PARROTTSVILLE-Enforcing planning regulations impartially and putting up light poles to deter crime generated some lively debate at Thursday's meeting of the Parrottsville City Council.

"We need (a set of) plans here at City Hall. That's all we need - the plans. Someone who comes in from the State of Tennessee could ask us, 'Where are the plans?' said Mayor Ronnie Hommel.

The mayor and even City Attorney Jeff Greene emphasized repeatedly that all the city wanted was to keep on file a set of plans for subdivisions and other structures set for construction. It was not related to an approval process, they said.

However, several members of the public expressed the belief that, by deciding to start enforcing the rules now, business owner Keith Keller was being unfairly singled out to present plans of his Pizza Plus restaurant, which is under construction in the center of town.

"You can't just pick and choose who you're going to have" comply with the rules, said Keller's mother, Mary Keller. She said she thought her son, who was not present at Thursday's meeting, was being unfairly targeted to follow rules that the mayor admitted have never been followed since he took office and probably not before then.

Imogene Fowler said, "Let's not do it now with the Pizza Plus building. Since 1989, Keith Keller has bent over backwards to benefit" Parrottsville.

Mayor Hommel responded, "I have nothing against Keith (Keller). I'm glad he's putting in a Pizza Plus. All I need are the plans." The mayor also said, "It may look like we're picking on Keith (Keller), but we're not."

The mayor also defended the city's planning commission and submission of building plans prior to construction.

"You know people are going to want and come (to Parrottsville) and build something we don't like," Hommel said.

The mayor said after the meeting that the city attorney said, "Just give (the plans) to the city. If (builders do not do that), we'll have to decide what to do" next.

In another matter, Mike Ledbetter, who described himself as a Vietnam veteran, said a light pole was needed near his home to keep criminals away. He said he had narcotics and other items stolen from his home and wanted to discourage more crime from happening in his neighborhood.

After considerable debate, the Council voted to install a new light pole near Ledbetter's property.

Charles McGaha asked that the city take over a light pole he erected near his home. Mayor Hommel agreed to contact Newport Utilities to see if that was permitted.

In another matter, the City Council passed a motion that gave the Natural Bridge Ruritan Club permission to organize a chili cook-off on Oct. 9, as part of Parrottsville's annual celebration known as Heritage Days.

Hommel said, "All we ask is that they (the Ruritan Club) pay part of the advertising expense" for Heritage Days.

In other business, the mayor said the city had the right to charge professionals living in Parrottsville, such doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, and beauty shop owners, for an occupational license.

The city attorney said that would be a form of tax in addition to the State of Tennessee's license tax that professionals already have to pay. Greene said, as an example, that he must pay the State of Tennessee $400 per year to practice law in the state.

The mayor said he thought imposing a local occupational license on top of the state one might deter people from moving into the area and setting up a business.  Others present agreed, and the matter was dropped.

The mayor also said he had learned recently that the city was required to have a licensed engineer sign off on plans for new basketball and tennis courts.

He said the state and Parrottsville will split financing the project 50/50. The state of Tennessee Parks and Recreation division will pay for half of the initial projected cost for the courts, he said. The City of Parrottsville will need to come up with the other half, or $38,000. He noted that figure could go up because construction costs have risen dramatically since the original estimated cost for construction of the courts.

In another matter, Mayor Hommel said residents could for the first time get flood insurance. He said that was particularly beneficial for residents along Clear Creek, which runs through Parrottsville.

Seventeen people attended Thursday's meeting, which lasted approximately one and one-half hours.