Town Council - Regular Meeting

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Good evening and welcome to our Smyrna Town Council meeting for July. It's hard to believe we're on the second half of the year already. It'll be here Christmas and New Year before we know it. I will call our meeting to order and tonight we have Chaplain Tim York to do our prayer and our pledge tonight is going to be done by Assistant Town Manager Todd Spearman. If you'll all stand with us, please.

Let's pray. Father, we're grateful for this day. Thank you for a wonderful place to live. Thank you for freedom. We thank you for the great celebration we had just a few days ago to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary. Father, we pray that you will bless the council tonight as they meet. Give them wisdom. Father, we pray that you would help us as a community to love you and to love one another. May we serve each other. Bless those who serve this community. Will you give them protection? Will you give them guidance as they go forth? Thank you for this opportunity to be able together and be able to see your hand in all that we do. In your name we pray. Amen.

Tim, thank you for joining us the other night at our Independence Day celebration. We appreciate you being part of it. Okay. Amber, if you will do roll call, please.

Councilman Dempsey. Present. Councilwoman Peebles. Present. Councilman Cole?

Yes, ma'am.

Councilman Short?

Here.

Councilman Sullivan?

Here.

Vice Mayor Adkins?

Here.

Mayor Reed? Here. Moving on to item three, approval or corrections of the minutes. June 9th, 2026 regular meeting, the June 25th, 2026 special called meeting, and the June 25th, 2026 workshop meeting of the town council. Kyle, are these in order?

I've reviewed all three and they all are in order subject to any additions or revisions by the council and mayor.

Okay. Yes.

The, uh,

I'm sorry, Kyle had an accident today that every time I look at him now, I can't keep from laughing. He sent me a picture of his chair totally leaned back, broken in half, where he had fallen out of his chair at his desk that Jeff Peach left him, that I'm pretty sure Jeff Peach might have left a little bit of a tree. So every time I'm looking at Kyle, I'm thinking about him laid back,

I've fallen, and I can't get up. It has a whole new meaning.

Yeah, and his legs were hung. He said under the desk. They were wedged under the desk. So I hope you all have that mental picture now as well. So welcome to the town of Smyrna, Kyle.

Thank you, Jeff.

That's right. Do I have – oh, you said you wanted to say something, Dave. Sorry.

Yes, Mayor. For item 7A2, the applicant has requested that that be removed from the agenda. Okay.

Okay, so 7A2 will be removed from the agenda. We are approving the minutes. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes?

Motion to approve the minutes.

A motion. Do we have a second?

Second.

Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Tonight under presentations we have a really special guest that I am super excited for you all to meet. It is Ryan Lemasters who is the new Chief Executive Officer of TriStar Stonecrest Medical Center here in Smyrna. We have asked him to come talk a little bit about our hospital. And I think that's the way all of us feel about it is that it is our hospital. And plus, I just wanted you all to get a name and a face. Lou did a great job of being out in the community. And I know that Ryan's going to do just as well or better. And so, Ryan, you have the stage.

Awesome, thank you so much, Madam Mayor and respected council members. I just, yeah, I came here tonight to introduce myself to all of you so that you had a face with the name and as well as the wonderful people of Smyrna that you all know that you have an advocate in me and in your hospital. I was commenting on the Smyrna logo for the 250th anniversary. I love that the word my is represented there, because I want you all to feel that this is not just your town, but this is your hospital as well. I'm so proud of the work that goes on at Stonecrest. I have been in the healthcare industry now for 20 years, all of that with HCA, of which Stonecrest is a part of, and so grateful for that. Our mission is that above all else, we're committed to the care and improvement of human life. And I truly believe in that mission. I got into health care myself because I believe there's no more holy work that we can do in this life than take care of the poor, whether that's the poor physically, the poor in means, the poor in spirit, poor in body, that we're all fellow travelers on this earth and we have an opportunity to take care of each other. And just as you as a public servant of the town of Smyrna, I feel that same way in my heart in the work that we do at the hospital. Myself and my 800 colleagues are there to serve all of you in your most needed hours. At any point in any of our lives, we each have an opportunity where a hospital becomes central to our lives. I just had that a couple weeks ago myself. I got a call. My wife was out very, very early one morning on a bike ride and had a pretty violent bike accident. And at that moment, Stonecrest became the most important place in our home as she was treated in our emergency room. And so for each of us, at any given moment, that hospital might become the most important moment as we celebrate the entry of life into this world, as we see the healing of life or maybe the passing of it. That hospital bed can be a sacred place where healing and life can be given or we are able to see the passing of it. And I'm so thankful for that opportunity to be able to serve the people of Smyrna in such a wonderful and important way. Just by way of a few updates for you of some of the things happening at the hospital. Obviously, outside of the town of Smyrna, we are opening a freestanding emergency room. We hope that our brothers and sisters south of 840 I can recognize that there is a world-class hospital just north of that imaginary line that they sometimes see as a dividing line, but we are putting a freestanding emergency room south of the border there in Murfreesboro at the old Rite Aid that's down there, and that'll be a beautiful landmark, but be able to attract many of our patients to Stonecrest to be able to see us as the wonderful facility that we are, where they can continue to receive care in an expeditious manner. As was pointed out, I had the opportunity this last week to be on WGNS with Rick and Wayne, and we were talking about the wonderful and easy access of Stonecrest. When you're exiting the highway, we're literally one right turn into the hospital, and the care that you receive there will be expeditious, whether that's to be able to leave our emergency room or have to get a hospital bed upstairs. We're there to find conclusive care for you as quickly as possible. Another thing that we have going on right now is we actually just cut the ribbon on two new operating rooms at the facility. These operating rooms will give us expanded capacities for new and increased capabilities within the operating room and welcoming additional surgeons to our campus to be able to care more fully for the town of Smyrna. So we're very excited about that. In addition to that, we have a number of other expansion plans in the works for access points and for additional beds at the hospital. The hospital many times runs at increased capacity. So I look forward to a coming day where I'll present to you all expansion plans for the hospital. Our hospital, we're blessed with 46 acres right there on the corner. And so, which many don't realize, that's as large as our flagship hospital, Centennial Medical Center downtown. So we have a lot of opportunities for continued expansion to continue to bring world-class care to the citizens of Smyrna. That, again, was my objective tonight, was to introduce myself to you all so that you had a name. I've been able to share my cell phone number with you all if you personally are in need of care or any navigation of care. I consider myself, again, your servant. to be able to help you to navigate what could be a challenging moment in anyone's lives. That same invitation goes for any citizen of Smyrna or anyone seeking care at our facility. My door is always open, my phone's always on to be able to help those in need. I look forward to that and welcome that opportunity. So with that, I thank you for this opportunity. I'm open to any questions that you might have. I want to respect that you have a full agenda tonight and thank you for your time.

Questions for Ron? I have one.

Ryan, when your wife went to the emergency room, I'm hoping she's okay. She is, yeah. But does she have to fill out a survey and did you get a good grade?

