County Commissioners · Meeting · Feb 24, 2025

Mon, Feb 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’s substantive work centered on unanimous approvals of multiple budget amendments, a time-sensitive interlocal agreement to reestablish the city-county economic development board for state grant eligibility, and resolutions on the Duck River, zoning, and a county road closure. The economic development agreement drew the most discussion: commissioners were asked to approve execution before the city’s final action so the county would not miss a March 31 deadline that could affect access to ThreeStar and potentially other state grants for up to two years.

Another notable moment was Assessor of Property Randy Jenkins announcing his retirement effective June 30, giving the commission advance notice so a successor could be identified and involved in the upcoming budget cycle. Other threads included Industrial Board appointments, opioid-settlement contract amendments, the county attorney’s warning that a proposed Slayden Avenue/Bloom Creek Plumbing settlement had changed and should not advance, and scheduling updates for the county land-use plan public meetings.

Approval of Agenda and Minutes 14:31

  • 14:31 Agenda changes included moving Resolution 2509 (Duck River / House Bill 0205 and Senate Bill 0278) to just before committee reports and adding Assessor of Property Ron Mayberry / Randy Jenkins to speak after the mayor’s report.
  • 15:36 Motion to approve the agenda as amended; seconded; approved by voice vote.
  • 15:52 Motion to approve the January 27 meeting minutes; seconded; approved by voice vote.

Elections, Appointments, and Confirmations 16:23

Notaries 16:47

  • 16:47 Eight notary appointments were presented: Peggy Busby, Loranda Borha, Jennifer Jacob, Casey King, Amanda McCree, Marlo Roscoe, Taylor Springer, and James Tanner.
  • 17:16 Motion to approve the notaries; seconded.
  • 17:24 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

Industrial Board appointments 17:56

  • 18:04 Two nominations were made for vacant Industrial Development Board seats:
    • Jackson Beckham for the vacant District 4 seat.
    • Taylor Nash for a vacant at-large seat.
  • 18:36 The chair noted two vacancies would still remain after these appointments: one at-large and one District 2 position.
  • 18:51 Motion to approve the two nominees; seconded; approved by voice vote.

Communication from the County Mayor 19:18

  • 19:26 The mayor reported on a trip to Washington with the South Central Human Resource Agency concerning Head Start and federal funding.
  • 19:34 He said participants were assured that domestic programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Head Start would continue to be funded despite earlier concern following a federal executive order.
  • 20:18 The county attorney interrupted to advise against moving forward that night on a contemplated settlement related to Bloom Creek Plumbing / Slayden Avenue.
  • 20:42 The attorney said a settlement framework had been under negotiation and had appeared roughly 95% complete, but a just-received email materially changed the terms.
  • 21:01 He said the revised terms were not likely acceptable to the commission.
  • 21:24 The chair summarized that the underlying planning-related dispute had been ongoing for about 10 months and had already resulted in litigation.
  • 21:48 The attorney said the county would reject the latest settlement position and proceed with the lawsuit unless the other side returned to the earlier framework.

Assessor retirement announcement 22:13

Assessor of Property 22:24

  • 22:24 Assessor of Property Randy Jenkins announced his retirement, effective June 30.
  • 22:43 He said he wanted to give the commission advance notice so it could begin considering who should be appointed next.
  • 23:08 He urged that a replacement be ready by July 1 and said it would benefit the office if the new person could participate in part of the budget process, since it would be that person’s budget going forward.
  • 24:02 The chair called a 5-minute recess following the announcement.

New Business / Agenda Items moved up 29:49

Resolution 2509 — Duck River preservation 30:15

  • 30:15 Resolution 2509 concerned House Bill 0205 and Senate Bill 0278, framed as protecting the Duck River and local creeks.
  • 30:58 Supporters emphasized that the Duck River is the most biodiverse river in North America, runs through the county, and is important to residents, the environment, and the local economy.
  • 31:05 One argument for the resolution was that state recognition and preservation of the river could support tourism and related economic activity.
  • 31:22 Another commissioner said neighboring areas had taken public stands and Hickman County should also send a message that its water resources should be protected.
  • 31:48 Roll-call vote: adopted 13–0, with 1 absent.

