Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Administrative hearing officer Jeff Duke offers to continue; council signals support
Summary
Jeff Duke, the town's administrative hearing officer for the past four years, told the Signal Mountain Town Council he is willing to serve another term. Council members praised his experience and indicated they will proceed with a resolution to reappoint him.
Jeff Duke, the town's administrative hearing officer for the past four years, told the Signal Mountain Town Council on Monday that he is willing to serve another term.
"My name is Jeff Duke, and I've been serving with you all for the last 4 years," Duke said, adding that he does not live in the town but works on matters affecting Signal Mountain. He told council that, in his tenure, he has held a small number of hearings, sometimes imposing civil fines as a last resort, and that the process generally works when it needs to.
Council members praised Duke's experience and consistency. Council member Poss (first name not specified in the transcript) and others said continuity in the position benefits both town staff and residents; one councilor noted Duke has developed a system and worked well with town staff.
Town Attorney (name not specified in the public dialogue) and other council members discussed the position's history in Tennessee: an administrative hearing officer was established to allow municipalities to issue greater administrative fines (the municipal judge's misdemeanor fine limit under state law is $50), and the hearing officer role allows higher administrative penalties when needed. Duke said he is trained in the state's municipal administrative hearing process and has used it sparingly.
Council indicated it would proceed with a resolution to appoint or reappoint the hearing officer and moved on to the rest of the agenda. There was no recorded formal vote of the council on Duke's appointment during the meeting; council members agreed to move forward with a resolution to be considered under suspension of rules in a future action item.
Duke answered clarifying questions from council about his experience conducting hearings, noting two matters involved the same property owner and that the town often resolves issues before a hearing is necessary. He said he attempts to work with residents and uses fines only when required.
The council did not adopt a resolution during the session but asked staff to prepare a resolution for the position to be placed on a future agenda.
