City Council
Regular MeetingClarksville, TN · April 7, 2020
Minutes
CLARKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL SESSION
APRIL 7, 2020
MINUTES
IN AN EFFORT TO FACILITATE THE RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
2019 (COVID-19), THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA GOOGLE MEETS FROM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND LIVE STREAMED ON
CITYOFCLARKSVILLE.COM.
CALL TO ORDER
A special session of the Clarksville City Council was called to order by Mayor Joe Pitts
on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. This meeting was conducted via Google Meets
from City Council Chambers, 106 Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee.
A prayer was offered by First Lady Cynthia Pitts.
ATTENDANCE
Members responded verbally and attendance was recorded as follows:
PARTICIPATING: Richard Garrett (Ward 1), Vondell Richmond (Ward 2;
joined at 5:15 p.m.), Ron Erb (Ward 3), Tim Chandler (Ward 4; joined at 5:15
p.m.), Valerie Guzman (Ward 5), Wanda Smith (Ward 6), Travis Holleman (Ward
7), David Allen, Mayor Pro Tem (Ward 8), Jeff Henley (Ward 9), Stacey
Streetman (Ward 10), Gary Norris (Ward 11), Jeff Burkhart (Ward 12)
Mayor Joe Pitts, City Attorney Lance Baker, and City Clerk Sylvia Skinner, as well as
SGT. Chuck Gill and representatives from the City Information Technology Department,
were physically present in the Council Chambers. Several Department Heads were also
connected to the meet.
APPROVAL OF ELECTRONIC MEETING
“In order to comply with the technical aspects of the Governor’s Executive Order
regarding holding open meetings in a forum other than in the open and in public, this
governing body determines that meeting electronically is necessary to protect the health,
safety, and welfare of its citizens due to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Councillady Smith made a motion to approve conducting this meeting by
electronic means. The motion was seconded by Councillady Streetman. A voice
vote was taken; the motion passed without objection.
PARKS & RECREATION BUDGET AMENDMENT
ORDINANCE 71-2019-20 (Second Reading) Amending the 2019-20 Operating and
Capital Budget (ORDINANCE 76-2019-20) for the Governmental Funds for Crow and
Burt Cobb Recreation Centers ($450,000 from previously issued debt funds) and for
Cemetery Retaining Wall ($180,000 from reallocation of existing funds)
Councilman Burkhart made a motion to adopt this ordinance on second reading.
The motion was seconded by Councillady Streetman. Councilman Burkhart,
Chair of the Finance Committee, made a motion to amend this ordinance to add
$180,000 for repairs to the cemetery retaining wall which would be transferred
from the Edmondson Ferry Road project. The motion was seconded by
Councillady Streetman. A voice vote was taken; the amendment passed without
objection. The following vote on the original motion as amended.
AYE: Allen, Burkhart, Erb, Garrett, Guzman, Henley, Holleman, Norris,
Pitts, Smith, Streetman
NO RESPONSE: Chandler, Richmond
The motion to adopt this ordinance on second reading as amended passed.
EXTENSION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 003
RESOLUTION 52-2019-20 Approving extension of Mayoral Executive Order No. 003
pertaining to the Novel Coronavirus in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 Disease
This resolution extended Mayoral Executive Order No. 003 from 12:01 a.m. April
8, 2020 through 12:01 a.m. April 14, 2020. Councillady Guzman made a motion
to adopt this resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burkhart.
In response to Councillady Smith’s question, Mayor Pitts said golf courses
currently operating were required to close all indoor activities and there was no
mandate on outdoor golfing services other than social distancing.
Councilman Allen and Councillady Smith were concerned about enforcement of
the Executive Orders. Mayor Pitts said the definition of “essential businesses and
services” was very broad and noted that Clarksville Police and Building Codes
officials were both monitoring activities. He reminded the members and the
public of the Police Hotline [931-427-3600] was open 24 hours each day for
inquiries and reports of non-compliance.
NOTE: Councilman Chandler and Councilman Richmond joined the meet at 5:15
p.m.
