The Crossville City Council meeting on March 10, 2026, began at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers after a brief Beer Board session and a public hearing on annexations. Following the call to order, roll call confirmed all members present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Chris Palmer, the presentation of colors by the Young Marines, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Under proclamations, Mayor R.J. Crawford read and signed a proclamation designating April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in Crossville and April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, emphasizing the need for greater understanding, early intervention (particularly applied behavior analysis), lifelong supports, and community services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The council approved several appointments/reappointments: Chris Peterson, Glen Schallow, and Larry Patterson to the Airport Committee (five-year terms); Council Member Mike Turner to the Stormwater Board of Appeals; Brad Ray to fill the unexpired Tree Board term; and Kevin Poore to another five-year term on the Crossville Regional Planning Commission.

Ethan Hadley from the Chamber of Commerce reported strong economic development news, including Durable Products’ $27+ million expansion (no local incentives required) and vertical construction of a 100,000-square-foot speculative building in Interchange Business Park. He invited attendees to the Chamber’s Spring Business After Hours at Cumberland County Playhouse (March 13) and the Tourism Summit at the Palace Theater (March 26), highlighting tourism’s growing $212 million economic impact and recent marketing successes.

The consent agenda (except 5l) passed unanimously after discussion in the prior work session; it included ordinances amending the Leisure Service Committee and FY 25-26 budget, multiple annexation approvals with plans of service (Canary Drive parcels, Lantana Road, Woodlawn Road), property sale on Wyatt Court, grant application, temporary street closures for events, infrastructure bids (Genesis Tank Rehabilitation, Fire Station 2 change order), and approval of prior meeting minutes.

Item 5L (initial non-binding resolution to begin discussions with CPWA) was pulled from consent and debated separately.

Under other business, a resolution supporting state legislation to allow each municipality its own medical director (potentially enabling tailored pre-hospital emergency care protocols for the city’s fire/rescue services) failed to pass after debate.

The council approved awarding a playground bid to the low responsive bidder meeting specifications. Two contract amendments for water line relocations (near Hollow Lane and another site) were approved to complete ongoing projects.

In the City Attorney’s report, mention was made of sending demand letters for delinquent back taxes (with a filing deadline of April 1 to avoid escalated lawsuit costs) and seeking authorization to join an opioid settlement class action for potential city funds.

The City Manager’s report included required disclosure of a recent $4.7 million debt obligation (issued February 27, maturing 2046), a summary handout of downtown grants and events, and upcoming meetings: a March 18 visioning/strategy session with state Main Street and rural development officials, a March 24 informational session for downtown businesses on facade improvement grants, and the March 26 Tourism Summit. Additional downtown initiatives noted included wayfinding/signage planning, a Three-Star planning grant, and a newly awarded mural grant depicting the Cumberland Homestead.

The meeting adjourned following these reports.