Trustee Community Relations Meeting

The Trustee Community Relations Committee will be in Sewanee on Wednesday, Oct. 5. It will meet with the Sewanee Community Council, who will update the trustees on topics of interest and concern to our community. If you have items that you would like the council to consider, please contact a council member. There will be a meet and greet and time for conversation with both groups at 5 p.m., Oct. 5, at Crossroads Cafe in Sewanee. Please make your reservation by calling 598-1718 with your last name and the number in your party, by today (Friday), Sept. 30.

Community Council Appoints New Members, Considers Constitution Change

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the March 28 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council appointed two new council members, discussed changes to the constitution, and heard updates on the constructed wetlands project and Greenhaw quarry. The council also reviewed recommendations for allocating $11,000 in funds for Community Enhancement projects. [See related story below.]

The council approved the nominations of Kate Reed to serve as District One representative and Louise Irwin to serve as District Two representative through December 2016.

Irwin replaces Michael Hurst, who died recently. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said of Hurst, “Michael was a highly valued council member whose presence will be missed.” Among his other charges, Hurst served on the Community Relations Committee. Council representative Phil White will assume his duties in that role.

Revisiting a discussion that began two years ago, the council reviewed a change to the constitution that would reallocate council seats. At present, there are three council representatives from each of the four districts, 12 seats total. The reallocation of seats calls for four at-large seats and two seats from each district, maintaining a total of 12 seats.

Council members presently serve four-year terms. When the council decided to consider reallocation of seats in 2014, term lengths were adjusted so that all members’ terms would end in December 2016 to allow for recalibrating district representation. Council member David Coe stressed that the purpose of the change was to increase involvement in the council. The council will vote on the proposal in May.

Sewanee biology professor Deborah McGrath updated the council on the constructed wetland project at the Sewanee Utility District (SUD) wastewater treatment plant, a research project undertaken jointly by the University of the South and the University of Georgia. Funded by a $590,000 water stewardship grant from Coca Cola, the project’s goals are to study the effectiveness of wetlands in getting wastewater cleaner and to involve the community in wastewater issues.

With a view to community involvement, there will be a workshop to construct rain barrels at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., on Friday, April 22, in Spencer Hall. A donation from the Coca-Cola Sustainability Fund provided financial support for the workshops, McGrath said. For more information email
McGrath at <dmcgrath@sewanee.edu>. The researchers are also considering inviting the community to help with planting at the wetlands, scheduled to begin on May 1. 

Updating the council on Tinsley Asphalt’s proposal for a quarry in the Greenhaw community, council member Annie Armour said the Tennessee legislature passed an act allowing the proposed site to be annexed by Decherd so the project could move forward. Since then, opponents sought and received a court-ordered injunction, putting a temporary halt to the project.

Council representative Theresa Shackelford asked if the University could boycott Tinsley as a show of support for the opposition.

“The consequences of such an action would need to be considered carefully,” said McCardell. He advised against a boycott at the present, since the project was stalled. University Director of Physical Plant Services Michael Gardner said Tinsley Asphalt was “a prominent asphalt and pavement supplier for the University and the county.”

Commenting on proposed changes to downtown Sewanee depicted on a map in a recent issue of the Messenger, Irwin said community residents had expressed concern “Sewanee would lose its uniqueness.” Gardner stressed the renovation was still in the planning stages. 

Council member Barbara Schlicting reminded community residents to notify their council representative if they have issues they want brought to the table at the April 21 meeting between the Trustees and the Community Relations Committee.

During the announcement, White put out a call for someone to mow the dog park. He estimated the job would take about 30 minutes with a large mower. Contact White by email to <pwhite@sewanee.edu>.

The council next meets on May 23.

Trustee Community Relations Committee Sets Meeting

The Trustee Community Relations Committee will be in Sewanee on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The group will meet with the members of the Community Council; they will update the trustees on topics of interest and concern to our community. If you have items that you would like the council to consider, please contact a council member.

The community is invited to a reception and time for conversation with both groups at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the American Legion Hall in Sewanee. 

Members of the Sewanee Community Council are Drew Sampson, Annie Armour, B.J. Heyboer, Barbara Schlichting, Bill Barton, David Coe, Dennis Meeks, Pat Kelley, John Flynn, John McCardell, John Swallow, Mike Gardner, Michael Hurst, Nathan Stewart, Pam Byerly, Phil White, Pixie Dozier, Shirley Taylor and Theresa Shackelford.

