The Crossville City Council met this evening (Tuesday, October 10, 2023).

Here are the highlights:

STUDENT OF THE MONTH HONORED

Lesley Avellaneda was recognized by the city council as the Student of the Month from Martin Elementary School.

Teachers say Lesley consistently shows responsibility by showing up to class on time and prepared. She also shows responsibility by taking ownership and accountability for her behavior and her grades.

2023 CELEBRATE BABIES WEEK RECOGNIZED

Mayor R.J. Crawford recognized 2023 Celebrate Babies Week with a proclamation:

Whereas, 80,000 babies are born every year in Tennessee; and,

WHEREAS, to create a bright future for Tennessee and its families, we must ensure that all children are given the best start possible, and that begins with early relational health; and,

WHEREAS, scientific research points to the earliest years of life as the most critical for social and emotional development, forming the brain connections that build the architecture for future growth; and,

WHEREAS, the most crucial ingredient in laying a healthy foundation is caring, nurturing relationships with parents, caregivers, teachers, professionals, and the community as a whole; and,

WHEREAS, there can be a celebration of diversity with outcomes that are equitable and inclusive for all Tennessee babies, providing a sense of belonging for future generations; and,

WHEREAS, through the intentional community outreach, networking, education, intervention, and policy awareness; babies, their famiies, and those that support them throughout Tennessee are celebrated;

and now, therefore, I, R.J. Crawford, Mayor of the City of Crossville, do hereby proclaim the week of October 16^th until the 20^th as Celebrate Babies Week in the City of Crossville, and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Crossville Mayor R.J. Crawford proclaimed October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The proclamation states:

WHEREAS, domestic violence poisons relationships, destroys lives, and shatters the bedrock of our society — the family. Homes should be places of comfort and stability where love and mutual respect thrive.

WHEREAS, domestic violence erodes this environment, leaving many Americans in potentially life-threatening situations. We must resolve to have zero tolerance for acts of domestic violence.

WHEREAS, domestic violence affects victims regardless of income, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Each of us has a duty to speak out against these crimes and to make every effort to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

WHEREAS, together, we can ensure those who have suffered at the hands of abusers receive needed care and support, and we can protect potential victims from future abuse.

WHEREAS, During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to empowering survivors and ending this deeply destructive abuse.

WHEREAS, this month we strengthen our resolve to ensure homes are places of refuge, comfort, and protection — and not places of fear and abuse. We renew our commitment to support and protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent violence before it starts.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, R.J. Crawford, Mayor of Crossville, Tennessee, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Tennessee, do proclaim October 2023 as: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Crossville Tennessee, I call upon all citizens to stand firm in condemning domestic violence and supporting survivors of these crimes in finding the safety and recovery they need.

2023 NATIONAL CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH MONTH

Crossville Mayor R. J. Crawford issued a proclamation recognizing October as National Chiropractic Health Month. Chiropractors are healthcare providers who have particular expertise in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries that may inhibit movement and physical activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING OFFICER APPOINTED FOR CROSSVILLE

The Crossville City Council appointed attorney Kevin Poore to serve at the administrative hearing officer. This position is a back up to municipal court judge Tiffany Adams.

COUNCIL APPROVES AZURE FLIGHT SUPPORT REQUEST AT AIRPORT

The city council unanimously approved Azure Flight Support’s request to subcontract flight training services to Tennessee Flight Training (TFT) based out of Nashville (BNA). Tennessee Flight Training has been in business for over 13 years (first as Nashville Flight Training). They have served over 4,000 customers while sending hundreds of pilots to the airlines. Initially very little will change, but the benefits of Azure partnering with TFT will allow both instructors and students opportunities with more equipment, airline partnerships and advanced training.

