The following represents an unofficial account of the significant items discussed and/or voted upon during the November 16, 2015 City Council Regular Meeting. The complete agenda packet is found here and 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 October 2015 Regular Meeting Agenda packet.
VI. SPECIAL REPORTS
Gordon Fee presented a report on the Oak Ridge Heritage Railroad Authority Annual Report 2015. See the agenda for a written version of his verbal presentation.
VIII. RESOLUTIONS
Read additional information on items a & g here and here.
a. Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Arts Council to provide entertainment, production support and programs related to the 2016 Secret City Festival and authorizing reimbursement of actual costs incurred not to exceed $150,000. Motion passed unanimously.
b. Resolution approving a contract with Strategic Services (Lamar Dunn as the principal) for development of a nutrient management plan for the wastewater treatment plant in the estimated amount of $85,000. Motion passed unanimously.
c. Resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the required certificates for applicants to the TN alcoholic beverage commission for a retail food store wine license. Motion passed unanimously.
d. Resolution authorizing the city manager to apply for and accept the transfer of .66 acres of surplus federal property located at the corner of Administration Road and Laboratory Road. Motion passed unanimously.
e. Resolution endorsing and supporting the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce’s strategy committee on housing to develop a 10 year vision and mission statement on housing development and redevelopment. No costs involved. Motion passed unanimously.
f. Resolution authorizing the issuance and refunding of $20,000,000 of multiple bonds related to the high school renovation project. Motion passed unanimously.
Notes: Total estimated savings of $5.5M in interest and 5 years off the life of the bonds. Total General Fund Debt at this time is $82.5M ($130M P&I) of which 80% is related to schools. S&P recently upgraded our rating from AA to AA+
g. Resolution to transmit the City of Oak Ridge comments to DOE regarding their proposed EMDF low-level nuclear waste landfill. Main motion passed unanimously after two amendments. ***Edited letter to be attached upon receipt of revisions
h. Resolution providing a 90 day extension of the DOE water services contract. *Item added by council at the beginning of the meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
X. ELECTIONS/APPOINTMENTS
The individuals appointed by a vote of at least 4 to the OR Corridor Initiative Committee are:
Benjamin Stephens
Ray Smith
Ken Rueter
Daryl Akins
Trina Baughn 