City Council

October 10, 2018 The City Council of the City of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, with Mayor Shane McFarland present and presiding and with the following Council Members present and in attendance, to wit: Madelyn Scales Harris Rick LaLance Ronnie Martin Bill Shacklett Eddie Smotherman Kirt Wade The following representatives of the City were also present: Craig Tindall, City Manager Adam Tucker, City Attorney David Ives, Deputy City Attorney Melissa Wright, City Recorder/ Finance Director Mike Bowen, Chief of Police Angela Jackson, Executive Director Community Services Darren Gore, Assistant City Manager Utility Enterprise Gary Whitaker, Assistant City Manager Development & Coordination Georgia A. Meshotto, Administrative Assistant City Council/City Recorder Mayor McFarland called the meeting to order. Police Chief Mike Bowen presented a request for approval to accept the FY18 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). (Insert letter dated October 10, 2018 here.) Mr. Smotherman made a motion to accept the FY2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $61,297.00 to be dispersed $30,649.00 for the City’s portion to purchase tasers and related supplies and $30,648.00 to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department to purchase dual band radios and related supplies. Mr. LaLance seconded the motion and all members of the Council voted “Aye”. Ms. Angela Jackson, Executive Director of Community Services, presented a request to approve the conversion of property at McKnight Park. (Insert letter dated October 10, 2018 here.) Ms. Jackson and Council discussed matters relative to the proposed conversion with regards to adequate parking for ballfields, dual access on property, right-of-way for access and time element to implement. The proposed conversion site consists of approximately 7 acres and potential replacement property consists of approximately 73 acres. Proceeds of converted park property would be directly reinvested into the purchase of 73 acres. This conversion would allow for best practices in the stewardship of park land by expanding conservation and recreational opportunities.  October 10, 2018 Page 2 Mr. Smotherman made a motion to authorize staff to pursue the Conversion Application to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the National Park Service for acquisition of property contiguous to Barfield Crescent Park and authorize staff to negotiate an option to purchase the replacement property at the appropriate time in the application process for approval by Council. Mr. Wade seconded the motion and all members of the Council voted “Aye”. Mr. Craig Tindall, City Manager, presented an update to the proposed 2019 Pay Plan. He gave an overview of the plan’s structure with the primary objective to be market-driven and could adjust to the market to provide more flexibility to retain employees and hire new ones. (Insert letter dated October 10, 2018 here.) Vice-Mayor Scales Harris requested that, in the immediate future, one of the part- time Couriers be implemented back into the budget. No action was required on the proposed 2019 Pay Plan. Mr. Darren Gore, Assistant City Manager/Utility Enterprise, gave a presentation on a Pro Forma and Revenue Requirement Study for Solid Waste. (Insert letter dated October 10, 2018 here.) Mr. Gore recommended that the revenue requirement study be performed by Jackson Thornton Utilities Consultants at a cost “not to exceed” $15,000.00. Having a solid waste fee self-funded allows for a more equitable funding method for each customer to pay for the service received. A graduated rate design also lessens the burden on customers and allows them to budget their expenses appropriately. Stakeholder communication is vital in a successful launch of a solid waste fee, especially given the fiscal challenges upcoming with Middle Point Landfill closure. A formal proposal from Jackson Thornton Utilities Consultants would be forthcoming at the next Council meeting. No action was required at this time. There was discussion regarding the West Main Convenience Center and recycling. Mr. Gary Whitaker, Assistant City Manager for Development & Coordination, gave an update on the First United Methodist Church property redevelopment. (Insert letter dated October 10, 2018 here.) Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Tucker and Mr. Tindall discussed the proposed agreements that are being completed and forthcoming to Council for review and approval. These agreements include “Purchase of Sale Agreement”, “Mixed-Use Agreement”, and it could include the “Economic Impact Plan” which deals with Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Structure if the developer so chooses to provide it. There will be a deposit of $100,000.00 earnest money once the contract is approved. The developer is requesting a 6-month “Due Diligence”  October 10, 2018 Page 3 period to have an economic and environmental study done which will also include architectural fees for a total cost of $385,000.00. If the results of the studies are not viable for them to develop, they would give this information to the City for use by future developers. It was noted that the hotel rooms have increased from 80 to 110 rooms. Mr. Tucker stated that the use of the “Church Sanctuary” was included in the “Mixed-Use Development Agreement” which states “under historic redevelopment, that the existing church and bell tower will be preserved, reconditioned and put into use as a venue that provides a community amenity, increases employment and produces tax revenues”. He would look at including it in the deed as well as the contract. Under other business, Mr. Whitaker, reported on the Rock Bridge Cove concerns expressed at the “Public Comment” meeting on September 20, 2018. He met with the developers of Rock Bridge Cove and their attorney. A letter has been received by the Attorney which states that the developer will replace the existing lights with decorative lights, build the cover over the mail boxes, and replace plant material as needed. They are moving forward with addressing the issues presented by the residents. Mr. LaLance reported that a lady at Sports*Com approached him to compliment James Hill, City employee in Engineering, who assisted her with a dead car battery. Mr. Smotherman reported that two crews from Murfreesboro Electric Department have been deployed to Valdosta, Georgia to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in restoring electricity. There being no further business, Mayor McFarland adjourned this meeting at 1:01 p.m. SHANE MCFARLAND - MAYOR ATTEST: MELISSA B. WRIGHT - CITY RECORDER