CCRGD

Congratulations to Thomas Deakins

2006-08-11T15:20:00.000-04:00

Good friend Thomas Deakins prevailed in a tough race for the 6th District School Board race. I hope everyone in Farragut will help Thomas in the cause to fully fund the Hardin Valley High School.

From the Farragut Press:

“The first thing I want to do is to help [Knox County] commissioners work together to make sure the Hardin Valley School is fully funded,” Deakins said. “When this school was put on the books, it was originally planned for two-thousand kids. The idea of going to a school for thirteen hundred is not a good thing because what that is going to do to impact Farragut High School is that it will not alleviate overcrowding. That’s what it boils down to.”

Super Ingles arriving soon

2006-08-05T18:56:00.000-04:00

The Farragut Regal Cinema and the Farragut Towne Square shopping center have been purchased by Ingles Markets, Inc. The theater will be torn down and a new Super Ingles will be built at that location.

West Farragut has a bright future.

FMPC talks Old Stage light

2006-07-16T15:54:00.000-04:00

From the Farragut Press:

Installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Old Stage Road and Kingston Pike by spring of 2007 “is a great possibility” according to Farragut town leaders.

“To say it’s a done deal, not exactly, to say we think it’s a great possibility, the answer is yes,” Farragut Mayor W. Edward “Eddy” Ford III said during the bi-monthly Farragut Municipal Planning Commission meeting Thursday, July 6, in Town Hall.

Darryl Smith, town engineer, said the time frame was “about six months” after required paperwork is sent to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for their approval, adding up to “probably eight or nine months” before a traffic light at Old Stage and Kingston Pike actually would be up and operating.

The Weigel's debate continues

2006-07-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

There have been some improvements to the design of the Weigel's project at Smith Road and Kingston Pike. The nagging question of the variance for the Smith Road entrance remains. It is the quintessential government question, should a variance to save a business money be allowed when the public perceives that the variance will compromise public safety.

The debate continues.

Roundabout questions still exist

2006-07-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

The idea of temporary three way stop signs is being considered for the roundabout at Northshore Drive and Concord Road. Having spoken with both Craig Leuthold and Mike Hammond about the roundabout I can tell you that this idea of stop signs is due to public pressure. The people of Southwest Knox County are furious over the roundabout. The question is whether their feelings matter. Like so many things in the past few years public input does not carry the same weight as it used to.

The contract for roundabout construction will be let in September. Time after time we have been told the roundabout is the only solution.

That is not correct. I spoke with Bruce Wuethrich of the Knox County Engineering Department. There are other options. I will have more information on this subject after I meet with Allen Childers of Canon and Canon engineering who did the design for the roundabout.

The importance of the traffic light at Old Stage Road

2006-06-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

The greatest growth in Farragut is in the Southwest quadrant. The two most dangerous intersections are Old Stage Road at Kingston Pike and Virtue Road at Kingston Pike. The slow process for a traffic light at Old Stage and Kingston Pike has begun.

Link to Leonard Brown website

2006-04-25T13:03:00.000-04:00

I encourage everyone in District Five to ask for a paper ballot and vote for Leonard Brown for the District Five C seat. Don't take the chance on what is behind Door Number Three.

Vote for a solid member of our community and a long time leader in the Republican Party in Knox County.

Doc Brown's website is here.

Leonard Brown endorsement

2006-04-25T12:41:00.000-04:00

I want to take this opportunity to inform the citizens of Knox County that I am withdrawing my write-in candidacy for County Commissioner, District 5 C.

The recent decision of the Tennessee Supreme Court to impose term limits on County Commissioners resulted in four write-in candidates for the Republican Primary in District 5C. After much discussion with the other candidates, I determined that Dr. Leonard Brown shares my passion for advancing educational resources, public safety, road improvement, and supporting local businesses. Therefore, I endorse Dr. Leonard Brown for Knox County Commissioner. I want to thank my supporters and encourage them to ask for a paper ballot on May 2nd and write-in Dr. Leonard Brown for District 5C.

Sincerely,
Garry Strand

Ask for the paper ballot

2006-04-24T17:33:00.000-04:00

ISN’T IT TIME FOR A CHANGE?

DID YOU KNOW IF A TERM LIMITED INCUMBENT IS ELECTED HE CANNOT SERVE HIS TERM?

DID YOU KNOW IF HE IS ELECTED HIS PARTY GETS TO CHOOSE HIS REPLACEMENT FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION ON AUGUST 2ND?

DID YOU KNOW THE INCUMBNET JOHN GRIESS IN OUR DISTRICT 5C IS DOING JUST THAT BY ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE

A VOTE FOR A TERM LIMITED INCUMBENT IS A VOTE FOR THE UNKNOWN

TERM LIMITS ARE INTENDED TO BRING NEW IDEAS AND NEW BLOOD TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT

IF YOU AGREE, YOU MUST ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT AND WRITE - IN THE CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT 5-C COUNTY COMMISSIONER

FOR FAR TOO LONG, TOO FEW PEOPLE HAVE MADE TO MANY DECISIONS THAT AFFECT THE FUTURE OF KNOX COUNTY

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT
VOTE FOR A WRITE - IN CANIDATE

Big chance for Farragut

2006-04-21T21:16:00.000-04:00

An important opportunity for the Farragut tax base has come with the chance to bring Gander Mountain to the Farragut side of Turkey Creek. It won't be an easy sale as there are some sign issues. Hopefully the Town of Farragut can work out a solution to bring a top flight sports and outdoor retailer to Farragut.

