Shown at check presentation are, front, left to right, Russell Cliche, Mayor Katie Lamb, Commissioners Debbie Baker and Phil Garver, and, rear, City Attorney Sam Elliott, City Manager Ted Rogers, Commissioner Ethan White and Vice Mayor Tim Johnson.
photo by Gail Perry
At the first meeting of the new term for the Collegedale Commission, Katie Lamb and Tim Johnson were unanimously re-elected to head the city as mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
The audit report for fiscal year 2016 was the first report given to the commissioners who are returning and those who were re-elected. Paul Johnson, with Johnson, Murphy and Wright, said that the city received an excellent financial report and is in great financial shape.
Assets of the city increased and liabilities decreased during the year. Business type activities run by the city were also profitable. These include the airport and sewer funds, which were both profitable. The CPA said that it is important for the sewer fund to make a profit because maintenance which is routinely needed is paid from this fund. “It’s a great report. There’s only good news in it,” he said, “Congratulations to you.”
More good news came when Russell Cliché, the East Tennessee coordinator for the Community Foundation, which is part of the governor’s “Healthier Tennessee” initiative, presented the city with a check for $5,000. The money will be used to get people involved in a healthier lifestyle, with goals of improving the health of the community by increasing exercise, improving nutrition and stopping the use of tobacco. This is being done by engaging people where they work, worship and learn, said Mr. Cliché. In Collegedale the effort is being organized by a wellness council "Collegedale Inspires.”
City Manager Ted Rogers asked the commissioners to approve giving additional responsibilities to Michelle Toro, who has been classified as the city recorder. With the approval of the commissioners, Ms. Toro’s title will now have the official designation of assistant city manager and chief financial officer added to the previous title of city recorder. She will serve in the new positions in the absence of Mr. Rogers when action is needed immediately. Her compensation will be increased in addition to her work load.
Mr. Rogers also asked for and received permission for the mayor to enter a licensing agreement with TDOT. The mayor’s signature is needed on the agreement for the continuation of work on the road project along Ooltewah-Ringgold Road.
Commissioner Phil Garver suggested having three semi-trailer trucks moved that have long been parked behind the public works facility leaving Collegedale, saying they are really ugly. Public Works Director Eric Sines said they are where Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church stores props for SonRise. He told the commissioner that he would try to find another location for them.
The commission’s December workshop has been cancelled, but there will be an off-campus workshop held on Jan. 30, 2017. The next commission meeting is scheduled for Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.