Local attorneys are speaking out against a proposed judicial redistricting plan that would take DeKalb County out of the current make up of the 13th Judicial District and make it part of a new eight county district, which would also include Macon, Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Cannon, Warren, and Coffee counties.
For DeKalb, that would mean a different set of judges, District Attorney General, and District Public Defender from those that currently serve the county.
In a meeting with the local media Wednesday afternoon, several local attorneys expressed their displeasure with the proposal and plan to lobby state legislators to vote against it if presented to the general assembly.
“We (all local attorneys) are unanimous in our opposition to this, said General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, II, who is president of the DeKalb County bar.
Judge Cook said judicial redistricting is not needed and a recent study authorized by the state legislature on statewide judicial redistricting drew the same conclusion. “To me, one of the important factors is the tax dollars that this is going to cost. It will cost millions of dollars. The state of Tennessee is not flush with our money and its our money that they’re talking about spending. In fact, just four years ago they (state) spent some $250,000 to $300,000 and hired an independent company to make a study of redistricting the state. The summary of that study says ‘we don’t need it’. There is nothing substantial or insubstantial that has changed in the last four years. Its ridiculous to say just because nothing (judicial redistricting) has happened since 1984, lets go in and make something happen. If its not broken, it doesn’t need to be fixed,” said Judge Cook
In 2007, the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office awarded a contract to the Justice Management Institute and the Center for Justice, Law, and Society (CJLS) at George Mason University, to conduct a study of potential judicial redistricting in the state of Tennessee. The findings from the study were released in April, 2009. Based on the data collected for the study and an analysis of it, the report said “JMI does not recommend that judicial redistricting occur at this time”.
According to the JMI report, “a review of relevant literature and state information found that in the states for which there was information on redistricting, the criteria were not actually used exclusively to assess district boundaries but rather to apportion judicial resources. These criteria included caseload per judge, weighted caseload, and population as the key factors used in other states to determine judicial boundaries. In lieu of criteria established by the state of Tennessee, JMI nonetheless used the criteria noted above to assess the boundaries of the judicial districts. Using these criteria, JMI found slight differences in a handful of districts, but none of significant magnitude to warrant redistricting. Additional information related to case processing times and pending caseloads were also examined and although differences were observed, changes in district boundaries are unlikely to address these differences. Moreover, the observed differences were again not of major significance,” according to the JMI report.
“This report talks about the weighted case load that is one of the methods that Tennessee uses to determine where we need to put judicial resources. You cannot use population to say we need or don’t need another judge,” said Judge Cook, “It’s the case load. So you can’t go by population. But its my understanding that’s kind of what they (state lawmakers) are wanting to do on redrawing the lines. Surely to goodness the legislature can spend our tax dollars better on education and other important issues than spending it on redrawing district lines for the judiciary when it doesn’t need it,” he said
As for the case load, attorney Hilton Conger said the judges in the 13th Judicial District manage it well. “If you look at the current thirty one judicial districts, the 13th Judicial District that we’re in has the most counties. It may not be the largest populated district or the largest geographic district but it has the most counties of any. It has seven counties. No other district has seven counties in it. Our five judges in those counties say they’re not overworked or under worked. They are disposing of cases as they should be disposed of. Who better knows (than the judges)? They (state lawmakers) give lip service by saying it (redistricting) is to get speedier trials so you won’t have prisoners waiting in jail or litigants waiting. (They say) justice delayed is justice denied. I agree with that but I promise you that in our district, which has more counties than any in the state, you can get a trial on any kind of case, a jury trial or bench trial. If you really pushed for it and both sides cooperated, you could have a jury trial in less than six months. There is not a judge in our district that wouldn’t accommodate you or find the time for it. All you have to do is come to our docket settings. The judges routinely ask the question at the beginning of the docket setting, does anybody have a case they want to get tried? They say I’ve got the time. You tell me,” said Conger.
Frank Buck, longtime attorney and former State Representative, said he doesn’t like the proposed new map in that it runs from such a long distance from Macon County, bordering Kentucky, down to Coffee County, not far from Alabama. He said that would create an undue burden of travel for many litigants. “The purpose of any judicial system is not for the benefit of the lawyers. Its not for the benefit of the judges. Its for the benefit of the public,” said Buck. ‘When you look at this map (proposed new eight county district), if I were a lawyer in Tullahoma and I was getting some lady’s child support (for her), I might have to go from within thirty miles of Alabama all the way within twenty miles of the Kentucky border if I were in Judge Wootten’s court in Macon County. Judge Wootten is an excellent judge. Its not the judges, it’s the geography that’s crazy,” said Buck.
