[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6562516,"mediaKeyId","3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630","parentId",3275119,"title","Jonesborough approves utilities maintenance supervisor to lead USDA-funded generator project","audioSeconds",243,"startMs",4723000,"endMs",4966000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630&start=4723&end=4966","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630/thumbnail_4723000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6562516/Jonesborough/Washington-County/Tennessee/Jonesborough-approves-utilities-maintenance-supervisor-to-lead-USDA-funded-generator-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562516-b41f533dcc8f3e6a019db2583225fcc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194274&Signature=BQnynqSEpvvEFlf54Hk5pdwjXD~oG-AMsktmGSBMkrx2LtaydFNVsOiFRcSMnIFr~xAEsLUUTrTVHEY0ezGcJ9jYtC6QRj7B3cqkf1TXKw9KLXSu6-hCOlVlQVvVniKGZj0jxzC-3yYNfHcnjR2ZuBfv8A1kPRxN9QBOtSfRUV8~Ecg56ZxjLg~VA9g8UFHpsk4fExb5nsTOX3Ws~MsJ6ruJcDuTwQpLPbcE38RQexsR8-J~ND7KixUewi4j2kgKTPtPX2h-tUPNv0WzWb4mAMCvZ1Eo-L9McG48Hzm-5c1TbxUEIKKx8ilyc--V6rmXolVbNnHKWHrLSFmggMkG2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jonesborough","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Jonesborough Board of Aldermen approved a new Utilities Maintenance Supervisor position and associated funding to support preparation and installation work for a USDA-funded generator program.

Kevin Grobak, utilities manager, told the board the generators have been ordered and the town needs to complete site preparation—concrete pads, conduit and transfer-switch work—so the units can be set immediately on delivery. Grobak said, “lead time on our generators… is already been ordered, 22 to 26 weeks,” and added that early-phase work is expected to be reimbursed by USDA funding. Staff estimated that during the generator-prep period 80–90% of the new position’s time would be charged to USDA-eligible work, with the town covering the remaining portion; maintenance-line items will be adjusted in the FY-26 budget to finance the position thereafter.

Board members discussed the timing and budget implications. Officials said having a dedicated supervisor should reduce contract costs and scheduling delays that would otherwise arise from staging the work across multiple outside contractors. If site preparation is complete when generators arrive, the town avoids additional crane and rental costs.

Why it matters
- The position is tied closely to a multi-site resiliency project intended to strengthen backup power at municipal facilities. Reducing contractor markups and consolidating site-prep under town supervision are expected to produce cost efficiencies and speed installation.

Implementation details and next steps
- Staff reported generators already ordered with an estimated 22–26 week lead time.
- The board approved posting and hiring the position; staff will track USDA-eligible time and costs and provide monthly reconciliation reports.
- The board directed staff to adjust maintenance contracting in FY-26 to free funds for the position if USDA reimbursement does not fully cover early months.

Votes and motion
- Motion to approve job description and funding for the Utilities Maintenance Supervisor carried (moved by Alderman Counterman; second Alderman Dixon). Board members agreed the town would post the position promptly to align with the generator delivery schedule.

Ending
- The board approved the position and asked utilities staff to return progress and reimbursement reconciliation reports as the project proceeds.

Provenance
- Discussion and approval of the utilities position and USDA generator project took place between transcript timestamps 4723.47 and 5158.69.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jonesborough BMA Meeting: May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board approved a funded utilities maintenance supervisor position to expedite site preparation for a USDA-backed generator program; staff estimated the generators have a 22–26 week lead time and said much of the early work will be reimbursed by USDA funds.","taxTitle","Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee","taxId",54380,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562521,"Jonesborough debates holiday staffing, overtime and road closures as three downtown events win approval",835,3044000,3879000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630&start=3044&end=3879","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630/thumbnail_3044000.jpg","/articles/6562521/Jonesborough/Washington-County/Tennessee/Jonesborough-debates-holiday-staffing-overtime-and-road-closures-as-three-downtown-events-win-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562521-207ec804b08c3d2284c9e9d7d53db9b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194274&Signature=Vxfl7kXSsBoq9t60DPnfS9MppIEVsXhiqwBdrysSh5EftB64IgRam3s0FOiPS56b52qGCi5OTvttJbyA0SPHown7o7hWTQ4xysIKb24mvAN-1Jah5h2xOcDfOo~-iuZW4h7CfkiEVS1N-ysONRz3j6moSV48gzglchh6OCE-kHydOI594jHl9zTtwE7MszUTZoWBp1CH2Zh-BSlRSpTSsZG1BqZU8Vcb7tTHPUJOjEELBYmlYfyXIUULqilB~l72NFcfhga6iC8ujDvsde9tYYOrCQC0asBe1AFBMvb1If7~MdmMg5oPkD6jLTYwhO8c-QfoZ181cfdZ8eHE1puabw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jonesborough aldermen voted to approve three downtown special-event permits but devoted a substantial portion of the meeting to a discussion of public-safety staffing, holiday overtime and alternatives to repeated Main Street closures.

