TOP PHOTO: LaFollette Police on a drug raid in January.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Monday afternoon the LaFollette City Council met for the monthly workshop at City Hall. First up in the meeting was a discussion of reports from departments.

Questions were raised by City Administrator Stan Foust about the performance of police officers. The report listed the number of calls answered and traffic citations written. Police Chief Steve Wallen explained that some of the officers are part-time and one of the other officers is a training officer. Councilman Charles “Chuck” Queener asked why there were low numbers for detectives. Wallen told the council that he thought there were some discrepancies in the report. He continued that his officers are worn out (the department is not fully staffed) and underpaid. Foust ended the discussion by telling Wallen he wants everyone enforcing the law. Wallen responded by saying “I’ll do my best.”

In Administration, the council discussed the approval of the renewal of health insurance for city employees. The Master Plan addendum is needed for the 18.5 acres project between CVS and Bojangles. This will cost the city $15,000 so it can move forward with the plans. Local historian Bill Claiborne applied for a historical marker at the old Piedmont Hotel-Fleet Building. Claiborne needs the council to pay $2,150 for the marker.

In fire department business, the council discussed accepting a bid for a rescue truck for $219,550 and the reallocation of $40,000 from capital outlay funds for the balance of the rescue truck.

The public works department is reallocating $20,000 from capital outlay funds for a snowplow and salt spreader.

The council will vote next week on accepting a bid for an HVAC unit for the new metal building on Depot Street at South 5th Street.

Mayor Cliff Jennings told the council that he had reappointed Lonnie “Hot Rod” Wilson to the planning commission. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/28/2023-6AM)

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