Gander Mountain, a Minnesota-based outdoor chain, is the nations second largest sports and outdoor retailer.

Let's find a way to make this happen.

FBMA approves Town Admin assistant

2006-03-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

From the Farragut Press:

The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the hiring of an assistant town administrator during its regular Thursday meeting, March 9, with four affirmative votes and one abstaining.

Alderman Thomas Rosseel abstained from the vote to hire Gary Palmer, 35, of Michigan, because of what he deemed was confusing language by Vice Mayor Mike Haynes.

Rosseel told the board during the Oct. 13, 2005, meeting, when the position of assistant town administrator was discussed, a motion made by Haynes referred to the assistant town administrator position as an “exempt” position.

Rosseel, after the meeting, said the personnel policy of the town basically has two designations. One is exempt service, which refers to a position that is hired and terminated at the pleasure of the FBMA. The other designation is an exempt salary position, which refers to a position that has an immediate supervisor and that supervisor decides whether to promote or terminate.

Rosseel said he believed the word “exempt” in Haynes’ motion referred to the exempt salary position, making the assistant town administrator subject to Farragut Town Administrator Dan Olson. “I’m sorry you didn’t understand what you were voting on,” Haynes told Rosseel.

As it stands now, Rosseel said Palmer would be hired and terminated at the pleasure of the FBMA. After the meeting Haynes said he didn’t know whether it was unusual for a town to have both a town administrator and assistant town administrator that answered to the FBMA.

“I have no idea,” he said. “I’m concerned with what we do in Farragut. I believe from a policy standpoint someone such as, in this case an associate town administrator who is also a person by the job description who steps in if the town administrator is incapacitated or unable to fulfill that role, I think that they should be responsive to the board. We’re the ones elected by the public and charged with seeing that the town is run properly.”

Haynes said while there are some philosophical differences in opinion, he said the board is unanimously in support of this position as being necessary for the town and in support of Palmer in this position.

Town of Farragut best in state?

2006-03-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

The Farragut Press has an interesting article about an award won by the Town of Farragut. My take on this is our town still has much work to do. Yes we have educated, skilled, and successful residents. But Farragut is not business friendly. Not yet, but improvements are being made.

The next step is a review of the existing ordinances especially the sign ordinances. The development of the Campbell Station Connector will be the real test of how our town is improving the business climate.

Let's not pat ourselves too much on the back. There is more work to be done.

The Farragut Independent gives their viewpoint:

OK, read the article above before proceeding. Seriously, read it first BEFORE you make any judgements, o.k.

I personally had to do a double-take when I saw it in the FP last night. But after reading the article, I must admit that based on the factors that were used for selecting the town, that they are probably right in selecting Farragut. That being said, Farragut still has much further to go to be truly business friendly. Why are we still losing businesses to Knoxville & surrounding areas? Why do we still have storefronts and other businesses that are empty? What else has the town done to encourage business to come in? Come on, is the town going to "rest" on the laurels handed to them, or raise the standards even higher?

Personally, the first thing I'd like to see consistent business signage in the ENTIRE TOWN! If that means we give those businesses that are not currently meeting the standards (for whatever reason) incentives to do so (as well as credits for those who have complied), then let's do it!

From the Farragut Press:

Tennessee Center for Policy Research president Drew Johnson presented the town of Farragut an award Monday, naming it the “Most Business-Friendly City” in the state.

Johnson said this is the first year for the award and the TCPR chose Farragut from more than 50 cities. The award was decided based on four categories — a fair and reasonable tax structure, a satisfying community environment that draws high-quality employees, a skilled labor pool that delivers high return on investments in human capital and local amenities that draw customers and make it easier to do business.

Kroger reveals new complex for Farragut

2006-01-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

From the Farragut Press

The Kroger Company plans to locate a flagship store in Farragut as part of a retail development estimated at more than $30 million.

During the Jan. 19 meeting of the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission, a Kroger official as well as one of the developers sought input from the Commission on the project, proposed to be located along Kingston Pike and the Campbell Station Road extension.

Tim McNamara, head of the real estate development for Kroger, told commissioners Farragut was chosen as the location due to the proximity of Wal-Mart and Target, two of Kroger’s competitors.

“This will be a flagship store and a flagship location,” he said. “We feel this will be the perfect location for it.”

more

Traffic lights in Farragut

2005-12-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

Over at "Can Farragut Change" the Farragut Republican writes about traffic lights in Farragut. The suggestion for a second left turn lane at Lovell Road and Kingston Pike is a good idea. Find some time to contact the Knox County traffic department and request they get busy on this.

Sometime in January or February TDOT will have traffic counters at Virtue Road near Kingston Pike to see if this intersection has enough traffic to meet TDOT warrants for a traffic signal. It is very important to Farragut that this traffic signal be approved. With the new Weigel's store at Smith Road this traffic light will be greatly needed. If the traffic light does not meet TDOT warrants it will be at least one year before TDOT will reconsider the intersection. When you see those traffic counters be sure to tell you neighbors to use Virtue Road so the traffic count will be sufficient.

YMCA to build a new facility at Concord Park

2005-12-07T11:18:00.000-05:00

From the Farragut Press:

"A unanimous vote by the Knox County Commission has paved the way for the YMCA of East Tennessee to build a new facility at Concord Park in Farragut, the YMCA announced.

The project includes the redevelopment of the site, by filling in the old Concord pool, adding new tennis courts and enhancing the access to the golf course and biking trails.

