_____________________________________________________________

Anderson County Board of Commissioners _____________________________________________________________

Courtesy Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations @ 6:00 p.m.

Proclamation – Child Abuse Prevention Month presented by Commissioner McKamey

Public Hearing – Re-zoning of property located at 110 South Dogwood Lane, Powell Map 096J Parcel

011.11 @ 6:15 p.m.

Consent Agenda Monday, April 18, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m.

1. Approval and corrections of March 2016 County Commission Minutes

2. Approval of Notary and Bonds

3. Courtesy Resolutions/Proclamations

• Proclamation – Child Abuse Prevention Month

4. Reports

A. Director of Schools

• Written Report

B. County Mayor

C. Law Director

• Written Report

5. Committee Reports

a. ADA Oversight Committee (4-4-16)

b. Animal Welfare Task Force (3-16-16)

c. Finance Committee (4-4-16)

d. Solid Waste Board (3-29-16)

e. Tourism Council (3-31-16)

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Emert, Chairman

Anderson County, TennesseeAnderson County, TennesseeAnderson County, TennesseeAnderson County, Tennessee

Board of CommissionersBoard of CommissionersBoard of CommissionersBoard of Commissioners

Proclamation

Whereas, Tennessee’s future prosperity depends on nurturing the healthy development of

over 4 million children currently living, growing, and learning within our many diverse

communities; and

Whereas, research shows that safe and nurturing relationships and stimulating and stable

environments improve brain development and child wellbeing, while neglectful or abusive

experiences and unstable or stressful environments increase the odds of poor childhood out

comes; and

Whereas, the abuse and neglect of children can cause severe, costly, and lifelong problems

affecting all of society, including physical and mental health problems, school failure, and

criminal behavior; and

Whereas, research also shows that parents and care givers who have social networks and

know how to seek help in times of trouble are more resilient and better able to provide safe

environments and nurturing experiences for their children; and

Whereas, individuals, businesses, schools, and faith-based and community organizations

must make children a top priority and take action to support the physical, social, emotional,

and educational development and competency of all children; and

Whereas, during the month of April, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee will be engaging in

communities throughout Tennessee in a coordinated effort to prevent child abuse and neglect

by promoting awareness of healthy child development, positive parenting practices, and the

types of concrete support families need within their communities.

Now, Therefore, the Anderson County Board of Commissioners, meeting in regular session

this 18th

day of April, 2016, does hereby proclaim the month of April, 2016, as Child Abuse

Prevention Month in Anderson County, Tennessee and urge all residents to engage in

activities whose purpose is to strengthen families and communities and to provide the optimal

environment for healthy child development.

___________________________ ___________________________

Steve Emert, Chairman Terry Frank, County Mayor

Attest:

__________________________

Jeff Cole, County Clerk

Office of the Director of Schools 101 South Main Street, Suite 501

Clinton, Tennessee 37716 Office: (865) 463-2800, x 2801

Fax: (865) 457-9157

Larry M. Foster, Director

MEMORANDUM TO: County Commission Members Ms. Terry Frank, County Mayor Ms. Connie Aytes, Interim Finance Director

FROM: Larry M. Foster, Director of Schools DATE: April 13, 2016 RE: Report to County Commission BUDGET

The Budget Committee met on April 11, 2016 and were presented a budget document that is only $9,500 out of balance. The budget document that has been sent over to the interim budget director is predicated on receiving $30,522,000 from the state. That amount was sent soon after the governor announced his budget proposals. The budget committee also voted to send a request to commission to fund a one-to-one device for instructional technology in the amount of $400,000. This request is outside the proposed budget. STAFFING

Dr. Parrott’s contract has been approved and he has presented his reorganization plan to the board of education. His team has begun the interview process to hire senior staff. The open positions being interviewed for at this time are Director of Secondary Education, Director of Student Services, Director of Special Education and principal positions. These open positions are either due to retirement or movement in the system. There are some senior positions at the district level that were eliminated in his re-organization plan. He hopes to have all of these positions filled by the end of May. Dr. Parrott’s goals for the system are to be a system of choice; making all decisions on what is best for all students. He will work together with teachers, parents, local government and the community to ensure the school system has the critical resources to provide all students with a top-quality learning environment. Dr. Parrott’s vision is that all students, upon graduation, will have acquired the knowledge and skills to be successful adults.