I did. I had her do a Google review as well. So yeah, every patient that leaves our, just real quick, this is actually an interesting fact that you might find and would welcome your surveys if you do have care at Stonecrest. The federal government has a survey every single patient that leaves our hospital. no matter what their services were. When you receive that survey, whether by text, email, or phone call, we actually only get credit if you rate our care as a nine or a 10. It's literally like you have to get straight As in high school in order to graduate, and we only get credit for what's called the top box. So if you rate our care as a 9 or a 10, then we get credit for that survey. Otherwise, it's not tossed out, but it's not seen as rating your care as top notch. So I would encourage you, if there is anything, if you ever receive care at my facility and your care is not a 9 or a 10, please call me and I'll ensure that it is a 9 or a 10.

It always has to be a 9.

No, yeah, so.

Well, we appreciate the partnership we have with our hospital and what you all do at community events. Y'all are always involved and your employees and your team are also involved. And that means a lot to us. And I think that that's why so many of us consider it our hospital. is because of the continued partnership that we have. So we look forward to that for many years to come.

Thank you. I'm already training for the Top Gun Run and our golf tournament, so we're ready.

We may need one more on our golf team.

I think we're going to need more than one more. Wonderful. Well, thank you.

How are you in golf? Are you pretty good?

I enjoy golf. Oh, you'll fit right in. I would say it's interesting. From 16 to 19, I golfed every day, every day except Sunday. So I rely a lot on muscle memory. But for the last 20 years, I've been a dad. And so breaking away for four hours has been a challenge. Yeah.

Well, you may do better on Steve's team than your team.

We'll talk to you about that some more. That's right. Sounds good. Well, thank you all.

Thank you. Appreciate you. And you are more than welcome to stay for the entire meeting if you choose to stay, but you do not have to. I will leave that up to you.

Thank you all so much.

You're welcome. So we'll move on to item five, which is our consent agenda. And these are items that are determined to be routine items by the town manager. I do always like to read these off individually so those here in the audience and at home know exactly what we are voting on. Our first item is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with first due for purchase of a record management system. Item B is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute contracts with vendors related to the annual bid of materials for gas, water, and sewer. Item C is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute final change order number one for the golf course water line project. item d is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract amendment with sec incorporated relative to the sewers line at stewards land stewards creek gravity design item e is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with icon custom masonry incorporated for construction of two monument signs to be installed along lowry street state route one Item F is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a time extension request for Lowry Street Phase 2, pin number 129837. Item G is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract extension for roadway patching with Sessions Paving Company. Item H is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a time extension with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for the Florence Road Sidewalks project to April 30th, 2028. Item I is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a one-year professional services agreement with Rex Gaither for financial consulting services Item J is approval of the terms of an authorization of a list of items to be auctioned through online surplus sale with GovDeals. And item K is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with the Greater Nashville Regional Council for Transportation Project Planning Services. These are the items for the consent agenda tonight. Do we?

I have a couple to pull off. Okay. E and K.

Okay, so we're going to pull off item E and item K. Anything else? Then do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda?

Make a motion to approve.

Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Consent agenda passes without item E and K. And item E is approval of the terms of and authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with Icon Custom Masonry Incorporated for construction of two monument signs to be installed along Lowry Street State Route 1.

The question I had, Mayor, Tom, you can answer. I just want to make sure everybody understands the dimensions of these signs on each end of the town. What is it? 10 foot 8 is the height of it. And what was it? 4 foot 4 inches is the width. So these are going to be relatively high signs. And I just want to make sure everyone has a comfort level of a 10 foot 8 sign.

But based on where they're going to be placed, not up on the road itself but down, will that not make them appear to be shorter?

I think it will. I just want to make sure that before we go into building something that tall that we're all kind of on board with that physical dimension because it's going to be a tall sign. What did you know, Jerome?

I mean, just looking at the sign that's out there right now, I think it's probably 10 foot tall too. And I think it can get lost in the weeds.

Well, what sign is that?

The one that says welcome to Smyrna right beside the Crispin Motel.

Yeah, is it the one on the wrought iron? Uh-huh. Yeah.

But that's about where this one's going to be, correct?

Yeah, very close to that. I mean, I'm fine with it. I think it's kind of unproportional myself, but I like the... design everything I just every you know every this is going to be a tall slender sign so I just want to make sure

Well, I'm kind of glad that you're, cause I was worried they were too small is what I was worried that based on them being down in that hole on both sides, because the Laverne place, it'll be the same way. Cause it's kind of down an embankment as well. Correct?

Yes. What's that? The one in Laverne or the Laverne entrance will, um, sit next to that little building that's over there. Is that a pump station or what is that?

I'm not sure what that is. Okay. But it is because it is lower because this is lower than where the road is. We have to push it farther and further away from the edge of pavement as a T dot requirement. So the further we had to push it, the skinnier God, cause we're up against a right of way and how wide we can make it. So it's just why it ended up being about four and a half foot wide.

Okay. Other concerns about the monument sons hearing none. Do I have a motion?

I move to approve.

A motion. Do we have a second?

Second.

Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Item K is approval of the terms of an authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with the GNRC for transportation project planning services. Drum?

Yeah. The, um, I read through the proposal day, Dave, and I think it was total of 475 hours for 50,000 and they're going to model, I guess the network on the west side of town and identify, or I guess prioritize improvements that can be made. Um, and also, what improvements can be made at certain intersections and that would qualify for certain grants and funding. My only concern is that they're incorporating the safe streets for all and the mobility plan and some of the other studies that we have done. And I just hope that this new study doesn't overshadow those other studies. I know they're going to incorporate them, But at some time, you know, we need to, I guess, stop studying and start doing. That's my only concern is that.

I agree, and this is not meant to study what needs to be done, and while the Safe Streets for All action plan did prioritize projects, as we even discussed through that exercise, that doesn't necessarily mean that that's the order in which the projects will get done, because it could also depend on whether or not that is a state road, a local road, and the funding that occurs through the transportation infrastructure improvement program as well. But this is meant to look in, not just on the west side, they will look at the totality of the town, in terms of helping to prioritize based off of not only the safe streets for all, the mobility plan and traffic impact studies that we have received from developments as well. And especially as you look at a project or a corridor like Amaville where you've got traffic improvement studies that have identified improvements that are going to be born on the developers, we need to understand the timing of those and how we need to kind of fill in those gaps as we move forward. And then, of course, as we did all of those projects, things like Lee Road were not as probably prominent in our eyes as they are now with the possibility of a new school coming on that road. So it's meant to take the totality of all of these study activities and help us identify not only what we need to really focus on from a corridor perspective, but even within that corridor, what are the shorter term improvements that can be made in the interim if it's not either uh, financially feasible at this moment due to other priorities. Or if a project has been identified within the T dot program that is further out on the horizon, you know, like, and I'm just gonna make round numbers here. So these aren't real. If we had a $5 million project that was identified for TDOT to be done in 10 years, but we know there's things that we need to do in the interim, what are those things? And so how can we address, you know, some of the shorter term priorities in that corridor while the larger project is coming?

