG who was all with the will of the council now has a question.

Um, we have an architectural rendering of it and as I understand it Dave did this. Is that correct? I need to make a disclaimer that that was also produced by AI. Okay. Well, it looks nice and everything, but uh I mean is this what we actually want it to look like? Is this what the our our final product? Should we have somebody like Jerome's daughter look at it and see if there's any other dressing that we may want on it? Some other design?

We we could certainly do that. We want to make sure that um there were some things that we looked at that we thought might um attract birds and and then leave their droppings and those sorts of things. So, we wanted to make sure that it was something that was uh going to uh look good and be resistant to to the elements and and nature as well. So, did Mike He's usually really good about choosing options like that? So, did you talk is this something you came up with with AI or did you and Mike discuss what was going to be best for it? I I discussed this with with Pete with Pete. Um and and we went through some of these options and this is what he recommended. Okay. put your face on.

And I think honestly with the clock gone, you want to This isn't This is just going to look like a classic Kubala. Yeah. Right. You're going to spell that. So, um I'm going to use that word later in the meeting. That was Jerome's word for the night. C O U P U L A Koopa. Koopa. I think it's Kupa, isn't it? Depends on how southern you are. Oh, okay. We have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Item D is approval of the Smyrna Police Department standard operating policy relative to the crime suppression unit. Raquel,

just a couple of things that I noticed on um and they may just be um formatting things. Paragraph article 7 paragraph B has a sentence repeated and then throughout the discussion for crime suppression unit some are capitalized some are not. So just some of the formatting things I think just need to be consistent throughout. And then I had a question on the office of professional standards. Is that a separate office within your organization or a group or panel that makes that up? That's Sergeant Anderson that he reviews all the complaints, internal affairs complaints. Okay, ma'am.

I just wasn't sure if it was a totally separate unit. So that's all. Okay,

Chief, why don't you just kind of give a brief description of that? I was thinking about that, what this suppression unit will be doing. So, since we've got the crime analyst on board, Annie Lovado, um, and he's able to pull the stats, uh, crime trends, we wanted to use crime suppression to focus in on these areas or concerns. And the biggest thing for me is it alleviates pulling patrol resources away from answering calls for service. And we're actually able to use that unit to concentrate where we have issues. and they're actively addressing those issues without having to draw down on our resources in patrol. I think that's great idea and appreciate it.

And they work different hours. Yeah, we can flex their hours depending on if there's a trend, say breakins or something in a um 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. something like time frame. We can flex their hours and they work they work weekends, they work hours that normally uh we have activities going on and and issues. So, thank you. Other questions? Okay. Do we have a motion? Oh, wait. Was there more? Are we good? Okay, that was it. Okay. Do we have a motion? I'll make the motion to go ahead and approve items C and D on the consent agenda. We've done C. Just D. Just D. Just D. So, do we have a second for item D? Second. Motion a second. Any discussion?

All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Um, item D passes. Well, now to move on to our old business tonight. We have two public hearings. The first is a consideration of an ordinance relative to an update to the sewer use ordinance. You good? Yes. Huh? You good? You look like you were Oh, knee injury. Yeah. Watching that orange on TV. No, it was pickle ball. Oh, good. Yeah, that's worse. So, I do.

Um, so this is the second reading public hearing. Um, this is to update the sewer use ordinance as uh required by TKC in our pre-treatment audit inspection. U, this changes some language in there that need to be updated on procedures were already doing, but the language didn't match and some of the code code references which we are already doing the updated codes that just didn't match in the in the ordinance. So, it's just a cleanup of the ordinance.

Questions for Mike on this? I know we've kind of talked about it a couple times and had walked through some things, but anything else before we go to the public? Okay. Then this is a public hearing, so we'll go to the public to see if there's anyone here to speak for or against the update to the sewer use ordinance. Seeing no one, we'll go to council for a motion. I'll make a motion to approve. Jerome makes a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Move on to our last public hearing tonight. It's a consideration of an ordinance amending the text of the Smyrna municipal zoning ordinance article 4 supplementary provisions applying to specific district section 4.010.2.B regarding parking requirements for elementary and middle schools. Kevin.

Yes, Mayor and Council. This is a text amendment to the zoning ordinance. This is something that staff brought forward after having conversations with a charter school that's considering locating within the town. Um, and it's it is an amendment to parking requirements for all for elementary and middle schools. The town's parking requirements um for these type of schools are consider consider excuse me considerably higher than surrounding communities. Uh, I reviewed the information provided by the school as well as conducted some additional research. I did attach a memorandum that kind of details that that research. Um, and then I kind of applied those um everyone's requirements to a hypothetical elementary school and high school. Uh, because of this review, I did recommend to the planning commission that the requirements for elementary and middle schools be amended, but not high schools or or vocational trade schools. Um, I also did recommend cleaning up the section a bit to to better reflect how schools are typically built with regard to grade levels. Uh, and we did include that proposed amendment. Uh, the items to be removed or struck through the new item are highlighted in yellow. And so, um, I believe that's all. Nothing has changed on this since you looked at it on first reading.

Questions for Kevin? I doubt we'll have many middle schoolers that would be driving. Or at least I hope not. That's right. They're not doing well if they're driving. Hey, she did you drive in middle school? Yes, ma'am. I did. Uh, okay. Council, any questions? Okay. This is a public hearing, so we'll go to the public to see if there's anyone here to speak for or against the parking requirements for elementary and middle schools. Seeing no one, we'll go to the count. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. I thought it you were Kevin. I didn't look very close. I'm getting pretty old, but I haven't faded away yet. If you will give your name, address, and if you live inside the town limits, please.

Yes, ma'am. Uh Dan Epright. Uh I live uh 114 Seward Street inside the city limits of Smart. Thank you for the opportunity to talk. Um does Rutherford County Schools get a consult or a vote on something like this? That's just the question. Okay. Thank you, sir. Any other anyone else want to speak for or against this item? Seeing no one, I'll close public hearing. And before I go to council for a motion, I'm going to bet you're going to say you talked to Rutherford County Schools, but let's hear that for sure.

Yes, I did consult and talk with with Rutherford County Schools with Trey Lee there. Uh I did look at also not just I talked with him about it as well as kind of looked at what some of the schools around that have been built and are operating that are their schools and and looked at their numbers of spaces and that sort of thing. That was part of the research that I did. Yes. And just for the public to know Trey is over um building and building and construction for building as well as some other things I think but for the school board. Yes. Okay. Thank you sir. Um, questions for Kevin or I'll open the floor for a motion. Move to approve. Have a motion to approve. Do we have a second?

Second. Motion a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. As a matter of clarification, uh, we didn't have a middle school. We went to junior high school. That's right. This is true. Drive to junior high. Then I drove to junior high school. 1970. Did you really? Sure. Not every day, but not. Did you have a license? No. Gosh. Can you get him for past stuff? I think the statute run on that. Did it run on that? Way to take up for him, Ben. Way to have his back. I know you have my back.

