By Mike Steely
The Knox County Commission meets in a work session Monday afternoon beginning with a public hearing on the proposed budget and then consider its regular meeting agenda that include everything from approving a contract for services for Inmate Pharmacy Management to hearing a rezoning request on Choto Road for a much opposed medical clinic.
Dr. Kerri Bentley is asking that the Southwest Sector Plan be changed for the Choto Road property to allow for a medical office there and is also requesting the site there be rezoned to an Office Park. While neighbors are in opposition to the change the planning commission is recommending approval.
The hiring of Interim Superintendent of Schools, Buzz Thomas, by the Board of Education is on the agenda in a request from the school system as well as a resolution calling on the commission to approve providing workers compensation benefits to the schools classified and certified employees within the county’s self-administered program.
The commissioners may also discuss a lease agreement with Young-Williams Animal Shelter and a service contract. The tax rate for the 2016-17 year will also be reviewed as well as adopting the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Substance Abuse Services and the continuation of the Juvenile Recovery Court is on the agenda in a $20,000 grant contract with the state Department of Mental Health.
Among the 67 agenda items are also several appointments to various committees, approval of a right of way, and slope and construction easement on three tracks for the proposed Powell Middle School Sidewalk Improvement Project.
Phase One of the Canton Hollow Road Improvement project for a traffic study, field survey, alignment, right of way plans and Utility coordination.
The Solid Waste Department is asking for approval of a contract with Liberty Tire Recycling for waste tire hauling services. Engineering and Public Works is asking the commission to adopt the Code Administration and Inspection Department schedule of fees.
A three-year grant contract with the state Health Department for $1,052 for TennCare Kids Outreach Services is being asked by the county Health Department and a lease agreement for space at Isaiah’s Landing Shopping Center on South Mall Road is on the agenda.
Surplus properties owned by the county and how to dispose of them may be discussed. So is approving an agreement with Powell Auction & Realty for auctioneering services for the county government, as requested by the Purchasing Department.
The commissioners are also being asked to agree to sell surplus property at 3339 Thomas Street to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.
Commissioner Mike Brown is asking to adopt rules of procedure for the Knox County Ethics Committee.
Among the various school funding items is a resolution amending contracts with Kids Place, Shades of Development, School Care and YMCA of East Tennessee to extend the summer program services at Amherst, Brickey-McCloud, Gibbs, Halls, Karnes, New Hopewell and Rocky Hill Elementary Schools.
