(c)2009 NPT PHOTO BY RICK HOOPER

Norman Smith, left, is sworn in as CLB chairman by County Clerk Janice Butler during
Monday's meeting.

NEWPORT-Norman Smith was selected the new chairman of the Cocke County Legislative Body during Monday's regular meeting.

Smith replaces Phil Killion, who has served as chair the past two years. Killion was also nominated but withdrew his nomination.

"I said last year that I would not seek another term as chairman," said Killion.

After Smith was sworn in by Clerk Janice Butler, Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. praised both men.

"I look forward to working with you (Smith) and I also want to thank Phil Killion. He has been an excellent chairman and represented this body and Cocke County very well."

Jimmy Lindsey was approved as vice chairman and committee appointments were also made.

In other business Monday, the CLB approved a resolution to maintain eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

McMahan said the issue involved three parcels of property. He said the county had followed directions from federal authorities but then learned the county was in danger of losing flood insurance.

"We had done everything we needed to do," he said. "We called a meeting with four FEMA officers and went through every step. By the end of the meeting, they admitted we had done everything."

McMahan added the resolution has already been approved by the Cocke County Regional Planning Commission and supported its passage.

Partnership President Don Hurst made his monthly report to the CLB. Hurst, who recently returned to the post after working in Carter County, advised he has been meeting with state and federal agencies looking for money to help fund infrastructure in the county.

Hurst added the Partnership is also working to find solutions to broad band Internet issues in the county and is also meeting with existing industries.

Killion asked Hurst if Cocke County could possibly be considered for a controversial rail transfer station proposed for the New Market area.

"We did not qualify for that," said Hurst. "Only Greene and Jefferson counties were in the running. The railroad needed five miles of uninterrupted track and property. We couldn't do that. But, it will be good for the region."

Elizabeth Reed of Keep Cocke County Beautiful reported the organization had 176 events this past fiscal year. She said the efforts resulted in 50,000 lbs. of plastic and 255,000 lbs of paper being recycled, giving the county a return of $19 on every $1 KCCB receives.

"This lady is a tireless worker," said Lindsey."

Carol Hood of the Newport Animal Shelter said the shelter continues to receive a large number of animals. She added, however, the shelter's save rate is rising again and that she is hopeful it will be back above 60 percent in October.

Hood also advised members of the feral cat program being started. Initially, Hood said the effort will focus on cats near Fred's and the Memorial Building. The cats will be trapped, fixed and then released.

Finally, Hood said the next Big Fix has been scheduled for Oct. 17 and 18 at Sunset Gap. She said volunteers are needed for the event.

County Attorney Fletcher Ervin recommended the Finance Committee examine the possible sale of the Flura property, which is a superfund site off Rock Hill Road. Ervin said some people have expressed interest in purchasing the property.

Ervin also advised CLB members that new legislation could provide an opportunity for the county to implement building codes at no cost to the county. Ervin encouraged members to attend a meeting in Knoxville next month concerning the matter.

In other business Monday, the CLB:

• Approved waiving back taxes on a Woodlawn Avenue property that has been donated to Habitat for Humanity.

• Approved the reappointment of Jack Clark and Doug Shoemaker to the Cocke County Planning Commission with terms to expire in 2013 rather than 2012.

• Voted to appoint Renee Hurst to fill the term of James Goodrum on the Cocke County Planning Commission.

• Heard a report from Allied Ambulance Service, which reported making 512 calls last month.

• Approved a resolution to transfer funds from the General Purpose Fund to Federal Projects Fund in the amount of $100,000.

• Approved a resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of a Litter and Trash Collection Grant.

• Approved a Tax Anticipation Note of $250,000 from the General Purpose Fund to the transportation fund of the school system.

• Recognized the Cocke County High School Leadership Class.

• Heard a presentation from Walt Cross of the Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department on the efforts of the Emergency Responders Association.