Okay, we'll move on to new business. Planning Commission report. Man, that's Woo. Um, item one is consideration of an ordinance relative to the reasonzoning of property located on tax map 28, part of parcel 12.02 to go from C2 to PCD. It's requested by SEC Incorporated on behalf of CSC Properties LLC. The property requested to be reszoned contains approximately 2.21 acres and is located on Lee Victory Parkway. Kevin.

Yes, Mayor and Council. This is one that you all did review uh last month and did defer to this month. There were some things some questions that we needed to get answered and I think hopefully we've answered those, but we'll go over it again. This is a on Victory Parkway directly across from the intersection with Harold Lee Drive. It's about 3/10en of a mile northeast of the intersection with Alville Road. uh land use plan for this area is the 24 gateway character area which would support a mix of uses and services both local and regional in scale including hospitality, retail, restaurant and multif family. U this proposed PCD is to allow a quick service oil and lube business in addition to all other uses allowed in the C2 district. The concept plan does show the second use as a bank. Access would be via an existing private drive, which also provides access to Parkway Baptist Church. A single access would be constructed from the private drive to access both lots. Off-site water and sewer improvements would be required to provide access to both utilities. uh the proposed elevations for the oil and loop business to meet design review. And we did receive finalized revised elevations for the bank as well, which would or is not in your packet, but would be uh in the future packets if you pass this tonight. Uh that does meet design review. Now, so that has been taken care of. Um the entire property is in the 100red-year flood plane. A flood plane development permit application would be required to be submitted as a part of the grading permit application. A traffic study was done for a previously proposed development plan which showed that the intersection of the private drive and Le Victory Parkway will be at LOSF necess necessitating the installation of a traffic signal. Uh this was revisited with an updated signal warn analysis which does show that that signal is warranted and that has been submitted to

T DOT for review. Um and if approved u installation uh would be by the developer of that signal. Uh the some of the questions also came up regarding the flood map. The current flood map for the property does show a 100red-year flooded elevation of 531.4 above sea level. Uh the flood map in effect um when the private road was installed was actually at 532. So the map revision in 2023 actually lowered the 100red-year flood elevation 6/10 of a foot. Um all the property does still lie below that elevation including the road which was built at elevation 530 and that was done like I don't know 10 or 12 years ago now. Um, I did attach the pattern book which does have that addition some additional information in it as well as the updated signal warn analysis. Um, those approved plans for that access drive because we didn't have those last time as well as the agreement between the church and the current property owner which was approved and recorded in 2022 for the for access to that private roadway. Uh, the planning commission did review this request to recommend approval unanimously with three conditions. one that the proposed building elevation on lot one uh doesn't meet designer view will be required to do so again that has been revised since that time the entire property is in the 100-year flood plan and the flood plane development permit application is required to be submitted as a part of the grading permit application and that the signal warn analysis does show that a traffic signal is warranted uh at the intersection of the private drive and leave victory parkway and that signal is required to be installed pending approval by T dot and with those condition. Staff would recommend approval.

Questions for Kevin? I know for me, one of the big things was the agreement because there's a citizen that thought there was no agreement, but the agreement's been in place for a little while now. About four years. Four years. Yeah. So, um, anything else, Jerome? I know you had concerns about the road. Yeah, there was a couple things, Kevin. Um I know the signal is contingent upon T dot approving. So what if and if T dot doesn't approve does this then come back to planning? Yeah that it would be this is the condition of the approval. Okay. So I think we'd have to look at that at that point. Yeah.

Okay. Um I don't I don't know. I wasn't able to be a part of there was a a meeting that the developer I know Mr. Taylor was involved in. Uh I was I wasn't able to to attend it was a sure virtual meeting but um so I can't speak to that meeting about but if it wasn't approved it it since it's a requirement it come back to come back with the signal being warranted it is it's certainly meets the distance requirements from the existing signals. I don't know that T dot would have an issue. Sure. But obviously it is their roadway. The um second thing is we go to the second can I Yes. ask a

question related to that. So you said it would come back because it is a condition. Would it come back to planning or would it come back to planning then council? I mean it's a condition of the zoning. So it would really have to come back to both. Yeah. Both. Okay. But the issue with that is we have no control whether they give the light or not. So if they don't give the light, that's something we're going to have to have more discussion on. But have you ever seen that if it's warranted and then they don't do it? Typically I it's not if it's warranted and they're not they're not being asked to to build it or anything like that.

Yeah. Or pay for it at anything. So I would be really surprised since it it appears to meet all the their guidelines. Um and in in reality it's warranted really for anything to be built here a signal needs to be put in place. Right. So, um I don't I suspect it' be approved, but I just wanted to make sure, right? I was clear on the pathway if it wasn't. Yeah. I say that was my Yes. question, too. So, I'm glad you asked that.

Um the second thing is the access road is serving both of these, you know, right off of uh Lee Victory, serving both of these uh parcels and it is below the 100red-year flood. How do we and we require all the public roads I guess to be above the 100year flood u a foot two foot I forget what it is. So how is that an issue with this or are we all comfortable with this? Um you know I don't know exactly. I wasn't really involved in the whole process when the road got built. It was private and that sort of thing. So

maybe maybe Tom or Jason could address that. I mean this I think from from a flood plane standpoint certainly the buildings themselves are going to be elevated. Sure. The the the pave the the we typically require the the the parking areas to be at least at the level not necessarily a foot above but at least try to get them out of the flood plane as well. So, it's really just going to be that from the driveway out to to Lee Victory to Lee Victory is going to be the only area that's really going to be affected as far as these two lights. Now, obviously, and then the church has a secondary way out, right, going back to it wasn't an issue with them because they had their main right main entrance at the intersection

and the road itself is not in the the entirety of the road is not in the 100redyear flood plan. It's really just this area kind of around from the curve around to the to the victory. But as if it was already approved as a private drive, is there anything at this point that we can even do anything about? I mean, raising it a foot or more just I'm I'm not asking to do that. I'm just I don't want to set a precedence on us accessing roads below the 100year flood elevation, you know, and this I can't speak 100% with 100% certainty, but this is a pretty unique situation, you know, to even have

we certainly have private roads in town that are accessed, commercial developments primarily are accessed off of. Um, as far this is the only one that I'm really off the top of my head at least aware of where there's even a flood plane concern. Yeah, it's just public safety. That's all I was thinking about. But, you know, something to take into consideration is the property that's up there, I guess, to the north of it. On our map, it's showing a large partial C2. Right. There you go. Right there. Um, so there would be no other cuts to access that property. So, the access to that property will be off of this private drive, correct?

Yeah, that's the only access it has. How much of that is usable or do you have any idea what the elevations on it are?

My everything that I have the originally this original parcel, they were looking at try to do like five lots. These two plus three on the other side. And my understanding is because of it's all flood plane, they could not make it balanced from a cut and fill standpoint to make those three lots additional lots to be usable. They couldn't there was not enough cut to make to make the field work. And so um that these two lots are really the only two that could be built on and utilized with any anything. So free construction at least vertical construction.

Other questions? Seeing none, do we have a motion? I'll move to approve with the staff recommendation and comments. Do have a second. Second.

Motion a second. Any discussion? I know we've discussed pretty much everything, but I'm still have a concern with it being um the type of business with the the oil changing part of this. I just don't see that as the highest and best use for this piece of property. So, that's my individual opinion on that, but that's that doesn't make me feel very comfortable. So, okay. Anything else? All in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed? I.