Council Learns About “Trial” Crossing Lights :: County Studied Traffic Flow Before Installation

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Joe David McBee, Franklin County highway commissioner, told the Sewanee Community Council that the new crosswalks and lights in downtown area are “a trial” at their meeting on Aug. 31. 

“The crosswalks are a trial, but we hope they will be permanent,” McBee said. McBee attended the meeting to address the concerns in response to the two crosswalks and the solar warning lights installed in mid-July, one on University Avenue at the Blue Chair and Angel Park, and the other on Ball Park Road next to the Senior Citizens’ Center. The push-button style crosswalk warning lights were installed after traffic flow studies and two years of research by the Franklin County Highway Commission, McBee said.

On behalf of the Sewanee Business Alliance, council member Theresa Shackelford brought the need for a crosswalk in the Angel Park area to the council’s attention in June of 2014. Police Chief Marie Eldridge concurred, saying street-side parking posed hazards for pedestrians. After considering options, the council voted to approve a raised crosswalk and asked Eldridge to communicate the request to the highway commission.

The installation of the crosswalks and their accompanying warning lights came as a surprise to the council and the community when they were installed in July.

“Council members were at a loss to explain [to constituents] where the crosswalks came from and why,” Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said.

McBee said the Highway Department rejected the request for a raised crosswalk due to the difficulty of snow removal and the hazard to bicyclists. Stressing the need for the crosswalks, McBee said research and traffic flow studies showed motorists did not stop for pedestrians in these two locations, street-side parking often made it impossible to see children crossing, and motorists tended to speed in the area. The highway commission chose not to include an audible warning device on the crosswalks because of possible disturbance to people dining outside.

McBee said other options were considered, but the discussion and decision-making process did not take place at the public highway commission meetings.

“We want to be involved in discussions before decisions are made,” McCardell said, echoing the frustration of many council members. McBee agreed and said, “I think communication should be better.”

Highway superintendent Johnny Woodall brought to the council’s attention that many crosswalks in Sewanee were not marked with the regulation signage and had not been approved by the Highway Commission.

In 1969, the Franklin County Commission designated all roads in Sewanee as county roads, McBee said, making the county responsible for their maintenance. All signage, crosswalks and other highway markings must meet county regulations and be approved by the county. The county does not maintain and regulate roads in the incorporated communities of Cowan, Decherd and Winchester, McBee said.

Forty-eight community members have contacted McBee about the crosswalks, with only eight residents raising strong objections, he said. Some parents expressed concern the button was too high for small children to reach. State guidelines determine the height, McBee said, and smaller children should be accompanied by adults. Similarly, the button height meets compliance guidelines for ease of use by people in wheelchairs.

Council representative Barbara Schlichting asked if a “smaller, less obtrusive” design was an option, voicing a frequently overheard community complaint.

Woodall replied signage needed to be at least 30 inches by 30 inches to meet state statutes, and there were also concerns about motorists colliding with and destroying less sturdy signs. 

McCardell asked for details about how long the crosswalk trial period would last, what was being tested and on what basis would it be evaluated.

McBee said a one-year trial was planned, and he intended to revisit the issue with the council in a year to determine the community’s response.

“I don’t think anyone objects to the crosswalks,” McCardell said. “It’s an aesthetic discussion.”

McCardell encouraged residents to communicate their views through their council representatives and to the Sewanee Mountain Messenger. “This is the beginning rather than the end of a public discussion,” he said.

In other business, the council voted to appoint Pam Byerly and Dennis Meeks as Lease Committee representatives.

Responding to a question about the traffic roundabout proposed for the intersection of University Avenue and Highway 41A, Michael Gardner, director of physical plant services, said plans were “heading away from a roundabout to a simplified intersection. The state wants to keep traffic moving.” Although referred to as Highway 41A, the main highway passing through Sewanee is actually State Route 15, so it is subject to state regulation.

Schlichting reminded council representatives of the meeting with the Trustees Community Relations Committee on Oct. 14 and encouraged council representatives to be in communication with constituents so they could convey any community concerns. A community meet and greet will follow.

The council meets next on Oct. 19.

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. 

