Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter elected chair; committee weighs centralized dumping site for cabin cleaning crews

Sevier County’s Solid Waste Special Committee met April 6, 2023, in Courtroom 100E, where members unanimously elected Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter as chair and Andrew Temple as secretary before beginning discussion of solid-waste site planning.

Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter presented site maps for proposed “Convenient Centers” at Tiger Drive and Center View Road and described an action plan that would evaluate a centralized drop-off site for cabin cleaning crews to dispose of waste. McCarter said the Mayor’s Office will draft an enforcement policy and payment mechanism to address illegal dumping and charges for disposal.

The committee directed Sevier County Director of Solid Waste Dan King to return at the next meeting with updated plans prepared in coordination with Assistant Director of Planning Gary Brackins. Commissioner Warren Hurst requested that a final plan be ready for consideration during the upcoming county budget cycle.

Procedurally, Commissioner Warren Hurst nominated McCarter for chairman; Commissioner Ronnie Whaley called for a cessation of further nominations. McCarter moved to approve his appointment and Hurst seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Whaley nominated Director Andrew Temple for secretary; Hurst again moved to cease nominations, McCarter moved to approve Temple, and Hurst seconded; that motion also passed unanimously.

There were no votes or formal actions on site selection, funding, or enforcement policy during the meeting; committee members set a timeline for staff to develop and present more detailed plans. The meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM after a motion to adjourn by Commissioner Hurst, seconded by Commissioner Whaley.

Next steps: Director Dan King is to present revised site plans at the committee's next meeting, and the committee intends to include any final proposal in the county's upcoming budget for formal consideration.