ROBOTICS

The Clinton High School (CHS) Robotics Team, RoboDragons, participated in the annual competition at Thompson Boling Arena on April 2, 2016. This is the RoboDragons’ fourth year to compete in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. Each year the teams are challenged to

design, build and program an approximate 140 pound, robust mobile robot that will meet the challenges with both autonomous and tell-op programming and controls. This year’s competition incorporated a medieval theme. In FIRST STRONGHOLDSM, two alliances of three robots each are on a quest to breach their opponents’ fortifications, weaken their tower with boulders, and capture the opposing tower. Robots score points by breaching opponents’ defenses and scoring boulders through goals in the opposing tower. During the final 20 seconds of the quest, robots may surround and scale the ramparts of the opposing tower to capture it. The CHS robotics team accepted and met this challenge by designing and building their competition robot. Through the effort of the team and their sponsors, the RoboDragons put on the field their most impressive robot to-date. This year the robot drew more attention and received many accolades from the judges and FIRST inspectors, as well as the other FIRST teams.

The CHS Robotics team has 20+ members and two mentor/ coaches. The robotics program begins in the fall and runs through May each year. The team observes an off season and a build season. The off season is used for fundraising, community service projects, demonstrations, and off season competition events. The build season, which begins the first week in January, is where FIRST reveals the competition challenge to the more than 6,000 teams worldwide. For six very intense weeks, the FRC teams work to build their robots.

Students and Board of Education member Scott Gillenwaters

Volunteers helping students

Volunteers helping students

Faces of concern due to a technicality with the robot that could have eliminated them from competition

We are extremely proud of the RoboDragons’ accomplishments. The team finished with a ranking of 20th position, out-scoring 29 veteran teams from around the eastern United States. A total of 49 teams competed in the Smokey Mountain Regional competition in Knoxville. ENGINEERING CAREER EVENING Norwood Elementary School hosted an Engineer Career evening on March 17, 2016. Many students and departments from the University of Tennessee came to demonstrate the many facets of engineering. Both parents and students were given an opportunity to participate in a “hands on” activity depicting engineering applications. The Clinton RoboDragons participated as well, demonstrating their robot. They also interacted with students, sharing the importance of science and math in the STEM curriculum.

Norwood Elementary School Engineering Career Evening

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Phil Warfield, selected as Teacher of the Year in the East Tennessee Region. Mr. Warfield was selected by his peers at the local level and then his application was forwarded to the regional level where he was selected a regional winner. The next level of competition will be at the state level. We commend Mr. Warfield on his outstanding accomplishments. I want to express my appreciation for your attendance at the Teacher of the Year Banquet on April 12 and supporting your fellow commissioner, Phil Warfield. Your presence is value-added and shows strong support for our teachers and educational community. GRADUATION

Commencement exercises for Anderson County Schools begin on Friday, May 13, 2016. Clinch River Community School is scheduled to graduate their seniors at 6:30 PM on May 13, 2016 at their school. Anderson County High School will graduate 258 students on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 1:30 PM at Thompson Boling Arena. The Bridge Academy graduation ceremony will be held in the Ray Mears Room at Thompson Boling Arena at 3:00 PM. Clinton High School will then graduate 241 students at their ceremony at 4:00 PM at Thompson Boling Arena. You are invited to attend all graduation ceremonies and sit onstage with the board of education. Please let Pam Crawford know if you plan to attend so we can ensure there is enough seating for everyone.

3/10/2016 Minutes of Anderson County Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No. 31

ANDERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 101 S. Main Street Clinton, TN 37716

March 10, 2016 6:30 PM

Board Members Present Absent John Burrell, Chairman √ Don Bell √ Dail Cantrell √ Scott Gillenwaters √ Glenda Langenberg √ Teresa Portwood √ Rickey Rose √ Jo Williams √ Larry M. Foster, Director √ Student Board Members Present Absent

Sierra Cotham, CHS √ Haylee Strohl, ACHS √ Others in Attendance

Carrie Montgomery, Keegan Vallone, Janis Bishop, Margaret Burrell, Chris Hagans, Sarah Hagans, Courtney Bass, Belva Hale, Henry Baggett, Tracie Landreth, David Landreth, Kelly Williams, Lynn Ward, April Perry, Chris Goodwyne, Melanie Lamberson, Kelly Myers, Terri Ferry, Renee Hines, Darren Leach, Anna Hurt, Rhonda Phillips, Terri Gilbert, Rachel Minardo, Shelby Haun, Greg Deal, Paula Sellers, Suzi Schmidt, Tim Parrott, Mary Winchester, Kim Guinn, Jim Woodward, Gail Martin, Frank Hillon, Sue Voskamp, Jeff Harshbarger, Charles Conner, Megan Snider, Andy McKamey I. CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Burrell, chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM as a regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education. Dail Cantrell led the pledge of allegiance.

II. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS

Clinch River Community School students Jacob Pond and Keegan Vallone were recognized for their award winning t-shirt graphic designs. Keegan won the St. Jude’s t-shirt contest with a design depicting Hannah Strong, a young lady from Knoxville who recently lost her fight with cancer. Jacob’s winning 4- H design depicts an off-road vehicle and the 4-H symbol.

III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

ACEA President Rachel Minardo addressed the board with questions about insurance changes. She asked that all future information be brought before ACEA before advising staff.

3/10/2016 Minutes of Anderson County Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No. 32

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion by Jo Williams and seconded by Dail Cantrell to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Motion by Jo Williams to add Collaborative Conferencing to the agenda. Motion carried.

V. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

A. Regular Meeting Minutes – February 11, 2016

B. Special Called Meeting Minutes – February 29, 2016

C. Human Resources Staffing Report

D. Field Trips

E. Professional Leave

EXECUTIVE APPROVAL

A. Field Trip

Motion by Scott Gillenwaters and seconded by Don Bell to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

VI. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

A. Report from Board Attorney Sal Varsalona

Dr. Burrell stated Mr. Varsalona is waiting on results from the Coffee County and Bradley County cases and to see whether or not it goes to the Supreme Court.

VII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT

A. Educational Director Ted Fletcher from the office of Head Start/ Preschool provided “Something Good.” Mr. Fletcher introduced teachers Sara Hagans who described how her class reviews vocabulary words during hand washing time and Courtney Bass who discussed critical thinking and STEM engineering, and described how her students work together to determine how to get a gingerbread boy across water and not get wet or eaten by a wolf.

B. Norwood Middle School was awarded the Golden Broom Award.

C. Employee Appreciation

a. Principals – February 2016

3/10/2016 Minutes of Anderson County Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No. 33

D. The board agreed to wait until after the first definitive budget information is provided by the state to schedule the annual retreat.

E. Student board members Sierra Cotham and Haylee Strohl shared their experience at SCOPE this year. Both said they enjoyed the program and understand how hard the board of education works to make decisions on behalf of students and staff in the school system. They thanked the board for the opportunity to attend.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES

A. The Disciplinary Report was approved as presented.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. The Budget Committee report was presented by Scott Gillenwaters.

B. The Policy Committee report was provided by Jo Williams. Policies 6.204 Attendance of Non-Resident Students, and 5.202 Separation Practices for Classified Employees were tabled for further review and discussion. They will be brought before the committee at the April meeting. Motion by Jo Williams and seconded by Scott Gillenwaters to delete policies 5.902 Board Negotiating Agent, 5.903 Director of Schools’ Role in Negotiations and 5.904 Bargaining Progress Reporting on first and final reading. Motion carried.

C. The Transportation Committee report was provided by Rickey Rose. Motion by

Rickey Rose and seconded by Don Bell to accept the transportation contract proposal as presented. Motion carried. Motion by Rickey Rose and seconded by Glenda Langenberg to send the transportation contract out for bid. Motion carried.

XI. ACTION ITEMS

A. Motion by Dail Cantrell and seconded by Scott Gillenwaters to approve ACHS, CHS and NMS athletic schedules . Motion carried.

B. Motion by Glenda Langenberg and seconded by Don Bell to approve moving Dr. Parrott into a shadowing position with the director of schools. Motion carried.

C. Motion by Dail Cantrell and seconded by Jo Williams to approve an in-school baseball game at ACHS. Motion carried.

D. Motion by Jo Williams and seconded by Dail Cantrell to appoint Rickey Rose to the

Collaborative Conferencing Team due to the resignation of Teresa Portwood from the Collaborative Conferencing Team. Motion carried.

XII. Financial Report

APPROPRIATIONS

3/10/2016 Minutes of Anderson County Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No. 34

Motion by Scott Gillenwaters and seconded by Rickey Rose to approve appropriations 1 a-c. Motion carried.

