[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6077387,"mediaKeyId","2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd","parentId",2964737,"title","Residents urge greater civic engagement; raise concerns about drainage, sidewalks and neighborhood flooding","audioSeconds",2980,"startMs",134000,"endMs",3114000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd&start=134&end=3114","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd/thumbnail_134000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6077387/Bluff-City/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Residents-urge-greater-civic-engagement-raise-concerns-about-drainage-sidewalks-and-neighborhood-flooding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077387-7367c54ad106d114895af5f3b7844afb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152155&Signature=LP9FDFJufXFjpNJByoOxt-dcwmvthnHqfVe9JUDYRGL3lnBzdxkh8VtZgzOgYH6r5B6bDgYNL3mT6z5VDZ1zmnbIwuaMXMqZBbwHQrEV5CzwzaBF89I6pf4~dZyL1WiBHMaZg~Rz6zxMy-1clW5AO~xvjwqU-4XHN9pi7ZBDw8W9NaMahJufVs8jIGZ3Sr92yOEKuja3o-NX80radsCoiVwmguqgGSrSZRp-GuSi~hA23AqQIWpXQ6ZEZcxWpx1qi7gu7n0u2hGugfl7tqFcBXykT7Bor56r8fv8IyUhfMJDVTZPiZ9-L9Zm62gWTuGaMfgbhzFEzzADupOQQhOFJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-11T02:20:49Z","article","Several residents used the public-comment period to press the board on transparency, civic engagement and local infrastructure concerns. Speakers urged the board to increase outreach, create community bulletin boards and produce objective public metrics tracking town performance.

Resident concerns and requests: Misty McGow and other speakers said public trust in city leaders is low and called for more transparent decision-making. Residents suggested volunteer programs, computer classes for older adults and community-led projects to improve parks and the town’s appearance.

Infrastructure complaints: a resident reported repeated basement flooding after nearby construction near the car wash and requested at least one or two storm grates on the downhill side of the road, saying rain runoff “rushes into our house” and has cracked foundations. Other residents asked about sidewalks and drainage on the hill by the ball field and requested the town investigate relief measures.

Civic engagement proposals: commenters recommended the town distribute questionnaires, host “coffee with the cop” events and maintain bulletin boards for community notices. One speaker suggested a dashboard of municipal metrics (crime, wages, school performance) to track community health and guide decisions.

Administrative responses: board members and the town manager said staff will follow up on specific infrastructure complaints and that residents should provide addresses so staff can investigate. For policing issues the board reiterated that Sullivan County dispatch handles emergency calls and that residents should call 911 for urgent matters.

Ending: residents asked the board to prioritize engagement and small, visible improvement projects — community volunteers and modest capital work — to rebuild trust and encourage local economic activity.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Work session 04/09/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents urged increased transparency and civic participation and described local problems including recurring flooding, basement water intrusion after nearby construction and requests for drainage grates and sidewalk improvements.","taxTitle","Bluff City , Sullivan County, Tennessee","taxId",76661,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6077391,"Residents press police staffing questions; officials say Sullivan County dispatch handles calls",5296,668000,5964000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd&start=668&end=5964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd/thumbnail_668000.jpg","/articles/6077391/Bluff-City/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Residents-press-police-staffing-questions-officials-say-Sullivan-County-dispatch-handles-calls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077391-8a3b293f891d17eeec08dcf19792cf27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152155&Signature=E~YVrmCbvjAEbHlCa-7j1Xxx4Oj8f5qrTSd1gE-NfONJk9rTxrY5YZcfoF7YIXJ0txL8vwNDMqP8YTPZqR1fuUzPpY6kIyVREKvmpfrw0OMei2Sl7foBleVQ92wVt4GQY~iTxVJFlA1xUU2EiRYFePhG8Udm~5gwISmVHXqTXTh4QmgeyBy~yfKeAye2jdIHSmYenFhQmq0rx9cwsSmrtEk6sXzBKIohyxsI40XcBA6gYOKjQ0DciYuYc74g2IJcdYpM3aXmkVTGMunWCaD018hTQOeUJRCM4YCQW3Srvq6FYCToLQFibe5ZscFentOygWjXHJrKwvNECX3HQSuYTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used public comment to press the board on police staffing, response protocols and how to report incidents. One resident asked how many officers the town employs and described recurring problems near a local car wash; others said they had trouble reaching a dispatcher.

How the town responds: Bluff City officials explained the town’s dispatching is provided by Sullivan County. A Bluff City official told attendees that if residents see an incident they should call 911 and that Sullivan County dispatch will send deputies under the existing cooperative agreement. The police representative said the department is staffed and available 24 hours but noted that there are times when town offices are empty and county dispatch is the route for emergency response.

