Keep Union County Beautiful
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

JANUARY 14, 2008

Roll Call- 4:03pm
Members Present:  Bill Manning, Randy Turner, County Trustee Gina Buckner,  Mayor Larry Lay, Chairman;  Lynsey Smith, Director; Jerry Lawson, Litter Officer; Mayor William Von Schipmann, Les Sponseller, Judie Sponseller, Kevin Brantley, Denise McMillan, Secretary
Members Excused:  James Griffin, Mary Gibson
Chairman Larry Lay welcomed all guests.
Approve Agenda:  There was a motion by Gina Buckner and a second by William Von Schipmann to accept the agenda.
Minutes:  William Von Schipmann made a motion to accept the minutes as written by Denise McMillan, Secretary,  with a second by Les Sponseller.

Directors Report:  Lynsey Smith
In November 2007 the inmates picked up 22,525 pounds of trash and there were a total of 13 inmates out.  23 state road miles were cleaned.
In December 2007 the inmates picked up 7.250 pounds of trash and there were a total of 13 inmates out.  4 state road miles were cleaned and 6.5 county road miles.

Old Business:

Leadmine Bend Road area in Sharps Chapel was discussed.  The bank area is still in need of clean up.  Jerry Lawson and Kevin Brantley are to contact the property owners to suggest letting KUCB help them.  Jerry Lawson requested getting a letter for the property owners to sign giving KUCB the approval to clean their property.
A camera previously purchased by KUCB  will be installed at certain area illegal dump sites for monitoring purposes.
Loyston Road Update – A  letter was drawn up by County Attorney David Myers in Oct 2007.  The letter was mailed via certified mail (requiring signature upon receipt)  in late Dec 2007 by litter officer, Jerry Lawson.  The letter was addressed to Abbott Williams, property owner of the dump site.  KUCB has not received a reply from Mr. Williams. The next step is for the letter to be hand delivered. Jerry Lawson has also left messages for the State of Tennessee Litter Board (Nashville) regarding the Loyston Road situation. He is waiting for his call to be returned.  Suggestions were made to have a discussion with County Officials about getting a lien placed against the property until it is cleaned up by the owner and/or KUCB is reimbursed by the owner for cleaning costs.
Convienence Centers – Located at Hwy 61 West/Elvin Hill Road.  Chris Rudd is to survey the property as requested by Larry Lay.  Equipment is not expected until April or May 2008.  Funds are available for the property.
Adopt –A-Road Update – 2  new sections have been adopted!! A section of Tazewell Pike in Luttrell by County Commissioner, Dean Hill and  Tanglewood Road in Sharps Chapel by Pat Blackburn.  Signs have been ordered and will arrive soon.

New Business:

County Commission Meeting Presentation will be done by Lynsey Smith at the County Commission Meeting on January 14, 2008.  It will be projected on a big screen for viewing purposes.  The presentation will explain what KUCB does in our county. It will provide before and after pictures of area dump sites and explain how KUCB interacts with the school system.
Spring 2008 – Horace Maynard Middle School recycling project will soon be underway. Poster day and Farm Day at the elementary school level will also be taking place soon.
Sheriff Earl Loy, Jr has made a request to Chairman, Larry Lay to have the litter program moved to his office. This request includes the KUCB Board, Funds and Litter Officers.  KUCB Board voted unanimously to place a request to the Sheriff that he must present his request to the KUCB board as a whole. The board members want to know the reason for the request as well as have further discussion with Mr. Loy.

Adjourn: Randy Turner made a motion to adjourn with a second by Bill Manning.  The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

Next Meeting:  Monday, February, 11, 2008at the Union County Courthouse in the small court room.

Minutes by Denise McMillan, Secretary



FEBRUARY 11, 2008
Not Enough Board Members Present To Form A Quorum.
Meeting Postponed Until March 17, 2008.