Motion passes. Item two is consideration of an ordinance relative to the annexation and I2 zoning of property on tax map 50, partial 13.02 requested by Smyrna River of Life, Assembly of God, containing 54.5 acres. The property is located at 8200 Safari Drive. Kevin,

yes. This is a request for annexation um in I2 zoning on at the at on Safari Drive. It's at the very end of the road about 720 ft north of the intersection with Tridon Drive. Uh this is as a crow flies pretty close to the one we just looked at. Um this is and it has the same um character area 24 gabay character area same as far as the land use plan is concerned. Same recommendations there. Uh surrounding zoning is C2 and I2 in town and RM in Rutherford County. Uh the town would be providing all services to this area upon annexation. There is an existing church and school on this property. They are all located in temporary structures that are to be removed by June 1st of this year. Um and that's an important important thing to for for this consider consideration for this request. the existing church. Uh there's they're proposed to be uh ceasing to operate the school and the church by May 23rd with those buildings again to be removed by June 1st. Um it's important as the fire department and building codes department both have concerns regarding the structures and the use of the structures and so um that was the fact that they would be removed prior to this actual annexation being passed on second reading was important. So, uh, a concept plan for the proposed industrial development, uh, was included in your packet. A large portion of this property does lie within the floodway, 100-year flood plane or 500year flood plane. So, any development would require submittable flood plane development permit application. The large floodway and flood plane area does include all of the area that borders the RM zone properties to the north and east. These areas are heavily wooded and would be undisturbed. Um, a traffic study would be required uh prior to approval of a site plan for the development. Any improvements would be

required to be installed uh by the developer. There is an existing 6-in water line on Safari Drive which would be required to be upsized by the developer to a 12-in to meet fireflow requirements. The planning commission did review this request, did recommend approval unanimously. Staff would also recommend approval. council or Mark, anything you want to add to this? I think Kevin pretty much covered it. Some of the buildings we asked about, we know that they'll be removed and uh they had a June end of June deadline. June 1st.

June 1st deadline. Um we discussed the usage and of course everything in and around that area is primarily industrial. Anyway, the north end of that drawing right there, Kevin, that's that's where a lot of the flood plane is. if I'm not mistaken. Correct. Yeah. Basically, you have the creek kind of bordering doesn't come out quite responsive, but basically the entire property on all sides is bordered by the flood plane of either Stewart Creek or Branch. And so, one of the things I I wondered to myself was could that ever develop in behind there? It'd be awfully hard to develop that, would it not?

It's it's a large portion of that is in the flood way. I think the map that's in your I don't think we got it on the screen, but the map that's in your packet does show that it has the flood wave shown. There is a small area of flood plane kind of at the end of Safari Drive. Um that's that's really the only area of flood plane there's going to be any modification of any kind. would be looking at kind of some cut and fill there. But well, and just from the concern of uh if it could develop later, future buffering, if you will, that would be necessary. They would be would be required to meet they're going to be there. There's an existing heavily wooded area there that's basically going to be left alone.

Um, but that's that's all I had, Mayor. It's I think Kevin covered it very well. questions um for Kevin. Um yes, Kevin is do we know if the church is ever going to build there or are they just selling this land for industrial warehouse totaling these three buildings is over 300,000 square feet of u warehouses, right? Yeah. The church is not planning that's they're selling all the entirety of the property. There was some discussion it was one time

from the same buyer. um was looking to to purchase only part of the property, but they they ended up they're they're selling all of the property to to the same buyer. And was there ever any kind of traffic impact study done to look at, you know, the uh traffic coming in um and out of Trident Drive, I guess, at the intersections. I I know that a different development did a traffic study or is doing a traffic study. Um this it would be require this as well before at the site from the site plan comes in. Um it would be required to have that and I know Mr. Taylor I think was all right

has been talking to the previous developer or the other developer on that as well as far as the I know there's some improvements needed I think at the at the intersection with Tridon um as far as some additional turn lanes added or something like that. Um and then the um last thing was has the I guess fire department looked at this as far as one in and one out one yes ingress egress

when we we we first were meeting with this developer when they came in to talk to us about it that was something that that Mr. Lawrence did bring up um they are going to sprinkle all the buildings and and because of the sprinkling of the buildings that that removed their concern there there was that was definitely something that came up and was discussed. Yes. Okay. Anything else? A lot of lot of rooftop there adding to that creek flow. So I'm good. I'm sure all the storm water stuff will be

Yeah, they'll have to meet all of our storm water requirements again with the flood plane alteration a little bit. It's mainly that one small area. Of course, this is just a concept plan. This isn't a pud, so it could change a little bit, but um yeah, certainly all that would have to be met. All of this is across the creek from all the residential over there, correct? Yes. So it it naturally is buffered pretty well from it all. Right. And and again, that's where a lot of that floodway and flood plane is. Yeah. It's I don't have a distance, but I do know it's there's quite a bit that again on all three sides. It's completely surrounded by the creek, one of the two creeks.

Other questions? Do we have a motion? So move second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. We'll move on to item three, which is consideration of an ordinance amending the text of the Smarter Municipal Zoning Ordinance Article 3 section 3.180 regarding fences and residential districts. Kevin.

Yeah. This is a a an amendment that the staff worked on and brought forward. Um uh regarding fences in residential districts, this is not one we've talked about at our joint meetings. This is something we we brought forward to the planning commission. Um it would amend article 3 to pro prohibit uh barbed wire, chicken wire, razor wire, concert wire, or other similar security fencing in any residential district. Uh it would also prohibit installation of a fence on an undeveloped parcel of land. uh a fence on land used for agricultural purposes is largely exempt from the town's fencing requirements and would be ex and this would extend to these provisions as well. So a farmer could still have a barbwire fence if he needed to enclose some cattle, that sort of thing. Um currently the town does limit materials for decorative fences and front yards, but there are no other material requirements. Uh did include the amendment. Again, the items to be removed or struck through. The new items are highlighted in yellow. The planning commission did review this should recommend approval unanimously and staff would also recommend approval.

Questions for Kevin on this? Do I have a motion? Motion to approve. Do I have a second? Second. Motion a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Our next item, item four, is consideration of a recommendation from the planning commission to call the money held in escrow for elite t development partnership for section one phase one on the Rooker Bend development. Kevin.

Yes, mayor and council. Unfortunately, I had to bring forward this recommendation to planning commission to call this bond. Uh this is for Rooker Bend uh section one phase one. This property is 100% built out. It's 32 lots in this phase. Uh the second phase is still under development by a different developer. Um this was um it's an unfortunate situation. Unfortunately, the developer has passed away and there's no movement toward finishing up what's left to be done here. There are some list the items from the punch list that the public corp department provided us. So that is the punch list that still needs to be done. We've received m multiple calls folks in this neighborhood asking when these roads are going to be finished. Um and so we did re bring this forward to to recommend to call this bond. It would be there's $29,600 was the original bond. So it would be that money as well as any money that has acred in interest because it is in our escrow account. Um that has been done. Um, the planning commission did recommend approval of this and staff would also recommend approval.

