The May meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen was last night, Thursday, May 2nd. We discussed the condition of the Towns decorations traditionally mounted on the power poles along some of the streets in town.
Estimates of materials to rework some of the decorations were provided by John Dennis and Jim Whitaker from the Gainesboro-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Many thanks to them for the legwork in this.
We decided to avoid additional expense, both in reworking decorations and in the electrical expense of operating the decorations. We have enough decorations in good shape to decorate the square as we have in the past. We will plan for future decoration strategies as time goes on.
It seems like it is too early to make decisions about these things, but ordering and receiving decoration of this nature actually require significant lead times.
If you have suggestions for future decorations, or would like to volunteer to work with a group to submit recommendations for future Christmas decorations, please let me know. This your town.
Issues and Information about Gainesboro from the perspective of Wayne Wells, an Alderman.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Information Meeting Scheduled Tuesday, May 14th, 6PM
During the discussion of speed limits in the Town of Gainesboro at this month's Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting we decided to ask for more public input into our discussions about speed limits.
We are considering raising the speed limit going up Town Hill out of town from 20mph to 30mph. We are also still considering raising the speed limit on Grundy Quarles Highway through town from 40mph to 45mph.
I know some who have (when asked) told me they would rather not have the limit raised. Some residents along the Oldfield Drive section of this highway have to back out of their driveways onto the highway. Others feel that the limits along Grundy Quarles Highway need to be raised.
If you as a resident or business owner have any thoughts about these possibilities (or other speed limits in the Town of Gainesboro) please attend this meeting at Town Hall and tell us your thoughts and concerns. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 6:00 pm.
If you have already told me what you think please come anyway. It is important you speak up yourself if possible.
This is YOUR town. Please help us represent you and your interests.
Thank you
We are considering raising the speed limit going up Town Hill out of town from 20mph to 30mph. We are also still considering raising the speed limit on Grundy Quarles Highway through town from 40mph to 45mph.
I know some who have (when asked) told me they would rather not have the limit raised. Some residents along the Oldfield Drive section of this highway have to back out of their driveways onto the highway. Others feel that the limits along Grundy Quarles Highway need to be raised.
If you as a resident or business owner have any thoughts about these possibilities (or other speed limits in the Town of Gainesboro) please attend this meeting at Town Hall and tell us your thoughts and concerns. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 6:00 pm.
If you have already told me what you think please come anyway. It is important you speak up yourself if possible.
This is YOUR town. Please help us represent you and your interests.
Thank you
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Community Concerns That Impact All of Us
I receive telephone calls, emails, Facebook messages, Twitter Tweets and general conversation on the street from residents and those who do not live in town, but who come to town. The topics are about speeding, drug houses, cluttered property, dogs running loose, and other sources of frustration and concern. Sometimes I receive suggestions. Occasionally I get to pass on some "at-a-boys" to our town employees.
I pass on concerns to appropriate departments so that they can be considered and acted on (if appropriate). Some circumstances are misunderstandings, while others are serious problems.
If you have a concern and are uncomfortable contacting one of our department heads about your concerns, you are certainly welcome to contact me. If I can help, I will certainly try to do so. I ask for your understanding in this. As an alderman I have NO authority except as one of three aldermen.
Aldermen as individuals do not run departments, make individual decisions or give employee directives. However, as your representative I am deeply concerned with the well-being of the Town as a whole, and the well-being of each individual citizen of the Town.
My contact information is available to all:
Wayne Wells
312 S. Murray St
Gainesboro, TN 38562
waynecwells@icloud.com
931.319.0084 - cell, text, voicemail (be sure to leave your name in text or voicemail)
I pass on concerns to appropriate departments so that they can be considered and acted on (if appropriate). Some circumstances are misunderstandings, while others are serious problems.
If you have a concern and are uncomfortable contacting one of our department heads about your concerns, you are certainly welcome to contact me. If I can help, I will certainly try to do so. I ask for your understanding in this. As an alderman I have NO authority except as one of three aldermen.
Aldermen as individuals do not run departments, make individual decisions or give employee directives. However, as your representative I am deeply concerned with the well-being of the Town as a whole, and the well-being of each individual citizen of the Town.
My contact information is available to all:
Wayne Wells
312 S. Murray St
Gainesboro, TN 38562
waynecwells@icloud.com
931.319.0084 - cell, text, voicemail (be sure to leave your name in text or voicemail)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Poke Sallet Festival Planning
Cindy and I sat in on the meeting of the planning committee for the Poke Sallet Festival Thursday night. I really had no idea how much work and energy went into this kind of thing!
My hat is "off" to those who are doing this tremendous service for our community. The carnival, food vendors, craft vendors, handling waste, setting up the streets... all of it is just too much for the few who have been (and still are) working to make this event happen.
More of us should get involved in the "behind the scene" labor that goes into this. Call the Chamber of Commerce and ask what you can do to help.
