Special Called Meeting Of The County Legislative Body
This morning's called Legislative Meeting was very revealing in the way business continues to be done under the leadership or more accurately the misleading by the county executive.
The meeting was scheduled to start at 9 AM. It actually started sixteen minutes late. The reason it was not started on time was that a commissioner who was supporting Mrs Greene was running late. The County Executive announced that Commissioner Beech would be late because he could not find a parking place. I was one of the last people who arrived at the courthouse and walked in with two minutes to spare and there were a large number of parking spaces around and just off the square. The County Executive as is her custom was once again a little loose with the truth. Finally Commissioner Beech arrived at sixteen after nine, the meeting was called to order and immediately after the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance the vote was taken on filling the vacant commission position.
A second inconsistency that took place was in combining a public hearing with the special called meeting. Some may remember that only a few months ago I had requested to speak on a subject that had been published as the reason for a called meeting. I was denied the opportunity by the county executive who used a totally perverted interpretation of the rules to say that nothing could be discussed at a special called meeting. This morning not only was that fictitious rule ignored but she combined an unannounced public hearing about allowing a retail alcohol package store to be set up in the county with a special called meeting. Nothing had been previously announced about a public hearing, but that didn't keep the boss from having her way, regardless of state requirements. Retail Alcohol Stores are strictly prohibited outside city limits by state law but apparently in Giles County if you call a duck a horse you can ride it.
TennSouth was authorized a Certificate of Compliance for the retail sale of alcohol. This was and could have been done by the County executive without approval of the commission but apparently the County Executive wanted some political cover for her decision to expand the sale of alcohol.
The Commission also approved the economic Impact Plan for "BRE's PLACE" at Giles Center.
The meeting was scheduled to start at 9 AM. It actually started sixteen minutes late. The reason it was not started on time was that a commissioner who was supporting Mrs Greene was running late. The County Executive announced that Commissioner Beech would be late because he could not find a parking place. I was one of the last people who arrived at the courthouse and walked in with two minutes to spare and there were a large number of parking spaces around and just off the square. The County Executive as is her custom was once again a little loose with the truth. Finally Commissioner Beech arrived at sixteen after nine, the meeting was called to order and immediately after the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance the vote was taken on filling the vacant commission position.
A second inconsistency that took place was in combining a public hearing with the special called meeting. Some may remember that only a few months ago I had requested to speak on a subject that had been published as the reason for a called meeting. I was denied the opportunity by the county executive who used a totally perverted interpretation of the rules to say that nothing could be discussed at a special called meeting. This morning not only was that fictitious rule ignored but she combined an unannounced public hearing about allowing a retail alcohol package store to be set up in the county with a special called meeting. Nothing had been previously announced about a public hearing, but that didn't keep the boss from having her way, regardless of state requirements. Retail Alcohol Stores are strictly prohibited outside city limits by state law but apparently in Giles County if you call a duck a horse you can ride it.
TennSouth was authorized a Certificate of Compliance for the retail sale of alcohol. This was and could have been done by the County executive without approval of the commission but apparently the County Executive wanted some political cover for her decision to expand the sale of alcohol.
The Commission also approved the economic Impact Plan for "BRE's PLACE" at Giles Center.
posted by Allen Barrett | 2:04 PM
60 Comments:
In this weeks paper:
Approval of the Economic Impact Plan for the Hampton Inn and two restaurants on West College Street will come before the Giles County Commission at a special called meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec 19. Also coming before the commission is approval of a certificate of compliance for the TennSouth Distillery, LLC, to be signed by the county executive. Commissioners also will choose between three declared candidates for the vacant Fifth District Commission seat.
BECAUSE THIS IS A CALLED MEETING, THESE ARE THE ONLY MATTERS TO COME BEFORE COMMISSION.
Too funny! Thanks for confirming Barretts ignorance and bias 5:16. I don't think he will ever learn.
5:22 you misunderstand, the first post only confirmed Barrett's post.
Having an unannounced public hearing at the meeting was a violation of the rules and the state requirements to have it posted prior in a newspaper.
It has been months since the local paper wrote about the Hampton Inn and restaurants. Why then would there have to be a special meeting called when there has been plenty of time to address the issue in the paper in advance.
