City officials discuss repairs, block grants, river bank work

It was business as usual for the City of Sparta as the Board of Mayor and Aldermen met to authorize a couple of purchases, approve an applicant for hire, and hear reports from each of the city’s departments.

The board unanimously approved the purchase of a transformer and pole mounts for the city’s electric department and the purchase of a sewer inspection camera for the sewer department. In addition, they approved the transfer of funds that were allocated for an HVAC unit for Fire Station 1 to Fire Station 2 as the unit at the second station had recently stopped working and it was determined that repairing the 20-year-old unit would not be cost-effective.

The board also agreed to apply to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for Community Development Block Grant Funds for sewer rehabilitation.

“As I think everyone knows, this is a grant that we depend on every year,” Mayor Jeff Young told the board and stated that this year’s grant is over $600,000. “It has been a tremendous help for us.”

During the meeting, each of the city’s department managers updated the board on their day-to-day operations. In addition to the usual updates and reports, Police Chief Doug Goff reported his department had received praise for the efforts of two of the departments officers who had received Crisis Intervention Training and were able to assist a citizen and help them through a crisis using compassion and understanding rather than force.

The street department reported having opened all of the park restrooms and working on the river bank at South Carter Street Park to do some repairs that were needed because of recent erosion.

The fire department reported 14 calls over the previous two weeks, including a structure fire at the Burger King restaurant, on Bockman Way.

“There was a fire in their grease vat,” Fire Chief Kirk Young stated. “It was a good save. The guys worked hard, and they were able to get them up and running for the next month before they close the restaurant for their rebuild.”

Before the meeting adjourned, alderman Robert Officer thanked the board members for supporting the Motlow Community College Sparta Campus.

“For those that don’t know, we are getting a Paramedic Program, hopefully in August. That’s going to be a big plus for us,” he said. “We are also hoping to have a full-time coordinator. We are making progress.”

Young said the Sparta Board is thankful for the work the Motlow Board has done to help provide higher education opportunities within Sparta and the White County community.

“They helped us turn that program around, and they have proven to be a great benefit to the community,” Young said.

The next meeting of the Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen is scheduled for 5 p.m., April 7, at Sparta City Hall.