If you can not do that this year, plan to be involved next year. Between now and next year plan to attend, take in all of the sights and events.
See you at the Festival!
My hat is "off" to those who are doing this tremendous service for our community. The carnival, food vendors, craft vendors, handling waste, setting up the streets... all of it is just too much for the few who have been (and still are) working to make this event happen.
More of us should get involved in the "behind the scene" labor that goes into this. Call the Chamber of Commerce and ask what you can do to help.
If you can not do that this year, plan to be involved next year. Between now and next year plan to attend, take in all of the sights and events.
See you at the Festival!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Gainesboro-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
There are many groups that positively impact the Town of Gainesboro & Jackson County. One such organization is our local Chamber of Commerce. You may not know that our Chamber is one of two in the state that is not underwritten by its local governments.
Whether that is as it should may be a subject for future discussion. What IS needing discussion at this time is the Chamber's need for increased participation. We are building momentum for growth and development around the Town Square and in other areas of Jackson County.
People cry out for "more jobs," but the real need is for more entrepreneurs and small businesses as well as larger corporate concerns. An increased Chamber of Commerce membership will provide much needed assistance in promoting and encouraging business ownership, start-ups, and "move-ins."
Consider becoming a member of the Chamber. Individuals (whether in business or not), small businesses already operating, and representatives of the larger corporate marketplace can join for just a few dollars. Cindy & I have recently filled out and mailed in our applications.
The annual membership fees are based on a calendar year and are very inexpensive:
Whether that is as it should may be a subject for future discussion. What IS needing discussion at this time is the Chamber's need for increased participation. We are building momentum for growth and development around the Town Square and in other areas of Jackson County.
People cry out for "more jobs," but the real need is for more entrepreneurs and small businesses as well as larger corporate concerns. An increased Chamber of Commerce membership will provide much needed assistance in promoting and encouraging business ownership, start-ups, and "move-ins."
Consider becoming a member of the Chamber. Individuals (whether in business or not), small businesses already operating, and representatives of the larger corporate marketplace can join for just a few dollars. Cindy & I have recently filled out and mailed in our applications.
The annual membership fees are based on a calendar year and are very inexpensive:
Jackson County business (1-10) Employees - $50.00
(Please add .50 for each additional employee over 10)
Associate Member (individual) with residence within Jackson County - $25.00
Associate Member (individual) with residence outside Jackson County - $30.00
Senior Associate Member (individual, over 55) - $20.00
Sunday, April 21, 2013
New Water Department Employee & Patrol Cars
We had suspended the Board of Aldermen Meeting earlier in the month and set Thursday, April 18th, to complete the meeting. The reason we did so was so that we could complete the hiring of a Water Department worker after the resignation of Tim McConnell.
After interviewing the applicants we filled the position by hiring Ricky Dale Head, the son of a former city employee and current County Commissioner. Ricky and his wife Rebecca are well known and well thought of in our community. I look forward to the continuing improvement of service in our town.
Many thanks to those who expressed interest and completed the application and went through the interviews. We are blessed to have so many willing to serve the community.
In addition to filling the open position, we faced an additional pressing issue. One of the patrol cars scheduled for replacement in the next fiscal year had begun presenting some serious mechanical failures. As a result we found it necessary to replace it a couple of months earlier than anticipated.
The good news is that we were able to add a replacement patrol car and an administrative car for about 1/3 the cost of the last patrol car purchased. State surplus seemed to have exactly what we needed when we needed it!
We had to transfer some surplus funds into this year's budget, but we will replace the surplus funds in the new budget beginning in June. A little "robbing of Peter to pay Paul" not only allowed us to meet the crisis, but also saves the Town of Gainesboro several thousands of dollars!
It must also be pointed out that sound fiscal planning and decisions by Mayor Fox and previously elected Aldermen have made this possible. I hope this Board of Aldermen can continue in that great legacy.
After interviewing the applicants we filled the position by hiring Ricky Dale Head, the son of a former city employee and current County Commissioner. Ricky and his wife Rebecca are well known and well thought of in our community. I look forward to the continuing improvement of service in our town.
Many thanks to those who expressed interest and completed the application and went through the interviews. We are blessed to have so many willing to serve the community.
In addition to filling the open position, we faced an additional pressing issue. One of the patrol cars scheduled for replacement in the next fiscal year had begun presenting some serious mechanical failures. As a result we found it necessary to replace it a couple of months earlier than anticipated.
The good news is that we were able to add a replacement patrol car and an administrative car for about 1/3 the cost of the last patrol car purchased. State surplus seemed to have exactly what we needed when we needed it!
We had to transfer some surplus funds into this year's budget, but we will replace the surplus funds in the new budget beginning in June. A little "robbing of Peter to pay Paul" not only allowed us to meet the crisis, but also saves the Town of Gainesboro several thousands of dollars!