Sarah Cripps said local attorneys would also face a lot of initial unpredictability with a different District Attorney General and new judges “To me the redistricting would inject so much unpredictability for the lawyers who are trying to render good representation for our clients. We have working relationships that are good with our district attorney, with our DCS attorneys, and with our judges. I’m not saying we can predict outcomes but when a client comes to you or if you’re a mediator and you can talk with some sense of assuredness as to what a judge might do in a case or you know how the judge likes motions or certain things filed then that is important. All of this is going to be re-learning for everybody. It will be for me and I assume it will be for others if you’re not familiar with a judge. We’re not going to have relationships that we’ve built with the (current) District Attorney’s Office, with the Public Defender’s Office, with the Department of Children Services and their case managers and attorneys. We’re not going to know (new) judge’s preferences. To me that doesn’t help anyone. Most of all it doesn’t help our clients. That’s what we’re all about is trying to help our clients in the best way we can. This is going to thwart those efforts significantly. We have excellent judges in this district. From General Sessions and Juvenile Court to Circuit, Chancery to Criminal Court we are blessed with uniformly excellent judges. I want the district and the citizens of our county to continue to have that type of system to work for us,” said Cripps.
Judge Cook added that many litigants might also be better served by judges already familiar with their case history. “So often you have people that come into court involving matters concerning their children and those cases continue on and on for years. You go in front of a judge, like Judge (Ronald) Thurman or Judge (John) Maddux. They are familiar with the case. They are familiar with what has happened over the years. If we end up getting stuck in another judicial district, then all of a sudden that new judge comes into court and the litigants come in and that judge knows nothing about the case. They’ve got a whole new learning curve. How is that fair to the litigants? That’s who the system is for is them,” said Judge Cook.
“What I look at is the overall economic affect on state and county resources,” said attorney Jim Judkins. “For a deputy to have to transport a prisoner several counties for a hearing, that’s going to cost the state or that county a whole lot more money. I don’t really see it as the most efficient way to do business here in the district. I’m opposed to it. I think when you have the D.A., the Public Defender, and just about every judge around here saying we are opposed to it along with the lawyers, I think that speaks volumes about redistricting in this particular county,” said Judkins.
“I’m with my fellow attorneys,” said attorney Jeremy Trapp. I don’t see any benefit this is going to create. I think it’s a mistake. I go to a lot of different counties and practice law in front of a lot of different judges and I haven’t met one that’s for this or who can tell me how this is going to help things or make things better. So I’m opposed to it,” said Trapp.
“We in the clerk’s office, we’re kind of the in between of all these lawyers, the D.A’s office, and the Public Defender’s office,” said Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack. “We have a really good working relationship with all of them. Like everybody else, its going to be a learning process just to get this transitioned over to something else, it’s just almost beyond what I could think of that we will have to do to accommodate this. I am opposed to it simply because I love working with our D.A.’s office. I love working with the attorneys. I love working with the Public Defender’s office. I feel like we all have a good working relationship. I just hate to see that start from the ground and have to be worked up again,” said Pack.
“As the newest attorney I haven’t practiced in front of these Circuit and Criminal Court judges and Chancellor as much as everyone else here. But when I hear them (other attorneys) that have practiced in front of them for years on end say that everyone is unanimously against it, I can’t think of one reason to be for it,” said attorney Jon Slager. ” Everyone is against it and they have said their reasons. They know much more about it than I do so I can’t think of any reason to be for it,” said Slager.
The 13th Judicial District is currently made up of Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties. The district has three trial courts including the Chancery, Circuit, and Criminal Courts and is served by Criminal Court Judges Leon Burns, Jr. and David Patterson, Circuit Court Judges John Maddux and Amy Hollars, and Chancellor Ronald Thurman. The District Attorney General is Randy York and the District Public Defender is David Brady. All these officials are either from Cookeville, Crossville or Livingston.
State Representative Mark Pody, during a visit to Smithville last Friday, said he believes the current system isn’t working and that some changes should be made. “I’m going to tell you flat out that what we have isn’t working,” said Pody. “We’ve got thirty one districts and some of the wait times for example for a court case could be seventeen months depending on what district its in. I know cases where someone wants to get a divorce and they can’t get a time to even get in front of a judge for over a year. That’s just too long. Or if somebody commits a crime, if it takes over a year, that’s not a speedy trial,” he said.
