By Mike Steely
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Because today is Presidents’ Day, the Knox County Commission will hold its workshop meeting Tuesday night and consider approving $35.9 million in obligation bonds. The bonds would be used for various purposes including improvements to courtrooms, corrective and detention facilities, libraries, parks and recreation facilities, public buildings and road, bridges and highway repairs.
The commission will also consider approving a tax increment financing deal with Tombras Group for 620 and 626 South Gay Street.
Roofing upgrades at Spring Hill Elementary School is also on the agenda for $571,838 with Henley Roofing Company, Inc., and 158 printers for the schools, at $329 per machine per month, will also be considered.
Lawn care and maintenance agreements for $500,000 annually may be considered with Avalawn, Inc., Denny’s Lawn and Landscaping, Grassworks Landscaping, Lasting Impressions Lawn Care and McMillan Services, Inc. for the school system.
The Haslam Family donation of $1.3 million for schools will also be considered. The funds go toward Austin-East, Gibbs, Halls, Hardin Valley, Karns, Powell, South-Doyle and West High Schools for academic programs.
A resolution is also on the agenda to approve a gift agreement with the Haslam Family’s field of Dreams, Inc., and Baseline Sports Construction is also on the agenda for synthetic turf at high school football fields.
The Haslam Family has pledged a $10 million gift to the high schools for the installation of AstroTurf at the fields, beginning this year at fields in Farragut, Powell, Bearden and Fulton. High School football fields scheduled for the turf in 2017 include Halls, Gibbs, Karns, Central and Carter. The following year the artificial turf will be laid at South-Doyle, Austin-East, Hardin Valley and West High Schools.
Four bridges would be surveyed and designed for repairs if $ 249,940 is approved as requested from Engineering and Public Works.
A twenty year lease agreement with AYSO 337, deferred from January, may be approved for use of the Tommy Schumpert Park.
Commission items on the agenda include a report and presentation by Legacy Parks Foundation, a discussion of the Audit committee, School Vouchers and the County Wrecker Service rates.
