Shots Across The Bow

Knox County Commission in Action

I decided to attend the County Commission meeting since court ended early, in order to see the commissioners in action. One of the recurring themes of testimony in the trial has been that nothing unusual occurred at this meeting, that long recesses involving discussion of the issues were commonplace.

We'll see.

The first part of the meeting almost proceeded by rote. The agenda was amended to streamline the proceedings and multiple issues were dispensed with lightening efficiency. Then came the new insurance contract. It appears that the committee appointed by the commission to make a recommendation has recommended Cigna, but Cariten is protesting, saying the accounting process was flawed, and they should have been found cheaper. Knox County employees spoke, saying that they wanted to be part of the process.

Lee Tramel said that in the future, he would like for the whole thing to go to the Commission next year, not a committee.

Matt Myers, Knox County employee and head of the insurance committee, was called by Tony Norman to explain how the committee went about their business. Myers was ready with a prepared report, defending the decision of the committee, which he read to the commission.

Commissioner Richard Cate explains that his reluctance to approve the contract is based on reports that the deductible is at $1200, compared to the current $200.

Francis Fogerson, Knox County Human Resources Director, answers that the deductibles are based on maintaining premiums as close to current levels as possible. Commissioner Smith is blasting the insurance companies for "spreading rumors" to scare the employees. "That's the oldest sales trick in the insurance industry." "The subcommittee has taken their time and done their job. We don't need a workshop."

Sam Harb, Knox County Trustees office. "If we were given a place on the committee, we would have been there with bells on!"

Commissioner Lambert. We shouldn't cram this down the employees throats today. "I've gotten calls from employees saying 'We want Cariten.' I've gotten calls from employees saying 'We want Blue Cross.' I've yet to get a call from an employee saying 'We want Cigna.' "

Commissioner Pinkston challenges Commissioner Smith to explain the differences between the policies. Commissioner Smith responds "I'll sell you some life insurance." Commissioner Pinkston "You couldn't sell me anything."

Motion is passed to deny the recommendation of the insurance 16-3 Mark Harmon, Larry Smith, and Tony Norman(?) vote against.

Storm Water Management

Tony Norman says he considers the Ordinance is watered down and does not meet the agreement the County has with the City. He wants to ask Commissioner Lambert a few questions. He asks if Lambert actually wrote the amendments and Lambert says no, he had a lawyer draw them up. Nobody asked who drew them up.

Richard Cate is for the amendment and is angry about a postcard sent by Pete Delay

(Paul Pinkston conferred with John Valliant during the discussion on the postcards then came back and turned on his light.

Recess for sheriff's press conference. Come back and continue discussion.

Back after the press conference. It took the commission a few minutes to remember where we were. Voting on the amendment to change the minimum fine from $50 to $250. Passed unanimously.

Mark Harmon: There are basic flaws. "Spot checks are like audits; they don't catch everything." "Despite Commissioner Lambert's valiant efforts to be an attorney..."

Ivan Harmon calls Sam Parnell again: Reads a prepared statement saying that his years of experience as City Engineer have taught him that storm water drains in critical situations should be concrete pipe. Any other decision will result in more expense down the road, through failed roads and lawsuits from county residents.

Pinkston: On the attack over the metal pipe on Papermill. Wants Sam Parnell to admit that the city made a mistake. Ivan Harmon points out that the city made a mistake he wants to keep the county from making. Pinkston asks Parnell if he knows about HDPE, which is different from PVC. Pinkston calls Robert Campbell. Design engineer for 15 years. This debate is about engineering and not ordinances.

Craig Leuthold asks John Owings if the county has to use concrete piping to fulfill the agreement with the city. Owings answers that he would defend the case based on the recommendations of Knox County Engineering and Public Works Director Bruce Wuethrich even though the consultants said otherwise. Leuthold then moves to amend the ordinance to require concrete pipe in accordance with the consultant's recommendation.

Thomas Strickland notes that the city of Knoxville is serious about suing the county if they enact a weakened standard.

Time to vote. Voting on the amendment to match the city ordinance. No's: Pinkston, Green, Ballard, Moore, Smith, Lambert, Cawood, Hammond, Tramel, Cate, Bolus. The concrete pipe will not be used as the city does and the consultant recommended.

Voting on the Stormwater second reading. No's: Huddleston, Leuthold, Leuthold, Ivan Harmon, Norman, Harmon, Strickland. Stormwater passes on second reading.

It's 5:45 and I have another place to be. County Commission will have to get along without me for the remainder of the session.

Posted by Rich at September 24, 2007 2:43 PM | TrackBack