“The (redistricting) map I have seen is going from thirty one districts down to twenty nine districts. I’m not comfortable reducing the number of districts. That doesn’t make sense to me,” said Pody. ” But we have to redo it (redistricting) so it is more equitable across the state. There are some areas that seem to be working very well with no back load but there are areas where there is a big back load. My goal is to vote for what’s best for the entire state and not what might be just best for where I am (my district). I have to look at this as a state issue and not just what’s going to be best for our county. My vote has to be that way. I am going to be very open to the facts. For example, I want to know the case load and the average time for trial. I think that will make a difference in how its going to be divided up,” said Representative Pody.
Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey said he wants the State Senate Judiciary Committee to examine judicial districting and ways the legal system can operate more efficiently and effectively. He noted that the last judicial redistricting occurred nearly 30 years ago in 1984.
“We desperately need to take a fresh look at this judicial map statewide to ensure Tennesseans receive the best possible service from their judges, district attorneys and public defenders,” said Lt. Governor Ramsey.
(Third Photo from Top: Pictured left to right seated Hilton Conger, Mingy Bryant, and Sarah Cripps. Standing left to right- Mark Kent, Bratten Cook, II, Jeremy Parsley, Jim Judkins, Frank Buck, and Jon Slager)
Members of the local bar who have an active trial practice in the Thirteenth Judicial District and who are not pictured in the photograph are:
Sue Puckett-Jernigan
Vester Parsley
Lena Buck
Tecia Puckett Pryor
Gayla Hendrix

Two juveniles, believed to be responsible for a rash of recent mail box vandalism incidents, will soon make an appearance in Juvenile Court on petitions accusing them of committing the delinquent act of vandalism.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said the two juveniles, both boys, were served with the petitions Tuesday.
According to Sheriff Ray, numerous mail boxes have been damaged recently, mostly in the southern portion of the county in the areas of Whorton Springs Road, New Home, Bethel Road, Jacobs Pillar, and Old Blue Springs Road.
Sheriff Ray is asking anyone who has been a victim of mailbox vandalism to call Central Dispatch at 215-3000. An officer will contact you to make a report.

Although he was not involved in the high speed pursuit out of Van Buren County last week as initially reported by authorities there, 21 year old Ray Darnell Underwood still has his own problems with the law.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said Underwood is charged with promotion to manufacture methamphetamine, driving on a suspended license, evading arrest, and unlawful possession of a schedule II drug for resale. He also has against him a capius or bench warrant out of the General Sessions Court for simple possession, casual exchange, and two counts of failure to appear in court. His bond totals $42,000 and he will be in court on February 28.
According to Sheriff Ray, Underwood, a resident of Cookeville Highway Smithville was arrested on Sunday, February 17.
Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, January 23 a sheriff’s department drug detective took a warrant on Underwood for promotion of the manufacture of methamphetamine after he was found with nine pseudoephedrine pills on his person during a traffic stop. Underwood was a passenger of a vehicle pulled over by the detective on Highway 70. In an interview with authorities, Underwood allegedly admitted that he was planning to make methamphetamine with the pills.
Nine days later on Friday February 1, another drug detective spotted Underwood operating a vehicle on Highway 53. The officer had prior knowledge that Underwood’s license were suspended and he tried to stop him. Instead of pulling over, Underwood accelerated and drove into Cannon County. The officer terminated the pursuit. A computer check confirmed that Underwood’s license were suspended in DeKalb County in September, 2010.
The following Monday, February 4, the same drug detective who tried to stop Underwood on Friday, February 1 spotted Underwood driving again while on routine patrol. Underwood passed him on Highway 70. The officer turned around at Toad Road and began a pursuit activating his lights and sirens. Underwood turned onto New Home Road at a high rate of speed, refusing to stop. He then turned onto Short Mountain Highway. The drug detective again terminated the pursuit due to the speed.
Underwood was finally arrested on Sunday, February 17. A drug detective saw Underwood, who was as a passenger of a vehicle on Gentry Avenue. Having knowledge that Underwood had outstanding warrants against him, the detective placed him under arrest. A search of his person turned up in his jacket pocket a small plastic bag that contained a powdery substance believed to be meth. It field tested to be meth. It was over a half gram. Underwood allegedly told the detective that he had planned to sell it. He also allegedly admitted to being the driver of the vehicle who evaded the drug detective.
