Meet & Greet with Trustees on Wednesday

The Trustee Community Relations Committee and Sewanee Community Council invite the public to a “meet and greet” gathering at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the American Legion Hall. 

Come visit with Trustee representatives who are keenly interested in the Sewanee community and the people who serve as representatives on the Sewanee Community Council. 

Council to Discuss Municipal Fee Use

The Sewanee Community Council will meet at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 25, when members will consider a motion to adjust the municipal fee paid by leaseholders and how to allocate the funds collected. They will also consider a motion to change the group’s constitution.

At the June 30 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council approved increasing the municipal service fee paid by all leaseholders to generate $10,000 to $20,000 in funds to be used by the Community Council for municipal improvements. The fee increase is for a trial two-year period. 

The fee increase would be based on home value according to the Franklin County tax assessment. For example, to generate $10,000 of revenue, the owner of a home valued at $300,000 would see a fee increase of $56, said John Swallow, provost of the University, at the June 30 meeting. The average leasehold fee increase would be $22 annually.

Community Council meetings are open to the public; questions and comments from guests are welcome.

Council Encouraged to Embrace Community-Based Solutions--DREMC & CAC Describe New Projects

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the May 19 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council heard from Michael Watson, CEO of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), and Betty Carpenter, director of the Community Action Committee (CAC). Watson introduced a new DREMC program aimed at curtailing electricity costs, and Carpenter invited the council and community to join with the CAC in helping to break the cycle of poverty in the Sewanee area. In other business, the Council appointed an election officer and approved a change to the bylaws.

DREMC is a customer-owned energy distributor with more than 71,000 members in a six-county area covering 2,800 square miles. DREMC is committed to “enhancing the quality of life for its members,” Watson said, quoting from the mission statement. DREMC recently launched a new program, “Beat the Peak,” offering members an opportunity to take an active role in reducing the demand-based cost of electricity. (See story on page 6.)

Giving a brief overview of the CAC’s history and work, Carpenter said the organization got its start 40 years ago, when Marilyn Powell began collecting and distributing day-old bread. The CAC is a ministry of Otey Parish and now serves more than 300 people, regularly providing groceries and in some cases, help with paying utility bills. The CAC serves the Sewanee and Sherwood areas. Ninety-four percent of CAC clients are below the poverty level.

The CAC recently provided two families with flocks of chickens and other clients with container gardens, Carpenter said, calling attention to new programs. Plans also call for training volunteers to conduct energy assessments to help clients reduce utility costs.

Carpenter provided council members with information on ways individuals can help fight poverty and encouraged the council and community to work with the CAC to find solutions. (See “Ten Things You Can Do to Fight Poverty.”)

The council selected Theresa Shackelford to serve as election officer for the November Council member elections. 

At present, the population is not evenly distributed in the four districts which elect representatives to the council. A committee, composed of council representatives Pam Byerly and John Flynn, Superintendent of Leases Barbara Schlichting and Provost John Swallow, is researching possible changes to district boundaries. The committee is also looking into altering the council’s composition to include more student and at-large representatives.

The council approved a change to the bylaws, modifying the meeting schedule. The change stipulates meetings will “occur on the fourth Monday of the month, as needed,” rather than on “the fourth Monday of every month except July and August.”

The next meeting of the council is June 30.

Spring Cleanup on Saturday

Plan to come out and help make Sewanee sparkle during a community-wide cleanup, 9–11 a.m., Saturday, April 19. Groups and organizations are encouraged to pick an area of the community to clean up or contact organizers to be assigned to an area. 

The Sewanee Civic Association has selected the big rock on the right of Highway 41-A on the way to Cowan as its area of focus.

Garbage bags will be available for participants at the Angel Park and in front of the University Book and Supply Store on April 19. 

County workers will be notified where groups have cleaned and will pick up the bags of garbage on Monday, April 21. 

For more information contact Pamela Byerly, 598-5957.

Council Sets Slower Speed for Ball Park Road

 by Leslie Lytle
Messenger Staff Writer 

The Sewanee Community Council approved reducing the speed limit on Ball Park Road to 15 mph at the March 24 meeting. The Council also heard updates on the town cleanup scheduled for April 19 and the town planning process.

The Sewanee Senior Citizens requested the speed limit be reduced on Ball Park Road and on the section of Lake O’Donnell Road from the Highway 41A caution light to Ball Park Road. The Senior Citizens’ Center is located at the intersection of Ball Park Road and Lake O’Donnell Road. 

A recent two-week vehicle survey by the Franklin County Highway Department recorded 1,900 vehicles traveling on Ball Park Road during the survey period. Although three months of radar monitoring by the Sewanee police found only a few motorists exceeding the speed limit, Sewanee police chief Marie Eldridge recommended reducing the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph given the heavy vehicle traffic that is expected to increase with use of the ball park in warm weather. The Community Council approved Eldridge’s recommendation. 

The reduced speed limit will go into effect as soon as signage is posted by the Franklin County Highway Department.

