Commission - Regular Meeting

Really?

Oh yes. Meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners is now in pursuit to internment. The honorable chairman Greg Matherish provide presiding. Come to order. Remain standing. Thank you, Sheriff. Our first order of business this evening is our prayer led by Commissioner Carter and our pledge will then follow by Commissioner Jones. Commissioner Carter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You'll please bow your heads with me.

Heavenly Father, we come before you tonight with grateful hearts for this community that we get to call home. We thank you for the opportunity to serve, the opportunity to speak and to be heard. Lord, you know this meeting tonight carries some added weight. There are strong opinions, deep concerns, and important decisions before us. We ask that you guide each of us, commissioners, employees, and citizens with wisdom, clarity, and understanding. Help us to listen with open minds and respectful hearts. In moments where emotions may rise, grant us patience and self-control, and help us to measure our words and our actions. Remind us, Father, that even in disagreement, we are still neighbors, still a community, and always your children. And you expect us to act in that manner. Give this body discernment to do what is right, not just what is easy. Help us to lead with integrity, to seek truth, and to consider both present and future of the people that we serve. We pray for order in this meeting, for fairness in every voice that is heard, and for peace in how we conduct ourselves. Lord, let everything done here tonight bring honor to you. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. And we love you, Lord. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Let's honor America 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. What you need? Madam clerk, I see you have the roll call screen up. You will indicate your presence there on the roll call screen. I guess I can't.

Yeah, just looking.

We have 15 present. No, none absent. We do have a quorum. Next item item is approval of our tonight's agenda. Uh, one item I did want to bring to your attention is the public safety item D. Uh, that was on a u a bill uh that uh that was in the house and that bill failed in uh in committee. So, I don't know if you want to leave that item on or uh continue with it, but uh I'll leave that to the pleasure of our chairman of the safety committee. And if uh there's any questions about it, uh just making you aware that that bill did fail in the House committee. So, do we have a motion to approve the agenda? Commissioner Tucker?

Yep. Move to approve. Second by Commissioner Jones question or discussion which item seeing none. All in favor of that motion to approve the agenda signify by saying I. I.

All opposed. The agenda is approved. We'll move in on into our uh public uh comment period and we'll recess for that. Each individual uh shall be given three minutes to address the board regarding agenda items. Uh comments shall be limited to items on the meeting's agenda. We do have one speaker under public comment this evening, Kevin Hendris. if you'll come forward to the podium, please. Kevin Hendricks, 200 Roy Phillips Road, Jonesboro, want to talk about Bitcoin that's on the agenda. There's a Bitcoin moratorium that you're going to put under consideration tonight. I'd like to say on the service that a moratorium on establishing any new Bitcoin operations or data centers is a good idea. So, I know sometimes I'm critical of your group, but uh I think this is a really good idea, and I hope you will move forward on it. However, just over one year isn't long enough. A year will come and go quickly, and some of you won't even be commissioners a year from now. You know, some that's by choice. Some may lose your election. I propose that you have something longer. And I know that was discussed at the CIA meeting, maybe going to maybe two or three years. I actually threw out maybe going for 25. And uh uh the reason is part of that is Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins and it's about 82% built. It's going to take another 10, 15, 20 years depending on how many new plants are built. So it's really not a sustainable business. So it may not even exist down the road. Um and of course there's data centers. Um so I'd ask you to maybe think about something more than a year, especially when you think about you've all been new commissioners at some point coming in. Hey, in a few months we've got to decide on this whether we extend it or do something. Uh it's an election year. A lot of lot of things going on. So I'd actually hope that you might substitute language and go for something longer

than a year. Um and I'd further propose a working committee be put together to actually work on the regulations. You know, this isn't something that just passed and I will get to it in 6 months. Um you know, a working committee could include commissioners, experts in the in the area, and citizens with an interest. Johnson City's been doing exactly this and I've been following that seems like it's been semisuccessful. They do have some citizens involved and I think it would be a really good idea to to do that. So um in summary I propose you know a longer moratorum and to put together a working committee that's got several groups you know citizens experts commissioners and u also I'd hope maybe later tonight um and and it gives great joy to say this I I would appreciate an update on the limestone operation. Will it actually cease operations as scheduled next week? Is that not a great thing that that thing will be coming to a halt next week? I think we can all agree on that. So, just love to get an update maybe on on the status on that. So, thank you. You're doing good work on Bitcoin. I commend the effort. I just think you have to go farther. Thank you.

Thank you, Kevin.

All right, that'll be our all of our public comment this evening. Uh now as we move into public hearing, I know we have several folks here to speak tonight and uh and we want to get as many to be able to speak for or against in that hour's time. Now, what I would like for us to do is to is since it is going to be the uh uh it'll be a limited time for individuals speaking in opposition of the resoning and you'll have that cumulative 1 hour. So we want to keep that till about 3 minutes per individual and that is the same if uh you are speaking uh for if you are speaking for the uh reasonzoning. So we want to make sure opposing views both get to speak this evening. So when I call uh for speakers uh you know it I know it's tough to get out of those those chairs. I understand it is. But, uh, when we call for speakers, we're going to go ahead and form an orderly line here at the at behind the podium behind that gate. Now, I don't want everybody to run at one time or anything like that, but but we just want to form an orderly line so we're not spending a lot of your time of people trying to get out of the chairs or get upstairs or or what we're going to do. So, we're going to go ahead and uh if if you would like to speak and and you'll get in this line and as you get done, you'll go back to your seat and another lady or gentleman will come up to the podium and give their name and address to the clerk and they'll give have three minutes to speak after they give their name and address to the clerk and then they'll have a seat and so forth and so on. Uh, and I think that will make the best use of of

your time and uh and whether you're for or against uh the reszoning. Um, let me go ahead and uh get our time set with the clerk. We're going to go ahead and put up a threeminut timer so that you'll know when your time is expired. Um it uh and that way everybody can can be courteous to one another and make sure that uh that you're using best use of your time. groups like that here to be able to brought out something new tonight. Is this what just ended up?

Amen.

Matthew, will you be able to hear an indication when your time is up, you think? Or just Okay. Like I said, if you'll keep an eye on your time and uh and that way your neighbors will have plenty of time. Uh so if you will begin lining up at the door. Uh If you're for or if you're you're against if you're against the reszoning,

just have just have an orderly line and then as the line starts to go down, some more can come and get in the line. Is it one line for both positions? This is just I see or against

the first the first section here. If you are against the proposed reszoning and that will be resolution 260301 is a resolution reszoning the tax map in the fifth civil district presently owned by BWXT. Now if you're against that you should be in line to speak if you want to. Okay. And we will take speakers for that for an hour or until everyone uh if we if we don't have enough speakers for an hour uh we'll we'll try transition over. Okay, stop.

Go back. Restart Okay, stop it. Now don't once they give their name and address to you then you will start.

Okay. The clock will not start until you give your name and address to the clerk. So sir if you will help us through this very first one we sure would appreciate it. So if you'll come forward through the door uh up to the microphone and give your name and address to the clerk. Then you'll see the clock start. And when the clock uh finishes up with your three minutes, if you would just go back and the next person come up name and address to the clerk in the same way. So I thank you very much. Hello, my name is Aaron not I live at 511 North Gilmer in Johnson City, but I also own property very close to the BWXT property. Um, my comment tonight is going to be a little bit different than all the other talking points that you guys have heard thus far. And I just wanted to go back a little bit and just talk about the gravity of the decisions that you guys make. Um, back in May of 2023, there's a resolution amendment that you guys made, um, known as 230503 that amended section 512 and the zoning resolution that got rid of the requirement for a site plot for the purposes of resoning. Um, now what all remains is that a site plot is required for building permits only, not for the purposes of reszoning from sayal to industrial. Um there I just want to talk about the there's a lot of consequences to decisions that are being made. I know you guys all understand that. Um but it's really easy to get tunnel vision when you're going towards a goal and an outcome that you guys are trying to get to that the the wake that is left behind needs can be forgotten and unseen for many years. And right now that wake is being being seen of the problems that are arising within the community because of this decision that has been made. Um

because of this decision uh everything that BWXT has submitted is completely concept. Nothing is binding and nothing is committed. Um I know or I want to I want to say that I don't know if there's any malice that was in making this decision. Um but I also have reiter or iterated in the past that um worst case scenarios in making these decisions are not being a conspiracy theorist. It's good governance. Um the right now um well I should say the I've heard some commissioners make comments of misinformation throughout this whole process which is a fair question but I would want to ask you guys is it fair to ask people uh or to hold people up against a standard where you are the ones that took that information away from them that we don't have any hard evidence of knowing exactly where it's going to be. There's no hydraological studies that have happened because this decision has been made. And I just want you guys to just go through that thought process and just consider that when thinking about all the comments that you're going to hear see behind beside behind me that you guys have kind of made a little bit of a problem for yourselves and mistrust that the community has for you guys. um where there should have been facts has been flooded with mystery and people have had a really difficult time to come up with the right solutions where this problem that was supposed to stop this from happening it could have been stopped earlier on in the process. So thank you for listening.

Thank you very much. Good evening. All of you commissioners have a really tough job ahead of you and we're counting on you. So, my name is Rebecca Keeler. My address is 1140 Hidden Valley Drive, Jonesboro in uh uh what do you call it? It's not in a city. Anyway, so I will defer to our neighbors lawyers on uh the many legal flaws of the WB WBWXT petition and instead I'm going to address some higher laws that govern community cohesion. Washington County is our home community. Approving the resoning petition to allow BWXT's proposed activities would put the public health, safety, and welfare of me and my neighbors at significant risk of catastrophic harms such as vast environmental and human impacts from increased toxic air exposures um and inevitable highly toxic accidents. Two, more human dependence on local health care and related loss of productivity. Three, loss of neighbors whose families have been here for many generations. And four, diminished commercial investment because of the declining quality of life offered in this community.

As you can see, the human cost is far more precious than the prospect of a few jobs and financial contributions to political causes. I consider neighbors who help neighbors to be the real patriots because of the unity that results. Community creates unity. My church's contribution or constitution, excuse me, tells me the following quote. In following Christ, the church must witness against all the powerful and privileged who selfishly seek their own interests and thus control and harm others." End quote. To me, this is a universal truth, not just a Christian truth. As local elected officials, it is your responsibility to support and facilitate public health, safety, and welfare, and you are our first and best hope. Therefore, I ask you to put people and environment ahead of profit and deny BWXT's petition to spoil our community. Thank you and good luck.

Um, I don't know who the clerk is. I'm Melanie Porterfield. I live at 139 JA Ramsey Lane in Jonesboro. Um I live about 5 miles away from the BWXT site. Uh the purpose of zoning is to protect communities from incompatible land use, but Aerogjet was built before zoning laws even existed. For about 50 years, they were a simple metal fabricator. Since BWXT purchased the property last year and received this contract from the government, they will be purifying uranium oxide that will be shipped to our small town from super fund sites. Radioactive impurities will be pulled from this raw material. Dangerous chemicals such as hydrogen fluoride and sulfuric acid are needed for this process. Trucks carrying this uranium oxide and these extremely hazardous chemicals will be driving on our curvy, hilly roads through residential and agricultural areas. These are the same roads used by inexperienced teenage drivers going to and from Davy Crockett High School, which is only a couple miles away from the site. I have huge health concerns regarding the uranium dust that permits will allow to the atmosphere to get in our water sources and the air we breathe and huge concerns about the hazardous chemicals being transported and then used at the site. Our carsted geography will allow accidental spills to travel quickly underground to contaminate other areas. But my main concern is simply the implication of reszoning. Once resoning occurs to high impact industrial, there is no going back and it will never be agricultural again. If something happens that makes financial sense for BWXT to move operations, the high impact industrial use area will be open to other industries that want to move in. It all comes down to money. Funding funding from government contracts change and whatever makes the most financial

sense is what a company will do. and then we might be stuck with an industrial park right beside our homes. BWXT has even stated that they do not need the reszoning to perform this new process. Zoning is used to protect communities from incompatible land use, to help protect public health and safety, and help protect property values. Aerogjet was built before zoning laws existed. Allowing additional high impact industrial land is not a compatible use of land so close to homes. I'm a chemist who's worked in industry for 37 years. And I can tell you it doesn't matter how many safeguards or layers of protections you have in place. Accidents will happen. Equipment wears out. People get tired and make mistakes. A hurricane caused disastrous flooding in our area and the mountains. We can't predict such things. I can guarantee that accidents will happen. I understand the pressure to bring in jobs and the belief short-term benefits of resoning to high impact industrial. However, there are other sites that are more appropriate. Just because BWXT zoned high impact does not mean reszoning additional land make sense. It is not. And I respectfully request that you protect our community by denying this reszoning request. My name is Kathy Street and I live at 1067 Broadleaf Drive in Johnson City. Who here remembers ThreeMile Island on March 28th, 1979 near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the worst reactor accident in US history occurred, releasing radioactive gases and radioactive iodine into the environment. The partial nuclear meltdown of the unit 2 reactor was caused by valve failure, design flaws, operator error. Three Mile

Island units one and two were designed by Babcock, Badcock, and Wilcox, the predecessor company to BWX Technologies. BWXT is the modern descendant of the nuclear engineering and manufacturing operations of Babcock and Wilcox. Taking into consideration that our community is still recovering from the horrors of Hurricane Helm coupled with DOE's conclusion that there is no guarantee of zero risk. We must emphasize this proposed expansion sits on a flood plane a mere two inches above our aquifier. Like ThreeMile Island, there is always the possibility of major accidents. BWXT's expansion means we the people of this community will always be living under the threat of major catastrophe. We the people of this community will be responsible for 70 to 80% of any disaster cleanup caused because companies like BWXT usually pay 20 to 30%. Depleted uranium poses two major health hazards. Heavy metal toxicity affects affecting the kidneys much like lead poisoning and radiation danger of inhaled and ingested dust. Can you imagine ballad health responding to any disaster like that? From newborn to grandma and grandpa, our decisions today will have a profane a profound multigenerational impact. BWXT can continue its current contract without resoning and the economic impact will not change.