It must also be pointed out that sound fiscal planning and decisions by Mayor Fox and previously elected Aldermen have made this possible. I hope this Board of Aldermen can continue in that great legacy.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
How Can Our Town Help You & Your Children?
He praised some of the programs being sponsored by local business to assist parents and families by directly impacting their education and training.
Mr. Huffman stated what most of us already know: We can not raise the educational and skills levels in classrooms alone. We need the schools, local businesses and the communities to partner together.
Considering the positive business environment and the culture of our state, many business would like to move to Tennessee. What holds some back is a concern about finding a suitable workforce with a suitable level of education and "skill set"to allow the company to be successful.
I understand that Tennessee students have made great progress over the last couple of years, but let's be frank... we still have a long way to go. We are somewhere near the bottom of the rankings compared with other states.
It is not a time to whine about limited opportunities or what should have happened in the past. It is not time to be focusing on what someone else should be doing. It is time for you to step up and take responsibility. It is time for me to step up as well.
What I hope you, as citizens of Gainesboro, will tell me is what the town can do to help.
I'm looking forward to your responses.
While you are at it, go ahead and subscribe to these posts by email. The link is on the page. That way you can stay involved in this discussion.
Like the Commissioner said: "High Standards Are Right For Our Children." The real truth is:
High Standards Are Right For Each Of Us!
New Business Coming to Our Region
While attending the Highlands Initiative Phase II Annual Investors Meeting I was excited to hear that new businesses and job opportunities are coming into our region.
This is good news for those who are looking for work.
Don't sit back and wish... Go hunting!
This is good news for those who are looking for work.
Don't sit back and wish... Go hunting!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Conflict In The Community
I should make this clear early on, I am a minister. My goal is always to be "spiritual" in my thinking. That does not mean I intend to be "preachy," but it does happen.
As I reflect on things around Gainesboro (from my perspective) you can expect to read my spiritual perspectives in my writings. You may not have reached the same conclusions, but they are from my perspective. We can still work together on things about which we agree.
Conflict is always part of our lives. Whenever there is more than one person there will be conflict. Sometimes I have conflict all by myself. That seems to be within our human nature. Conflict is present, but it isn't unhealthy. The way we deal with conflict can be unhealthy (and often is).
For believers I submit the following:
Jesus said, "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15
Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves … your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3, 5).
Conflict resolution is based on actively seeking what is best for everyone involved, not seeking what is most desirable for "me."
For those who are not too interested in my "spiritual" references I submit that the conclusion above still makes good sense.
When we disagree about the way things should be in our wonderful town you and I will be well served to remember that we are not part of this community so that we can be frustrated. We are together so we can benefit mutually. We are working for the best interests of the community as a whole.
As I reflect on things around Gainesboro (from my perspective) you can expect to read my spiritual perspectives in my writings. You may not have reached the same conclusions, but they are from my perspective. We can still work together on things about which we agree.
Conflict is always part of our lives. Whenever there is more than one person there will be conflict. Sometimes I have conflict all by myself. That seems to be within our human nature. Conflict is present, but it isn't unhealthy. The way we deal with conflict can be unhealthy (and often is).
For believers I submit the following:
Jesus said, "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15
Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves … your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3, 5).
Conflict resolution is based on actively seeking what is best for everyone involved, not seeking what is most desirable for "me."
For those who are not too interested in my "spiritual" references I submit that the conclusion above still makes good sense.
When we disagree about the way things should be in our wonderful town you and I will be well served to remember that we are not part of this community so that we can be frustrated. We are together so we can benefit mutually. We are working for the best interests of the community as a whole.
Friday, April 5, 2013
The "Dog" problem
We all love our dogs, but a reality of dog ownership is complying with the Tennessee state law to care, provide, and confine the dogs we love. This is for our own protection as well as their protection.
As we grow and attract new business (and new customers) to our lovely Town of Gainesboro, the issue of dogs being off property becomes more of a problem. In addition, owners have the responsibility to have their dogs and cats vaccinated and tagged.
A common misconception is that in caring for strays the animals do not become MY responsibility. The reality is that after a very short time, if I (or you) allow an animal to remain where I/you live, we become legally responsible and liable for the animal.
As we try to balance the realities of animal ownership with the legal requirements of animal responsibilities, we are beginning to explore options for the care, regulation and confinement of animals running-at-large.
If you have suggestions feel free to become involved.
As we grow and attract new business (and new customers) to our lovely Town of Gainesboro, the issue of dogs being off property becomes more of a problem. In addition, owners have the responsibility to have their dogs and cats vaccinated and tagged.
A common misconception is that in caring for strays the animals do not become MY responsibility. The reality is that after a very short time, if I (or you) allow an animal to remain where I/you live, we become legally responsible and liable for the animal.
As we try to balance the realities of animal ownership with the legal requirements of animal responsibilities, we are beginning to explore options for the care, regulation and confinement of animals running-at-large.
If you have suggestions feel free to become involved.
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