Joe Ayers of Cumberland Securities presented the Cleveland City Council with an option to transfer or assign some 2001 interest rate swaps from a company that is feared to be unstable to a company with good ratings. The Tennessee Comptroller has approved the assigning of these swaps to more stable companies until Dec. 31, 2009.

The action would not change the interest rate and would not cost the city any out-of-pocket expense. The council voted 4 to 3 in favor of accepting what is called a Novated Swap Agreement. That vote left Mayor Tom Rowland with the decision of whether or not to veto the vote.

In the end, the action was vetoed and the council opted to adjourn Monday’s meeting to next Monday at 5:30 to study the agreement.

Property owners Alvin and Sylvia Cook, who reside at 5626 N. Lee Highway, were on hand to address the council regarding the zoning of their property. Zoning maps show the parcel is CH (Commercial Highway) when it is legally zoned RA (Residential Agricultural).

The council voted to correct the map and advised the Cooks if they wanted to re-apply for a change in zoning the city would waive the costs involved in the application process.

Growth Committee Chairman Craig Mullinax made a presentation to the council showing the recently completed 20-Year Growth Plan for Cleveland, Charleston and Bradley County.

The finalized plan comes after much input from the community at public hearings and meetings. The council voted to accept the plan.

Richard Banks, brother-in-law of businessman Allan Jones, abstained from the vote, but encouraged the council to adopt it.

Prior to the vote local resident John Chandler asked the council to exclude what is known as the Zeige Farm, owned by Mr. Jones, which runs along I-75 and is shown on the plan as Industrial Use. Mr. Chandler said the cost to ready the property will be too expensive and will impact Brymer Creek and Spring Branch, both of which are designated as Pristine and are protected by the federal government. He also said Harriman Road would have to be extended. He said there are more suitable sites for Industrial Use.

Council members discussed their priorities for 2010 among which were to revisit the lawsuit with the county over taxes and to begin work on retention ponds.

Six city employees retiring on Dec. 31 were recognized for their service to the city of Cleveland by Mayor Rowland. They are Tom Grant, Gloria Malone, Doyle Withrow, Willis Goldston, Larry King and Tim Coyne.

The 20-year employees receiving service awards were Brian Montgomery, Larry Hafley, Mike Ricker, Jeff Davis, Roger Turpin and Ken Higdon.

The 25-year employees receiving service awards were Tommy Myers, Kevin Felton, David Bishop and Melinda Carroll.

The 30-year employees receiving service awards were Tom Grant, Dennis Carroll, Randall Millard, Kenny Hyde, Billy Trentham and Betty Goddard.

The 35-year employees receiving service awards were Larry King and Steve Clayton.

City offices will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Dec. 25, for Christmas and Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, for the New Year's holiday.