The extra land they are requesting brings no new jobs, no new investment, and no new tax, only added risk. And I I had something else to say, but I don't have time. But thank you.

Thank you. My name is Diana Opel Helena Wright and I am 7 and a half years old. I have lived in Jonesboro, Tennessee my whole life. I live about one mile from BWXT. I wasn't sure about speaking again, but my mom said that if something is really important, you have to be brave more than once. I live on a small family farm with my mom, my dad, and my little sister, Helen. We have bees, we have chickens. We also have the best tail to sled on when it snows. My grandparents live with us. We make apple cider from the apples in our orchard. We make beautiful golden caramels with the honey from our bees. This is my home. I love it here. I really don't want to move. My friends and I camped at Beauty Spot last week and ate the best s'mores ever. We got to stay up late and pretend we were ninjas. In the summers, I love swimming in the cold creek at Rocky Fork State Park. Once I caught an Appalachin dusky salamander there all by myself. These places are where I am most happy. If this factory is built one mile from my home, my family will have to move far away to keep us safe. I don't want to leave my friends. I don't want to leave Seedkeepers Forest School. I want to stay there until I'm

old enough to be a teacher. I don't understand everything about uranium or money. But I do understand what it feels like to lose something that you love and that no amount of money can replace it. My parents teach me to tell the truth, to be kind to everyone, and to take care of the earth. You are the grown-ups. You are the ones who get to decide what happens to my home, to my neighbors, and to the beautiful places I love. I can't move the Nola Chucky and Ramsay Creek with me. I can't move Buffalo Mountain in my school with me, but I can try to save them. I can't protect it by myself. I need you to help me. The last time I spoke to you, you did the right thing and voted no. I need you to be brave again and help our family and our community. Please protect Mother Earth. Please protect our home. Thank you. That's a hard act to follow. I'm Ambassador Dr. Laurelan Riverwind. L A R A L Y N Riverwind. I live at 935 Denver Bible Lane, Midway, Tennessee 37809. And I'm your neighbor in Green County. Hello, I'm Dr. Lynon Riverwind of the ambass the ambassador former ambassador

of the Georgia tribe of eastern Cherokee for six years. My people come from this area. Not just my tribal people, but also my white side. They were founders of Jonesboro. So when I say I have roots here, they go deep and they go deeper than surface level. They go to the aquafers and the waterways that connect our counties and our land. They spread far deeper than what you can see with your eyes. And I brought you gifts today. Gifts that were hand huneed from people who I've been related to that tie me to this land. But I'm not here to talk to you about things I would love to like the morality issue of this. I'm not here as a doctor of nature to talk to you about the medical repercussions that this will have on you and your children, whatever you decide. Instead, I'm here to appeal to what's between 34 ears in this room. 32 ears. Because we've got 15 people who have voting rights and one person, Mr. Dailyaly, who has decided that your opinion and your vote does not matter because he has made it public, not even kept it secret. He's had the audacity to bring up in the news that it does not matter what you say. So if it doesn't matter what you vote, why don't you vote your conscience? Why don't you vote what your people want you to vote? Why don't you clear your your safe spot for the next step of this? Because it doesn't end today. It ends in front of a judge because you know there'll be a lawsuit, right? And you know that when the lawsuit happens, it's not just going to be Green County. It's going to be every person

who is listed who voted for this. Okay? So, if you secure your safe spot today by voting no against this, maybe your finances won't be investigated. Maybe you won't be called and you won't be looked under a microscope for things. Maybe you can look your grandkid in the eye and god forbid anything medical happened to your family. You'll at least be able to say, you know what, this is not my fault. I did the right thing when it was called. I can't blame myself for my neighbors health issues. You'll be able to show up at the store and not wonder if people are hating on you. You'll be able to stand before God who says I that he will judge those at the seventh trumpet those who who destroyed the earth. Here are your witness stones. Look at Joshua 24:27 and vote right today. Hi. Uh, my name is Trey Wright. I live at 158 Sand Valley Court about a mile from BWXT. Uh, despite their signs, BWXT hasn't been a good neighbor, and they haven't been here 50 years. BWXT, as a new neighbor last year, tried to quietly buy a parcel and get their land reszoneed without kicking up much of a fuss. If it was so good for the community, why didn't they publicly announce a new project and all the jobs it would bring in? Instead, they published a tiny notice in a now defunct paper and mailed the smallest legally required number of notices to the community. And they hoped you commissioners would pass it a few weeks later without the public noticing. Why be so secretive? It's because this project is in the wrong location and everyone can see that. Only after they

were caught out did BWXT start their advertising campaign and holding interviews with the press telling us how much they valued transparency. Being exposed by the citizens is not the same as being transparent. And being a good neighbor is not buying land in the middle of a bunch of homes, farms, schools, and churches trying to sneak through a resoning process that risks the water quality of the entire region and then bullying the people into believing that it's a good idea. You might think that this resoning is about bringing money to Washington County, but the money doesn't change whether you vote yes or no. Ron Daly has transparently stated that they will fulfill this contract at this location whether the acreage is reszoned or not. Those high-paying jobs that he's promised are coming to town whether you reszone or not. This isn't about safety. BWXT would only be allowed to fit their project into their current footprint if it clears all the regulatory hurdles it would clear in an expanded footprint. So, they must think it's equally safe if they were willing to put it in the current footprint. So, no, the reasonzoning request is not about giving Washington County more money or making Washington County safer. This is about power. Voting for the resoning gives away all of the county's power and future leverage for no tangible benefit in return. BWXT's tactics are to get you to hand over the keys to the county as cheaply as possible. Do not give up your power so freely. Once they have their resoning, it is permanent. There's no going back. Your leverage is gone and the county is at the mercy of what they decide to do on their M2 land. After that, what does this county look like in 5 years when their contract is fulfilled? What does it look like in 20 or 50 or 100 years when their forever chemicals are still in the soil and water? What legacy are you leaving to your children and grandchildren in Washington County? We don't deserve to have our lives and futures put at risk just so the shareholders of BWXT can make a quick buck. You commissioners do not have to let BWXT expand their grip on our community. I urge you to keep local power in local hands. Keep us as safe as you can. It is up to you to keep

those pollutants as far as possible from Little Limestone Creek. Let's see BWXT run this project 100% safely in their current footprint before we blindly trust them with the ability to irreversibly ruin the water table for this region. Thank you. My name is Michael Diero. I live at 33 Lorenna Lane in Jonesboro. I've been contacting environmental groups across the state. Today, I submitted a statement from the Sierra Club that you should have in your public record. I'm going to read a comment from the Tennessee Environmental Council. This is from John McFaden, senior fellow. He's a PhD. He says, "The Tennessee Environmental Council respectfully urged the Washington County Commissioners and the residents of Jonesboro to oppose the proposed high purity depleted uranium manufacturing plant. The risks associated with a DU processing are well documented and they pose unacceptable threats to our community's health, environment, and long-term well-being. Public health risks. Research from the US Environmental Protection Agency notes that depleted uranium can pose chemical toxicity risks to the kidneys and may present radiological hazards if inhaled as dust or particular. This is from the EPA. depleted uranium 224 uh 2024 industrial DU facilitates facilities in other states have

experienced contamination events requiring long-term cleanup demonstrating that even regulated operations can fail. Environmental concerns. The US Geological Survey has documented that uranium related contamination can persist in soil and groundwater for decades, especially when waste is improperly stored or transported. That is from the USGS uranium in the environment 2023. Jonesboro's waterways, farmlands, and wildlife habitats are too valuable to risk long-term degradation. The economic and community impact. Studies of communities near radiological or heavy industrial facilities show measurable declines in property value and reduced attractiveness for new residents and businesses. That's from the National Association of Realtors, Environmental Hazards, and Property Value from 2022. Jonesboro's identity, historic, family centered, and tourismdriven, is incompatible with a DU manufacturing plant. Oversight limitations. Government accountability office reviews have repeatedly found gaps in federal and state oversight of nuclear and radiological materials, including inconsistent inspections and delayed enforcement actions. That's from the GAO nuclear safety regulatory oversight challenges 2021. Once such a facility is approved, local governments have limited authority to intervene. So this is from the Tennessee Environmental Council and it's a lot of words, but I'll give you one example.

Sir, I'm sorry your time's expired.

Okay. Thank you very much. Hello, my name is Joe Roston. I'm at 125 Keys Road, Limestone, Tennessee, out in Bowmantown. And uh thank you commissioners for letting me speak. And greetings to my brothers and sisters of Washington County. Uh I had something very theatrical to bring. I had a 40ft scroll that had the signature had the names, not the signatures, had the names of 10,69 people that are against this. Now, sorry I wasn't allowed to bring it in. The deputies justifiably so stopped me because the Dow slid out. And since Chuck Norris has sa sadly passed, I have leveled up and I am too big feared. So, but let me let me read you something. I want to read you from the Washington County land use transportation plan. Policies and goals must be tempered within the parameters of what is given the restraint of budgets, the environment, and the public willingness to participate. Well, I'm here to tell you 10,000 plus people are not willing to participate. Thank you,

Dennis Nettleman. Jones uh Jonesboro Road, Irwin, Tennessee. I have some safety concerns in regarding to the transportation of this material. BWXT has operated in Irwin and there has been breaches of federal bridge or gross weight formulas in the past. This could be eliminated by adding on premise truck scales in Irwin and Jones. This would protect the road infrastructure and the general public. It should be noted that the closest public scales are on I 81. In regards to the trailer seals inspection process, usually the driver should inspect the load before the seal is applied. This ensures the cargo is secured and the placement of weight is correct. BWXT generally applied the seal without permitting the drivers to inspect the loads. In Oak Ridge at the nuclear site at Y12, drivers are permitted to check their loads. It should be noted that Aerojet in Jonesboro reportedly flipped a load while navigating a curve near Jonesboro plant entrance January the 5th, 2026. There were also incidents of rollovers in September 2017 in the late um late part of that time and 2012. These were caused by the load shifting inside the trailer. A solution to these situations would be to install truck scales on the property and allow the drivers to inspect the loads before the seals are placed on the trailer. Thank you. Hi, I'm Natalie Vigleion and I live at 161 Barnett in Jonesboro. My husband and

I live one mile away. We just built our house and it just so happens we're building a wellness sanctum on our property called One Song Grove. Now, I come from the lens of health because I'm an herbalist and have many other credentials and I have some health information here I'm going to share as part of this. But it seems really crazy that I'm even having to stand here and do this considering we just built our home and moved into this community in August of 2025. So, you can imagine how we feel. Um, so let me share with you. I don't think you have to be a scientist to get this. um depleted uranium actually what it actually is um the language around it makes it seem like it's really okay. Everything's fine. It's harmless. It's all good. But depleted uranium is what's left over after they process uranium for weapons and reactors. They pull out the part that's useful for making bombs. And what remains is still radioactive, still a heavy metal, still toxic. They call it depleted like it's been neutralized, but that's not accurate. Here's what they use it for. Military weapons, armor-piercing bullets, tank plating. It's designed for war warfare and destruction. And when it's used, it gets shot into the ground, left in war zones, and it sits there contaminating soil and water for thousands of years. You can't see it, you can't smell it, but it's there. And I have seen this as a practitioner in my clients in the bodies of animals and humans. And believe me, the damage that it does to kidneys is fast. So this is violence that doesn't end when the war ends or if you do or do not pass this zoning for BWXT because this is violence against the earth. It's violence against the living

systems that sustain all life. and it deserves to be called what it is, deeply wrong. We're often told that uranium processing is necessary for national security, that manufacturing these materials protects us, that contaminating our land and water is an excess an acceptable trade-off for defense. But national security that requires poisoning communities is not true security. It's asking some people to sacrifice their h health, their land, their future for weapons manufacturing. When children get sick, when animals die, when wells become contaminated, it gets labeled as acceptable risk or the cost of freedom. That framing troubles me deeply and I think it troubles us all deeply if we're going to be honest. With BWXT's operations, we're told things are safe and necessary. But when you look at what uranium processing actually means, it means multi-generational contamination and it means kidney damage in humans and animals. So I obviously stand against this resoning. Thank you. All right. Well, I will call your attention that we have reached the 30 minute mark. So just so you know we have 30 minutes into the hour. Go ahead sir.

It's so nice to hear another pyon. I'm Linda Cataldo Modica 266 Mayberry Road Jonesboro. I'm president of Irwin Citizens Awareness Network and resident of Washington County for over 42 years. First in Bowmantown. Yay, Bowmantown. And now in Lamar. I'm 72 now, so that's well over half of my life. When asked by strangers where I'm from, I say I'm from Jonesboro, Tennessee, the storytelling capital of the world. My family so much loves our home that we chose to hold our daughter's wedding reception at the International Storytelling Center. The recent National Public Radio story that I trust that the commissioners have all heard affirmed the unique status of Jonesboro when NPR reported that Tennessee's oldest town is best known for its annual storytelling festival. On behalf of ECAN, whose members live throughout our region, including Washington County, and myself and my family, I urge the commission to seriously consider the destruction of Jonesboro's reputation as a community of humanistic tradition. Should you allow nuclear weapons material to be made by BWXT? Because if you allow this project to go forward, you will be endorsing nuclear war and effectively be saying that you not only don't care if the air our local families breathe, the water that sustains us, and the land we garden, farm, or play on is irreversibly contaminated. But that you also will be saying that

you could care less. You could care less about the lives of the families who travel here from around the country and from every corner of the world to hear and to tell their stories. Nah, you're okay with their nuclear annihilation if you approve the production of high purity depleted uranium for the bomb. In case you think I'm being overly dramatic, consider the fact that there's a hot war going on in the Middle East right now. We could be at the brink of Israel using its nuclear weapons. And if Russia defends Iran, will it just retaliate against Israel or attack the US, too? A recent report figured it would be lights out for global civilization. total nuclear annihilation for us too. By the way, our mountains won't protect us in less time than this hearing will take. 72 minutes. 72 minutes for total societal destruction. As a mother and as a grandmother and as president of Irwin Citizens Awareness Network, I urge the commission to reject the myth that we need high purity depleted uranium and new nuclear weapons and embrace instead the love of humanity that the storytelling festival celebrates and the love of our community that EAN, neighbors of BWXT and protect Jonesboro. Burrow demonstrate. Thank you.

