Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Proffitt re-elected Vice-Mayor
Members of the Newly elected Newport Board of Mayor and Aldermen met Tuesday evening in their first session. Former Vice-Mayor Mike Proffitt received the highest number of votes in the recent election and so the rest of the council elected him as vice mayor again. "Alot of things have already set the tone. The last term we got alot of things accomplished and we don't have to start from scratch. The public, city council and everybody, have sacrificed to get the city back on course. And I believe the council will work together,,, we have alot of good things going on right now," Proffitt said after the meeting. The council also voted to retain City Attorney Terry Hurst as legal counsel for another four-year term. Hurst reminisced with Mayor Roland "Trey" Dykes, III. Hurst said it was Dykes' late father, former Mayor Roland Dykes, Jr. who asked him to serve as legal counsel in 2000. "And hearing you conduct this meeting reminded me exactly of your dad, he did a magnificent job as mayor and I'm honored to be here with you today," Hurst said. The council approved a request from Parks and Recreation Director Tim Dockery to modify the fees and policy changes for the use of facilities at the city park and community center. Alderman Steve Smith was appointed to the Newport Planning Commission. Former Alderman Jeff Fancher was appointed to the seat on the Newport Utilities Board recently vacated by Mayor Dykes following his election. Conway Wilson was appointed to the Newport Police Civil Service Board. The council was told that a number of organizations are partnering for a litter cleanup of the Jones Hill community beginning at 2 pm on January 21. The effort is in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and is being dubbed "A day on, not a day off." Keep Cocke County Beautiful will provide the needed tools for the event. Members of the council went on record in support of the planned cleanup. And the council voted to go with a new supplier for the city's court system. The previous supplier had antiquated equipment that necessitated much manual work. The new system will not cost taxpayers, because each violator who goes through the city court will be billed $10.50 to pay for the computer service.


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