The Crossville City Council met this evening (Tuesday, September 12, 2023).

Highlights from the meeting include:

CROSSVILLE SEPTEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH HONORED

The Crossville City Council honored Aerius Wilson, an 8th grader at Martin Elementary School, as the September 2023 Student of the Month. The 8th-grade teachers say Aerius is one of the most pleasant students in the school. She demonstrates this to both faculty and other students. Aerius exhibits responsibility in all she does. Teachers say they are fortunate to have her in class. She has so much potential and will be successful. Aerius was honored with a plaque by the Crossville City Council for being the latest student of the month.

CROSSVILLE POLICE AND FIRE MONTHLY REPORT RELEASED

The Crossville Police Department and Crossville Fire Department released their latest monthly report (August 2023).

The report states:

CITATIONS ISSUED (63)

Registration violations – 16

Light law violations – 13

Insurance violations – 9

Speeding – 9

Seatbelt violations – 6

Ran traffic light – 5

Improper use of traffic lane – 2

Texting while driving – 1

Violation of open container law – 1

Failure to exercise due care – 1

OFFENSES (80)

Top violation-type offenses include:

Thefts – 26

Fraud – 7

Vandalism – 6

Vehicle theft – 6

Burglary – 3

ARRESTS – 161

Top violation-type arrests include:

Warrants served – 40

Public intoxication – 21

Drug violations – 16

Possession of drug equipment – 15

DUI – 13

Driving on a revoked, suspended, or no license at all – 13

JUVENILE VIOLATIONS – 42

Vaping violations – 18

Assault – 14

Runaways – 5

Assault on an officer – 3

Resisting arrest – 1

Hit and run – 1

ACCIDENTS – 123

Minor – 90

Without injury – 19

With injury – 14

ANIMAL CONTROL CALLS – 53

The Crossville Fire Department responded to 228 calls in August 2023. The majority (160) were to assist in rescue and emergency medical services. Crews went to the scene of 12 fires last month. The report indicates 33 false alarms or false calls.

CROSSVILLE REPORTS HIGH SALES TAX COLLECTION LAST MONTH

Sales tax collections in Crossville last month (August 2023) was the highest recorded for an August since fiscal year 2016/2017. That is according to Crossville City Manager Greg Wood in his report.

The city took in $963,303.

So far this fiscal year, the city collected $65,179.39 in wholesale beer tax.

In liquor taxes, the city took in nearly $34,000.

In other actions taken by the city council:

The council held discussion regarding amending a city ordinance regarding outdoor advertising with emphasis on election signage. Members wanted to get the city attorneys opinion regarding the issue. The matter was tabled and could be discussed in their meeting next month.

Another topic failing to proceed with the city council regarded a bid for marketing services for the proposed indoor recreation center. Councilman Scot Shanks said there is misinformation regarding the center. He sees the facility as a positive impact for the city. Councilman Mike Turner had concerns. “Aren’t we putting the cart before the horse here? How will they promote the recreation center when no one knows exactly how much it will cost to build?” said Turner. Councilman Rob Harrison said he would like to wait on approving the bud for the marketing services. Mayor R.J. Crawford stated he would like to see the price for the recreation center. “Why not wait on marketing services until we get the price. I can’t support the marketing services bid at this time”, said Mayor Crawford. The issue was then pulled from consideration by the council.

Members approved on final reading ordinances amending the fiscal year 2022-23 budget for end of year adjustments.

The council approved on second reading amending the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget for a veterans’ services office and for a public works fuel tank. Members also granted a street name change from Pointe Landing to Whisper Way.

Members granted bids and purchases for a Kubota tractor for Meadow Park Lake, a fuel tank, turbidimeters for Meadow Park Water Plant, and to replace a pump at the old landfill pump station.

The council also approved the 2023-24 lease of the Catoosa Utility Department building, a grant amendment for the airport lighting rehab project, and an airport maintenance grant for fiscal year 2023-24.

Members approved a contract for architectural services for fire station #2.

The water level at Holiday Lake comes down every three years to give lake front owners to either build or repair docks. The council approved the time period of lowering the water level from November 1 until March 1. City officials will send letters to lake front owners with more information.