Well, I hate the reason we're having to do it, but I just said to Mark, I don't remember the last time that we've had to do this. It's it's it's pretty rare. You know, the last time it was a different situation that developer kind of walked away. This is not the situation here, but Well, it's an unfortunate situation, but it's one of the things we got to take care of. Yep. Um, any questions for Kevin on this? Yeah. Are these the nine things that have to be done, Kevin, under the summary? Yes, that's the punch list that the public works provided to me. So, is $29,600 going to do that? Probably not. Do we know how much how much it is?

We don't know at this time, though. So when we start lowering these bonds, do we need to look take a harder look at us whittleling them down? Yeah, this is one of us. Unfortunately, this is one that's not been lowered. It's just been we've had it so long. Okay. You know, it was the money has this one we probably should have considered raising at some point, right? Um, so you don't expect the unfortunate to happen and uh the track record of this is very not nil. I mean we don't we don't but I see your point for this. Yeah. But it sounds like probably when the bond was originally done that it probably would have covered and then we should have probably gone up.

Yeah. And then after it drags out so long, do we revisit those costs? And I do know that Mr. speech had worked on and we made some revisions to our development agreement a couple years ago to give us a little bit more leeway uh on doing that in the future. Um but this was one that Well, yeah, we discussed it at planning a while back. I'm sure you all probably watched it or paid attention to it about uh putting some meat into these bond amounts because of that situation.

And and we do now. I know at one point we only added we would calculate what we thought was left to be done add 10% we now add 20. Um I mean I think our our the bonds we have now are are more substantial. Um this is this is one we've had this one so long it's just it's dragged out to so long.

Well I know the typical ask of developers I've been around it you know 40 plus years. I've done this part. Can I reduce my bond? You know, that's a typical ask. And I just hope we're not getting into that. Saying, "Okay, sure. That's fine." without giving it and I'm not questioning what you're doing Kevin but just everybody as a whole whether you know we're comfortable with lowering those bonds and and if is there a mechanism to make sure that what's left to be finished there's some way we've got money in the bonds to finish it in case of a situation like this. Yeah. And we typically

or way to put more pressure on them make sure they finish the project.

There you go. Well, and and that's something we talked a lot about too at planning commission. I do know that we typically don't reduce a bond until they pave and that's usually when they've paved it and it really is it's just final cleanup items at that point. Um I know that like this when we don't have the storm water as built. I know that's something that public works is much more diligent about getting ahead of the times now as well on projects that are coming through now. Um, so I mean I think there's I think we're we have made some changes in our process to avoid situations like this. This is just one that's been around so long it it you know it was ahead of that those changes.

How often do you go back and look at these? like do you have like a set process for every five years or what's the what's what does that look like?

The process was we bonds are typically in place for one year. Uh and our ordinance allows for a one-year extension beyond that. Um so extensions beyond two years when we start to shorten the the extensions usually um so that we can look at it more more periodically. um utilities department, public works department staff are the inspections or the folks that do those actual inspections. I just keep the bonds in place. I don't actually I'm not out there doing the inspections they do. But um and I depend on them. If they tell me, "Hey, this one's done. We're good. I can we can release this or we can redo this." That's when we do it. We don't I don't do anything with an amount until I have verification from them that everything's good on their end. So, um but we as far as Yeah, we have a it's every month that we we have a list of whatever is coming up this month. We're reviewing those and they review them first and give me a punch list of anything that's left. Um

Kevin, this refers to it being 100% built out. So at what point did that happen and is that not the point where the pressure needs to be applied and what is the mechanism for applying pressure on them?

We I mean when a development comes up for a review this is part of our typical planning commission sees and you all are can see it's all part of the packet. We have a bonder that has a list and has what's left to be done, how far, what percentage of built out they are, all of that. Um, the mechanism as far as I mean, and part of that is I reach out to those developers and say, "Hey, where you at? Can you give me a timeline?" Some are really good at responding, some are not, quite frankly. Um, and so the mechanism the threatening to call the bond is really the only mechanism we would have. Um, I don't I I don't especially the ones that are built out withholding permits and all those kind of things. It's I mean they're built out, you know. So um

but it is legal for us to hold a permit for for uh like their next project if they have taken care of the last one. Yeah. I'll let them go to the next phase. Yeah. the next phase or the next development, right, that they want to build. Certainly, I think that's something this plot was recorded in 2014, Kevin, if I understand correctly, there could be a phase two. Is that correct? There is a phase two. Yes. Okay. Is the bond been set for that yet or? Yeah. And and it's it's different developer. We do have a bond on that. Yes. But that's different than this 29 that we're talking about.

That is that is correct. Yes. Other questions? So, does this money come out general fund the differential between the 29,000 and then what it what it cost and what's that mechanism to approve that? Yeah, it would have to come out of general fund because it can't come out of the not an enterprise. It's not an enterprise fund. So, I mean, it would come out of general and then have to go to unless it's already in the budget of each one of those individual departments of what's going to have to be done, I'm assuming. Correct. So, where's the money come from?

It would come out of general fund and then based on each department of whatever because you said what all is it? Is it storm water? It's mainly road and there and some storm water. Yeah. So Kevin, what's the status of uh phase two of Workers Bend? That's what he just asked. I mean, it's it's under development. There's they're still building homes in that phase. Developer. Oh, okay. It's a different developer.

Yes. But it's and it's still under development. They're still building homes over there. It's It was pretty significant time between phase one. The only other comment is I'd like to see the final cost of this and and it brought back to us after we summarize that cost. But I don't I don't know that we want them to wait to do what needs to be done if it's been so long. Yeah. I'm not talking. You just want the you just want to be updated. I'd like to see the differential.

Yeah. Okay. But can we also make this a priority since it sounds like it's been quite a while for these homeowners that are out there to have to wait that their road needs to be in? Yeah. Yeah. And this the time Dave, is that a problem? No. Okay.

We'll we'll estimate the costs and then let the commission know, excuse me, the council know uh what we're how we plan to execute any remaining outstanding items. And one more thing, I know I've I've advocated for more paving money in the general fund. Will this differential of money to pave the final topping over there take away from our um allocation

allotted amount for overall paving within the town. Um to be honest, I'd have to look at exactly what needs to be done, but um those funds are used not only for paving and and resurfacing, but other similar projects of that nature. So, I think the answer is going to be yes. Couldn't a good bit of this come out of storm water, though? The storm water portions that need to be uh done would would come from storm water. Correct. Yes. We can look at the the project in its totality, make those determinations, but until I have a good understanding of what that scope looks like, I I don't know if I'm prepared to answer that at this time. Still coming out of the same pocket or

same pair of pants, just different pockets. Well, storm water's going to be a fund. That's a rateayer. Storm water is Yeah, same pair of pants. Yeah, that's right. Kevin, I don't want you think we're beating you up. I'm just I'm just trying to get uh hopefully we don't you know experience this again. I I completely agree with you. I don't this is I don't like bringing these things to um this is not a

and probably quite frankly I was too nice in working with the developer to try to get thing get because it's always our goal is for the developer to live up to their responsibility and take care of it. Yes. I mean that's that's that's our primary and I probably was wait I was too patient I guess on that. Well, but the one good thing is like we talked about at the beginning I can't even remember the last time that we've had one. So at least it's not something that occurs that often. So okay. Um do I have a motion? So move. Do I have a second?