I'm going to read the letter that I sent to all the commissioners. I emailed it. So, the only thing you're going to miss are the appendix. And um so, let's get rolling. Sir, if you'll give your name, address to the cler. rolling with my name and my address. Thank you for reminding me. Um, my name is Brian Mills. I live in Jonesboro at 232 East Main Street, right downtown.

So, I recently received in the mail a flyer from BWXT. It states, "50 years of mission, critical work, and a commitment to safety, community, and the environment." I contend that this is as bold a statement as it is false. Firstly, I believe the alleged missionritical statement has no bearing on this issue and is debatable. We are here to vote on a best practices land use matter. The reason the planning commission voted the zoning request down in 2025 is clear and their vote should be respected. Otherwise, why bother having such an entity? It is my understanding that the planning commission voted to deny BWXT's zoning application as it was not consistent with Washington County's planning objectives and would compromise future generations ability to enjoy land use unspoiled by uranium contamination, rendering our county's property values worthless. I agree with their ruling as a property owner in Jonesboro who believes I am but a steward of my land for future generations. Yes, I own the land but only in trust for future generations. So why do I believe BWXT's proposed land use would be a disaster? Well, let's just consider the industry's track record. Even the most cursory investigation reveals a shocking record of lack of safety and accidents. And these are the ones we know about. See appendix one. BWXT says they are committed to safety. They may as well say we will do our best and fail miserably because a track record as

abysmal as theirs doesn't make me feel safe or optimistic for the future. Now perhaps their abysmal record could be asoaged if only the consequences were not so insidious for our environment and for the environment of future generations. There have been arguments put forth that deplated uranium is not really such a big deal for the environment. Yet the science and therefore the objective truth is precisely the opposite. C appendix 2. As I've already said, as a property owner, I am but the steward of my land for future generations. Washington County has a comprehensive plan that recognizes this concept. The vision of this plan is to provide sensible management of the land so that future generations can look back and say, "We did a good job." on page 68. The overall goal of this land use for Washington County is to provide a quality living and working environment for all county residents. As a taxpayer, I at least expect the county would not be so reckless as to be the enabler of an envelop in excuse me, an inevitable engineering disaster. As has been pointed out previously, it's not a question of if BWXT's plant will fail. It's only a question of when. And when it does, the value of my property will not be worth to steal. Well-known phrase, it will only be worth a bucket of warm piss. Thank you. Please respect your neighbor's time. It's your neighbor's time that you are taking. So, please respect your neighbor's time. Those those individuals would like to speak as well. Thank you.

Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Roger Broadwater. I live at 369 Blackley Creek in Limestone. Today, you will cast a vote that could determine the course of Washington County's future for generations. This decision should not be about party politics or what a handful of people in Nashville determine. The decision concerns whether our elected representatives still believe that local people in Washington County have the right to govern local land. Thousands of people who live here have made their position unmistakably clear. They do not want decisions dictated by individuals hundreds of miles away who will never bear the consequences we expect our representatives to stand up for us, not step aside. This vote isn't about whether you support or oppose a particular company. It's not about whether you think it's safe or you think it's good for the economy because BWXT does not need additional land. This is about whether you believe Washington County still governs itself and whether you represent the people who vote for you or the outside interest is more of your favor. Nobody loses. BWXT will manufacture HPDU regardless. The county will gain jobs and tax dollars. Our watershed will be protected and your constituents will be heard. I'm asking you to choose your community and the people who entrusted you with this office. And each and every one of you should be ashamed of yourself if you vote to expand. You should resign from your seat for putting future generations through this. Choose the legacy you want to leave behind you. Vote no for the resoning and vote for your people. Thank you.

My name is Eko Chaffen. I live in Kingsport. Why am I here? Well, 250 lbs of legally dropped radioactive dust can travel hundreds of miles. I am from a small town in North Carolina, a mining town, the purest quartz in the world, so I know about contamination of the waters and streams. That is a drop in the pond compared to anything nuclear. So BW Babcock and Willox, many of you may know coming up is March 28th. So that was ThreeMile Island in 1979. It is just now getting back online with unit with the unit one to try to make some power here in the future. Also a $1.6 $6 billion contract and that is also what BWXT is receiving from the government $1.6 billion. So BMW has a history of failure um at 3M Island pressure relief valves. Also I would like you all to look into Ranch Rancho Seiko Crystal River Okconi units Mount Vernon. These were all categorized as failure in the pressure valve units. Um guys, it's I'm not an environmentalist. I'm a realist. And this is going to affect our streams, our air for hundreds of miles. It's going to travel into North Carolina, our neighboring counties in Tennessee. You can't smell it. You don't know it's there. And as that's floating through the air, it's settling in all the little ponds and tributaries and streams. I am

from the headarters of the Nola Chucky. So I saw firsthand it came right through. Helen came right through my family's property. And when you see the river turn a milk white green from mining chem chemicals, that is nothing compared to what one mistake using nuclear can do. Yes, it's not for nuclear power, but it's for bombs. The answer to bombs is not more bombs. Anything that can melt you and burn your shadow into a concrete wall should not exist. Even Oenheimer had He had regrets about creating it. It should not exist. And I'm not up here to protest nuclear, but you think of the peace symbol. Its first debut was Easter weekend in 1958. Gerald Hol. And the reason they were first made on clay is because that's the only thing that would possibly survive nuclear. So, I implore you to search your souls and what is the souls of the future worth to you? Do not vote. And I would also say I know that they plan on doing this anyway because they think our towns are disposable.

Ma'am, your time's expired. Thank you. My name is Tom Stone Mcnes. I live in at 108 Allison Drive in Jonesboro, District 3, just short distance from here and less than four miles from the subject property. I want to thank you for this time. The purpose of my presentation has changed because we know now that uranium manufacturing in the Jonesboro area cannot be stopped by this zoning action. Apparently, the permitted release of uranium dust has already begun to settle on our lawns and playgrounds. Still, I rise in opposition to this request. And here are a few reasons why. To make tons of depleted uranium, rusty, leaking containers of radioactive raw material from Portsmouth and Paduca will be trucked here to sit somewhere over the aquifer in Telford and await processing. When the high purity depleted uranium has been smelted out of this raw material, the remainder which contains plutonium and other highly radioactive transuranic elements will be put back on Old State Road 34 for shipment somewhere in Texas. The process that turns green salt into high purity depleted uranium deserves mention. Even manufacturers like Eastman, who

make safety a top priority, have accidents. Let's consider what happens when something goes wrong while smelting uranium at 5,000° Kelvin, which is approximately 8,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The Limestone Volunteer Fire Department will do their level best to respond until help from Jonesboro, Johnson City, and even Knoxville would arrive. What will the damage be to the surrounding area, which includes all of Jonesboro in the long hours until emergency management regains control? This is just some of what keeps opponents of this expansion awake at night. If we can't stop the manufacturing of high purity depleted uranium on this site, at least the zoning decision can prevent the expansion of this activity in Washington County. We ask the commission to reject the request for resoning that is before you today. Thank you.

Thank you. Hi, good evening, commissioners. Good evening.

My name is Chelsea Green. I live at 911 Woodland Avenue in Johnson City. So, I know you've already heard the risks and you know what is um facing us all. So, the question is, have you made up your mind? And I'll admit that I have. I grew up here and I came back here with the vision of giving back and growing a healthy community, healthy food and healthy children. I work at Fauna Forest Farm 7 miles away where children play and we plant community gardens. I have made up my mind based on the evidence that the health concerns and long-term risks associated with this expansion far outweigh the small number of benefits to locals. Regardless of how you feel about nuclear technology, we know there are serious and permanent risks to human health and ecosystems where these activities take place. I believe based on the evidence and the stories from survivors of exposure to depleted uranium dust that the expansion of nuclear material processing in our home will make this a sacrifice zone. I believe we can do better. To quote my friend and colleague at Fona Forest Farm, Sha Keane, I believe in the possibility of our human potential to co-create systems that feed and sustain life rather than deplete it. I believe we can do that, but we need your help. I understand there's a lot on your shoulders right now, and this shouldn't be a decision you have to make on your own. So, I'm humbly asking you to join with the majority of the people, more than 10,000 in a town of 6,000,

and stand up to protect us. I'm asking you to let us help you make this decision because it affects all of us. Those you can see in here and so many more. And we say no to BWXT's resoning, no to expansion, no to selling us out. And thank you for your time.

We have about 10 minutes remaining of the hour. Good. Good evening. My name is William Hart. I'm at 147 Barry Ridge Road in Jonesboro, Tennessee. I'm a retired professor in the department of bios engineering and soil science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. And I'm a third generation farmer whose farm is located adjacent to the BWX property. I have been a part-time farmer my entire life. And after retiring from UTK, I have transitioned to a full-time farmer in 2021. My home is located2 miles from the plant entrance. I remember when this facility was built and have the displeasure of watching it grow from nuclear fuels to air jets and now VWXT Technologies. The growth of this facility is an excellent example of the old saying, give them an inch and they will take a mile. I adamantly oppose reszoning property in this property in question of the M2 due to the pure definition of the M2 high impact use district which is defined as follows. It is the intent of this D district to establish areas which unless closely regulated might cause a detrimental effect upon and be injurous to the surrounding areas. This district created therefore to allow for heavy type industries in uses, noise, odor, dust, and other objectional conditions. I have environmental and traffic concerns related to the property in question. Bacon brick bacon branch creek flows through my property and joins a little limestone creek immediately before it enters BWXT. Some of which is classified as a flood plane. Any natural runoff or accidental runoff will eventually enter the Noah

watershed which will affect the surrounding community and the communities downstream. And just as a reminder, accidents do happen. You don't have to think too far back when the fire happened at Burton River Processing. I also have concerns about the increased traffic associated with the expansion of the facility and directly affects the integrity of the community. There are over 10,500 individuals and that's digital and on paper that oppose the resoning. And I thought the purpose of the Washington County Commissioners was to represent its constituents. If this body approves this reasoning request, it is admitting that it caters more to big corporation than it does to the people that you're supposedly representing and have no respect for maintaining the existing community in their personal property. I am pretty sure I'm almost absolutely 100% sure how each of you commissioners would vote if this facility was in your backyard. Finally, as a property owner, I received a letter from BWXT Technologies dated March the 2nd, 2026. And basically, that letter indicated that they're going to do expansion one way or the other. But they also indicated they have two options. One option is reszoning the 100 the 56 acres or they have a footprint on existing land that they can actually do it is already zoned to do what they want. I would think option two is the best choice. Thank you. Honorable commissioners, it's a big night. I got to say I'm actually really excited that we finally get a resolution on this because we have

been in a sense of like suspended animation waiting for your decision. So, thank you that you're allowing us to speak. Um, my name is Gabriel Wilson. I live at 249 Clyde Miller and I share a pretty large border with BWXT and uh I helped start Protect Jonesboro. Had the privilege to get the initial resistance to this resoning off the ground and you can see just a wonderful community that really loves this place. We are fighting for our community because we love it. We're not fighting against BWXT. We um also have a group of people in our community that are really for this project and and you are some of them. I've heard you talk on the news and and national security and jobs uh and other reasons are part of your support of this and so I think I I think you know where we all stand what line I'm in when it comes to reasonzoning. I don't love the options. The truth of the matter is we're in a bind because they're going to do this no matter what. We're not You're not voting tonight on whether we get to process high purity depleted uranium in Washington County or not or if it's happening in my backyard or not. That's not your vote. Your vote tonight is whether it happens over at Luther and Randy and Miss Kay's house and backs up traffic on Old 34, which is a terrible option. or you're voting to put it inches from the flood plane after Helen where our whole community has been traumatized. An equally terrible option. That is your choice tonight. And so I want to talk about something completely different which is unity in our community because if we're going to get through this, we got to stick together. Even if we're on opposite sides of the table, we are neighbors. I've seen ugly things online. I've se seen my constituency and the constituency of

BWXT accused of lying and misinformation and fraud. I've seen hot heated heated exchanges even in this room. And I would just want us as a community to come together if we're going to make it through this. Let's be peaceful. Let's be loving. Let's remember that we're part of this community first and foremost. We are for each other. And then we make our decisions from there. I would love to see our constituency, the Protect Jonesboro, the neighbors of BWXT. I would love to see us cool down. And I mean it. And I would love to see the probt crowd cool down. Let's come together if we're going to make it through this. And for BWXT, I would really challenge you. I know you're going to do this no matter what. So, please keep us informed. Uh, Senator Huffine, or sorry, Commissioner Huffine, maybe that's a prophecy. Commissioner Huffine,

I hope my wife's not living.