Yeah. And I know that I think the study was at 120 days, uh, for one, one part, but hopefully we can, you know, get that study done. And like I said, and look at what smaller projects and what larger projects, but incorporate that into our budget discussions for next fiscal year as well.

That is the goal. And it's really meant to guide not only our five-year CIP, but a longer rate, longer range, you know, 10 year and beyond. Okay. That's all I had in my ear.

Are you making a motion to approve that?

I will make a motion to approve.

Okay, so we have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Item K under consent agenda passes. We'll now move on to old business. Tonight we have five public hearings. Our first public hearing is consideration of an ordinance amending Smyrna Municipal Code Title 20 Chapter 2 relative to the possession of firearms in town parks as well as amendments to Title 11 Chapter 6 relative to the discharge of firearms while lawfully hunting.

Yes, Mayor, this is the item that has been reviewed several times for you guys. It aligns our current municipal code with some recent changes in Tennessee law in relation to firearms within the town limits. The first is there was a Supreme Court tribunal that essentially invalidated and rendered unenforceable our ban on firearms within the park. So we're just cleaning up that language to align it with state law. The second is a statute that was passed in relation to hunting within the corporate limits, and it states that we're preempted out of making that a per se crime or offense as long as the hunting is otherwise lawful.

Okay.

Questions for Ben on this?

So, Ben, we're just basically aligning our ordinance with state law.

Correct, correct. We're just cleaning up the language so that we don't have, you know, unenforceable language in our code.

Okay. This is a public hearing. We'll go to the public to see if there's anyone here to speak for or against this item. If you'll come forward, if you'll state your name, your address, and if you live in the town limits.

Yes, ma'am, thank you very much for the opportunity. Mayor Dan Eprite, 114 Seward Street, Smyrna, Tennessee, inside city limits. Perfect. Some people think firearms are icky and might not be happy about this thing happening. I wish I had my notes in front of me. It was relatively recent, within a year. They have a whole Greenway complex over in Davidson County. And part of it swings by Cane Ridge and I have friends who live in that area. And there was a woman who was out jogging and she was at least assaulted. I don't think she was murdered, but she might have been. And if she would have been armed, that probably wouldn't have happened. Bad people. Say, oh, there's a law against having firearms in a public park. Well, but I'm a bad person. I'll do what I want. So you just disadvantage the good people. So I think this is really wonderful. I'm glad that we're going to be aligning with the state constitution because, you know, sovereignty. And that's about it. Thank you much, ma'am.

Great. Thank you. Anyone else here to speak for or against this item? if you'll state your name, address, and if you live in the town limits.

I'm Claudia Belden. My address is 115 Winchester Lane in Smyrna, inside the city limits. This is the first I've heard about this. And I don't know if I have all of the information, but I'm uncomfortable with people being able to hunt inside our corporate limits. There's just too much of an opportunity for an accident. Kids playing, kids driving. This is such a volatile issue. And the idea that if that woman had a gun, she may not have been attacked can go either way. Because if someone's after someone, they have the element of surprise. If you're walking in a park or wherever, You're not thinking I have to have my hand on my trigger to protect myself. So I believe in the Second Amendment. I think it needs to be administered more appropriately. I don't think in Tennessee we're doing that right. I don't like... constitutional carry. I think there needs to be accountability and education. I got my gun carry permit. I went to a class, okay? I practiced. I think we need that kind of accountability. So I don't like this at all. Thank you.

Anyone else to speak for or against? I will close the public hearing. And Ben, can you talk a little bit about the hunting within about July 1 when that came into because of state law?

So I've said this previously, but I omitted to say it earlier today, is that we are opting into, really the only option we have is to create a 500-foot halo around schools. If we don't opt into that, then there is no halo. You can hunt right up against the school technically. But this only applies to making it per se illegal while hunting lawfully. We can still, if somebody discharges a firearm in an unreasonable manner, in a dangerous manner, we can still prosecute them under our other laws. This just takes away the... the illegality of hunting lawfully inside the corporate limits. And the state legislature passed this, and the only option we have is to opt in to the 500-foot halo.

So if we chose not to vote on this, what it would mean is that legal hunting would be able to be done right up next to a school.

Correct. There would, there would be, if we, if we didn't pass this and opt in, then we're taking, we're opted out. So we don't have a halo over, you know, around schools. So that's the only option we have at this point.

Okay. Council, any questions? I know, um, I've had some questions from citizens specifically about this and I wanted to make sure that they understood where this was coming from.

Yeah. And I guess my next question is, and I kind of agree, um, you know, hunting inside the city limits, you know, during hunting season could cause some issues, you know, I mean, the bullets aren't necessarily going to stay in the perimeter of your property if you're, if you're hunting. So I guess my question is, is have other cities looked at this and said, okay, we're not going to allow hunting within the city limits. or are we required to follow the state law?

We are preempted out of even making that decision. The legislature has preempted us from even making that illegal.

So we can't?

We have no authority to do that. Now it didn't, it didn't take away, like I said, the, our ability, if someone acts recklessly or dangerously, right. And if they're hunting out of hunting season for that particular day, there's a plethora of, uh, TWRA regulations that, uh, address, um, that address the safety concerns. You can't shoot over a roadway. You can't hunt with the wrong type of weapon during a certain season. We are preempted from going against TWRA rulings.

we basically have no other choice except to opt in for the 500 foot halo.

Correct. So that's, that's our only option. If we, if we didn't act, then we would, by virtue of that would opt out and would not have that halo around schools.

Would hunting still be permitted if we opted out?

Correct.

So really it's, It's the same either way. We're just going to opt in.

The halo is the only challenge. We're preempted by state law. When somebody is otherwise lawfully hunting within our corporate limits, now they can be violating other criminal statutes that we could prosecute them for if they're being dangerous. But just the per se, if you're otherwise hunting lawfully, then there's nothing that we can really do about it.

Um, are we updating our police department so that they understand what this these new rules and regulations?

Okay.

Okay. Other questions. Okay. Then do I have a motion? So a motion. Do we have a second second? Second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Item B, our next public hearing is consideration of an ordinance amending the text of the Smyrna Municipal Zoning Ordinance Article 3, Section 3.100 regarding detached accessory structures. Kevin, how are you?

Good, Mayor and Council, how are you all?

Wonderful.

This is a text amendment to the zoning ordinance. This was something that was discussed at a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. This was created based on that discussion as well as some subsequent research that staff did. This amendment would amend Article 3, Section 3.100, accessory use regulations to do several things. The maximum square footage allowed for detached accessory structures would be increased for most lot sizes. The area calculation would now include all floors rather than only the ground floor. And then the maximum height and size allowed for a structure would be tied to the height and size of the principal structure so that no accessory structure is taller or larger than the principal structure. The maximum building footprint would also be tied to the maximum lot coverage that's already within the zoning ordinance. The language to be removed is struck through in red. The new language is highlighted in yellow in your packet there. We also did include some examples showing what that maximum structure size would look like for various lot sizes on some real-world lots so that you can kind of get an idea of what that would look like. The Planning Commission did review this, did recommend approval. Staff would also recommend approval.