A Sewanee town cleanup is scheduled for 9–11 a.m., Saturday, April 19. For individuals wishing to join in the effort, bags for collecting trash will be available at the Angel Park and the University Book Store. Along with the Community Council, help with the cleanup is expected from many Sewanee-area organizations. Filled trash bags can be left at the roadside and will be picked up the following Monday afternoon. For more information contact Pam Byerly by phone at 598-5979 or email to<pbyerly@sewanee.edu>.

Reporting on the plans to revitalize the downtown area, Frank Gladu, vice president of administrative services, said the University has hired the architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross to produce an “action plan” for implementing ideas identified in the earlier town planning study and recent town workshops. The Ayers Saint Gross firm has extensive experience in developing plans for college campuses and the surrounding areas.

The Trustees Community Relations Committee will host a town meeting 5 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at St. Mark’s Community Center. The meeting will be followed by a picnic.

Caitlin-Jean Anne Juricic, student representative to the Council, announced plans for a Community Block Party in downtown Sewanee, 6:30–9:30 p.m., Friday, April 4. Highlights of the event include music, food, information tables and entertainment for children. The downtown area will be closed to vehicle traffic.

The next meeting of the Community Council is scheduled for April 21.

Council Approves Speed Limit Changes in Sewanee

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 2 meeting of the Sewanee Community Council, the Council approved a speed limit reduction on two streets and passed a resolution thanking the Sewanee Civic Association for its work to commemorate the desegregation of the Franklin County Public Schools. Domain Manager Nate Wilson reported on the success of the deer cull to date.

The Council passed a resolution of gratitude drafted by council member John Flynn thanking the Sewanee Civic Association for its work to commemorate the 1960s desegregation of the Franklin County Public Schools with a historical marker at Sewanee Elementary School. A lawsuit brought by a coalition of 16 local African-American and white citizens led to the realization of desegregation in the county. Council members plan to attend the Sunday, Jan. 19, commemoration ceremony at SES set to coincide with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20.

Police Chief Marie Eldridge proposed reducing the speed limit on Green’s View Road from 20 mph to 15 mph and lowering the Kentucky Avenue speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph. Eldridge cited the absence of sidewalks and shoulders on these streets, making travel potentially perilous for pedestrians. The day-care facility on Kentucky added to the risk, Eldridge said.

Eldridge also recommended crosswalk markings on Georgia Ave. at Stirling’s to accommodate high pedestrian traffic due to the library. Crosswalk markings painted on a road indicate pedestrians have the right of way.

Vice Chancellor John McCardell recommended a trial period of four to six months to gauge the effect of the speed limit change. The Council approved the speed limit reduction on both streets and the addition of crosswalk markings on Georgia Ave. Eldridge said the next step was to seek approval from the County Commission and sheriff.

Plans call for speed limit signs at the beginning and end of both streets as well as “Pedestrians Present” and “Slow, Children at Play” postings.

Domain Manager Nate Wilson reported the pre-cull was highly successful, citing the addition of designated “in-town” hunting zones; 171 does had been harvested and 195 deer total, surpassing the goal, the largest harvest since the cull began. In addition to reducing the total number of deer, the goal is to reduce the buck-doe ratio to 2–3:1. Last summer’s assessment showed the ratio had decreased from 9:1 to 5.5:1.

Hunting has been called off until the main cull on Dec. 18–Jan. 5, Wilson said. Archery hunting will be allowed in all zones, but only approved hunters who have harvested at least two deer in “in-town” zones will be allowed to hunt with muzzleloaders and shotguns and only in the outer zones. Of the 65 approved hunters, only 15–16 hunt regularly, Wilson said. Hunting is not permitted in hiking trail areas.

Wilson predicted a decrease in the deer population next year, but cautioned that the challenge was to monitor migration from areas like Lost Cove, where the deer seek refuge.

The next meeting of the Sewanee Community Council is scheduled for Jan. 27.

Council Gets Updates on Market and Speeding

At the June 24 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council received an update on the future of the Sewanee Market and on the Police Department’s efforts to reduce speeding on Hwy. 41A. The council also discussed a commitment on behalf of the Lease Committee to reduce the transfer fee.
Speaking on behalf of the University, Frank Gladu, vice president for administrative services, informed the council of the ongoing search for a new operator for the Sewanee Market. The current operators are experiencing difficulties, Gladu said, and no longer want to manage the business.
The new operator would be responsible for providing refrigerators and freezers. The operator would be offered a contract for at least two years or until construction of the roundabout on Highway 41A called for in the Campus Master Plan.
The Master Plan also calls for an independently owned, grocery-type facility in the downtown area. Gladu said several individuals had expressed an interest in operating the Sewanee Market for the next two years.

Police Chief Marie Eldridge addressed concerns about speeding on Highway 41-A. When public school is in session, there is an officer on duty there in the morning and afternoon, Chief Eldridge said, but speed monitoring is more “relaxed” during the summer months. 

The speed trailer, which shows drivers their current speed, is occasionally placed on Highway 41-A. The typical excess speed there is 38–41 mph, she said. A resident suggested parking an unoccupied patrol car at the side of the road. A council member suggested purchasing an additional trailer, but Eldridge said it would cost $5,000–$6,000, and the money would be better spent on a permanent monitoring device.

