County Commissioners · Meeting · Mar 24, 2025

Mon, Mar 24, 2025

The elected legislative body for Hickman County. Sets county policy, adopts the budget, and represents residents across the county’s districts.

Outline

This outline was generated by an LLM from a transcript and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Prefer the original recording when available.

The commission approved several consequential items, including authority to finalize the Boone Creek settlement requiring operations to end by April 30 with a permanent injunction available if it does not comply; a new hotel-motel-tax distribution formula sending 60% to the Chamber of Commerce and reserving 40% for recreation and tourism; and authorization to apply for a $300,000 state grant toward EMS cardiac monitors, described as part of a roughly $375,000–$400,000 life-saving equipment package with an estimated $75,000 local share.

A large share of discussion centered on process and land-use issues. Residents raised concerns about rezoning near Old Bon Aqua Road and Bates Trail, citing drainage, creek impacts, traffic, property values, and utility lines. After some confusion over agenda/resolution numbering, the commission ultimately sent the disputed rezoning items back to the Planning Commission for another hearing on April 1 at 6:30. Other notable threads included delays at the new EMS station, progress on the animal shelter, storm damage reimbursement at Buford McCord Sports Complex, the assessor’s resignation, budget amendments, and postponement of the ACT Pavilion board decision.

Call to Order / Opening Business 1:32

  • 1:39 Roll call recorded 12 present, 2 absent, establishing a quorum.
  • 4:47 Agenda approved by voice vote.
  • 11:43 February 24 meeting minutes, including special-call minutes, approved without controversy.

Public Comments 5:09

Rezoning concerns: Old Bon Aqua Road 5:18

  • 5:32 A resident said he was present to be informed about a rezoning request on Old Bon Aqua Road affecting his neighborhood.
  • 10:13 Another resident objected to rezoning next to his and his mother’s properties, saying the area is a single-family neighborhood and that his mother’s water line crosses the subject property from Highway 100; he worried future multifamily development could damage that line.

ACT Pavilion board request 6:34

  • 6:34 Donna Bradley urged the commission to let Joe join the ACT Pavilion board, saying the board needs his motor-related/community-event connections.
  • 7:02 She said she expects to retire in roughly 18 months to 2 years and wants a transition period so existing relationships, contracts, and event operations can be handed off gradually rather than abruptly.
  • 7:33 She cited continuing activities at the pavilion, including banana pudding events, wrestling, and youth activities, as reasons to build continuity now.

Rezoning concerns: Bates Trail / adjoining property 8:10

  • 8:10 A resident asked about rezoning near 9231 Bates Trail adjoining her property at 9268, questioning whether the site met the 3-acre standard she believed was required for multifamily housing because the adjoining lot was only 2 acres.
  • 9:16 She said duplex construction on the hillside could increase runoff onto her property and pond, affect a creek flowing to Big Spring Creek, threaten fish and wildlife, add road congestion, and lower nearby property values.
  • 9:54 She said the neighbors were trying to understand how to stop the project.

Elections, Appointments, and Confirmations 12:27

Notaries 12:27

  • 13:09 The commission considered 9 notary applications.
  • 13:25 Notaries were approved by roll-call vote, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Department / Official Reports

County Mayor Jim Bates 14:06

  • 14:24 The mayor said his written notes covered about 3 pages and opened with the delayed EMS station project, calling the week frustrating and saying the architect had stopped responding.
  • 14:51 He said he would escalate the matter “to a higher pay grade” the next morning because the county felt it had been put on the back burner despite a December 19 site meeting where urgency was emphasized.
  • 15:51 Bay doors had already been ordered; the project was waiting on plans to be stamped by the fire marshal.
  • 16:15 He said the architect claimed plans would be sent to the fire marshal on Thursday with a courtesy email, but that email never came.
  • 17:30 In response to questions, he estimated the EMS station could be completed in 4 to 6 weeks after stamped plans are received.
  • 23:10 He said the bay doors were expected in roughly 4 to 6 weeks, aligning with that completion estimate.