25 year old Jamaal Ahmad League of Smith Road, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court February 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, February 18 an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Main Street and Short Mountain Street, to check on a man (League) who was reported to be peeping in car windows. League was found to be carrying a six pack of beer. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. It was League’s second arrest for public intoxication within four days. He was first arrested on Thursday, February 14 and brought to the jail for booking.
43 year old Tammy Denise Stanley of Redman Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on February 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, February 14 a deputy saw a vehicle speeding through the school zone at DeKalb West on Highway 70. The officer got behind the automobile and observed it weaving all over the roadway and driving erratically. The deputy stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Stanley. Her speech was slurred. She admitted to having taken hydrocodone pills earlier in the day. Stanley submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. She also submitted to a blood alcohol drug test.
39 year old Sebastian Manuel Torres of West Bryant Street, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for failure to travel in the proper lane, violation of the implied consent law, and no drivers license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on February 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, February 16, a deputy saw a vehicle traveling in the middle of both lanes on West Broad Street in Smithville at a very slow speed. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver, Torres who had a very strong odor of alcohol on his person. Torres, whose speech was slurred, also admitted to consuming beer. He submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks but he refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.
22 year old Justin Lee Todd of Liberty is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court February 21. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, February 17 a deputy and Tennessee Highway Patrol officer responded to a residence on Adamson Branch Road where a man was in the front yard acting very strangely and armed with a ball bat and a fire poker. The officers made contact with Todd, who was acting very paranoid. Todd told the officer that five men were after him, wanting to kill him. Todd’s speech was very slurred and slow. He appeared to be under the influence and his behavior and actions caused alarm. Todd was placed under arrest.

A 16 year old boy is recovering from a gunshot wound in the leg after an accidental shooting Sunday night at a residence on North Congress Boulevard just outside the city limits.
Officials say the boy and his girlfriend were cleaning guns when a weapon she held was accidentally discharged causing a wound to the boy’s leg.
He was taken by DeKalb EMS to the Smithville Municipal Airport where he was airlifted by a Life Flight helicopter ambulance and flown to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.
A family member told WJLE Wednesday that the boy has lost his leg. He remains in the trauma unit of Vanderbilt hospital and may need another surgery.
No charges will be filed in the case since it was an accidental shooting. The names of the boy and girl were not disclosed because they are juveniles.

If a new judicial redistricting plan is approved by the state legislature as proposed, DeKalb County would no longer be part of the current make up of the 13th Judicial District, which also includes Clay, Cumberland, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties.
Under the proposed plan, Van Buren County would join the 13th district and DeKalb County would become part of a new eight county district which also includes Macon, Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Cannon, Warren, and Coffee Counties. For DeKalb, that would mean a different set of judges, District Attorney General, and District Public Defender from those that currently serve the county.
The 13th Judicial district has three trial courts including the Chancery, Circuit, and Criminal Courts. The district is served by Criminal Court Judges Leon Burns, Jr. and David Patterson, Circuit Court Judges John Maddux and Amy Hollars, and Chancellor Ronald Thurman. The District Attorney General is Randy York and the District Public Defender is David Brady. All these officials are either from Cookeville, Crossville or Livingston.
State Senate speaker, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey said he wants the Senate Judiciary Committee to examine judicial districting and ways the legal system can operate more efficiently and effectively. He noted that the last judicial redistricting occurred nearly 30 years ago in 1984.
“We desperately need to take a fresh look at this judicial map statewide to ensure Tennesseans receive the best possible service from their judges, district attorneys and public defenders,” said Lt. Governor Ramsey.
DeKalb County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook II, President of the local bar, said none of the local attorneys like this proposed move. Judge Cook plans to talk with WJLE more indepth on this subject later in the week.
