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| | Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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Newport City Council
Members of the Newport City Council meeting Tuesday evening agreed to purchase a parcel of property at the corner of Broadway and Woodlawn Avenue for a parking lot. Owner Jeff Kyker will be paid $51,000 for the site which the council was told is less than the appraised value. For years the site was used for parking, but it recently was cordoned off because of liability concerns. "There are several businesses that rely on the site for parking," City Manager James Finchum told the council. "Diana's Beauty Shop and Newport Hardware use the area for parking, and it was hurting the hardware store business." City Planner Gary Carver said the businesses in the area pay $7,000 annually in property taxes, and new retail development is planned for the adjacent block. He also pointed out that the future plans for the downtown area call for additional parking. The site will accommodate an estimated 25 vehicles, and the council was told several businesses have agreed to maintain the site, which may include a water fountain. The council also rezoned two pieces of property from residential to business for commercial use. The site behind Appalachian Veterinarian Hospital on Dykes Street, is to be used for parking or a future expansion. The parcel directly behind the Marathon station on Locust Street will be used as an auto repair shop. City Manager Finchum said the city will observe Thanksgiving, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be observed on Christmas and the Tuesday after the holiday. He also reminded the audience that the Cocke County High School Christmas concert is set for 7 pm on December 8, at First Baptist Church. Genevieve Dalton was re-appointed to the Newport Housing Board, and Dean Ball was appointed to the Police Civil Service Board replacing Steve Smith who recently was appointed to a vacancy on the city council. The council recognized Finchum and his staff during Municipal Administration Month. Alderman Mike Hansel suggested it is important that good city employees are recognized and appreciated, and the city manager added that good employees add to the success of the city. The council also recognized two female Cocke County High School sports teams for recent achievements; the golf team as a regional champion and the cross-country team as IMAC runner-up this season. Chief of Police Maurice Shults was given approval to accept a donated 100 foot antennae from Gatlinburg to be located at the Jimtown Road water tower. The antennae will enhance communication for both the fire and police departments. Alderman Jeff Fancher again reported that the final agreement is nearly complete for funding of the Friends Animal Shelter. He said he wants to see the approval of the county, clarification of the hired auditing firm and a clarification of the background of the newly hired manager. Vice-Mayor Mike Proffitt said he believes the Friends administration is trying to address the areas of concern expressed by government leaders. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Dockery reported on plans to upgrade the Pet Milk Park, Fifth and Filbert basketball court and the Bryant Town Park. Mayor Connie Ball urged Dockery to also "work on a splash pad." And City Manager Finchum announced that the project to erect Christmas lights in the city is beginning today.
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