Animal shelter update 17:22

  • 17:26 The mayor said James & Associates were finalizing drawings for the animal shelter.
  • 17:35 He said geotechnical work had already been done on site, with 4 test holes visible, to determine whether the land would support the building; results were still in process.
  • 21:48 He cautioned the animal shelter may take longer than the EMS station but said he was working with Becky to move it forward.
  • 22:09 Asked about fill dirt, he said the county’s MOU would allow obtaining field dirt at county cost plus driver time, but the needed quantity was not yet known because final site details were still being completed.

Joint economic and community development board / interlocal agreement 18:07

  • 18:07 The mayor reported that he, Carla Moore, the county attorney, and the city attorney had worked on the interlocal agreement for a new joint economic and community development board.
  • 18:30 He said the city mayor approved and signed it on 3/11, after which the county attorney and county mayor also signed.

Buford McCord Sports Complex storm damage 18:51

  • 18:51 The mayor said a windstorm destroyed one light pole, damaged fencing, and ruined the lights.
  • 19:15 He said Reynolds Electric was lined up after Dixon Electric could not help.
  • 19:24 Insurance issued a check for about $14,000 and some odd dollars toward a roughly $15,000 repair project.
  • 19:30 He said the repair would replace the pole and install new LED lights, with work expected soon; he emphasized the cost would not come from the general fund.

Resolution support from mayor 19:51

  • 19:51 He endorsed Resolution 2510 on hotel-motel tax distribution, backing the idea of sending 60% to the Chamber of Commerce and retaining 40% for county parks and recreation.
  • 20:25 He also endorsed Resolution 2511, describing the EMS equipment package as about $375,000 total and saying the CDBG-related approach could bring about $400,000 in medical equipment for about $75,000 in county cost.

Planning Commission / Boone Creek settlement 23:52

  • 24:33 A motion was made to authorize the mayor and appropriate attorneys to sign the Boone Creek settlement and submit it to the court.
  • 25:15 County Attorney Dan Mecklenborg said the arrangement requires Boone Creek to cease operations on or before April 30.
  • 25:26 He said the matter had nearly been approved at the previous meeting, but Boone Creek asked for more time; the county refused, and April 30 became the agreed end date.
  • 25:41 He said operations were already being moved to Fairview.
  • 26:02 If Boone Creek complies, the county would dismiss its lawsuit.
  • 26:02 He added that if Boone Creek does not comply, the settlement includes a permanent injunction effective May 1, with a 15-day grace period; worst case, operations would be court-ordered to vacate by mid-May.
  • 26:48 The authorization passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Procedural dispute over how rezoning questions are handled 27:25

  • 27:32 Commissioners noted public commenters could not be fully answered during the hearing portion and suggested handling specifics when the rezoning resolutions came up.
  • 28:00 One commissioner said zoning signs include the department phone number and that residents should call in advance with questions, stressing this was the second month the issue had arisen.
  • 28:37 Members of the public responded that they had called and were told to come to the meeting.

Solid Waste 28:58

  • 28:58 Solid Waste had met; minutes were in the packet. No substantive floor discussion followed.

Health, Safety, and Properties Committee 29:18

  • 29:21 The committee reported that most of its meeting concerned the building by the river, with no resolution reached.

ACT Pavilion governance 29:51

  • 29:58 The commission took up two competing proposals for the ACT Pavilion.
  • 30:34 A commissioner referenced Donna Bradley’s offer to have Joe join the existing board.
  • 30:41 Bradley said the board had discussed that possibility 3 years ago, exchanged contact information, and never heard back.
  • 30:58 Joe replied that he had not spoken with the board since then and said the current proposal was new to him.
  • 31:27 A commissioner argued combining the two efforts made sense because both sides care about the facility and Joe could contribute experience outside the current board’s lane.
  • 31:36 Supporters said the community was fortunate to have multiple people interested in the facility and that a cooperative transition could help preserve and grow its event value.
  • 32:31 A motion was made and seconded to postpone any action for 1 month so Donna Bradley and Joe could discuss a combined approach.
  • 32:47 The postponement passed by voice vote.

