[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6606590,"mediaKeyId","2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603","parentId",2963379,"title","Votes at a glance: Newport Council approves budget amendment reading, rezoning, overlay ordinance and several purchases","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",635725,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603&start=635&end=635","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603/thumbnail_635725.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6606590/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Newport-Council-approves-budget-amendment-reading-rezoning-overlay-ordinance-and-several-purchases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606590-d5296b90fad9fe1cb3e07c4c8e15f36b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439663&Signature=ICbdRn-emu2Rq6kf4dQqO~2ietuRVEbtt8G1PkEkQwOGetR51kJCzEgQO784lW1~FLPwA7tBI3eHCP3ioechMnbXdUVge7GG739vmAiH1st3AHLXk-ATzY7~du6uRboL32ccj~4cGjQhAszmMMPJP-l84KpA55eZ8pEGAuWXSEalsJhqaO~t6~WlivfL~UvHSyTQCzAeIs8z9CiRt1Vk~FoCo~5Q7klPnpVGB7ttJz8MjOxY24yhJj0vtyLdh~uPdxEXjl6GkUjm5IPyL0GjWbWXVLPzwF3Ag6-ix7oidWMOaQNs30QiNv7qM4WFTeFaUXZeCwNhsnfYcyP7jzXrLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport","date","2025-04-11T13:09:33.793Z","article","The Newport City Council recorded votes on several ordinances, resolutions, property purchases and procurement items. Below are the items, the motion outcomes and key details as recorded at the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2025‑O‑04 (First reading): Budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2024–2025. Motion carried on voice vote; no roll-call tally recorded in the transcript.

- Ordinance 2025‑O‑05 (First reading): Rezoning property on West Highway 2570 from agricultural to commercial (tax map parcel not fully specified in the record). The planning commission forwarded a favorable recommendation; council approved first reading on voice vote.

- Ordinance 2025‑O‑06 (First reading): Amend Newport zoning ordinance Chapter 5, Section 5.01 to add overlay districts (item tied to a legal appeal over an off-premise sign). Council approved first reading; motion carried on voice vote.

- Resolution 2025‑O‑08: Close an alley between Prospect Avenue and White Oak to expand city park property near Parks and Recreation’s newest park. Council approved the resolution on voice vote.

- Purchase: 8 acres of the former Rhyne property for $150,000 to site a police department and animal-control building and create a right-of-way to extend Main Street. Approved by roll call (Aldermen Hansel, Ottinger, Reagan and Smith all voted yes).

- Purchase: Two lots owned by Roger Miller adjacent to the Park-To-Float site, $25,000 per lot (total $50,000). Council approved by roll call (Aldermen Hansel, Ottinger, Reagan and Smith voted yes).

- Purchase: Bucket truck from Newport Utilities (approximate price referenced as $10,000 threshold for council approval). Council approved on roll call/voice vote as recorded.

- Vehicles: Two 2025 Ford Explorer patrol vehicles from Murfreesboro Ford, including upfits, $120,058 plus $1,350 for decaling; approved on voice vote.

- Vehicle for community development: Approved on voice vote to replace a vehicle lost in the flood.

- Contract award: M and B and R Contractors submitted the low bid of $95,862 for renovation work at the Newport Community Center in Tanner (nine rooms); council approved the contract by roll call.

- Farmers market policy and operations: Council adopted the market policy, authorized two seasonal positions and appointed an advisory board; council also authorized the city to apply for a $1,500 state farmers-market grant.

Record and procedure notes

Several items were approved on voice vote with the notation “hearing none, motion carries.” Some purchases and the community-center contract were approved following roll calls that recorded four yes votes (Aldermen Mike Hansel, Leona Ottinger, Randy Reagan and Steve Smith). Where the transcript recorded only a voice vote, the roll-call tallies were not provided.

Next steps

Staff will proceed with property closings, contract execution and hiring for the farmers market; the community-center work is scheduled to be phased so the center can remain in operation while renovations occur. Where grant or FEMA reimbursement was discussed, staff emphasized that amounts and timing remain uncertain and will be pursued separately.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Newport TN City Council Meeting April 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the council approved first readings of two ordinances and one zoning amendment, passed a resolution to close an alley, authorized property purchases and awarded multiple bids and purchases including vehicles, a bucket truck, and a community-center construction contract.","taxTitle","Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee","taxId",71273,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6606595,"SBA outlines disaster loan programs available to Newport homeowners, renters and businesses",270,3593030,3863310,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603&start=3593&end=3863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603/thumbnail_3593030.jpg","/articles/6606595/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/SBA-outlines-disaster-loan-programs-available-to-Newport-homeowners-renters-and-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606595-36b6fc83809a3695e6e4a186ebbca0f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439663&Signature=DtIaRcZx4sIzzkZ0NK2wavc5HtZvd8AXrzGqF06MnRHDzR9CtsL9gG2qIwe~NY-dVE3H6OaXgJItYFXf8WNePOrivk~V1kgNEtdihBZUHIqRw6DAxpj~p9qbictkPnpdWRh7jx-IH2bpeyze9Fup8CPN8uZ1qfzDi-NDY-0IhJ0Cz6QcQPrH8hhso-yw6WFyHZO0iAltFFMqoDk3kEYe8DfrwpBDRJaf467KUyZDA4q16lR6sX2azP~M9i~4O9gliuevsGaJCUQ4GfMMIOmaEKZNL0KieiB4cRAFWgYerDZ3TutGNBGVG5Ju-CMgLRHhwh02QuVtH74Dzr13-DTSMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public-affairs representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration briefed the Newport City Council on disaster-loan programs available to residents, landlords, businesses and nonprofit organizations after the recent flood.

