[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6625334,"mediaKeyId","2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566","parentId",2757874,"title","Joint streets/tourism session weighs buying commercial artificial Christmas tree, defers decision","audioSeconds",77,"startMs",1203000,"endMs",1280000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566&start=1203&end=1280","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566/thumbnail_1203000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6625334/McMinnville/Warren-County/Tennessee/Joint-streetstourism-session-weighs-buying-commercial-artificial-Christmas-tree-defers-decision","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625334-a99babac71ed17e397933b29282711fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437545&Signature=bIhZ96ZxtR9sJwyoVM1ApRtcBqRlT1lSwAtOU0513cXOmssSXsZZkj11ocwz8AMKvhf5hfRHzYpQRWkC~dlmbHlbQAx3NR1JUNBo88~H4wnyJPofN2jN8sAgaMU4T-lH58LpbB4kVIYIrPGB0TESFeZl0pk9vhVn9lccGJaVFnDXrvRo1nuY1fJW62KMpv7bL3LtMCXFDUmXqiRJcd2Zz5A2NaGyRC1duO53lOhbbC6Jrz6j7O0kp3S90BsjISNDanf-D9WUa~haMKYZn2Cl9VO26WuW-ANp5eJL8~63-wmIKy8cFxva1obuIQiMHlBsWA1o8c7Hnk2csoJVK6pN-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of McMinnville","date","2025-03-12T07:00:08.07Z","article","City staff told a joint session of Streets & Sanitation and Tourism that the current process of procuring, transporting and erecting a live Christmas tree on Main Street presents safety risks and heavy labor demands, and they presented a vendor quote for a commercial artificial tree.

John Austin of Urban Forestry said he solicited four quotes; the lowest was from Wintergreen Corporation (Georgia) at $19,977.20 delivered. Staff proposed splitting the purchase 50/50 between Tourism and Public Works, with 50% due on ordering (estimated two to three weeks from the meeting) and the balance at delivery in the next fiscal year so the cost can be budgeted.

Urban Forestry and public works staff described multiple ``near-miss'' incidents during past installations, including workers being pinned under a tree while it was being lifted, frequent daily maintenance because stakes and straps loosen in freeze-thaw cycles, and a previous full tree collapse that required cutting the tree up to remove decorations. Staff said their crews lack specialized tree-service training, that the city's crane availability is limited, and that contracted tree-service expertise is currently not available through MES (a contractor previously used for crane services).

Staff described the artificial tree as a welded-frame, quarter-section, engineered structure with a prewired harness and screw-in bulbs; they estimated it could last 25 to 30 years and be repairable. Installation would place the tree on the fountain base with concrete anchors and cabling, and staff said the first assembly would take a full day but subsequent installations about four hours. Storage would be at the transfer station.

Committee members raised alternatives: planting a permanent live tree (staff said a planted specimen would likely start at about 12 feet and take years to approach the desired height), contracting a professional tree service to fell and set a live tree, or buying less realistic/cheaper panel-style trees. Some downtown stakeholders objected to a fake tree for symbolic reasons; staff suggested pairing an artificial centerpiece with an annual ceremonial live tree planting to acknowledge local nurseries and sustainability concerns.

Members agreed to defer formal action so staff could gather nursery pricing for a planted tree and costs for contracting a professional service to fell and install a live tree. Staff said the vendor's ordering deadline to receive delivery this year is late September and that March is the last viable purchase month under the vendor timeline; the committee agreed to revisit the item at the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","3/11/2025 Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Committee Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Public works and urban forestry staff presented a roughly $19,977 quote for a commercial artificial holiday tree and recommended buying one to reduce safety risks and labor demands; the joint committee deferred final action to collect more cost comparisons and planting options.","taxTitle","McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee","taxId",71165,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6625339,"Buildings & Grounds committee backs switch in permitting software, OKs applying for State Fire Marshal exemption",567,390000,957000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566&start=390&end=957","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566/thumbnail_390000.jpg","/articles/6625339/McMinnville/Warren-County/Tennessee/Buildings-Grounds-committee-backs-switch-in-permitting-software-OKs-applying-for-State-Fire-Marshal-exemption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625339-d3dbd8b4be31fa4587396c277e364932/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437545&Signature=lthdfHSgedQns1KE6vOjxNnQfqBn44meOAWgzs24Tm6Z7z0XP6z552~mVdkK7njP-JM3aY3VV8w4R7aYIP--XAqF4qvxpEzg0BgQmZkQQXUqpMrX~0egciETkKlgYZV5NWOSi5aL0IOA3Dtf9qhDYpuhmK5ELhfQoaE9uQutu3nRDugfVOhV3LB1ROZTtq78peg3VJR1evicW6gJd9OwPMaw7JIHOlpKct8nZiFwOq3XOSVFy~9LbAvvFsAu2qWihRZ-qvY7ZVWfNAMPpMHtVwSvP6QXP9hJyAAzJK6PUutgyTxiViwUZubHGOHOKtX7CrEnNnqlY41DzUq0HXOmBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buildings & Grounds committee voted to recommend that the city switch its permitting software and approved filing an application seeking exemption from the State Fire Marshal to inspect larger commercial projects locally.