Johnna McCoy will assist TFT in scheduling and management of operations and Greg Livingston and his maintenance team will provide maintenance on the CSV aircraft. TFT will be using the CSV maintenance team to assist in maintenance of their Nashville based aircraft which will help our maintenance business in CSV grow. TFT will initially purchase and lease their fleet of 172’s and will supplement the demand with their fleet of 13 aircraft based at their two other locations. This should result in more growth of flight training activity in Crossville as TFT focuses on marketing and growing their flight training business. Tennessee Flight Training has an exclusive partnership in Tennessee with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University that offers students a degreed program option with the world’s premier aviation university.

CROSSVILLE POLICE AND FIRE MONTHLY REPORT RELEASED

The Crossville Police Department and Crossville Fire Department released their latest monthly report (September 2023) reviewed by the city council tonight.

The report states:

CITATIONS ISSUED (89) – up 26 from August 2023

Speeding – 22

Seatbelt violations – 17

Registration violations – 16

Light law violations – 16

Insurance violations – 15

Ran stop sign – 2

Animal (dog) at large – 2

Ran traffic light – 1

Failure to yield – 1

No driver’s license – 1

Fire code violation – 1

OFFENSES (53) – down 27 from last month

Top violation-type offenses include:

Fraud – 10

Burglary – 6

Theft all other – 5

Vandalism – 5

Overdoses – 4

Theft from vehicle – 3

Recovery – 3

Counterfeit bills – 3

Dog bites – 2

Theft from building – 2

Shoplifting – 2

Violation of order of protection/bond conditions – 2

Domestic assault – 1

Extortion – 1

Hit and run – 1

Death – 1

Suicide – 1

Forgery – 1

ARRESTS – 114 – down 47 from last month

Top violation-type arrests include:

Warrants served – 22

Driving on a revoked, suspended, or no license at all – 16

Drug violations – 12

DUI – 9

Possession of drug equipment – 8

Public intoxication – 7

Domestic assaults – 5

Shoplifting – 4

Hit and run – 3

Criminal trespassing – 3

Reckless endangerment – 3

Evading or resisting arrest – 3

Disorderly conduct – 3

Violation of order of protection/bond conditions – 3

Vandalism – 3

Weapons law violation – 2

Violation of implied consent law – 2

Liquor law violation – 2

Criminal impersonation – 1

Tampering with evidence – 1

Arson – 1

Falsify drug test – 1

JUVENILE VIOLATIONS – 33 – down 9 from last month

Vaping violations – 18

Assault – 8

Disorderly conduct – 2

Forcible fondling – 2

Intimidation – 2

Runaway – 1

ACCIDENTS – 103 – down 19 from last month

Minor – 69

Without injury – 23

With injury – 11

ANIMAL CONTROL CALLS – 45

The Crossville Fire Department responded to 226 calls last month. The majority (181) were to assist in rescue and emergency medical services. Crews went to the scene of 4 fires last month. The report indicates 22 false alarms or false calls.

DEMOLITION OF VILLAGE INN TO TAKE PLACE SOON

City officials say the demolition of the Village Inn on Main Street should start very soon.

The handrails and stairs will be taken down first to prepare to level the buildings.

The city council tonight approved removing the Crab Orchard stone from areas of the Village Inn buildings. It will be taken to public works to later be cleaned and put on pallets. The council approved the stones to be donated to a non-profit group for a future building project or the stones would be sold at a later date.

IN OTHER ACTION FROM THE CITY COUNCIL

In other action from the Crossville City Council tonight, members approved on third and final reading amending the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget for $5,000 for the veterans service office.

Members passed on second reading amending the fiscal year budget for a public works fuel tank, an ordinance regarding a street name change from Pointe Landing to Whisper Way, and another ordinance amending the fiscal year budget for Friends of the Trails.

The council approved a temporary road closure downtown on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 9 a.m. until around noon for a Veterans Day event.

Members granted a request to purchase Dodge Chargers for the police department.

The chamber of commerce reported to the council Cumberland County is now 14^th in the state for tourist expenditures. The county continues to move up in the past few years. The Homestead Apple Festival held recently broke attendance records and was a huge success.