June 2016

 

Here's the June update for Knox County!

 ***A big THANK YOU  to everyone who came out to hear our announcement of my candidacy for Knox County Mayor! The turnout -in the middle of a downpour -was humbling. I spoke to so many people that day. I appreciate the great show of support by my family, co-workers, long-time friends and new friends. We look forward to continuing to reach out and meeting the good people across Knox County and working to earn their trust. If you would like to know more about our campaign please visit ElectBobThomas.com.


***The Ed & Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County for June will be Wednesday, June 22nd in Rocky Hill! Join us from 5p-7p at Bruster's Real Ice Cream, 7670 South Northshore Drive, 37919. Ed and I believe that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. We hope to see you there and while you're there, enjoy some great ice cream. At Bruster's they give FREE baby cones to children under 40" and FREE "doggie sundaes" to your furry friends. So bring your little ones and furry friends so Ed and I can kiss some babies and shake some paws!
http://brusters.com/rockyhill/

***We welcome Burt Reynolds to Knox County to film "Dog Days!"

***It was my honor to speak at the June meeting of the North Knoxville Rotary Club. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation from this wonderful group.

***On Saturday, June 18th from Noon-6p it's "We Love District 1 Day" at the Botanical Gardens, 2743 Wimpole Ave. There will be fun activities for the entire family.

***Sunday, June 19th is Father's Day!

***On Tuesday, June 21st there will be a special guest in town. More details to come!

***The City of Farragut Annual 4th of July Parade will begin at 9:30am at Farragut High School. Kim and I will be riding in the parade so come out and join us!

***On Tuesday, July 12th at 7pm it will be my honor to speak at the Ft. City Republican Club at the Shoney's on North Broadway.

In Commission news...


On Monday, June 18th at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its monthly workshop in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

On Monday, June 25th at 1pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present. Also that day, the Knox County Commission Beer Board will meet earlier than usual (at 3pm) due to so many violations of selling to minors that will be brought forth. The regular Commission will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. 

The list is long for items before the Commission this month. There are 89 items. Among them, schools have 24 items, Community Development has 17, Engineering and Public Works have 16. There are nine zoning issues and six items from the Health Department. Some that stand out are:
1. Approving the amended contract of the Board of Education Interim Superintendent Buzz Thomas.
2. A contract with Yellow Bus Transport Advisory for school bus driver training services.
3. Approving a Voluntary Pre-K grant of $2,014.200 from the State of Tennessee Department of Education with required matching funds of $1,158,027.
4. Resolution of acceptance of $8,180.40 of donated funds from the A. L. Lotts Elementary School for the installation of an Octaball Pit on the playground. Thanks parents!
5. Several resolutions to pay for changes of utilities as the county improves the intersection of Gleason Road and Ebenezer Road.
6. Resolutions regarding proposed changes in the fee structure charged builders by the Knox County Code Administration and Inspection Department. This was deferred from May.
7. Several resolutions regarding the approval of many Community Development Block Grants totaling over $780,000.
8. Resolution approving a grant of $130,000 from the U.S. EPA for Knox County's Air Monitoring Program.
9. Resolution approving funding of $5,000,000 over 5 years for the Zoo Knoxville.  I have seen the plans for the future of the zoo and I believe they are beneficial to Knox County and residents of east Knox County.
10. There will also be a discussion about the new Hardin Valley and Gibbs Middle Schools.

Have a Happy 4th of July!

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Vice Chairman, Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board

May Knox County Bus Driver Safety Awards announced

(Wednesday, May 18th, 2016) The 2nd monthly Knox County Bus Driver Safety Awards were held this morning at Ted Russell Ford, 8551 Kingston Pike.