Committee Reports 32:20

Planning Commission 32:29

  • 32:44 With Commissioner Claude Callicott absent, Danny Clark handled questions on the Planning Commission report.
  • 32:44 He stressed the importance of the county land-use plan process and urged public participation in the next round of meetings.
  • 33:15 He also reported that the rezoning matter previously deferred back to Planning had returned with the same recommendation: approval of the North Lick / North Till Road zoning change.
  • 34:01 Upcoming land-use plan public meetings were announced:
    • February 25, 6:00–8:00, East Hickman Community Center.
    • February 27, 6:00–8:00, Pinewood Church of Christ.
    • March 4, at the Justice Center.
    • March 6, 6:00–8:00, Shady Grove Community Center.
  • 34:40 The project was described as roughly 55–60% complete.
  • 35:04 Commissioners emphasized that the land-use plan would not be “the Bible,” but would set the tone for future zoning decisions and should be treated as a meaningful chance for public input.

Solid Waste Committee 35:36

  • 35:36 The committee had met; minutes were in the packet.
  • 35:52 No major additional discussion beyond routine questions.

Health, Safety, and Properties Committee 35:52

  • 35:52 The committee had met; minutes were in the packet.
  • 36:01 The report was described as largely hearing from department heads and elected officials, without major new business highlighted from the floor.

Finance Committee 36:12

  • 36:29 Motion from committee leadership to approve the January 2025 financial summary.
  • 36:45 Roll-call vote: financial summary approved 13–0, with 1 absent.
  • 37:20 The commission also took up an amendment concerning fund balances that had already been through budget and finance and was included in the packet.
  • 37:47 Motion to approve the updated fund-balance amendment.
  • 38:02 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

Budget Committee 38:35

  • 38:42 The chair of budget presented eight budget amendments, grouping them by department and purpose.

Sheriff’s Office amendments 38:42

  • 38:51 Budget Amendment 2542: $12,500 for moving funds within the sheriff’s budget.
  • 38:57 Budget Amendment 2543: $19,000 for additional supplements and grants.
  • 39:06 Budget Amendment 2549: $2,488.74 in insurance recovery.
  • 39:14 Motion to approve Amendments 2542, 2543, and 2549 together.
  • 39:23 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

EMS and EMA vehicle-related amendments 39:59

  • 40:08 Budget Amendment 2544: $7,000 for EMS to purchase a vehicle.
  • 40:08 Budget Amendment 2545: $12,000 for EMA tied to sale of property and purchase of a vehicle.
  • 40:16 Motion to approve Amendments 2544 and 2545 together.
  • 40:34 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

Solid Waste grant and East Convenience Center amendments 41:05

  • 41:05 Budget Amendment 2546: $98,592 for Solid Waste through a recycling grant.
  • 41:18 Budget Amendment 2547: $719,900 for Solid Waste, described as the budget for East Convenience Center enhancements.
  • 41:26 Motion to approve Amendments 2546 and 2547 together.
  • 41:35 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

Final budget amendment 42:11

  • 42:11 Budget Amendment 2548: $16,779.23.
  • 42:27 Motion to approve Amendment 2548; seconded.
  • 42:44 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.
  • 43:06 The budget committee also noted approval of the upcoming budget schedule, which would start the next month and was included in the packet.

Health Foundation / Agriculture Extension Committee 43:22

  • 43:33 The committee chair reported good news for the office: an employee who had left in January would be returning after receiving a USDA notice that the federal position had been cut.
  • 43:53 Next committee meeting: March 27 at 5:30 at the office.

Public Records Committee 44:15

  • 44:15 No meeting.