Second. Motion a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. Any opposed? Motion carries. We'll now move on to consideration of an ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year 2026 2027. Sierra, it's your big moment. Big moment. Okay. One. I should ask money's coming from. We'll have to check into that.

Okay. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Um the 2027 budget document is 166 pages this year. Um council has reviewed the information contained within this document multiple times starting with a two-day budget retreat. Um we reviewed a 52 slide presentation at the special called meeting and again at first read workshop. So, I know you're very familiar with this information, but I want to quickly go over a few highlights that anyone listening that did not tune in to my presentation um at the workshop, they'd be interested in. So, the highlights are no tax increase, no new debt issued, our pension fund is fully funded, and the FY27 budget is allocating 28 million for infrastructure improvement. I think that's pretty exciting.

Great. The first one was the most exciting. The first point, yes, the no taxing point. Yes, I like the last one, too. You know, um we had kind of looked at what the average homeowner spends in um for property tax here in the town of Smyrna. And when you look at $46, that's pretty darn fair on a monthly basis, I would bet. Well, if you filled up your car with gas today, I bet it costs more than $46. So, um, questions for Sierra. She has done an excellent job with all her slides and all the preparation.

Yeah, I just want to say thank you all the hard work to you, Dave, and staff for uh putting it. I think the two-day work session was really needed the time, additional time. So, great. Okay. Do I have a motion? I'll make a motion to approve the vote. Do I have a second? Second. Motion, a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Budget passes. Item C is consideration of an ordinance to approve the year-end budget amendments for the fiscal year 2026. These are our routine year-end amendments. Um we will likely have some updates by the second read. Like the original budget, all the amendments have to be balanced. Um additional expenses must be offset. The primary um amount of these amendments res relates to our estimated year-end transfer to capital projects that will fund future equipment and infrastructure. The remaining amendments relate to updated personnel projections in police and fire. And it's all offset mostly by updated personnel projections and other departments.

Questions on these amendments? Seeing none, do we have a motion? Motion. Do we have a second? Second motion a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Uh consideration of an ordinance adopting the property tax rate for fiscal year 2627. I know this one is difficult.

So again, as stated, there is no property tax increase in FY27, but if citizens will remember that your property tax bill includes city tax and county tax. So, we don't have any control over whether or not the county raises their taxes, but city taxes will not be increased. To offset the 2026 reappraisals, the town will adopt the term is called a revenue neutral rate, and that's known as a certified tax rate. Um, that is calculated by the property tax assessor and reviewed by the state. So, we don't have that rate yet. It is coming. Actually emailed um the property tax assessor today. He said that he's waiting on the state and then whenever he gets his certified numbers, it takes him an additional two weeks. So, um, I looked back last time this happened. We did a special called a special called meeting at the workshop because we got the certified rate after the June council meeting. So, stay tuned. Um, that may happen again. And I do want to let council know we take a lot of pride in getting the comproller budget award for excellence. And the budget is technically due to the comproller at the end of August. We get a nice little gold star if I do it within 15 days. So, if we certify the tax if we get the certified tax rate 15 days after we approve the budget, then that disqualifies us from the award. But we'll still get we'll still have a a very nice budget, but we may not get that award.

We get a silver star. I wish I wish the second. But we did not get it last year because of that. Correct. The last reappraisal year. Correct. Yeah, we did not get the award before that though. We did. Did we? I don't. It was just a timing thing. Yeah. But is that because the property assessor doesn't get his numbers to the comproller in time or so he calculates the certified rate and then it has to go to the state board of equalization and he said in his email today that he's waiting on the certified numbers from them and then whatever he has to do after that takes an additional two weeks. Okay. So as of today he's got there's like I think three or four weeks that it could it could still work but last time it didn't work out for us.

Okay. Um will you Will we have enough time to um if we need to do a special called? I think what we did last time is we just we literally convened a special called meeting right before the workshop meeting. We had like a fivem minute meeting, special called it to order, uh amended that property tax ordinance and then closed out that meeting and then just went into our workshop. Yes, I am. Okay. Okay. Um, I have a quick question. Like a lot of times when the reappraisals come in, there's an appeal process

and I'm sure the differential between the reappraisals and the appeals is not enough to affect their um taxation rate which is income neutral. So those appeals wouldn't have any impact. They would not. They should not. not significant and they have to go through the board of equalization through the county to work to do the appeal. Yeah. And all the information is on the um Rutherford County Property Tax Assessor's website. He's got an FAQ page that's pretty comprehensive. Okay. Questions?

I want to echo what Jerome said. Thank you for doing all this. I know you you and the whole staff uh meet for a long time and put in a lot of work to get this budget ready to go. A lot of preparation. So, we appreciate all the preparation that you, your team, your staff, our entire staff did to put this together. So, the current rate that we're going to be adopting is it's the current rate as of now, the 0.52 57. And okay, I couldn't remember the 57. I knew the 0.52. Okay. 0.57. Yep. So, we're adopting it and then we'll amend it when we get it.

Okay. So, do I have a motion to adopt the property tax rate for the fiscal year at our current property tax rate until we get the numbers back to make it revenue neutral? I'll make that motion. Do we have a second? Second. Motion in a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Item E is consideration of an ordinance adjusting the pay for the town court clerk. So this is uh this item is uh we we discussed this at our specially called meeting. Uh I went ahead and with the HR director reviewed the salary for the court clerk and found that it lagged behind uh the market. Um this is something that could only be done every four years and would take effect after uh the election. Okay. comments or questions?

Yeah, I had some discussion with Dave and and um I think um Jeff Craig gathered some information of comparable cities to evaluate this. And I just wanted to make sure that we were keeping the court, not only the clerk, but other employees at the court kind of up to speed of what we've done with the rest of the town employees as far as the um our peer cities that we are um evaluating, you know, apples to apples and u and Dave Dave assured me we were comparing apples to apples. Thank you.

Okay. Um, do I have a motion? I'll make the motion to approve. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Item F is consideration of an ordinance updating the municipal code title 7 fire protection and fireworks chapter 5 open burning subsection 7-501 and 7-509. Chief.

Yes. Mayor and council has discussed at the workshop. Uh this is an amendment to the referenced chapters um and regarding open burning uh to clarify existing regulations and to strengthen um our ability to regulate open burning within the town of Smyrna. Uh from a fire safety perspective, uh these help reduce the risk of unintended fire spread and also uh address community concerns with uh nuisance impacts such as excessive smoke, odors, airborne particullet, especially those that uh uh sensitive populations are are uh impacted by. Questions for chief on this? Do we have a motion?