State Representative Mark Pody, during a visit to Smithville Friday, said he believes something should be done and Lieutenant Governor Ramsey wants all proposed plans in for consideration within thirty days. “We are looking at redistricting of judicial districts. That is a huge issue. I’m going to tell you flat out that what we have isn’t working,” said Pody. “We’ve got thirty one districts and some of the wait times for example for a court case could be seventeen months depending on what district its in. I know cases where someone wants to get a divorce and they can’t get a time to even get in front of a judge for over a year. That’s just too long. Or if somebody commits a crime, if it takes over a year, that’s not a speedy trial. We have to pay about sixty dollars per day (per prisoner) to hold those people in prison. That’s what the cost is to the state. If we’re paying sixty dollars per day just holding them until they go to trial, I think we could save some of that money if we could redo this (redistricting) and make our court (wait) times much shorter,” said Pody
“The (redistricting) map I have seen is going from thirty one districts down to twenty nine districts. I’m not comfortable reducing the number of districts. That doesn’t make sense to me,” said Pody. ” But Coffee County is a district unto itself. So we have to redo it (redistricting) so it is more equitable across the state. There are some areas that seem to be working very well with no back load but there are areas where there is a big back load. I’m hoping that the DA’s, the judges, and all the interested parties will come together and help draw the map. Right now they are very open to looking at opportunities. I’d like to keep us at the thirty one districts. I think that even though its more than the twenty nine districts that they are proposing, the savings in jail time, etc should more than offset some of those things. We’re looking at putting this plan together within the next thirty days. Its out there for the public to be commenting on. But more than just saying I don’t like it, what I’m hoping is that somebody will say ‘here is an alternative’ to divide it up in a way that works well for everybody across the state. My goal is to vote for what’s best for the entire state and not what might be just best for where I am (my district). I have to look at this as a state issue and not just what’s going to be best for our county. My vote has to be that way. I am going to be very open to the facts. For example, I want to know the case load and the average time for trial. I think that will make a difference in how its going to be divided up,” said Representative Pody.
Tennessee currently has thirty-one judicial districts which determine the areas judges, district attorneys and public defenders serve.
To be considered, submitted plans must use 2010 federal census data and redistrict the entire state. Plans must contain a total of thirty-one districts or fewer and districts must be comprised of whole counties. Regional integrity, geographic boundaries and ease of inter-county travel must also be considered.

City officials fired back at the DeKalb Utility District Monday night after receiving a letter from DUD officials claiming that City Attorney Vester Parsley, Jr. and Secretary-Treasurer Hunter Hendrixson have not provided the aldermen with “full and accurate information” concerning the DUD’s position on the water cost study
“I take a little offense at that,” said Parsley during Monday night’s city council meeting.
City officials, during the last meeting on February 4 complained that DUD had decided not to pay for half the cost of a water study, as the utility had allegedly previously agreed to do in correspondence with the city.
The DUD letter, signed by Board Chairman Roger Turney and manager Jon Foutch, sent over the weekend to city officials including each alderman points out that the DUD was willing, in a proposed water purchase contract, to share in the expense of a Cost of Service Study with the city as long as both parties agreed on an unbiased and independent entity to perform the study, which is being done to determine the actual cost to the city of producing water. Results of the study are expected to help determine rates the city charges the DUD in any future water purchase contract agreement. Even if DUD builds its own water treatment plant, the utility will apparently still need a new contract with the city to serve some areas.
The city chose Warren & Associates to do the study at a cost of $7,500. DUD officials claim Warren & Associates is not unbiased since officials of that company are expected to be called as expert witnesses in the Utility Management Review Board (DUD rate review) proceeding on April 4 in Smithville and will be presenting evidence against the DUD on behalf of the City of Smithville.
Parsley insists both he and Hunter Hendrixson have kept the mayor and aldermen informed on all issues regarding the DUD and takes offense with the DUD for suggesting otherwise. “Hunter and I received a letter from the Chairman of the DUD and Mr. Jon Foutch which implied that Hunter and I had not been informing the board correctly about issues involving DUD. I certainly take a little offense at that because I know that the mayor and I have talked many times and we’ve brought it to your attention here as a board many times about issues as they are brought up. It wasn’t at every board meeting because we didn’t have something to bring up. But Hunter and the mayor and I have talked several times about various issues. Those (issues) that we felt like were important to bring to the board, I know we brought to the board’s attention. I just wanted to clarify that. If anyone at the board here ever needs to talk to me about any issue with DUD you know my line is always open. My office is always open and I would be willing to talk to you at any time. I’m sure Hunter would say the same. You folks (mayor and aldermen), I’m working for you and whatever you want me to do I’ll do and anytime you’ve asked me to write a letter, I’ve written a letter. I just wanted to clarify that,” said Parsley.