 

MARCH 17, 2008

 

Attendees:  Lynsey Smith-KUCB Director, UC Mayor Larry Lay-KUCB Chairman, UC Trustee Gina Buckner, Denise McMillan-KUCB Secretary, Randy Turner, Les Sponseller, Bill Manning

Meeting Called To Order:  Larry Lay called the meeting to order at 4:06pm.  He also welcomed our guests, 2 proposed members, Lisa Crist and Donna Jones

Approve Agenda:  Motion made by Gina Buckner with a 2nd by Denise McMillan.

Reading of January Minutes:  Denise McMillan read the previous Meeting Minutes from our January 2008 meeting.  Randy Turner made a motion to approve the minutes, and a 2nd by Gina Buckner.

New Members:  Bill Manning made a motion to accept Lisa Crist and Donna Jones as our newest KUCB Board Members.  The 2nd was by Les Sponseller.  WELCOME!!!
 

Directors Report:  Lynsey Smith read the Directors report.
February-There were 23,255 pounds of trash collected.  7.5 miles of State roads cleaned, 15.5 County road miles and 9 prisoners were taken out during the month.  Due to weather conditions, not as many days have been completed by prisoners in February.


Old Business
 

Convenience Center:  Larry Lay reported that the Hwy. 61 W Convenience Center is still on schedule

Education Projects:  Lynsey Smith reported that our education projects are scheduled.  A poster contest is up and coming for Grades 3-5.  Information will be given to all elementary schools in March 2008.  There will be three county-wide winners.  Prizes will be awarded to INDIVIDUAL winners as follows:  1st Place = $50.00, 2nd Place = $25.00, 3rd Place = $15.00.  Good Luck to ALL Participants!!

County Commission Presentation:  Lynsey Smith and Litter Officers Jerry Lawson and Kevin Brantley gave a presentation at the Union County Commission meeting in January 2008.  It was a successful presentation.  Two roads were also adopted as a result of the meeting.

Loyston Road Update:  Property owner, William Abbott, was hand-delivered a letter to "CLEAN IT UP" by Litter Officer Jerry Lawson.  KUCB continues to stay focus on this area and will update every meeting.
Great American Clean Up (GAC) and Beautification Projects - Lynsey Smith Reports:
April-GAC has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 12th, with participants asked to meet at Wilson Park at 9am to begin.  Come join us!!!  Five different clean-ups are scheduled this day.
Note:  Business & Professional Association are trying to schedule their Clean-Up in the GAC months as well, so that KUCB gets proper credit.  THANK YOU BPA!!!
May-Beautification Project is scheduled for Friday, May 9th, out front on the Courthouse grounds at 10am.  Shrubs and landscape will be planted, as well as benches installed for sitting areas.  Volunteers are welcome and needed.
 

New Business
 

New Board Members: Lisa Crist and Donna Jones introduced themselves and the KUCB Board welcomed them.
Adopt-A-Road:  Bill Manning and Lynsey Smith reported that roads are continuing to be adopted.  If roads are adopted, KUCB wishes to remind everyone to send in the yearly paperwork so that KUCB gets credit.  Luttrell Vice-Mayor Sheila Buckner has adopted a road in Luttrell.  Hickory Star Road to the Marina has also been adopted.  Signs are continuing to be erected and orders placed for new signs.  Bill Manning also reported that we have volunteers who are cleaning roadsides and lake banks.  KUCB THANKS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!
Newspaper Articles:  Lynsey Smith reported that KUCB will be discussed soon in the Union County Shopper.
Amend By-Laws - Lynsey Smith & Larry Lay:  Meeting Quorum discussed.  By-laws are to be amended to state that 7 voting board members can be present to proceed with a KUCB meeting.  By-laws are to be amended so that the Director and Chairman may also vote on issues.  Proxy will be amended, meaning that a fellow board member can vote for another board member in their absence during a meeting.  A form will be drawn up for this Proxy and board members will choose who will cast a vote for them in their absence.  Bill Manning made a motion to amend the particular by-laws with a 2nd made by Denise McMillan.  Board members unanimously voted to amend the by-laws.


A motion to adjourn was made by Randy Turner with a 2nd by Les Sponseller.  Meeting was adjourned at 4:50pm.
 

Next meeting:  April 21, 2008 in the small courtroom at 4pm.