We had quite a bit of discussion in our joint meeting with Planning Commission. Is there any other questions you have for Kevin before I go to the public?

No, the only thing I'd like to say, we're trying to adjust it to allow someone who has a larger track to have a larger accessory structure. I think what we had before was somewhat restrictive, so I appreciate this effort here.

The new tax language also speaks to, say for example, you're allowed to have a 1,200 square foot structure. If I'm reading this correctly, that would include if it's 600 on the bottom floor and 600 on the top floor, it's not a 1200 square foot footprint. Right. That still counts as your 1200. That's right. Right.

Well, and I think we also wanted to make sure that that structure didn't look at line with what the permanent, uh, home might look like. So we were trying to balance those two things, the height variances in here.

Yeah. To keep the height the same level or less.

So I think staff has done a good job of, uh, figuring out what we were looking for between both boards and coming up with something that we thought was fair. Anything else before I go to the public? Okay. Is there is anyone here to speak for or against this ordinance? If you will please come forward. Seeing no one, we'll close public hearing and go to council for a motion.

I'll make a motion to approve.

A motion. Do we have a second?

Second.

Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes. We'll now move on to item C, our next public hearing, which is consideration of an ordinance amending the text of the Smyrna Municipal Zoning Ordinance Article 4, Section 4.030 regarding mobile food vendors. Kevin.

This is another tax amendment that was discussed at the joint meeting, and so we bring this forward. This would amend Article 4, Section 4.030G, mobile food vendors. Currently, such vendors are required to get an annual permit but are restricted to only 40 days in the calendar year at 81 locations. They also must leave every night and can set up on properties on C2 and C3. The proposed amendments will limit such uses to property zone C2, and the permit would be issued for up to 30 days. The requirement to leave at the end of the day would be removed. A single location could be utilized for no more than 90 days in any calendar year. The owner of a property where a mobile food vendor wishes to set up would also be required to get a separate permit, which would be valid for not more than 90 days in any calendar year. This is similar to the requirement for a property owner to obtain a permit for any transit vendor to locate on their property, which was something we added a few months ago. Again, the language to be removed is struck through in red. The new language is highlighted in yellow there in your packet. The Planning Commission did review this, did recommend approval, and staff would also recommend approval.

Kevin, this isn't so much for this one, but how many permits do you know have we issued for the...

I'm trying to remember. I looked at that. Um, I really can't, I can't remember.

I was trying to think of the word transient, transient vendors.

I don't know how many have, how many, about how many those actually issued by don't know.

Okay. But I can get you a number if you'll just send it.

I'm just curious since we put that in place, I'm only aware of, I'm only aware of one where we've issued a property owner permit. Um, since we put that in place.

Okay. And just so the citizens know, if somebody is going to set up a transient vendor kind of thing, the landowner or the business owner has to also get a permit as well. So that way, both are have skin in the game as to how it looks and if they're following all the rules, and this would be very similar to that. So questions or comments on the mobile food vendors? Kevin, how will we go about, for those that have already purchased, getting that word out?

Yeah, we will notify all those vendors. Now, of course, the ones that have a permit, an annual permit, we're going to honor that until December.

Right.

But they will have to meet the new rules as far as the 30 days and all those things. Okay.

Okay. Council, questions before we go to the public? Okay. This is a public hearing, so if there's anyone here to speak for or against this item, if you will come forward. Seeing no one, we'll close public hearing. Go to council for a motion.

Motion to approve.

Do we have a second?

Second. Chair.

Was that a yeah? Sorry. Okay. We have a second. And any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Item D, public hearing is consideration of a resolution relative to a plan of services for property located on tax map 26, partials 31.00 and 32.00. Kevin?

Yes, mayor and council. This is a plan of services. It's for the next item on your agenda. The annexation request. Uh, this does put in writing the services, the town would be providing, um, upon the effective date, which would be all services in this case, except for water, which would be provided by consolidate utility district. The planning commission held a public hearing, reviewed the plan of services and did recommend approval of this plan of services. Staff would also recommend approval.

Questions for Kevin on this. I know we've had quite a bit of discussion on this one. Okay. Seeing no questions, we'll go to the public to see if there's anyone here to speak for or against the plan of services for this item. Seeing no one will close public hearing and go to council for a motion.

Motion to approve.

Do we have a second? Second motion. A second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Item, our last public hearing tonight is consideration of an ordinance relative to the annexation and C2 and I1 zoning of properties located on tax map 26, partials 31.00 and 32.00. requested by Hollings Head Land LLC containing 70.08 acres. The properties are located at 4657 and 4665 West Jefferson Pike. The request would include the annexation of the existing right-of-way of West Jefferson Pike State Route 266 from the existing town limits eastward approximately 2,998 linear feet as well as the existing right-of-way of McCormick Court from West Jefferson Pike State Route 266 southward approximately 475 linear feet. Kevin.

This is an annexation request for these tracts of land. This is an area east of 840 along Jefferson Pike. Land use plan for this area is the 840 Gateway character area. Support a mix of hospitality, retail, restaurant, high density residential and industrial warehousing uses. The surrounding zoning is all is RM in the county as well as CEN which is a commercial neighborhood I believe and LI or light industrial in Rutherford County. This request is for two parcels totaling 70.08 acres. The front approximately 5.21 acres is requested to be zoned C2 with the remaining 64.87 acres requested to be zoned I1. If this annexation request is approved as requested, staff did recommend and the Planning Commission concurred that the existing right-of-way of Jefferson Pike from the current town limits eastward be annexed to basically the McCormick Court intersection as well as the intersection of McCormick Court. McCormick Court is a existing county road that was recommended to be annexed because that is the road that would be utilized for access from the proposed industrial property. In addition, staff annexation of the Jefferson Pike 266 right-of-way would include the annexation of the existing traffic signals at the two interstate entrance exit ramps, which the town already has an agreement with Rutherford County for the maintenance of those signals. Extension of sanitary sewer underneath 840 and a sewer lift station on the east side of 840 north of Jefferson Pike would be required to be installed, and a developer would be required to do that. The extension of sewer underneath 840, as well as a sewer lift station, which would basically be on the north side of 840 across the street from this proposed property annexation.

The lift station will be on which side of 840?

It will be on the east side of 840, but north of Jefferson Pike. Gotcha. That is also the location of the lift station that was discussed for many months with the Hillwood development. The lift station? The developer. Access to this site is currently available from Jefferson Pike in two locations. One access is for a TWRA access trail that's located on the core property immediately to the west and one is to these properties. There's also a 50 foot wide access easement recorded for this property to utilize across the property immediately to the east to access McCormick Court as I stated earlier. It is proposed by the developer that the two access points to Jefferson Pike be consolidated into one. that all truck traffic from the industrial portion of this development would access McCormick Court so that the new access from Jefferson Pike would essentially be used for the commercial portion of the property. The fire department has a concern regarding the two access points shown on the concept plan as they're too close together to meet the fire code, so that's something that would have to be addressed at the site plan submittal if you all choose to do this annexation. A traffic study would also be required at that time. Any recommended improvements would be required to be installed by the developer. The developer's representative stated at the Planning Commission meeting that it is their desire to install a traffic signal at McCormick Court in Jefferson Pike pending TDOT approval. And again, that was also their preference on the consolidation of the two existing access points to one. The Planning Commission did review this request and recommend approval with the requirement that truck traffic utilize McCormick Court for ingress and egress.

