LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – At last night’s City of LaFollette Council meeting three employee changes were on the agenda. However, only two changes occurred, the final change was tabled. Councilwoman Ann Thompson requested the promotion of public works employee James Suttles to operator be tabled until employees of the public works department could meet with the council to discuss promotions and seniority. Thompson told the council she had received some complaints about the issue.

 

Monica Gibson was promoted to full-time dispatcher in the police department effective Oct. 10; she has been with the police department for six months. Torey McDonald was promoted from part-time to full-time on the garbage truck effective Oct. 10; this was an open position at the Public Works Department.

 

Ordinance 2020-04 amending a Parks and Recreation Ordinance as set forth in Ordinance 2012-04 had its final reading next week. The ordinance prohibits smoking and other tobacco products in city parks. Two other resolutions were passed: Resolution 2020-15 amending the original 2020/2021 budget adding in $178,000 from the State of Tennessee. The monies will pay for a rescue truck and paving. Resolution 2020-16 authorizing the City of La Follette to participate in Public Entity Partners (Driver Safety) Loss Control Matching Grant Program, this is done yearly. Resolution 2020-17 amendment to the original 2020/2021 Budget for the imminent threat grant. This grant will pay for the Cherry Street repairs.

 

In administration issues, the council approved the hiring of OR Colan as acquisition consultants for the LaFollette STP project Dossett Bridge. This will be the last phase of the project before construction begins. A list of surplus property was approved for the public auction. The city decided to move forward with Investment Grade Audit for Trane for lighting upgrades.

 

The council will meet in adjourned session on Oct. 12 at 5 pm to discuss items that will be purchased with the new capital outlay note. Public works employees will be present to discuss the seniority issue.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/07/2020-6AM)