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BUDGET, FINANCE & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
August 29, 2002 6:15 P.M. Courthouse
MINUTES:
Members Present: Others Present: Others Present: Others Present: Comm. Joyce Ealy Evans Maples Mike Phillips Gary Patton Comm. Paul Johnson Comm. Carol Cook Tommy Brown Richard Rinks Comm. Tina Jones Comm. Anthony Johnson Jim Estes A. C. Puckett Comm. Robert Peay Regina Nelson Joe McKenzie Rick Wise Comm. Steve Sandlin Bob Asbury Jeff Sandvig Carroll Uselton Comm. Dwight Throneberry Teena Sanders Tim McLaughlin Chris Wyre Comm. Jimmy Evans, Chair.
Dan Sinclair, Curtis
Little, Bryan Brooks, Paul Long, Elaine Cawthon, Other Interested Citizens Chairman Jimmy Evans presided and called the meeting to order with all members being present.
APPROVE MINUTES: The minutes of the August 8, 2002 meeting were presented for approval. Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
INVESTMENT REPORT: Mr. Evans Maples presented the monthly Investment Report for the information and use of the committee. Mr. Maples advised the LGIP interest rate for the month of July was 1.94% Mr. Maples reviewed the investment transactions that had occurred since the last meeting. Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to approve the monthly Investment Report as presented. The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENTS
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS EQUIPMENT GRANT): In the absence of Mr. Steve Smith, the Finance Director advised the application of a grant through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for the Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 Domestic Preparedness Equipment Program in the amount of $50,000 was previously approved. Mr. Smith received notification the grant will be awarded, and approval of the following budget amendment to appropriate the grant proceeds was requested:
Increase Revenue: 101-47230 – Disaster Relief – Federal - $50,000 Increase Expend.: 101-54430-790 – Other Equipment - $50,000
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the $50,000 Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the budget amendment appropriating the grant proceeds as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Two
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT: No one from the Sheriff’s
Department was present at this time, and Chairman Evans addressed the next item
on the agenda. YOUTH SERVICES: Teena Sanders, Youth Services Department, was present and explained to the committee she was requesting approval of the Juvenile State Supplement Reimbursement Contract for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 in the amount of $10,000. Approval of the following budget amendment was requested:
Increase Revenue: 101-46110 – Juvenile Services Program - $10,000 Increase Fund Balance: 101-39000 - $10,000
Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the Juvenile State Supplement Contract in the amount of $10,000 as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
APPROVE AMENDED CONTRACT WITH STATE OF TENNESSEE, DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES FOR JUVENILE COURT: Teena Sanders, Youth Services Department, requested approval to amend the contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of children’s Services to provide educational and therapeutic services to youth between the ages of 12 and 18 with a history of delinquent and unruly offenses, and their families, through the Rutherford County Teen Learning Center. The Finance Director advised the amended contract does not affect anything from a fiscal perspective. He explained this was the Helicon contract. Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the amended contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, for services provided through Helicon, Inc. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT BUDGET AMENDMENTS: Chief Regina Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment for the Mounted Patrol to appropriate July and August stall rental money and to request unspent money from last fiscal year:
Increase Revenue: 101-44120 – Lease/Rentals - $3,240
From: 101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - 3,995
Increase Expend.: 101-54110-399 – Other Contracted Services - $7,235
The Finance Director advised the $3,995 requested from Undesignated Fund Balance represented leftover donations from the previous year that was specifically for the Mounted Patrol program. Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the budget amendment for the Mounted Patrol as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Chief Nelson requested approval of the following budget transfer for Mounted Patrol supplies:
From: 101-54110-399 – Other Contracted Services - $1,740 To: 101-54110-499 – Other Supplies/Materials - $1,740
Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Three
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the budget transfer for the Mounted Patrol supplies as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Chief Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment to purchase 100 additional beds for the Detention Center. She advised the increase in the inmate population has created a very dangerous situation:
From: 101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $16,000 To: 101-54210-707 – Building Improvements - $16,000