Councilman Garrett asked if the local medical facilities had a contingency plan
for responding to an overload of virus cases. Mayor Pitts said medical
administrators had said they were equipped to handle the needs of the public.
Councillady Guzman said the United Way was leading efforts to assist the
homeless with virus testing and isolation if necessary.
Councilman Richmond asked if the City could conduct a virtual town hall
meeting with small business owners. Mayor Pitts said he would reach out to the
Chamber of Commerce and ask them to consider a mass email that would reach
small business owners.
Following Councilman Chandler’s question, Mayor Pitts said City personnel
would put forward extra effort to address business not in compliance with the
Executive Order.
Being no further discussion, the following roll call vote was recorded:
AYE: Allen, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garrett, Guzman, Henley,
Holleman, Norris, Pitts, Richmond, Smith, Streetman
The motion to adopt this resolution unanimously passed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:33 p.m.
ADOPTED: May 7, 2020
Agenda
CLARKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL SESSION
APRIL 7, 2020, 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
106 PUBLIC SQUARE
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE
AGENDA
IN AN EFFORT TO FACILITATE THE RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
2019 (COVID-19), THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA GOOGLE MEETS
AND LIVE STREAMED ON CITYOFCLARKSVILLE.COM. AN AUDIO/VIDEO
RECORDING OF THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC WITHIN 48 HOURS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE, BY LAW,
ALLOWED TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE CLARKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL BUT
ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED TO DO SO AT THIS TIME.
1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Joe Pitts
2) PRAYER
3) ATTENDANCE City Clerk
4) APPROVAL OF ELECTRONIC MEETING
MOTION: “In order to comply with the technical aspects of the Governor’s
Executive Order regarding holding open meetings in a forum other than in the
open and in public, this governing body determines that meeting electronically is
necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens due to the
COVID-19 outbreak.”
5) ORDINANCE 71-2019-20 (Second Reading; Proposed Amendment) Amending the
2019-20 Operating and Capital Budget (ORDINANCE 76-2019-20) for the Governmental Funds
for Crow and Burt Cobb Recreation Centers ($450,000 from previously issued debt funds) and
for Cemetery Retaining Wall ($180,000 from reallocation of existing funds)
6) RESOLUTION 52-2019-20 Approving extension of Mayoral Executive Order No. 003
pertaining to the Novel Coronavirus in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 Disease
7) ADJOURNMENT
ORDINANCE 71-2019-20
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2019-20 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET
(ORDINANCE 76-2018-19) FOR THE GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS FOR CROW AND BURT
COBB RECREATION CENTERS ($450,000 FROM PREVIOUSLY ISSUED DEBT FUNDS)
AND FOR CEMETERY RETAINING WALL ($180,000 FROM REALLOCATION OF
EXISTING FUNDS)
WHEREAS, The Crow Recreation Center is in dire need of work done to the exterior and
interior walls to eliminate moisture seepage. Last year the roof was repaired and
sealed in an attempt to eliminate the moisture issue. The moisture is seeping
through the walls making the interior paint peel off the walls; and
WHEREAS, the Burt Cobb Recreation Center was previously budgeted to repair the roof, but
requires a roof replacement. This is the original roof from the original
construction of the center. Operating funds of $75,000 were budgeted for this
purpose, will now necessitate capital; and
WHEREAS, there are excess funds in salaries and wages that can be returned to the general
fund.
WHEREAS, a previous approved budget amendment moved excess funds from a Street
Department capital project to the Fire Maintenance Facility capital project. It has
been determined the street project for the Cemetery Retaining Wall is in need of
funds as soon as possible as the bid exceeds the budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE:
The following budget amendment be made:
Capital Projects Fund
Crow Community Center
40450003-4450-17504 Construction Services Increase $250,000
Burt Cobb Recreation Center Roof (create project)
40450003-4450-20504 Construction Services Increase $200,000
Fire Maintenance Facility
40422003-4450-16221 Construction Services Decrease $180,000
Cemetery Retaining Wall
40431003-4450-20305 Construction Services Increase $180,000
General Fund
10451003-4450-815 Construction Services Decrease $ 75,000
10451001-4112 Salaries (part-time) Decrease $250,000
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED $325,000 will be returned to the general fund thereby increasing
the fund balance. The capital project additional funds will be provided from prior debt issuances
for a total of $450,000 – no new debt will be issued.