Make a motion to approve. Do I have a second? Yes. All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Item G is consideration of an employment agreement with Kyle Evans for the town attorney position. Um if you all will recall, uh town attorney Jeff Peach ended his 30-year tenure with the town of Smyrna effective May 1 of this year. With this, the town sought applications to fill that position. And Kyle Evans was interviewed via a special called meeting on April 28th. um this year along with other finalist candidates. And following the interview and presentations, council decided to begin negotiations with Kyle through the town attorney and the HR director. Negotiations were successful and an employment agreement was drafted. That is the agreement that has been put forth for approval um in our packet for hiring uh our new town attorney, Kyle Evans. So, do uh any questions on the agreement? Seeing none, do we have a motion to um approve this agreement?

Make a motion to approve. Have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Motion a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Kyle, if you'll come up. We are super excited that you are going to be part of the team. And so just for those on TV because you've not gotten to be on TV yet and for those here in the audience, tell us a little bit about you and your background and how how you've gotten here.

Well, good evening, mayor and council. Um, first of all, thank you for approving the the contract. I look forward to working with each one of you and uh look forward to working with the uh citizens of Smyrna. Um I'm originally from southern Illinois. Uh my father was a police officer and I moved to Middle Tennessee in the late 90s to go to MTSU and I wanted to become a police officer. So I followed in his footsteps working for campus police and uh then Murphy'sboro police uh after college. I served in a variety of leadership roles uh while there and attended the FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Staff and Command and worked my way up through uh the ranks at Murphy'sboro until uh then Chief Glenn Chrisman and the city attorney Susan Mcannon encouraged me to go to law school and that really changed my life. Uh, and so, uh, after attending the National School of Law, I've served as an attorney at the state, uh, the city of Murphy'sboro, um, and, uh, in private practice and most recently as the litigation council for shelter insurance companies, managing litigation in several states. Uh, so it's, um, uh, my lifelong dream was to become a, uh, a town attorney and, uh, here I am fulfilling that dream. So, thank you very much and I look forward to working with every one of you.

Don't hear town attorney. Yes, he got it. He got it. He first test. First test. Overlook that Illinois part, but I Well, just remember it's southern Illinois, so I've always considered myself a southerner. So, well, we are really excited and um you start June 2nd. June 2nd. June 2nd. And um have gotten all of your stuff today. So, you'll be ready to hit the ground running. and I know that you'll work great with thin and with um staff in the attorney's office and um as well as all of the other directors. So, we're looking forward to it and we hope you are too. I very much am. Thank you so much. Welcome aboard, sir. Thank you.

Okay, we are ready to move to public comment. This is the town's public comment period and shall be reserved for those citizens who have signed up to address the town council or boards or committees at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting pursuant to the town's public comment policy as outlined above. Amber, we have none tonight. No, ma'am.

Okay. We'll move under we'll move under other as number nine, approval of the settlement terms in the town of Smyrna versus Keller North America Incorporated. Mayor uh town we filed suit against Keller North America contractor uh due to storm water pipe damage that we believe that their employees caused back in May of 2023 or in 2023. Um went back and forth with the lawsuit. Uh we ended up attending a mediation um recently. The result of that mediation was an agreement tentatively for Keller to pay uh pay us $100,000 to settle that claim. And we felt like given the circumstances that was a a positive outcome for the town. So we're asking that it be a that it be approved.

And this was the sinkhole at Hazelwood and Enan Springs. It was uh Enan Springs and Hazlewood where concrete grout entered the the drain pipe. And so there the Keller had some defenses with merit. Uh but we thought we're pretty confident with it. So all in all, we believe it's a a positive outcome for the town. Okay. Do we have a motion? Um I have a question. Um what what did it cost for us to repair that? Did we do the repairs? It was approximately 160,000. Okay. And then this settlement's for 100,000.

Correct. Correct. And liability was was uh was the issue. Um Keller and their their insurer denied liability. So that that was kind of the hurdle with with this case. Sure. So we would have been looking at legal fees as well as whether or not or not the court legal fees and and like I said they they would have allowed us to mitigate or would have uh placed some mitigation on us. We don't know what that would have looked like.

They did without going into too much detail they did have some some defenses with merit that caused us some concern. So we felt like the $100,000 was a pretty good compromise. Other questions? Do I have a motion? We'll make a motion to approve. Do we have a second? Second. Motion, a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Status reports March state shared and local sales tax. I did not have the print out, so I do need the slide. Okay. So, um, in state share tax, $680,000. We are running, uh, behind schedule on this. And on the next one for local sales tax, 1.6 million, also a little bit behind schedule, which is kind of in line with those trends that we were seeing, at least we're positive this year or this month, whereas last two months we've dipped negative. Questions for Sierra on this?

Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Um, Amber or Dave, correspondents or announcements for anything? Can, um, you give us an update on the Lake Farm/crown, where we are with that currently?

Yes. Um, so the the code case went before the judge just last week. Um, this was the second time the that it was in front of her. uh two weeks prior she provided them the opportunity to uh cure the issue which is the lighting. Um they did not uh so uh the the judge uh put in the maximum fine every day that they are in non-compliance. Um the order was just executed on uh Monday. It came to my desk today. Um myself and Mr. Gross had been talking about next steps and want to make sure that we are um that we have a positive outcome if we do go on to that next step which is chancery court. Uh he can speak more about that uh if you have any questions. Um additionally we have um we looked at many different options to monitor what the noise looks like out there. Um unfortunately to to use a consultant who specializes in this field just was going to be cost prohibitive. So we needed to find a solution that was cost-effective but also defensible. And so we found an instrument that was professionally calibrated that we can now put out into the field and uh go ahead and uh measure noise volumes out there to ensure that they are in compliance with our noise ordinance. Uh we plan to deploy that this week. We only received it just this Monday. It was a little bit delayed in delivery. Uh so that will go out this week. So while there is no uh no code violation at this point related to noise, we will uh check to see that they are in compliance with that. um they have uh cleaned up their tree debris um and found to be in compliance with that and we are anticipating um some additional activity from uh Crown Enterprises on the residential

properties related to um the potential of um them and wanting to and and potentially applying for a fence permit. So, we are we're looking at all of that. Um, and we are on top of it the best we can to the maximum extent that we can in within the limits of the law.

I just want to make sure that whatever the next step is, as soon as you all feel comfortable that we're moving to that next step. I know there's some legal things that we want to make sure that so that we can be successful in an outcome, but I just I want this company to know that we're serious about um them being in compliance and I want the citizens in Lake Farm to know that we're doing everything we can within our ability to make them be in compliance.

Yes, ma'am. And uh the judge uh like Mr. Senuchi said uh entered that judgment uh with the maximum penalties applied to uh to Crown yesterday afternoon I believe when it was officially filed. Uh it includes a provision where it's an ongoing violation where they're uh incurring the maximum fines continuing. I've been in contact with their local council with some assurances that the nuisances will be abated. uh but these they have been alerted that um in pretty short order we will be uh going forward with a court of higher jurisdiction to get some injunctive relief. So that hopefully that won't be needed but that will be coming shortly if if the nuisances are not abated

and I'm glad that and I don't think any of us were surprised that the courts here were on it and did as much as they could. So, okay. Questions or comments about this an update on this issue? So, we're looking at the noise issue next and using the machine that just came in and we're looking at it from the standpoint of the zoning ordinance or from the municipal code for a nuisance for the noise for the sound. We could do them in conjunction. So, we could we're utilizing both. Um it the more specific with the decibel readings and stuff does come from the zoning ordinance. Okay.

