This article has been updated with additional information

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – At this week’s City Council executive session meeting, a resolution was introduced to require council approval for the termination of the lease agreement with the Ajax Turner Senior Center nonprofit at 953 Clark St.

The resolution also proposes to rescind the notice of termination by Mayor Joe Pitts from March 20.

‘A decision of significant public policy’

The resolution proposed by Councilwoman Wanda Smith says “the City Council finds that the termination of the lease involving a long-standing community organization and a city-owned facility is a decision of significant public policy that warrants deliberation and collective action by the full legislative body.”

Their last vote on an amendment to finance the nonprofit for 2026-27 was voted down 4-9. A week before, the same amendment was approved 7-6.

Pitts previously said he terminated the lease to stabilize the ongoing operations. He shared additional concerns, including regarding sexual harassment and accounting irregularities.

While one council member asked why these concerns are just now being brought to light, an ongoing question remains on what statute, ordinance or part of the city charter allowed Pitts to terminate the lease without council approval in the first place.

In response to a previous inquiry from Clarksville Now, the City of Clarksville declined to answer, saying that City Attorney Eric Bittner addressed the question with the full City Council in an attorney/client meeting, which made it confidential.

Pitts says resolution is out of order, expected to make ruling next week

After the resolution was introduced on Thursday, Pitts added some clarification, saying, “The city charter invests in the office of the mayor to terminate leases and contracts, and this would be in conflict of that.” He did not cite the section of the charter, and the city has not responded to Clarksville Now requests for that citation.

Pitts said he will rule the resolution out of order next week. “You certainly have the opportunity to challenge the ruling of the chair next week. I would think after the information that’s come out that you wouldn’t want to hitch your wagon to this,” he said, referring to Smith’s proposal. “But that is your right to do that.”

Senior Citizen Board meeting canceled at last minute

Also this week, Senior Citizen Board member Lois Grider confirmed with Clarksville Now a board meeting was scheduled for Thursday, June 25. A public notice was not issued on either the City of Clarksville’s meeting calendar or the Montgomery County Government’s leading up to the meeting.

Upon arriving at the Senior Citizen Center Thursday, the room was packed with dozens of attendees. However, several board members were not present, which led to the cancelation of the meeting.

Clarksville Now reached out to Senior Citizen Board attorney John Crow for comment on:

  • When the Senior Board decided to meet.
  • If public notice was ever issued.
  • Why the meeting was canceled.

Meeting called to discuss future of the center

On Friday night, Crow said that the board chair, Beverly Guynn, called a special meeting for June 25, at 3 p.m. “Under Article VI, Section 6.2 of the Center’s bylaws, the Board Chair has the authority to call a special meeting in an expedient fashion when an urgent matter must be addressed. It is my understanding this board meeting was called to discuss the future of the Center,” he said.

“I was not responsible for providing public notice of the meeting and therefore cannot comment on when or how notice was issued. I am aware numerous senior citizens and members of the press were present at the scheduled meeting.”

Crow also said he cannot comment on why the meeting was cancelled, as he was not involved in those communications. “Those questions are more appropriately directed to Chair Guynn or the other members of the Board,” he said.

| PREVIOUSLY:

Nia Holland contributed to this report.

| ADD US ON GOOGLE NEWS: Click here to see more local news from Clarksville Now