Lee Erwin reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – It was a long night at the Clarksville City Council meeting Thursday, May 29 as council members disagreed over a number of issues including part of the Fiscal Year 2014-15 proposed city budget during the non-voting Executive Session, a voting Special Session and public hearing on the budget.
It was the first reading for the budget with six city budget ordinances passing the council without a problem. The final ordinance involving the General Government Budget was a sticking point with nine amendments being proposed by council members.
One amendment which failed to pass at the meeting included one to increase the budget and use the money for the purchase of the former Bank of America property downtown.
Other amendments voted out of the budget included money for a proposed roundabout project near Austin Peay State University along with funds for the study of a new athletic complex and additional funds on studies for a new downtown performing arts center.
An amendment to add close to $100,000 to Clarksville Fire Rescue for equity pay adjustments passed the council but the amendment for money allocated to build Fire Station 12 to be put back into Fire Station 11 was voted down.
Fire Chief Mike Roberts told the council Fire Station 12, which is part of the agreement for the new Hankook Tire plant needed to be built first.
Controversy surrounded the council when an amendment was proposed to add $50,000 to Clarksville Parks and Recreation funding for a 50 cents per hour pay raise for part-time employees. The council finally agreed on a 25 cent an hour raise amounting to $25,000.
Changes could be in the works for citizens involved in Beekeeping as the council discussed the issue of a complaint by a neighbor of a local beekeeper and heard from a member of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Beekeepers Association. Director of Clarksville Building and Codes Mike Baker and City Attorney Lance Baker also addressed the council on the issue of beekeeping.
A resolution to approve payment by the city for the cost of a portion of decorative lighting on the R.J. Corman Rail Road Bridge was argued by the council. Some council members wanted to postpone a vote until they could get more information on the project but the resolution passed the council during its Special Session.
A second reading on the proposed city budget as well as the other issues discussed at Thursday’s meeting will be voted on Thursday, June 5 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at council chambers, 106 Public Square.