The awards are sponsored by Ted Russell Ford and WIVK 107.7. The following Knox County bus drivers were recognized for their dedication to transporting our children to and from school each day:

1. Larry Mercier (1 yr service) - driving Copper Ridge Ele & Halls HS for Doug Davis Transportation
2. Darlene Boling (22 yrs service) - driving Sequoyah Ele & west HS for Boling Transportation
3. Martha Cowden (39 yrs service) - driving Powell Schools for Lynch Bus Lines
4. Jerry House (4 yrs service) - driving Farragut Primary & Middle for BLJ Bus Lines
5. Earl Atkinson (28 yrs service) - driving West View Ele for Burroughs Transportation

Collectively, these drivers have over 94 years of experience driving a school bus!

They each received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County Schools and a $100 check from Andy White the owner of Ted Russell Ford. Congratulations drivers and job well done!

There are many great school bus drivers in Knox County and this is one small way we can show them our appreciation. This is the last award presentation for this school year. The awards will begin again in October. If you have any questions please contact me.

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Vice Chairman, Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board

May 2016

It's May and a LOT is going on in Knox County!

***SAVE THE DATE! Join me for an Old Fashion "Baloney Cutting" THIS Wednesday, May 11th at Powell Auction on Pleasant Ridge Road. It all starts at 11:30a to 1p with thick-cut baloney sandwiches, Moon Pies & RC Colas. There will be music by the Chillibillies and "Uncle" Phil Leadbetter.  Sammy "Barney Fife" Sawyer will be greeting the crowd. It's all FREE and I will be making an announcement that day. Bring your co-workers, your family and your friends. DON'T MISS IT!

***The Ed & Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County for May is May 18th in Happy Hollar! Join us from 5p-7p at the Time Warp Tea Room, 1209 North Central, 37917. Ed and I feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. But while you're there enjoy a gamut of drink selections, including gourmet coffee, tea, chai, hot chocolate, and smoothies along with homemade cookies, tea cakes, and brownies. http://www.timewarpvmc.org/Tea_Room.htm

***I will be the Guest Speaker at the Ft. City Rotary Club, Thursday, June 9th at Litton's Restaurant. https://www.facebook.com/NorthKnoxRotary/

***On Thursday, May12th from 6:00p-8:00p, The Poppy Project will take place at the Botanical Gardens located at 2743 Wimpole Avenue, 37914. This is a celebration of the new Welcome Center.

***On Friday, May 13th the Knoxville Chamber presents the Pinnacle Awards honoring the outstanding businesses of Knoxville and surrounding area. It takes place at the Knoxville Convention Center beginning at 7:00pm. For more details click here: http://www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle

***Open Streets Knoxville is back Sunday May 15th from 1:00p - 6:00p. It's your chance to play in the street! Details here:  http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=109562&pageId=3127475

***The Knoxville Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be Wednesday, May 18th at 10:00am at the Mary Costa plaza behind the Civic Coliseum.

***The Annual "Honor Fountain City Day" will be on Memorial Day, May 30th from 10a-4p at Ft. City Park with lots of fun, food and music. The local Community Awards will be at 3:00pm at the Gazebo. More details here: http://fountaincitytownhall.org/honor.aspx

 ***It was my honor to serve as the host of the John J. Duncan, Sr. Senior Advacy Awards at Hunter Valley Farms on May 5th. The program put together by the Senior Citizens Information & Referral Service was outstanding. It was great to see my childhood friend and the awards namesake's daughter, Senator Becky Duncan Massey there to present the awards. For more information about SCIRS click here: http://www.knoxseniors.org/scirs.html

 ***The second monthly Knox County School Bus Safety awards will be Wednesday, May 18th. Ted Russell Ford and WIVK are sponsoring the awards. The presentation will begin at 11:00am at Ted Russell Ford on Kingston Pike with five drivers who have been graded with excellent marks. Each will be presented a $100 check from Andy White the owner of Ted Russell Ford. 

***The Dogwood Arts Festival was a great success! I sit on the Board of the Dogwood Arts Festival and I am constantly impressed by the hard work of the seven staff members and the 100's of volunteers.