The commission vote gives the YMCA a renewable 25-year lease on the property and provides a permanent home for the Farragut Family YMCA, which is located at the corner of Kingston Pike and Lovell Road. Its current lease expires in 2007."

First Utility District Meeting Monday

2005-11-10T17:55:00.000-05:00

An alert reader emailed me with the information that First Utility District and officials from the Town of Farragut will have a meeting Monday the 14th at 9:00 AM. There was no mention in the paper what the meeting is about but any meeting listed in the newspaper is open to the public. Regular board meetings for First Utility District are once a month on a Monday at 7:00 PM. For a schedule call 966-9741.

Take care on Turkey Creek Road

2005-11-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

Be careful on Turkey Creek Road as you approach Virtue Road. The new Sheffield subdivision is beginning road construction in the subdivision. Heavy equipment will be entering the new development and their is a blind entrance as you travel West along Turkey Creek just before the new subdivision entrance.

If you encounter any safety issues with this subdivision entrance contact the Town of Farragut at 966-7057.

TDOT to talk red lights at FBMA tonight

2005-11-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

From today's Farragut Press, "Seeking state help for an estimated $800,000 price tag for a center turn lane on Kingston Pike at Everett Road, Farragut town officials have invited a high-ranking Tennessee Department of Transportation official to spell out state traffic qualifications for signal lights at Everett, Old Stage and Virtue roads.

Fred Corum, TDOT Region One director, is scheduled to speak and field questions during tonight’s Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting in Town Hall beginning at 6:55 p.m.

The town will seek explanations about its warrants — or criteria such as traffic volume, frequency of left turns, frequency and severity of accidents — that would justify signal lights."

It would be interesting to see if Northshore Drive and Concord Road could qualify for a traffic light.

Interesting discussion on Impact Fees at FBMA

2005-10-24T12:35:00.000-04:00

Jim Duncan with Duncan & Associates made a presentation on impact fees to the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen last Thursday the 20th. I have watched this a few times on video tape and Jim Duncan is clearly one of the most knowledgeable people on this subject.

The most surprising thing I learned was that properly coded impact fees do not cost developers out of pocket money. In some cases they can actually save the developer money. Duncan presented the case of impact fees as a win win scenario. Good for the town and good for those that make and buy homes.

It will be interesting to see how this develops. Most developers and contractors see impact fees as a tax. I am sure there will be great discussion as the Town of Farragut examines this issue.

Does the roundabout make any sense?

2005-10-24T12:25:00.000-04:00

Good article in the Farragut Press about the roundabout planned for next spring at the intersection of Northshore Drive and Concord Road. There has been extensive coverage of this over at "Can Farragut Change?" so I will not rehash the discussion here. I will be contacting Knox County engineer Bruce Wuethrich and I will let you know what he has to say about this roundabout.

Based on what I know I am confused why a traffic light is not an option. Those of us that have fought for a year and a half for a traffic light at Kingston Pike and Virtue Road have learned that step one is State TDOT approval. However, someone must file the application with TDOT. More on this soon.

Letter to the Editor of the Farragut Press

2005-10-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

Now that the results of the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee have been “accepted and endorsed” by the Farragut Mayor and Board of Aldermen, it would be constructive for the community to discuss the question of where do we go from here? First I suggest that Farragut residents read the minutes of the DRPEC, which can be found at http://www.townoffarragut.org/review-final.pdf

Reading carefully through the minutes, I have found suggestions from the DRPEC committee that bear further consideration. The most important suggestions that should receive more review by the Town of Farragut and Farragut residents listed by committee member are:

Mike Haynes:
~ Should have annual workshops for the development community to train them on Town requirements and explain why the regulations exist.

Fred Jones:
~ Staff is very knowledgeable, but they are overworked and he recommends adding another planner.

Joel Garber:
~ Timeliness of review and communications must be improved. Staff review comments should be sent to the developer at least seven (7) days prior to planning commission meetings.

Bob Hill:
~ Do not forget that the Town was formed due to residents’ dissatisfaction with the development process of Knox County. We need to keep residents involved in the process. Town/citizenship participation has to be a priority.

Harold Cannon
~ Discontinue bi-monthly plan commission meetings and go to one meeting per month, with development review meetings similar to Knox MPC.

David Wooley:
~ A clear message about the staff’s obligations/responsibilities from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The Board and planning commission need to review ordinances and regulations to be certain that they reflect the Board’s desires.

I feel this was a great start, but more work must be done. One of the key decisions of the DRPEC was to create a new position of Assistant Town Administrator who would report to Farragut Town Administrator Dan Olson. I feel this is not the best return on investment for the Town of Farragut. Steve Hildebrand, Farragut Municipal Planning Commission member is quoted from a letter he wrote to the FBMA, “Regarding recommended actions, I do not see the value in adding a new staff person to oversee all of the development process. The current Town Administrator should provide the functions requested of this position. I believe there should be additions to the staff in Engineering and Community Development.” I agree with Mr. Hildebrand. I feel that salary for the new position of Assistant Town Administrator could pay for almost two new staff members, one in Engineering and one in Community Development, and would provide a better end result and a better value for the Town of Farragut.

I also agree with Harold Cannon, attorney John King, and Farragut Town Engineer Darryl Smith that the most important single improvement to the current system is to “Discontinue bi-monthly plan commission meetings and go to one meeting per month, with development review meetings similar to Knox MPC.” Unfortunately, the committee chose not to implement this suggestion. I urge the FBMA to reconsider this key issue. This will improve the process and the turnaround and is the simplest and most cost effective suggestion that has been made.