“I was really disturbed at the way they (DUD) talked about you and Hunter,” said Alderman Danny Washer. “Right off the bat, I didn’t like it and you (Parsley and Hendrixson) have been up front with us. You have discussed everything with us. If I’ve had any questions you have always been open with us. We’ve been after this for a long time. It just seems like it just gets passed around. They (DUD) don’t want to cooperate with us. We’ve been up front but they’re not wanting to work with us on this. Its kind of like a smoke screen to me. They just keep putting it off and putting it off. I appreciate all the information you have given us. You have kept up informed with everything. I really respect the information you give us. I trust it. I don’t like what I’m getting in the mail from them (DUD). I took offense to it and it wasn’t even directed at me. But we’re all part of the board and what reflects on yall (Parsley and Hendrixson) reflects on us” said Washer.
Meanwhile, Hendrixson said Warren & Associates is proceeding with the water cost study and should be finished soon. “I talked Friday with Warren & Associates. I think they are going to be up here one day this week to collect a little more data. I think they’re getting pretty close to having a pretty accurate number. They won’t give me any numbers yet which is fine until they are completely done. I’m hoping by the next meeting we’ll have a cost of water survey completed and we’ll know where we stand not only with DUD in negotiating a contract with them but also so we know where we are as a city and if we are charging our city customers too much. We’ll know how to plan better if we need a rate increase or leave as is so hopefully in the next several weeks we’ll have a number to go by which is long overdue,” said Hendrixson.

The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen adopted a resolution Monday night to make changes to the city charter including having the terms of office go from two to four years, extending voting rights to county residents that own commercial property in the city (two persons per deed), allowing property rights voting to county residents who own at least 3,500 square feet of property in the city, and allowing by ordinance regular city council meetings to be held only once per month.
(OPEN PDF BELOW TO READ ENTIRE DOCUMENT OF PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES)Smithville2013Charter-change-final.pdf (137.84 KB)
The resolution, passed unanimously by the aldermen, will be sent to State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody and State Senator Mae Beavers asking that they introduce an act in the legislature to amend in its entirety the city charter, which is Chapter 486 of the Private Acts of Tennessee for 1941 and to replace it with the new charter.
After the resolution is adopted by the General Assembly, it must return to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for a second reading where it must receive a vote of not less than two thirds of the entire membership of the board before it can take effect.
In January, Mayor Jimmy Poss and Aldermen Jason Murphy, Tim Stribling, Shawn Jacobs, Gayla Hendrix, Danny Washer, and Secretary-Treasurer Hunter Hendrixson met in a workshop at city hall to review the charter and to suggest changes. City officials forwarded the proposed changes to the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) for a legal review.
Under the proposed new charter, city elections will be held every two years, on the first Thursday in August to coincide with the county general election and state primaries. Terms of office for the mayor and aldermen will go from two to four years. Aldermen say the city will save money by not having to hold an election every year. By having the city election to run with the county general elections in August, it will most likely draw more city voters to the polls, according to the aldermen. City elections are currently held on the third Tuesday in June and the mayor and aldermen races are the only offices on the ballot.
The terms of office for the mayor and aldermen are staggered. For example, three aldermen are to be elected this year (2013) and a mayor and two aldermen are to be elected next year (2014). Currently the terms of office are for two years. The office holders are elected on the third Tuesday in June and their terms of office begin on July 1.
There will be no change in the date of the city election this year. The election will be held on Tuesday, June 18. The three aldermen elected this year will serve for a three year term until the day after the August election in 2016. From then on three aldermen will be elected to serve four year terms. The new charter specifies that the terms are to begin at 12:01 p.m. on the first Friday in August, or the day after the election.
Next year under the proposed new charter, a mayor and two aldermen will be elected on the first Thursday in August and take office the next day. Those elected will serve for four years.
The proposed new charter states that ” The Election Commission of DeKalb County shall hold a municipal election on the third Tuesday in June of 2013 for the purpose of electing three aldermen to serve until the first Thursday in August of 2016 or until their successors are elected and qualified. At the municipal election of the first Thursday in August of 2014 a Mayor and two aldermen shall be elected to serve until the first Thursday in August 2018 or until their successors are elected and qualified. Thereafter the terms of the Mayor and aldermen shall be four year terms. The Mayor and aldermen shall be elected at large. Any elector who has been a resident of the city for at least one year may be qualified as a candidate for Mayor or Alderman by a nominating petition submitted to the DeKalb County Election Commission in the time and manner determined by the general laws of the State of Tennessee”.
According to the proposed new charter, “the terms of office of Mayor and all Aldermen shall commence at 12:01 P.M. on the first Friday of August following the municipal election, and they shall serve until their successors have been elected and qualified”. .