Roll Call Vote

Don Bell Yea John Burrell Yea Dail Cantrell Yea Scott Gillenwaters Yea Glenda Langenberg Yea Teresa Portwood Yea Rickey Rose Yea Jo Williams Yea

TRANSFERS

Motion by Scott Gillenwaters and seconded by Jo Williams to approve transfers 2 a-f. Motion carried.

3/10/2016 Minutes of Anderson County Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No. 35

HEAD START BUDGET

Motion by Scott Gillenwaters and seconded by Jo Williams to approve Head Start grants and budget 4 a-d. Motion carried.

Adjourned at 7:30 PM. Respectfully submitted by Pam Crawford, recording secretary. ______________________________ _______________________________ Dr. Burrell, Chairman Larry M. Foster, Director of Schools

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY LAW DIRECTOR

ANDERSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE

101 South Main Street, Suite 310

CLINTON, TENNESSEE 37716

N. JAY YEAGER TELEPHONE: (865) 457-6290

Law Director FACSIMILE: (865) 457-3775

Email: jyeager@aclawdirector.com

MEMORANDUM

TO: Ms. Mary Murphy

CC: County Commission

FROM: N. Jay Yeager

DATE: April 13, 2016

RE: Law Director’s Report – April 18, 2016 – County Commission Meeting

Please add the following items to the County Commission Agenda under the Law Director’s Report:

A. Contract Approvals:

1. Harley Davidson Lease- Sheriff Dept.

2. School Bus Contract- Schools

3. Hodges, Jonathan- Schools

4. Insight Mobile Data- EMS

5. Comcast- Solid Waste

6. Dept of Energy Pass-Through Grant

7. Rocky Top Animal Control

8. Library- Display Policy

9. Central Technologies- Schools

10. Centra Pro Painters- Health Dept.

11. Digitech Computers- EMS

12. Smoky Mountain Water- Schools

13. Bold Planning- Emergency Management

14. Play Rite- Schools

15. TEMA for FEMA

B. New Lawsuits

1. Morris, Ryan v. AC - New lawsuit alleging false arrest.

2. Kennedy, Johnny v. AC and Sean Vinsant - New lawsuit alleging improper vehicle operation.

3. Kennedy, Daniel v. AC and Sean Vinsant - New lawsuit alleging improper vehicle operation.

Anderson County ADA Oversight Committee

Minutes April 4, 2016

Present: Roger Lloyd, ADA coordinator; Commissioners Jerry Creasey and Steve Emert; and Louise

McKown, chair.

New Drinking Fountain at Marlow Park: Roger reported that they have been working with the vendor

for three or four months on how to install this fountain and make it work right. The internal parts are

not getting enough water pressure to get the water above the level of the spout. They will once again

try to work with their technicians, but Roger is almost at the point of asking for our money back and

shipping it back to the vendor. However, he said it is still a work in progress, and they are still working

on it.

Accessibility at Polling Sites:

Background Notes: Last year Louise approached Mark Stephens, Election Administrator, about

showing a video done by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, a statewide advocacy organizations that

deals with policy issues, as a training video for poll workers to learn how to connect with people with

various types of disabilities when they come to the polls. Mark said he would show it after seeing it also

at a statewide meeting of election administrators. The video has the endorsement of the Secretary of

State.

In this video it states that every polling site shall have at least one van accessible parking space.

Van accessible parking spaces have wider access striped aisles that are needed for a wheelchair user to

unload from the side door. Louise told Mark that she knew that not all of the polling sites had van

accessible parking spaces. The U.S. Department of Justice had released a document entitled “Solutions

for Five Common ADA Access Problems at Polling Places” where it discusses that “While locating polling

places in accessible facilities makes ADA compliance more likely, there may be times when that is not

possible and the use of temporary measures to provide access will be necessary.” Orange cones could

be temporally placed by poll workers so that voters using wheelchairs could unload from a van.

On March 1st

, the Presidential Primary Election Day, Louise went around to as many polling sites as she

could get to before the sun went down to see which sites lacked van accessible parking places and if any

poll worker had attempted to correct the situation if a van accessible parking space was not available.

At the April meeting, she discussed her findings that almost half of the sites were not in compliance, no

attempt had been made to block off extra space required for vans, and one site had absolutely no

accessible parking at all and a huge orange barrier at the end of the curb cut disallowing anyone using

any mobility device---wheelchair or rolling walker---to get past the barrier to get inside to cast their

ballot. They are also attached here.