You opened up the door for an incredible dialogue. That is something that a community normally doesn't get, and I'm so thankful for it. I know our whole community is. BWXT, I implore you to keep that dialogue going with us. I would love it if there was a community group that you could start where members of our community can help know what's going on. I would love it if there was real-time monitoring that we could all log into as a community and see what's going on. Just I know my time's up, but let's come together. Okay. All right. Bless you guys. Thank you, Gabriel. We have enough time for one more speaker. And we appreciate everyone that stood in line tonight to speak, but we have reached our time limit after this gentleman speaks. So, we we do thank you all. if you would. Um,

uh, that is absolutely astounding that they don't have a time to speak. It looks to me like the meeting should be extended just like Donald Trump should be here right now and be held accountable for his actions in missing 126. He ought to be held accountable along with everybody in the White House for missing the mailbox 126 Roy Green Road. Telford, Tennessee. Everyone, by the way, I think everybody would be very proud to have extra time, more than three minutes, for example. And you know, by the way, on the way into this courtroom today, I was steered to number three down there. You have my office that is right out here right now that tried to shut me up on several occasions where I've not killed nobody. I don't plan on killing nobody, but I plan on going to war with certain individuals and we'll keep that secret for a little while. But no, it's very understandable. We're going to war and we're going to get paid real big money for doing that. And I hate the fact that Burton rubber blowed up, but it did. As you can see, I bought me a shirt today. I like about $1.75 on it. By the way, uh, how come it is that everybody gets to eat down there, for example, and bring their phones in, for example, the courtroom people back here, and everybody would like to know and use channel 5 said that girl right here would give me an interview after this evening is over, and I appreciate that. Well, Sarah Diamond, you know, I let her sign my blue jean jacket. And as long as I behave, and I have, I will be in here to pay my fines, by the way. And I got me a doctor, by the way, Wednesday down here, right down the road from here. And I walked from nonextrad, Bristol, Virginia, on several occasions through

this town of John Bur picking up nails and stuff. And the fact of the matter is who owns Burton Rubber, we know who owns Burton Rubber all the way through thick and thin. They are going to come and be held accountable for that when I summon them as president of the United States of America with no land taxes and no power bill and in honor of Dale Nhard Whisker Biscuits. Number three, we're going to have a lot of stuff for free in America and I mean USA all the way. You understand? Uh yes. And by the way, thank you for your time and God bless each and everyone for being in here. Uh, it's been a long time coming. Uh, I've been promised this and that and no funding whatsoever with my food stamp card or nothing, by the way. And I appreciate the ride the other day to get a shower from a lovely lady that scared the Jesus out of me. I ain't even kidding you. We was even under the speed limit. And you know how it is. I mean, we need an extra road or two out here. They have up about three high. But when you are getting stuff out of the river, the not Chucky, and hauling it up and down the road the wrong way, that right there is spreading that stuff everywhere. And we do not need that in Johnberg, Tennessee, Johnson City, or nowhere. By the way, when they started hauling river rocks into Johnson City years ago, and Pete Ferguson was involved in this, taking them out of the water plank down here at Ken Nelson's water pump station, you know, years ago. I'd like to point that out. They've been doing this forever. around here robbing the Nola Chucky and I'm just saying God got part of it and from now on when you want to order some food. It's a shame you have to go somewhere else to get it. God bless you all.

We appreciate you. Your time's expired though. I thank you a lot. All right. Now times is time's up. So we're going to move into if you are for the reasoning. So, if you're up in the hall, go ahead and have a seat and and we're going to be moving people back up uh in a line to speak or uh or speak for the reasonzoning. U yes,

if you if you do have a statement that you would like to make, um if you'll bring that forward to the clerk, ma'am. I appreciate you. Would you get that sheriff from her? And that needs to go to the clerk. Did she speak in the planning? That was something. You do have a have a statement for the clerk. Um, where's the alto? It's turning. Where's the Altoids? I have a rental car. I appreciate everybody doing such a good job that last time. opposed

now. If uh if you're if you're on if you're lined up to speak, that's great. Uh because that's I don't have We're going to go over the rules just another time. Um so so what's going to happen is the same exact principle that we did last time. You have three minutes to sit down. Try to honor the three minutes because you're talking on your neighbor's dime. Okay? Just remember, they had rallies. It's good to it's good to uh appreciate the people speaking,

but do not interrupt the speakers. Okay. Um that that that won't be good. So, uh we'll go ahead and and get ready to speak. Madame Clerk, are we ready with the clock? Let me uh set the uh timer for the hour. I know. I should have brought a coffee. Very smart. I should have brought coffee. All right, Madam Clerk. First speaker, sir, if you'll come forward to the podium. Give your name and address to the clerk. You can continue to stretch. It's been a long time. Absolutely. Oh, my bad. I haven't given my name yet. So, you've got a few.

I'm Renault Dley, 1712 Jackson Terrace, Johnson City, Tennessee. And there are a lot of people and community that have been misled m misled with facts that are true but not appropriate to this particular application. You've also had the opportunity to hear tonight from neighbors of Aerojet that's been here 50 years doing exactly what's going to be done without anyone saying that there's been environmental contamination. So there is a record luckily you have of this particular type of process uh on site and it is safe and it doesn't contaminate the particular environment that we live in. Thank goodness. Thank goodness. Uh I am an engineer. I work at Oakidge Tennessee and I manufactured depleted uranium for nuclear weapons. So I'm familiar with that process. I also as a consultant worked with Aerojet on their projectiles, armorpiercing projectiles. That's what they plan to do. That's what they've been doing. And so there's a record for that. But there's been a misapplication of facts that we've heard tonight about nuclear power. Got nothing to do with this operation. About nuclear weapons got nothing to do with this operation. about nuclear fuels which is over in Irwin and is a difference pro process different it's got nothing to do with this operation this is for armor-piercing projectiles now let's talk about the danger of depleted uranium hopefully people have looked this up on the web and it has been mentioned once tonight that depleted uranium is less dangerous than lead has the same impact of breathing or

ingesting lead, but lead is listed as more toxic. We have lead weights on all of our vehicle wheels. We have lead weights that fall into the road and into our streams and into our ditches. We use lead weights on our fishing. We use lead projectiles in our ammunition. We eat venison and other products that we put lead into. We don't use depleted uranium to do any of those things. The pleated uranium is only used for military projectiles. The dust made from pleated uranium does not come in processing. Like I said, I've done the processing. I've personally handled depleted uranium and it's safe to handle. You don't make dust. You don't make dust to lead. You do not want to sand down a leadbased paint. Don't put it into dust. Manufacturing doesn't put any dust because there's no manufacturer that wants to breathe the dust. All right. It's very easy to machine accurately and safely depleted uranium. I've done it. I hold a patent for a process that I designed for Oakidge to machine depleted uranium. This is not and will not be and is not associated with uh nuclear uh weapons.

My Sunday school teacher. Good evening. My name is John Hegman. Uh and I am uh the plant manager here in Jonesboro. I live in Greenville. address. Yes, if you give the address to the clerk, sir. 1367 Old State Route 34. Thank you.

I appreciate the opportunity to address the commission this evening, and I want to begin by saying we respect the concerns expressed by the community in Washington County. As a Navy submarine veteran of over 26 years, a BWD employee for over 13 years, I understand the community importance of community trust and transparency. I can tell you that BWD shares that same sentiment. This community is our home, too. For over 55 years, the employees at this Jonesboro plant have been proudly invested in our community. We live here. We raise our families here. We share the same hopes and aspirations in our community's future. BT accepts responsibility for environmental compliance and we operate our plants in a manner that does protect the communities around our plants, including Jonesboro and Telford. When we started planning this project, we considered the placement of the new manufacturing facilities. Locating the facilities on our property away from Old State 34 makes the best sense, especially when we consider our nearest neighbors and how best to facilitate traffic flow into and out of the plant. Reszoning and placing the new facilities the proposed location is the best opportunity, the best option for our community. On the other hand, we can make sufficient space within our currently zone industrial footprint, but it simply is not the best option for our community. This resoning truly is a question of where we will place these new facilities. Regarding the amount of land that we've

asked to reszone, we originally requested to reszone the balance of our property, 128 acres, but after we received feedback initially from all of our community, we made a decision to pair that down to 56 acres. And that more explicitly defines our intention of extending our current industrial activity. Thank you once again uh for considering this resoning application and as we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with the community in the years to come. Thank you.

What's your home address? You're out of order.

All right. Good evening, members of Washington County Commission and value commun valued community members. My name is Jeff Msarus and I live on 20 uh 2525 Cattleman's Trail in Jonesboro, Tennessee. As a resident of Washington County in Jonesboro and a senior manager at BWXT, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I want to begin by acknowledging the importance the importance of transparency and providing accurate information to the community uh directly as requested by Mayor Grandandy and Commissioner Huffine. In response to that request, we developed a dedicated web page aimed at delivering accurate, up-to-date information regarding our operations and the ongoing high purity depleted uranium uranium production process. This web page serves as a central resource for our community, making it easier for residents to access information and stay informed about our activities. On the web page, we have answered over a 100 questions from members of the community. included on the web page and within our response to the questions are the benefits to the community of re of approving the resoning application. When compared to building within our current M2 industrial zone, the proposed site plan prioritizes community protection by building a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility and by maximing maximizing buffer distances from neighboring properties, leveraging existing tree coverage and for visual screening and separating inbound and outbound bound traffic flows to minimize congestion. We hope this serves as a tool to provide the correct context regarding our operations. We would like to submit our responses and questions on record. Safety remains our highest priority. During more than 55 years of responsible operations at the Jonesboro facility, BDBXT and those who came before us have a strong track record of protecting both our work for force and the community. Our safety metrics demonstrate this

commitment. Our OSHA days away restricted or transferred dart rate averages below one well below the industry standard standard of 2.0 and our total recordable incident rate TRIR is significantly better than the East Tennessee average. The HPDU process will further enhance these standards. We are investing in advanced engineering controls such as heap filters and scrubber technologies to prevent any release of materials. The process is designed to eliminate routine liquid discharges entirely with all waste solidified at its source and safely transported to a licensed disposal facility. This protects our local environment, including Little Limestone Creek. We understand that clear communication and transparency are essential to building trust. We have actively responded to questions and concerns from community members and county commissioners, providing factual answers to dispel misinformation and clarify how we plan to execute this work responsibly. We sincerely appreciate the community leaders who have represented your concerns and facilitated open dialogue. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your questions and foster ongoing conversations for the future. Our goal is to be a trusted resource and a responsible neighbor in Washington County. Together we can ensure a safe and informed future for Jonesboro. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Good evening, commissioners and members of the Washington County community. My name is Jason Fattis. I live at 805 Regency Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee. I'm a proud resident of Washington County, a family man raising two children, a board-certified health physicist, and manager at BWXT within the environmental health and safety organization. And I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you tonight about three critical aspects concerning the high purity depleted uranium project at our Jonesboro site. This includes environmental protection, emergency preparedness, and the regulatory framework that guides our operations. At BWXT, we recognize and embrace the significant responsibility that accompanies our operations, especially in a community as ecologically rich as ours. Environmental stewardship is not merely a regulatory obligation, but a fundamental principle woven into the very fabric of our corporate mission. One of our highest priorities is in planning for this project is ensuring that all structures and operational activities are located outside of designated flood flood planes. By locating our operations outside of these flood zones, we are demonstrating our dedication to mitigating potential impacts on land and water resources, thereby preserving the rich biodiversity that makes Washington County unique. Additionally, we are implementing advanced measures to manage storm water effectively, ensuring the runoff is controlled and does not contribute to flooding or water contamination. Our environmental protection process incorporates state-of-the-art controls and to that meet or exceed regulatory requirements and regular assessments that will allow us to swiftly address any potential concerns. Transparency is a cornerstone of our environmental efforts and we are committed to engaging stakeholders and providing timely updates. Additionally, emergency preparedness is equally vital to ensuring the safety of our employees and the community. BWXT has developed a comprehensive emergency response strategy tailored specifically to our

facility and potential risks associated with our operations. This strategy goes far beyond compliance, encompassing a proactive approach to preparing for various emergency scenarios. We work closely with local emergency services and regulatory agencies to ensure alignment and readiness in the unlikely event of an emergency. The HPDU project is subject to comprehensive permitting and environmental reviews that ensures our operations meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. This includes air permitting, radioactive material licensing, storm water approvals, and a national environmental policy act review. These processes overseen by multiple regulatory agencies result in enforcable requirements that must be met before operations can proceed. Safety and environmental stewardship are integral to every stage of this project and compliance is not optional. It's a commitment we take very seriously. The HPDU project at our Jonesboro facility represents not only a significant investment in our national defense, but also a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance. By prioritizing sustainable practices, fostering transparencies, and collaborating with local stakeholders, we reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding the community and the environment for future generations.

Thank you.

Got no respect. I got no respect.

Good evening, commissioners. My name is Jerry Barry. I live at 315 Berry Ridge Road. My, as I've already said, I've already told you my name. I've been had the privilege to work at the Jonesboro facility for the past 44 years. If you do the math, that's basically twothirds of the time the field facility's been there. Uh, I live just a half a mile away from the facility. my family's 50 acre farm and my family has deep roots in the community owning an additional 70 acres uh farm nearby. I'm a fourth generation Washington County native. I take pride in knowing that my family represents the fifth and the sixth generations here. Berry Ridge Road, which runs directly across from the facility, carries my family name, a testament to the long-standing connection to this area. Throughout my career at the Jonesboro facility, I have had the opportunity to build a robust management background that has established my perspective on leadership and operations. Leading diverse teams, overseeing key projects at the facility, I have learned firsthand the importance of strategic planning, proactive decision making, and maintaining a strong commitment to the safety and excellence. This management experience has only deepened my dedication to BWXT's mission, but also reinforced my belief in fostering a collaborative work environment that benefits both our employees and our local community. As I stand before you tonight, I want to highlight not only the history of the Jonesboro facility, but also also my personal commitment to this community. Since its establishment in 1969 as Tennessee Nuclear Specialties, the Jonesboro facility has played a vital role in national defense while improving the lives of those in our neighborhood throughout the evolution of the Aerojet to AirJet Rockadine to L3 Harris and now BWXT. The facility and the people who

work there have con who have consistently embraced a dedication to the quality, safety, and responsible stewardship of our environment. Over the years, I've witnessed firsthand of the facility's commitment to being a good neighbor. We have built strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community initiatives, focusing on job creation and workforce development. The Jonesboro facility has provided a stable, highquality jobs for countless residents, including many of my friends and neighbors. It's always been about It's always been about more than just employment. It's about building the future where our families can thrive. I'm also proud to be in many ways BWXT gives back to our community. Our employees regularly volunteer their time, resources to support local charities, schools, and events. Whether it's sponsoring youth sports teams or participating in community cleanup efforts, the spirit of giving back is alive and well at BWXT. Looking ahead at the upcoming high purity depleted uranium project fills me and everyone associated with the facility with excitement. The project is set to create 175 permanent jobs and enhance our commitment to national defense while maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental protection. As a lifelong resident of this area, I assure you that our goal is to expand and strengthen our community. In closing, I want to emphasize what the Jones Vers Your time's expired.