Currently, persons who live in the county may qualify as a city property rights voter in municipal elections if they own property in the city of at least 7,500 square feet. The proposed new charter changes that to 3,500 square feet and it allows property owners to count multiple floors toward the total square footage requirement. Anyone who lives in the county but owns commercial property of any size in the city may also register as a property rights voter with a limit of two persons per deed. The proposed new charter states that ” any person owning property within the corporate limits of the municipality and residing outside such limits but within DeKalb County may register and vote in municipal elections, if such property ownership is of a residential lot size of not less than thirty-five hundred (3500) square feet or any person owning a commercial property of any size as long as there are not more than two (2) persons per deed in either property classification. Multiple floors shall count towards the total square footage residential requirement Such nonresident shall furnish to the Registrar’s office proof of ownership and lot size and location by submitting a copy of the municipality’s tax notice or such other document deemed acceptable by the Registrar. Such nonresident shall not be eligible to hold any municipal office or serve on any municipal board or commission.”
The proposed new charter gives the aldermen the authority to establish by ordinance the salaries of the mayor and aldermen as well as the time and dates of all city council meetings. Regular city council meetings will only be held once, instead of twice per month, after passage by ordinance but special meetings may be called as needed. The mayor and aldermen will meet on the first Monday night of the month, as they do now, but the time will change to 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m. If the meeting date should fall on a holiday, the mayor and aldermen would meet on the following Monday night. The second regular meeting night of each month, now on the third Monday night, will no longer be held. Special meetings could be called by either the mayor or any two aldermen, giving at least 48 hours notice.
The proposed new charter states that “the salary of the Mayor and Aldermen shall be determined by ordinance; however, those salaries may not be increased or decreased during their current term of office. The Board shall meet regularly at least once every month at the city hall or municipal building, or at another place and time prescribed by ordinance. The Board shall meet in special session on written notice of the Mayor or any two Aldermen and served on the other members of board personally at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Only the business stated in the written call may be transacted at a special meeting. Informal meetings or work sessions of the Board may be held for the purpose of fact finding and conducting inspections; however, there shall be no official action taken by the Board in these meetings. The Board shall exercise its powers only in public meetings,” according to the proposed new charter”.
The proposed new charter further states that “the Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Board, and shall not have a vote on any matter except in case of a tie vote. He shall be recognized as the ceremonial head of the city. The Mayor shall have veto power over any legislative action of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The Mayor’s veto may be over-ridden by a two-thirds majority vote of all currently sitting members. Upon passage of a legislative ordinance or resolution, the Mayor shall notify the Board in writing of his veto within 10 days and the reasons for the veto. Should the Mayor choose not to veto an action of the Board and fails to sign the ordinance or resolution by the next regular meeting, the ordinance or resolution shall be deemed to be approved and become a law without the Mayor’s signature,” according to the new charter.
Smithville2013Charter-change-final.pdf (137.84 KB)

Three people escaped serious injury in a two vehicle traffic accident Monday night at the intersection of South Congress Boulevard and Vaughn Lane.
Patrolman Stephen Barrett of the Smithville Police Department told WJLE that 18 year old Diana Gaspar of Smithville was driving west on Vaughn Lane in a 2005 Nissan when she pulled into the path of a 2011 Honda car driven by 66 year old Kenneth Heady of Gainesboro who was north on Congress Boulevard (Highway 56). 68 year old Clella Martin of Gainesboro was a passenger of the Heady car.
Gaspar’s car struck Heady’s vehicle in the passenger side. After impact, the Heady car overturned on its top and slid to a stop in the highway while Gaspar’s car apparently knocked down a fence just off the road.
Neither Heady, Martin, nor Gaspar were believed to have been seriously hurt. Martin was the only one transported to the hospital by DeKalb EMS.
Gaspar was cited for failure to yield, driving on a suspended license, and violation of the financial responsibility law for no insurance.
Officer Barrett was assisted by Smithville Police Sergeant Andy Snow and Trooper Dewaine Jennings of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department was also on the scene.

A 28 year old woman is in trouble with the law for allegedly stealing wallets from two victims at church
Tracy Ann Thomason was arrested on Friday, February 8 for two counts of theft of property under $500. According to Smithville Police, an officer was called to check out a complaint of stolen property at the Smithville Church of God on West Broad Street. While enroute, Central dispatch advised the officer that the suspect (Thomason) had left the church and was walking east on Broad Street. Members of the church were following her. The officer made contact with the subject (Thomason) on Whaley Street. Found in her purse were the two wallets which were stolen from victims during a church service. Except for some cash, the wallets and contents were recovered and returned to the owners. Bond for Thomason is $4,000 and her court date is March 7.