Committee members heard from a staff presenter that the city purchased SmartGov about two years ago; shortly after, the vendor was acquired and then purchased again by Granicus, and customer service and contracted pricing have deteriorated. The presenter said they tested multiple vendors and identified a sole-source alternative that will provide bilingual (English/Spanish) violation letters and allow applicants to complete permit applications in Spanish with staff receiving English on the back end. The presenter said the first-year cost including implementation is about $28,000 and that fees would not be charged to the city until the next budget year.

The committee voted “aye” to recommend the software change to the full board. No contract obligation with the current vendor was reported, and staff agreed to provide the committee with the exit/contract-termination language so the city can comply with any requirements before canceling the current service.

On a separate item, committee members approved a motion to apply for an exemption from the State Fire Marshal for \"larger commercial projects\" that currently fall under state jurisdiction. Staff said that, if granted, the city would perform plan review and inspections for projects currently routed to the State Fire Marshal—examples cited included multiunit apartments over two units and business occupancies three stories or greater—and that the city would perform inspections “in conjunction with the fire department.” The presenter said the exemption request must be submitted by the mayor, that the state performs an initial review, and that the city would be audited every three years to confirm continued enforcement of the applicable code.

Committee members noted applicants currently experience delays because the state electrical inspector visits only sporadically; staff said local control could reduce time and cost for applicants. The committee approved both motions with unanimous voice votes and moved the software recommendation to the full board for final action.

Staff did not provide a formal implementation timeline for the software migration beyond the first-year cost estimate. The presenter said some implementation costs might be accommodated in the current budget if the timing allows; otherwise, licensing/ongoing fees would show up in the next fiscal year.","The Buildings & Grounds committee voted to recommend replacing its permitting software and approved applying for a State Fire Marshal exemption that would allow the city to inspect larger commercial projects locally, subject to state approval and triennial audits.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6625323,"McMinnville Board approves multiple routine resolutions and sets charitable donation ceiling at 4% of property tax receivable",952,2833000,3785000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566&start=2833&end=3785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566/thumbnail_2833000.jpg","/articles/6625323/McMinnville/Warren-County/Tennessee/McMinnville-Board-approves-multiple-routine-resolutions-and-sets-charitable-donation-ceiling-at-4-of-property-tax-receivable","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625323-6273f187a6a61fe67b9468a55553795b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437545&Signature=YLq-YTcTHrNClDkgcH4Fk8CKtcmQXSKovBRnUfIwPkARXBBPv7w1VMbLDWuh04fzucjEwNWLFL1PLz3uJv36HUXccr18LgiNNiZTX3AX9UXwZ8iV4c8xL9CtVQLbCif08Qat5hq3O4gB7~QEkEkeVRkBcLM3gPsdtYLm1TuWTHXhB9muiZ8a3i9CjiQiOZDoJGkEyROKeXLzWpbb6n51x09IwG092QUdCLRqWel7gdjMdMzu5IF5~B4V2ZH5dn7bEshdybtha9OfXVtjXxls9TAnBNbjoWvh9ghVfSBQPzFWpIShSEKkBcffZCkb-JyZpzOoU~V9eZ1sX3Kw~bfi9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved multiple routine resolutions and ordinances during its regular session and set a ceiling of 4% for the city\u0000\u0000charitable donation/dues allocation tied to property tax receivable for the coming budget cycle.