Architect and DRPEC committee member David Wooley suggested a review of the ordinances to make sure they reflect the FBMA’s desires. I urge the FBMA and MPC to review the existing ordinances to make sure they reflect the desires of the residents and voters of the Town of Farragut. Our Town was formed due to “residents’ dissatisfaction with the development process of Knox County.” When I look at the development in the Turkey Creek area, I have no problems with the signage ordinances. Why can the Town of Farragut not adopt signage that will bring and keep businesses in our town?

In the Farragut PressTalk, a caller commented on the old Frontier Market next to the U-Haul and how it is an eyesore. Yet our existing Town ordinances make this property almost impossible to sell or develop. Ordinances for setbacks and landscaping make it difficult if not impossible to develop commercial property on less than two acres. So do our existing ordinances create eyesores and blighted properties like the old Frontier Market? Why not review these ordinances and see if improvements can be made?

Concerned Citizens for Responsible Growth and Development now has a blog. You can comment on these issues and become part of the discussion at http://www.ccrgd.blogspot.com/

What can be done about the old Favorite Market?

2005-09-28T11:52:00.000-04:00

Is it time for the Town of Farragut to review existing ordinances that make it difficult to sell or improve blighted property like the Favorite Market on Kingston Pike? This property was not originally part of the Town of Farragut. When this area was annexed into the Town the Favorite Market was grand fathered with respect to ordinances for setbacks and landscaping. Today the property cannot meet existing ordinances. So what should be done?

How do you feel the Town of Farragut looks today?

From a call to the Farragut Press Talk 9-22-05:

I am calling to express disappointment about how the Farragut Mayor and Board of Aldermen refuse to do anything about the eyesore between the U-Haul and David's Carpets on Kingston Pike at the entrance of Stonecrest subdivision. The service station, which has been unoccupied for about 15 years, has weeds overgrown all around it. The Farragut codes department says that they cannot do anything about the overgrown brush because the ordinance for residents, which calls for enforcement if grass is over one foot [high] or weeds are over one foot, does not apply to business property. The idle property, I am told, belongs to a carpet company in Dalton, Ga. A letter from me to the company was ignored. I just wonder why the Farragut administration can't pass an ordinance that applies the same rule of codes to unoccupied businesses that it applies to occupied residences? This is not the first time they have sided with big business instead of what's in the best interest of the residents of Farragut. But that buildings been there so long. This town is known for that building more than it's known for its museum or anything else. Everywhere I go, people say, oh, you live down there.

MPC Weigel's meeting

2005-09-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday the Farragut MPC workshopped the proposed Weigels expansion of the Kingston Pike and Smith Road store. Many residents from Sugarwood were present and many of them took the opportunity to speak to the MPC.

The surprise of the evening however involved a request I made to the MPC in this workshop. Actually it is a request I have made for over a year and a half in many MPC and BOMA meetings. The request is to have a traffic light at Kingston Pike and Virtue Road. Chairman Bob Hill ask Town engineer Darryl Smith if he felt the traffic light would be important in regards to the Weigel's store. Mr. Smith said he felt the time had come that the TDOT warrants could be met for this light.

Mayor Eddy Ford instructed Mr. Smith to file the application with TDOT for the traffic light. On behalf of CCRGD and all the people that use Virtue Road I would like to thank the Mayor, the MPC, and Darryl Smith for beginning the process to bring this needed traffic light to our Town.

The plan Weigel's has brought forth makes sense except for two issues. First is the requested variance for the Smith Road entrance. I recommend the MPC reject this variance. It is too close to Kingston Pike and does not allow enough cars to turn right out of Weigel's on to Smith Road. While I understand Attorney Robert Leonard's argument that this will be harder for the fuel trucks to negotiate the more important need is the safety of the customers of Weigel's.

The other issue is the right out only on Kingston Pike. That should be removed. There is another right out only just down Kingston Pike opposite the Sugarwood entrance and it is better to have only one right out only turn lane.

The Farragut MPC will vote on this issue on September 15th. Speak then or forever hold your peace.

Leslie Tucker covers the Development Review Board for the Farragut Press

2005-09-02T13:03:00.000-04:00

Another good article from Leslie as one of the most important questions of the committee is looked at. Darryl Smith recommended that the Farragut MPC go from two meetings per month to one meeting per month. The committee decided not to follow that recommendation but rather decided to add to the number of staff meetings.

From Leslie's article in the Farragut Press, "Town engineer Darryl Smith addressed the DRPEC asking the town to consider reducing the number of FMPC meetings from two to one a month. “[Developers and staff] could work a lot of things out before they even get to the Planning Commission,” Smith said.

The group chose not to make that recommendation but did suggest adding to the number of meetings requested in the review process. “Having that required meeting, [the developers we spoke to] felt this would be an opportunity to speed up the process in the long run. . . . What we may lose in time in the first meeting, we’re gonna gain tenfold back in the process,” Honken said.

The Commission also recommended that an additional meeting be held following the staff’s initial review prior to the project being brought to the FMPC. The Commission felt that this meeting would help to answer developers’ questions and resolve issues informally."

Hopefully the Mayor and Board of Aldermen will reconsider. Darryl Smith's idea was one of the best things to come out of this committee. Adding more staff meetings while keeping the two MPC meetings per month does not make much sense unless more staff is hired and more office space is added.

