City Council Ignores Residents Wishes?
by Ashley Murphy

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Cleveland City Council heard the wishes and complaints of several county residents regarding their property being part of a new annexation plan put forth by the city. One resident stated she had many concerns and she wanted to know what the benefits would be of her becoming a city resident instead of being part of the county. She was highly against the annexation and stated she did not want to be part of it, going so far as to asking whether the only way out was to pick up and sale her home. City Manager Janice Casteel stated that council will vote on it today.

Several other residents had questions and concerns pertaining to their property, to which a couple of city employees tried to answer without making much headway.

After administering Oaths of Office to the newly elected and re-elected councilmen, Charlie McKenzie, Bill Estes and Richard Banks and also reappointing City Attorney John Kimball and City Judge Bill Moss, the City Council came to their regular voting meeting.

All areas: Area 1, Benton Pike and Michigan Avenue; Area 2, North of APD-40 between US Highway 11 and I-75; Area 3, South of APD-40 between US Highway 11 and I-75; and Area 4, South of Exit 20 on I-75, were up for voting to be considered for annexation.

The votes upheld with Charlie McKenzie passing on all Area votes and Councilman Richard Banks passing due to a conflict of interest with a couple of the areas.

On October 13th, the Cleveland City Council and Bradley County Commission will hold a joint meeting at the Mountain View in at Noon.

The Cleveland City Council will meet again on September 27th at 2 p.m. for a work session and at 4 p.m. for a regular session in the upstairs Council Room of the Cleveland Municipal Building.