LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – After being unable to meet last month due to COVID-19, the City of LaFollette hosted its monthly workshop and meeting on the same day, Monday, following the Governor’s Executive Order guidelines.

After LaFollette  Fire Chief Charles Eldridge retired in January, Jimmy Pack, assistant fire chief, has been filling his shoes. The city has been accepting applications for the position and had two applicants, Pack and LFD Lt. Dusty Davis. The council decided to post and accept applications for the position for two additional weeks. Members of council felt that since Pack is currently acting chief he should be compensated for the duties at chief’s pay. After a brief discussion, it was decided he would be given back pay since taking over.

Timothy Collingsworth was hired as a full-time level one patrol officer for the LaFollette Police Department at an annual salary of $30,437.20 effective May 9.  Collingsworth has been with the department for the last six months.

Several street issues were discussed. A tile needs to be replaced under the road on West Forrest Street; a section of Memorial Lane (an unopened city street), East Cumberland Lane and Brantley Lane need to be paved. The Memorial Lane project cost will be partially covered by Thermador due to its proximity to the lane. Council agreed to accept bids for the all projects.

Mayor Mike Stanfield read a letter from Lisa Boshears who detailed her harrowing experience about a dog attack in March. Boshears lives on West Fir Street and was walking her dog, when two dogs came up behind her and began biting, her and her dog. She was eventually able to get away from the dogs, but she and her dog sustained injuries. The LaFollette Police Department and Animal Control Officer Daniel Foster responded to the call. The dogs were eventually caught and quarantined. The owner was able to reclaim the dogs after the 10 day hold was up. Boshears stated in the letter that she has suffered financial and emotional issues due to the attack. Foster told the council he has been back to the home and the dogs are in separate kennels inside a fenced yard.

Discussion of the codes officer was on last night’s agenda. Daniel Foster serves as the codes officer and animal control officer for the city. He has been in the position for a year and has not been able to pass the state test for certification of commercial building inspections. The council discussed having Gary Byrd complete commercial building inspections at this point, since he is certified. Council member Ann Thompson said she felt Foster’s position needs to be split into two jobs. She continued that it was too much for one person. Council member Mark Hoskins requested the council talk with the animal shelter before moving forward with anything about the city’s animal control officer.

Ordinance 2020-01 amending the ordinance on Title 8 alcoholic beverages privilege tax had a final reading. The ordinance will amend the City of LaFollette code on alcoholic beverages. The privilege tax is imposed on the business of selling, distributing, storing or manufacturing beer at an annual privilege tax of $250.

Resolution 2020-07 amending the original 2019/2020 budget was passed.  The resolution covers the repair of a backhoe. Resolution 2020-08 amending the general fund for paving and a plaque to go on the refurbished Central Avenue Bridge totaling $34,500.

E-911 Board Members Danny Marsee and Mark Wells terms were expiring, and they wish to remain on the board.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/05/2020-6AM)