Economic and Community Development 44:23

  • 44:46 The main request was approval of an updated interlocal agreement between the county and the City of Centerville to reset the joint economic development board.
  • 45:10 The speaker said a recognized joint board is essential for ThreeStar certification, ThreeStar grants, and other grant eligibility.
  • 45:32 The agreement was described as a state requirement that helps keep the county eligible for grants supporting community services, economic development, and infrastructure.
  • 45:47 County and city officials, including the mayor, county attorney, finance staff, and others, had worked for about a month to update and simplify the older agreement.
  • 46:48 The deadline to get the agreement to the state was stated as March 31.
  • 47:26 The city’s process would include attorney review, consultation with the joint board association, checking whether named members wanted to continue serving, and action by the aldermen on March 11.
  • 47:51 Because time was short, the county was asked to approve the agreement in its current form so it could move quickly once the city completed its steps.
  • 49:22 A commissioner questioned approving a document before final city-side tweaks were known.
  • 49:37 The response was that expected changes were minor, mainly possibly changing a name or two on the board list after those individuals checked with their organizations.
  • 51:10 The presenter acknowledged the commission could wait until March 24, but said doing so would leave little time for state review before March 31.
  • 53:46 When asked why it mattered, the presenter said state law bars counties without this arrangement from applying for grants, and that the county might have to sit out for two years under the ThreeStar cycle.
  • 54:27 The speaker said available ThreeStar funding had expanded from $50,000 to $250,000.
  • 54:35 A county could potentially seek $50,000 grants in sequence for multiple projects under the expanded program.
  • 55:22 Another commissioner asked when officials learned the deadline had already slipped and was now on extension; the answer was that it became clear during preparation of this year’s ThreeStar paperwork, after which the county moved quickly.
  • 56:38 Motion to authorize the mayor to sign the interlocal agreement, barring substantive changes; if substantive changes occurred, the mayor and attorney were trusted not to sign without returning.
  • 57:10 Motion seconded.
  • 57:49 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

Board of Zoning Appeals 58:13

  • 58:21 No substantive report recorded.

Industrial Board 58:27

  • 58:27 Report given that the Industrial Board did not have a quorum.

Opioid Settlement Committee 58:35

  • 58:45 The committee met on February 11.
  • 58:52 Members reviewed prior contracts that had already been approved and were still working through implementation.
  • 59:08 CASA and Bernard were said to have requested amendments to existing agreements; both amendments were approved.
  • 59:17 Minutes were included in the packet.

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee 59:17

  • 59:25 No substantive report captured.

Acceptance of committee reports 59:35

  • 59:35 Motion to enter all committee minutes into the record; seconded; approved by voice vote.

Unfinished Business 1:00:03

Resolution 2505 — Rezoning on North Till Road 1:00:03

  • 1:00:03 Resolution 2505 had been postponed from the prior meeting and concerned rezoning property at approximately 10,0004 North Till Road, Nunnelly, from A-1 Agriculture to R-1 Suburban Residential.
  • 1:00:25 The chair noted the matter had been reheard by Planning and Zoning after deferral.
  • 1:00:34 He said there had been substantial attendance, residents asked good questions, and the additional review helped resolve communication issues.
  • 1:00:50 No further floor discussion followed.
  • 1:00:58 Roll-call vote: approved 13–0, with 1 absent.

New Business / Agenda Items 1:01:26

Resolution 2508 — Closing and deleting a portion of county road 1:01:26

  • 1:01:26 Resolution 2508 would close and delete a portion of a road from the official county road list.
  • 1:01:42 A sponsor said the same landowner owned property on both sides of the road and that the Road Commission had already approved the closure.
  • 1:01:51 Additional context was offered from the 2010 flood: the previous owner had allowed emergency traffic through the farm, and the current owner had agreed to allow the same if needed in a future emergency.
  • 1:02:22 Roll-call vote: adopted 13–0, with 1 absent.

Announcements 1:02:52

  • 1:02:52 The chair asked for announcements and additional statements.

Opioid Settlement Board vacancy appointment 1:03:00

  • 1:03:00 The mayor said there had been two resignations from the opioid board.
  • 1:03:09 He announced that Carla Moore had resigned from the board.
  • 1:03:09 He nominated Reverend Jim Melrose to fill an appointment on the opioid board and invited commissioners to express interest in another open seat.
  • 1:03:26 The chair confirmed the bylaws required mayoral appointment with commission approval.
  • 1:03:34 Motion to approve Reverend Jim Melrose to the opioid board; seconded.
  • 1:03:43 Approved by voice vote.