***The Annual Vestival South Knox Arts & Heritage Festival was Saturday, May 7th from 11a-7p at the Historic Candoro Marble Building in Vestal. There was live music, arts, dance, children's activities and lots of fun had by all! 

In Commission news...

On Monday, May 9th at 9:00am Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett will present his budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It will be in the Main Assembly Room at the City County Building before Knox County Commission and any public that would like to attend.

On Monday, May 16th at 4:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold a workshop on the Mayor's budget. This will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. At 5:00pm the normal monthly workshop will take place followed by a public hearing on the Mayor's budget at 6:30pm. All citizens are urged to attend to voice their concerns.

On Monday, May 23rd at 1pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present. Also on May 23rd, the Knox County Commission will meet beginning at 4pm with the Beer Board, regular Commission at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. 

Among items of interest being considered this month:
1. Top of the list is the discussion of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett's budget.

2. Various Knox County Schools' funding resolutions totaling over $35M. These items can be questioned, but all items from the KC School Board do not have to pass Commission to be approved. By law it is just a formality.

3. Resolution approving the acceptance of $27,962.80 from the Rocky Hill PTO for purchase and installation of sod and new playground equipment. Thank you parents!

4. Resolution of acceptance of a construction contract for improvements at Gleason Road and Ebenezer Road. 
5. Resolution of acceptance of a construction contract for sidewalk improvements at Powell Middle School.
6. Resolution of acceptance of a survey and design project construction contract for improvements at Canton Hollow Road.
7. Resolution approving a Grant Contract between State of TN, Department of Health and the Knox County Government for TennCare Kids Outreach Services in the amount of $1,052,900.

In zoning after the 30 day delay of a sector plan amendment and zoning change by Dr. Kerri Bentley the item will be back on the agenda. This was delayed to give time for all concerned to discuss the various issues that were raised last month. I am sure we will again discuss this in great length, but I have no desire to approve changes in community zoning when the residents don't want the changes.

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Vice Chairman, Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board

April's Knox County Schools Bus Driver Safety Awards announced



 

Bob Thomas

 

Knox County Update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning a great crowd turned out for the first monthly winners of the Knox County School Bus Driver Safety Awards.

 

 

 

 

 

The April winners are:

1. Regina Patterson, Pond Gap Ele. driving for 12 years
2. Ricky Denton, Spring Hill Ele. driving for 2 years
3. Esther McGinnis, Sunnyview & Chilhowee Ele; Carter MS & HS driving for 34 years
4. David Ray, Cedar Bluff Ele. driving for 2 years
5. Rhonda Galyon, Sequoyah Ele. & West HS driving for 14 years

 

Each driver received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jim McIntyre and a $100 check from Andy White, owner of Ted Russell Ford.
 

Thanks to our sponsors Ted Russell and WIVK 107.7 for making it possible.

 

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:

Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Vice Chairman, Knox County Commission

Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee

Knox County Development Corp Board

Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee

Knox County Parks & Recreation Board

Metro Drug Coalition

Dogwood Arts Festival Board

Young-Williams Animal Center Board

American Cancer Society Board

Arts & Culture Alliance Board

 

April 2016

It's April and a LOT is going on in Knox County!

***SAVE THE DATE! Join me for an Old Fashion "Baloney Cutting" Wednesday, May 11th at Powell Auction on Pleasant Ridge Road. It all starts at 11:30a to 1p with thick-cut baloney sandwiches, Moon Pies & RC Colas. There will be music by the Chillibillies and "Uncle" Phil Leadbetter. Sammy "Barney Fife" Sawyer will be greeting the crowd. It's all FREE and I will be making an announcement that day. Bring your family and your friends. DON'T MISS IT!

***The Ed & Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County for April has been CANCELLED! We will reschedule the Karns visit at a later date. INSTEAD...Ed and I will be at the Halls Outdoor Classroom Bar BQ behind Halls HS from 6p-8:30p. One of the highlights of the night will be Ed and me competing in the pie eating contest!

