With a capacity crowd packed into the courthouse last Monday night, the monthly Commission meeting was the most interesting in a long time. As I am sure most of you have heard by now, the Smith Mountain Solutions, LLC (SMS) proposal to locate a “fly ash” (coal combustion products) landfill in Cumberland County was the 17th item on the agenda. When we finally got to the item, a significant amount of discussion occurred about most aspects of the proposal. Road improvement projects involved, legal status of the “host” agreement between Cumberland County and SMS, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) permitting process, and monitoring of the project were a few of the items discussed. After the lengthy discussion, the question was called and the project was approved with 11 ”yes” votes, 5 “no” votes, 1 abstention (possible conflict of interest issue) and 1 absent commissioner. I voted “no” based on the will of you, my constituents. I heard from 468 of you by phone, in person, or by e-mail, and the sentiment was an overwhelming 2 to 1 against the project. I felt comfortable that I had a significant enough sample to conclude that the population of the 9th District was against the project. Since I am on the Commission to represent you, not my personal opinions or judgments, the vote was easy.
This vote by the county, accepting the project, was just the first step in a long process. The trucks will not start rolling next week. TDEC now will proceed with the permitting process which will evaluate the SMS proposed project for technical feasibility and compliance with the appropriate state rules and regulations for the handling of the ash as well as the construction and operation of the landfill. Now that the USEPA is involved in the TVA ash spill cleanup and future remedial actions, they will have to approve the handling, loading, and transportation methods of the ash for conformity to the federal laws and regulations. Finally, SMS will have to secure a contract with TVA to dispose of the ash. Of course, the omni- present potential for lawsuits could also impact the process. All of this could take 9 to 24 months, depending on the roadblocks encountered.
The balance of the meeting was more routine. Two resolutions allowing the County Administration to apply for grants were approved. Four year-end housekeeping budget amendments were approved as recommended by the budget committee. A resolution to adopt a continuing budget and tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 was also unanimous approved. This authorizes various county departments and the school system to continue to spend at last year’s budgeted rate until the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget is approved by the full commission. The Budget Committee is still hopeful they will have a complete, balanced budget and tax rate to recommend for approval at the July full Commission meeting.
Resolutions reappointing two members (Julie Shanks and Joe Reynolds) of the County Library Board of Trustees to new terms along with one recommending that Sandra Purcell be appointed to the Caney Fork Regional Library Board of Trustees for a second three-year term were unanimously approved.
We heard a report from the local Chapter of the Red Cross describing their 56 responses to local disasters (mostly fires) in the last year, as well as their blood drive and armed forces assistance program activities in Cumberland County. After appointing or renewing several notary publics, the meeting finally adjourned.
As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, suggestions, concerns, issues or comments at 484-4137, or e-mail at cocomlynch@comcast.net.
Glade Sun
GUEST COLUMN: The ash flies
- Glade Sun
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FG First Baptist Church all smiles as their 'ship comes in'
Fairfield Glade First Baptist Church was right in the path of the right-of-way for the new widening project for Peavine Road. With a new site selected and the new church building well under way, on Feb. 6, TDOT officially presented Fairfield Glade First Baptist Church a check for $1,435,550 for their property.
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SMHS Rocket Club visits FG Rotary
Fairfield Glade Rotary Club warmly welcomed eight accomplished Stone Memorial High School students. The members of the SMHS Rocket Club team presented a detailed account of their most recent competition in the Team America Rocketry Challenge National Finals in Washington D.C.
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Dr. Smith to speak Feb. 15 on women's health
William E. Smith, MD, will speak on women’s health on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at a free Community Seminar, in the conference room at the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complex in Crossville, at 130 Woodmere Mall, on Hwy. 127. Non members of the facility are welcome.
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Lake Tansi resident wins Holiday Challenge drawing
Betty Smith of Lake Tansi won a six-month membership for the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complex at Crossville because she successfully completed a Holiday Challenge to maintain or lose weight from Nov. 24 through Jan. 4.
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Read the latest edition of "The Bulletin"
The Crossville Chronicle-Glade Sun also publishes a newsletter called "The Bulletin" in which you'll find a schedule of Glade activities and events, a restaurant and dining guide, golf information, and even tour schedules. Click here for the latest PDF edition of "The Bulletin."
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Playhouse favorite Daniel Black to appear this Sunday at the Southern Stars Concert
The Southern Stars Symphonic Brass will be presenting their second concert in the Crossville Music Series on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m. in the beautiful auditorium at Stone Memorial High School.
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Iles is Lions Student of the Month for January
Cumberland County High School senior Dimi Iles has been honored by the Fairfield Glade Lions Club as January “Student of the Month.” She was selected by Guidance Counselor Robin Hull to be so honored by the Lions Club.
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Three musicians join Big Band Sound
Two talented Tennessee Technological University students and a veteran drummer have joined the ranks of the Big Band Sound. They are Kurt Snider, Brant Poindexter and Sarah Ransom.
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Avalon Center asks you to "Let Your Heart Rule" in February
In 2010 Congress began dedicating the entire month of February to Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in youth relationships and promote programs intended to help youth with teen dating violence issues. Throughout February, individuals and many organizations nationwide highlight the need to educate young people about healthy relationships, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse.
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ENJOYING NATURE: How ‘fur’ would you go to get a great coat?
I saw in one of the magazines, that I sometimes read, that the Tennessee Fur Harvesters Association was having a fur sale in Crossville. “Fur harvesters” is another word for trappers. Trappers try to catch fur bearing animals like coyote, mink, and beaver for fun and profit. I talked Gary into going with me to see what we could learn.
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