Funding and long-term staffing: residents raised whether the town can raise enough revenue to support a full, locally staffed dispatch or expanded police presence. Officials said establishing local dispatch or a fully staffed around-the-clock local force would be costly and would require a formal discussion about funding and service levels.

Recordkeeping and court use: officials noted that Sullivan County dispatch maintains call records needed for potential court proceedings; town representatives said the county can provide any necessary logs for legal cases.

Ending: board members suggested residents call 911 for urgent safety issues and said the town will continue to explore funding and staffing options for public safety, while relying on county dispatch for recordings and deputy response when needed.

","Residents raised concerns about local policing and emergency dispatch; Bluff City officials said dispatch and records are handled by Sullivan County and encouraged residents to call 911 for urgent matters while the town explores longer-term staffing and funding options.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6077396,"Family Committee seeks board confirmation of events calendar; farmers market moved to pavilion",1275,912000,2187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd&start=912&end=2187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd/thumbnail_912000.jpg","/articles/6077396/Bluff-City/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Family-Committee-seeks-board-confirmation-of-events-calendar-farmers-market-moved-to-pavilion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077396-67c2b54a1fc74595ec6df4f53a43ed31/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152155&Signature=ad~ww-Y~j7mEf2HTqTCu2mYW88y~Eg7ZbFosgI2Vsl7xJhp4Jl5kFW9qsjP0ZeLGM4AUzTlPd1WRgUZl1cKXwG124-WYGw2IBRa-cOmE7wPnnznGrfwgwkNGm8pcdhKelWZrs5ui5zK-Xf2UCEsZAMB9VT0wQ7iIzNpv3y3zSBSU3AcMrL78F1wWP6EUf~-io3O8WfJ69ZAccrbWfL0ZVQq-w1ji71FYPyN7m1lbMK2ZHt94sRNlC8cwIWSsjCPp7Johwvl6CA-f6iKPTOoP1OUwVlgPTTd6-fOa5sRUmbv2D8OCT9fMxux3VRSQr2YXLKJ6OavNBjKyGG0ovlP5BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bluff City Family Committee presented a calendar of events it drafted in 2022 and asked the board to formally protect and reapprove the list so vendors and community organizations can plan ahead.

Committee leaders said the calendar was prepared before the administration change and that other nearby towns use resolutions to protect recurring community events. Committee members and board members emphasized the economic and civic benefits of preserving markets, heritage events and family activities.

The town manager determined the weekend farmers market would move to Wells Park pavilion to reduce traffic and parking conflicts with adjacent ballfield activity; the move was described as an administrative approval rather than a new board vote. The committee said vendors typically start in mid-May and that the Farmers Northcut season begins May 17. The committee also told the board it will coordinate vendor set-up times (vendors expect to be packed up and out by about 1:15 p.m.).

Public-safety and logistics: board members discussed whether additional police presence would be needed for larger spring markets; the committee and town manager said routine patrols have sufficed but they may request added patrols for larger events. The board and committee also discussed food trucks, placement near the river, and partnering with local businesses to expand attendance.

Administrative next steps: the town manager will confirm reservations and permitting and report back to the committee. The board asked staff to provide a clear permitting timeline and to coordinate with ballfield organizers to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Ending: committee leaders asked for a formal resolution to protect recurring events; the board directed staff to gather the specific language and examples from other jurisdictions and return a draft for consideration.

","The Family Committee presented an events calendar it approved in 2022 and requested board confirmation so vendors can plan; town manager determined the weekend farmers market will be held at Wells Park pavilion to reduce congestion and to preserve parking and ballfield schedules.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6077400,"Board debates code enforcement and building-inspection duties as permitting capacity tightens",336,2665000,3001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd&start=2665&end=3001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd/thumbnail_2665000.jpg","/articles/6077400/Bluff-City/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Board-debates-code-enforcement-and-building-inspection-duties-as-permitting-capacity-tightens","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077400-cf6a7bcb250ff62c17c2cc208d125bb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152155&Signature=G7-GeX82OZbIAIA0rDHPXYXofaLN2A54J16PewtASS9uikzNFrIW33nXJfyV4YovWGtxRibDQ1VRno9GO52V2IDvVb8ZYtEw0h9XPrkuol76kh8aFIho628XIWPF5ic5L1MFKATdXdu9S-NecZ9JVnNr51v99k8X54C3W316XhHJBsTJpVu9KgM7E0ROtzs1v61XszoeB-IURdnLhGX5CV8ZMQwaQ-QXp9YOLZEHtXJKLGZbWmddjFKU9mhckjzDZCj3WiovmSUFaGUPdeLW8xPp8vqy1V~RGqWb-AKycBrr9UnO0WydzOZxkSUSsAD9n6aoGclUarN4GxqP9fF42Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bluff City officials spent part of the workshop examining who should handle code enforcement, flood-plain administration and building inspections as the town revises the town manager job description.

