It was a meeting of applications, ordinances, house-keeping, and odds & ends for the Knoxville City Council Monday night, May 21st.
Gary Goudie, who renovated and refurbished an old filling station on the corner of Main and Broad streets in downtown Knoxville was present. Goudie’s work, according to Mayor Dennis Maurer has been “marvelous” and has generated interest locally for photo shoots and visitors. The council decided to feature the station on the City Wheel Tax Sticker for 2018-2019. “As a way of thanking you for doing that, we’re going to give Gary – when he comes in an applies for his wheel tax sticker – number one,” Maurer said. “They typically reserve this one for mayors in the past, but I have no problem giving it to Gary this year as a way of saying thank you for all your hard work on that little station. We certainly appreciate it.” Goudie said he’ll frame the sticker and hang it inside the station.
The council approved cleaning up some of the language in the city ordinances for keeping livestock and poultry within city limits. Alderman also considered putting a chain-link fence around the property at 207 East North Street. The lot has been donated to Habitat for Humanity – the project will be considered again at next month’s meeting.
Mayor Dennis Maurer swore in Leslie Wilt as acting City Clerk for the City. Wilt has been filling the duties as City Clerk left vacant by Charlie Gruner for several months as Gruner resigned from the position due to personal reasons.
The council also decided to move forward on new internet and phone services for the City Hall from Mid-Century Communications. Aaron Buck with Mid-Century gave the council information regarding the company and proposal to provide commercial and residential service to Knoxville at the May 7th meeting. The city currently has an agreement for free service through Comcast that was to end in March – but no Comcast representative had contacted City Hall.
Alderman also approved a TIF application request for the Sit N Knit Shop on East Main Street. Owners Maureen and Richard Carlson wish to replace a front window and improve the front and rear entrances the overall cost would just over $5,200. The council approved the request for 75% of the cost and would reimburse just over $3,900.
