The Crossville City Council met tonight. Here are highlights from the meeting:

COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES VALERIE HALE AS THE NEW CITY MANAGER

The Crossville City Council met tonight and unanimously approved current city clerk Valerie Hale to be the new city manager. She replaces Greg Wood who is retiring from the position effective March 31, 2024.

Hale will officially start as city manager on April 1, 2024.

Within 30 days of being the new city manager, Hale will recommend a new city clerk to the council for consideration.

Hale has served as city clerk for a few years. During that time, Hale received recognition as a Master Municipal Clerk, the International Institute of Municipal Clerk’s highest honor. To earn this designation, Hale completed an extensive program with a rigorous education and professional contribution components, complete with a record of contributions to her local government, city, and state.

Hale is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH HONORED BY THE CITY COUNCIL

The Crossville City Council honored Myra Patel from Martin Elementary School as the Student of the Month. School officials say Myra says “Yes ma’am” and follows directions from her teachers. She shares writing utensils and toys with her classmates, and she offers help to classmates when she sees they may need assistance. She is kind to everyone and always considerate to those around her.

PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN APPROVED

The Crossville City Council approved a Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

A focus group met and came up with goals for the plan.

In long-term goals which is 5 or more years from now, the following is on the list:

·       Completion of a pool project/recreation center

·       Pending interest in adding softball and baseball fields out in the county

·       Completion of paving for greenway walking trails.

·       An entrance to Obed River Park from Highway 127

·       Upgrades to the Farmers Market

·       Wi-Fi access at all parks

·       Increase the number of pickleball courts

·       Increase access to waterways

·       Increase playground equipment at all parks

·       Completion of network for biking and walking trails for Cumberland County

·       Develop assets related to motorsports including ATV trails

·       A seasonal ice skating rink

In mid-term goals (2-5 years), the following is included:

·       Funding of a pool project/recreation center

·       Survey of public opinion on adding softball/baseball fields in the county

·       Building a Livingston Road bike trail

·       Off-road bike trails at Meadow Park

·       Adding a disc golf course

·       A multipurpose meeting space at the community complex/Obed River Park

·       Upgrades to the bathrooms at the community complex/Obed River Park

For short-term goals (0-2 years), the following is on the list:

·       Creating ADA access to the trailhead at Obed River Park

·       New playground equipment at Obed River Park to replace current equipment

·       Design of a pool project/recreation center

·       Increased marketing of the events at all county parks

·       Design and construction of a roof for the arena at fairgrounds/Obed River Park

·       A pavilion at the splash pad at Garrison Park

·       Designing a Livingston Road bike trail

·       A bike lane on Highway 127 to Cumberland Mountain State Park

·       Paving at the farmer’s market

·       Access to waterway access points of Obed River and Daddy’s Creek

 

CROSSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT RELEASED

The Crossville Police Department released its latest monthly report to be reviewed by the city council tomorrow night.

It states officers wrote 136 citations in January 2024. Here is a breakdown:

Speeding – 39

Registration violation – 33

Light law violation – 19

Insurance violation – 19

Seatbelt violation – 10

Failure to exercise due care – 5

Ran traffic light – 5

Window tint violation – 2

Ran stop sign – 2

Muffler law violation – 1

Open container law violation – 1

 

Police responded to 42 offenses in Crossville last month including:

Shoplifting – 12

Theft from vehicles – 5

Fraud – 3

Theft of vehicle parts – 2

Violation of bond or order of protection – 2

Theft of all other – 2

Burglary – 2

Deaths – 2

Recovery – 2

Forgery – 1

Vandalism – 1

Overdose – 1

Robbery – 1

Vehicle theft – 1

Drug violation – 1

Harassment – 1

Domestic assault – 1

Assault – 1

Rape – 1

 

Crossville police arrested 130 individuals in January 2024 for various crimes including:

Warrants served – 22

Driving with no license, suspended or revoked – 14

Drug violations – 10

Possession of drug equipment – 9

Public intoxication – 8

Underage consumption – 8

DUI – 7

Domestic assault – 7

Resisting or evading arrest – 7

Shoplifting – 5

Weapons law violation – 4

Violation of bond or orders of protection – 3

Criminal trespass – 3

Fraud – 3

Drag racing – 2

Vandalism – 2

Assault – 2

Contributing to a minor – 2

Child abuse – 1

Violation of implied consent law – 1

Hit and run – 1

Criminal impersonation – 1

Disorderly conduct – 1

As far as vehicle accidents, Crossville police responded to 70 crashes. The report states 48 were minor, 18 were without injury, and 4 had injuries.

 

CITY MANAGER GIVES MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT

City Manager Greg Wood gave his monthly financial report to the city council.

In the latest sales tax collections for the month, the city took in $1,021,109.

In wholesale beer tax last month, Crossville collected $60,675.

In liquor tax income, the city saw around $38,000 last month. For the fiscal year to date, the city collected $206,388.

In hotel occupancy tax last month, the city saw $20,389.

THE CITY OF CROSSVILLE TO RE-ENTER TENNESSEE CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT SYSTEM

The Crossville City Council accepted a proposal from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) to re-enter the plan effective July 1, 2024. TCRS is a statewide retirement pension plan. It is recognized as one of the top five funds in the nation. Employees hired before June 30, 2013, would remain in the Legacy Plan, while new employees hired after July 1, 2024, would be enrolled in a hybrid plan where the employee would also make contributions. Employees hired between 2013 and 2024 would have the option to enroll in the TCRS Hybrid plan.

THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE CREATION OF A SPORTS AUTHORITY AND A TOURISM AUTHORITY

The Crossville City Council approved the creation of a Sports Authority and a Tourism Authority, which could provide more options for financing infrastructure and other sports and tourist-related projects. Serving on both boards are Brock Hill, Ethan Hadley, Lou Morrison, Jr, Teresa Barnes, Cheryl Webb, Rob Patton, and Mark Moore.

IN OTHER ACTION FROM THE CITY COUNCIL

Members approved temporary street closings on Main Street downtown for a Taste of Crossville to be held in September 2024.

The council approved to proceed with repairs to Turner Complex shade structure and playground surface.

Members approved the formation of a Sports Authority as well as a Tourism Authority.