But there there is a general uh nuisance uh code and or municipal code. So that you said you're going to do it in conjunction but that can still stand independently on its own the municipal violation for noise. Yes. Okay. All right. Other questions?

Yeah. So are to measure the decibel level. Is there something called out in codes or ordinance that has a specific level for a specific time or during specific times? There are uh in in the zoning ordinance there are decibel there are levels um and it's in particular uh to the the district that that it's zoned in. Okay. So those uh show it's not the decel those would not necessarily apply across the town but it it would apply definitely to the location where Crown is located.

Okay. Other questions? I'd be happy to send you that section of code if you'd like. Okay. Okay. Uh before Amber, directors, department heads, anything? Nope. Amber. No, ma'am. No. Dave,

I have a couple things uh before I get into my slides. Um I just want to thank the council for their support and patience. Uh I lost my father approximately two weeks ago which um was the reason for my absence at the workshop. Um I I I don't take council meeting attendance uh lightly and uh it's the first one I've ever missed. Um so I I thank you for for allowing me to tend to my affairs during that time and again for your for your support. Uh the first slide I have um on a happier note, we had an excellent week last week. Uh we had our public service recognition week. Uh two events that we we had were our um were our service awards. So we got the opportunity to recognize our team members at various milestones throughout their career with the town of Smyrna, ranging from in five-year increments from 5 years all the way to 35 years. Um, and it was a wonderful lunch, uh, great food, and appreciate all the hard work that went into that event. We also had, uh, to recognize our public service, uh, team members. We had a a lunchtime barbecue just in the back of town hall. We had some great sponsors to help us out with that. Um, we had, um, I don't have it written down and I don't want to miss anybody, so I'm not going to announce who they were. But most importantly, I want to thank our toss engage uh, team who volunteers uh, to support activities to help promote our employees and and bring us together. So, thank you so much for that. Nikki's back there and Brandon got out of here before the meeting ended, but Brandon was one of our

longtime employee recipients. So, uh, I hate that he got out of here. I want to congratulate him. So, okay.

Uh, National Public National Police Week is a time to honor the brave men and women of law enforcement who serve with courage, integrity, and compassion. In honor of, uh, police week, the depot police department will be lit blue. We thank our officers in Smyrna and across the nation for their sacrifices, dedication, and unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe every day. And because they're in such high competition between each other, it's International Firefighters Day 2026. Uh last week was International Firefighters Day. Thank you to the firefighters who serve and protect our community each day. We appreciate your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to keeping the town safe. That's all I have for today. Ben, anything?

I forgot my slides in the truck, so maybe next time. Oh, maybe next time. Okay, Jerome. Yes, mayor. I have a slide, but first of all, Dave, condolences to you and your family and also Casey for the passing of her father. Um, so the town of Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department and Smyrna Baseball League are hosting the Armed Forces Day Kids Parade on May 16th at Cedarstone Park, HG. Uh, the event begins with the lineup at 11:30

and the parade at noon. Open to children ages 12 and under. Well, that leaves you out. The event encourages participants to decorate their bikes, wagons, strollers, or power wheels with patriotic themes. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, best decoration, and most patriotic entry as a community comes together to honor those who serve and have served in the armed forces. For registration or questions, please call the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department at 615459-9773. That's it, Mayor. Okay, Roel.

Okay. Also have a slide. Smyrna residents can opt out of door-to-door commercial solicitations from permitted solicitors by registering their address. Each property must register individually. You can sign up to opt out at townof smyrna.org. Okay. So, that's up there. Also, I didn't see this week. I have the farmers market. Did you have that for somebody? I didn't see it. Okay. Yeah. Okay. I just wanted to keep promoting it. It was wonderful. They did a great job this Saturday.

Awesome. So, the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market opened up this past uh Saturday, May the 9th, and it will be open every Saturday until September the 19th, and it is open from 8 to 12 at 98 Front Street. So, if you are able, I encourage you to get up and go out um and support our local growers. There are also vendors that have all types of products that are um made there has to be a certain percentage that is made from um products within the state of Tennessee. So come out and support or as HG normally says shop local. So um additionally I wanted to congratulate the first class to complete the citizens academy. Um, congratulations to the uh, high school Smyrna, excuse me, the Cous Memorial scholarship recipients um, from high school. I know last year you actually brought them in. So, I was actually looking forward for them to come in to uh, get their award this year. So,

we gave them that option and some of them had graduation things and so we've decided so it was so since it was so hard right around graduation to go to them because I was looking forward to that one. So, um, cuz I was a homeschooling mom for 14 years, so education is very important to me. So, but I was glad to see the ones who did get it. So, congratulations to each one of them. Uh, condolences to Dave and to Casey and welcome Kyle. Um, and then I'm also going to take a moment to have a proud mama moment. Um, so my son is graduating from Smyrna High School this Saturday, uh, May 16th. Um he graduated last Saturday from Bethl University with his associates of science degree. Um he has a 4.0 GPA. He attended the National Youth Business Leadership Forum at Yale University last summer. He currently is a shift manager at McDonald's. So when baseball season is not in effect, he was working 40 hours a week. Um he is a member of the National Honor Society. He was the vice president. He is a member of the student council. He was a member of the Beta Club, the DECA club, the FCA, and he was also a member of First Priority, a peer tutor and service dogs. He was a recipient of the um JPJ scholarship foundation where this uh the foundation gave out uh 14 scholarships to 37 applicants. He was also one of six uh recipients of faculty awards for Smyrna High School where he received the um SAR award for citizenship, leadership, integrity, sensitivity, and achievement. And so I just want to take a moment to congratulate my son. His name is Gabriel uh Peebles Ross from graduating um from college and from high school. And he will be attending in the fall. He has a full ride to Alabama&M

University. So very excited and proud. Gave Gabe was a good good young man and uh makes me realize I was underachiever. So that's it. But thank you for letting me have a proud mama moment. HG,

congratulations, Gabe. Also, condolences to Dave and to Casey losing the parents and uh it's a tough situation, but uh we're always all going to go through it at some point or another generally, you know. Um my slide never gets old. Love where you live. And you know, I I don't know if everybody was listening, but when the academy people were up here, they one of them reiterated that, you know, we always talk about love where you live, and she said that she does. And I thought that was really, really appropriate. Um, so we all need to show a little love for where we live and help keep Smyrna litter free 2026, 27, and on into infinity. We also have the recycle right Tennessee symbols on there because we need to uh um alleviate the pressure on our landfills and recycle all that. Uh we can take it out to the convenience center and generally it uh can be recycled. Sierra shop local honey. We all got to shop local. And then um uh I'm going to pass the be kind off to Mark or Mary Esther. I'm not sure. They may need some incentive or something. You know how they can be sometimes. But

what did I do? Well, I tell Well, it's right there. I don't know. Somebody moved my be kind. I think Jerry moved it. Jerry moved it. He was He's not being very kind right now. Oh, y'all y'all can't be kind. Is that We're always kind. We're always kind. Are you done? What did you want more? Jerry.