We had quite a bit of discussion about this at our workshop. and also ask for some additional information that we have all been provided. Having that information, are there any questions of Kevin before we go to the public?

Yeah, I have a couple of questions and comments. I'm kind of struggling with this. I'm sitting here and looking at it, and of those buildings, we're going to have over 300 buildings truck parking spaces and I think it's like almost 65 acres of the zoning for that and we only have a little bit over five acres of commercial I just I kind of believe it's unbalanced in my opinion I'd like to see more commercial here I've seen the renderings renderings look good if the final product you know, comes out to what the renderings look like, but, um, has there been any discussion about additional commercial, um, here, Kevin?

Um, I did talk a little bit about that when the developer first came in and, um, and the idea for, for additional commercial along that, that kind of that where they're showing industrial there, um, It would require really a, you know, a major development really to make, cause it's that depth, you know, being that far off the road. So it would have to be something to, you know, a large box grocery store or something like that. Um, I know that that's really all. And so I guess the, the concern, I guess, was a market for that in this area at this time. probably not enough people there right now. Maybe at some point there will be. I know there was some discussion about some additional property they have in that same general area about potentially having something like that in the future as well. I think there is plans for that. At an interchange, you would hope to get as much commercial as you can. I understand where you're coming from on that. With the core property there kind of blocking, you'll be able to even see it. It's kind of hidden from a commercial standpoint.

My only concern, I think, This is submitted by Hollins Head Land Company. I think they'll do an excellent job. You just have to look at their headquarters about how they've developed that. That's such a good taste. My opinion, I just think we're unbalanced here.

But you know, Jerome, the property adjacent to it is, although it's in the county. Right there. Yeah, it still is commercially zoned, correct? And actually, don't we have drawings for buildings that are going in there?

Yeah, the zoning, the Kind of the zoning boundary that's proposed for this is basically the same as what is in the county there with the property, the commercial track of land facing Jefferson Pike. There was a flight plan that I did include in your packet there that was approved by the county planning commission.

And this also is an existing trucking company next to it. That's right.

And that's the property that is on the end of McCormick Court. And that has the lot of industrial zoning. I think both tracks... fronting that, in front of that trucking company on either side of the former corridor.

And this leads to another question about when the north side of Jefferson Pike comes in, you know, what are we, really going to look for there.

I thought in our discussion in the workshop, they were pretty clear that they were looking at commercial on that side. Was that not accurate?

That's what they had said, yeah, and that's what they had told me. Well, the elevations of that side is a lot different than the elevations of this side. From a visibility standpoint. For a visibility standpoint, plus if you come into this site, it drops down pretty radically right there. So to Kevin's point, he said that's a major... That's a major development to take place there. If they ever had to build that up, you would also lose your buffering. Would I like to see more commercial? Sure. I think it's challenging here, especially if they're going to put it on the other side. Eventually, we can make a note of that. The visibility for commercial, when you have commercial suitors, they're going to want the visibility. If you travel 840, you find that it's predominantly a shipping quarter. I mean, everything up and down 840 all the way into Lebanon is this type of product. Doesn't mean we got to do it, but just that's kind of the flavor of 840 as it is. But I like the fact that we've got over five acres of commercial fronting this. Kevin, you did mention the traffic signal at McCormick. And we know that planning the developers, a representative told us they felt 95% sure that would be blessed. Some of the questions we had though, was coming from Smyrna down, uh, down the quarter on Jefferson Pike crossing over eight 40, the light and the lane right there changes. Are you comfortable with the squeeze down lane taking place right after you crossed the bridge? If you're going to have truck traffic coming out of a corner, I think

You know, I think of course we'll have to see what the traffic's today. I think at some point, yeah, we may have done the one lane prior to this exit. You might have to look at some additional laneage.

Actually that whole corridor right there on the east side at some point is going to need improvement as this area grows out. That's the only thing I had a concern about was the traffic flow coming when the lane squeezes down into one lane right there if truck traffic is coming out of McCormick. Without a signal, for me, it's a no-go.

Well, when they come back, that's something y'all can look at it.

It's got to have a signal.

Yeah.

Yeah, for left turns coming out of there, yeah, I think for a safety standpoint, you have to have it.

Mark, where does it squeeze down?

As soon as you cross the bridge on 840, if you stop at the light at 840 going east, as soon as you come through the light, it merges into one lane down about where that TWRA access road comes out.

It's kind of at the end of the curve a little bit. Not much at all, is it? Yeah.

So that's something we discussed in depth. But that signal has to stop traffic. And if it does, if there's no signal, I think the representative I saw him here earlier, there he is.

But that's in the comments already.

It's in the comments, but we just need to drive that point home. For me, it's a no-go without a signal.

Jerry, I think you even talked about coming off of Jefferson. It's such a wide, I mean, it's a... Sweet, sweet.

Yeah.

And I'm like Jerome, I'd love to see more commercial. I feel like... We got our hands tied a little bit with the county with that other property up there with the warehouses there, and it kind of made it to where it's just a straight line. It's about the only place for commercial. And I'm like, you guys, it drops down a lot right there. In fact, you have to go down a little ways and then come back with the houses back in there. I do feel like across the road is a great place for commercial, though. That, to me, that lines up just perfect, and I'd hate to see us lose that. But this one, just by the way it sits off the road, I'm not sure if I had a commercial built it, if I'd want to put it right in there, just because of the way it drops off down in that hole.

well one of the things that we know whether we like it or we don't is industrial property is something that we don't have a lot of in the county and that's something that every time that we hear from the chamber that's one of the things they talk about so I do think where this sits with the lack of visibility is is a plus for the town so

And I agree as far as we don't have a lot of industrial in the county. That doesn't mean that Smyrna has to take it all, though, you know?

No, but I do think that if we're looking at industrial, this is a good spot for it.

Like I said, I don't see a whole lot of anything else that can go right in there.

Okay, other comments before we go to public hearing? Seeing none, this is a public hearing and if there's anyone here to speak for or against this item, if you will come forward. Seeing no one, we'll close public hearing and go to council for a motion.

I'll make a motion to approve.

A motion to approve. Do we have a second?

Second. Steve.

Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

No.

Motion passes. Item F, consideration of a resolution and memorandum of ordinance 26-34 relative to the annexation in C2 and I1 zoning of properties on tax map 26, parcels 31.00 and 32.00 requested by Hollings Headland LLC. This is our housekeeping item. Do I have a motion on this? A motion. Do we have a second?

Second.

Motion and a second. Any discussion?

I'll support this since we approved the rezoning.

