Stop light 8, crosswalk, at 1st and East Central to remain

Ordinance concerning data centers is in the works for the City of La Follette leaders

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Members of the LaFollette City Council decided in the monthly workshop on Monday afternoon not to remove the traffic signal and crosswalk on First Street and East Central Avenue at this time.

In other administrative matters, Councilman Chuck Queener told the council he feels the city needs to be proactive about data centers coming into the area. City Administrator Stan Foust reported that the council should have an ordinance to vote on in July pertaining to data centers.

The next topic discussed was the reviving the Clean Up Improvement Program, a program previously existed when Cliff Jennings was the mayor. The program rewarded homeowners who significantly improved their property.

City Attorney Karen Crutchfield has recommended the city adopt the Jackson Law which is an optional state statue that grants local governments the authority to approve or deny the construction and horizontal expansion of new landfills and solid waste processing facilities within their jurisdictions.

The council discussed the next steps for appointing a person to the LaFollette Utility Board board of directors. Resumes are being accepted until May 29 at noon. The council discussed tentatively interviewing candidates on June 25 when it meets for a final reading of the budget.

Ordinance 2024-04 amending the municipal code regarding Chapter 4 of the storage of used tires section 13-402 unlawful storage in all zoning districts. The ordinance changes the number of tires allowed to be stored outside from 300 to 200, and the tires cannot be stored for more than 30 days. The violation fee changed from $50 to $100, and there will be a final reading at the June monthly meeting.

Ordinance 2026-03 abandoning a portion of unopened street along the intersection of South Avenue and West Chestnut Street will also have a final reading.

Ordinance 2026-05 approval of the 2026-27 budget and Resolution 2026-05 amending the 2025-26 budget will be on the agenda for approval at the June monthly meeting.

Foust told the council it will need to appoint a member to the E911 Board. Current member Brian Younce has resigned from the board.

The beer board will meet after the monthly meeting to discuss a beer permit for New York Style Deli and Smoothies which is located in the former Corner Market Building, West Central Avenue at 13th Street. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/19/2026-6AM)