The presenter described three SBA programs: physical-damage loans (homeowners up to $500,000; renters up to $100,000; businesses up to $2,000,000), economic-injury loans for businesses (up to $2,000,000, for loss of revenue even if no physical damage), and mitigation loans. The presenter said terms may run up to 30 years and that there are no payments for the first year for borrowers that qualify.

Application deadlines noted in the presentation were April 2025 for physical-damage loans and July 2025 for economic-injury assistance. The presenter gave the web address sba.gov/disaster and a contact phone number for the disaster center; staff said they will forward the information to Monica Hommel, the city’s recovery coordinator, for distribution to residents.

Council members thanked the presenter and asked staff to circulate the materials to the public and to the city’s recovery coordinator.","A U.S. Small Business Administration representative briefed the council on low-interest disaster loans and application deadlines following recent flooding: homeowners up to $500,000, renters up to $100,000, businesses up to $2 million; economic injury loans up to $2 million; physical damage deadline April 2025; economic injury deadline July 2025.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6606600,"Newport adopts farmers market policy, creates seasonal manager posts and advisory board; authorizes $1,500 grant application",459,2081255,2540690,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603&start=2081&end=2540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603/thumbnail_2081255.jpg","/articles/6606600/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Newport-adopts-farmers-market-policy-creates-seasonal-manager-posts-and-advisory-board-authorizes-1500-grant-application","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606600-ce401a39267eabf73982c35d2b626806/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439663&Signature=DfyOGWHlVUp5w-R6NJxOhnMQFTwntK87jpzUOR9khoX-ZdLwfCV-GjaSJmqeJoDialNF-mcxLQDCovzUnH9SNjzH5E-Ap4R-w5wxI~TM-lVtvHyay0UzbAM11ju0ccUvBtQUrBOFuDj7byFQ0T2O2~5B4r26wAol4fDeGPD3HegjPuZD58WW5lEG0jAu3MUTicW1aE6GV0Li7dZlYd387O1Cn0uP6F5wi5O-lP3cPf8VXd~02hGYR8s--GYcKNiPdsKiNdTaksyeGvQdUBnTcVXOuW4NRDCOIsKgxTatRWcD6b-gGsJfApdKz297aiR9Y8FN1MV9DnfVlrkF2KgxBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council approved a proposal for the city to operate a downtown farmers market, adopting a policy, job descriptions for a market manager and assistant, and an advisory board. The market will operate at City Hall on Saturdays this year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; managers’ hours were set at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

City staff member Regina presented the plan and said the package in the council packet was modeled on the Dandridge market. Regina said the annual budget for a full fiscal year is $14,900, and that the city will need a budget amendment this year for approximately $5,000 from the general fund to cover start-up costs. “This is designed heavily upon what Dandridge does,” Regina said.

The council approved the policy and job descriptions and appointed an advisory board that Regina proposed: Corey Ackerman of Snowbird Coffee, Jennifer Parrish of Grama Pork Farms, and Monica Hommel (listed at the meeting as the Torrance Manager). The council also voted to allow the city to apply for a $1,500 state farmers-market grant (no match required) to help with startup expenses.

Mayor and council members praised Regina’s work and confirmed the market’s downtown location was intentional to drive foot traffic. Staff said if the market grows, the city might later consider using the old police department site as a permanent market location.","Council voted to have the city run a downtown farmers market, adopt a market policy, create two seasonal part-time positions, appoint an advisory board, allocate about $5,000 this year from the general fund and authorize applying for a $1,500 state grant.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6606603,"Newport awards $95,862 contract for Community Center renovations to house police temporarily",827,2643290,3471085,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603&start=2643&end=3471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603/thumbnail_2643290.jpg","/articles/6606603/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Newport-awards-95862-contract-for-Community-Center-renovations-to-house-police-temporarily","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606603-e7876b5d3f6c96a175d44e09f3eeb8e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439663&Signature=g-SrcC86ObyW034iikcGyj5EXx3n30HYOKhXi136VIrIG9ndjp9Pu9vi4vacuabEutu8zZoyQjs4jn23-lMgJI9HhqiMjXbtJby6R7g-uebHEKsp~mwGroD3G8iE~jXtN4buTqaxi5A8Wou5RPQDF6wKHOqrcvpITgiFsFW6HXElpMO52P636TndCPi-79Q9rnq~dlC63SNzZ4ZHI5VBdZBwCwZaMfxbV4Xixb8IuCX5C1LzsSFrqUGR-PoMg6ZI8igZvkud1EyHDUoH3FbIaK0YtGea9C5JRceb3oCH93vhh4h0WjNc5cKqPwpd6MNObgAZhgLRdhIf7PH2NmVQ7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council approved a $95,862 construction contract to renovate space at the Newport Community Center in Tanner so the city’s police department can continue operating there after flood damage displaced it from its usual facility.

