Councilwoman Scott votes ‘no’ on spending

Councilwoman Deborah Scott voiced two big “nos” during the City Council meeting Tuesday night, voting against an ordinance and a resolution that would have spent money for handicap-accessible playground equipment.

Mrs. Scott argued the money should not be spent because of current economic conditions.

“Right now might not be the right time,” she said.

The ordinance would have authorized up to $30,000 for Friends of the Zoo in campaign efforts for the handicap-accessible equipment. The resolution would have authorized $8,000 for the mayor to help conduct fundraising, as well as pay for part of the equipment at Warner Park.

Dan Johnson, Mayor Ron Littlefield’s chief of staff, said the money was coming out of capital expenditures from last year’s budget and did not inhibit the city’s operating budget.

“It all comes out of the money of the taxpayer,” Mrs. Scott responded. “The name of where it comes from is less important than where it comes from.”

Councilman Manny Rico said the city still needs to look after all of its residents and that meant “even for disabled people.”

“We just can’t stop spending,” he said.

Mrs. Scott was the lone “no” vote in both votes.

funnin’ on fred

While commissioners honored Soddy-Daisy High School teacher Jane Shadwick Buckner Thursday for her 50 years of service and her retirement, Board of Education Chairman Kenny Smith and General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon had some barbs for Commissioner Fred Skillern.

Mr. Smith joked that Ms. Buckner and Judge Clarence Shattuck, Mr. Skillern’s classmates, helped him through school.

“I know where he was sitting. He was getting answers. I didn’t have that luxury,” Mr. Smith said. “Somebody carried Fred, and now I know who it is.”

Judge Moon presented a pin to Ms. Buckner’s family that he said Mr. Skillern sold him.

“I got this at half price,” he said. “We got it for $150. Kenny and I are paying that back at $10 a week. The 81 percent interest is tough.”

Judge Moon said he asked Mr. Skillern why it said “Made in China” on the packaging.

“He said, ‘Bob, that’s just the little packaging I got from China,’ ” Judge Moon joked. “‘This pin was made in Soddy-Daisy.’”

A CHANGE IN RECORD

Councilman Russell Gilbert said Tuesday night during City Council that he wanted a change in his vote from two weeks ago.

Mr. Gilbert voted “no” on an interchange that would have connected Apison Pike to Interstate 75. He voted “yes” on a resolution authorizing using federal dollars on eight city road projects.

He had voiced displeasure in the way the projects were chosen and had said Jersey Pike should have been included in the list of projects.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mr. Gilbert said he mistakenly voted “no” on the interchange and wanted his vote to reflect a “yes” on the interchange and a “no” on the city road projects.

The City Council clerk’s office said Friday that council members could not legally change votes. But Mr. Gilbert wanting to change his vote was reflected in the minutes, officials said.

FIRE SERVICE “COMPLEX”

A debate occurred Tuesday night during the City Council meeting concerning the possibility of the city negotiating fire service within the Volkswagen plant when it comes on line.

The Council voted 8-1 Friday for allowing contract negotiations to begin with VW. Councilwoman Deborah Scott was the lone vote against.

Mrs. Scott said she had fears about liability and spending taxpayer money to provide service for one company.

“It appears to me to be a complex service,” she said.

Interim Fire Chief Randy Parker said the city had some of the same questions and would get answers.

“This is just authorizing us to go forward,” he said.

Councilman Manny Rico said he thought the city’s staff needed to pursue all angles.

“I think we can trust our professional people to know what they’re doing,” he said.