Finance Committee 33:32

  • 33:32 The Finance Committee did not meet for lack of a quorum.
  • 33:41 Despite that, the commission approved the February financial summary.
  • 34:07 The summary passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Budget Committee 34:37

  • 34:44 Budget Amendment 2550 in county general for $27,195 was presented as miscellaneous account cleanup.
  • 35:03 Amendment 2550 passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.
  • 35:29 Budget Amendment 2551 for schools in the amount of $389,042.88 was presented for grant provisions, pre-K dollars, and coding of contracted services.
  • 35:51 Amendment 2551 passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.
  • 36:17 The committee announced budget season begins next month and warned of many additional meetings, asking members to notify leadership if they cannot attend.

Agriculture Extension Committee 36:54

  • 36:54 The committee noted March is Extension Month and thanked commissioners for their support.
  • 37:09 It said the committee would meet later that week and promised a fuller written report next month.

Economic and Community Development 37:26

  • 37:45 Carla Moore added detail on the joint economic/community development interlocal agreement, saying it was presented unchanged to city aldermen on March 11 and approved unanimously.
  • 38:17 She said the first meeting of the new joint board was being planned for next month.
  • 38:25 She updated the county tourism grant for banana pudding festival signs: the county received $11,000 and had 9 days left to finalize artwork, quotes, fabrication, and installation in time for mid-June.
  • 38:57 While doing that work, staff also priced “Bulldog” signs that do not fit the grant criteria.
  • 39:13 She said those signs were running about $200 each, plus another $100 if reflective coating is added, and that commissioners would need to decide in budget meetings how to pay for them since grant funds would not cover that.
  • 39:43 She announced a ThreeStar town hall, “Invite and Unite,” on Tuesday, April 8, 1:30 to 4:30, facilitated by a state economic development official.
  • 40:25 The goal is to identify 3 short-term and 3 long-term county goals for potential ThreeStar grant support.
  • 40:58 She said 22 RSVPs had already been received and the target attendance was about 20 to 25 participants.
  • 41:45 A commissioner asked whether the “Bulldog” signs referred to the 1997 state championship signs; discussion followed about replacing worn girls’ championship signs and adding newer boys’ championship recognition.
  • 42:57 Moore said she would send mockups for both replacement and new sign options so commissioners could decide.

Board of Zoning Appeals 45:03

  • 45:03 The Board of Zoning Appeals had met; minutes were in the packet. No major floor questions followed.

Industrial Board 45:12

  • 45:12 The Industrial Board had met, though minutes were not yet in the packet because of a mix-up.
  • 45:17 The chair said two new members attended and helped restart work productively.

New Business / Agenda Items 46:43

Budget Amendment 2552: temporary office / temporary employee funding 46:53

  • 46:53 By approval of the agenda, the commission added Budget Amendment 2552, which had not gone before the Budget Committee.
  • 47:03 The item was described as additional funding for a temporary office / temporary employee.
  • 47:27 A commissioner noted the motion had been approved during a budget meeting but was not on that meeting’s formal agenda, which is why it had to come directly to the full commission.
  • 47:45 Amendment 2552 passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

2024–2025 road list change list 48:11

  • 48:11 The commission took up approval of the 2024–2025 road list change list.
  • 48:37 One commissioner cautioned that roads closed in recent years had cut off some farm access to water and urged the body to be very careful, saying once roads are closed “we’ll never open them again.”
  • 49:24 The road list was approved by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Assessor of Property resignation 49:53

  • 49:53 The commission formally considered the resignation of the Assessor of Property after what the chair described as a surprise announcement last month.
  • 50:13 The chair said legal advice was that the commission should formally accept the resignation so the county mayor could issue public notice and begin receiving applications, with selection to be taken up next month.
  • 50:48 The commission approved accepting the resignation by voice vote.

Resolution 2510: hotel-motel tax distribution 51:10

  • 51:19 Sponsors explained that Resolution 2510 would set aside 60% of the prior year’s actual hotel-motel tax revenue for the Chamber of Commerce in the next budget year.
  • 51:51 They said this would eliminate the Chamber’s need to appear annually as a nonprofit request before the Budget Committee.
  • 52:07 The remaining 40% would go into a reserve for recreation and tourism.
  • 52:15 Supporters argued the main benefit is predictability: the Chamber would know about 8 months ahead of budget season what funding to expect and could plan activities more effectively.
  • 52:49 In response to a question, the expected 60% amount was stated as $38,161, based on the last audited amount.
  • 53:13 It was noted that the county had previously been giving the Chamber $25,000 annually, so the new formula would increase funding by about $13,000.
  • 53:26 Resolution 2510 passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Resolution 2511: grant application for EMS cardiac monitors 53:54