Okay. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes. We have one item under the Planning Commission new business. A reminder that item two under Planning Commission has withdrawn. So our first item is consideration of an ordinance relative to the rezoning of property located on tax map 49 parcel 2.01 owned by Woods properties containing two acres to go from R1 to C2. The property is located at 10510 Old Nashville Highway.

Mr. Mayor and Council, this is a rezoning request. It's for about two acres of property on Old Nashville Highway, about 500 feet northwest of the intersection with Pioneer Drive or Stewart Valley Drive. The land use plan would support medium density residential in this immediate area with nearby areas being located within the Old Nashville Corridor character area. which would support a mix of neighborhood scale, retail, and personal service uses. Surrounding zoning is a mix of R1, C2, and PRD, which is the villas of Stewardsboro PRD, which is immediately to the northwest of the property. There is an existing house and detached accessory structure on this property. A sewer line is stubbed into the property from the northwest in two different locations. Water is provided by Consolidated Utility District here. If this rezoning is approved, a type C buffer would be required where this property borders residential zone properties when it is developed. The Planning Commission did review this, did recommend approval, and staff would also recommend approval.

Questions for Kevin on this or anything from Steve or Mark on this?

Mayor, I have an interest on one of the attaching property lines, so I'm going to stay out of it.

Okay. We looked at this pretty in-depth at planning the other night. The properties around it, especially to the southeast, it's all C2. It's kind of a standalone property with what's on the other side. There's not much to be concerned with the zoning here. It fits. We did talk about buffering, and that was regulated in the conversation, so we felt we could approve this with no problem.

And this one large R1 track is this small church here.

Yeah, that's the church, right.

Other questions or comments? Seeing none, do we have a motion?

I'll make a motion in a second.

We have a motion and a second. Amber, are you good? Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Item B is consideration of a resolution to approve funding for non-profit organizations for the fiscal year 2027. Ms. Sierra, how are you?

I'm doing good. Good evening, Mayor and Council. These funds were appropriated in the... 27 budget process. The state requires this additional resolution. Primarily the appropriations are for level funding. The material difference is $250,000 for a new building for the Child Advocacy Center.

Questions for Sierra on this?

This is probably more for Dave than Sierra. I know the last time we talked about formulating a committee and I was just wondering what the pathway for that is.

Yes, Council Member Dempsey, we did discuss looking at how we do this, whether that's forming a committee or not. We do have a committee. We do have SCAF who does look at this stuff. They are a formal committee of the town, but we are looking at what others around us are doing and have started to gather that information.

You know, when, if it was a small amount, but in total, what is it? 977,000. And I know some of these mayor, you said was tied to interlocal government agreements.

Correct.

And at some time I'd like to look at those agreements and just see what our obligations are.

For instance, the library, once we give that amount, we can never lower that amount. Yeah.

I'd still like to review.

I thought what we had decided at the last meeting was that we were going to have a special called meeting and we were going to discuss all of these items.

Okay.

Was that yes. Okay. Okay. Thanks.

Um, I've gotten everybody's kind of dates, so we're looking at dates to schedule that special call meeting when we can sit down and discuss this.

Perfect. Okay. And Jerome, I was kind of looking at it too, and when you take out the library and you take out the child advocacy, because that's going to be a one-time, I mean, that already puts you at, what, 690, almost 700,000 right there. Yeah, that's the biggest portion.

Well, like you said last time, there's even a... school and thought, do we use taxpayers money to fund nonprofits?

There's a lot of people that believe we should not be giving money to nonprofits.

So that's why I'd like to have some further discussion about this, just to make sure that, you know, everybody's transparent on where the money's going, what the process is, and that's all I'm trying to do.

I appreciate it and I agree with it. We've done this before. We had these discussions several years back, and to the Mayor's point, A lot of our citizens didn't like the fact that we were taking their money and giving it to select organizations. And so then why isn't my organization being a recipient? And that's what we got into. So we made the decision a long time ago to curb that back and let them fundraise. And they've done a really good job at that, by the way.

So there is a citizens board that approves those dollars.

Yes.

And that's the 35,000.

Correct. And we got to remember that's our taxpayers money. Yeah, absolutely.

Okay. Um, then do we have a motion to approve?

I'll make that motion.

Do we have a second?

Second.

All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Item C is consideration of resolution authorizing the photographic or electronic preservation and subsequent disposal of permanent paper records of the town of Smyrna. Amber, are you taking this one?

Yes, ma'am. This is just a resolution that I'm putting forward to get council's authorization now that statute provides that we can digitize our records and keep a digital copy of an official record just to be able to get your authorization to move forward with a digital platform in maintaining our official record and also subsequently going paperless and being able to destroy the paper record.

Questions for Amber?

I think last time I asked about anything that had, you know, any historical significance because I know there's a lot of discussion and meetings taking place to try to establish some kind of historic commission and eventually a museum. So you said the three ring binders are kind of the ones that...

Just off the top of my head, there's some older books that were actual bound books where, um, the bound books. Yes. So I don't think the three ring binders would be anything that you want to. Yes. Um, so there is a select few that I think, um, I've got calls with them. I've actually got one with them tomorrow. Um, and so I'll ask them. if it's something that can be reconstructed, because they did have to unbind those to be able to digitize them. So I'll ask them about, because they do hold on to them.

I just don't want to lose that history, if there's any history there. I'm not trying to make y'all's job difficult, but there may be some history.

Other questions? Okay, do I have a motion?

I'll make a motion.

I have a motion and a second. I'll let you. Okay, yeah. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Our next item is item eight, public comment. The town's public comment period should be reserved for those citizens that have signed up to address the town council or border committee at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting pursuant to the town's public comment policy as outlined above. I think Cassandra Taylor is the only one that we have tonight. Is that correct, Amber? So if you will come forward, and only for Ms. Amber so we don't get in trouble, if you will just state your name, what organization that you're here representing, and your address, that would be wonderful.

Cassandra Taylor, I am with the Smyrna Public Library. I'm the branch manager, and we are at 400 Enon Springs Road West here in Smyrna, Tennessee. I just wanted to come tonight and formally invite the council, the town, everyone to our Walking Through History event, and I wanted to gift you guys your poster, and this will help me talk about the event as well. So we do have a really fun day of activities. It is from 10 to 3 at the library. We have a reenactment scheduled in the evening from 1 to 3. We have opening regards at 10 a.m. Jamie Ritter will be in attendance. I have confirmation from Senator Dawn White. She's attending. Rick Hall's going to come. I've been working with him and Miss Jenny Williams on the new Smyrna History Museum, so they'll be there. A lot of our local orgs are coming. The Cripple Creek Cloggers will be performing, and we have a special guest I got today. Abraham Lincoln will come for the opening ceremony. We have an interpreter, like a guy. So we're very excited. I don't know if anyone has any questions about the 250. This was one in a grant from the Tennessee Semi-Quincentennial Tennessee State Grant. So that's how we're able to put all this together. I have one question.

I think I reached out to someone today. Is the Sam Davis home part of that walkthrough history?

We're trying to get them.

I know it's not on your poster.