Council representative Drew Sampson noted that several years ago the University said it would consider lowering the transfer fee assessed when an individual sold their home; the current fee is 1 percent of the value of the home. The council will review past meeting minutes to determine what was proposed and then refer the subject to the Lease Committee.

The next meeting of the Community Council is scheduled for August 23. The Council does not meet in July.

Council Responds to Constituent Suggestions, Sets Meeting Dates

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the April 22 meeting of the Sewanee Community Council, district representatives responded to issues and questions raised by constituents at the March 25 constituent meetings. The Council also reviewed meeting dates for next year, and heard from Sewanee Mountain Messenger Editor Laura Willis about The Mountain Now website.

The District 2 and District 4 constituent meetings were particularly well attended. Responding to a request for information, District 2 Representative Pam Byerly said Fowler Center fees are now posted on the University Lease Office web page <www.sewanee.edu/leases/home>. Some constituents complained the district maps were difficult to read. New, user-friendly maps were being created, Byerly said. Constituents from both districts raised issues about the new parking regulations. Byerly said additional signs would be posted to more clearly indicate available parking areas. Responding to a question from District 4 constituents about the dark tint of police car windows, Council Representative Drew Sampson deferred the question to Police Chief Marie Eldridge. Eldridge explained the dark tint was for the safety of the officers.

Proposed council meetings dates for the 2013–14 academic year are the fourth Monday of every month with the following exceptions: in April and May, the council will meet on the third Monday; and in December, on the first Monday. The council will not meet in July or November.

The Mountain Now <www.themountainnow.com> is a new community service provided by the Sewanee Mountain Messenger. Editor Willis said the site provides information on events and a community calendar, as well as links to local resources and blogs by Sewanee residents. Input is invited. Send comments to <news@sewaneemessenger.com>.

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell thanked School of Theology Representative Mollie Roberts and Undergraduate Representative Robert Rosamond for their service to the Council. Roberts and Rosamond graduate in May.

In response to the need for a secretary to take minutes in Robert’s absence, the University will appoint someone to perform the task, returning to a past precedent where the provost took the minutes. Relieving council representatives of the note-taking chore will allow them to participate fully in the discussion and to offer insight at meetings.

A community resident observed that the sign at the Eastern Star Cemetery needs to be replaced. Director of Physical Plant Services John Vineyard replied that he would address the problem.

Several council members expressed an interest in learning more about the University farm as a result of the presentation at the Trustees Community Relations Committee meeting April 18. Farm Manager Gina Raicovich will address the council at the May 27 meeting.

Convenience Center Relocating This Fall, Council Seats Open

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Sept. 24 Sewanee Community Council meeting, John Vineyard, director of physical plant services announced that the Convenience Center will be moved to Missouri Avenue on the south side of the road, between University Avenue and Highway 41A. Vineyard said he expects the move within the next four to six weeks, depending on weather. Water, electricity and fencing will all be set up in the new location, which he said will look much the same as the current facility.

A new golf course maintenance building will be located on the present Convenience Center lot. The new golf course is projected to be open for use by late April.

The council passed a resolution honoring Robert W. White, former Sewanee chief of police, for his service to the community. White, who recently retired, served as a police officer in Sewanee for more than seven years. His career in police and security work spanned nearly 30 years. 

The resolution drafted by council representative David Coe praised White for his “wisdom” and “uncommon good humor,” “acting at all times with a level head and a compassionate heart.”

 Council election officer Dennis Meeks announced that six council seats will be open in January. The terms of council representatives John Flynn, Michael Hurst, Pamela Byerly, James Patrick Kelley and Phil White are expiring. These council representatives have not yet declared whether they will seek re-election. District 3 had one vacant seat. 

Residents wishing to seek election to the council must submit a nominating petition with the signatures of 10 community members from their district by Monday, Oct. 15. 

District 1 and District 3 both have two open seats; Districts 2 and 4 each have one open seat. Nominating petitions are available at the post office or from council election officers Meeks (598-0159) and Michael Hurst (598-0588). 

Voting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Sewanee Elementary School in conjunction with the general election. 

Residents may vote early from Oct. 16 to Nov. 5. To vote early, contact Tabatha Whitsett in the vice-chancellor and provost’s office at 598-1182.

Representing the Sewanee Community Center board of directors, Howard Franklin asked if the community would have a voice in decisions regarding the new community center proposed in the long-range plan for downtown Sewanee. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said the planners would be in attendance at the October council meeting, when plans for the downtown area would be discussed. McCardell encouraged community input and participation.

In other business, Vineyard announced that the AT&T cell phone communication equipment being installed in Shapard Tower was expected to be operational by the end of October.

Updating the council on concerns about the airport beacon, Vineyard said two baffles had been installed, and the beacon had been lowered five degrees to reduce light pollution.

In regard to a safety issue, Vineyard reported that a truck had “clipped” one of the school-zone warning lights. The light would be repaired, Vineyard said, and both school-zone warning lights would be raised to prevent future mishaps.

Phil White announced that plans for the dog park were finalized, and the committee would begin accepting bids for construction as soon as the plans were approved by the University.