LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
8 NOVEMBER 2024
Chair Commissioner Evan Baddour noted that minutes may not have been provided from previous meeting and will not be approved until the next scheduled Legislative meeting. No prayer or pledge offered since done in previous same day school committee meeting.
First Agenda Item – Reduce commission members to two per district rather than current three per district. Since this item is not time sensitive, and a public hearing had been suggested, the Chair was open to postponing this agenda item at this time. A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner Carman Brown, was made to postpone until February 2025. Discussion about timing for next discussion was about when could be effective (after next election); process involved; comments on hearing supporting discussions with public for retaining as is (21 commissioners); current process allows each district to have alternative representative on committee even when committee member is absent; preferred 14 because would allow a work session similar to Pulaski council rather than several meetings per month. Member of public spoke his appreciation of having three representatives. Motion approved.
Next Agenda Item – Resolution requesting state of Tennessee to reconcile conflicting statutes that govern state liquor licensing and county beer distance provisions. A motion by Commissioner Carman Brown, seconded by Commissioner Annelle Guthrie, to discuss. Commissioner Roger Reedy said that the issue began when the state overreached the county’s beer distance requirements by allowing liquor sales within that distance. The Chair noted that CTAS had given mixed “thoughts” on the issue, and he considered the state’s almost positive refusal to change their statute for Giles County since it would affect all Tennessee counties. Commissioner Erin Curry said she too considered requesting the state advocate for Giles County only would not result in this being a fruitful resolution. Several commissioners mentioned their work toward obtaining public signatures on a referendum denying liquor by the drink and the public response was only a miniscule of the voting public willing to sign such a referendum. Commissioner Judy Pruett said this is our problem and she didn’t see the state changing their statutes. We should settle it ourselves, she said. Others noted concerns over discouraging new businesses such as restaurants who wish to sell liquor by the drink where those sales represent less than 50% sales for food. A motion by Commissioner Roger Reedy to send to the full commission failed due to lack of second.
Next Agenda Item – Notification to members. Commissioner Gayle Jones noted that several commissioners do not have internet access or that access is sometimes “spotty – limited”. Commissioner David Adams said he thought notifications by mail was stated in policy. Commissioner Terry Jones suggested a simple resolution could be to talk to County Executive office staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Erin Curry, seconded by Commissioner Gayle Jones, to develop a resolution showing option for commissioners to sign-up requiring agenda and minutes be provided via postal service in a timely manner with option to not select that as well. Added to that motion was to add all county meetings, e.g. beer board, 911, archive, to the county website calendar. Motion approved. Commissioner Gayle Jones also noted that the archives meetings under new laws now have to be advertised.
Unfinished business – Commissioner Terry Jones noted that one candidate for sheriff had been withdrawn. Approval of a new Sheriff will take place in next full commission meeting, and while that withdrawal left only one nomination, it was noted anyone can make a nomination from the floor. Commissioner Gayle Jones discussed the dismissal of Dr. Joe Fite as Medical Director, the role of the commission since the approval of that position was made by the commission, and any concern raised over contract verbiage. Commissioner Joyce Woodard questioned whether the salary for interim medical examiner has to be approved by the commission or not as well. Commissioner Terry Jones said given there will be no meeting in December, he wanted the January meeting to include the beer distance resolution if have Liquor by the Drink.
Motion to adjourn given by Commissioner Erin Curry, seconded by Commissioner Gayle Jones, and was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES: Members of the Committee – Chair Commissioner Evan Baddour, Other Commissioners – Gayle Jones, Annelle Guthrie, Terry Jones, Carman Brown, Erin Curry, and Roger Reedy (for Caleb Savage); Other Commissioners in attendance: Matt Rubelsky, James Lathrop, David Adams, Judy Pruett, Joyce Woodard, Tracy Wilburn, David Wamble, School Superintendent Dr. Vickie Beard and members of the public
County Executive post-meeting notes:
- The County Executive admin assistant (Angela) mails agendas/minutes to the handful of commissioners who have requested that service. Anyone desiring USPS mailings, please advise Angela.
- The Clerk already advertises Beer Board meetings. No convenings (and thus no need for publicizing) have occurred since the new website was launched.
- The E911 Board is not a county government entity. It would be unwise for county government to establish a precedent or assume responsibility for publicizing meetings on behalf of any non-county board, commission, or committee.
- Per the State’s Director of Emergency Medical Services, a county’s Medical Director is appointed by letter by the County Executive. No one has been “dismissed” … to ensure a long-term succession plan and continuity of critical services, the positions of Medical Director and Medical Examiner have been separated, assigned to two individuals. Dr. Fite’s contract as Medical Examiner remains in effect, as he provides a crucial service to the county in that position. Moving forward, it’s important that the county have succession plans and redundancies for key support positions, which was the premise for separating Medical Director and Medical Examiner duties.
