[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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],{"_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",6639341,"mediaKeyId","3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2","parentId",3796223,"title","Newport approves $100,000 purchase of riverfront lot to unblock river-walk extension","audioSeconds",345,"startMs",1333000,"endMs",1678000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2&start=1333&end=1678","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2/thumbnail_1333000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6639341/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Newport-approves-100000-purchase-of-riverfront-lot-to-unblock-river-walk-extension","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639341-ca750c261cade23caced6cc8f599fcc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773136332&Signature=dmens474SOKYh1ogQytjthtDDslhn1TeBpFfN1kZqR4S3O6moaEtNz4PAyFf9oDDuHiSc13YWh7vkmTKKoqYQYGlRX0oSvzV81yAXDwv5HWKxiVutpmblw4XJaJTqp3uvg39Rug~UFk9Otg1cScyfNkXgUrcPZl4MjGYeXUs5wt8i9yLLW9jMvmIjh5oIhmSQAY4Kro8~H0mNXnIL~yZIFsXTOer5uOnvNAe8ROnts-QfLER8l4S35-psz9r9wM~SSlsZ9MU97NGh2xictau-9HgFMrzkssCmCU8Nb3IPDYTPcqqxOg0vV~s7sbVSfN9wKQMuNMZA4tRaHsCsBhQxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport","date","2025-06-12T20:11:51Z","article","The Newport Board of Aldermen voted June 10 to purchase a riverfront parcel owned by Tipp Brown for $100,000, a transaction city officials said will allow the long-delayed river-walk extension and development of a riverfront park.

City Administrator James Fincher presented the request, telling council the lot adjoins the former police department property and has been a stumbling block in efforts to extend the river walk. Fincher said the seller's asking price is $100,000 and that the parcel's appraisal is roughly $20,000 higher.

Fincher said the city has negotiated with the owner but had not reached the seller's price until this proposal. City staff also noted grant funding and flood-related timeline extensions that would support moving forward with the river-walk project once the property is assembled.

Council discussed demolition and site cleanup: Fincher said the dilapidated building on the lot would be removed and that staff is seeking professional hauling and demolition quotes. He estimated cleanup could cost under $10,000 and that, if so, the city might not need to formally bid that work.

Council approved the purchase by roll call. Afterward staff said follow-up steps will include finalizing a purchase agreement, completing title work and contracting for demolition/cleanup. Parks and recreation and administration staff will coordinate next steps and report back to council with schedules and grant integration details.

Council members and staff framed the purchase as a long-term investment to complete a 24-year effort to extend the river walk and create an active riverfront area for events such as a farmers market; no detailed timeline for construction or park programming was presented at the June 10 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Newport TN City Council Meeting June 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Aldermen approved buying a Tipp Brown riverfront parcel for $100,000 that staff said will remove a longstanding obstacle to extending the city's river walk and create space for a future park and farmers market.","taxTitle","Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee","taxId",71273,"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},6639346,"City administrator: June 30 public hearing and called meeting will decide annexation at 1220 Golf Course Road",1090,229000,1319000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2&start=229&end=1319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6639346/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/City-administrator-June-30-public-hearing-and-called-meeting-will-decide-annexation-at-1220-Golf-Course-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639346-be8f26763085489e449a2d153c46dfd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773136332&Signature=XHzDkSvZjwhDC6iHvLRBSKamBeDCqriaAk8OgOvmmH3ySr5OE2lxyL21A79fyuVy57~AHJrxAG1zofB0iuyY4NQyUTaDdV8L2UoCu38zELPDWxLTap0X1YhSMPZRQ3U2DSBYVolsPegnOwO9vloEAmwXpwnG7kWK0S4h8JB9pffAVoj6C9kBtAlygsY-aHF45oFNX2RDzyUJ2uGEUplqB0qvn6meqZAFa3DDWsN8u~XAbdcOQWFfA2BasXcjzCPV-wDlIz6tWs9oZysh4sTDudYifocTjHkwcL4baFj8og6hOa8Yeg~pmMUcWhL-PjR4RYVHDjIsIQbFXGiIH2kKag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Administrator James Fincher told the Newport Board of Aldermen on June 10 that the council's vote regarding an annexation petition for property near the golf course is only to move the process to a public hearing, not to approve or reject annexation.

