Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland told the Cleveland City Council that employers across the state said at a conference that they had three main problems with Tennessee students entering the workforce: "They can't do ninth grade math, coming to work on time, and students passing drug tests."
Mayor Rowland said he was surprised by these, especially the last one.
The sister of Cleveland police officer Steve Tyson also spoke to the council regarding her brother's recent firing without questioning.
She said to city manager Janice Casteel, "As his sister and as someone who used to be a citizen of Cleveland, Tn., I wish you would be more forthright in coming up with the information asked."
During a previous city council meeting, a resolution was passed asking for all of the emails and text messages pertaining to Lt. Tyson's situation.
Councilman Richard Banks said, "This is, in my opinion, one of the most important issues we have faced since I've been on the council."
Councilman Dale Hughes said, "Why would you start an investigation without talking to a 27-year veteran? I think the system is flawed and really needs an overhaul."
Vice Mayor Avery Johnson also said the process of drug testing needs to be expedited so that situations can be addressed as they occur, not 15 days later.
Lt. Tyson was given his job back eventually. He said he had taken some of his son's kidney stone medicine for pain, and he later tested positive for drug use.
After a discussion, a motion passed allowing the city to run one line of sewer service to the Bradley County Farmer's Market.
Councilman David May, who voted against the motion, said, "I'm afraid that when we start giving up that control, the next thing we know we're going to be running it to everybody in the county and they don't have to be annexed."
Councilman Bill Estes asked Councilman Banks to make the motion more specific, so that this would be a one-time occurrence.
The line will only connect to the restroom at the market.
Mayor Rowland said, "I still don't understand why they wouldn't ask to have it annexed. Being annexed, they would pay less for sewer and water."
During the meeting, a resolution was also passed to plant a magnolia tree at the courthouse in honor of the late Judge Bill Moss.