February Update

Here is the February Update for Knox County!

 ***Our campaign for Knox County Mayor is doing well. Thanks to our new supporters and donors. I have been speaking at a lot of local neighborhood organizations and love the questions I am getting about Knox County government. Our new website has just been launched...check it out today at the NEW domain BobThomas.com!

***The February Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be on Wednesday, February 22nd, 5-7p at Kay's Ice Cream, 6200 Chapman Highway in South Knoxville. We invite all Knox County citizens to stop by and talk with us about their concerns and and enjoy a treat at Kay's!

***The Knox County School Bus Driver Awards for February will be presented on Wednesday, February 22nd at 11:00am at Ted Russell Ford at 8551 Kingston Pike. The awards are sponsored by Ted Russell Ford and WIVK. Five drivers who were graded with excellent marks will be presented a $100 check from Andy White, owner of Ted Russell Ford, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County School System and a prize package from WIVK.

***The Development Corporation of Knox County will meet Thursday, February 16th at 8am. I am a member of that board along with both Mayors.

***I will be at a breakfast with Governor Bill Haslam on Friday, February 17th at the Knoxville Convention Center.

***I will be the MC once again for Doc Rock, Saturday, February 25th at NV in the Old City. This is a fundraising effort for local non-profit medical charities featuring bands made up mostly of local doctors. Come join us for a great cause and hear a lot of great music! More details here: https://www.facebook.com/DocRockForHealth/

***Join me at the annual O'Connor Senior Center Pancake Breakfast on Friday, March 3rd at the center on Winona. I will be flipping some pancakes starting at 7:30am

***The Historical Society presents East Tennessee National History Day on Friday March 3rd. I will be a guest judge of the many works submitted by students throughout East Tennessee. Don't miss it! ETHS manages the regional competition for Knox and surrounding counties.  You will be inspired by the students and their hard work.  Details here: www.eastTNhistory.org

***The Knoxville Urban League will have their annual meeting on Wednesday, February 15th at the Knoxville Convention Center. 

***I will be attending the Fulton High Community Partners Lunch on Thursday, February 23rd at Central UMC. I am anxious to hear more about the great achievements at FHS.

***The January Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was at Sam & Andy's West in Farragut. We had a great turnout. Thanks to the citizens that stopped by to speak with us as well as elected officials from Farragut and the Knox County School Board.

 

***The Knox County School Bus Driver Safety Awards were presented in January on the 19th details here: http://bobthomasknox.blogspot.com/2017/01/january-2017-bus-driver-safety-awards.html

***Remember Knox County property taxes are due by February28th!

In Commission news...

On Tuesday, February 21st at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its monthly workshop in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. This month we are meeting  on a Tuesday due to the President's Day holiday on February 20th.

On Monday, February 27th at 1:30pm 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. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. Beer Board, Commission and Zoning will all take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda has approximately 50 items. This month the bulk of the items are from Engineering and Public Works and the School Board. There are 18 items from Engineering and Public Works and 14 from the School Board. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. In zoning there are 5 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:

1. A resolution honoring long-time Knox County leader Jack Huddleston.

2. Approving a contract for the installation of GPS equipment in school buses.

3. Approval of a $438,927 construction contract for a new bridge on Kimberlin Heights Road over Gap Creek.

4. Approving a $111,100 construction contract for the installation of video detection equipment on several Knox County roads.

5. Approval of $350,055 Homeland Security funds for first responder equipment.

6. A KCDC request for a TIF approval for a new development on Gay Street.

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

Seat 10 At-Large Commissioner of Knox County Commission

Chairman, Knox County Cable TV Committee

Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board
Community Television Board
Thompson-Boling Arena Use Committee