'This is not a vote tonight on annexation. This is is a vote to move the process forward to the public hearing phase,' Fincher said during the meeting, adding that the city must follow the current state-law process requiring a hearing before a final up-or-down vote.

Fincher explained the state law change that removed routine forced annexation and replaced it with owner-request or referendum-based annexations. He said that under the current process a resolution at this meeting advances the petition to a public hearing, after which the council may hold the required final vote.

At the meeting staff placed the annexation property description in the record as: 1220 Golf Course Road, referenced by tax parcel identifiers staff provided.

A member of the public, James Bailey, asked whether the up-or-down vote would occur at the next regular session or at a called meeting; Fincher replied, 'There'll be a called meeting immediately following the public hearing.' The hearing is scheduled for June 30, 2025; staff said the mayor intends to call the meeting for the vote prior to June 30 if procedural timing requires it, but the administration told the council it expects the called meeting to occur on the same day as the hearing.

Several residents who identified themselves as living near the golf course attended the meeting to ask questions about whether their homes are already inside the city limits and to confirm that the hearing will allow public comment. A resident, Lisa Rick, said those present 'do not want the golf course closed' and asked how many golf-course-area homes already lie inside city limits; staff responded by referring to parcel counts.

Fincher acknowledged that the city has had to learn the new annexation procedures: 'I've read the whole thing and then I thought, what? And I went back and read it again,' he said, noting the change from 2 up-or-down ordinance votes under the old law to the current resolution-plus-hearing approach.

The board voted to advance the annexation petition to a public hearing (Resolution 2025-10). Staff will publish the hearing notice and provide the annexation packet before June 30; the council will take the final vote only after the public hearing and the called meeting scheduled by the mayor.

No final annexation decision was made at the June 10 meeting; the only formal outcome was the council authorizing the matter to proceed to public hearing.","City Administrator James Fincher told the Board of Aldermen the June 10 motion does not decide annexation itself but advances the annexation request to a required public hearing on June 30, with a called meeting to follow the hearing for the final up-or-down vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":80,"_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":73,"_74":73},6639350,"Newport aldermen approve budget amendments, codes update, property purchase and set annexation public hearing process",541,778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2&start=778&end=1319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796223-2e244ca87dcba1f2026dcf5718a4e6a2/thumbnail_778000.jpg","/articles/6639350/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Newport-aldermen-approve-budget-amendments-codes-update-property-purchase-and-set-annexation-public-hearing-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639350-869f83efdc7b50b3591055d74655ef56/orig.mp4?Expires=1773136332&Signature=opJcXymYqMvs2rgGNIxSHBnIWOtcObj~fpx35I-0Do1QNm5YcWCavmWIXka9W5~at~f0XOjCVvrErQM2j57PdunizCFSqx2DVDz80QT59dM44~6RNUdJvZq5dxoMslqYiEaOIj2KfNVZe8t2Z1Km4oCMhjMtYzUZDvS-PGZqe227leJuELf0bwCdRTPWX3INK9HI7l4m2iWU4rfms7w7nZdyaD9tKdHbs48rMozxpi-yiWNJFc9M83CW2~K13OMF8CUuF2I2n64bZlT982y1hTXA8aLmnhJGGlhtrny~4-v8VEeHUwP2RuaYy~pvZJJxPU9O~9ok9AQBCWSzYFlAzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Newport Board of Aldermen on June 10 approved a package of ordinances and measures including budget amendments, updates to the city's fire code, purchase of a riverfront parcel and a resolution to move an annexation request to a public hearing.

The board voted on multiple ordinances and motions during the regularly scheduled meeting. The measures passed by roll call or unanimous consent included: a city budget amendment (Ordinance 2025-O-7); a budget amendment for Newport Grammar School (Ordinance 2025-O-8); adoption of the city's annual operating and capital budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2025'26 (Ordinance 2025-O-9); an amendment to the zoning ordinance to strengthen landscaping and screening (Ordinance 2025-O-10); and adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code and the 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (Ordinance 2025-O-11).