Why it matters: the city lacks certified local inspectors and has been relying on state permitting and neighboring jurisdictions. Board members said that assigning certain enforcement duties to the town manager without available certified staff could create legal and operational gaps.

Key points from the meeting: council members proposed removing flood-plain administrator and code-enforcement responsibilities from the manager’s core job description until the town can hire or contract certified inspectors. Participants warned that state certification and contractor-license requirements can take years and substantial training hours. Amber Torbett raised questions about permitting responsibilities and who collects permit fees; the board discussed the possibility of using part-time inspectors from nearby municipalities on a case-by-case basis.

County cooperation and legal questions: the board referenced prior conversations about Sullivan County or neighboring municipalities assisting with inspections. City attorney involvement will be required to settle liability and who would prosecute code cases if the town receives enforcement authority.

Operational impact: residents seeking permits were told to contact the state electrical inspector for work requiring electrical permits; the board recommended contacting the town manager’s office for additional guidance and for the town to develop a clear permitting process while it explores longer-term inspector options.

Ending: the board asked staff to compile outstanding questions (permits, fee handling, legal responsibilities) for the attorney and to explore temporary inspection arrangements until the town can recruit certified personnel.

","Council members discussed removing some code enforcement and building-inspector duties from the town manager job description, noted certification hurdles and delays with available inspectors, and explored county assistance and interim alternatives.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6077405,"Bluff City board reviews town manager job description, evaluation process and contract timeline",2883,2532000,5415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd&start=2532&end=5415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964737-090930ddc7e529f66c91090a59e9dbcd/thumbnail_2532000.jpg","/articles/6077405/Bluff-City/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Bluff-City-board-reviews-town-manager-job-description-evaluation-process-and-contract-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077405-c33916593a990325870701bfa6b9e9b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152155&Signature=BpGxJJP-pu4xZMmqvT3nFb7VSOqmnTm27fM6to2IqRfTV820KV1FwH-TQzAYY75O1XWjRqe8EoHU70fw9aYwStEq7WPp0EEF7jyfyaqUlonjQGkHwTYYNZN94AnFE-pHg~hF0zhzG3tM~nlL-fcja8o5y0igK2KQ-Qj~CMpitB8Fx4NuhIxy4llTg~n2Ya2OOsK3ylKwxtzla~FEZzImNN0kbEd5aeJAxdvIwmXHh5s-exqDQuwquAqFI02RhP9gu2bfdSGUavkS7YaVYjTsLiQF4qpLfMDWLdUcc9V~kLyKYVCvg2fyIBBd5xFm0gZWcQbfIiJcgT48vlIsW7hAAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bluff City Board of Mayor and Aldermen spent a large portion of its workshop on a proposed town manager job description, how department-head evaluations should be handled and the timetable for a manager contract.

Board members said a more detailed job description prepared by MTAC consultant Pete Auger and a charter-based outline should be reconciled. The board agreed to send the draft job description to city attorney Paul Fry for legal review and revision before returning it to the board for further comment.

Why it matters: the job description would define duties now assigned to the town manager, set expectations the board will use for future evaluations and shape any employment contract. Several members stressed that the document should also include procedures for evaluating department heads and a reporting cadence to help the board monitor progress.

Discussion and next steps: board members debated which duties belong in the charter (Article 7 was cited) versus those the manager should carry out operationally. Members raised removing orclarifying responsibilities such as floodplain administrator, code enforcement and building-inspection oversight, saying some items may need separate ordinances or later additions once staff or certifications are in place.

The town manager (Michelle Roberts) asked for regular reporting. As she said during the meeting, “maybe a report every 6 months of what I’ve done, what I’ve accomplished, what I’ve worked on,” describing a semiannual narrative she could provide to the board to support any formal evaluations.

Board members discussed an evaluation schedule (suggestions ranged from six months to annually) and agreed the job description should state the manager must produce periodic reports and support department-head reviews. The group also discussed compensation and benefits but deferred specific salary figures until the board sees a final draft and budget numbers.

The board set an implementation direction rather than a vote: the draft job description will go to Paul Fry for legal drafting and be circulated to individual members for comment. Several members said they want the process completed before the town manager’s temporary assignment ends in June.

Ending: The board agreed to review the attorney’s revision individually and then reconvene (by workshop or special meeting) if necessary to finalize the job description and a contract offer.

","At a workshop meeting the Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed a drafted town manager job description, discussed performance-evaluation timing and the town manager’s contract timeline; the draft will be sent to the city attorney for revision and returned to the board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge greater civic engagement; raise concerns about drainage, sidewalks and neighborhood flooding

Residents press police staffing questions; officials say Sullivan County dispatch handles calls

Family Committee seeks board confirmation of events calendar; farmers market moved to pavilion

Board debates code enforcement and building-inspection duties as permitting capacity tightens

Bluff City board reviews town manager job description, evaluation process and contract timeline