The Newport Plain Talk

NEWPORT-Once again the Cocke County Legislative Body has rejected a resolution that would give the county power to establish regulations to address litter and other issues of concern.

The resolution, presented by County Attorney Fletcher Ervin and RID Committee Chairman David Veridal during Monday's CLB meeting, failed by a 7-7 vote.

A two-thirds majority was required for the measure to pass.

"We've been down this road before," said Veridal. "We had two resolutions and nothing was binding in either."

Ervin explained that currently the county can only adopt ordinances through a private act. He said, by adopting the "county powers shared with municipalities" resolution, the county would have control over what happens in the community.

"RID is not proposing any particular action," said Ervin. "There is no agenda. This just gives you control over our future."

CLB member Bill Williamson questioned the reason for adopting the resolution if nothing particular would be passed.

"It's forward thinking in case something comes up," replied Ervin.

CLB member Jimmy Lindsey said that RID is not trying to force people to clean up dump sites. "They do it with volunteers. This is a harmless resolution with no obligation," he said.

Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. pointed out adopting the ordinance could help the county in addressing other concerns besides garbage.

"A few years ago we had an adult book store open up right next to a bus stop and you couldn't do anything about it," said McMahan. "With this ordinance, you could address it."

In a vote, however, Norman Smith, Clay Blazer, Phil Killion, Scott McClure, David Taylor, Henry "Skip" Gregory and Lindsey voted in favor in the motion.

Voting "no" were Love Henderson, Calvin Ball, Lonnie Ottinger, Andrew Fowler, Tom Sutton, Bill Williamson and Bill Costner. Henderson and Fowler, however, said their concern was not having the matter come through committee.

EDC Report

In other business Monday, EDC Director Don Hurst advised the CLB that Highway 25E had received Scenic Byway status. He said that Highway 321 is also being considered for the Scenic Byway designation, which could help with tourism in the area.

"To have two scenic byways is one county would be rare," said Hurst.

He also advised that the EDC and Partnership are working with existing industries to help in any way they can.

Hurst said the Exit 438 project is moving ahead, but slower than he had hoped due to budget cuts.

Animal Shelter Report

Newport Animal Shelter Director Carol Hood said her staff has been very busy recently.

She said the shelter had its fall Big Fix this past weekend at Sunset Gap Community Center and treated nearly 200 pets. She added, "The shelter is already planning its next Big Fix event, which is planned for Feb. 27-28. A location will be announced at a later date."

Hood praised Sunset Gap for its assistance and cooperation during this past weekend's event.

Other Action

In other action Monday, the CLB:

• Presented a proclamation to the family of the late James Goodrum Jr., honoring his service to Cocke County and service on the Cocke County Regional Planning Commission.

• Appointed Randy Dyke to the Cocke County Highway Commission in the Third District to finish the term of Alton Cureton, who resigned recently.

• Approved renaming Slate Creek Road to Oven Creek Road and accepting .10 miles of Carter Valley Road into the county road system. Other road proposals were either rejected or sent back to the Highway Commission.

• Heard a report from Allied EMS, pointing out the service handled 507 calls in September, resulting in an additional 1,284 man hours at no charge to the county.

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