Farragut Independent looks at the hurried pace of life in Farragut

2005-09-02T12:03:00.000-04:00

Over at the Farragut Independent an interesting post and comments on why people in Farragut rush from place to place.

http://farragutindependent.blogspot.com/2005/08/are-you-really-that-pressed-for-time.html

Farragut Republican comments on Development Review Process Evaluation Committee

2005-09-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

One of Farragut's first bloggers comments on the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee and asks some good questions.

http://farragut-change.blogspot.com/2005/08/another-look-at-development-review.html

http://farragut-change.blogspot.com/2005/08/politics-infect-development-review.html

http://farragut-change.blogspot.com/2005/08/kick-cat-story.html

Sugarwood residents question Weigel’s safety

2005-09-01T21:27:00.000-04:00

Alan Sloan wrote this article in the Farragut Press Thursday September 1st.

Sugarwood residents question Weigel’s safetyTown’s Smith endorses Weigel’s latest plan

Alan Sloan - Thu, Sep, 1, 2005

Saying they received “tremendous input” from the town of Farragut, and with town engineer Darryl Smith rubber-stamping its revised traffic plan in person, Weigel’s President Ken McMullen announced to Sugarwood subdivision residents the convenience store’s intention of moving ahead with plans for a new store at the corner of Smith Road and Kingston Pike. Questions mainly focusing on safety and convenience came from many of about 40 Sugarwood residents during an approximately 90 minute meeting Monday, Aug. 29, at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church. McMullen said Weigel’s is ready to bring its blueprints before the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission tonight, Thursday, Sept. 1.

more...

Fine-tuning begins

2005-09-01T18:24:00.000-04:00

This article was in the Wednesday August 31st Knoxville News Sentinel. It was written by Angela Patterson.

Fine-tuning begins

Committee weighs final recommendations on town's development process

By ANGELA PATTERSON, pattersona@knews.com August 31, 2005

The Development Review Process Evaluation Committee hashed out details on final recommendations to give to the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen at their final meeting Aug. 22. The committee spent the meeting fine-tuning the draft created by chair Mike Haynes and vice-chair Harold Cannon.

The draft listed the positive features of the town's development process, including town staff's knowledge of and competence in the ordinances and codes, the citizen input at the planning commission meetings, and the fact that the building codes and inspection staffs are universally well-received and praised by the development community.

When discussing the areas of concern, however, there was some debate over whether certain language should be left in the document. One section regarding customer service issues made reference to a certain staff member, albeit by position only. Committee member Joel Garber wanted to take out the reference, citing that it pointed to an individual when the comment should reflect an overall management problem. Ron Honken said he was opposed to eliminating the reference because he thought it was true that a majority of the customer service issues related to this one individual.

"To remove this language would water down the report and misdirect the message we're trying to share," Honken said.

more...

Farragut's image won't change without real desire

2005-09-01T17:19:00.000-04:00

This article was in the Wednesday August 31st Knoxville News Sentinel. It was written by Angela Patterson.

Farragut's image won't change without real desire

August 31, 2005

After sitting through all the meetings of the Farragut Development Review Process Evaluation Committee, I do think that the examination was needed. At the rate the town is growing, and most likely will continue to grow, the department needs to restructure and refocus.

Yet, I think the recommendations put too much detail in some areas and not enough in others.
For example, when discussing areas of concern, the document refers to comments received that focused on "the activities by the town's upper administrative positions, particularly that of the community development director, associated with the site development reviews and approvals."

According to survey and interview responses, that assertion may be true. Nonetheless, committee members have said that the goal here was to focus on the process, not the people who administer it. Yet, in the language of the final recommendations, there is a blatant reference to a staff member and how he or she does the job. Sugarcoating is never a wise choice, but a reference to management instead of an individual would've effectively conveyed the message.

On the other hand, the committee reported that staff needs to require an initial meeting with the developer, respond to submissions in a timely manner and have a project meeting to iron out any differences between staff and developers. Also, all major developments should be assigned a project manager, so developers have a specific point of contact. If the staff is already so strained, how are they supposed to schedule more meetings? Since their workload is as heavy as it is, how is one staff member supposed to serve as the main contact for a project, especially when it is likely they won't be able to provide timely answers for all the developer's questions?

Going to one planning commission meeting a month was suggested to ease the time crunch, but some committee members were reluctant. If that could be an answer to improving work conditions for staff and developers, and subsequently beginning to mend the town's image, why not at least consider it? These suggestions are good in theory, but it will be difficult to put them into practice, especially if the town is not willing to make some drastic changes.

More important than the details is if the committee's recommendations will be implemented in the manner they intended. Will the Board of Mayor and Aldermen pick and choose what they fix, hoping that small changes will make enough difference? Or will they incorporate not only the committee recommendations, but also the input of the staff and others to truly improve the system?

In order to repair the process and the image of the town, the powers that be are going to have to welcome change, and that means considering some options they may not be comfortable with. But the town is growing and moving forward, and its processes need to reflect that.

Angela Patterson writes about Farragut and Concord. She may be reached at 865-342-6369.

Development Review Process Evaluation Committee

2005-08-26T12:28:00.000-04:00

There is a great deal of interest on the final product on this committee. Some are concerned the committee will desire to create "elasticity" with Farragut ordinances. Others are concerned that the real problems have not been addressed. I agree with those that feel you either expand the town staff or have FMPC meetings once a month. Should this go back to committee?

Find out for yourself:

http://www.townoffarragut.org/review-final.pdf

http://www.townoffarragut.org/review.htm#minutes

Development Review Process Evaluation Committee adjourns

2005-08-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

In past weeks what started out as an excellent review of town procedures has dissolved into what may be a passing the buck exercise. Many developers appeared before the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee. Now it seems that the role of the Town staff has come into question. One of the key points in Committee Draft from the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee is the perceived subjectivity of town staff interpreting Town ordinances.