Major Asbury reported the inmate population as of today was 817. He stated there is only enough room to accommodate approximately 150 more beds. After that, there is nothing more they can do. He stated this should take them through next year. He stated there is 714 male prisoners and only 640 beds. Following discussion, Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the budget amendment for $16,000 for additional beds at the Adult Detention Center as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Chief Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment to appropriate donations in the amount of $1,157 for the Chaplain’s School Fund:
Increase Revenue: 101-44570 – Contributions & Gifts - $1,157 Increase Expend.: 101-54110-599 – Other Charges - $1,157
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the budget amendment to appropriate a donation of $1,157 as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Chief Nelson next requested approval of the following budget amendment to recognize a transfer from the General Purpose School Fund to cover the salary and benefits for a new SRO position at the North Alternative School:
Increase Revenue: 101-49800 – Operating Transfers - $35,729
Increase Expend.: 101-54110-189 – Other Salaries/Wages - $27,914 101-54110-201 – Social Security - 1,731 101-54110-204 – State Retirement - 2,823 101-54110-205 – Employee Insurance - 2,856 101-54110-212 – Employer Medicare - 405
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the budget amendment to transfer funds from the General Purpose School Fund to cover the salary and benefits for a new SRO position at the North Alternative School as requested.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Chief Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment in the Drug Control Fund for the cost of a drug dog:
From: 122-54150-716 – Law Enforcement Equipment - $10,000 To: 122-54150-319 – Confidential Drug Enforcement - $10,000
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to approve the budget amendment to cover the cost of a drug dog as requested. The motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote. Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Four
Chief Nelson requested approval the following budget amendment to appropriate proceeds from confidential property from a gambling investigation and conviction to the Sheriff’s Judgement Account, which is the investigative account for confidential expenditures not related to drug cases:
Increase Revenue: 101-42910 – Proceeds from Confiscated Property - $14,473 Increase Expend.: 101-54110-505 – Judgments - $14,473
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the budget amendment to appropriate Proceeds from Confiscated Property for the investigative account as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
REQUEST FROM AMBULANCE SERVICE TO APPLY FOR CHRISTY HOUSTON GRANT: Mr. Mike Phillips, Ambulance Service, requested permission to apply for a grant through the Christy-Houston Foundation in the amount of $10,500 for a critical care paramedic program. He stated it is an advanced program designed to transport critically ill and injured patients between medical facilities. He advised it cost $750 per person for an 11-week course. He explained the grant would provide the tuition and cost of the books. He reported the paramedics would attend the course on their own time by using vacation time or leave time if necessary. Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the request for the application for a $10,500 grant through the Christy-Houston Foundation to provide tuition and books for a critical care paramedic program. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
AGREEMENT WITH TDOT FOR TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT: Mr. Tommy Brown reported to the committee the Tennessee Department of Transportation would be beginning a bridge replacement project in Walter Hill and needed to acquire 18 square feet of the property and a temporary construction easement for a payment of $150.00 to Rutherford County. He advised the agreement also included a right-of-entry to allow them to enter the property, because the County has a fence on the right-of-way, which will be moved. He advised the County is going to vacate the property and move the convenience center. Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the Agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for a payment of $150 to Rutherford County to allow for the acquisition of 18 square feet of property and a temporary construction easement relative to the Walter Hill bridge replacement. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
RECOMMENDATION FOR FUNDING FOR PHASE I OF LANE AGRI PARK: Mr. Jim Estes, Conservation Board Chairman, addressed the committee regarding a recommendation from the Property Management Committee to appropriate $3,300,000 for Phase I of the Lane Agri Park contingent upon receiving the USDA bid. Mr. Estes advised they are still in the process of completing the bid for the USDA Service Center and were waiting on more information from SEC, Inc. Chairman Evans asked Mr. Estes if he was confident the project could be completed and the rent from the USDA Service Center would pay for itself? Mr. Estes stated he was confident the bid would do that.
Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Five
Chairman Evans stated the length of the lease for the USDA Service was short-term, however, he stated he was confident that once the relationship is established with the USDA Service Center that it would become a long-term lease arrangement. Comm. Sandlin asked if the Farmer’s Market was out of the plans at this point? Mr. Estes advised that Farmer’s Market had been eliminated at this point. He advised that by taking the Farmer’s Market out, it eliminated the need for the road improvements, which reduced the project by approximately $2 million. Chairman Evans stated the Farmer’s Market had no bearing on the bid for the office space, and the project was being expedited in order to submit a bid for the USDA office space by the deadline. He stated the proposed Welcome Center would not be affected, as well. Mr. Jim Estes advised the City of Murfreesboro had passed the rezoning request on first reading. Comm. Jones advised the Property Management Committee unanimously recommended $3.3 million for the Phase I construction of the Lane Agri Park. Following discussion, Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the $3.3 million for construction of Phase I of the Lane Agri Park contingent upon receiving the bid for the USDA Service Center office space. The motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote. GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENTS:
Mr. Jeff Sandvig, Assistant Superintendent, advised the county school system would receive $1,211,000 in additional state BEP funds this year. He requested approval of the following budget amendment to use part of the additional BEP funds in order to add back transportation for students living within 1.5 miles from their schools. Mr. Sandvig advised the budget amendment also provided for one clerical position in the Transportation Department and two additional bus routes:
Increase Revenue: 141-46511 – Basic Education Program - $388,280
Increase Expend.: 141-72710-162 – Clerical Staff - $ 24,863 141-72710-201 – Social Security - 1,542 141-72710-204 – State Retirement - 2,514 141-72710-212 – Employer Medicare - 361 141-72710-315 – Contracts w/Vehicle Owners - 350,000 141-72710-399 – Other Contracted Services - 9,000
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the budget amendment to appropriate additional BEP Funds in the amount of $388,280 to add back transportation for students living within 1.5 miles of their schools and to also provide for one clerical position and two additional bus routes as requested. A discussion was held as to where the two additional bus routes were going to be. Mr. Sandvig advised he did not know the location of the routes. Comm. Jones asked Mr. Sandvig to have that information available at the County Commission meeting on September 12. Comm. Peay changed the motion, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the budget amendment to appropriate additional BEP Funds in the amount of $388,280 to add back transportation for students living within 1.5 miles of their schools and to also provide for one clerical position and two additional bus routes pending the identification of the routes and/or areas for the two additional bus routes at the County Commission meeting on September 12.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Six
Mr. Sandvig requested approval of the following budget amendment to fund the remainder of the estimated cost to re-roof La Vergne High School by transferring $300,000 from the General Purpose School Fund ending fund balance to the building fund. Any unused funds will revert to the General Purpose School budget:
From: 141-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $300,000
To: 141-99100-590 – Transfers to Other Funds - $300,000
Mr. Sandvig advised the School Board realized the General Purpose School Fund ending fund balance was not the best source for the money; however, the Board believed the project was too important to postpone funding the balance. Mr. Sandvig advised the School Board has approved transferring $500,000 from the Siegel High School construction to the La Vergne High School roof. Mr. Long advised the $300,000 had already been shared with the City of Murfreesboro. He stated in order for one dollar to get into the GPS ending fund balance that means the county had to collect $1.20 in revenue. He stated it would take $360,000 in revenue to produce $300,000 in the ending fund balance. He advised it would be his recommendation, if the commission approves to increase the funding for the La Vergne High School roof to $1.2 million, to cover it from a future bond issue. He stated this $300,000 could be preserved for any other unforeseen circumstances, such as some elementary roofs to be funded in the next group of roofs. He stated $300,000 could be included in the next bond issue without much problem; however, when $2 to $3 million is added for land purchases