  • 53:54 Resolution 2511 authorized applying for a Tennessee ECD grant to purchase cardiac monitors for EMS.
  • 54:09 A sponsor said the county had applied the prior year for $500,000 and been denied.
  • 54:25 Based on guidance from Carla Moore, the county was trying again at $300,000, believing the lower request might have a better chance.
  • 54:32 The measure only authorized submission of the grant application.
  • 54:43 Resolution 2511 passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Rezoning items and public controversy 55:05

Resolution 2512 initially presented incorrectly 55:05

  • 55:05 The chair introduced Resolution 2512 as rezoning property at 1004 North Tibbals Road, Bon Aqua, saying it had been sent back last month, re-reviewed by Planning Commission, and recommended for approval.
  • 55:37 The chair said questions had been answered in committee and the Planning Commission supported it.
  • 56:14 Resolution 2512 was then approved by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Break to sort out contested rezonings 56:38

  • 56:38 The commission recessed for 5 minutes to ensure it had the correct rezoning items and “the right numbers,” acknowledging the need to give the controversial items extra care.

Resolution 2513 1:04:49

  • 1:04:53 Resolution 2513 rezoned property at 7623 Wrigley Road, Lyles from A-1 Agriculture to R-1 Residential.
  • 1:05:30 It passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Resolution 2514 1:05:57

  • 1:05:57 Resolution 2514 rezoned property at 7647 Wrigley Road, Lyles from A-1 Agriculture to R-1 Residential.
  • 1:06:14 Sponsors said the area was already fairly residential and the Planning Commission had approved it.
  • 1:06:29 It passed by roll call, 12–0 with 2 absent.

Resolutions 2515 and 2516 first sent back 1:07:00

  • 1:07:00 A motion was made to send Resolutions 2515 and 2516 back to the Planning Commission.
  • 1:07:22 The motion passed by voice vote.
  • 1:07:26 The chair told the audience the Planning Commission meeting would be Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 in the same room, where questions could be answered fully.

Discovery of numbering / identity error affecting 2512 1:07:56

  • 1:07:56 A commissioner then said there was confusion: Resolution 2512 had been thought to be the earlier item already handled, but was actually tied to the Bates Trail matter involving residents present.
  • 1:08:38 The chair acknowledged an office mistake and said the incorrect resolution identification had been circulated by email.
  • 1:09:08 A motion to reconsider was made and seconded so Resolution 2512 could also be sent back to Planning Commission.
  • 1:09:30 The reconsideration passed by voice vote, effectively undoing the earlier approval and returning 2512 to Planning Commission along with 2516.

Resolution 2515 restored and approved after correction 1:10:10

  • 1:10:10 The chair clarified that Resolution 2515 was actually a separate rezoning not involving Bates Trail or Old Bon Aqua Road and had been caught in the earlier confusion.
  • 1:10:49 A motion was made to reconsider so that 2515 would be taken back up, while 2512 and 2516 remained sent back.
  • 1:11:54 The motion to bring 2515 back up passed by voice vote.
  • 1:12:05 With no further discussion, Resolution 2515 itself passed by roll call.
  • 1:12:28 Vote result on 2515 was 10 yes, 2 pass, 2 absent.

Announcements 46:06

  • 46:06 The next month’s meeting calendar was noted, with emphasis that April is budget season and includes many extra dates.
  • 44:26 / 46:14 Commissioners were reminded of the ThreeStar town hall on April 8, 1:30–4:30.
  • 1:07:26 Residents were directed to the Planning Commission meeting on April 1 at 6:30 for the contested rezoning questions.