Community Gets First Glimpse of Vision for Sewanee’s Downtown

Drawing more people to Sewanee’s downtown area, attracting more residents to live in the “Village,” and integrating the University’s activities and students more fully into the community—these are some of the goals of the Sewanee Village Action Plan, a new study commissioned by the University. The plan was presented to the community on Sept. 15 at St. Mark’s Community Center.

More than 115 people gathered to hear from Frank Gladu, the University’s vice president for administrative services, who described this effort as a way to create and sustain a “vibrant downtown” in Sewanee. He then introduced Kevin Petersen from the architectural planning firm Ayers Saint Gross (ASG), who explained the study.

Workshops, an electronic survey, focus groups and community meetings all helped ASG refine and focus the action plan. The consultants met with community groups, members of the Sewanee Business Alliance, students and University stakeholders.

Petersen described how this study built on the work of the Campus Master Plan and Strategic Plan (2011 and 2012) and the Sewanee Village Vision & Program Plan (2012).

The Sewanee Village Action Plan was presented in three sections: goals, vision and action projects (see page 6 for full list of objectives). After Petersen’s presentation, he and Gladu answered questions from the assembled group.

One person encouraged clear lines of communication between the University and the people who live adjacent to the affected areas. “We need a formal mechanism for communication,” the man suggested. Gladu agreed.

Another community member asked if the environmental impacts of the various proposals had been considered. Petersen and Gladu reminded the group that this step was “visioning” only, and any future work would require a greater specificity of planning and research.

“We would not want to lose sight of sustainability,” Gladu said, “as it is one of the University’s key goals.”

Numerous residents from the Bobtown community raised concerns about the impact of the proposed plans on their neighborhood; some cited the recent leveling of the “yellow house” as an example of poor communication between them and the University.

Other questions inquired about the impact of new traffic patterns on the Sewanee Elementary School; how new streets or pathways would be created; and how residents could participate in future planning.

“The dynamics of the next steps are not yet determined,” Gladu said. “We will have more meetings like this and more dialogue. There will be town meetings and work with the University’s Trustee Community Relations Committee,” as well as consultation with the Sewanee Business Alliance and the Sewanee Civic Association.

The full report is available online at <http://provost.sewanee.edu/plans/sewanee-village-action-plan>; for more information contact Gladu at <fxgladu@sewanee.edu>.

In the survey, community members expressed strong interest in the following additions or improvements: open source WiFi, a general store/pharmacy/grocery; benches; bike lanes; multi-use plans; and a new community center. 

Council Sets Municipal Service Fund at $10,000 • Majority of Leases Will See $25 Increase to Fee

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Aug. 25 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council set the amount allocated to the council for municipal improvements at $10,000. The council also defined the procedures to be followed in selecting municipal improvement projects and voted on two constitutional amendments affecting the election of council representatives.

At its June 30 meeting, the council voted to increase the municipal service fee paid by all leaseholders to generate $10,000–$20,000 in funds to be used by the Community Council for municipal projects benefiting the community. This is in addition to normal expense-related increases in the municipal service fee. The council-authorized fee increase is for a trial two-year period. All proposed allocations of funds will be reviewed by a project funding committee appointed by the chair before being brought to the council for a vote. Meetings of the committee will be publicized at least one month in advance.

Asked about the financial impact on leaseholders, Barbara Schlichting, superintendent of leases, said 318 leaseholders would see a fee increase of $25 or less; 136 would see an increase of less than $50 but more than $25; and 13 leaseholders would see an increase of more than $50.

The proposal to allocate funds to the council was drafted by a committee consisting of council representatives Pam Byerly, John Flynn and Theresa Shackelford, Provost John Swallow and Schlichting.

“This is the first time the University has turned loose any control” over financial decisions, Schlichting said. 

“We’re trying to give the council more authority than it’s ever had,” said Vice-Chancellor John McCardell, supporting the trial initiative.

Possible projects suggested include more lighting for the downtown area, a crosswalk for the Senior Citizen’s Center and improvements to the ball field.

Swallow said the “University would be glad to partner on selected projects,” especially those benefiting students, and in some cases might contribute more than the $10,000 in funding from the council. Council Representative Phil White pointed out the dog park project, but stressed the project would not have been realized without University support.