and more than that for correctional facilities, there would probably have to be a property tax increase in the Debt Service Fund. Comm. Peay asked the Finance Director to provide a list of proposals that have already been approved and the amount of funding that would be entailed at the next Budget Committee meeting. Comm. Sandlin stated at the last Budget Committee meeting, the School Board was requested to solicit alternative roofing proposals. Mr. Sandvig asked Mr. McLaughlin to address this issue. Mr. McLaughlin advised Mr. Richard Rinks from Richard Rinks and Associates was also present, as well as Mr. Dan Sinclair, who are roofing consultants for the Board of Education. He advised they could provide the committee with information as to what works and what does not. Mr. McLaughlin distributed a comparison of estimated costs for roof projects for the next projected 10 schools. The comparison reflected Mr. McLaughlin’s estimates compared to Mr. Rink’s estimates. Mr. McLaughlin advised he had talked to Mr. Jeff Evans with Benchmark, Inc., who is the roof consultant for Metro Nashville. He asked him how he felt about the foam roof system. He advised Mr. Evans stated he believed the foam roof system was a step down from the rubber roof. He stated Mr. Evans could not recommend the foam roof system to his clients. Chairman Evans stated the problem he had with that is that the School Board’s consultants have contradicted themselves relative to which roofs need repairing and if there is a mold problem or not. He stated one consultant specifically went on record that the cold-tar roof was the best roof. He stated what he was asking and hoping to hear was an actual comparison of costs, but not from someone who already had their mind made up. Mr. McLaughlin stated that their roof consultants, as well as Metro’s roof consultants, do not have a preferred roof system. He said they only consult, and do not own a roofing company. Mr. McLaughlin advised that
there is a foam roof system called BASF that is produced by the Dow/Corning Roof
Company. He stated he had visited the Lebanon Special School District that has
used this roof system, along with several other places where these roofs have
been used. He reported Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Seven
Dickson County had this roof in place for eight years, and they have had good luck with them. However, Cumberland County has a high school where this roof system has come apart. He stated he had also called Maryville and Oak Ridge. Mr. McLaughlin stated he had also talked with the foam roofing system company, and if they do not have to tear off the old roof, it would cost approximately $2.50 to $3.00 per square foot to replace the roof. If there was a tear-off, it would probably cost approximately $5.00 to $5.50 per square foot, which is about $1.50 to $2.00 less than the cold tar roof system. Comm. Jones asked Mr. McLaughlin about the warranty on a foam roof. Mr. McLaughlin advised the warranty for a “puf” roof is a normal ten-year roof warranty, which is the same as most rubber roofs. He stated there is also a 15-year roof warranty. Comm. Jones stated if the spray-on roof fails, and it is under warranty, it was her understanding that Dow/Corning would replace the roof with materials as well as labor. She stated with the cold tar roofs that the School Board uses, that is not the case, the materials are supplied but the labor is not. Mr. McLaughlin stated on rubber roofs, he believed the materials were replaced. He asked Mr. Richard Rinks to speak to the replacement of the existing roofs. Mr. Richard Rinks addressed the committee and stated he was an engineer/architect roof consultant. He stated he was independent and did not have any preconceived notions of what is best for Rutherford County. He stated he did make recommendations as to what they believe is best. He stated he has not said cold tar is the best roof. Mr. Rinks stated any independent roof consultant would say warranties are no better than the paper they are written on. He stated if Dow/Corning says they will replace the failed foam system with a warranty of material and labor, so will Carlisle, EPDM, and Fire Stone. He stated he is working on a Fire Stone rubber roof that failed in West Tennessee, and Fire Stone is replacing it and paying the cost under the terms of the warranty. He explained if a cold tar pitch or built up roof fails, that company will do the same thing. He stated the key ingredient of any roof system as to whether or not it works or fails is due to the integrity and quality of the work when it is put down. He stated he has looked at a lot of foam systems, and he has given Mr. McLaughlin cost estimates on two or three different systems. Mr. Rinks explained Rutherford County had a lot of single-ply EPDM roofs over the last few years, and they have failed and performed poorly and have been replaced. The roofs that have been put on are