The permits approved were Wizardly World of Jonesborough (Aug. 9), Pumpkin Fest (Sept. 20) and Jeep Fest (Labor Day, Sept. 1). Aldermen and staff repeatedly emphasized the benefits these events bring to downtown merchants, but police and public-works staff cautioned that holiday weekends and multiple consecutive events produce overtime obligations and operational strain.

Chief Rice (Jonesborough Police Department) and patrol supervisor Matt (last name not specified) described staffing impacts. Matt said an event with a street closure typically requires two full-time officers plus reserve officers and street and sanitation staff, and that “you’re probably realistically, including reserve, you’re probably looking at 10 people” for a holiday weekend closure. Matt added that reserves and other personnel frequently work on holidays, which draws on limited staffing resources.

Alderman Causey suggested exploring cost-sharing in the special-event application — for example, compensating auxiliary officers or offering event-holders a fee to offset overtime. “Maybe we could change that to where it might be a little bit of an incentive to get a relief for our regular officers,” Causey said. Matt agreed that reserve officers were not currently compensated for event duty and that the town should address that.

Several aldermen and the mayor discussed alternatives to repeated downtown closures. One staff member suggested Persimmon Ridge Park as a location for car shows or other large gatherings to avoid closing Main Street and redirecting through-traffic onto neighborhood streets. The suggestion noted that moving some events off Main Street could reduce closures and the associated need for additional police and public-works personnel.

Why it matters
- Downtown festivals draw visitors and boost retail sales, but they also create predictable operational and personnel costs for public safety and maintenance. The board asked staff to calculate event-related support costs (police, street, sanitation) to include in the upcoming budget workshop.

What the board directed
- Staff to provide a breakdown of support services and estimated overtime costs for events so the board can consider budget adjustments or permit-fee changes. Aldermen specifically requested a report showing typical resource deployments (for example, number of officers, street staff and sanitation personnel required per event).

Votes and next steps
- The three event permits passed by voice vote. Aldermen asked staff to return cost estimates and to explore options for compensating reserve officers or adjusting the special-event application to recover some event-related expenses.

Ending
- The board approved the events and asked staff to present cost and staffing data at a budget workshop so aldermen can weigh whether to continue current practice, impose permit fees, or encourage alternate venues for some large, vehicle-oriented events.

Provenance
- Discussion and votes on special-event permits and staffing occurred between transcript timestamps 3064.27 and 3879.68.","Aldermen approved three downtown special-event permits but spent extensive time discussing the impact on police, reserves and streets staff, including holiday overtime and whether some events should move off Main Street to reduce closures and overtime costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562526,"Jonesborough aldermen approve multiple contracts, event permits and personnel changes; sidewalk decision deferred",2423,3112000,5535000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630&start=3112&end=5535","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275119-c2fe4597f108cf7c11c97e26a3506630/thumbnail_3112000.jpg","/articles/6562526/Jonesborough/Washington-County/Tennessee/Jonesborough-aldermen-approve-multiple-contracts-event-permits-and-personnel-changes-sidewalk-decision-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562526-bb1ff4302d37041dac5a38cdc01bc335/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194274&Signature=DfohkK88RiWHCkQLtrNTcnCPvyAQd7LNPb5MrQY0DqQa6kU6TX7xCZWS0fCpUHeugy-1XZw3cdAX6BbcKlVl31pu80g9dqetW4LOlVgIagTFC-noAg6X2q0LxM6HudCdbyTowSHGsghF3JicCdXLSTZr7wyZUH8OAgGVSMlq~OmOMSCRjZJEcVOIg-FfkVtEyQpBebrh3-J7reXLr1E-aSmCvNDHwv8TeAU9acDqQEmdA8DHZgIaCGPjg5sj0Q2ko2vAhRLJv-2rPnHlLy40kTtVQkYW-Z6iZK-uq4tIFdp0y76GA81Kq~8W7hkq8I20jZ~wubWkXwOLam97UEznOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jonesborough’s Board of Aldermen approved a series of contracts, special-event permits, personnel actions and a new employee insurance plan at its regular meeting, while deferring a sidewalk contract pending additional outreach to property owners.

The board approved federal- and state-funded transportation and utility contracts, awarded a traffic-signal installation bid, authorized special-event permits for three downtown festivals and approved two municipal job descriptions and reappointments to an advisory board. Aldermen also approved continuing the town’s employee insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield at a 5.17% renewal rate.

