City of Sparta addresses business and honors clerks during recent meeting

Seeds of Hope of TN speaks to board about homelessness

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 After Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen took a moment to honor high school athletes Grant Slatten and Gracie Dodgen for their record-setting careers on the basketball courts, they took a moment to recognize National Clerk’s Week and present all the city’s clerks with a token of appreciation.

“We want to say thank you to every person who works in some capacity for the city of Sparta as a clerk or reporter,” Mayor Jeff Young said. “We want you to know that we appreciate you.”

After recognizing the city’s clerks and reporters, the board got down to business, passing Ordinance 21-936 to amend the digital “Zoning Map, Sparta, Tennessee, March 2021” changing approximately 0.22 acres of property on Fred Hill Road from M-1 to C-D at the request of property owner Megan Dodson and after having a public hearing at which no one was present to oppose the change.

The board then unanimously passed Resolution 21-562 – A Resolution to apply to the Tennessee Housing Development Agency for H.O.M.E. Grant funds. The resolution authorized the city to apply for the maximum amount of the grant, $375,000, none of which requires a matching contribution from the city itself.

The board also approved a property tax change of assessment for First Baptist Church on property located on North Spring Street.

The aldermen approved four items under purchasing and made three personnel decisions during the meeting as well.

  • The board approved a bid for building materials for a new shed to be built at the Public Works’ South Carter Street location. The bid was awarded to Moyer Metals Sales of Sparta in the amount of $19,823.86.
  • The board approved the retirement of 2005 Ford Excursion and 23 Silver Dollar Coins that were obtained through a drug seizure as surplus from the Police Department for the purpose of sales on GovDeals
  • The board approved the retirement of a 1998 International 4900 Digger Truck surplus from the Electric Department, but rather than place the truck on GovDeals as originally planned, the decision was to determine if the truck could be repurposed for use by the Public Works Department.
  • The board discussed, and ultimately approved offering the property located at 136 Baker St., formerly occupied by the White County Board of Education, for lease. On Alderman Jerry Lowery’s suggestion, before the property is listed as available, a walkthrough evaluation by the codes, fire, and public works departments will be conducted to identify any potential safety issues.
  • The board approved the solicitation of applications for Patrolman for the Police Department to fill a position that became available after a resignation of a current officer.
  • The board approved promoting David Zuber to Senior Tradesman after the person previously holding that position was also promoted.
  • After the approval of Zuber’s promotion, the board then approved the internal promotion of Preston Martin to Truck Driver to replace Zuber.

After the city’s department heads reported to the board about how their day-to-day operations have been proceeding, the floor was opened for comments from members of the audience.

Tina Lomax, of Seeds of Hope TN, who was present along with several of the organizations board members, addressed the board. Lomax was present to ask the city to partner with the Seeds of Hope TN organization as they work to combat homelessness in White County and to secure a permanent building in which to be able to conduct business as well as provide shelter.  The board listened as Lomax discussed the need in the community for aid and the number of persons currently without permanent housing in Sparta. As this portion of the meeting is set aside for citizens, the board did not comment on Lomax’s presentation.   

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