photo by Viewed from the Commons
Lookout Mountain, Tn., officials say the addition of security cameras at various entry points has led to a drop in crime.
And Commissioner of Fire and Police Jim Bentley said of the few burglary and theft cases within the town, arrests were made in all of them.
Thanking Chief Randy Bowden and his officers, he said, "This is incredible.
Great work."
Chief Bowden compiled statistics from his department for the year ending in December. Those that question the police efficiency need to read these numbers, said Commissioner Bentley. During 2015 police calls totaled 978, including 92 calls to assist citizens and 141 calls to “911”. During the year, police patrolled 43,577 miles and made 240 traffic stops. There were 18 auto accidents with no injuries. Response was made to 229 burglar alarms, which were all false, and there was one burglary in which a house was entered, a purse, keys and vehicle were stolen. Within two days, the suspect was arrested. There were 11 theft reports involving identity, credit cards or personal checks and all suspects have now been charged. Arrests totaled 14 for DUI, drug possession, paraphernalia and domestic abuse. Nine disorder calls were handled throughout the year. There were 116 medical calls and 42 fire alarms. Of these, 35 were false, five in Tennessee were active and there were two assist calls in Georgia.
Commissioner Bentley said concerning medical calls, "We get letters weekly citing the compassion and competency of the officers. And regarding crime, prevention is the key, he said, adding that the security cameras are a big part of it."
Brooke Pippenger, commissioner of parks and playgrounds, reported problems at the commons caused by the heavy rain on Christmas day. The run-off in her yard was enough to float a kayak and most of that water ended up at the Commons, she said. A lot of mulch from the playground and infield mix on the baseball field was lost. She said plans are to wait until spring before replenishing it. At that time the city may be asked for funds to do it.
Basketball practice has now started and games will begin next week. Sign-ups using the new website www.bluesombrero.com made the process easy, she said.
Dwight Montague, town consultant, presented the financial report for December. Highlights include $841,441 in property taxes that were received by Dec. 31. The remaining $6,000 is due by Feb. 29. The town received the first payment for rent of the cell phone tower property which is $2,550 per month. This amount includes the first provider. Rent for the remaining three antennae that the tower can accommodate will be $1,150 for each.
The bad news, said Mr. Montague, is that in a national cost-cutting measure, Sprint has removed its antenna from the water tower. Lookout Mountain is no longer in Spring's coverage and the area will be considered network roaming. The town has been receiving $1,000 monthly from Sprint so will be losing $12,000 per year in revenue.
Mr. Montague gave an update on the new cell phone tower for which the lease has been fully executed. He said that Alan Crafton from the company that will build it has worked closely with him in the attempt to make the facility on the ground look like a town hall building as much as possible. The tower will be enclosed in a building with a full roof running the length facing the town hall driveway so wires will not be visible when looking down. There will be a roof on the left and right sides of the building facing the commons, divided by a void where the tower will be placed. A fence surrounding the entire structure will be made of Hardie board siding painted to match the existing city hall that will be bordered with mountain stone. Construction is expected to start in a couple of months and will be done without any disruptions to the Commons or town hall.
Good news, Mr. Montague said, is that “Jim Coppinger is our friend again.” The county mayor is no longer pursuing his plan for Hamilton County to share in the division of state sales tax.
Expenses for the month included a retirement gift of $3,500 for Pat Fricks, who worked for the city 35 years as town recorder, court clerk and tax collector. A town policy gives an employee $100 for each year they worked for the city if the total number of years is 20 or more.
A budget amendment in December provided $12,500 for the Lookout Elementary School computer fund.
On Friday night Feb. 26, the fundraiser Night out for Lookout will be held at the Fairyland Club to benefit Lookout Mountain Elementary. Commissioner of Schools Don Stinnett encourages the town to participate in the party which will include a silent auction. “It will be a fun time for fellowship with friends on the mountain and will help the school at the same time,” he said.
Commissioner of Public Works Walker Jones said, “We haven’t used any salt yet,” adding that he hoped to use a little of the stockpile this winter. Otherwise, business is as usual with the department cleaning ditches and removing the remainder of leaves. The very popular dumpster will again be at the public works barn on Feb. 6.
The Next Door App is now available. This is a way for people in the Lookout Mountain community to communicate to others in the same community. A message, for example, recently went out to announce a mudslide that occurred on Ochs Highway. With cell phone numbers, text alerts can be sent for emergency situations. To sign up go to nextdoor.com.
The commissioners voted to update the town’s purchasing policy to comply with the state of Tennessee policy of 2003. For purchases under $10,000 multiple bids can be gotten but are not required. For purchases of $10,000 or more, three competitive bids are required, but no advertising is needed. Purchases of $25,000 for goods and services require for the purchase to be advertised as well as for having competitive bidding. A second reading will be held on this ordinance.
In another vote, commissioners approved continuing participation in the interlocal agreement for complying with federally mandated stormwater requirements. The small towns in Hamilton County joined in order to reduce costs related to compliance. The vote also accepted Walden into the alliance. The standards pertaining to stormwater are now being reviewed and are expected to take a year before completion, said Town Attorney Brian Smith.
Tuesday night Samantha Van Alstyne was sworn in as town recorder, court clerk and tax collector, replacing Pat Fricks. Dwight Montague was sworn in as assistant treasurer to Town Treasurer Don Stinnett. Ms. Van Alstyne has completed the Certified Municipal Financial Officer program, said Mayor Carol Mutter. She previously served as a dispatcher for the city and will also be able to fill in that capacity if needed in an emergency.
Mayor Mutter reminded the commissioners to fill out an ethics form required by the state that is due by the end of January. She also thanked residents of the town for supporting the fire, police and public works personnel with food and treats during Christmas. She said it was very much appreciated, and added that "you do not have to wait until Christmas to show gratitude." The mayor also encourages everyone to patronize the mountain businesses. She said, "If you can get it on the mountain, it is better for the town which gets tax money, as well as keeping the businesses open."
The next meeting of the Lookout Mountain, Tn. Commission will be Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.
photo by Viewed from the town hall driveway