performing properly. Mr. Rinks stated he has no motive to say what kind of roof is used. He stated he is independent, and will recommend the roof they believe is the best roof for the application. He stated if the Board states they want a foam roof, he will specify a foam roof, but he stated he would accept no responsibility for the liability for the failure of a foam roof. He stated there could be failure of all types of roof systems. He stated he travels all across the country looking at roofs, and he wants to give Rutherford County the roof system that will do the best job over the life of the system, not necessarily the cheapest roof right now, but the roof that will give the best dollar value. Comm. Jones asked if the Rutherford County School System had ever had to replace or have any work done on a roof that was still under warranty? Mr. McLaughlin stated part of La Vergne’s roof had to be replaced about five years ago. He stated to his knowledge, a roof had not had to be replaced before the warranty period was up. Mr. McLaughlin stated there was still some ongoing drain issues on the Blackman High School. He stated the roof was designed by Johnson & Bailey, and there was no roofing consultant. It was under the Public Building Authority. On the roof that was under warranty that had to be repaired, Comm. Jones asked if the company paid for materials and labor? Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Eight
Mr. McLaughlin stated he did not know, since it was before he became employed by the Board of Education. Comm. Jones asked Mr. McLaughlin to try to find out that information. Comm. Jones stated the Dow/Corning representative had apparently misled her. She stated in terms of the warranty and in terms of the product, itself, Dow/Corning had a book of references from school systems across the United States, as well as Tennessee. Mr. Rinks stated the School Board had asked him to look into the problem with the leaks at Blackman, but he had nothing to do with the design. He advised since last year when he came on board, he has actively worked with the contractor and sub-contractor, and they are making progress in finding every leak. He stated there were a lot of wall flashing problems, which have been replaced, and a lot of roof drains that were leaking and some condensation problems. Following discussion, Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve funding in the amount of $300,000 to complete the La Vergne High School roof replacement to be included in the next bond issue. Comm. Ealy stated that this is a project that is desperately needed. She stated there was evidence early on that classes were being disrupted, it is a safety issue, possessions in the lockers are being damaged, and equipment has been damaged. She stated it is unfortunate that principals and teachers have had to go to the building when they know there is going to be a heavy rain to inspect the building. She stated the county must take care of the existing buildings and perform maintenance on the buildings. The motion to approve funding in the amount of $300,000 to complete the La Vergne High School roof replacement to be included in the next bond issue passed unanimously by roll call vote.
REQUEST FROM COUNTY CLERK ELECT: Chairman Evans advised the County Clerk Elect has requested a temporary loan in the amount of $100,000 to provide temporary funding to the fee account. This amount will allow her to meet the first few payrolls while fees and commissions are being collected. This advance/loan will be repaid prior to June 30, 2003. Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the request for the loan in the amount of $100,000 to the County Clerk to provide temporary funding to the fee account and to be repaid prior to June 30, 2003 as requested. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. OTHER BUSINESS REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO PURCHASE 114.5 ACRES IN LAVERGNE FOR SCHOOLS: Mr. A. C. Puckett addressed the committee requesting that they consider the purchase of 114.5 acres in La Vergne, known as the Goodloe property, for the location of multiple schools. Mr. Puckett provided a map of the property being considered. He advised the land fronts on Stones River Road. He explained the City of La Vergne has plans to construct a road through the property. He advised property located south of the property was already being developed. He stated there was no other property located in La Vergne available for a school. He stated he believed it would be horrible for the county not to buy all of the land. He stated this is not the only school needed in La Vergne. He stated he believed the only option for the county was for the School Board to exercise the option they have on the property. Mr. Puckett advised La Vergne is the fastest growing city in the State. He stated according to the last census, the population of La Vergne has more than doubled.
Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Nine
Mr. Puckett stated the option on the property would expire in 90 days. He reported other property in the area has been selling anywhere from $23,500 per acre to $50,000 per acre. He advised Mr. Shreibman has stated if the School Board would give him the option on the property, he would in turn give the county 25 acres to build a school. However, Mr. Puckett asked where could another school be located if all of the property was given away except for 25 acres? He stated the county would have to pay more per acre somewhere else. He stated he was thinking in terms of a high school sometime in the future. He stated Mr. Shreibman has stated the county needed to purchase all of the property. Mr. Puckett advised the Goodloe family did not want the property to be developed, but wanted the property to be used for schools. Mr. Puckett advised the City of La Vergne contributes a lot of money toward property taxes, sales tax, and the Development Tax. He stated they received nothing for the tax money they contribute to the county except for schools. He stated it appeared the City of La Vergne subsidizes other schools being built in the county. Chairman Evans stated there had been no geo-tech study performed on the property. Mr. Puckett stated he believed the property issue was going before the next Health & Education Committee meeting, and he believed they should authorize the geo-tech study. He stated he was not requesting the property be purchased until the geo-tech study has been done. He stated he would like for that to be done as soon as possible. He stated he was requesting that the Budget Committee recommend to the full commission that the entire 114.5 acres be purchased contingent upon the satisfactory approval of the geo-tech report and approval of the Health & Education Committee. Comm. Throneberry advised the Health & Education Committee has not approved the purchase of the property. He stated he would support the purchase of the property when the geo-tech has been performed and satisfactory results are received. Chairman Evans stated according to the Intergovernmental Agreement, there has to be a new school constructed in La Vergne. He stated the geo-tech is very necessary. Following discussion, Chairman Evans resigned the chair and turned the meeting over to Vice Chairwoman Joyce Ealy. Comm. Evans moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson that financing for the purchase of 114.5 acres in LaVergene be approved pending the development and approval of a Tri-Party Agreement between the School Board, Public Building Authority, and the County Commission and also a suitable geo-tech outcome as recommended to the County Commission from the Public Building Authority. Comm. Evans stated the PBA could expedite the process, which could be good or bad. Comm. Sandlin stated he was afraid the motion was on the fringe of shutting the entire project down, because the School Board has said they will not use the PBA. The School Board has filed a lawsuit over this issue, and has received an opinion regarding the PBA and the School Board’s authority. Comm. Peay stated School Board Chairman Chris Wyre had indicated to him that the School Board was still willing to work with the PBA in certain capacities. He stated he was all for the PBA working with the School Board. Comm. Peay asked if the motion was to purchase the entire 114.5 acres? Chairman Evans stated the geo-tech needed to be conducted on the entire tract of property. Then, if the decision is to purchase 25, 50 or 75 acres, at least it has all been studied. Comm. Peay stated he was concerned that the County could only borrow approximately $25 million this year without a tax increase, and this project was not previously considered in the long-range plan. He stated with the property costing approximately $1.9 million, if the committee votes to purchase it, they will be voting for a tax increase.
Budget Minutes August 29, 2002 Page Ten
Chairman Evans stated he was actually only talking about the geo-tech on the property so that the options can be known in specific detail. He stated there is no guarantee the property would be purchased at all. He stated the motion is to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s dollars, whether an individual is for or against a tax increase. He stated in this situation, homework must be done. Comm. Carol Cook stated some geo-tech work has already been done. She stated it has been suggested that a middle school be built there and convert Roy Waldron to an elementary school. Comm. Sandlin asked School Board member Ed Jordan to be recognized. Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to recognize Mr. Ed Jordan. The motion passed unanimously by acclamation. Comm. Sandlin asked Mr. Jordan about the relationship between the School Board and the PBA to expedite this project and possibly working with the PBA on some of the roof systems. Mr. Jordan stated he had served some years on the PBA, and he advocates a working relationship with them; however, the entire Board does not advocate working with them. He stated he believed the PBA would save money over a period of time. Comm. P. Johnson stated he believed the motion was an indication that the Budget Committee was willing to do their part. Comm. Sandlin stated he did not want to get the hopes up for the people of La Vergne. He stated the relationship between the School Board and the PBA has not been good. Chairman Evans stated he did not believe the motion was giving the people false hopes. He stated the motion does not require the School Board to use the PBA, but it is intended to expedite the process due to the 90-day deadline to exercise the option on the property. He stated he believed the motion pushes the process to the next step. Comm. Jones stated she agreed with Comm. Evans. She stated it would take approximately six weeks or longer to get a geo-technical report, and if cooperating with the PBA would expedite the process, then perhaps the county could move forward toward building a school in La Vergne. Following discussion, the motion that financing be approved for the purchase of 114.5 acres in La Vergne pending the development and approval of a Tri-Party Agreement between the School Board, Public Building Authority, and the County Commission and also pending a suitable geo-tech outcome as recommended to the County Commission from the Public Building Authority passed unanimously by roll call vote. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to be presented at this time, Vice Chairwoman Joyce Ealy declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
_________________________________________ Elaine Cawthon, Secretary |
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