Great concern must be given here. If an ordinance can be subjectively interpreted it needs to be re-written. There cannot be subjectivity in regard to Town ordinances. This is the job of the FMBA not the Town staff. Harry Truman had a small sign on his desk, "The buck stops here." That sign rests on the desk of the FMBA and not the desk of the Town staff.

Some of the items in the Committee Draft from the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee make great sense; hiring needed staff, improving Customer Service, and improving communication.

Unfortunately the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee elected not to change the current meeting schedule of the FMPC from two meetings per month to one meeting per month. This is a needed and practical change. The problem is supply and demand. The staff is not large enough to keep up with the pace. This was an inexpensive reasonable solution and if there is a failure of this Committee it is that it overlooked the simplest most practical solution.

“elasticity” of town ordinances?

2005-08-25T21:01:00.000-04:00

The "elasticity" of town ordinances was the topic of discussion Thursday, Aug. 18, as Former Farragut Mayor Robert Leonard raised questions at the FMPC. How does the former Mayor ask a question like that? The simple answer is that ordinances are not elastic. Great care is taken to make sure that ordinances have meaning. One meaning and only one meaning.

Thank you TOF for the new traffic signal

2005-08-18T08:49:00.000-04:00

The new traffic warning signal on Turkey Creek Road just before Redmill Lane is working well. While traveling West on Turkey Creek Road as you approach Redmill Lane you will see the new light "light up" when there is traffic approaching the stop sign at Red Mill Lane.

Tragically this was the spot where a Farragut youth was fatally injured in September 2004. The picture at the left is another accident at the same intersection.

Reconsideration of the Smith Road sidewalk

2005-08-18T08:28:00.000-04:00

In an unusual reversal the FMBA have decided to take a second look at the Smith Road sidewalk issue. Was the result of public pressure? It seems that residents have become more organized and have learned to communicate better with the FMBA in the past year. The only Alderman to support the sidewalk in the first vote in July was first term Alderman and former FMPC commissioner Tom Rosseel.

Farragut Commons residents express concern

2005-08-12T20:52:00.000-04:00

In workshop discussions, Farragut Commons residents said they were concerned about an increase in traffic on Grigsby Chapel Road that may result from a proposed plat for a Chapel Grove subdivision. The residents said they already have trouble entering traffic from their subdivision. Farragut Commons resident Dolline Baer said, “Actually it would be a big help there if the speed limit could be reduced. It’s impossible to cross that street. The cars come so fast, as it’s already been voiced, that we’ve had some bad accidents there. … The speed limit is just too high there. If we could have that reduced, it would be a big help.”

“Not only reduced, but enforced. Especially through there,” Bob Hill responded. I am glad to see Bob Hill is changing his views on speeding. When South Farragut residents expressed concerned over speeding on Turkey Creek Road Hill did not seem to feel there was a problem.

Doom and gloom

2005-08-12T19:48:00.000-04:00

I think I understand why Tom Rosseel defeated Ron Honken in the North Ward Alderman race. Positive thinking. The Town of Farragut needs to hire some additional staff to meet demand. Fred Jones sees it and so do the other MPC members and the FBMA.

But Ron Honken see it this way, “I think it probably came up in the majority of the interviews we had,” Ron Honken said. “There is a staff member that has things that need to be worked on and they’re pretty serious. Although I agree that this new position probably needs to be put in place over planning and engineering, my experience has been that never can you solve a problem by insulating somebody from the public.” Honken concluded his suggestions with: “There’s a great deal of reservation that this group will actually achieve anything. … There are changes that need to take place, because if they don’t, I don’t think the development community is going to give the town of Farragut a second chance.”

The development community won't give Farragut a second chance? That is laughable. You bet they will give us a second chance as the most valuable land in Knox County is in the Town of Farragut. Negative thinking never achieves anything.

Farragut Municipal Planning Commission approves the 25-foot Aquatic Buffer Zone

2005-08-12T18:50:00.000-04:00

Seems like the call for common sense was heard. Nice work.

“This is not a witch hunt”

2005-08-06T16:35:00.000-04:00

I get nervous when ever someone makes a statement like, "This is not a witch hunt". The first thing that comes to mind is that it is a witch hunt.

The review of the town staff by a third party is a good idea. But I do not understand why the TOF had to spend $28,630 when a similar service could have been received from the University of Tennessee Municipal Advisory Service at no charge. It seems that Alderman Tom Rosseel had the right idea.

The problem seems to be a lack of staff. So why spend $28,630 to find out what common sense would lead you to? I do not understand the thinking of Town Personnel Committee Chair Ron Honken. Why not just hire more staff to meet the demand? The $28,630 could have gone towards that new salary.

Developers have their say

2005-07-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

On July 19, members of the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee heard an earful from developers that have worked on projects in Farragut.

Isn’t the easiest thing for all parties involved is to have the Town of Farragut simply hire enough staff to keep pace with the demand?

Regal Theater in Farragut closes

2005-07-22T13:08:00.000-04:00

After 12 years the only theater in Farragut has closed. Even though Regal has a lease through 2013 the decision was made to close the movie theater. The best hopes now are to sell the theater to another company.

