Oakland resident urges action on years-long storm-drain leak; board tables soccer contract for further review

Resident Chelsea Cavell urged the board to address what she said has been an on-going storm-drain leak running parallel to her property at 295 Suzanne Drive, presenting a multi-year timeline, photos and descriptions of repeated but unsuccessful town repairs and a 2023 foam-fill that she said left large holes. Cavell said she has involved engineers and contractors, that the issue is in litigation, and that she asked town staff to measure easement boundaries and conduct a full repair.

The mayor and staff acknowledged the complaint, with staff confirming legal counsel had the case file and advising limited board engagement during public comment because of the pending litigation. Residents and staff exchanged details about prior actions: the town had performed rip-rap and foam-fill work, town staff (Dennis Mullins and Harvey Ellis) inspected the site, and Cavell said holes remained and backfill had not been performed.

Separately during the citizens comment period Gary Schmidt and other residents raised detailed questions about a proposed agreement with Tennessee Soccer Academy (Resolution 2614) including the cost to provide 32 goals and nets (a figure residents said could approach $50,000 delivered), field maintenance and lighting costs, resident vs. nonresident fees and how the town would staff maintenance. After discussion an alderman moved to postpone Resolution 2614 for further review and to schedule discussion in a workshop; the motion passed.

The board did not take formal action on the storm-drain complaint during the meeting; staff indicated they have inspected the property previously and that certain staff members (Dennis Mullins, Rex Wallace) had visited the site. For the soccer agreement, the board agreed to gather more information and handle the item in a future workshop before taking a vote.