Council Votes: 5/11/15 OAK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY/More on ORPD Investigation

NOTE:  Council will hold another special meeting on May 21^st at 6:00p.m. See Appearance of Citizens below for details.

The following represents an unofficial account of the significant items discussed and/or voted upon during the May 11, 2015 City Council Regular Meeting. The complete agenda packet is found here and a video of the meeting can be viewed here. Draft meeting minutes will most likely be posted at the city website as part of the June 2015 Regular Meeting Agenda packet.

IV. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS

Two citizens inquired about the status of the MTAS investigation. The original contract with MTAS expired May 9^th. Mayor Gooch explained that he was in communications with MTAS and would update council soon. Subsequently, on May 20^th ,  Mayor Gooch called for a special meeting to be held on May 21^st at 6:00p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom. Council will discuss and vote upon one or more of the following options:

1. Approve a new, revised agreement with MTAS for $26,200
2. Approve a request of MTAS to complete their original agreement in addition to the parameters council added in the 4/26/15 special meeting
3. Authorize the city to submit a Request for Qualifications for a review of the ORPD

VII.       CONSENT AGENDA  8 items passed by unanimous vote

c. Resolution approving contract with Backflow Specialty Company for testing of backflow preventers – $57,750

d. Resolution approving contract with TDOT for maintenance of state highways within the city limits reimbursing the city for $141,175.

e. Resolution granting a permit for Aaron Wells and Vander J. Murray to engage in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages at Lizz’s Wine and Spirits and waiving residency requirement for Murray.

g. Resolution requesting unclaimed balances from the State Treasurer under the Unclaimed Property Act

h.Resolution accepting $158,452 Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) from FEMA for ORFD safety equipment

VIII. RESOLUTIONS

a. Resolution awarding a contract to Knox Blount Maintenance for janitorial services an estimated amount of $214,935. Motion passed 7-0   Note: Previously two different firms provided these services. Consolidation will save the city a “few $1,000” according to Gary Cinder

b. Resolution authorizing lease extension with Anderson County for the Daniel Arthur building for operating the Senior Center. Terms of lease extend it for 2 years until May 2017 at a cost of $5,170 per month. Motion passed 7-0  

IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READINGS OF ORDINANCES

An ordinance to repeal and replace the ordinance for rules and regulations governing distribution of electrical power. NOTE: Changes primarily align with TVA requirements; however changes to relax deposit requirements for residents living in the city for 5 years or more were also included. Motion passed  7-0

X.FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES

a. Amendment to zoning ordinance changing zoning district of parcels .36 and .003 from B-2 general business district PUD to UB-2 Unified General Business PUD. (Mall Redevelopment Area). NOTE: The sale of the mall property has not yet been finalized; Watson stated that he expects the closing on June 15^th and demolition to start June 30^th. Motion passed 7-0 

b. Amendment to the zoning ordinance allowing for mixed use development in the city center. (Mall Redevelopment Area). Motion passed 7-0