***Join my wife Kim and me as we take to the fashion runway as models for the Volunteer Republican's Women's Spring Fashion Show and Silent Auction this coming Monday, April 18th at Buddy's Banquet Hall on Kingston Pike in Bearden. Doors open at 11:30. The show starts at noon. It should be a lot of fun...as long as I don't trip! Lunch is $15 payable at the door. Call 691-7807.

***The first monthly Knox County School Bus Safety awards will be Wednesday, April 20th. Ted Russell Ford and WIVK are sponsoring the awards. The presentation will begin at 11:00am at Ted Russell Ford on Kingston Pike with five drivers, who have been graded with excellent marks. Each will be presented a $100 check from Andy White the owner of Ted Russell Ford. 

The Smoky Mountain Air Show is this weekend at the Air National Guard and over the skies of the Knoxville Airport. The Blue Angels are in town with shows Saturday and Sunday. Knox County is one of the sponsors of the show that will bring 250,000 attendees to our area. Part of the proceeds go to Honor Air. Additional details can be found at https://smokymountainairshow.com.

The Dogwood Arts Festival is upon us. I am on the Board of the Dogwood Arts Festival and we just wrapped up the very successful Rhythms and Blooms, the three day music festival in the Old City. Now among many DAF events, the Dogwood trails open! This year the Holston Hills Trail is the featured trail for 2016. You can find more details about the many trails here: http://www.dogwoodarts.com/trails-and-gardens/

The Tennessee Football Orange & White game is this Saturday at Neyland Stadium starting at 2pm.

The Rossini Festival street fair sponsored by the Knoxville Opera is Saturday, April 23rd. It brings a taste of Europe to East Tennessee from 10a-9p on Gay Street. There will be four stages, wonderful food and lots of entertainment.

The Annual Vestival South Knox Arts & Heritage Festival is Saturday, May 7th from 11a-7p at the Historic Candoro Marble Building in Vestal. Live music, arts, dance, children's activities and more!

In Commission news...

On Monday, April 18th at 4pm the Finance Committee will meet in the Main Assembly Room. The regular monthly Work Session will take place in the same room beginning at 5pm. 

On Monday, April 25th at 1pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present.

That same day the Knox County Commission will meet beginning at 4pm with the Beer Board, regular Commission at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. 

Among other items of interest being considered this month:

1. Authorizing the acceptance of $24,101.20 from the Cedar Bluff PTSA for the purchase and installation of adaptive playground equipment for students with disabilities. A big THANK YOU to the Cedar Bluff PTSA!

2. Approving an annual contract between Knox County Schools and Archer Air Conditioning and J&F  Mechanical for HVAC installation & repair for up to $1,000,000. 

3. Approving an agreement with K & F Construction for additions and renovations to Pond Gap Elementary at a cost of $8,560,960.

4. Approval of state aid from TDOT for resurfacing Ruggles Ferry Pike to AJ Highway with an estimated cost of $656,900. Of that amount, 98% to be paid for by TDOT.
5. Approval of state aid repaving with the TDOT for resurfacing Shipe Road from Millertown to Washington with an estimated cost of $245,196. Of that amount, 98% to be paid for by TDOT.
6. Approval of state aid repaving with the TDOT for resurfacing Midway Road from Thorngrove to Kodak Road with an estimated cost of $392,100. Of that amount 98% to be paid for by TDOT.

7. Approval of the Knox County Indigent Care Program Agreement for fiscal year 2016-17 in the amount of $3,950,000.

8. Approval of a 20 year lease with AYSO for development and use of a soccer complex at Tommy Schumpert Park. This has been delayed a few months so details could be ironed out. AYSO wants to build on the land.

9. Consideration of approval for a TIF for the old Regas property on Depot Ave.

In zoning there are a lot of calls and emails concerning a sector plan amendment and zoning change by Dr. Kerri Bentley. The public is concerned this is going to be a rehab clinic that will draw a dangerous clientele. I am sure we will discuss this in great length, but I have no desire to approve changes in community zoning when the residents don't want the changes.