Resolutions approved included awarding a low bid to Cookeville Heating and Cooling for a water-source heat pump at the Milner Center ($75,800) and authorizing the Water & Wastewater Department to open a checking account at Coffee Bank & Trust for acceptance of water payments. The board also adopted a charitable-donation policy (resolution 2025-11) and amended the McMinnville Tourism Advisory Committee charter to add representatives including a point-of-interest or natural landmark representative, an IDB director, a TWRA representative and an arts representative (resolution 2025-12). Votes on those resolutions were recorded by roll call in the minutes; each resolution passed by majority vote.

On funding for nonprofits, council members debated whether to set a 3% or 4% allocation of property tax receivable for charitable/donation requests. Staff presented that 3% would produce roughly $170,000 (with about $80,000\u0000to $90,000 remaining after mandatory allocations such as library MOE and chamber dues), while 4% would be a compromise that reduces prior-year obligations but leaves more funding than 3%. A motion to set the ceiling at 4% passed on a recorded vote.

The board also approved several ordinances on first reading or adoption, including declaring 109 Magnus Drive surplus property and updates to personnel rules and tourism and marketing municipal code sections. Most ordinance and resolution items were described by staff and passed with little debate; the personnel-code update was accompanied by a summary and the mayor instructed staff to circulate the summary to board members for review.

Other routine business included formal acknowledgement of minutes, approval to place a CASA Inc. banner on a city lot March 17\u0000to April 21, and an SRF loan reporting form filed for the water treatment plant project. The board adjourned its session at the conclusion of business.","The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved several routine resolutions and ordinances, including procurement and banking actions, updated personnel and tourism codes, and set a ceiling of 4% for city charitable/nonprofit allocations tied to property tax receivable for the next cycle.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6625329,"Streets committee approves purchase of replacement garbage-truck arm after repeated repairs",131,2206000,2337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566&start=2206&end=2337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757874-60d35aca899d55c9f28f5e26e6d91566/thumbnail_2206000.jpg","/articles/6625329/McMinnville/Warren-County/Tennessee/Streets-committee-approves-purchase-of-replacement-garbage-truck-arm-after-repeated-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625329-60bc9288a15e0547fdcd32ae91163e62/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437545&Signature=dcUjx9KM7VmmZ9RIoJu9A2pth2z7VTr4u-bwBpovzKAo36tTslw-4ZnaaFv6JQNkdX4QvvGWTYl2dDNcXMLrRe3S0pAVEfk6KzmIJhdGADKspkx~~R5u0GLbOiwOPAvFk9uS5IiM4jlO9m6n1biN~oryVg~w38D3wHfb-U1R9VTMO4I1U7KsdABla0b4cJ8ZYYLmDLqCbmyuU4A3cGrvKLg0hgInM9Ovp~GAI7~8By1wcSoQFzYw4oHbz0srhnEqSBd2E1VSTlrg3HZOLNqxG2sbppkdM333LwcZo1z1oyWuHbA3pPo6bcpUXoPxWiLBCGytYgYIpfAzeyMgylZ7Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Streets committee approved purchasing a full replacement hydraulic arm for a garbage truck after staff reported recurring mechanical failures and repeated repairs.

Public works staff said the vehicle is a 2018 model and that the arm has required about $5,000 in recent repairs; additional work would cost roughly $12,000, and a complete replacement arm is available for about $19,000 plus $2.50 shipping. The truck's downtime has required use of backup equipment, and staff said the arm's age and wear have increased failure frequency over the past 12 to 24 months.

A committee motion to approve the purchase carried on a voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff indicated there is sufficient budget authority in the current cycle to cover the purchase.","Streets committee authorized buying a full replacement arm for a garbage truck after repeated repairs and downtime; staff said the arm and shipping total about $19,002.50 and that the truck is a 2018 model experiencing increased failures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Joint streets/tourism session weighs buying commercial artificial Christmas tree, defers decision

Buildings & Grounds committee backs switch in permitting software, OKs applying for State Fire Marshal exemption

McMinnville Board approves multiple routine resolutions and sets charitable donation ceiling at 4% of property tax receivable

Streets committee approves purchase of replacement garbage-truck arm after repeated repairs