JELLICO, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – The Campbell County Commission’s Building and Grounds Committee convened Thursday evening at 1915 5th Street Jellico.

Here are the minutes from that meeting:

Buildings and Grounds Committee

Members present: Ralph Davis, Charles Baird, Lisa Lester

Member absent: Dewayne Baird, Whit Goins

Others present: Commission Chairman Johnny Bruce, Commissioner Zachary Marlow, Commissioner Scotty Kitts, Commission Secretary Amanda Grodeman, County Maintenance Director Tony Hill and James Weaver, County Mayor E.L. Morton, Litter Control Officer Glennis Monday

Location: 1915 Fifth Street Jellico, TN 37762

Chairman Davis called the meeting to order, roll call vote showing three members present. Commissioner Zachary Marlow was requested to represent the first district in place of Whit Goins. A quorum was present.

Committee Chairman Ralph Davis began the meeting with a tour of the proposed building, asking that all in attendance keep an open mind as he explained the renovations that would occur.

First, the roof is in good condition and has no current issues that affect its function. Previous wind damage caused a few of the metal panels to be replaced. Davis would like to replace the front roof to a solid copper color, as this will be more aesthetically pleasing than the mismatched existing panels.

Upon entering the left side of the building, Davis explained that the dropped ceiling would be removed and that this side of the building will serve the county EMS and County Sheriff Department. Walls will be added to create separation of the offices, as well as, to create a garage, bedrooms and a bathroom with shower for the EMS side. Additional amenities added for EMS will be a garage door to the existing building for parking of the ambulance.

Moving on, Davis explained the renovations needed for the left side of the building which will house offices for the county mayor, county trustee, property assessor, and county clerk. The floor will need to be redone, bar removed, and new sheetrock on the back walls. These buildings will need electrical work as the outside units have been robbed of parts, and other wiring taken as well. All duct work for heating and air appears to be in great condition. The clerk’s office will have a drive through service. This drive through will be a completely covered amenity keeping citizens and staff protected from the elements as business is conducted. The drive thru area will need to be cleared and cleaned as there is natural weed and brush growth from the vacancy of the building. Also, Davis would like to see the existing power pole relocated so that drive through traffic can be routed out of the parking lot between buildings.

The parking area can hold approximately 60 parking spaces, and will need lines repainted and likely sealed.

The second building on site could be lightly renovated and used as a commercial rental property. Other ideas for the building mentioned were a Tourism and Welcoming Center.

As stated at the previous meeting: At the advice of the finance department, $350,000 in totality will be borrowed and the fifth district advised to save the $150K in case it is needed in balancing the county budget. However, adding this loan will not change the current finances. The rent that officials are paying out now in Jellico will go toward the new loan payment. Davis will request a proposed budget amendment from Finance Director Jeff Marlow to better explain the financials. The county has the building appraised at $125K for the building only, the property is not included in that assessment. Asking price for this property is $200,000.00.

All questions and concerns at this time have been addressed.

Davis asked if anyone had any other requests at this time. Kitts announced that a budget amendment for the monetary donation to the Senior Citizens Center would be prepared and ready for voting on Monday. The finance department was able to acquire $7,000 from escrow to help the center with their needs. Davis reminded Kitts that prior to releasing the funds, the Senior Citizens board would need to submit a request letter. Hill volunteered to inform the center and gather the correct documentation.

With no other business, motion by Lester, seconded by Baird, meeting adjourned. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/12/2021-3PM)