To 6:52
The requirement is to hold a public hearing so the public can express there questions and concerns about the impact such a project would have on the environment, traffic, finances, etc.
I understand the need for a public hearing. I just don't understand why information wasn't posted in the paper further ahead of time. There was no need to wait until the last minute.
That's how they get things done and keep the public in the dark---talk and discuss beforehand then rush as quietly as the law allows for and call a hurry up meeting so people are off balance an dont have time to ask questions. Of course when you are lucky enough to ask your question they just look at you with contempt and vote the way they were going to anyway.
You would certainly think that with this type of project, a major motel change and restaurants that commissioners would provide a ton of information in the paper in order for residents to understand the full picture and decide what they think. Keeping information in the hands of a few leads to problems.
The Commissioners, Dan Speer, the ECD and the County Planning Commission keep their information secret because they collectively believe that the citizens of Giles County are stupid and do not deserve to know what is going on. They are afraid that if the citizens know what is going on that some of them just may question decisions that are being made.
That said, look at what has been going on at the TVR plant, just up stream from our public drinking water input.
Unannounced? From WKSR:
Commission to Vote on Economic Impact Plan, Certificate of Compliance
Posted on December 12, 2012
In addition to the election of the new commissioner, the Giles County Commission will look at two other items of business at their Wednesday, December 19, meeting.
The Commission will vote whether to approve the economic impact plan so that a tax increment district can be set up to pay for the financing of a Hampton Inn and two restaurants. These businesses are to be located on three acres along West College Street. It is expected that 200 temporary jobs will be created during the construction and, ultimately, 120 permanent jobs will be created.
The county will vote whether to approve a certificate of compliance for the TennSouth Distillery in Lynnville. The certificate is needed so that the business can sell alcoholic beverages on the premises.
Because next week’s session will be a called meeting, only items on the agenda will be discussed.
You miss the point 1:11
The problem isn't what was in the paper or on the radio but what was not announced.
There was no prior announcement of a Public Hearing concerning the application of a new retail liquor outlet which is very different from simply dealing with the certificate of Compliance.
If you get down to facts there was no necessity to have the full commission vote on the certificate of compliance, Mrs Vanzant could have signed that without a vote.
Now according to the article in this weeks newspaper by Paul Manke there was no address given for either of the two applicants, only information was they were thought to live in Columbia; neither was there a date of birth for either applicant on the application. With out showing sufficient proof of birth date they could not legally purchase any alcohol from the store they have now been authorized to open.
Doesn't all liquor licenses have to be approved through the state whether retail or for on premise consumption? Or is this license for beer that should go through the county beer board?
Mrs. V had a chance to vote on decision on Commission replacement before this meeting and she didn't but she does this time.
The state prohibits retail liquor sales stores in every county, they are only able to be established in municipalities that have approved such. Beer is handled differently from other alcoholic beverages.
The handling of this issue is in direct violation of state law that requires a public hearing prior to the issue being voted on by the legislative body. Announcing the public meeting ten minutes before the vote is taken is not what the state intended when they state a public hearing, not just a meeting, but a hearing where the public have sufficient time to prepare and deliver both positive and negative comments and supportive information for those comments. That was clearly not done.
I understand your point with the meeting. But is this for a retail store or for on premise consumption?
In addition is this for a manufacturer for on premise consumption? The rules are different for manufacturers but they do have to abide by the rules TABC imposes.
One last thing. Is the area in which the Certificate of Compliance was given incorporated? If it is not only a county with a charter form of government is allowed these permits to be issued. If I understand the laws correctly. I don't believe we have a charter form of government, tell me if I am wrong.
You may write rosemary.adams@tn.gov, she is with legal at TABC, to ask questions concerning the legalities of a permit being issued. I am not sure if they have the right to even have a permit issued to them.
What's the deal with David Rackley and the citizen spotlight? Anyone who knows him knows that he is one of the most self centered, deceitful persons around.
The screening committee must be non existent, as they will spolight just about anyone nominated. IMO.
Our local media is a joke!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Wow. Welcome to Giles Free Libel. Barrett, you continue to amaze us with what you allow on here.
Apparently, you jealous haters and blamers can just pick any private citizen and libel the heck out of them on here.
Good job Barrett. What a community asset.