Echoing the objections made in June by two council representatives, several visitors at the Aug. 23 meeting said they supported the allocation of funds to the council, but took issue with the proposed motion not being publicized before the vote.

Following the vote at the June 30 meeting, Vice-Chancellor McCardell advised council representatives to speak with their constituents regarding the motion to allocate funds to the council.

Schlichting reported four major objections to the plan: some residents didn’t want more fees; some wanted a community meeting to discuss the proposal; some residents have no confidence in the council; and some objected that council members who were not leaseholders did not pay the municipal service fee.

To improve communication, the council discussed hosting a meeting with constituents as it did in 2013 and publishing district boundaries in the Messenger so constituents will know who their representatives are.

A community resident living off the Domain in an area without council representation expressed a desire to be more involved in future projects and the decision-making process. Council representative Flynn said the council was considering adding at-large representatives to the council.

The council approved two constitutional amendments related to council representation. The first decreased  the residency requirement for representatives from four years to two years. Also, council representatives elected in 2014 will serve only a two-year term rather than a four-year term, so that in 2016 all council seats will be open for election.

The temporary adjustment in term limits will provide an opportunity to implement other changes to council representation while keeping all council members on an equal basis. Changes being considered include adding at-large members, redrawing district boundaries and equalizing district proportions.

Election Officer Theresa Shackelford said nominating petitions for the November 2014 council election will be available at the post office, Community Center, Sewanee Senior  Center and the Blue Chair. Petitions must be signed by 10 residents living in the candidate’s district. Deadline for returning petitions is Oct. 15. In district one, there is one seat open for election. Two seats are open for election in districts two, three and four.

The council accepted an invitation to meet with the University’s Trustees Community Relations Committee on Oct. 15. The trustees want to give council members an opportunity to express their views and the views of their constituents. Also on Oct. 15, the community is invited to a reception with the Community Relations Committee. The time and location for events will be announced closer to the date.

The council will not meet on Oct. 13, as previously announced. The council will review agenda items and schedule a meeting for September or November, if needed.

