Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Rolling Rescue is not economically viable
The Newport City Council was told Tuesday evening that the Rolling Rescue program is not financially viable. Currently dogs from the local shelter are taken to out-of-state shelters where they are adopted, reducing the euthanasia rate at the local shelter. But Interim City Manager James Finchum reported that the program under the auspices of the Friends of the Animal Shelter, is loosing $12,000 to $30,000 annually. Finchum said when Dr. Carol Hood was associated with the shelter she raised the needed money for the program but since her death several months ago, the program has not been financially viable. Answering a question from Alderwoman Kathy Holt, the manager said ending the program would mean an increase in the number of animals that are euthanized. Finchum suggested raising the adoption fee by $20 per animal taken to other shelters, would allow the program to be solvent. The council took no action on the issue. Members agreed to refund penalties to certain property owners who were thought to have delinquent property taxes but did not. Finchum said a computer glitch imposed the penalty erroneously in a small number of instances. Newport Utilities no longer erects the banner over East Broadway promoting activities of civic organizations. The council now is trying to determine the criteria for deciding which groups qualify for such a banner. When told of the decision by the utility to stop erecting the banner, Holt asked, "Are they now blind, crippled or crazy ?" The council agreed to review the guidelines for future banners at a workshop planned for 5pm on May 6, at which time the new budget also will be reviewed. Because of problems mowing the grass at the property to the east of the Courthouse Annex, the council voted to continue the policy of not allowing political signs on that property. Ray Keifer was appointed to the Equalization Board. Roland "Trey" Dykes, Chair of the Tanner Preservation Alliance reported that fundraising to upgrade the property is continuing. He also is in discussions with the East Tennessee Development District and the SI Group in fundraising efforts. A fishing tournament also is planned for Douglas Lake on May 3rd., and later that evening there will be a fish fry at the Newport City Park. The council agreed to provide $2,800 or half of the cost of a conceptual design by the Community Design Center. Dykes said a review of the historic structure may result in a library, museum and senior citizens center being included in the facility. He agreed the city should have input into the final design. The council had received a petition to open the alley from Hiwassee Street to Heritage Boulevard however no one attended the council meeting to support the proposal. As a result it wasn't addressed. The body agreed on second reading to upgrade the ordinance that regulates sales from tents. It hikes the permit fee to $250. The body approved on first reading, upgrading the beer ordinance to provide for permits for special events, and to allow the continued sale of beer if a business is sold, until a new permit can be obtained at the next meeting of the Beer Board. Under the new regulations, all new beer permit applicants will undergo a background check by the TBI. Plans for a Harvest Street Festival and a Christmas parade were approved. Bill Hicks asked for authorization for an Appalachian Farmers Market in the parking lot of the Tanner Cultural Center. He was told the council will consider the request if organizers provide proof of insurance to protect the city from liability.


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