The meeting’s approvals included a $887,229 low bid from Stansell Electric Co. to install a permanent signal at the Tiger Way/Lehi/Wendy’s intersection and multiple smaller contracts for water infrastructure and seasonal services. The board also approved special-event permits for the Wizardly World of Jonesborough (Aug. 9), Pumpkin Fest (Sept. 20) and Jeep Fest (Labor Day, Sept. 1). Officials approved an outdoor-use permit for Pneuma Coffee’s Fox Street location and accepted a Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance agreement. Reappointments to the Tree & Town Skateboard advisory group (Nancy Kavanaugh, Virginia Kennedy and Melinda Kopp) were approved.

On personnel matters, the board approved two funded job descriptions for the McKinney Center (Arts & Culture Education Assistant and Story Town Assistant) and approved hiring a utilities maintenance supervisor position tied to a USDA-funded generator project. Utilities manager Kevin Grobak told the board that generator lead times are long and that preparations (concrete pads, conduit) need to be complete before delivery. Grobak said, “lead time on our generators… is already been ordered, 22 to 26 weeks,” and described an expectation that much of the new position’s early work will be reimbursed by USDA sources.

The board approved continuing Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage with the recommended plan at a 5.17% increase; aldermen added a condition that any additional employee premium contributions not be withheld until the FY-26 budget is adopted.

Votes at a glance
- Consent/standard meeting items: motion to approve carried (moved by Alderman Counterman; second Alderman Causey). Outcome: approved.
- Financial report: motion to approve carried (moved by Alderman Dixon; second Alderman Counterman). Outcome: approved.
- Wizardly World of Jonesborough special-event permit (Aug. 9): motion to approve carried (moved by Autumn [last name not specified]; second Alderman Dixon). Outcome: approved.
- Pumpkin Fest special-event permit (Sept. 20): motion to approve carried (moved by Alderman Dixon; second Alderman Counterman). Outcome: approved.
- Jeep Fest special-event permit (Labor Day, Sept. 1): motion to approve carried (motion and second recorded). Outcome: approved.
- Outdoor use permit for Pneuma Coffee (Fox Street): motion to approve carried (moved by Alderman Dixon; second Alderman Counterman). Outcome: approved.
- TDOT state highway maintenance contract: motion to approve carried. Outcome: approved.
- Snow Hut (water park) seasonal contract: motion to approve carried. Outcome: approved.
- Tiger Way signalization — bid award to Stansell Electric Co., $887,229 (federal/state funding through TDOT): motion to approve carried (moved by Alderman Causey; second Alderman Counterman). Outcome: approved.
- Charlie Hicks and Bumpus Cove pump-station contract (county water-line project): motion to approve carried. Outcome: approved.
- Automatic aid agreement between Jonesborough Fire Department and Washington County/Johnson City EMS (five-year agreement): motion to approve carried (clerical date correction requested before signing). Outcome: approved.
- Utilities maintenance supervisor position and funding (tied to USDA generator project): motion to approve carried. Outcome: approved.
- McKinney Center job descriptions (Arts & Culture Education Assistant; Story Town Assistant): motion to approve carried. Outcome: approved.
- FY26 employee insurance plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield, plan option indicated in packet): motion to approve carried with a proviso delaying employee premium changes until the budget is adopted. Outcome: approved.

Deferred items
- Replacement of the West Main Street sidewalk (Second Avenue to Washington Drive): aldermen requested the town contact remaining homeowners on the east side of the block before awarding the contract; the item was deferred to the next meeting.

Why it matters
- The Tiger Way signalization award — a nearly $900,000 federally and state-funded project — should replace a temporary signal and add data-driven traffic controls for the Lehi/Main corridor. The utilities hire and generator project are intended to expedite multiyear infrastructure work and rely heavily on USDA funding for early-phase tasks. Approvals for festivals and downtown outdoor use maintain Jonesborough’s event calendar but triggered an extended discussion about public-safety staffing and overtime costs (see separate article).

Meeting context
- Mayor Adam Bisbee presided. Several agenda items were moved, seconded and carried by voice votes; where specific tallies were recorded the minutes show successive “Aye” responses from aldermen present. Town staff described project schedules and funding sources; aldermen requested additional neighbor outreach and clarifications on contract dates and agreement start dates where necessary.

Ending
- With the approvals complete and one sidewalk award deferred for homeowner outreach, the board adjourned the regular meeting and moved to an executive session for a litigation matter. No decisions were taken in that executive session during the public portion of the meeting.","At its regular meeting, the Jonesborough Board of Aldermen approved several contracts and special-event permits, reappointed board members, accepted a budget/financial report and approved the town's employee insurance plan. The board deferred a West Main sidewalk award to contact remaining neighbors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Jonesborough approves utilities maintenance supervisor to lead USDA-funded generator project

Jonesborough debates holiday staffing, overtime and road closures as three downtown events win approval

Jonesborough aldermen approve multiple contracts, event permits and personnel changes; sidewalk decision deferred