Local resident addresses TOF about sinkhole ordinance

2005-07-01T08:18:00.000-04:00

Chester Carbaugh, a Sugarwood resident, addressed the TOF concerning the new sinkhole ordinance. The Sinkhole Ordinance was the chief topic of discussion at the regularly scheduled meeting of the FBMA Thursday, June 23. Carbaugh explained how the ordinance would have affected him, "When doing construction in his backyard, Carbaugh discovered something that looked similar to a sinkhole but, as he said, was most likely trash that had been buried from the construction of the house. If this ordinance had been in place, he said, I would have had to go through an expensive mechanism to prove that I didn’t have a sinkhole. The type of mechanism referred to by Carbaugh would be an engineer from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which Carbaugh said would have cost him between $1 and $2 thousand. I just want to emphasize the type of burden this puts on residents of the town, Carbaugh said."

Vice Mayor Mike Haynes made an amendment, "The developer/homeowner would bear the sinkhole expense if they do indeed have a sinkhole, unless, as Haynes said, the developer prevails, in which case, the reasonable cost would be borne by the town.

After the amendment the ordinance passed on first reading.

Workshop for the proposed Aquatic Buffer Zone Ordinance

2005-06-24T10:01:00.000-04:00

If anyone can figure this out please comment here. It is good that the Town of Farragut is leading the way on this issue but it is over my head and I would like to understand it better.

Committee drafts two Aquatic Buffer Zone ordinances

2005-06-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

This is serious business. There is no need to rush this. I would rather the committee, MPC, and FBMA work slowing and deliberately than make mistakes. I have concerns for existing property owners but I see why this is being studied. It seems some common sense needs to being injected into this discussion.

One year ago our group was formed

2005-06-11T12:28:00.000-04:00

CCRGD was formed in June of 2004 to address the needs of the Farragut community. On our first year anniversary it seems appropriate to launch our new website which will allow the community to interactively comment on the local initiatives we are working on. CCRGD is considering radio and community television to improve the outreach of our message.

The first action of CCRGD was to file an application with the Town of Farragut to unify all zoning districts to have the same requirement: “All lots shall have access to a public street which meets the minimum design standards established in the Farragut Subdivision Regulations”. This was the first time a citizens group had filed a text amendment application to amend an existing ordinance in the history of the Town of Farragut. The reason for this was a proposed subdivision that would create unsafe traffic on an unimproved section of Turkey Creek Road in South Farragut.

Next the group worked with the school board to find a location for a new West Knox County High School. Group members worked with Dr. Charles Lindsey suggesting various locations for the new school. Ultimately none of those locations where chosen but a good location in Hardin Valley was approved by the school board.

The group was very active in protecting South Farragut as the First Utility District sought to expand its current water treatment plant on Concord Road. FUD sought approval of two 15 million gallon sewage basins that would be built over six sinkholes. There also was the planed eminent domain taking of a historic home and marble barn. Working with County Mayor Mike Ragsdale CCRGD and two other groups were able to work out a compromise where the historic home and marble barn of Callaway’s Landing were saved.
In the Farragut Town elections of 2005 CCRGD was active supporting candidates Tom Rosseel and Mike Haynes for Alderman.

The Town of Farragut will address impact fees and zoning requirements for roads in the next few months. CCRGD will bring the coverage and discussion of these important meetings.

Angela Patterson article continued

2005-05-02T12:34:00.000-04:00

Bob Markli agreed with Honken, saying that the job of the committee was to point out areas of concern in the process, and if they took the reference out, then it would simply appear they were skirting the issue.

The committee voted 2-6 to keep the language in the document, without ever naming the person. The report cited activities of the Community Development Director, a position held by Ruth Hawk. " 'Customer service' issues have become an increasing area of concern," the report states. "A majority of the comments received have focused on (a) the site development aspects of projects (as opposed to the building review and approvals); and (b) the activities by the town's upper administrative positions, particularly that of the community development director, associated with the site development reviews and approvals."

Hawk took the comments in stride. "I've received numerous compliments from citizens that I deal with," Hawk said. Other concerns were that there's a perception among members of the development community that the town discourages development, that staff requirements are subjective, that conflicts aren't resolved in a timely manner and that there is inadequate time for developers to respond to staff comments.

To address some of these issues, the committee recommended that the town should institute a survey process so that everyone who deals with the process has the opportunity to give feedback about their experience. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen should receive quarterly reports on these survey responses, and the town should provide customer service training to staff. To improve the process itself, the town should require an initial meeting between staff and developers to discuss concepts and the submittal process, that town staff should review plans and return comments in a timely manner, and that a project review meeting should be held to address any conflicts.

The issue of time brought up the suggestion of moving to one planning commission meeting a month, which was expressed in earlier meetings, instead of two. While the committee opted not to make that suggestion in the report, town engineer Darryl Smith said that moving to one meeting is one way to address the timeliness issue. "With two meetings a month, we're working on one meeting agenda while preparing for another, and it's difficult to get things out the door," Smith said. "We'd love to see more time between the time the comments go out and the meeting, but I don't know how staff could do that at this point. One meeting a month could allow for that kind of time frame."

To respond to issues members of the development community voiced about staff, the committee suggested adding a new position in the department. That person would oversee all of development and would report directly to the town administrator. The person would coordinate community development, engineering and codes, working to improve communication and resolve conflicts, and would facilitate all MPC activities and meetings on behalf of the town. In order to improve communication, the report said the town should consolidate all ordinances related to the process into one location, the Web site should be upgraded with user-friendly documents about how to navigate the process, the town should begin educational seminars on the process on at least an annual basis, and that each major development be assigned a project contact person to facilitate communication.