A city official presenting the project said the work includes nine rooms to be used for storage, offices, detective work and secure areas while the police department remains at the community center during planning and construction of a permanent facility. “We are hoping… we are hoping to get some assistance on some of this through FEMA,” the presenter said, adding that staff had no firm estimate of how much might be reimbursed.

Three bids were received after an initial solicitation produced no offers; the apparent low bidder was identified in the meeting as M and B and R Contractors, with a submitted bid of $95,862. Council approved the contract by roll call; Alderman Mike Hansel, Alderman Leona Ottinger, Alderman Randy Reagan and Alderman Steve Smith recorded yes votes.

City staff told the council the community center renovations were planned to be durable and suitable for long-term reuse after the police department moves to a permanent home. Staff said they do not expect to build a temporary-only facility and that the rooms will serve recreation and program needs after the police department vacates. The presenter estimated a best-case schedule of about two years for a new police facility and said staff will coordinate construction phasing so the center can continue to operate while work proceeds.","The City Council approved a $95,862 construction contract for nine rooms and related work at the Newport Community Center to accommodate the police department temporarily; staff said FEMA reimbursement is possible but uncertain and could take years.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6606608,"Newport approves purchase of 8 acres at former Rhyne property for police facility, Main Street extension",342,1349075,1691754,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603&start=1349&end=1691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2963379-1ba002ece0539475d11fd227e4e43603/thumbnail_1349075.jpg","/articles/6606608/Newport/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Newport-approves-purchase-of-8-acres-at-former-Rhyne-property-for-police-facility-Main-Street-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606608-1bcc21c64aceeabfb866658b708c0589/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439663&Signature=HoPBiyYsfQw-wUtxxNu8PAKhWBOIMZyaFAxKHCoJIqC1B-yri9J9HhM2ctvDMm0xxoOQ3MfzJYYIWqf3hLIofLqaAAMMaDKb2CyhTW-K35unFzxBLi71Pn4KNHtw40SYJaEzsCZOnfP33m4hys9N-a5IFlalmOeN45itnhFakyI-L~8ml-vnyqKi-Op~LfixF1UBzHtr0fwyQUr2xOkSrcgrns4DsPIuawwE84Qd5jpXLpIfXXOqZQXn0SiXnQHt15WNdIrpNw3sQiuIjNNVFSCXx-WoyNQ9lfvHty4FX0b-p7rIaj-m3B82HmW5Joq14HmrggzLmYhCtInKQePLdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council approved the purchase of 8 acres of the former Rhyne property for $150,000 to provide a site for a new police department and animal-control building and to create a roughly 2-acre, 60-foot right-of-way to extend Main Street to Coke Boulevard.

City Administrator James Finkham told the council the plan calls for about 6 acres for the buildings and approximately 2 acres reserved for the right-of-way. “We have the money. We’ve got the money in the bank to do it. It’s not going to put us in any kind of bind. We’re not going to have to borrow any money,” Finkham said during the meeting. He said the negotiated price of $150,000 was lower than earlier asking prices and is less than several alternate parcels the city had considered.

The parcel is owned by a group of private investors; Daniel Conard and others were present at the meeting, Finkham said. Council members said the site’s central location and the planned street extension could ease downtown congestion and open development opportunities along the new corridor.

Council approved the purchase by roll call. Alderman Mike Hansel, Alderman Leona Ottinger, Alderman Randy Reagan and Alderman Steve Smith each voted yes.

Finkham said the city has already met with an architect and that best-case timing for a new police facility is about two years. He also said the chosen parcel is not in the flood plain. The council did not set a construction schedule at the meeting; staff said the next steps include closing the purchase and coordinating design and permitting work.","The Newport City Council voted to buy 8 acres of the former Rhyne property for $150,000 to site a new police department and animal-control building and to create a 60-foot right-of-way to extend Main Street to Coke Boulevard.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Newport Council approves budget amendment reading, rezoning, overlay ordinance and several purchases

SBA outlines disaster loan programs available to Newport homeowners, renters and businesses

Newport adopts farmers market policy, creates seasonal manager posts and advisory board; authorizes $1,500 grant application

Newport awards $95,862 contract for Community Center renovations to house police temporarily

Newport approves purchase of 8 acres at former Rhyne property for police facility, Main Street extension