 

Minutes by Denise McMillan, KUCB Secretary

 


APRIL 21, 2008

ATTENDEES:  Lynsey Smith,  KUCB Director,  Union County Mayor, Larry Lay, Chairman, Union County Trustee, Gina Buckner, Denise McMillan, KUCB Secretary, Randy Turner, Les Sponseller,  Bill Manning, Donna Jones, Mayor Wm. Von Schipmann, Lisa Crist, Litter Officer, Jerry Lawson, Mary Gibson. 

MEMBERS EXCUSED: Judy Sponseller

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:  Larry Lay  called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm. 

APPROVE AGENDA:  Motion made by Randy Turner with a 2nd by Bill Manning.

READING OF MARCH  MINUTES:  Previous minutes were approved with a motion by Gina Buckner and a 2nd by Randy Turner.

DIRECTORS REPORT:  Lynsey Smith read the Directors report – In March, there were 3,350 pounds of trash collected.  24 miles of State Roads were cleaned along with 5 County Road Miles.  9 prisoners were taking out during the month. There were also 15 volunteers who contributed 97 volunteer hours!!!

OLD BUSINESS:

Convenience Centers:
   Mayor Larry Lay reported that  Hwy 61 convenience center should be in operation in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Education Projects:  Becky Munsey, a  teacher at Luttrell Elementary School is a very helpful figure to KUCB and our Education Projects there. Thank you Ms. Munsey!  Luttrell Elementary had great projects that were constructed out of recycled objects consisting of tin cans, pizza boxes, cardboard, etc. These projects will be displayed at the Union County Courthouse and then returned to LES for further viewing in the near future. A special thank you to all those students/teachers/parents for their participation.  Farm Day will be held at LES on May 1st with a Pizza Party on May 6th for First   Graders.
Loyston Road Update:  Mayor Larry Lay visited the Abbott property on 4/21/2008. After May 15 , 2008 a lien will be placed on the property. There are still 12-15 cars there along with metal, motors, garbage and shingles as reported by Larry Lay.

Great American Clean Up
(GAC) and /Beautification Projects: Lynsey Smith  April- GAC  occurred on April 12, 2008. There were 6 clean-ups through out Union County that day. A special thank you is sent out to all those who participated in making Union County a even more beautiful and clean place to live. Keep up the good work!!!
May – Beautification Project is scheduled for Friday, May 9th, out front on the Courthouse Grounds at 10 am. Shrubs, landscape and rocks will be on the agenda as well as benches installed for sitting areas.  Volunteers are welcome and needed!!!

NEW BUSINESS:

Adopt-A Road:  Continues to progress as reported by Lynsey Smith and Bill Manning.
Resignation of James Griffin:  Motion made by Randy Turner with a 2nd by Bill Manning to accept the resignation of KUCB board member, James Griffin.  All board members in attendance were in agreement to also accept.
Bottle Bill:  A bill will be voted on in Nashville on April 23, 2008. It is called the “Bottle Bill.”  If it passes, consumers will be offered a 3-5 cent refund on bottles that a re returned to designated “Redemption Centers”.  Mayor Larry Lay is following this bill and will update us at the next meeting.
Proxy:  Denise McMillan, KUCB Secretary will develop a Proxy form to be used by board members. This form will list the fellow board member (name) they wish to appoint to vote on issues in their absence.

A motion to adjourn was made by Donna Jones with a 2nd by Bill Manning. Meeting was then adjourned at 4:45 pm.

Next Meeting:  Monday May 9, 2008 in the small courtroom at 4PM

minutes by Denise McMillan, KUCB Secretary


 

 

MAY 9, 2008
Not Enough Board Members Present To Form A Quorum.
Meeting Postponed Until June 16, 2008.

 



JUNE 16, 2008

 

Meeting Called to Order:  4:06 pm

Welcome Guests – Larry Lay welcomed all guests.

Roll call – Denise McMillan

Attendees:  Larry Lay, Lynsey Smith, Randy Turner, Denise McMillan, Jerry Lawson, Lisa Crist

Excused:  Les Sponseller, Judy Sponseller, Gina Buckner, Mary Gibson, Kevin Brantley

Agenda approved – Motion made by Denise McMillan and a second by Randy Turner to approve agenda.