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Vice Chairman, Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board

MARCH 2016

It's March and warmer weather can't be too far away! The first day of Spring is the 20th!

On Monday, March 28th at 1pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present.
 

That same day the Knox County Commission will meet beginning at 4pm with the Beer Board, regular Commission at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. The regular monthly Work Session will take place on Monday, March 21st at 5pm. Both meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

During our meeting the Mayor will present a Proclamation proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month in Knox County.

Among other items of interest being considered this month:

1. The Knox County Sheriff's Department has a resolution for approval of a grant contract with the Tennessee Department of Human Services for Title IV-D Child Support Enforcement Services beginning July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 for $340,037.28. This will require a local match of $115,612.28. 

2. Approving a construction contract with Twin K Construction in the amount of $2,240,986.55 for transportation improvements associated with the new Hardin Valley Middle School. There is also a construction contract with APAC - Atlantic for the same thing at the new Gibbs Middle School. That amount isn't known at this time, but will be available at the Work Session. These two companies won the bidding process to do this work.

3. A resolution for the much-needed improvement of the intersection of Gleason Road and Ebenezer. If you have travelled that road it is very steep and a sharp turn to go toward Kingston Pike. Black won the bid to make this intersection safer. They also were the winning bid to improve Canton Hollow Road at Woody Road. Canton Hollow was identified in the Strategic Transportation Plan as the #1 location with safety issues and in need of improvement.  We are making safety improvements at the intersection of Canton Hollow and Woody Road as a first step in improving the area.

4. There is a resolution to approve TDOT project to work on county roads for safety improvements to Alcoa Highway. The resolution allows them to do that. I think we all agree that the safety of drivers on Alcoa Highway has been overlooked for too long.

5. A resolution to allow Parks & Recreation to apply for a grant in the amount of $500,000 for development of the new 70 acre park adjacent to the I.C. King Park. The purchase price of the land will be used as the match to get the additional $500K. This new park is larger than I.C. King is. I hope we name this new park and absorb the old I.C. King Park into the new one. Since we are closing the Alcoa Highway entrances and the dock, we should drop the old I.C. King name and the negative image the park has had in the past with illegal behavior. If we want to continue to use the I.C. King name we could possibly name a trail the I.C. King trail.

6. A TIF for a project in the Jackson/Depot redevelopment and Urban Renewal Plan.

I think that the specific project being proposed for this TIF is for a project at corner of Magnolia Avenue and Ogden Street. I believe that the original project has grown in scope, and it is determined that TIF assistance is needed to help finance the project rather than just PILOT lease assistance. I think once a piece of land has been either off the tax role for a long period of time or of no consequence, we are better off lending a hand to gain a broader tax base in the future.

7. Approval of a contract between Knox County and the state of Tennessee, the Department of Military, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for Homeland Security Grant Funds of $377,877 for first responder equipment and training within the 16 counties that make up District 2 Homeland Security. There is no requirement for local matching funds.

8. Commissioner McKenzie has presented a resolution asking the state to reconsider the elimination of funding for the UT Department of Diversity. I personally have no desire to vote on any items that we have no jurisdiction over. If I want my state legislators to know how I want them to vote, I will call them. Having Commission vote on a topic it has no say over only serves to divide the body.

9. A RFP for a new Safety Center. I think this may be a little premature to vote on. I would like to see the Governor’s budget first. We need to see what the State’s commitment is going to be before we start the process.

As for discussion items, Commission will continue the discussion of Knox County's Wrecker Service rates.

There will also be a presentation by the Legacy Parks Foundation.