Adjournment 1:03:52

  • 1:03:52 Motion to adjourn; meeting concluded shortly afterward.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
2509 Resolution number Duck River preservation resolution 15:12
8 Count Notaries presented for approval 16:47
13–0 Vote Approval of notaries 17:24
2 Count Industrial Board appointments approved 18:04
1 Vacancy count Industrial Board at-large vacancy remaining 18:36
1 Vacancy count Industrial Board District 2 vacancy remaining 18:36
95% Percentage How close the Slayden Avenue / Bloom Creek settlement was said to be before terms changed 20:52
10 months Time period Approximate duration of planning/litigation dispute 21:24
June 30 Date Randy Jenkins retirement effective date 22:43
July 1 Date Desired readiness of successor 23:08
5 minutes Recess length Recess after retirement announcement 24:02
0205 Bill number House Bill referenced in Duck River resolution 30:15
0278 Bill number Senate Bill referenced in Duck River resolution 30:15
13–0 Vote Approval of Resolution 2509 31:48
February 25 Date Land-use plan meeting at East Hickman Community Center 34:01
6:00–8:00 Time East Hickman land-use plan meeting 34:01
February 27 Date Land-use plan meeting at Pinewood Church of Christ 34:09
6:00–8:00 Time Pinewood land-use plan meeting 34:09
March 4 Date Land-use plan meeting at Justice Center 34:18
March 6 Date Land-use plan meeting at Shady Grove Community Center 34:18
6:00–8:00 Time Shady Grove land-use plan meeting 34:18
55–60% Progress estimate Land-use plan project completion 34:40
January 2025 Reporting period Financial summary approved 36:29
13–0 Vote Approval of January 2025 financial summary 36:45
13–0 Vote Approval of fund-balance amendment 38:02
8 Count Budget amendments presented 38:42
2542 Amendment number Sheriff budget transfer amendment 38:51
$12,500 Budget amendment Sheriff internal budget transfer 38:51
2543 Amendment number Sheriff supplements and grants amendment 38:57
$19,000 Budget amendment Sheriff supplements and grants 38:57
2549 Amendment number Sheriff insurance recovery amendment 39:06
$2,488.74 Recovery Sheriff insurance recovery 39:06
13–0 Vote Approval of Amendments 2542, 2543, 2549 39:23
2544 Amendment number EMS vehicle amendment 40:08
$7,000 Budget amendment EMS vehicle purchase 40:08
2545 Amendment number EMA property sale / vehicle amendment 40:08
$12,000 Budget amendment EMA property sale and vehicle purchase 40:08
13–0 Vote Approval of Amendments 2544 and 2545 40:34
2546 Amendment number Solid Waste recycling grant amendment 41:05
$98,592 Grant budget Solid Waste recycling grant 41:05
2547 Amendment number East Convenience Center enhancement amendment 41:18
$719,900 Capital budget East Convenience Center enhancements 41:18
13–0 Vote Approval of Amendments 2546 and 2547 41:35
2548 Amendment number Final budget amendment 42:11
$16,779.23 Budget amendment Amendment 2548 amount 42:11
13–0 Vote Approval of Amendment 2548 42:44
March 27 Date Next Health Foundation / Agriculture Extension meeting 43:53
5:30 Time Next Health Foundation / Agriculture Extension meeting 44:03
2 pages Document size Interlocal agreement described as a two-page stapled document 45:01
March 31 Deadline State submission deadline for interlocal agreement 46:48
March 11 Date City aldermen meeting on interlocal agreement 47:26
March 24 Date Next county legislative body meeting mentioned as fallback 51:10
2 years Penalty period Potential grant ineligibility / ThreeStar cycle impact 54:11
$50,000 Prior grant level Earlier ThreeStar grant availability 54:27
$250,000 Expanded grant level New ThreeStar grant availability 54:35
$50,000 Example grant request Example project-by-project ask under expanded ThreeStar program 54:35
13–0 Vote Approval authorizing mayor to sign interlocal agreement absent substantive changes 57:49
February 11 Date Opioid Settlement Committee meeting 58:45
2505 Resolution number Rezoning at North Till Road 1:00:03
A-1 Zoning classification Existing zoning on North Till Road property 1:00:17
R-1 Zoning classification Requested zoning on North Till Road property 1:00:17
13–0 Vote Approval of Resolution 2505 1:00:58
2508 Resolution number County road closure/deletion resolution 1:01:26
2010 Year Flood cited as emergency-access precedent for road closure discussion 1:01:51
13–0 Vote Approval of Resolution 2508 1:02:22
2 Count Resignations from opioid board 1:03:00
1:03:34 Timestamp Appointment approval motion for Reverend Jim Melrose 1:03:34