Three days after the theft, Thomason was arrested again on Monday, February 11 in a separate case of public intoxication stemming from a shoplifting complaint at Walmart. According to the warrant, an officer was called to Wal-Mart on a shoplifter complaint. The officer viewed the store’s surveillance video and saw the suspect in the make-up aisle. He then went to the make-up aisle and made contact with the woman (Thomason). The officer reported that Thomason was unsteady on her feet and her speech was slurred. Thomason was escorted to the office where a loss prevention store employee obtained information from her so that they could prosecute her for shoplifting. Due to her being a danger to herself and the public, she was placed under arrest. Bond for Thomason is $1,000 and her court date is March 14.
25 year old Sabrina Marie Hancock was cited on Friday, February 8 for three counts of simple possession. An officer pulled over a vehicle on a traffic stop. Hancock was a passenger. Upon making the stop, the officer saw Hancock place something between the seats. After removing her from the car, the officer recovered pills believed to be Lortab, Oxycodone and Morphine. She will be in court on March 7.
30 year old Marlena Sue Patterson was arrested Sunday, February 10 for the aggravated assault of a family member. According to the warrant, an officer was called to a residence to check out a physical assault in progress. Upon arrival at the location, the officer made contact with two females who were apparently in an altercation on the floor. Both females were irate and would not obey the officer’s commands. After getting them separated and speaking to everyone at the residence, the officer determined that Patterson was the primary aggressor. Patterson allegedly punched the woman (a family member) in the head and strangled her by putting her hands around her throat. Bond for Patterson is $2,500 and she will be in court on March 7.
19 year old Skyelar Jerome Patrick was arrested Tuesday, February 12 for violation of an order of protection. According to the warrant, Patrick violated an order of protection against him by going to the residence where the petitioner lives. The order states that Patrick is to stay away from the home. Officers went to the residence of the petitioner and found Patrick inside the home. Bond for Patrick $2,500 and he will be in court March 14.
37 year old Lonnie Lynn Wheeler was arrested Thursday, February 14 for disorderly conduct. Officers responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Lincoln Street where they found numerous windows broken out of the home and three men who had been scuffling. One of the men was found to be Wheeler. Police said Wheeler was combative and he refused to comply with officers’ instructions. Wheeler was tased and arrested for disorderly conduct. His bond is $4,000 and his court date is February 21.
25 year old Jamaal Ahmad League was arrested on Thursday, February 14 for public intoxication. According to the warrant, an officer was called to the area of Taco Bell where a man was said to be running in the roadway and screaming that he was going to kill somebody. The man was thought to have something in his hand. While enroute, a sheriff’s deputy told police that the man was attempting to cross the roadway through congested traffic at the intersection of Highway 70 & 56. The officer made contact with the man (League) in front of Exxon. Due to the nature of the call, the officer asked League to show his hands and get on the ground for safety reasons. Upon speaking with League, the officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. For the safety of the public and himself, League was arrested. His bond is $2,500 and his court date is March 7.
52 year old Lisa Ann George was cited for shoplifting on Thursday, February 14. George was observed concealing items, taking them from Wal-Mart, and putting them in her trunk. The items were recovered and returned to the store. She will be in court on February 28.
Anyone with information on any criminal activity is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
Any information received that would help Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential.

Local realtor and construction worker Josh Miller plans to be a candidate for alderman in the Smithville Municipal Election on June 18. Miller picked up his qualifying petition from the election commission office last week.
Miller, a resident of Stone Haven Drive, Smithville is employed by the Real Estate Team and he also works in construction.
Miller’s wife Amy works for Shiroki North America, Inc. The couple has two children, six year old Addison Miller and two year old Lilly Miller.
Three aldermen will be elected on Tuesday, June 18 each to serve a one time three year term through August, 2016, subject to a revision in the city charter. Starting in August, 2016, the terms of these three aldermen positions will become four year terms.
The positions are currently held by Aldermen Gayla Hendrix, Shawn Jacobs, and Danny Washer. All three have announced plans to seek re-election.
Anthony Scott of Riley Avenue has also picked up a petition to run for alderman, but he has not yet returned it.