Yeah, she has not officially confirmed yet. So that's what our and more down here at the bottom is. I do know, I'm not quite sure, but they had to reschedule their storytelling event because we were supposed to do that. two weekends ago, and so they've moved that to August 22nd, but yes, we really want Sam Davis. I do have cemetery school coming, so Mr. Vincent will be presenting, the Smyrna Airport, we also have the train museum coming, military vehicle convoys, so we have about six military vehicles, and it's the battlefield that we'll be doing our reenactment, and then the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution will also have tables, and yeah. But I'm trying to get Miss Jenny to come.

Will there be, I know it says 10 to 3, will there be a schedule in regards to times that you can also provide so Heather can get that out on our social media as well? We would love that, yes.

I'm working on finalizing that this week and really just trying to get our presenters to confirm that they are coming. So, yeah, we're more than halfway done at this point for the, like, I guess, the program for that day.

Yes, ma'am. Perfect. Any questions? We appreciate all that you're doing at the library. I know it's such a huge part of our community, so we appreciate you.

We had over, I guess, 400 people today for their foam party. We did our summer reading wrap-up, so it was fun. I was covered in foam earlier.

Thank you. Um, item nine under other it's, um, the approval of the self-insured retention payment relative to the claim number two six five two four N two four two five seven two. This is the phone call that Kyle had with each of us last week. Um, do I have a motion on this?

I'll move to approve a motion.

Do we have a second motion of the second discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. We'll now move on to status reports.

Okay. May sales tax came in for state share tax. We had about $780,000 for local sales tax. We had $1.8 million come in. So I know it's really small, but if you look at the numbers, we're pretty close to the budgeted amount, just a little bit under. Shop local.

That's right. Anything else you want to add? I mean, how off do you think we'll end up being?

So based off projections, we'll be about a combined $300,000 under budget, which is expected to be absorbed in other revenue.

Perfect. Questions for Sierra on this? Okay. We are now to correspondence and communication. Directors from town, anything? Todd?

Mayor, Council, we just wanted to give you an update. Ms. Courtney Cooper and I from the parks have been doing some analysis on the Independence Day celebration, so I want to throw a ton of numbers out, but the end one is kind of results to what Sierra just said. For the event, which was on July 2nd, we have right approximately 18,000 people were in attendance to the event, so let me give you a little bit of numbers. An average Thursday for the month of June, we were averaging about 125,000 visits to the town of Smyrna, For that one day, we had 143,000 visits. And so what that kind of morphed into is each business averaged about 360 visits, which, if you look, there were 78 businesses that had over 100 visits more for that one particular day. So to give you some more stats and information, 17% of the visitors to the Independence Day celebration went to local fast food restaurants. And so when you start breaking that down, the fast food restaurants in Smyrna, McDonald's saw a 32% increase. The Walmart had a 25% increase. And the Taco Bell on North Lowry had a 302% increase to people coming to the event.

And sat in the parking lot, went to Taco Bell to go eat.

And ate a burrito in the hot. That's right. That's not what I would like to do. So we took the top 20 businesses in North Lowry and the Sam Rilley Corridor. So there was an average increase of about 64% of attendance for that day. So we took everybody that was over 30 miles from Smyrna, which is about 7% of the population, 7%. And we went to the state's tourism, which averages about $111 per visit for tourism. So that one day alone, we saw about $150,000 increase in tourism dollars just for the Independence Day event.

So I think sometimes we enjoy the fireworks so much, but we forget about what it does for our economy for having an event like that. And the 18,000... That was just people at the golf course, the event center, and the clover leaf, and the park itself, correct?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, so that is not including Stars and Strikes or anywhere else in the town people chose to park, okay?

Yeah, that was the areas that we were able to pick out. We had four businesses that were over 100% increase in visits for that time.

Wow, great numbers. Questions for Todd on that? Thank you, sir. Amber, anything?

I believe I have a slide tonight. Speaking of great events and drawing the crowds, I don't necessarily know that I want to draw 18,000 people to the Topkin Night Run this year. However, I would like to sell it out. So if you have not signed up yet, please go ahead and do so. We were actually, the reason we were a few minutes late to this meeting is because we were talking about this year's race and some things that were going to be Putting into that event, it's going to take place on September 11th, which is also the 25th anniversary of 9-11. So we will incorporate a tribute program at the beginning of the event this year. So we've got some really special things planned. I know we say that every year, but each year I feel like we add a little special touch. So get your spot reserved and join us that night, whether you're going to run or come out and pay tribute for 9-11.

If you are going to sign up for the run, there is a special place for you to mark if you're a first responder or military, current or retired, because if you sign up to run, you'll be recognized with a special touch. With a special touch. There you go. So make sure to mark that if you run because we want to make sure that we recognize you on that night. So anything else? And we still have room for sponsorship? We'll always take room for sponsors? I will take more sponsors. That's right. Yes. Okay. Dave.

I have two slides this evening, Mayor. The first, I just want to thank Alpha Roundup, which is an organization comprised of biker clubs all around the US who came here for their 10th annual roundup. As I mentioned, they came from all over the country, stayed here for the weekend, they stayed in our hotels, and we hosted them at the event center where they stuffed over 500 backpacks for local schools, local elementary schools. And so those backpacks that they did will be distributed to, shoot, I can't remember all of the schools that they're going to. yeah locally yeah five elementary schools do you remember what they were john coleman um smyrna primary walter hill smyrna elementary and then is it rock springs yes you're right it was rocket springs elementary thank you um but wonderful group of guys um huge support from our staff both at the event center and our police Very fun event and just wanted to, this was their 10th annual one. The first one they ever did was in Nashville and they came back and they said that the support that they got from everybody in Smyrna was hands down the best that they've seen. Who's the guy on the motorcycle in the center photo there? Which one's that?

Yeah, the... Just the guy, just the guy I know. Center left. Yeah, that's just the guy I know. That's our town manager there on his Indian. Yeah. It's not Bronson? No.

No relation to me. He was the one that kind of helped organize this with Todd's help. About two years ago, we started planning on this and never really had a date. I scheduled a vacation, and doggone, that was the date. So I missed it, but I know that was a great event for a great cause. We met and talked with him for quite a while. Andrew was a participant in our planning commission for quite a while. That's how I got to know him. He was a good guy, good family people. I agree.

Yeah, I've been friends with Andrew probably 20, 25 years. And he certainly did a lot on the planning commission. And he, like I said, helped organize this. And he said it was phenomenal that the participants were very complimentary about the accommodations, the staff, and just the warm welcome that they had.

We always like to hear that.

Yeah.

Dave, anything else?

Just one more. I just want to recognize our outstanding Parks and Recreation staff and our parks that we have here in the town. July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and their dedication to the quality of life in this town is so important to what we have. Daily, their hard work and for maintaining our parks and trails and creating the programs and events that they do is phenomenal, and so I just want to thank all of them for their commitment to a healthier, more vibrant, and welcoming place to live, work, and play. So please join me in thanking our Parks Department.

Kyle?

I don't have anything tonight, Mayor.