Okay. I think I've got a slide. Okay. This Saturday, May the 16th, it's kids to uh park day. And um this is a familyfriendly event hosted by the Smyrna Parks and Recreation and the Fire Smrna Fire Department and the Smyrna Public Library. Uh it's from u 12 until 2 at the JJ M Williams Old Rock School Park. I think it's going to be nice and warm that day. So I think you can get out and and actually get I I would assume sprayed off by the uh fire trucks if you would like and some other ways to to cool off. So, uh, families can cool off from the heat while enjoying fun outdoor activities and community engagement for kids of all ages. I know they will have a great time out there. Um, Dave and Casey also, uh, my condolences to, uh, to both of of your families for your losses. Um, Pal, congratulations and welcome. Uh, look forward to working with you as well. So, uh, welcome to the town of Smyrna. And, uh, um, and then, uh, Gabe and all the high school graduates at Smyrna and at Steuart's Creek, I would like to, uh, say congratulations to, uh, to all of you. And, uh, I know you're going to be looking forward to, uh, uh, what's coming after graduation. So, we're we're very proud of you and uh we know Smyrna is in good hands with some of the uh just some of the people we've seen here tonight and talked about. So, uh congratulations to you all. That's all I got.

Mark,

yeah, I've got uh a few slides. Steve is not with us tonight and uh so I'm going to fill in for him on uh one or two. Uh we remember and honor on Memorial Day ceremony that we do every year out at the Cous Memorial. Join us as we gather to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The town of Smyrna Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday the 25th of May at 9:00 a.m. at the Captain Cous uh memorial. Uh this is something near and dear to my heart. I grew up in the military family and uh the service that is always somber but yet appreciative. So if you haven't been out to the memorial for um that ceremony, I'd highly suggest that you try to be there. We appreciate those that served and sacrificed. Secondly, the vision Smyrna 2045. I I guess that's it there. That's your QR code. The town of Smyrna is beginning an important update to our comprehensive plan. We do want to hear from you. Citizens Academy knows this. This plan will guide how our community grows and evolves, including decisions about land use, infrastructure, and public services for years to come. Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and priorities by completing uh the community survey at the town of Smyrna with that QR code right there. The survey is open through June 5th, 2026. You know, we heard the uh citizen academy people come up and said they learned so much during the process of going through the academy and there's so much more. I promise you that if you live in the town of Smyrna that you probably don't know takes place and that's a great way to be a part of what's going to happen in Smyrna uh and the vision that it has. So I would try to recommend you make that. Last slide I have is kids safety day was this past Saturday bringing families together for

a fun and educational day focused on safety and community. The highlight of the day was the exciting bike raffles where 50 children were awarded to to uh I'm sorry 50 bikes were awarded to three thrilled children at the event. 50 children were awarded a bicycle. How's that? We didn't give away any kids. We Well, we gave the kid a bicycle, but we didn't give the kids away. Well, no, we didn't. Okay, just making sure.

Thank you. I go off sometimes. Okay. Um I do want to say uh Gary and Kelly, both of you, thank you for coming in here tonight and being part of the committee. A part of the committee. There's more people I know, but thank you for your dedication, service to making sure that those recipients of those scholarships uh were decided upon and receive those. And I know they they and their families appreciate that a lot. Um, citizens academy, I mentioned it. Thank you guys for all going through it. The ones that are you are still in the room tonight and the ones that have left. Uh, we appreciate I think the council enjoys watching you engage and learn more about how a town operates. Like I said before, there's an awful lot more than what you see on the surface when you watch our our meetings. To Casey who's not here, and to Dave, again, uh, our condolences to the loss of both of your fathers. As M said, I've lost mine. It's never easy. And uh but we our thoughts and our prayers are with both your families and you. The toos engage group, Dave, thank you for formulating that. I don't know who's behind that putting that together, but uh whoever that who you point to?

Jeff Craig. Thank you, Jeff. Uh it's really done some good things. Uh I noticed at the uh employee cookout we had the other day a lot of smiling faces and the committee was really working hard to make that a a successful event. Our employees whether the public knows it or not chose Smyrna as a top workplace and that says a lot about I know that I believe uh Jerome probably he had a question a while ago. Are we keeping our employees up on their pay scales? And I promise you we are. We're doing our very level best to make sure our employees are appreciated and that they know it. So, uh, thank you to all of them for doing what they do. Um, I want to give a little, uh, shout out to Heather because Heather's been busy. I know we've had a lot of events and a lot of news channels seeking information and she has been on it. So, Heather, thank you for uh, the POI work that you do to put it out in social media and all the things that you do behind the scenes. We appreciate that. And last, I want to give congratulations to Gabe and to all the graduates that are uh having their graduation this year. That's all I have. Mayor,

great. Couple of couple of items. Um first, thanks to the homebuilders association for having Mayor McFarland and myself to come out to talk a little bit about our community. We were able to share some numbers and um answer some questions. Um, it was um I don't I mean how many would y'all say that were there? 80 to 100 maybe 75. I think it was I mean there were 10 people per table. I would say there's probably at least 20 tables. So what 200 maybe? Yeah. Was it that many? Yeah. Good.

Um but and thank you to staff that were there. Those are individuals that you all interact with and they were able to put names and faces together and y'all were able to answer questions. So, I appreciate that. Second is um the uh greenhouse ministries for hosting the 23rd annual prayer breakfast. Um as you can see, there were quite a few people in attendance and um Steve was there. Steve and I were there and then um Shane and Jason and mayor elect Randy Allen if you if you didn't know.

Yeah. Yeah. So um thank you for including us. It's always um a nice way to start the day. Um we invite each of you to join us uh for the Smyrna Town Hall Road Show progress and partnerships happening this Thursday. Thank you to Gary and Mlo for um allowing us to use the Heights Bobby Center at Mlona campus. Come out. We'll do a short presentation, but there are tables set up by each department where you can ask questions. You can learn about things that are going on in the town and things that are helping to shape the future. So, we encourage you to come out. Um, congratulations to all of our graduates and to their families. I know that it is really an exciting time whether it's college graduation or high school graduation. Um, mom and daddy are home tonight. Daddy had a little back procedure done today, so hopefully he is sitting in the chair and doing what he is supposed to do and not up doing things he's not supposed to be doing. So, um,

you said he was loopy. He was a little loopy. They gave him like the twilight kind of sleep. So, he was a little and kind of asking questions multiple times. So, if you need something from dad, right now is probably a good time to call him and ask for it. So, um, anything else, Mary? Last Thursday, WKRN featured the town of Smyrna all day long on their newscast and uh it was very informative and some of our staff interacted with them and some of our council people interacted with them. But you can go to the WKRN website and see any one of those videos and I encourage you to go see it. Some very interesting u

history too history in there also. they uh uh were you know so many people in Smyrna think Sam Ridley is a parkway but you know he was a he was a uh very vital cog in the development of our town and they have an interview with his nephew Knox Ridley Jr. and he gives some history on Sam and Knox who were both mayors of of of our town and were also World War II veterans. Highly decorated both of them. But I encourage you to go watch those uh watch Knox's interview and twins.

And twins. Yes. That's all I've got. I'm sorry. Okay. Anything else? Then we're adjourned.