Okay. Thank you for your time.

Yes, sir. I'm Ron Daly, uh 1367 Old State Route 34, Jonesboro, Tennessee, and I am the property owner in Jonesboro for the past 24 years and, uh, president of BWT's Tennessee operations. Um, good evening, commissioners and esteemed members of Washington County community. Uh we appreciate the opportunity to address you tonight and to wrap up um BWC's approach regarding our request for the resoning of 56 acres in Jonesboro. This initiative represents not only a critical expansion of our operations, but also a vital opportunity for our community. It aligns with our shared goals of safety, national security, job creation, and economic growth. First and foremost, safety remains our top priority. It's how we operate and it is the culture of BWXT. This project will adhere to the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance and our facility has demonstrated that robust safety record for the past 55 years. We are committed to further enhancing our practices as we expand our operations. The zoning decision is essential for laying the groundwork for a facility that prioritizes responsible operations while safeguarding our community and doing the best thing that we can for the community with the decisions in front of you tonight. The project directly supports our national security. By producing HPDU, we enhance our capacity to provide essential materials for the nation's defense. This work is critical to ensuring that our military remains well equipped and that our nation's safety is upheld as well. Your decision to reszone this land will play a pivotal role in sustaining this mission. In addition to national security, the

HPDU will foster significant economic growth within Washington County. We will be creating 175 permanent jobs in addition to the construction jobs. These positions will provide stable employment and contribute to the regional economy by supporting local businesses. The increase in industrial activity will not only stimulate investment, it will help the community fortify our economic base. So, as mentioned before by Mayor Greny, by Commissioner Huffine, uh we accepted the challenge to work with the community to answer questions. And I would say first and foremost, we respect appreciate um our position in the community. We are a community member, have been a community member for the past five decades, and we'll continue to respect that relationship, and we'll continue that dialogue as we move forward. There is nothing more important than being a respectful member of the community to us in this situation. So, I appreciate your time. I appreciate your decision, your deliberation, and considering this. Thank you.

Well, I'm Ron Height, 147 Butchertown Road, Fall Branch, Tennessee. I'm a native Warson County, born and raised on a dairy, hay, and tobacco farm on Blackley Creek. Uh, attended Sulfur Springs, graduated there, went through ETSU, received a degree in chemistry and a commission as a second lieutenant, uh, regular army in the US Army Infantry. After 12 years of service in the army, I began my association with depleted uranium. I took over as a commander of a test command in Aberdine proving ground and we began testing this thing called a long rod penetrator manufactured here in Jonesboro, Tennessee. Bottom line, we were taking the Abrams tank from a 105 mm gun system to a 120 and improving the arbor package. that was accomplished and I will tell you that DU penetrator makes that round one of the best in the world and our tank is is considered now probably one of the best around the globe thanks in part to what comes out of this Jonesber facility. Now I apologize to the commissioners coming here this evening I thought I had eight or 10 minutes so I've summarized all this into the time allowed it. Uh so I will go away from the depleting uranium because during my military career as a colonel a onear a twoar and a three star I had interactions with all the activities related to the freedom uh depleted uranium. I commanded many post one at a time sometimes and then all once I had command of all the test uh commands across the United States several post and in Alaska. So that's my experience with a depleted uranium uh penetrator.

Now my concern tonight is I understand all the concerns but put but of the people that you're right. My concern tonight is the industrial uh base. Our adversaries respect strength. Freedom is not st free. And what they respect is strength. And one of the strengths of our country is having a strong industrial base. This facility in Jonesboro is part of that. And with this new product they're doing, uh our strategic stockpile is behind in maintenance and upgrading. That's public knowledge. With this material, it's going to come in to help us accelerate that program and make this country uh much more safer from a nuclear attack. Uh believe me, folks, the threat is there. I I helped put in a missile field in Alaska to combat this threat, and we're now putting a golden dome in Quebeet. But that will not stop everything. We need this deterrent. Strength is deterrent. And so I recommend that this continue.

Thank you. Remember, let's try to remember courtesy. I know several of you all needed an extra few minutes to wrap up what you were saying. I get it. Sorry. Hang on just a minute, Bob. I get it. Let finn I I'll cut people off when when their when their thought is over just for a minute. So I appreciate you all sticking with me. I'm sticking with you. Let's just try to work through this fairly and uh we apprec I appreciate all all your effort in doing that. Bob, if you would go ahead. We we appreciate you being here.

Good evening. My name is Bob Canler. I'm with the Chamber of Commerce serving Jonesboro, Johnson City, Washington County. Um I reside in Johnson City. My office is 6022 Severe Street in Johnson City. And I'm here to support um uh the expansion of BWXT to for the high quality of careers and and to strengthen our advanced manufacturing sectors um here in the region. Both nuclear fuels and Aererojet have been here for a long time over many decades and have been great partners for the chamber and the business community over these years. My comments are based on my experience uh with BWXT and that this organization has professionally managed and have operated in in an appropriate and safe manner with all their operations in Unicoy and with the team here in Aerogad. I have a direct line with Mr. Barry. I have a direct line with Mr. Dailyaly whenever we have a concern when the flood happened in Helen. U Mr. Daly and I spoke that Saturday morning. So, uh they have a a a a real reference to make sure that the community is aware of what's going on. Um furthermore, I've experienced how this organization has partnered with the local high schools in Uncoy County. They do a a supplemental program for the science programs for all the students that are going to be future employees there that have the appropriate science needs that they have to work in their facilities. They partner with Northeast State, with the chamber, uh with TCAT. Uh they've also been an exceptional partner in training our regional law enforcement to include Tennessee Highway Patrol. Uh the team members also serve in our community and several team members as I said volunteered to get the people off the roof of uh the Uniccoy County Hospital. Their security team volunteered with the EMS and with the police department in Uncoy County. They are part of our community. uh they've supported the nicewer children's hospital and they've

worked very closely with the chamber on our efforts to recruit veterans to this community uh with the workforce reductions right now with J-Tech, Nakatetsu, US Indonautics and AT&T, our community has taken a hit in employment and need to need the careers to ex um from this expansion. Our region would benefit from having more advanced manufacturing and engineering careers to retain our local talent and attract skilled workers, especially from the veteran population. Uh this location would inject millions of dollars into our economy uh through contracts, local suppliers, con construction firms, manufacturing projects, and these projects tend to provide two um indirect jobs for every direct job that they have. Uh we acknowledge the community's concern for this project, but fill with the the continued oversight to include environmental transparency, regulatory compliance, and community engagement uh and infrastructure planning that we feel BWXT will continue to be a positive business leader, catalyst, and employee in our region. For these regions, the chamber encourages thoughtful consideration for this expansion and its potential benefits for the long-term prosperity for our community. Thank you. Thank you.

You did okay. Hi. Uh Dave Adams, three Coventry Court, Johnson City, Tennessee. Good evening, Commission. For far too long, we've limited ourselves to small ordinary concerns like property values, stable jobs, and a functioning environment. Why settle for being a safe, livable community we when we could be something more? First, let's talk economic development. Think of the high-paying jobs this brings. Careers and radiation cleanup monitoring, legal services, long-term health studies, and if we play our cards right, I think you're out. I think you're out of order. This is four.

Yes, sir. These these are amazing benefits, sir. May I please have my time? You you can as long as you are for the resoning. Oh yes. Yes, sir. That's what you're speaking for. Yes. In favor of Okay.

Yes. That's that's not just growth. That is a diversified economy. Some people worry about exposure, especially for their kids, but I say it's an opportunity. You're giving them real world exposure to advanced materials. You're giving them hands-on experience with containment protocols. And perhaps we will be giving them access to a class action lawsuit that pays for college. That is workforce development. And people bring up radiation like it's a downside, but let's be fair. If you end up with three arms, that is a 50% increase in productivity. People do have concerns about property values. But do we not pay more for uranium glass and vintage radioactive dinner wear? Who's to say a uranium adjacent home won't be retrochic in 50 years? I think we're thinking too short term. We oft have to consider identity. Uh Paris has art, Nashville has music, and maybe, just maybe, Washington County could be known for depleted uranium processing. We could be the people who are quite literally built different. So, I urge you, let's not be held back by caution, by precedent, by environmental track records, or by basic human instinct for self-preservation. Let's embrace this opportunity to redefine what risk management looks like. Thank you.

All right. Is there anyone um left to speak in favor of. Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing and we'll go back into regular session. Okay.

This time I'll call Angie Charles for Angie. We do have some um in some other to join her this evening from the department of uh environmental conservation here in Tennessee TD and our we also had a request to hear from the u um economic development arm of the county. So uh all these people are here to answer your questions tonight, but Angie, we're going to start with you. So, and if you'll lead us off.

Thank you. This property is located along State Route 34, which is designated as an arterial street in the county's transportation plan. The request is to reszone approximately 56 acres of the property and that would be expanding the existing M2 district on the property to accommodate the expansion of the business. A new building is proposed and it would be located on the southerntherly side of the flood plane outside of the flood zone um near the property near the adjoining property that contains a solar farm. Staff presented this request to the planning commission at their January meeting with a recommendation of approval as reasonably expanding the existing zoning district on the property and the existing industrial use of the property and aligning with development goals in the county's long range plan. A public hearing was held at the planning commission meeting where I believe 33 people spoke. The majority were in opposition to the request and after deliberation the planning commission voted to recommend denial of the resoning and the applicant was asked to provide additional information to the community to answer or to address unanswered questions.

Thank you. All right. Any questions for Miss Charles? Commissioner Wheeler. Actually, Mr. Chairman, this is really not for Miss Charles, but I think it is pertinent that we ask these questions at the beginning of our our discussion. Absolutely.

So, I've got four questions for the county attorney that I'd like to ask. Um, first question, I know that both sides have said things or taken action throughout this process that suggests that this decision might not be over with with our vote tonight, which indicates that there there'd be an action filed to effectively challenge or appeal our decision. Uh given that I think it's important that the commissioners know who they are talking to when they're asked about this decision even after tonight and I'm aware that contacts with commissioners have been made by attorneys in the community. It's my understanding that u uh our county attorney has been approached communications from attorneys uh either representing parties on both sides or making inquiries about their respective interest. Uh madam county attorney is that correct? That is correct.

And if you would, I'd like you to identify those attorneys and which party so that we know why are we being asked questions and and and we can realize that that the answers could be involved in in the actions going forward

on behalf of I think um identified as neighbors of uh BWXT. There is a lawyer in Greenville whose name is Mr. Nunny. I don't recall his first name and he sent written correspondence to all commissioners and very kindly copied me on it. I've had no direct communications with him. Um and I responded to that thanking him that uh he had shared the correspondence with me and advised that communication from council should be to me. um council for BWXT uh is uh Steve Darden as an existing client is what my understanding is who approached me at a public event to ask about process of zoning generally

and I believe I'd also advised you that I'd been approached by attorney Matt Gman from Knoxville uh primarily to discuss scheduling about the how the the public comment would work tonight. Is that correct? Yes, you did share that with me and he has not contacted me directly.

Okay. Then I'll combine questions three and four. Uh to help us in the public, can you please tell us what decision specifically we're being asked to make tonight? Not generally, but specifically so we can understand what we're being asked to decide and what we're not being asked to decide. And secondly, in doing that, can you tell us what we're allowed to consider and what we're not allowed to consider in making that decision? And I realize that question may be addressed to both you and Miss Charles together, I suppose.

Thank you. And I'll draw your attention, if I may, to the zoning resolution itself, which is a request to reszone a portion of a particular tax map, which is 075, parcel 014 in the fifth civil district. It is presently owned by uh BWXT. So, you have a reasonzoning in front of you, and if you'll just give me a moment, I will put in front of myself uh what Tennessee law describes as the appropriate considerations uh for decision makers. Let me just I would prefer not to paraphrase it. Under Tennessee law, the regulations are to be and enacted for the purpose of promoting health, safety, moral convenience, order, prosperity, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants. It does go on, decision makers can look at, among other things, and they are always on a case-bycase basis as you exercise your due diligence. road infrastructure, waste, excessive amounts on roads, uh safety from fire, promoting adequate light and air, including protecting and encouraging access to sunlight, solar energy systems. Um and then it goes on uh adequate provisions for transportation, water flowage, water supply, drainage, sanitation, educational opportunity, recreation, soil fertility, food supply, and protection of both urban and non-urban development. And it does also include under the research that you would look at for the health, safety, morals, convenience, and order. There is a place for economic development. According to some commentators,

thank you, Mr. Chairman. I may have other questions later, but I'll wait till everybody else is

