Ardmore, Tennessee Council Meets

by Terralea Collins

The Ardmore Tennessee City Council met on December 7, 2006 at 6:30 P.M.

Mayor Bobby Hastings brought the meeting to order. Vice Mayor Ken Crosson opened with prayer.

Present at the meeting were Mayor Hastings, Vice Mayor Ken Crosson, Aldermen Raymond Crabtree, Garon Hargrove, Laurene Schrimsher, Janice Reece and Tim McConnell. Special guests were Vice Mayor Carolyn Holt from Elkton, TN; Chief William “Doc” Oliver of the Ardmore Police Department and Terry Barkley, superintendent of the Street Department; a representative from the Ardmore Volunteer Fire Department; AYSO representative Troy Evans; and Chris Miller, representative from the Ardmore Football League. Also attending were representatives from the local media.

Mayor Bobby Hastings reported that Ardmore, TN has received a 50/50 State Grant out of Nashville, TN for $60,000.00 to build a soccer and football field on the south end of the existing basketball court and volleyball field at the city park on Ardmore Ridge Road. Other needs such as concession stands and more bathrooms will be addressed as the need arises. The blueprint plans of this proposal were on display and can be seen at the TN City Annex Building. The excavation will begin as soon as the city can secure and approve bids. It will take about six to eight weeks for excavation. Chris Miller, coach and representative for the Ardmore Football League said they have five teams now and are starting a sixth team next year. People from other areas want to play in Ardmore because of the great facilities, lighting, concessions and clean bathrooms. “A time schedule will have to be worked out with the Soccer League who already plays in Ardmore,” said Troy Evans, AYSO representative.

Minutes were read by Tina Neeley. Ken Crosson motioned that the minutes were correct and Raymond Crabtree seconded, with all approving.

November expenditures were reviewed. Tim McConnell motioned that expenditures were correct, Laurene Schrimsher seconded and all approved.

The Giles County Highway Department resolution was read by Tina Neeley; Resolution NO:R-06-12-7, A resolution asking the Giles County Commission to authorize the Giles County Highway Department to perform work in the city of Ardmore, subject to fuel, material and employee hourly compensation reimbursement. Whereas, it appears the City of Ardmore, Tennessee will desire the assistance of the Giles County Highway Department for street and road maintenance during the 2007 fiscal year; and Whereas, it is deemed necessary and appropriate to request approval from the Giles County Commission for such assistance; and Now, therefore be it resolved by the board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Ardmore, Tennessee, that the Mayor be authorized and directed to seek such approval from the Commission. Passed unanimously this the 7th day of December, 2006. The resolution was reviewed. Garon Hargrove motioned to approve the resolution and Tim McConnell seconded, with all approving.

Janice Reece proposed a study be done to put 23 lights up on existing poles at the artery of Hwy. 7 and I-65 into the city of Ardmore, TN. This will guide folks in at night from the interstate. Hargrove mentioned that it is the state’s responsibility to put lights up, to a certain point. Where that point is, will have to be investigated through the Hwy. Maintenance Street Committee.

Raymond Crabtree reported that the fire department has an old 1970’s firetruck that has been sitting at a mechanic’s shop for one year needing repair but they cannot find parts for it unless they can find another firetruck just like it, to take parts off of, or it cannot be fixed. Crabtree motioned to let them do what they want with it. Schrimsher seconded and all approved for them to do whatever they want with it.

The Ardmore Volunteer Fire Department was present and reported that they need more EMTs “Emergency Medical Trainees.” There are now seven. They also reported that the Fire Department will be conducting regular random checkups on all businesses in Ardmore for fire violations. This is certainly not to scare anyone but to help them clean up their business for fire prevention.

The meeting was adjourned.