FIRST READING: April 2, 2020
SECOND READING:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
RESOLUTION 52-2019-20
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF MAYORAL EXECUTIVE
ORDER No. 003 PERTAINING TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS IN ORDER TO
LIMIT THE SPREAD OF THE COVID-19 DISEASE
WHEREAS, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by
the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can result in mild or severe symptoms, including fever, cough, and
shortness of breath, and can lead to serious illness or death, particularly in the case of older
adults and persons with serious chronic medical conditions; and
WHEREAS, in late 2019, a significant outbreak of COVID-19 occurred, and this disease
has since spread to many countries; and
WHEREAS, to date, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), there have been ___ cases of COVID-19 identified in the United States, which have
resulted in ___ deaths; and
WHEREAS, to date, according to the Tennessee Department of Health, there have been
___ cases of COVID-19 identified in the State of Tennessee, which have resulted in ___ deaths;
and
WHEREAS, to date, according to the Tennessee Department of Health, there have been
___ cases of COVID-19 identified in Montgomery County, Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, on January 16, 2020, the Tennessee Department of Health activated the
State Health Operations Center (SHOC), and on January 21, 2020, following CDC guidance, the
Department designated COVID-19 as a reportable disease in Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the
novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
declared a public health emergency to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to
COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, a state of emergency has been declared through Executive Order issued
March 12, 2020, by Governor Bill Lee of the State of Tennessee in connection with the
COVID-19 disease outbreak; and
WHEREAS, City Mayor Joe Pitts, has previously declared a local state of emergency by
Executive Order issued March 18, 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 disease outbreak; and
WHEREAS, the spread and identification of additional cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee
is likely to continue, and therefore, taking proactive steps to prevent a substantial risk to public
health and safety is paramount; and
WHEREAS, the City Mayor and the City Council have a responsibility to take all
reasonably prudent actions to ensure public health, safety, and welfare in the event of an
infectious disease pandemic; and
WHEREAS, empirical medical evidence and expert reports strongly indicate and advise
that the spread of the COVID-19 disease is effectively slowed by frequent hand washing, social
distancing, self-quarantine, and the reduction of public interactions and gatherings of groups of
people; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of this Order are necessary to maximize efforts to protect the
public health, safety and welfare; and
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WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §58-2-110 and §58-8-104 provides the City
Mayor with the power and authority to declare a local state of emergency, to include in cases of
disease outbreaks and epidemics, which shall have an immediate effect when declared for a
period of seven (7) days, but may have continuing effect beyond seven (7) days in seven (7) day
increments upon approval by the City Council by resolution; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §38-9-102 provides the City Mayor with the
power and authority to proclaim a civil emergency in cases of any natural disaster within the
geographic limits of the City resulting in death or injury of persons to such an extent that
extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the state law, private act, City Charter confers general police powers upon
the City, and authorizes the City to act and to regulate in the interests of public health and
welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Code Section 1-1204, provides that the Mayor shall power and
authority to declare a state of emergency, which shall have an immediate effect when declared
for a period of seven (7) days, but may have continuing effect beyond seven (7) days upon
approval by the City Council by resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable City Mayor Joe Pitts has previously issued City Mayor
Executive Orders Nos. 001, 002, and 003; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Mayor’s previously issued Executive Orders
are in the public interest and serve to further public health and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor’s previously issued Executive Orders, to include No.
003 pertaining to the novel coronavirus and issued in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19
disease, is hereby approved to be extended, and this extension of same shall be effective as of
12:01 a.m. on April 8, 2020, and same shall have effect for a period seven (7) days, and is hereby
approved to be extended, in seven (7) day increments, by the Mayor in his discretion during the
period of the local state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus, in order to limit the spread of
COVID-19, as provided by law.
ADOPTED:
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