All right. Thank you, Mr. Wheeler. Like I said that uh uh our Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Tekk is here this evening. Um I know that they wanted to make a few comments. So sir, if you'll come forward as well uh and if there is any questions from the commission and just introduce you and your staff and who is who is here to ask any questions. Yeah. Um, thank you. Um, thank you. We appreciate you're giving Tekk time to uh speak with the commission this evening. My name is Patrick Flood and I serve as a senior advisor in Tex's commissioner's office. Uh, Commissioner Sers and Deputy Commissioner Atkins were unable to attend tonight and they asked me to speak to the commission on their behalf. So, I'm really here to discuss the questions. I think we know what I'm here to discuss. There's been a lot of questions and concerns related to uh proposed activities at the BWXT facility right here in Jonesboro. Tekk itself has received a significant number of inquiries regarding both the current activities at the facility and possible future activities at the adjacent property. Um, some of these inquiries reflect profound misunderstandings about the site and about Tedex's role. So, joining me this evening, uh, our representative from Tedex, divisions of, uh, radiological health, water resources, and air pollution control. They're here to answer any detailed questions that the commissioners may have. And so, before starting, I'd like to very quickly introduce them. First, uh, Ryan Critfield, who is the, uh, deputy director with the division of

radiological health. Got, uh, Franklin Collier. He is with the division of water resources. Uh, Katherine Stevens is with the division of air pollution control. Katherine, if you can, thank you. and and of course I think most of you uh probably know Jan Compton who's the director of our external affairs for the Johnson City field office. Um so I want to note and really this is kind of core to my discussion tonight. I want to note that the primary issue before uh the commissioner uh tonight is zoning and zoning decisions are made locally. you all make the decisions on zoning and TK does not want to intrude itself into local matters. We're a state agency. These these issues are best handled at the local level. Um however, because we have received a number of questions about the site, uh we we feel that it was important for us to be here so that we could ensure that the commissioners have accurate information with which to uh make decisions. Um, one of the other things we did, and you may have these in front of you, uh, so to help address the questions that were received, Tekk prepared a set of frequently asked questions. So these FAQs include answers to all the questions that were submitted to Tekk and there was quite a number. We consolidated some of them. Uh but it it uh includes answers to all the questions that were submitted as well as additional information. It as well as additional information that we thought would be beneficial to the commissioners and the public. So we have cards with us tonight that have QR codes. Uh Jan, I think you have those

with you. Uh the the QR codes will link you to those uh FAQs. I encourage everybody to review the FAQs. They have a lot of very important information and I think that they will address most if not all the concerns that we've received and that we've heard tonight. So to those that are not aware, I I'd like to briefly explain what Tekk's role is at the site. TKC is responsible for ensuring environmental protectiveness. It's just that simple. The requirements to achieve environmental protectiveness are laid out in state law as well as our rules and regulations. So to ensure environmental protection, Tekk regulates waist streams at the site. Note that we don't generally regulate products uh although the division of radiological health not only regulates waist streams but they also regulate processes. Um so we write licenses and permits that govern those uh product uh those waist streams and those um processes. So we perform inspections to ensure that the site complies with the licenses and the permits that they've been uh issued. And then we perform enforcement should the sites be found not to be in compliance with their licenses and permits. So TAC has found that the site that we're discussing tonight has a very good record of environmental compliance and there is no need for compliance action. Um so that's in short in very short a summary of uh where TK uh the information TK has. But if the commissioners would like, we'd be happy

to provide more detail uh regarding site inspection records, compliance history, or really any other questions that the commissioners uh might might have. And so with that, I' I'd like to turn it over to y'all to see what questions you may have. There any questions for Mr. Flood? Commissioner Tucker, we've heard several people talking about the flood plane and how high the water got in Hurricane. What's the elevation of the new site compared to the site they've got now? Does do you know what the elevation is? Is there any difference to higher lower?

Um I do not. Um I will defer that to uh division of water resources. Uh I do know that they have uh we've done a walk down of the uh site that's up for resoning along with the core of engineers and they've delineated the uh the flood areas and the wetlands and things like that. But I do not know off the top of my head what the elevation difference is. I could I could chase that down easily enough. Um Franklin, you don't know that off the top of your head, do you? T is not considered. So you're going to have to come to the microphone. I don't think anybody's going to hear. Thank you.

Just keep punching buttons till the thing turns red. may not. There it is. I will say that during our permitting review process, TD deck does not include flood plane issues as far as FEMA flood flood plane goes, elevations. So, I would have to recommend that to

So, that's a tea issue then, right? Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, they have authority over flood planes issues. Um, but I'm confident they won't let us build in the flood plane. I know they won't let us build on wetlands. uh but what the actual elevation difference is without looking at maps. We'd probably need to see some uh proposed designs to know where building elevations are to even properly assess that. Thank you. Any other questions for Mr. Flint? Thank you very much, sir. We appreciate you being here this evening. Thank you for all the information that you provided for us.

Thank you. We also have Alicia Summers here this evening. Uh then I know there were some environmental uh not environmental but uh economic development questions. Mr. Commissioner Malone,

I think it's it's somewhat related to environment. So I'm I guess it fits here, but and it's really more of a a question for our county attorney, but I am thankful thank you for being here to have environmental experts here. But to our county attorney, one of the emails I received in opposition of the resoning just recently specifically asked me and I think maybe asked other commissioners if you received the email, but they basically asked what expert experience and knowledge did I have when it come to environmental issues and specifically radiology and toxicology and lots of otheries. Um, but to our county attorney, are are we as commissioners, citizen, legislators, are we when it comes to zoning matters, are we expected to be experts on on these matters?

Tennessee law would not require each of you to be experts. I think that a review of what a commissioner has the duty to do is to exercise due diligence. you are entitled as the governing body and as the legislators uh on behalf of Washington County to review materials, to seek out information um and to make your findings by consultation with experts if needed, but to review the facts that are in front of you. So that was maybe a long way of saying no, you are not each required. The the uh requirements of serving as a county commissioner are defined by statute and they do not include that level of um expertise. Your duties are wide and broad.

Thank you. All right, Alicia.

Thank you. Good evening, commissioners. Thank you for allowing me to comment on this matter tonight. I'm Alicia Summers, executive director of the Washington County Economic Development Council. I've practiced economic development in Northeast Tennessee, including Washington County for more than 20 years. During that time, I have had I've made numerous visits to BWXT, formerly Aerogjet, meeting with their leadership team, and touring their production facilities. The company's proposed expansion, as reported, includes the creation of 181 new jobs with an average wage of $55 an hour, along with a projected capital investment of more than $714 million over a 5-year period. We evalued we evaluated the potential impact of this expansion using IMPLAN an industry standard economic impact modeling software commonly used by economic development professionals. Implan measures the broader economic effects of a project recognizing that the impact extends beyond direct job creation and capital investment. The analysis uses known variables such as projected jobs, average wages, and capital investment and applies economic multipliers to estimate the broader effects on the regional economy. At face value, the 181 new jobs once fully staffed would generate approximately 21 million in annual labor income. Those wages are then spent within the local economy on housing, groceries, restaurants, retail, health care, and other services. This household spending supports additional employment resulting in an additional 127 jobs with approximately

$7 million in annual labor income. This is referred to as the induced impact. Additionally, the company's operations would require goods and services from other businesses generating further job creation through business-to- business transactions. This is referred to as the in indirect impact. Altogether, BWXT's proposed expansion could support as many as 615 total new jobs generating approximately 51 million in annual labor income. The company also anticipates investing 714 million in capital assets, including both real property and personal property such as advanced machinery and equipment. At full BU buildout and operation, this investment could increase real property tax revenue by nearly $700,000 annually and personal property tax revenues by approximately 2 million annually. Recognizing that personal property values typically depreciate over an 11-year schedule. In addition, increased economic activity associated with the project is estimated to generate approximately 586,000 in local sales tax revenue. Overall, this project is projected to contribute $106 million annually to Washington County's GDP, meaning that once fully operational, this expansion alone could represent approximately 2% of the county's total GDP. The Washington County Economic Development Council supports this agenda item. We believe it's important that the potential economic impact of industrial projects be considered when making decisions that could influence future expansion opportunities. As the county's recognized economic

development organization, we have a responsibility to ensure elected officials are informed about the potential economic implications associated with projects of this scale. Thank you for your time. Is there any questions for Alicia? Uh, Commissioner Hine. Alicia, I don't want to put you on the spot here, but to the best of your knowledge and recollection, when is the last time that we've had an opportunity of this scale come to us in Washington County? I don't know of a single project.

Okay. So now if you'll look into that magic globe of the future, what do we have coming down the road again that would compare to this? I I think that's an unknown. Um I can tell you that I've not worked um so you know how our process works. We get we get leads in. We submit to RFIs and and try to recruit new industries. Um I can't think of a project uh that we met the eligibility criteria for that was of this magnitude.

Last question. We we hear the term generational events impact. Would would you consider this from an economic development a generational opportunity? I would. Thank you, Commissioner Johnson. If the economic increases you just spoke of, are those the same if it's not reszoned and they they work where they are now or are those increases just if the property is reszoned and they build?

They are the same commissioner whether they reszone the property or do the expansion on the existing M2 parcel. Commissioner Wheeler, did we were given a one pager um on this? I think did you produce that? Yes, we did.

Um I think we we've had some good statements that have been put into the record and I think we probably ought to continue to do that. So, I'd ask that uh your one pager be made part of the record and the uh question and answer uh document provided by TAC also be made part of our minutes. And I do not have the one pager with me, but we do have one here. But Mr. Chairman, I'd ask that those be made part of our minutes. Okay, Madame Clerk, if you'll make those two items part of our minutes. Thank you. Any further questions for Alicia? Alicia, thank you for being here this evening. We appreciate you so much. Uh, Miss Charles, uh, thank you for your patience with us this evening and, uh, we'll ask you to come back to the podium to answer any questions the commission may have about about the proposal. Commissioner Malone,

Miss Charles, I I think I may have asked you this question during the regional planning commission meeting, but I'll I'll do so now for um audience, but almost exclusively tonight, what what has been discussed has been the use of this plot property, the planned use. And of course even in the in the discussed used it's it's a a wide variety of things. But when we are asked to reszone a piece of property, how does the proposed use come into play if at all?

Thank you. Um yes, we do discuss it if the applicant discloses us discloses that information to us. Um, when considering a reszoning, if the property is reszoned, any permitted use in that zoning district would then be permissible on the property. It would not be restricted solely to the use that would be before you for consideration at that moment. Thank you. Kim, could we deny a reasonzoning request solely because of the use?

If you denied a resoning request, it would be um because that use was not appropriate. the uses in that district would not be appropriate on the property. So you would not look at reszoning it and just saying only half of the permitted uses in the district would be allowed on this but the other half not. If it's a permitted use it would be allowed if you reszoned. and the you know again lots of discussion about it tonight but the proposed use does does it fall within the allowed proposed reasonzoning?

Yes sir. Sir Commissioner Tucker's flood plan question. Um we do um administer flood plane regulations from our office. So, I can tell you while I can't answer your elevation question, I can tell you that where they're looking to place the con the project, the the new structure is outside of the flood zone, outside of the flood zone. A um the elevation is higher than that designated flood zone. Can't tell you what. I don't know the exact elevation, but I can confirm it's higher. Thank you. You're welcome,

Commissioner Wheeler. Uh, M. Charles, the earlier tonight we heard of that at some point in the past the commission removed the requirement for a site plan in a zoning change. Is that do you have recollection of that? And if so, do you recall why that was done? Was that to be in compliance with with the law or what was the reason for that?

The regulation required a concept plan with resonings. um we removed that requirement because if you reszone to a district, any use would be allowed. Um not just whatever was in front of you at the moment. And so the thought was um that requirement was really an unnecessary step, an unnecessary ask and expense of an applicant when um you're looking to reszone. It could be for any number of things, not just what was in front of the commission at that moment. And they were not tied to they were not you could not require them to build what was on the concept plan necessarily. That that is correct. It was not binding. So we would not want to approach contract zoning.

Thank you. Welcome. Any further questions for Miss Charles? Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me, Commissioner Jones.

Sorry. Uh, Miss Charles, you said uh you reminded us in your summary that this was in line with the long range plan. Can you remind us why? Of course, there are um there are several development goals in the comprehensive plan and the county's comprehensive plan is a guiding document. It's not like the zoning resolution which is regulatory. So, it is a guiding document. So, then there are several different different things in there. Um, one would be you're not introducing a new zoning district. You're expanding a a zoning district. You are um accommodating and or attempting to support an existing industrial business which for economic development purposes and for um business purposes is in line with that plan as well. It's also on an arterial road as designated in the county's transportation plan. I remembered the part about um our long range plan focusing on the importance of economic development, but I think it's also fair to say that our long range plan talks a lot about land use supporting the health and well-being of people and sort of thinking about how neighborhoods and rural areas might stay that way as well. It's it's a mixture of things in that document. Is that fair?

That is fair. Yes. And in this instance, you are expanding that existing district. You have several different zoning districts present in this immediate area. Um, you do have the A1, the R1, um, you have B3, A3, and R3. So, you have a lot going on in this area. Thank you. You're welcome,

Commissioner. is Miss Charles with the reszoned acreage if it were to pass um in the future for any other building plans that might take place or might come about. What restrictions or if any or oversight would the commission have moving forward? um if it would be reszoned, any new structures, any new construction um would go through the site plan process and that's going to be with the um administrative and planning commission level. So this commission would not have further oversight. Commissioner Malone,

just a a followup to that question, but that's not to suggest there would not be additional oversight. I mean, any building to be constructed would have to have a site plan, a building permit. Is that correct? Yes, that that is correct. That site plan would be submitted administratively and it would be subject to planning commission. Yes. And does Washington County allow businesses or individuals to build in a flood plane in a flood hazard area?

Sure. That's not a a direct yes or no answer. So, but I will say um the county does have flood plane regulations adopted and there are different flood zones um types of floodways in the county. Um this is a zone A on this area. Um so that's an unstudied. So if there were any um let's just say you wanted to put a roadway through the flood zone to access the back of the property, you wouldn't be doing that until you submitted what's called a norise. So what we'd be looking at is that study is that you're not increasing that base flood elevation by more than a foot. And you would also have to get a per an A-RAP permit to be able to cross that waterway. And that would be from the state. That would not be from our office. Mr. Chairman, forgive me. I should have asked this question of Miss Summers when she was at the podium and Miss Charles maybe could answer it or Miss Summers can, but early on a number of the emails I think we received reference that the county should not be offering tax incentives for this business. um to you or to Miss Summers. Is is Washington County, Jonesboro, Johnson City, or any of the county the is the county or any of the ma municipalities offering tax or other incentives for this expansion?

Commissioner, the company has not requested incentives uh from the county and nor have those been offered.

Thank you. Any further questions? All right. Thank you all very much for being here this evening. Our next item is to consider resolution 26 0301 and it's the resolution reszoning the tax map in the fifth civil district presently owned by BWHT. Do I have a motion?

Can I can I just can I say something that'd be acceptable, Mr. Chairman?

