Commissioners take turns roasting Adams

Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams surprised his colleagues last week when he said he'd take the city manager's position in Crossville, Tenn., this May.

In their first appearance since Mr. Adams made his career change public, commissioners didn't waste any time showing the 22-year veteran some tough love.

Commissioner Fred Skillern joked about the sudden nature of the announcement.

"I know some places have more to offer than we do," Mr. Skillern said. "And when Dot (Mr. Adams' wife) finds out about all this, maybe we will have you back someday."

The room erupted in laughter as Mr. Adams smiled and pretended not to hear, asking, "Anything else?"

Commissioner Jim Coppinger expressed amazement when he read that Mr. Adams could drive to Crossville in an hour and 15 minutes.

"I know it takes me an hour and 45 minutes to get to Crossville," he said, "but we know your driving history."

After saying he heard "some philosophical stuff and some funny stuff" from colleagues, Commissioner Greg Beck noted the practical element that may have played a role in Mr. Adams' decision.

"A man's got to do what a man's got to do," Mr. Beck said.

Mr. Adams will make $105,000 annually as Crossville city manager.

WE DIDN'T HEAR A THING, PROMISE

During a committee meeting Tuesday, Chattanooga City Council Chairman Jack Benson asked the Rev. Ann Weeks to comment about a potential RaceTrack convenience store on South Broad Street.

Ms. Weeks, speaking on behalf of the South Broad Redevelopment Group, said the group supported the gas station.

But Councilman Peter Murphy suddenly questioned if the case was a zoning matter. Mr. Benson said it was and that he wanted to hear the group's position.

"We're supposed to hear them up there," Mr. Murphy said, pointing toward the regular council chambers, "where it is a matter of public record."

Zoning cases are heard during regularly scheduled business meetings.

Mr. Benson paused, looked at Ms. Weeks and told her to come back later that night during the regular council meeting.

"We didn't hear a thing you said," he said.

WHAT IS ART?

Parks and Recreation Administrator Larry Zehnder told the City Council about a public art donation Tuesday night during a council meeting.

Within the next few weeks, he said, the council would hear a presentation about a public art donation that a store owner wanted to put in front of a business.

"Is it a nude?" Councilwoman Pam Ladd asked.

"No," Mr. Zehnder replied.

"I don't want to vote blindly on any of these public art projects," Ms. Ladd said.

Councilwoman Carol Berz then voiced her opinion.

"Can we make it a nude?" she asked.

MAYOR GOES CONTINENT HOPPING

Mayor Ron Littlefield took a trip to Brazil last week from Monday to Friday, speaking as a guest at a conference about sustainable cities, said Richard Beeland, the mayor's spokesman.

Mr. Littlefield went to the city of Curtiba, Brazil, Mr. Beeland said.

Next week, the mayor will fly to California, where he will help Henry Cisneros, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Clinton administration, with a chapter for an upcoming book.

Mr. Beeland said both trips are all-expenses paid by other parties.

"These are not on the city dime," Mr. Beeland said.