Reading of April’s Minutes – Denise McMillan.  Motion made by Randy Turner with a second by Lynsey Smith to approve the minutes.

 

Directors Report: - Lynsey Smith
May 2008 – There were 7 inmates out, 17,225 lbs of trash collected, 20 State Road miles, 16 County Road Miles were cleaned.
39 volunteers presented 136 volunteer hours for May 2008.


Old Business
:

Loyston Road Update – Larry Lay and David Myers spoke to Mr. Abbott. The State of Tennessee was called and they are currently satisfied with the improvements Mr. Abbott has made.  However; Union County is NOT satisfied.  Plans are to tackle this in court. A property lien will also be considered.
Convenience Center – 6th District –  Larry Lay stated that bids are in for fencing the property. Projected opening date is late Summer/early Fall.
GAC  – Lynsey Smith reported that there was a 15% increase in Volunteers and a 11% increase in the number of clean ups during the months of March, April and May 2008.  Also, our May 9, 2008 clean-up/beautification project on the Court House grounds were cancelled due to weather. This will be re-scheduled at a later date.

 

New Business:

 
Note: Proxy forms were turned in and are still needed from several members. Please bring to the next meeting.
Boots for Jerry: Motion made by Randy Turner with a second by Lisa Crist to purchase a new pair of boots for Litter Officer, Jerry Lawson.
Budget – Lynsey Smith reported KUCB has had a $5,000 increase in our fiscal year budget due to the “Bottle Bill” that was  discussed at a prior meeting.  However; in return Education costs went up $2,000-3,000.
Adopt A Road – Lynsey Smith and Jerry Lawson reported that Freight Management Systems adopted Hwy 33 from the County Line forward for one mile.  Andy Agnew adopted Shady Lane and some of Ridgecrest Road in Luttrell. We are still waiting on Linda Myers to discuss adopting on behalf of the Boy Scouts.
Newspaper Articles and E-mails – Lynsey Smith reported that clean ups were covered.
Education:  Farm Day was a success for the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Recycling projects made by the students were really nice.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 4:32 pm with a motion made by Lisa Crist and a second by Randy Turner.


Minutes by Denise McMillan, KUCB Secretary

 


JULY 21, 2008

KUCB met Monday, July 21st at the Union County Courthouse for their regular monthly meeting.

In attendance were Jerry Lawson, Randy Turner, Judie Sponseller, Wm. Von Schipmann, Bill Manning, Lynsey Smith, Larry Lay, and Mary Gibson.  One guest was present, Eldon Gochenour.
Those with excused absences were Gina Buckner, Donna Jones, Denise McMillan, and Les Sponseller.
Chairman Larry Lay called the meeting to order at 4:05pm.  The group welcomed Mr. Gochenour, who recently adopted about 2 miles of Hickory Star Road.

Motion was made by Randy Turner to approve the Agenda.  Second was made by Mary Gibson.  Motion carried.

Everyone looked over last month’s minutes.  Motion and second were made for approval.  Motion carried.

Directors Report: Lynsey Smith reported that during the month of June, inmates picked up 36,100 pounds of trash along 39 miles of state roads and 16.5 miles of county roads.  In June, 17 volunteers had a combined total of 56 hours.

