Pegram board adopts 2018 energy code, declines playground grant and conditions $15,000 library donation

The Town of Pegram Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted Ordinance 2025-170 on second reading Oct. 27, 2025, formally bringing the town’s building regulations into alignment with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for energy provisions of the International Building Code.

The adoption followed a short public hearing that produced no public comment. Alderman Miranda Montgomery moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; Alderman Michael Paszek seconded the motion. The three members present — Mayor Charles Morehead, Montgomery and Paszek — voted in favor and the motion carried.

The board also declined a playground equipment grant after debating project cost and expected reimbursement. Resident Susie Coleman told the board she considered the playground too expensive and noted the townwide share would average about $104.50 per household based on 900 homes. Mayor Morehead recommended declining the grant and the board adopted Resolution 2025-216 to do so; the vote was Morehead-yes, Montgomery-yes, Paszek-yes.

In new business the board approved guidelines for charitable donations by adopting Resolution 2025-218 with specific edits: striking specified language in section 2a(ii), requiring donation applications be submitted at least 30 days before a BOMA meeting, striking section 3b and adding a required “purpose of use” field on the application. The motion carried unanimously among members present.

The board authorized a $15,000 donation to the South Cheatham Library but paused disbursement while the town awaits required financial reports from the library. Town attorney Martha Brooke Perry reported that Cheatham County maintains a designated county fund for the library; the board added a condition that county-funded construction must begin by Nov. 1, 2030, or the town’s funds will be returned. The board adopted Resolution 2025-219 and authorized the mayor to sign the agreement.

A separate item on acquiring land and preparing a sewer drip field was discussed but tabled to the Dec. 1, 2025 meeting. The engineer will seek right-of-entry for survey work; Alderman Paszek said he would refrain from voting on the matter and urged that land purchase and an appraisal be completed before proceeding. The city attorney recommended tabling the matter.

Finally, after adding the hire to the amended agenda, the board approved the conditional appointment of Harrison Bader as a new fire recruit pending favorable drug-screen results. The motion to add the recruit to item 9.4 was made by Paszek and seconded by Montgomery; the approval vote was unanimous among those present.

Reports and announcements: Alderman Montgomery thanked the board for patience during a recent illness and noted her appointment as interim executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission. Fire Chief Stuart reported recent school and daycare fire-prevention programs and participation in a community trunk-or-treat. Engineer Luke Sullivan said paving work is scheduled to begin at the end of November. The November and December BOMA meetings will be combined and held Dec. 1, 2025.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-170 (adopt 2018 IECC) — Motion passed (all present in favor). Resolution 2025-216 (decline playground grant) — Adopted; Morehead-yes, Montgomery-yes, Paszek-yes. Resolution 2025-218 (charitable donation guidelines, edits adopted) — Adopted; Morehead-yes, Montgomery-yes, Paszek-yes. Resolution 2025-219 ($15,000 donation to South Cheatham Library, conditional) — Adopted; Morehead-yes, Montgomery-yes, Paszek-yes. Funds withheld pending library financial reports; construction must begin by Nov. 1, 2030 or funds returned. Sewer drip-field acquisition — Tabled to Dec. 1, 2025 for additional appraisal/land-purchase steps. Hire: Harrison Bader, fire recruit — Approved pending a favorable drug-screen result.

The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.