Okay. Um, yes.

Yes. I have a slide. The, uh, enjoy the Smyrna Depot farmers market each Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM at the historic train Depot for local vendors, fresh goods and live music beginning at 9 a.m. And if you haven't been, they have an assortment of things there. I see your mom and dad down there sometimes getting the fresh produce, so go support the local vendors.

Is that your honey, Jerome?

No, mine's a little bit darker than that. Me and Steve's got a new business model, though.

Another elected official will tell us how to settle it.

Yeah, yeah. Steve got stung on the lip by a bee, so we were just thinking maybe that's a substitute for Botox in the future. I'm not sure. The problem is only half of us know. There was one thing I was wanting to ask Dave. I know there was some localized flooding in the Chevy Chase Lake Farm Road. And maybe, Dave, if you could explain our, I guess, plan of attack for that or what we plan to do in that area for Tom.

Sure. Well, we went out there and we've had our stormwater folks go out there. So they're inspecting the stormwater system just to ensure that there's no obstructions. Additionally, we did find some private property that could be contributing to unfortunately to maybe some backups that, and so we need to go ahead and address that. And I believe we will be. Um, so we'll be inspecting that, uh, make sure everything's moving correctly and making sure everybody's keeping their, uh, their drains clean.

And I think, yeah, I think that's something we discussed, even though it's a drainage easement, if it's going through someone's property, it's really their responsibility to keep that maintained. Cause what that can do is grow up and cause issues upstream or downstream of that drainage way.

So I know we've done stuff about that on, about grass cutting and stuff. Is there something that we could do put out for public service announcement about drainage easements and their ditches and stuff about how that helps in keeping those clean in regards to storm water?

Yes.

Be great. Anything else?

No. Thank you.

Gee,

I have a slide and it is about loving where you live and there are many ways in which we can do that. First is keeping things litter free. Also with recycling and If y'all don't know it, the convenience center has single stream recycling. You can take all your recyclables out there with your regular trash. Another thing that goes right along with love where you live is shopping local. Shopping local helps to keep our property taxes low and also helps to keep Sierra happy.

um one other thing which would be to be kind to mary esther i know it's difficult for you but we got you back thank you thank you thank you hey uh jerry i have a um slide as well we've got on august the 8th saturday the depot district barbecue fest so come and join us uh From 6 to 9 at 98 Front Street, enjoy barbecue live music, family fun, and vote for your favorite barbecue, all with free admission. That's always a fun event. We enjoy going to that each year. If you get a chance, please come down and have an enjoyable Saturday night. And I had an anniversary yesterday of 41 years to Patty, so happy anniversary to her. That's it.

Nice job.

Steve? I also have a slide coming up August 4th, Tuesday night. There's our national night out against crime being held at Enon Springs at the Smyrna Police Department. There is always lots of cool things. I think last year was the first year we got to show off our new SWAT vehicle, I guess is what you'd call it. I don't know what you'd call that thing. Tank. but uh that'll be out there i'm sure any opportunity we have to show it off it usually comes out so yeah there's a lot of activities a lot of events and uh get get some time spending uh and talking to the folks that protect us so it's free to attend i encourage you to come out and enjoy it 6 to 8 p.m on tuesday august 4th um i think that's it before i forget i know casey's in the audience

Casey, will you make sure you send us invites for those? Okay. And then also the library as well. Perfect. If you haven't already, I haven't looked that far into my calendar. Mark.

This will pop up. Blue Ways Tennessee, let water be your guide. We need your help. Blue Ways Tennessee is developing conservation and recreation plans for rivers across the state and is seeking public input to improve river access, conservation, and community connections. The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Just visit bluewaystn.com to participate. and you can help guide the future of our rivers in Tennessee. I didn't see a slide yet. You've probably got it, Mayor, on the July celebration, Independence Day. So I won't go in-depth on that, but Dave's already pointed out to our staff, Parks and Rec, police, fire, anybody and everybody, staff that had part to do with that celebration. Man, they hit it out of the park, and they did a great job. Rubik's Cube was amazing. They did a great job, the band. But we have an opportunity every Fourth of July celebration to go up on the stage. And I promise you, when we went up there and looked out in that audience, that crowd went forever. It was one of the greatest turnouts I've ever seen at our 250th America celebration. I was pretty proud to see that. A lot of people ask, why did you do it? Not on 4th of July. And I like to tell people because families like to gather on the 4th of July. We try to allow that availability to them. Plus other municipalities sometimes vary their dates and we don't want to get into competition with them, not being able to go to these others. So. I just wanted to answer that so they would understand it a little bit better as to why we chose to do it on the day we did. A couple things real quick. There's a family I know, and most of you will know, Harold and Joy Gallion. Both are dealing with some health issues right now, so if you know them, just keep them in your prayers. I talked to Mr. Belden before the meeting just for a brief second. He's had some challenges, too. So, Mr. Belden, we're praying for you, and we're going to lift you up, too, okay? A little celebration for Raquel, who had her birthday last week. I think most of us probably got a chance to wish her a happy birthday, so we're going to do it publicly. And then Jerry and Patty, congratulations on 41 years. That's an amazing feat. Golf Scramble's coming up. I'll leave it right there because we've got more to talk about there. That's all I have there.

Great. I have one slide tonight, and we've talked a little bit about the Independence Day celebration, and if you did not get to attend, you missed an unbelievable night. There is no way I can describe how much time and effort our staff puts in to making it a wonderful night for all of us to have a good time. You know, it's easy to go out there and put your chairs out and grab you something to eat and forget about all the hard work. And so thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our staff, all of our volunteers, all of the people that came as vendors. We appreciate what you do in making this a really special night. And... I was not surprised by the numbers that Todd gave us because if you were there and you looked around, there was not a bare spot of grass anywhere for you to sit. And honestly, we've been very blessed. I don't know that we had many incidents that night at the park itself. So I think everybody was just excited to be there and to celebrate that. our country's anniversary. I only have one thing tonight, and Dave, I probably should have talked to you about this first just because I never like to try to catch you guys off guard. Any updates on the signage that is on Front Street actually in the street looking more similar to what's down there in regards, the ones that are actually on the street?

So those would be the, well, I forget exactly what they're called, but we're talking about the pedestrian signs at the crosswalks. So I've asked staff to look at some alternatives that still meet the MUTCD standard. So I haven't gotten back with them yet to see what they were able to find, but we're looking for something that would have maybe a black background to match some of the decorative posts that we have out there. But additionally, we are adding some additional decorative posts and looking at the crosswalk that is just coming on to Front Street where we have the two that are inlaid on the road right now. We're going to go back when these guys get a chance and maybe some downtime to go back and put that in the center as well. So those are all additional adjustments that we'll be making.

think we just want to make sure that the Aesthetics that I think all of us and when I say all I don't mean just council I mean the town want to see down there along with safety for both so And the merchants as well and they have been so patient with us through this process and we appreciate that So I just want to make sure that that stays on your radar for making sure that that gets done Council anything else? Okay, if there's nothing else, then we are adjourned.