The board also approved the reappointment of Terry White to the planning commission and authorized the police department to apply for a Norfolk Southern safety grant of up to $15,000. The board approved an audit contract renewal and awarded a bid for annual paving for FY2025'26. Council approved purchase of playground equipment for City Park in the amount of $15,405 and approved a request to host a downtown 'play date' on July 19 (rain date July 26).

On a separate resolution (Resolution 2025-10) the board voted to move an annexation request for a parcel described as 1220 Golf Course Road to the required public hearing stage; the public hearing is set for June 30, 2025 and a called meeting for the up-or-down annexation vote is expected to follow on the same day.

The board voted to acquire property owned by Tipp Brown, a riverfront lot the mayor and staff said will clear a long-standing impediment to extending the river walk. The city manager told aldermen the owner's asking price is $100,000 and that the lot's appraisal is about $20,000 higher. Council voted to purchase the lot.

Several items were presented as staff reports or purchases requiring no additional local match: staff reported emergency repairs to the community center pool electrical equipment (about $18,000) and to correct illegal downspout connections discovered at the Tanner Building (about $22,000). City Administrator James Fincher said he approved both emergency expenditures and placed them on the record.

Votes at a glance (selected actions)
- Ordinance 2025-O-7, amending the annual operating budget and capital program: motion carried (roll call recorded as yes by Alderman Mike Hansel, Alderman Randy Reagan, Alderman Steve Smith and other members present). Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance 2025-O-8, budget amendment for Newport Grammar School: motion carried (roll call recorded as yes by members present). Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance 2025-O-9, adoption of FY2025'26 operating and capital budget and tax rate: motion carried. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance 2025-O-10, zoning ordinance amendment (landscaping and screening): motion carried unanimously. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance 2025-O-11, adopt 2021 International Fire Code and 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code: motion carried. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025-10, annex certain territory (1220 Golf Course Road) by written owner consent and move process forward to public hearing: motion carried by roll call; outcome: motion to advance to public hearing approved. Public hearing scheduled June 30, 2025; called meeting and final up-or-down vote to follow the public hearing on the same day per staff notice.

- Purchase of Tipp Brown property (riverfront parcel): motion carried by roll call; outcome: approved purchase at seller's asking price of $100,000 (staff said appraised value is about $20,000 higher).

- Reappointment of Terry White to the planning commission: motion carried. Outcome: reappointed.

- Audit contract renewal for the city: motion carried. Outcome: approved.

- Police department: permission to apply for Norfolk Southern safety grant up to $15,000 (no local match): motion carried. Outcome: authorized to apply.

- Annual paving bid for FY2025'26 (Newport Paving): motion carried. Outcome: contract/bid accepted.

- Playground equipment for City Park (Miracle Playground/TAA Sourcewell contract) $15,405: motion carried. Outcome: approved purchase.

- Downtown Play Date (event permit) July 19 with rain date July 26, hours 10 a.m. ' 2 p.m.: motion carried. Outcome: event approved.

Actions with recorded roll-call excerpts are reflected in the transcript. Where the transcript recorded a roll call, the minutes show members present voting yes and the mayor declaring \"motion carries.\" No roll-call tallies in the transcript showed recorded no or abstain votes on these items.

The board's meeting also included staff report items and public comment, including questions about the annexation timing and the annexation process change at the state level. City Administrator James Fincher explained the June 30 public hearing and that the June 30 called meeting will follow the hearing to permit the final up-or-down vote.","At its June 10 meeting the Newport Board of Aldermen approved multiple budget and code ordinances, authorized staff to apply for a railroad safety grant, voted to buy the Tipp Brown riverfront parcel and passed a resolution to move an annexation request to a public hearing on June 30.","actionData","errors"]

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Newport approves $100,000 purchase of riverfront lot to unblock river-walk extension

City administrator: June 30 public hearing and called meeting will decide annexation at 1220 Golf Course Road

Newport aldermen approve budget amendments, codes update, property purchase and set annexation public hearing process