Adjournment 1:12:53

  • 1:12:53 The commission adjourned by voice vote.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
12 present, 2 absent Attendance Roll call / quorum 1:53
9 Count Notary applications approved 13:09
3 pages Document length Mayor’s written notes/report length 14:17
December 19 Date EMS station site meeting with architect/project manager 15:08
4 to 6 weeks Timeline Estimated EMS station completion after stamped plans 21:30
4 to 6 weeks Timeline Estimated bay door arrival / installation window 23:10
4 Count Geotechnical test holes at animal shelter site 17:43
3/11 Date City mayor signed interlocal agreement 18:30
$14,000+ Insurance reimbursement Sports complex storm damage claim check 19:24
$15,000 Project cost Sports complex pole/light repair total 19:24
60% Revenue allocation Hotel-motel tax share for Chamber of Commerce 20:14
40% Revenue allocation Hotel-motel tax share reserved for county recreation/tourism 20:14
$375,000 Project cost EMS equipment package discussed by mayor 20:41
$400,000 Equipment value Medical equipment value described by mayor 20:48
$75,000 Local cost Estimated county share for EMS equipment package 20:48
April 30 Deadline Boone Creek must cease operations 25:15
May 1 Date Permanent injunction effective date if Boone Creek does not comply 26:02
15-day Grace period Boone Creek injunction compliance window 26:10
12–0 Vote Boone Creek settlement authorization 26:48
1 month Deferral ACT Pavilion decision postponed for parties to confer 32:31
12–0 Vote February financial summary approval 34:07
$27,195 Budget amendment Amendment 2550, county general cleanup 34:44
12–0 Vote Amendment 2550 approval 35:03
$389,042.88 Budget amendment Amendment 2551, school grants/pre-K/contract coding 35:29
12–0 Vote Amendment 2551 approval 35:51
March Time period Extension Month 36:54
March 11 Date Aldermen approved interlocal agreement unanimously 37:45
$11,000 Grant Tourism grant for banana pudding festival signs 38:25
9 days Deadline Time remaining to finalize sign project 38:33
$200 Unit cost Bulldog sign estimate each 39:13
$100 Add-on cost Reflective coating per sign 39:23
April 8 Date ThreeStar town hall 39:43
1:30 to 4:30 Time span ThreeStar town hall duration 40:16
3 Goal count Short-term goals sought in ThreeStar session 40:25
3 Goal count Long-term goals sought in ThreeStar session 40:25
22 RSVPs ThreeStar town hall attendance count so far 40:58
20 to 25 Attendance target Desired turnout for ThreeStar town hall 41:05
1997 Year State championship signs discussed for replacement 41:45
12–0 Vote Budget Amendment 2552 approval 47:45
2024–2025 Fiscal/year label Road list change list 48:11
12–0 Vote Road list approval 49:24
8 months Planning horizon Chamber would know funding before budget process 52:15
$38,161 Revenue amount Estimated 60% hotel-motel tax allocation to Chamber 52:49
$25,000 Prior annual funding Previous Chamber contribution 53:13
$13,000 Approx. increase Increase over prior Chamber funding level 53:13
12–0 Vote Resolution 2510 approval 53:26
$500,000 Prior grant request Last year’s denied EMS monitor application 54:09
$300,000 Grant request Current EMS monitor application authorization 54:25
12–0 Vote Resolution 2511 approval 54:43
1004 Address number Property in initially announced Resolution 2512 55:13
12–0 Vote Initial, later-reconsidered vote on Resolution 2512 56:14
5 minutes Recess length Break to sort out rezoning confusion 56:38
7623 Address number Resolution 2513 property 1:04:53
12–0 Vote Resolution 2513 approval 1:05:30
7647 Address number Resolution 2514 property 1:05:57
12–0 Vote Resolution 2514 approval 1:06:29
April 1 Date Planning Commission rehearing for disputed rezonings 1:07:26
6:30 Time Planning Commission rehearing time 1:07:33
10 yes, 2 pass, 2 absent Vote Resolution 2515 final approval 1:12:28
18 months to 2 years Timeline Donna Bradley’s expected retirement horizon from ACT Pavilion work 7:02
3 acres Zoning threshold claimed by resident Multifamily minimum lot size concern 8:27
2 acres Lot size Adjoining lot size cited by resident 8:27
9231 Address number Bates Trail property cited by resident 8:19
9268 Address number Adjoining resident property cited in comments 8:19
Highway 100 Route number Location of water meter for objecting resident’s mother 11:03