Downtown, Retirement Planning Updates for Trustees & Community

The future of Sewanee’s downtown area and the prospect of a retirement community were the primary items on the agenda at the April 3 town meeting of the University’s Trustee Community Relations Committee at the St. Mark’s Community Center. Also discussed were plans for a community cleanup day and the issue of paying a “living wage” to University employees.
Leslie Newman, chairwoman of the committee, recognized the Trustees in attendance and then asked everyone in the meeting to introduce themselves.
Frank Gladu, vice president for administrative services at the University, reviewed the history of downtown planning in Sewanee. He described how the consultants at Project for Public Spaces helped with vision planning for the area. Now, Gladu said, the University is working with an architectural firm that has been holding community workshops for conversation about next steps.
“We’ve been meeting with people from the Community Council, the Sewanee Business Alliance and groups on campus,” Gladu said. The next step will be development of an action plan with short-term, medium-range and long-term projects. Housing in the downtown area is among the interests of the University.
The traffic circle (or “roundabout”) planned for the intersection of Highway 41-A and University Avenue is proceeding with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
“I hope we’ll start seeing surveyors in the area soon,” he said. TDOT has told Gladu that it has the funds available for the construction of the project. Gladu re-emphasized that the roundabout will not require the movement or closure of any buildings at the intersection. Gladu offered to answer questions from any individual who had concerns about the plans.
Sewanee resident and University trustee Louis Rice spoke on behalf of the Sewanee Business Alliance and offered thanks to Gladu and to the University for their support of local businesses.
In response to a question from a community member, Gladu said that parking in the downtown area is one of the issues being addressed by the ongoing planning, as well as walkways, lighting and the potential of additional streets.
Gladu then turned to the issue of a proposed retirement community in Sewanee. ProMatura, a consulting company hired by the University, surveyed a sample of alumni, area residents, and community members about their interest in a retirement community.
“The point of the survey was to learn, ‘Is there really a demand for this?’” Gladu said, because the University will need to attract a developer to invest, build and operate such a community. The survey had a 14.7 percent response rate, considered very good by ProMatura. “We learned that there is demand for about 77 units per year,” Gladu said. This number confirmed that there is demand for this idea. He said independent and assisted living are likely to be part of any Phase I development; nursing/skilled care and dementia care would be considered later. “We are talking to developers and operators now to gauge their interest in our project,” he said.
Community Council member Pam Byerly announced the Sewanee cleanup event scheduled for Saturday, April 19. Garbage bags will be provided and the county will pick up all the trash on the following Monday. (See page 1 for more details.)
The Rev. Joe Porter of Sewanee raised the issue of paying a living wage to University employees. He reminded the group that the General Convention of the Episcopal Church had passed a resolution in 1994 that all of its institutions and affiliates pay a living wage. Porter said he hoped the University would follow this directive.
“We are way behind in how we take care of the foundational employees of this place, the hourly employees,” Porter said. “They see all these capital projects going on around campus, and they feel that they are at the bottom of the priority list.” Porter praised Vice-Chancellor John McCardell and his administration for the many good things it has accomplished. However, he said, “This is a Gospel issue, and I want to see if we can’t do what we are called to do as Christians.”
Donna Pierce, University counsel, offered a response to Porter, describing how the University had made substantial progress in this area in the last four years. While the federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, the University’s minimum wage is $9.15 per hour for regular employees.
“The University is very concerned about these issues,” Pierce said. “And we are concerned about compensation as a whole. An additional one-third of an individual’s compensation goes toward benefits.” She described the University’s direct payment to employee retirement plans and the 60 percent of health insurance premiums paid by the University, as well as the disability, sick and family leave provided.
McCardell also spoke in response to Porter’s concerns. “In our strategic plan, improving compensation is one of our highest priorities,” he said. “We haven’t made as much progress as we’d like, but we continue with this commitment.”
Steve Burnett, a Trustee and member of the Sewanee Civic Association, gave an update to the group about SCA’s work on parks and playgrounds. He described how the Phil White Dog Park offered an opportunity for the University and SCA to establish model guidelines about collaborative park projects and their governance.
After surveying the community about its interests and concerns, he and committee co-chair Emily Puckette determined that the first park to be addressed is Elliott Park, adjacent to the University Book Store. Following that, the parks/playgrounds where attention will be focused are the Sewanee Community Center, Woodlands, the soccer and baseball park, and St. Mark’s Center.
Burnett also reported that the Sewanee Community Chest is only $1,450 short of its goal for the year.
After the meeting was adjourned, participants shared a picnic at the Angel Park and the American Legion Hall.
—Reported by Laura Willis

SUD Considers Amending Cross- Connection Policy

by Leslie Lytle,  Messenger Staff Writer

At the March 25 meeting, the Board of Commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties discussed amending the cross connection policy to address customers’ failure to have their backflow prevention devices tested annually. The board also responded to questions about SUD’s rate structure and late payment penalty.

SUD manager Ben Beavers expressed concern about customers’ failure to report their backflow prevention device test results. In keeping with requirements of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), SUD’s cross-connection policy requires customers to install a backflow prevention device anytime there is a possibility water from other sources could enter SUD’s distribution lines. Beavers will research the fee charged by other utilities for testing backflow prevention devices.

University Superintendent of Leases Barbara Schlichting contacted Beavers on behalf of the University’s Board of Trustees Community Relations Committee. A resident had posed a question to the committee about why SUD’s rates were “so high.” Schlichting asked if Beavers or a SUD representative would address the topic at the April 3 town meeting hosted by this committee. 

In discussing the rate question, Beavers pointed out that SUD’s rates were based on the annual review and recommendations of the consulting firm Raftelis Financial Inc., taking into account SUD’s present and projected expenses. 

The board instructed Beavers to decline the invitation to address the town meeting and to encourage customers with questions about rates to contact Beavers directly or to raise the question at a SUD board meeting. 

Commissioner Ken Smith was contacted on behalf of an elderly customer and asked why SUD’s late-fee penalty was so high. SUD’s late-fee penalty, 10 percent, is the same as that charged by the city of Decherd. Monteagle and Tracy City charge 10 percent plus $2. Winchester charges a 5 percent penalty.

Beavers said, “There must be a penalty” for failure to pay by a set date to encourage customers to pay in a timely fashion. To assist low-income customers, SUD annually contributes Project Help funds to the Community Action Committee (CAC) in Sewanee. CAC decides who receives assistance and how much. Beavers said in hardship cases or extenuating circumstances, arrangements could be made for late payment with a penalty adjustment by contacting SUD before the bill due date had passed.