12:38 What type of person are you condemn Barrett for what someone else post? Maybe he hasn't read the post.
He lets you post. I never herd of Jim and Cate Cardin and thought it was just a name someone dreamed up.
You attack Barrett, what is the difference?
Your right 1:37. Barrett post information to make Giles county resident aware of things and people make a personal issue out of it. They have to be the ones that back the people we now have in office. Post should relate to the post subject. You notice the post under anonymous not even giving their first given name.
barrett
I've been off this miserable blog for quite awhile, but a fgriend suggested I come back and have a look. I see nothng has changhed, including your spewing. I can't help but wonder when someone is going to bring a lawsuit against this mess.
4:19 since you can't add anything positive to the subject you might just as well go back to ready the funny papers
1:37. There is a big difference. Barrett is the blogmaster of this site and as such has assumed the responsibility and liability of its content.
Are you saying it is justified to pick any private citizen who holds no office and post libelous matters about them? I hope not.
I am not sure what you mean by my attacking Barrett. I "attacked", if you will, his negligence in monitoring this blog. By your analogy, should I post something about his wife as well? That notion is offensive to me and all reasonable people.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Someone please tell me what Kate and Jim Cardin have to do with any of this. Did someone just pull their names out of their butts to start something. Wouldn't a blog be nice to have that you could go on and have a real debate about things without all this trash.
6:58 What do you see as positive about slandering and trashing people on this blog?
10:50 no one has been trashed on the blog other then by people posting. Bring up matters that don't fall within the laws of the state is not trashing. The blog provides people with information that should be made public and in what is suppose to pass for a news paper in Pulaski.
As long as the Constitution recognizes and God allows me the benefit to speak I will do so with the full knowledge that I am responsible for every word I say. No one else has nor can they take responsibility for me or my words just as every other individual is solely responsible for their words, whether they accept that responsibility, try to place it on someone else or hide under the rock of anonymity.
Because someone chooses to play the fool and attack individuals who have nothing to do with a matter simply to dilute and change the subject does not change the facts as related to responsibilities. My name accompanies every message I post and each word is my responsibility.
I will delete those who make unrelated personal attacks as soon as possible but unlike some who share this blog I do not focus my life around it anymore than I would any other news sources.
Those who are responsible and interested in what's happening around Giles County and the comments of others are more than welcome to take part in adult conversations those with small inactive brain cells please do your conversing with those of like minds on the Democratic National Committee. Thank you and Happy New Year.
As the blogmaster, you should focus a little more diligently.
Happy New Year.
I'm sure the person that made those comments is in your inner circle Barrett. It wasn't anything that wouldn't come out of your mouth. God may not appreciate you publicly saying he is your ally.
4:23 I think the person that likes to attack Barrett and blame him for everything is in your inner circle.
Could the Cardin man and woman if that's not a name someone dreamed up to show their ignorance need to check and see who posted it and sue them?
Jealousy is a terrible thing and it runs both ways.
4:23 Glad to know someone of your prominence resides here among us mere mortals. Not only do you claim to know who a persons's friends are but you speak for God now. It must be an incredible burden carrying that responsibility.
Ah but I do it so well
You are right 10:12. I feel like Michael Jordan playing basketball with a bunch of 5 year olds.
Don't get too upset. You can't help how you were born. You can learn to just keep quiet and not burden everyone around you. Will you at least do that?
With the attitude of people like 4:23 it's no wonder progress can't be made in this county.
It's making up a name like Dick that has held up your progress in mentally progressing as an adult. Who do you think you are fooling?
Barrett, you stated "I will delete those who make unrelated personal attacks as soon as possible but unlike some who share this blog I do not focus my life around it anymore than I would any other news sources. " in your post dated December 31 at 2:42 p.m. You also deleted the comment on Dec. 29 at 10:44 p.m. regarding the Cardins and also one on December 30 at 9:08 p.m. Why did you delete those comments? Why would you not delete the negative comment about David Rackley on December 25, at 5:33 p.m. that has absolutely nothing to do with this post as you did the others? We anxiously await your explanation!
Barrett uses the delete button for his own advantage. It's the same as him posting under anonymous and lying about it. He is a very sorry individual and an embarrassment to the county.
