The new Knox County Commission got together yesterday to share information about their boards and commissions in preparation for the September 4, 2018 reorganization at 5 pm in the Large Assembly Room of the City County Building.
Originally, the informational meeting was called for in the Commission Conference Room Suite 640 of the City County Building for 5 p.m. I pointed out that it would prove difficult for public or press to attend a meeting at 5 p.m. on the sixth floor as the Public Building Authority close the City County Building at 5 p.m. The Commission revised and corrected the meeting time to 4:30 pm. Thanks to Commissioner John Schoonmaker for crediting me with that observation as yesterday’s meeting began.
The two new at Large Commissioners Larsen Jay and Justin Biggs attended. Two veteran Commissioners were unable to attend, Commissioners Dave Wright and Brad Anders.
Knox County Commission Informational Meeting, Charles Busler is hidden to the left of Carson Dailey.
There are two standing committees that every Commissioner serves on, Cable TV and Finance Committees. There was no discussion about the Beer Board, but I believe every Commissioner also serves on Beer Board that meets regularly before the Commission meetings.
Other standing committees are Court Subcommittee, Insolvency Board, Rules Committee and a newly created Legislative Affairs Committee. Additional Boards and Committees discussed were Audit Committee, Arena Use Committee, Code Commission, Community Action Committee, Community Television Board, Development Corporation Board, Investment Committee, Joint Education Committee, Retirement and Pension Board, Railroad Authority, TPO, TCCA, Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority and Three Ridges Golf Board. As each board or committee was mentioned, Commissioners that serve or have served explained the role, the actions and how often the board or committee meets. There was some discussion if the Arena Use Committee should have sunset by now in that the need for an Arena Use Committee may not serve a purpose anymore.
There was discussion about other boards, commission, committees that were not on the list that the County Mayor appoints. Also, some discussion about how the Knox County Charter spells out that all appointments are to be term limited to two terms and in some cases, people are serving more than two terms. More to come on that.
I was not alone in providing press coverage, Jesse Fox Mayshark of CompassKnox attended as well.