Old Business

Loyston Road Update:  Jerry Lawson had spoken to County Attorney David Myers regarding the issue.  Apparently, Mr. Abbott has satisfied the State.  It was reported that he DID remove some of the junk cars.  However, he has also pulled more (different) junk vehicles onto the property.  There are still old tires, shingles, old gas tanks, etc. remaining at the site.  Myers advised Lawson that since Mr. Abbott still has not cleaned up the property, and doesn’t appear to have it on his agenda to do so, that our next step would be to serve him with papers, clean up the property, and send him the bill.  Mr. Abbott’s actions have NOT satisfied Union County.
Convenience Center Update:  Solid Waste Authority rejected all bids and are currently accepting more bids on fencing for the new center which will be located at Hwy. 61 W and Elvin Hill.  The compactors have been ordered; the building has been painted, and should be ready to open for operation in approximately 4 weeks.
Courthouse Beautification Update: The weeds and old mulch in the planter surrounding the front courthouse steps have been replaced by pea gravel. (Looks 100% better).  There was some discussion about getting large pots for planting shrubbery in.  It was decided that due to the drought, this would not be a good idea.  There are already a couple of large planters stationed out front.  One has plants, and some are “on the way” for the other one.  Replacing the lamp post was also mentioned.  On court days we have a cigarette butt problem at the front of the courthouse.  Even though NO SMOKING signs are posted, folks continue to smoke right up to the front doors.  More of the butts find their way onto the floor than into the ash trays.  Larry Lay suggested that we get some signs that say “NO SMOKING BEYOND THIS POINT” and place them at the appropriate places.
Future Education Projects:  Lynsey asked that everyone be thinking of some ideas before the next meeting for projects to be implemented at the High School and Middle School.

New Business

Recycling Projects:  The convenience center at Wolfe Road now has a bin/box for recycling computers.
Mid Year Forum:  Lynsey discussed the Mid-Year Forum that she will be attending.  This year it will be held in Atlanta. In the past it has been held in Albuquerque, NM, Orlando, FL and Washington State. Atlanta, GA is the closest to us it has been since she has been with Keep Union County Beautiful.
Website:  Mary Gibson and Lynsey presented information regarding a website package for KUCB.  Everyone looked over the quotes.  A motion was made and passed that Mary get an account set up with the STANDARD package.  KUCB will receive a discount, provided the annual amount is paid in full in one lump sum, and Mary is to fax the Tax Exempt information on KUCB letterhead to the service provider.  Mary will work with Lynsey to construct the site and make necessary updates.  Suggestions from the board members are welcomed and are encouraged.  Input is needed from everyone.
Adopt-A-Road Update:  Bill Manning reported that three sets of signs have been ordered from Knox County, but we haven’t received them yet.  They are for Freight Management Systems, Union County Humane Society, and Altamuskin Farm - Debbie & Andy Agnew.

Motion was made by Randy Turner and seconded by Bill Manning to adjourn.  Motion carried.

Meeting Adjourned.  Next meeting will be August 18, 2008.

Minutes by Mary Gibson

 


 

AUGUST 18, 2008

 

Roll Call 4:00pm

Members Present: Lynsey Smith, Director, Jerry Lawson, Randy Turner, William Von Schipmann, Les Sponseller, Judie Sponseller, Mayor Larry Lay, Chairman, Mary Gibson, Gina Buckner

Members Excused: Lisa Crist, Donna Jones, Denise McMillian

Chairman Larry Lay welcomed all guests.

Approve Agenda: There was a motion by William Von Schipmann and with a second by Randy Turner to accept the agenda.

Minutes:  Randy Turner made a motion to accept the minutes as written and with a second by Les Sponseller.

Directors Report:  Lynsey Smith reported that there were a total of 44 miles cleaned up by volunteers with 23 hours. There was also 28,560 pounds of trash picked up by the prisoners and 25.5 state road miles cleaned and 21.5 county road miles.

Old Business:

Loyston Road Update: Larry Lay and Jerry Lawson reported that Jerry Lawson spoke with David Myers and they are waiting on David to get back with them on the information that was requested. Larry Lay said that he would contact David Myers about the information. Jerry Lawson is to serve the information to Mr. Abbott.

Sexton Lane Update: Jerry Lawson reported that the shingles and trash on Sexton Lane had been cleaned up. There was not a clear way to prove who dumped the trash and shingles there, so there were volunteers to clean up the site. It is cleaned up and taken care of. There were no charges pressed on anyone

Mid-Year Forum:  Lynsey Smith reported that the Mid-Year Forum was interesting. She said she hopes to attend next year.

Website: Mary Gibson is putting together a website for Keep Union County Beautiful and was in need of some additional information such as whom we can partner with and release date of the website. The board decided that when the website was finished to release it to the public. Mary had a laptop computer set up in the Small Courtroom for everyone to preview the website and suggest any changes that they saw needed to be made. Everyone liked the website!