Jerry Creasey suggested that the committee draw this to the attention of County Attorney Jay Yeager

asking him to speak with Mark Stephens. Louise would email both of them the three page document.

The committee asks not that polling sites be moved, but that temporary accommodations be available

and they will gladly work with polling officials to find acceptable solutions before the August and

especially, the November elections.

Louise stated that studies have revealed that people with disabilities are 16% less likely to be registered

and 20% less likely to vote than the typical voter, even if they are registered. Efforts are being made by

the disability advocacy communities, such as the poll worker training video, to increase voter turnout of

this population. First time registered voters must show up at the polls. Even if the person has a

disability, the first time he votes, it cannot be done absentee.

Because the first Monday of the next quarter when the ADA committee meeting would be held is

Monday, July 4th

, the committee will next meet June 6, 2016.

Minutes prepared and submitted by Louise McKown.

Anderson County Animal Welfare Task Force Minutes

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Anderson County Courthouse Room 118A

Present: Steven Newby, Lt. Kenny Sharp, Monique Berry, Jimmy Miller,

Brian Porter, Commissioner Theresa Scott, David Crowley, Commissioner

Robert McKamey, Cheryl Broome and Michelle Davis.

Meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm.

Motion was made by Lt. Sharp, seconded by David Crowley to approve

January 11, 2016 minutes. Unanimous approval.

Brian Porter reported on inspection of holding facility by the State

of Tennessee and reported they had passed and received a letter from

the Board. They are waiting on official documents from the State.

Brian also discussed, with the state approval, they can now partner

with Rescue organizations to place animals. They have already

received 501C3 documentation on a couple of groups, one of them being

Golden Rescue.

Brian Porter, Mayor Frank, and David Crowley discussed tour of Putnam

County/Cookeville facility.

Monique Berry reported that she had taken a group of students to the

Humane Society of Tennessee Valley for training on animal handling,

cleaning protocol, etc. Students are also being trained intensively

on cleaning and handling protocol at Steven Newby’s clinics. If the

students show an interest in greater goals, such as an interest in vet

tech work, the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley will teach them.

Monique discussed fundraising ideas, including a dog house building

project.

Steven Newby reported on UT assistance in needs assessment and

recommendations for a new facility in Anderson County. He indicated

HABIT wants to be a part of Anderson County’s efforts going forward,

but the organization needs a letter of support.

A motion was made David Crowley, seconded by Lt. Sharp regarding the

University of Tennessee to proceed with paperwork necessary to partner

with Anderson County on the HABIT program. Approved unanimously.

Members also discussed other programs we might look at that are

sponsored by UT such as the possibility of inmates training animals or

their veteran program.

Steven Newby reported he has already begun work on veterinarian

issues/needs/protocols for the AC Facility. When UT comes to town to

help with the assessments, he will make area vets aware of why UT is

in our area.

Ideas were discussed for moving forward with a press release to help

connect the public with educational resources on spay/neuter.

Lt. Sharp discussed fundraising ideas, including a boot drive at

Claxton.

Brian Porter discussed a MOU with Rocky Top to address animal control

issues. It was scheduled for a vote at Rocky Top Council on March 17,

2016.

There was consensus on building a dedicated, improved website for

animal control. Mayor Frank will get some proposals and investigate

raising funds.

Next facility tour will be in Hamilton County on March 31, 2016.

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm.

AC Municipal Solid Waste Region Board Meeting Minutes

March 29, 2016, 5:00 pm

Vice-Chairman McKamey called the meeting to order at 5:15

Members Present: Tim Hester, Robert McKamey, Buzz Buffington, Bill Riggs, and Richard Burroughs

Absent: Dusty Irwin, Jerry White, Jim Cooper and Travis Thrasher

Others in attendance: Geoff Trabalka and David Crowley

Item 1: Solid Waste Annual Report

• Motion: To approve the Annual Solid Waste Report as presented and submit to TDEC.

Motion: Bill Riggs. Second: Buzz Buffington. Ayes: 5, nay: 0 – motion passed.

Meeting Adjourned: 5:50 pm

Next meeting:

No meeting scheduled.

Page 1 of 2

Board of Directors Meeting-March 31, 2016-Minutes

Location: Anderson County Health Department

Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by Stephanie Wells, Director and Secretary

Members Present: Art Miller, Marc DeRose, Trina Baughn, Carol Moore, Brent Galloway, Jason Brown, Parker Hardy, Rick Meredith, and Stephanie Wells

Members Absent: Mark Morgan, Tim Isbel, Jim Folck, Janet Parks, Maria Hooks, Terry Frank, Elaine Meyer, Trish Lay, Steve Emert, Michael Foster and Chris Hepler

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Carol Moore and seconded by Trina Baughn to approve the January 2016 meeting minutes. Motion passed.