Reporting on the meter replacement program and automated meter reading (AMR) technology being installed by SUD, Beavers said about one-third of the customer meters have been replaced and are AMR-equipped. Recent accuracy testing revealed that Badger brand meters would not need to be replaced when fewer than 250,000 gallons had passed through the meter. This will reduce the number of meter replacements by 300, Beavers said. As a result, he anticipates the AMR project coming in under budget.

The next meeting of the SUD board is scheduled for April 22.

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.

Roundabout Plans Previewed for Community

At the Oct. 9 meeting of the Community Relations Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees, a schematic drawing of the proposed roundabout at the intersection of 41A and University Avenue was released to the community. More than 75 people gathered at the American Legion Hall for the meeting.

Committee chairwoman Leslie Newman, a trustee from Kentucky, welcomed new trustees to the event and introduced the other members of the committee, as well as members of the Sewanee Community Council.

Frank Gladu, vice president for administrative services, showed a sketch of the new traffic configuration that is expected to help link the community on both sides of 41A and make the intersection safer. 

Gladu said that the Tennessee Department of Transportation must now officially adopt the roundabout as a project before anything can begin. In response to a question from the group, he said no buildings would be demolished to construct the roundabout.

Community member Louise Irwin offered her thanks to the Sewanee Business Alliance, David Sampley and all the donors who made possible new windows for the Legion Hall. She also praised Vice-Chancellor John McCardell for naming Barbara Schlichting as the new community liaison.

Provost John Swallow addressed concerns about parking at the Senior Center. He said that as the roundabout project began to take shape, the University would explore new ways to alleviate parking issues in this area, including increasing the number of sidewalks, adding handicapped spaces and using signage to help people know where to park.

Make Your Voice Heard

The Community Relations Committee of the University’s board of trustees will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 9. To submit items for the agenda, please contact Barbara Schlichting at 598-1998 by Wednesday, Sept. 25.

This committee was formed in May 1989. According to the report in the May 12, 1989, issue of the Messenger, “For the first time ever, representatives of the University of the South’s board of trustees held an open meeting to hear concerns of residents and to open a channel for communication.”

More than 40 citizens attended this first meeting, where the mood was described as “genial.” Concerns discussed at that first meeting were leasehold appraisals and job opportunities on campus.

Since then, the Community Relations Committee has met each year with residents to address issues of mutual concern. Topics that have come before this committee in the past include affordable housing, Sewanee Elementary School, emergency services on the Domain, Emerald-Hodgson Hospital, Folks at Home, child care issues, the deer cull and downtown development.

The committee’s charge is: To consider and report to the Board of Trustees on issues relative to the relationship between the University corporation and the people of the village of Sewanee. It is of concern to the Board of Trustees that it be informed of matters relating to the furnishing of municipal services by the University corporation to Sewanee.

Schlichting Named to Community Post

University of the South Vice-Chancellor John McCardell has tapped Barbara Schlichting, a lifelong Sewanee resident, to take on responsibility for community relations for the university.

Schlichting is active in the Sewanee Business Alliance and has played a key role in the development of downtown Sewanee and Parsons Green. She is a member of the Community Council, the Sewanee Civic Association, and Leaseholders’ Association. Schlichting also serves as the university administration liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Community Relations Committee. 

“Barbara’s work as superintendent of leases and in the university’s division responsible for community relations since 1989 has prepared her well for this new role,” said McCardell. “I look forward to even stronger relationships between the university and community members in the future.”

“Sewanee is a great community and it is important that all of us better understand how we can best live and work together,” Schlichting said of her expanded role.

Schlichting will continue in her role as Superintendent of Leases. Community members and leaseholders may reach her at 598-1998 or by email to <barbara.schlichting@sewanee.edu>.

Sewanee Community Meeting and Picnic on Thursday

The community relations committee of the University’s Board of Trustees will have its spring town meeting at 5 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at the Sewanee Community Center. 

Following the meeting, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a community picnic at the Angel Park to which all members of the community are invited. (Rain location: American Legion Hall.)

The event is free, but guests are asked to call or email with their name and the number of persons who will be attending the picnic. 

Call 598-1070 or email <slcarr@se​wanee.edu> with this information no later than 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16.