Anyone that would talk about anyone like 7:24 just did needs to take a good look in the mirror.
Mr Rackley holds a political office and is also head of EDC.
And only a piece of crap would use that as an excuse to defame someone. Did you all get that message? I doubt you will understand.
Rackley is NOT a political figure, Not an elected official, he is a volunteer serving his community. And doing a damn fine job of it. He should sue your butts off!
Anyone who does not really know David Rackley, I wish they had attended Judge Lee's funeral. Rackley got up there and in front of old and young and used language I couldn't believe. If he had been in a small group of one or two, maybe them words wouldn't have been quite so bad but in front of all those people at the funeral was down right discusting and disrespectful. Shame on him. Grow up and start acting your age!
I attended the funeral and thought he did an excellent job. I don't remember him saying anything bad, ugly or anything. I respected him for speaking on behalf of Judge Lee! David is my friend and I'll ask him about this. I'm sure just another unjustified attack on David!
251 - If David Rackley is a friend of yours, let me say this. Sooner or later, you will not be friends any more.
Do you find yourself unable to keep friends 6:30? Something tells me you have a problem, not Mr. Rackley.
6:30, if you are a former friend of his, I'll bet he figured you out!!
Barrett ! Answer 6:51's question!
In spite on your demand 9:22 I'll be glad to answer 6:51's question assuming you are speaking of the two questions asked on 1 Jan. at 6:51.
Question: Why did you delete those comments?
Answer: "They did not comply with the stated policy I have established for this blog".
Question: "Why would you not delete the negative comment about David Rackley on December 25, at 5:33 p.m. that has absolutely nothing to do with this post as you did the others"?
Answer: While the reference to Mr. Rackley was not directly related to this particular thread topic, I have allowed questions to be asked about current or recent news articles in unrelated thread topics. In the 25 December issue of the Pulaski Citizen Mr Rackley was featured as a spotlighted citizen, this apparently is the new name for the old "Citizen of the Week" feature, and someone questioned basically why?
Another poster stated that Mr Rackley is a public official, and I agree, serving as an election commissioner, and as Chairman of the Economic Development Commission.
As a public official his actions are subject to scrutiny by those who are impacted by those actions.
When he addressed the County Commission and advocated against any cuts to the Economic Development budget even in light of enormous misspending for such things as country club memberships, excessive retirement and insurance payments for unbid contracts, etc. he was soundly criticized in person and on this blog by me, that criticism was not well received and apparently there has been some stated tensions toward me ever since. Personally I have nothing against Mr. Rackley, in fact I have no personal involvement with him at all, however I certainly question some of his public actions and activities.
I hope this answers your question.
7:00 I can assure you that I do not have a problem!!!!!!
If you know any of his former long time friends, just ask them.
Did you have a crush on him at some point? Apparently you are female, and dumb, by using all of those exclamation marks. Maybe that is why he decided not to be your friend. Crazy and dumb doesn't equal a good relationship. Have a good day!
Just ask them!
Hey Allen, I thought your Dec.31 comment about the RNC was hilarious. Oh wait, you said Democratic National Committee. How dare you speak your mind on your own blog. You should be ashamed. I may never get on here and correct you again, you so-and-so and so forth. With your ability to read between the lines, I'm sure you get my meaning. As always, I enjoy your posts, even though it pains me to agree with them. Have the best of years, my friend, and try to not let the bastards grind you down.
Ray Lanier
Thanks Ray, your comments are always worthwhile and appreciated. Have a great 2013 and beyond.
Maybe some people will get bigger checks from the government this year, considering how working citizens are all having their taxes raised. The democrat class is killing us.
Its not just the democrats that are spending too much. Our country is in trouble, and I don't believe that it can be turned around.
Damn 4:40, are you sure you're not a member of Congress? You have nothing to offer yet you feel you must flap your gums anyway.
10:04, I agree it's not just the Democrats but I do think we can turn things around. It will be painful and many of the solutions will not be popular, but it can be done. Everyone will need to work together, and that's the part I'm afraid will be the most difficult.
Ray Lanier
Ray, I think we need to vote against every incumbent at every level of government.
That would certainly send a message, 6:45, if we could do it.
Ray
10:04 Are all our county officials Democrats? Spending seems to be out of control at ever government level.
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