Financial Report: A motion was made by Trina Baughn and seconded by Brent Galloway to approve the quarterly financial report. Motion passed.

Old Business/New Business

A motion was made by Marc DeRose and seconded by Art Miller to approve the Five Year Plan which was presented at the January 2016 meeting. Motion Passed.

A motion was made by Jason Brown and seconded by Marc DeRose for Stephanie Wells, Director, to meet with the Conservation Board concerning their future plans for the parks and potential financial assistance with capital projects per Mayor Frank’s request. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Parker Hardy and seconded by Art Miller to communicate with the Anderson County Commission about the Tourism Council’s support of providing financial assistance to the City of Oak Ridge for the additional rowing lane. Motion passed. Trina Baughn abstained.

A motion was made by Art Miller and seconded by Carol Moore to approve the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Motion passed.

Carol Moore submitted her resignation letter from the board of directors. Carol has served on the board for 16 years representing the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. Her dedication and service the Tourism council is greatly appreciated.

Executive’s Report, given by Stephanie Wells

The Tourism Council will be hosting the Fishing League Worldwide Invitational Tournament on October 16-22, 2016 and partnered with the Anderson County Chamber to host the BASS Tennessee Team Trail on March 18-19, 2016. There were 176 boats with a team of two anglers in each boat. There were 486 bass caught and released weighing a total of 1,342 pounds. The total cash payout was $39,350. Many of the anglers were from out of town and out of state.

The Tourism Council attended the following shows this past winter:

AAA Columbus Great Vacations Show January 22-24

Cincinnati Travel, Boat and Outdoor Show January 15-21

Indianapolis Boat Show February 19-28

Travel South Group Tours and Media Tour Show-March 6-9

Page 2 of 2

The Tourism Council worked with the City of Rocky Top to get legislation passed that will allow ATVs on the road in Rocky Top connecting to Highway 116 where ATVs are already allowed per legislation.

The Coal Creek Miners Museum opened on March 11th. Over 200 people attended the grand opening and the museum plans on being opened Thursday through Saturday through April after which the hours will be increased.

The Norris Lake Cleanup will be April 2nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will be picking up garbage at the Oak Grove Public Launch and Norris Dam State Park.

The Move to Anderson County Report: The Tourism Council has created a survey and is distributing it electronically to the employees at manufacturing facilities to gain insight into why employees are working in Anderson County and living in surrounding counties. The Tourism Council advertised in the Ohio Magazine in conjunction with the Retire Tennessee Program. The Move to Anderson County website has had 2,599 unique visitors and the Tourism Council has filled 1,824 leads since July 2015. The Move to Anderson County’s Facebook page has gained over 700 likes.

The Tourism Council will be applying for the Tourism Enhancement Grant on behalf of the county. The grant is administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The Anderson County Tourism Council will be partnering with Explore Oak Ridge (ORCVB) and the City of Rocky Top to apply for funding for the eighth lane at the Oak Ridge Rowing Course and for trailer and ATV parking in the City of Rocky Top. The application is a joint effort because only one application can be submitted per county. The ORCVB and the City of Rocky Top will be providing the matching funds for the project. The Anderson County Tourism Council will ensure the funds with monies from the Tourism’s fund balance.

National Tourism Week is May 2nd through May 6th. The Tourism Council staff and Anderson County attractions will be traveling to the Tennessee Welcome Center in Jellico on Thursday and Friday of that week to greet visitors to the state and distribute information about Anderson County. The Tourism Council will also host a coffee on May 3rd at the Anderson County Welcome Center.

The Tourism Council will be hosting a workshop for tourism assets in Anderson County on How to Assess Economic Impact. It is important for our industry and the individual attractions to know their impact on the community, specifically when applying for grants. Many of our attractions are non-profit and knowing their economic impact comes in handy.

Stephanie Wells, Director, informed the board that she will be on a Medical Leave of Absence from May 24th to July 6th.

Adjourn: A motion was made by Brent Galloway and seconded by Marc DeRose to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted By: Stephanie Wells, Secretary/Executive Director Future meeting dates: June 30, 2016 and September 29, 2016