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The Ed and Bob Night Out in Knox County this month will be in Fountain City. It is scheduled for March 22^nd from 5p-7p at Sam & Andy's at 2613 West Adair Dr just off of North Broadway. At-Large Commissioner Ed Brantley and I will be there to meet the people of north Knox County and listen to their concerns. We feel that going out TO the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. And while you're there join us for one of Sam & Andy's Famous hamburgers they have been making since 1946! www.SamandAndysRestaurant.com

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Congratulations to the winners in the Knox County Primary Election. Here are important dates for the upcoming General Election:

May 6, 2016	First Day to request an absentee ballot
July 5, 2016	Final day to register to vote before election
July 15, 2016	First day of Early Voting period
July 28, 2016	Final day to request an absentee ballot
July 30, 2016	Final day of Early Voting period
August 4, 2016	Election Day

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I will be participating in 5 Points Clean Up this Saturday morning in the Five Points Area from 9am to noon. Come out and lend a helping hand to the clean up. Bring a friend and meet at 9am in the parking lot of the Harvest Center Plaza, 2410 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Gloves, bags, tools, and safety equipment will be provided.

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Good Friday is March 25^th. Knox County offices will be closed.

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The Vietnam Veterans will be having a “Welcome Home” event on the Worlds Fair site on Saturday, March 26^th beginning at 1pm. Come out and honor these brave Americans!

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The Knox County Retirees luncheon will be April 5th, 11:30a at Rothchilds on Kingston Pike.
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Daylight Savings Time starts Sunday, March 13^th! Move those clocks forward one hour!

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Vice Chairman, Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board

 

FEBRUARY 2016

This month the Knox County Commission will meet on Monday, February 22nd beginning at 4pm with the Beer Board, regular Commission at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. The regularly monthly Work Session will take place on Tuesday, February 16 due to the 15th being President's Day.

Among the items being considered this month:

1. A Proclamation designating February 23rd as Spay Day in Knox County. The Young-Williams Animal Center, the county's intake center for all animal control, is celebrating 50,000 spay/neuter surgeries since the summer of 2007.

2. There are several Knox County School items which are voted on, but the vote has no affect since it has been legislated that all items sent from the School Board must be passed regardless of the vote. Among them are roofing upgrades for Spring Hill Elementary for $571,838; a mowing contract for up to $500,000/year; acceptance of a Haslam Family Foundation gift of $1.3M at several high schools; and approval of artificial turf installation at all high school football fields.

3. Approval of $249,940 for the survey and design of the repair and/or replacement of 4 bridges in Knox County.

4. Approval of a $1,000 grant to help promote the Farmers Market at New Harvest Park.

5. Approval of a 20 year lease for the AYSO 337 fields at Tommy Schumpert Park.

6. Approving an amendment to the Gay Street Redevelopment and Urban Renewal Plan for tax increment financing.

As for discussion items, Commission will be discussing Knox County's Wrecker Service rates as well as some discussion about the progress of Safety Center committee.

There will also be a presentation by the Legacy Parks Foundation.

On February 16th, after the Work Session, the Arts and Culture Alliance will provide dinner for Commissioners while making their annual presentation in the Small Assembly Hall in the City/County Building.

Ed and Bob are headed back to Corryton for their next Ed & Bob Night Out in Knox County. Knox County At-Large Commissioners Ed Brantley & Bob Thomas will be at Henry's Bakery & Deli at 7231 Tazewell Pike, Wednesday, February, 17th from 5p to 7p to meet the people of north Knox County and listen to their concerns. Ed and Bob feel that going out TO the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. And while you're there join Ed & Bob as they have one of Henry's Famous "Build Your Own" deli sandwiches!
https://locu.com/places/henrys-bakery-deli-corryton-us/#menu

Groundbreaking! On Friday, February 19th Knox County will break ground for the new middle schools. Gibbs Middle School at 11am and Hardin Valley Middle School at 1pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Early voting ends February 23^rd, one week before Super Tuesday on March 1^st. Get out and VOTE!

For the 5th year I will be the MC of "Doc Rock" on February 20th, 8pm at NV in the Old City. All the bands are made up of mostly doctors. All proceeds go to local medical charities. For more details go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/1643614339236860/

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364.