The committee's recommendations were briefly reported to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen at their Aug. 25 meeting and will appearon the agenda at their Sept. 8 meeting.

Angela Patterson may be reached at 865-342-6369.

Farragut Press article continued

2005-05-02T12:27:00.000-04:00

“I know we cannot make everybody happy in the crowd … but I believe we have put forth the best plan for the community, the city, as well as the subdivision of Sugarwood and also for Weigel’s,” McMullen said.

The biggest controversy centers around a proposed Weigel’s entrance directly across from Sugarwood’s main entrance, with many residents expressing concerns about the resulting safety and convenience of making a left turn from Kingston Pike into Sugarwood, and making a left turn from Sugarwood west onto Kingston Pike.

The revised traffic plan is based on recommendations from Barbara Hatcher, a transportation engineer for Site, Inc. of Knoxville, representing Weigel’s, along with Smith, Ruth Hawk, town community development director, and other town officials. Weigel’s attorney and former Farragut Mayor Robert Leonard said Smith advised that it would be, “much safer and much better if an entrance were provided directly across from Sugarwood.”

McMullen added that the new Sugarwood entrance would make the store’s traffic “safer … than what it is right now.” In addition, the proposed right-in, right-out entrance/exit at Kingston Pike in front of the store has been moved west, McMullen said. Leonard said the right-in entrance, heading west, would include a “deceleration lane” with “no change in striping” of the current lane configuration in front of the store. Speaking about making compromises with Smith and other town officials, “Naturally we would have preferred something different because it was less expensive,” Leonard said. “We had no choice in that, and we understand what Farragut would say.”

The originally proposed entrance would have been “roughly one-hundred feet from Smith Road … in the center of the Weigel’s property,” Leonard said, adding that a town ordinances required a minimum 400-foot distance, “requiring an expensive easement.” McMullen added that the revised traffic plan required “buying property to move our entrances down [west].”

When a resident asked approximately how many extra vehicles per day are expected with the new store, McMullen said, “I do not know that answer,” adding that Weigel’s doesn’t evaluate “traffic counts.” Local attorney Sam Rutherford said that with the Kingston Pike-Smith Road intersection also having to absorb traffic from “Sugarwood, Walgreen’s, CVS, it cannot handle the extra traffic, no matter what you do” if a new store is built. Smith said the Sugarwood-Weigel’s intersection would relieve pressure on center lane congestion currently going east into the current Weigel’s and Smith Road and west into the Sugarwood entrance, making it “much safer, there’s no question.”

However, Sugarwood resident Douglas Goode commented that congestion would only be shifted west to the Sugarwood/Weigel’s intersection. Goode added that Smith Road “is the main competition with Sugarwood” in terms of center lane congestion, adding, “that doesn’t change at all.” Moreover, Smith agreed that with the new Sugarwood store entrance and subsequent turn lane traffic, subdivision traffic exiting west onto Kingston Pike would face more of a challenge. “That is something to consider,” he said, adding that’s it’s illegal to use any center lane as an acceleration lane. When one resident challenged Smith and Hatcher to come up with “quantitative” numbers to support the Weigel’s plan, Smith said his support is based on “purely observational” evaluations.

One point of general agreement, or a point not challenged during the meeting, was the value of obtaining traffic lights — possibly at the Sugarwood entrance in addition to proposed lights at the Kingston Pike entrance with Virtue, Everett and Old Stage roads. Having some or all of these lights installed “definitely would create more gaps” in traffic, Smith said, adding the town “is pushing T-DOT for these traffic lights.” However, Smith said traffic lights could not currently be approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation because traffic counts weren’t high enough. As for the Sugarwood entrance, “it’s an option, but there’s not going to be enough traffic at this time to warrant a signal,” Smith said. Hatcher added that in order to meet the qualifications for a light, “you have to have at least one-hundred-forty vehicles coming in and out” of a side street per hour for a continuous eight hour stretch.

Citing a recent spurt in residential growth around Virtue Road, Smith said a traffic light there could soon be a possibility. Farragut Vice Mayor and Sugarwood resident Michael Haynes said, “I think we’re close to getting a light at down there at Virtue,” adding that he thinks a light there “is the best solution.” When McMullen was asked if Weigel’s would wait until at least one proposed traffic light was installed near the new store, the company president said, “… We’ve been a year already in building the location … at this point I would say that’s totally not an option.”

One resident warned of possible “funerals at St. Elizabeth’s” if the current traffic plan becomes a reality minus extra traffic lights. If a traffic light is approved by TDOT, Smith said the town is “willing to put it up, we’re willing to maintain it,” adding the cost to Farragut would be $100,000 per light. McMullen said the proposed Weigel’s, to replace the existing Smith Road store, would essentially be a carbon copy of the Weigel’s opened less than a year ago on Campbell Station Road, and will feature 16 fueling stations. The company president said that if and when groundbreaking takes place, it would take “about one-hundred-and-twenty days to build.” Leonard said, “We want to improve that station because Farragut is no longer a country community. That [current] station was built here when Farragut was, in fact, a rural, agricultural community.”

Sugarwood resident Ed Whiting said the Weigel’s proposal “is the best you’re going to get, given all the parameters and the whole situation … .” Leonard said the original meeting between Weigel’s brass and Sugarwood residents was scheduled Aug. 9, but had to be postponed due to a scheduling conflict. The former mayor emphasized that Weigel’s never intended to bypass having another meeting with Sugarwood residents prior to Sept. 1, but “had to file seventeen days before” the Sept. 1 FMPC meeting in order to be on the agenda.