Absolutely. And I know we've been here a long time already and we've still got a whole packet to get through. Um, but I generally don't speak up a whole lot unless I have something pertinent to say. Um, there is no decision made here by any of these 15 sitting commissioners that will be 110% popular across the board. But I do want to say something. Regardless of what side of the fence you find yourself on tonight, some of the finest people I know work for this company. I I will say that and and regardless of decision, um I would like to echo what Mr. Wilson said. Uh through this process, I've gotten to know Gabriel Wilson. And if you see me walk through a Walmart or into a restaurant and me and Gabriel have joked about this a little bit in conversation and you see Gabriel walk through a Walmart in a restaurant, you might not think we have a thing in common. That wouldn't be true. Um, I have found him to be a a wonderful individual and a very level-headed man. Uh, very approachable and easy to talk to. And uh, for this time through this process, Gabriel, I'm I'm glad I've gotten to know you. Um, but on fairness on both sides, I I do want to say what Gabriel said about this community and this county working together. No matter what happens here tonight, it's up to our local government to make sure that we are working closely and monitoring responsibly to make sure that everybody's doing their part. But I do want to throw that out there. There there's a gentleman sitting in the front row tonight that I've known my entire life. And the one thing that's gotten to me about this whole thing is and I understand

people are passionate and I've I've done some things when I'm passionate about things on a ball field before in different places, but he is one of countless people that I know that I've known my entire life. and um he's one of the finest men that I know and uh regardless of where you're at on this thing. Working together as a county and caring about each other, there's absolutely nothing that could be more important than that. And that goes for every individual or every family that I know on either side of this. And I would be remiss if I didn't get that off my chest and and and say that from the heart. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Huff,

we have been here a while and uh I will try to be as concise as possible. I I do have a motion, but before I get to that motion, just a few thoughts. I uh I do want to thank everybody here tonight and through this whole process. Uh it's been it's been been long. It's been difficult trying. But I think something of this magnitude requires time, patience, and most importantly, knowledge. I was the person that made the motion to move this forward to the full commission, recommended that it didn't pass. But I was very clear. I didn't think we had enough information to pass this. I challenged the community and BWXT for all of the emails, phone calls, text, letters. Thank you BWXT. Thank you for your extremely high level of professionalism in dealing delivering the message the information that that we were looking for a lot of conversation risk and I think that's one of the big factors we really consider you know there's risk in life I think every time we all get in our automobiles we accept more and more risk every day it comes down to is it what is that risk? What's the risk of doing something? What's the risk of not doing something? We've heard from the company. We've

heard from state level. BWXT has been here for over 50 years.

This facility, it is now called BWXT. I'll restate that to make everyone comfortable with that comment, but they've got a good track record. No major issues. I actually had a good friend that his father and family moved here to start up the company. He spent almost his entire career there. No health issues, but he was the opportunity to raise a family here, and they're all contributing members of our community. for that. I'm thankful. You know, I I heard a comment early on, one of the thing, one of the hearings, a gentleman said that local management determines the safety of an operation. That has resonated with me. I want to bear with me. I want to read something I received from a gentleman, actually a letter today. I can tell you firsthand that BWXT employees are the best trained employees you will find in East Tennessee. Each employee at BWXT that operates in a process area undergo hundreds of hours of training before they ever go on the shop floor. not just to do their job, but how to do their job safely. Employees are told from the first day on the job that if they ever at any point feel their job is questionable or unsafe, they can stop that job and wait until their concerns have been answered. All employees are trained to have a questioning attitude. And the gentleman goes on to say, I

don't know of any other company in our area that gives employees that kind of, and I quote, stop work authority. That's pretty good local management. Economic impact, a generational opportunity for us. a time of a very uncertain economy. That's a factor for us to consider. General Hyatt, I want to call you out, sir. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to personally know him, I encourage you. As he said, he is a native. He has served our country and he still continues to serve our community. I have the highest level of respect for this individual. He mentioned national defense. That's a component of this. At least to me, we are known as the volunteer state. Whether it was Over the Mountain, David Crockett going to Texas, or the countless people that have served in our military and made ultimate sacrifices. I appreciate the freedom we have and I hope that everyone that has sent those letters, those texts, those emails, those phone calls and spoke here and at other opportunities realize it's the freedom we have in this country that allowed you to do that. That comes with risk. You could be in Iran right now where the internet's cut off. You have absolutely.

All right. Now, just make let's quiet let's quieten down. Well, I'll just say think about that.

And I will say this one last thing. You know, we were all very considerate and listen to each and every one of you. We would appreciate the same courtesy. Mr. Chairman, I think it is in the best interest of Washington County, all of our residents. While I appreciate the 10,609 that signed the petition, there's still about another 125,000 residents out there that were responsible for. I would move that we authorize the reszoning of this property.

Do we have a motion? Do we have a second? Second by Commissioner Johnson. Question or discussion? Commissioner Jones,

I do want to explain my vote and I want to start by just saying that this whole process and uh engaged a lot of uh great opportunities to meet people in this county, people at BWXT and uh neighbors uh far and wide. And that's one of my favorite parts about being a county commissioner. I came to this role because of a zoning issue near my neighborhood and I very much appreciate how that can bring people together and um refine and define and evolve how a community is together. We created zoning codes in 1984 specifically to pro protect our citizens health and well-being. And we gave that task to this governing body because we are local elected officials who have connections and relationships with people in this community. We don't go to Nashville. We're not out of town. We're here. We're talking to people. We're the most connected to public input. Public input is a huge part of zoning matters because public input is supposed to be critical to the decision. We're here to make a decision about M2 use which is defined as something that causes a detrimental effect can be injurious to surrounding areas and was created to allow for heavy type industries and uses noise odor dust and other objectionable conditions. just reading from the code and it doesn't really matter to me what that M2 use is. Um I had the chance to uh look at the land around it and on it. I took my uh uh responsibility around this land use decision um to the to the streets. Um, and just

notice that we're being asked to triple the size of an M2 use in an area that's decidedly rural and agricultural in its surrounds. I happen to be partnered with someone who's an aerial image analysis expert and was able to produce a study showing a 35% population growth, at least in terms of 150 more homes within a mile radius of the project since the 1990s. I think it's safe to say the area has changed in character substantially from the time that the M2 use that's there now was first established. The impact of tripling any industrial use on this property will be significant. Fundamentally restructuring the land and the things that surround that land for generations. Creating a larger industrial complex on this site, as you know, will require road expansion, sewer, gas, and significant modifications to the land itself. I stood on the land where the purpose-built building is planned. It's hilly. It's not the kind of land you build this huge thing on. Look at our industrial um development land. It's flat, right? expanding on this land inherently impacts and affects Little Limestone Creek. You have to build a road across that creek to expand this land uh to expand any project of any kind of industrial use here. And that means navigating the flood zone. To me, without even taking into account the potential hazards for the specific use proposed by BWXD, the expansion is a poor fit for the land and the character of the community that has grown up around it. It is disruptive infrastructure in a quiet rural neighborhood.

I'll just finish by saying I'm I'm honored to have the responsibility and privilege of making this decision. Um, and I think I've made my position clear. I'll vote against the resoning. We'll pause just a moment while we uh

technical diff have an IT technical technical issue batteries. That's That's operator. It is. It is. Plug it in. Plug your laptop in. How many times a day I got to say it? Seventh graders. Plug your laptop in. We're doing stuff. Are we ready, Matthew? Probably another two or three minutes. Okay.

After all, I guess you would have said yes to him and he conversations. Commissioner Wexler, we'll recognize you. Um, yes. I just wanted to um ask if you could uh restate I guess restate the question of exactly what we're voting on and what the um is this a simple majority or does it is it twothirds majority to to pass? I think that needs to be highlighted.

I'll call on our attorney to answer that for us. I'm happy to uh when this was at the planning commission level, it was not approved. Um and therefore, in order to pass, the county requires the favorable vote of not less than twothirds of the entire membership of the county legislative body, which is 10 votes.

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, if we're not up, can we just call the role? Yes, that's the commission's uh will. We can call the role. Call the question. Call the question. Madame clerk, call the role, please. Tucker, yes. Johnson, yes. No. No. People Davenport, yes. Mley, no. England, yes. Yes. Yes. Tama, yes. Joe's, no. Wexler, yes. Buffon, yes. Wheeler, yes. Carter, no.

10, yes. Five, no, and the resolution passes. All right, let's go ahead and take about a 15minute recess. We'll be back in about 15.

We got a long way to go still. Gave me that. Who did back there? Gave me that. Give one to you. Email that to you. Anybody who speaks is going to get punched in the mouth. No speaking. Take our honor only. That's right. We're all together here. We've been There's the mayor. All right. We're going to go ahead and get started back here with uh with our special recognition. We'll I'll call us back into session and the proclamations. That was great. Thank you, Mayor.

All right. Good deal. Hey, we'll be we'll try to cut these. Katie has given me the permission to paraphrase some of this, but anyway. All right. For our first proclamation, this is recognizing uh Tennessee Day of Hope in Washington County. And so whereas hope is a powerful force for sustaining life, motivating action, and one of the building blocks of positive change, and whereas hope is a central concept in East Tennessee's belief system with over 500 faith-based communities in Washington County, actively serving as a first line of support for those reaching out for help. Whereas the individuals in East Tennessee most in need of hope are those living with substance use disorders in a region that has historically face the state's highest opioid consumption rates, including the 65 neighbors lost to overdose in Washington County in 2024, reminding us that stigma must be replaced by support. And whereas the power of hope for a better tomorrow is changing lives across Johnson City. From the halls of East Tennessee State University's Addiction Science Center to local recovery meetings, renewing our community one person at a time. Now therefore be proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Washington County, Tennessee, we do hereby recognize March 10th, 2026 as Tennessee's day of hope in Washington County to encourage all citizens to join in this worthy observance by spreading a message of recovery, resilience, and life. Would you step forward and and uh get ready to receive this proclamation? I present this to the commission for their approval.

Thank you, mayor. Do we have a motion to approve the proclamation? Motion by Commissioner Huffine, second by Commissioner Fitzgerald to approve the proclamation. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I. All opposed. Congratulations, mayor. The proclamation's approved. Congratulations, sir. Would you like to say anything? Uh, absolutely. All right. Good choice.

My name is Jeremiah Love Lady. Um, first and foremost, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for recognizing the day of hope. Um, thank the commission for supporting Day of Hope. Um, when I think of hope, one of the most hopeful things that right here in your own town of Jonesboro that we do, we have a mental health and substance use task force right here behind you all in the in the justice center. And uh, I pick up about three or four guys a week that go to safe places to live. Um, their medications, they have their appointments made. um they're reconnected to support systems so they go out and they have a chance at this thing. Um so thank you on behalf of Inside Alliance. Thank you on ha behalf of Tennessee Lifeline Peer Recovery Program which I'm a part of. And most of all um Sheriff Ston, uh Matherly, they've got to watch me waddle around over there in that detention center in my orange jumpsuit. um because of programs like this. I'm here to accept this and I thank you all.

Absolutely. Thank you. Congratulations.

All right, we'll bring up our Excuse me. Wow. Mayor, that Wow, that that one Wow, that one got me. Jeremiah, it's good to see you, buddy. Yeah, sorry. I I just that one that one wowed me. All right,

good deal. So, uh, for this one, we're recognizing our very own Katie Mlen of the Health Department, recognizing National Public Health Week. And so, whereas the week of April 6, 2026 is National Public Health Week, the theme is ready, set action, highlighting that public health actions occur in scientific discoveries, legislation, and community initiatives that have significantly improved the health of all Americans. And whereas significant strides have been made in public health since the inception of National Public Health Week in 1994, including the following public health successes. Childhood mortality rates are now have now fallen. Smoking rates have fallen. Deaths due to HIV and AIDS have dropped significantly. Mental health awareness and treatment has progressed with increased awareness, parity laws, and integration into primary care, which have expanded access to mental health services and reduce treatment gaps. Lead poisoning is now fallen. And whereas public health organizations use National Public Health Week to educate public policy makers, public health professionals, and the public on issues that are important to improving the health of the people of the United States. And whereas public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, ranging from infectious disease outbreaks to national disaster preparedness. And whereas efforts to adequately support public health and the prevention of disease and injury can can continue to transform the health system focused on treating illnesses and into a health system focused on preventing disease and injury by promoting wellness. Now therefore be proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Washington County, Tennessee, that we do hereby

proclaim the week of April 6 through the 12th, 2026 is National Public Health Week in Washington County. Congratulations. All right. And I present this motion to approve by Commissioner Tamita, second by Commissioner Jones. Question or discussion? They want us to go. Seeing none. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I. All opposed. Congratulations, director. Congratulations.

Thank you. And thank you guys always for your continued support for the health department. Without the commission and our mayor, we wouldn't be be able to do all the great things that we do. Um, we're looking forward to public health week. We're doing some community outreach events. We're also partnering with Robinson's Animal Hospital and doing rabies vaccines, the evening event and a weekend event. Not many people think that's public health related, but that is something that we're doing. And we're also taking some time to show our employees some love that week as well with all the hard work that they do for us. So, thank you guys. Industry great.

Thank you. Thank you, mayor. That'll conclude our uh special recognition and proclamations. We'll move right on into the consider the minutes of from the 25th February 25th meeting of the special call meeting of the board of county commissioners as well as other another meeting the 25th meeting of the board of commissioners. Move to approve all three sets of minutes.

Thank you, Commissioner. Motion made by Commissioner Wheeler to approve, seconded by Commissioner Wexler. Call for the question. Question. Questions been called. All in favor of All in favor of approving that motion signify by saying I. I. All opposed. All right. The motion passes and the minutes are accepted. Move right on to the county mayor's report. Mayor Granny, that's great. Thank you. All right.

County attorney report. I don't have a report for you, but I'd like to direct your attention to three resolutions 2603 045 06 and 07. I sent you a memo. The two out of HW were to reconcile the uh information that was in the minutes from the HU committee and to make clear that the ARC grant project and the CDBG grant project have no match despite the wording in the resolution that uh sets out the county's responsibility. It would be handled in anou in the future. And then I also sent you the red line for resolution number seven so that you didn't have to read all two or three pages of it. Thank you.

