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Utility board declines to hear motion to reinstate Ray
Members of the Newport Utilities Board of Directors voted Tuesday against considering the re-hiring of former General Manager Glenn Ray. Ray was removed from his position in late April following a performance review, but last week he sued the board arguing he had never been informed of issues with his management, and alleging his removal was in retaliation for his objections to favoritism on the part of board members. Board members have declined to reveal the issues which led to Ray's dismissal and have not responded to the lawsuit. At the Tuesday meeting, board member Donald Large read a motion which he said had been provided by a member of the public. It was simply a motion to reinstate Ray. But Board Chair Kenny Morgan said the item was not on the agenda, and could be considered only if the board approved a motion to suspend the rules. Member Jason Ramsey made a motion to suspend and it was seconded by Large. In the subsequent vote however, only Ramsey and Large voted to suspend and so the motion to reinstate was not considered. The board also recently received an employment application from Ray for his former position, But on the recommendation of legal council, the board voted unanimously to not accept the application. Roger Gribble, a strong supporter of Ray, had signed up to speak at the meeting. But after the board voted not accept the application, Gribble, Ray and a dozen supporters left the meeting. Engineer Jimmy Robertson reported that Lowland Credit Union has agreed to discussions regarding a possible shared parking lot between the credit union's new offices and the utilitiy. The move could add up to 30 additional parking spaces. "This is a window of opportunity for us," Robertson said. The board then gave authority to Interim General Manager Sherry Frisbee to negotiate with the credit union on a possible joint project. There also have been ongoing right-of-way issues with a resident of Highway 73, Donald Large ,Jr. and so Large will be invited to a sit-down meeting to discuss the issue. The board agreed to accept a bid of $120,000 for a water booster pump in Carson Springs. A total of nearly $85,000 in bad debt, some stemming from foreclosures, was written off. Members approved $23,000 for a planned outside kiosk for customers to make payments. The bulk rate for water supplied to Webb's Creek, Dandridge and Sevierville will see a slight increase based on action by the board. A total of $76,400 was approved for a new system which will allow secure internet communication with the utilities office, from out in the field. Morgan announced that phone interviews are planned with prospective candidates for the General Manager position. The interviewing committee will include board members, utility employees and a member of the public.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
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