LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – City of LaFollette Mayor Cliff Jennings is looking at making changes in the city. At Tuesday afternoon’s monthly workshop, Jennings discussed two monetary ideas he would like to utilize in the city. See a related story and the agenda HERE from WLAF.

This ariel shot from WLAF’s Eagle I shows the section of Depot Street/South 5th Street the City is talking about leveling to join two city parks, Seargeant Park (left) and Liberty Park (right). The photo is courtesy of WLAF’s Charlie Hutson.

The first idea was to award $100 a month to two citizens who have the most improved looking property for the month as a result of a clean-up. The council discussed starting this in January. The next idea was to bring back the Christmas light contest. Details are still being worked out. The final idea was to remove Fifth Street (Depot Street) which now separates Liberty Park and Seargeant Park. Jennings pointed out that there are several positives to the project for the city and he thinks “it’s a fabulous idea.” The first step in the project would be to talk with an engineer. City Councilman Chuck Queener expressed concern about a possibility of coal ash in ground that could be considered hazardous material. He continued that he would like to see the city finish some of the current projects before taking on more.

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares this photo on the east end of Cherry Street.

On next week’s agenda for the regular monthly meeting, the council will vote on making Cherry Street a one-way street. This will improve parking for residents, traffic will come in from the east and go out the west, according to city officials.

The city has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant for $630,000 with a city match of $47,500. The funds will be used for improvements in police dispatch and to purchase a non-transport (CORRECTION) emergency medical truck for the fire department.

Two properties were discussed at the workshop. The first property was the Tommi Ogg property that the city would like to purchase to go with the Del Rio property purchased last year to increase space at the Public Works Department. The property is about an acre and has a dilapidate structure on it. The next property was the Heatherly Property driveway on Rose Hill.

At next week’s meeting an ordinance will be on the agenda for approval. The ordinance will rescind a previous ordinance that abandoned a street. The abandoned street is currently creating an access issue for the utility department. A new driveway will need to be constructed for the residents.  Resolution 2023-01 authorizing the City of LaFollette to participate in the PEP Risk Management Pool Cyber Security Matching Grant Program.

In final business, the promotion of Barbara Frazier to a full-time police dispatcher supervisor at a salary of $31,200 effective Jan. 16, 2023, and purchasing a truck for the recreation department on a state contract for $27,118.40 will be on the agenda for approval. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/28/022-6AM)

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