Thank you. Any questions for Miss Wilkinson? All right, seeing none, we'll move on to the director of the health department. Anything else, Miss Mlen? Thank you. The director of schools report, Director Boyd, hope to see all of you on that be at 5:30. I know we're all looking forward to that and and uh discussing the school budget. All right, our administrative election is here. Uh Chuck Vest, are you here?

30 seconds just to invite any candidates we have here for the primary. I know we've got quite a few in this room, but on April 7th, we'll be using early voting and on election day. So, April 7th at our commission office at 9:30. We'll be having our commissioners inspection.

All right. Lots of things happening there at the election commission. Move right on into the CIA committee report. Commissioner Wexler.

Yes, sir. Um, on March the 5th, the CIA uh committee met. On page 33, you'll see our minutes. You have any questions? I'll be glad to answer them. Uh, I bring before you a resolution 26302, a re resolution approving and authorizing a moratorum on data centers in Washington County. It's found on page 44. I bring it before you um with a motion and ask for your approval. We have a motion. Second. Second by Commissioner Jones to approve the resolution. Call the question. Questions. Sorry.

Question's been call Commissioner Jones. Punch me in the mouth. Feel free. Um we're on film. It's fine. We're on camera. Um, I um just want to know I do feel like new folks coming into office into their seats in September and having to come to some terms about land use for data centers by March feels pretty pressured. I don't necessarily know that we need to extend it a year, but what are our options if we get to January and the new commission needs more time. Can we extend it? I don't I wasn't there for this discussion. So maybe something commissioner,

I think we should follow Johnson City's lead. They did a year. They did it a year because you can then justify extending it out. If you don't justify extending out, you risk being found by a judge to be trying to zone it out. The 25-year thing is ridiculous. That that will never fly. Judge would throw that out in a heartbeat. So that that's not well thought out. But even a two-year, I would suggest there's no need for that. and it ought to be a year. Then we can let the um staff come back and tell us if they need more time or tell whoever our takes our place. If they need more time, they can do that. But that's what Johnson City's doing. I think it's a wise move and I would recommend we follow suit. Okay, Commissioner Low.

Well, just a point of clarification, I guess it's actually a little more than a year. I think Commissioner Jones referenced March, but the the moratorium is through June 30, 2027. Expressly states that it's through June 30th, 2027, and it allows for reconsideration for an extension thereafter. Thank you. All questions, Commissioner Wexler. I I was just going to say the same thing and we we looked at different timetables and we um talked about the different possibilities and with u our with Angie's um input we thought that a year would be appropriate. Great. Thank you for clarifying that. Call the question.

Question's been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock in. Oh no, he's had coffee now. Madame clerk, if you will announce the vote. Is the second 13? Yes. Two no. The resolution passes. Anything else? Commissioner Wexler. No, sir. No, sir. All right. We'll move right on to the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee. Uh, Commissioner Carter.

Thanks, Mr. Chairman. You can see our minutes are on page 47. And I would like to thank Miss Wheeler for carefully reading through the entire packet for her husband and she pointed out however you get it done. Brother,

listen. Listen, there's like I think there's two spots in there. I just had to go back and reread it. And it references that Commissioner Wheeler is in the Hugh committee seconding and a vote and a couple spots. So, I think Miss Clark might got tired and she thought that Mr. Wexler was Mr. Wheeler. So, we'll have to fix that in the minutes, but I corrected something. Just note that, please. I'll I'll probably forget to say something the next meeting. We got four items for tonight. None of them are

count like local money. The first two are the perma the schools and Allison had referenced what was in the resolution. So, so this isn't any local money. The state gave the schools money. It was based on last year's attendance and the schools didn't have that number and or that money until midway through the year. So, they had to make an adjustment. That's why we've got this. So, our first resolution is number 26-03-03. It's a resolution amending fiscal year budget 2025 2026 in reference to Washington County Schools general purpose school fund. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Tucker to approve the resolution. Question or discussion? Questions been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam clerk, if you announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes, Commissioner Carter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our next resolution is numbered 26-03-04. The resolution amending fiscal year budget 2026 on the Washington County Schools nutrition budget one. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Carter to approve. Second by Commissioner Huffine. Question or discussion? Call the question.

Question's been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madame clerk, if you'll announce the vote, 15 yes. And the resolution passes. Commissioner Carter, our next resolutions number 26-03-05. The resolution approving and authorizing the acceptance and execution of the Appalachin Regional Commission RC grant project. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval. Motion to approve by Commissioner Carter, second by Commissioner Tama. Question or discussion.

All questions been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madame Clerk, if you'll announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes. Commissioner Carter. Our last resolution is number 26-03-06. It's a resolution approving and authorizing the submission of an application for fiscal year 2026, the state community development block grant funds CDBG. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval. Motion to approve by Commissioner Carter, second by Commissioner Malone. Question or discussion? Call for the question.

Questions been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch us to voting screen. Go ahead and cast your vote. Lock it in. Madam clerk, if you announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes. Anything else, Commissioner Carter? That's all. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All right. Thank you. Move right on into the public safety committee report. Commissioner readings.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um before we get rolling with these resolutions, uh resolution, uh they're labeled here D is resolution 260310. uh that was the one that was in question or that failed on the hill. What would be the will of the committee on that? Do we want to strike that from our list? I would think I'd say strike it. How do we how do we do that? Well, how do we need to do that? Do we need to make a motion to strike that from the agenda? We've we've already approved the agenda. the agenda. Just vote it down. Just vote it down. Just vote it down. Okay. Very good.

Okay. Disappro vote. Recommend disapproval. Recommend dis. Hey, I can do that. I don't have the answer. I'm going to ask folks that do. So, you could also fail for not having a motion. If you don't want to consider a better way to do it, give them both. That's a bit very good. Exactly.

All right. Then moving on then, we have h first to consider three resolutions um before we get there. That's uh first is resolution number 260307. This is a resolution amending um resolution 25611 um and approving and authorizing the creation of the Washington County Office of Judicial Commissioner and the commitment to provide for and fund such and a judicial commissioner program. This comes to you as a recommendation from the public safety committee and I move for its approval. Motion to approve by Commissioner Edens, second by Commissioner Wheeler. Question or discussion?

Yeah, I know it's late, but I'll make it quick. What are we How much are we going to be funding the program that wasn't supposed to cost us anything more? Yeah, we have one of these every month. Just curious. It actually just changes resolution that no new spending. No, not just a transfer. It actually saves the money that was designated to go to the training so that what they've already done through Judge Mingo's time and efforts would count towards the statutory requirement that they be trained. And so the resolution had to be amended to allow the judicial commissioners to get that training for this initial year from Judge Mingo.

Got it. Commissioner Davenport. Yeah. And I apologize too. even though it's late, but yeah, this is absolutely no money cuz it doesn't say that in a resolution. It doesn't say we're adding any money either. I'm not saying that, but you know, we are certain. Can I see the resolution? They're not adding any money. This is true. So, no one knows why. It's actually just stating that Minga did the training so that he didn't have to. Okay. So, so to have that same amount, you're going to have to add some money next year. That'll be a discussion for budget. Yeah.

And they're not spending money. No. Essentially, money cost 100 bucks a person when they get here. Okay. So, so to have that staff next year and to be staffed just like they will be after this resolution, it will not cost this county any more money next year. Yes. So, have anything to do with this? Okay. So, we're setting up a larger footprint is what it sounds like to me.

Yeah. We're setting up a larger footprint for the rest of this year's no money, but then next year to fund the same footprint, it will cost more. Is that correct?

Okay. Okay. All right. All right. Essentially on this one, when Judge Minga reached out to me about this, um he basically had said that in lie of going somewhere for training and taking a trip for training, they were really getting a number of training hours on the job with what they were doing and was basically just seeking the amendment as permission to use those hours where they were spending time with the judicial commissioners to train them in lie of seeking training elsewhere. Commissioner Wheeler,

I think the budget committee will have to deal with their next year's budget, but uh I think two things. One, I think we need Judge Minga is doing a whole lot of this on uh outside of normal hours and and I think we kind of owe him a debt of gratitude for getting this thing straightened out and and that we're operating strictly by the law now. and two um they um uh they're going to come back I think this year with with some additional requests that are that are not related to this program directly um for some support staff uh which they've operated without that for I don't know how long and they are the only uh general sessions judges in the entire region that do not have a single support staff member for three uh most have at least one support staff per per judge judge. Um, so and we'll talk more about that later, but I think on this, you know, u the training, he's he's doing that training at night. He's doing that training, uh, when he would normally be home with his family. And it is it, you know, it's saving us enough money to get this done this year. And we'll have to see where we go next year. And budget committee needs to to listen and hear what they have to say about it, I think. So I would encourage us to support this and and give him a little little bit of gratitude for for trying to keep it within that budget for this first year. And then we have to see we we don't have to fund it next year. Budget committee can look at that. Motion in a second. Is there any further questions or discussion?

Call for the question. Questions been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch up the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madame Clerk, if you announce the vote 14 yes, one no, and the resolution passes.

Commissioner, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next, we have resolution number 26308. This is a resolution authorizing the disposition of Washington County Sheriff's Office surplus property on govdeealss.com. This comes to you as a recommendation from the public safety committee and I move for its approval. Motion to approve by Commissioner Heen, second by Commissioner Wexler. Question or discussion. Call for the question. Call for the question. Madame clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. 15. Yes, the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next, we have resolution number 26309. This is a resolution amending the fiscal year 26 budget as requested by the sheriff's office for insurance recovery damage sheriff's deputy cruisers. This comes to recommendation from the public safety committee and I move for its approval. Motion by Commissioner Eden, seconded by Commissioner Wexler to approve the resolution. Question or discussion? Commission's been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote. Lock it in.

Madam clerk, if you announce the vote 15 yes, the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next, we have resolution number 260310. This is a resolution of the Washington County, Tennessee Board of County Commissioners in support of Senate Bill 2311 and House Bill 2419 regarding Tennessee's comprehensive growth plan and annexation statutes to address county concerns related to annexation and growth management. This comes to you with no motion. Do we have a motion? See no motion. We'll declare it. Done.

That's all. All right. Anything else, Commissioner Edens? That'll be all, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. All right. Move right on into the uh water task force committee. Is that you, Commissioner Davenport? Yes, it is. All right. Yes. Amen.

Uh you received the minutes. uh of the March 2nd meeting. It is on page 140. We have one resolution coming before you tonight. Uh resolution number 260311. Resolution approving additional project with the Johnson City with the city of Johnson City concerning waterline projects within certain uh areas of the UN incororated areas of Washington County, Tennessee and authorizing a certain capital project fund spending up to $300,000 for fiscal year uh 26.

All right. Motion by Commissioner Davenport to approve the resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Fitzgerald. All for the question. Questions been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madame Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes. The resolution passes. Anything else? Commissioner Davenport? That's it. All right. Move right to the on to the budget committee report by Commissioner Johnson.

Thank you, sir. You can find the minutes of the March 11th meeting on page 143. We have four resolutions for you to consider. The first one is resolution number 260312, resolution amending fiscal year budget 2025 2026 circuit court postage. You can find that on page 151. Motion made by Commissioner Johnson to approve, second by Commissioner Wexler. Question or discussion?

Questions been called. Madame clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. The clerk announced the vote at 15 yes. And the resolution passes. You can find the next resolution on page 153. Resolution number 26-03-13. Resolution amending fiscal year 26 highway department paid up life insurance to qualifying retirees. This comes to you as a recommendation and I move for its approval. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Wexler to approve the resolution. Question or discussion? Call the question.

Question's been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote. Lock it in. Madam clerk, if you'll announce the vote 15, yes, and the resolution passes. Commissioner Johnson. Resolution number 26-03-14. You can find that on page 155. Its resolution approving and authorizing certain capital project fund spending up to $6,000 in FY26 for Jonesboro Library replacement of gutters and HVAC budget. This comes to you in the form of motion. Motion to approve by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Wexler. Question or discussion?

Call the question. Questions been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam clerk, if you'll announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes. Commissioner Johnson. Last resolution for you to consider. You can find on page 157. It's resolution approving and authorizing certain capital project fund spending up to 200 200.

What are we looking at here? 2,18 numbers I call 2,180,000 in FY26 for remaining water project budget as authorized by the water task force and amending FY26 ARPA fund budget to fully budget water project commitments and this comes to you in form of a motion and I'm vote for it approval motion to approve by commissioner Johnson. Second by Commissioner Tucker. Question or discussion? Call for the question.

Question's been called. Madame Clerk, if you'll switch at the voting screen, please go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam clerk, if you'll announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes. Anything else, Commissioner Johnson? No, sir. That'll be all. Thank you. All right. We do have notaries this evening. Resolution 260316 is approving the election of notaries for public or appointment or reappointment for Washington County, Tennessee. Motion to approve by Commissioner Wexler, seconded by Commissioner Tama.

Questions been called. Madame Clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Wait a minute. Madame Clerk, if you'll announce the vote 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Moving right on under new business is resolution 260317. It's a resolution approving and authorizing Washington County to join the state of Tennessee and other local governments as participants in the remnant defendant settlement. And that's related for sake of good order. It's related related. Yes, sir. Oh.

Oh, I thought it was a remnant. It is remnant. It should be related. However,

so that is the RS RDSA settlement and approving the related settlement agreement on page 163. Do we have a motion? Motion by Commissioner Wexler to approve the second. Second by Commissioner Tamita. Question or discussion? All the questions. Question has been called. Madam clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please cast your vote and lock it in. Madame clerk, if you announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes. Remember the cut off date for next uh county commission agenda is April the 9th at noon. Do we have a motion?

So move. Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Tama, second by Commissioner Jones. All in favor of journing signify by saying I. I all oppose or adjourned.