The Signal Mountain council members all believed they had three excellent choices to replace Phil Noblett who is leaving the position of town attorney because of his added responsibilities after being named city attorney for Chattanooga. Sam Elliott, Harry Cash and Jim Exum were all interested in the job. The council was in agreement that Mr. Elliott had the most experience, but the council thought he was “stretched thin,” and might need to send representatives to some meetings. Harry Cash was chosen because it was felt he would be the best fit since he would be able to devote more time to the town and could receive good advice from his firm, if needed.
At a previous meeting where the increase of coyote sightings was discussed, it became evident that the town’s gun ordinances were different than the state’s laws. Attorney Noblett said state law preempts municipal laws. The Tennessee law allows people to carry hand guns, but prohibits them where kids are in recreational events, at school activities and certain other locations. The Tennessee constitution also gives citizens the right to hunt.
The town will not take action to allow anything, said Town Manager Boyd Veal, but with the revised ordinance, changes are being made to Signal Mountain’s law to match that of the state. The only place the town can automatically prohibit carrying a gun is in Town Hall, because it is a judicial building, in the police facility and the library. Hunting is not allowed on town property.
People with a carry permit can carry a gun in the municipal parks as long as there is not a school sponsored activity at that time and place. They can only be discharged, however, to protect the gun owner; not for hunting.
With the revised ordinance, it is no longer a town offense to fire a gun in the town limits, but any use of a gun needs the permission of the property owner. According to Tennessee law, the use of firearms or hunting cannot be restricted, however if guns are used recklessly or maliciously, the user can be charged for another offense, not for firing a gun.
The council last year approved expanding the scope of work at the MACC building to include the addition of sprinklers to the back of the building. Town Manager Boyd Veal said the fire marshal gave requirements for more significant changes in order to make that part of the building usable. The plans have now been revised, have been approved and a new quote has been made by the contractor that will add $28,000 to complete the project. A unanimous vote of approval was given for the change order so the work can proceed.
The Signal Mountain Elementary Preservation Fund is a 501 (c) ( 3) nonprofit to benefit the historic Signal Mountain Elementary School building that is owned by the town and that is now used as the MACC. The organization was given the authority to accept donations directly and hold fundraisers for the preservation and maintenance of the building. An agreement between the town and the group was formalized that gives the town authority to approve the fundraisers and which projects the raised money will be used for. If the project exceeds $5,000, the money needs to be donated to the town and the town will have the work done.
Additional funds were also authorized for building the new Shoal Creek Falls Bridge. Opposition for the original plan from residents of the area caused changes to that first plan and required building a temporary road. The costs related to the redesign were approved by the council on Monday night.
The council agreed to have “field visits,” as a group, to see and tour the different projects that are in work such as the MACC renovations, the Shoal Creek Bridge and ball fields. The public is not invited but will be made aware of the trips. The council was told that no deliberations can be made on these tours because all deliberations must be done in public.
The time and place for Signal Mountain’s monthly meetings has been changed. A unanimous vote approved holding two regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. There will no longer be an “agenda” meeting on the fourth Friday of the month. The new schedule will begin in February.
Paul Hendricks gave an update on plans from the Centennial Celebration Committee. The focus will be on “Founder’s Week.” The kick-off will be held at Alexian Inn on Thursday, April 4, and will recognize the town’s leadership. Historical photos will be displayed. The High School Jazz band will play and snacks will be available. The play “Deep Roots” about Emma Bell Miles will be presented at the MACC on April 5. April 6 will be Town Services Days with open houses and a second performance of the play will be done that night. On April 7, there will be a guided historical walk in Old Towne. On April 8, there will be an historical presentation. On Saturday April 13, to end “Founder’s Week,” a picnic with entertainment will be followed by a parade. There will be fireworks that evening. A website has been set up at: www.signalmountain100.com