Future Education Projects: Zophia Kneiss was a guest at the Keep Union County Beautiful Board Meeting and she proposed a project to the board from the Tennessee Arts Commission. It is a grant that has to be matched by someone in the county and it helps to promote art. She wanted to do a cleanup and take the garbage collected and turn it into art. She had local artist who were willing to come and help turn trash into treasure. The board voted to go forth with the project. Motion made by William Von Schipmann with a second by Judie Sponseller.

New Business:

Fall Cleanups: Lynsey Smith discussed doing a small fall clean up somewhere in the county. The board thought that it was a good idea. We are waiting on suggestions for a list of roads from Jerry Lawson.

Computer Recycling: Lynsey Smith reported that the Wolfe Road Convenience Center can now take computers.

Adopt A Road Update: Lynsey Smith reported that Bill Manning has sent the information to Knox County and we are waiting on them to fit the signs into their schedule. We have 4 sets of signs that are we are waiting on. Also we are waiting on a signed application from James Bailey & Family and Flowers By Bob. Jerry Lawson is to pick both applications up.

Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 4:35pm. Motion made by Randy Turner and seconded by Gina Buckner

Next Meeting was set for September 15, 2008, 4pm at Union County Courthouse in the small courtroom. 

Minutes by Lynsey Smith, Director 


SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
Not Enough Board Members Present To Form A Quorum.
Meeting Postponed Until October 20, 2008.


 

OCTOBER 9, 2008

Roll Call 4:00pm

Members Present: Lynsey Smith, Director, Bill Manning, Wm. Von Schipmann, Les Sponseller, Judie Sponseller, Randy Turner, Mary Gibson, Gina Buckner, Jerry Lawson, Larry Lay and Lisa Crist

Members Excused: Donna Jones

Chairman Larry Lay welcomed all guests.

Approve Agenda: The agenda was accepted. Meeting went forth.

Minutes: The August Meeting minutes were approved. There were not any September minutes due to lack of quorum.

Directors Report:  Lynsey Smith reported that in the month of August there were 44 state road miles, 9 county road miles, 25,450 pounds of trash collected and 7 inmates taken out. In the month of September there were a total of 29 volunteer hours, 14 state road miles cleaned up, 11 county road miles cleaned up, 11 inmates were taken out and 13,700 lbs of trash was collected.

Old Business:

Loyston Road Update: Larry Lay and Jerry Lawson reported that Mr. Abbot has made progress on the Loyston Road site and as has asked for more time.

Sexton Lane Update: Jerry Lawson reported that no one was charged for the trash that was dumped on Sexton Lane.

AAR Signs: Lynsey Smith and Bill Manning reported that they are still waiting on Knox County Sign Department to notify them when the signs are complete.

Future Education Projects: Lynsey Smith discussed ideas for the Middle and High School age children. She reported that she has several people helping with ideas and has plans to try and put something in place for the spring. Zophia Kneiss and the ABC grant did not go thru. Keep Union County Beautiful had to get County Commission approval before they could apply for the grant.

New Business:

Fall Cleanups: Lynsey Smith discussed Fall Cleanups. There was some discussion about where to clean up and Jerry Lawson said that he would compose a list of roads for us to look at. 

Cell Phones For Soldiers: Keep Union County Beautiful has decided to do cell phones for soldiers. Mary Gibson found the information and presented it to the board. The board decided that this was a good idea. Lynsey Smith is to run ads in the paper, put boxes at the Union News Leader, Maynardville Public Library and the Union County Courthouse.

Adopt A Road Update: Lynsey Smith reported that there was a new adopt a road participant named Willis White.

Meeting Schedule: Lynsey Smith reported that there would not be meetings in November and December due to the holidays. Next meeting will be Jan. 12, 2009

Adjourn:  Meeting adjourned at 4:39pm. Motion made by Randy Turner and seconded by Gina Buckner

Next Meeting was set for January 12, 2009, 4pm at Union County Courthouse in the small courtroom.  

Minutes by Lynsey Smith, Director