Sevier County Commission approves rezonings, code updates and grant applications in unanimous meeting

The Sevier County Commission met March 18 and adopted a slate of proclamations and resolutions, including several rezonings, code amendments and authorizations for grant applications, while receiving updates on broadband expansion and solid-waste convenience-center construction.

Mayor Larry Waters opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Commissioner Ray Charles “Chuck” Godfrey III, who died Feb. 28, 2024. The commission then recognized Cindy Cameron Ogle for decades of public service and Dr. Debra Ann Cline for 45 years in local education; both proclamations passed by roll-call votes recorded as 23 yes, 1 absent.

The body cleared three rezoning items recommended by the regional planning commission and enacted Resolution 2024-03-04 to correct technical omissions in the county zoning text after clarification from James Temple that the changes were procedural and not substantive. The commission also reappointed Dr. Jerry Bradley as county medical examiner and Dr. Vincent Tolley as assistant medical examiner through March 31, 2029.

On administrative and regulatory matters, the commission approved a $100 reinspection fee for the Department of Environmental Health Services in response to rising inspection failures; adopted language aligning the county’s residential energy-code exemption with the State Fire Marshal’s 2018 International Energy Code wording; and set various speed limits on county roads.

The commission authorized the mayor to execute Community Development Block Grant applications for waterline-extension projects that the water committee recommends. Mayor Waters and Commissioner Warren Hurst said the applications are targeted at low-income areas near Kerr Road and Douglas Lake; the discussion referenced grant estimates that ranged from $500,000–$600,000 to a current $1,000,000 possibility if awarded. The resolution passed 23–0 with one absence.

The meeting concluded with routine votes to classify county roads, approve 106 notary applicants, and adjourn. During non-agenda public comment, Jerry Grubb questioned transparency around the short-term rental inspection program and where the associated tax revenues have been allocated.

Votes at a glance: - Proclamation 2024-03-01 (Cindy Cameron Ogle): passed (23 yes, 1 absent) - Proclamation 2024-03-02 (Dr. Debra Ann Cline): passed (23 yes, 1 absent) - Proclamation 2024-03-03 (Sevier County Jr. High girls basketball): passed (23 yes, 1 absent) - Proclamation 2024-03-04 (Pigeon Forge High School wrestling): passed (23 yes, 1 absent) - Minutes (Dec. 18, 2023): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-01 (Little Cove Road rezoning): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-02 (Douglas Dam Road rezonings): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-03 (Newport Highway rezonings): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-04 (zoning technical amendments): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-05 (reappoint medical examiners): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-06 (authorize CDBG waterline applications): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-07 (request return of unclaimed property): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-08 (Environmental Health fee schedule): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-09 (2018 International Energy Code language alignment): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-10 (set speed limits): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-11 (use of state aid for resurfacing Goose Gap Road): approved (23 yes, 1 absent) - Resolution 2024-03-12 (classify county roads): approved (23 yes, 1 absent)

The commission is scheduled to reconvene on its regular cycle; no formal votes were tabled during this session.