Council sifts through city manager applications

Shelbyville's city council is apparently still going through the many applications for the vacant city manger slot.

City recorder Betty Lamb said during Tuesday's evening's study session that she had sent copies of the applications for the job to the council and that she was waiting on their response.

Council member Jean Pruitt has already turned in her two picks for any upcoming interviews, Lamb said.

Last month, Lamb told the council that the city had received 33 applications --- 16 from within Bedford County and another 17 applications from out of state, with some as far away as Alaska, California, and Montana.

Council members stated in January that they were leaning toward hiring a local person, but that applicants from states touching Tennessee "would be alright too."

Applicants are required to have at least a business degree and some experience with budgeting. Lamb told the T-G last month that some of the applications have familiar names, but she said she wanted to wait to see what the council does before releasing any of the names to the public.

The city manager slot has been empty since last October after Ed Craig was asked to resign by the council by a 4-2 vote. The vote followed a letter from council members demanding Craig's resignation. At the time, city attorney Ginger Shofner called the act of circulating that letter a violation of the Sunshine Law.

The council will also have a number of other matters to consider at its next meeting.

One item for the council to consider next Thursday will be to authorize Public Works director Mark Clanton to make 14 signs for the Bedford County School System at a cost of $560.

The council also briefly discussed when this year's fireworks display would be held. July 4 falls on a Sunday this year and the council's consensus was that Saturday would be a better time to hold the event since many residents attend church on Sunday evenings.

Also on next week's agenda will be a resolution to approve Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the rehabilitation of the city's northeast sewer basin.

The total project cost is estimated to be $595,000, with the grant amount being $450,000. The required matching contribution of $145,000 would be provided by the operating account of the city utility.

In a related matter, the city will consider a motion to advertise for a Power Board vacancy, due to the resignation of Clara Nelson, which became effective Jan. 31.

The council will also consider bids on equipment for the police department -- 41 digital cameras for officers and an audio receiver system, both of which would be funded under a 100 percent Byrne Grant from the Department of Justice.

Councilman Al Stephenson also suggested to the council that the city take out a newspaper ad commemorating Jostens' 50th year in Shelbyville.

The city council meets next Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. in the courtroom at Shelbyville Police Department.