City Council meeting for June 2009
From City of Townsend Commission Meeting Minutes, June 1, 2009
Attending the meeting was Vice Mayor Ron Palewski, Commissioner Charles Tippitt, Commissioner David Wietlisbach, Commissioner Skidmore, Police Chief Ron Suttles, Recorder Shelia Moss, Don Headrick, Mr. & Mrs. L. A. Headrick, Jackie Suttles, Walt Becki, Pete Maples, Byron Begley, as well as several other community members. Mayor Pat Jenkins was absent.
Temporary Permits (ROW use)
Vice Mayor Palewski explained that the City had received a letter from the Visitors Center requesting to use the Right of Way for parking for the Pottery Festival. He mentioned that the Visitors Center had contacted the property owners, they would not be charging for parking, and did have proof of insurance. Mayor Jenkins had conveyed his comments through email to the City Recorder on the day of the meeting as he was unable to attend. Vice Mayor confirmed that each Commissioner had a copy and then proceeded to read the email in its entirety aloud. There was discussion between the attending Citizens, the Commission, and the Police Chief about use of the Right of Way. Vice Mayor Palewski stated that a motion to grant a temporary permit for the Pottery Festival was being sought. Commissioner Skidmore stated that his opinion was that the Commission had no right to give a temporary permit since they don’t have one in place and that they should not take action. He also mentioned that the Commission was not saying that the Visitors Center could not have the Pottery Festival. There was further discussion regarding temporary permits, the Pottery Festival and Right of Way use. Commissioner Tippitt made a motion to allow a one time temporary permit for this one event (Pottery Festival) at no charge. Vice Mayor Palewski seconded and the motion failed with 2 yea (Vice Mayor Palewski & Commissioner Tippitt) and 2 nay votes (Commissioners Skidmore & Wietlisbach).
Bird House (Bike Trail)
Vice Mayor Palewski stated that he was contacted by Gino Bachman, owner of the Bunkhouse Inn, regarding a young man, Jeffrey Doan, who is seeking his Eagle Scout badge. Vice Mayor Palewski stated that he met with Mr. Doan and his family on Sunday, May 31, 2009. Vice Mayor Palewski mentioned that Jeffery Doan was the only person to letter as the mascot for Farragut High School, he is the mascot for the Smokies, and also does magic. Vice Mayor Palewski read a letter from Jeffery Doan aloud, which was a request to build fifteen birdhouses and place them along the bike trail throughout Townsend. There was a brief discussion regarding placing birdhouses along the bike trail. Vice Mayor Palewski stated that there will be no charge to the City. Commissioner Wietlisbach mentioned that he would just tell Mr. Doan if the adjacent property owners agree, then the City would agree.
