by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Headed up by Martha Ann Pilcher and Iva Michelle Russell, Monteagle has launched a community email information service modeled after Sewanee Classifieds. At the June 24 Monteagle Council meeting, the community received information about how the service worked and how to sign up. In regular business, Mayor Greg Maloof announced July 4 parade plans. The council approved purchase of body cameras for the police department, a resolution authorizing an updated Drought Plan, increasing court costs, and a building-permit fees schedule.

The Monteagle Classifieds email service provides a central repository for information on upcoming events; weather alerts; fire, police and 911 notices; school, Monteagle City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, and local business announcements; lost dogs, cats, and people; items offered for sale or trade; items people are in search of; recommendations for physician, carpenters, plumbers — all the everyday things people want to know about. Pilcher explained people complained about not knowing about events or meetings until they had passed. “Not everyone reads the paper,” Pilcher said. “Not everyone is on Facebook.” To sign up for the no-charge email service, contact Pilcher at <maspilcher@gmail.com>. To read recent posts and post announcements without signing up for receiving Monteagle Classifieds emails in your inbox, use a search engine to visit Monteagle Classifieds-Google Groups.

Pilcher also chairs the Beautification Committee which is raising funds to purchase an electric digital sign for Monteagle Elementary School and planning a Christmas tree lighting event for the holidays. Email Pilcher to get involved.

Updating the community on the July 4 parade, Maloof said lineup would be 9 a.m. at the flea market across from McDonald’s, with the parade starting at 10 a.m. Fire Chief Travis Lawyer and Police Chief William Raline will serve as grand marshals. Clarifying a comment he made about July 4 parade sirens and horn honking, Maloof said, “I worry about all citizens, seniors, babies, even pets. Please be mindful of those as you toot your siren or horn. I’m not sure we need a blast that lasts two to three minutes, but a little wail of a siren won’t bother people. The Monteagle fire and police departments understand and will help spread the word.”

In his police report, Raline said the department was fully staffed now. “We would not be there without you,” he said making reference to the police wage increase. New officers will be introduced at the next meeting. Raline requested and received approval for purchase of five body cameras, cost $17,000.

Maloof said he worked with Monteagle engineer Travis Wilson and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in updating Monteagle’s Drought Plan. The plan incorporates water conservation measures agreed upon with TDEC in cooperation with the other plateau water utilities, Big Creek, Sewanee, and Tracy City. “There were no significant changes in the plan,” Maloof said. He called on residents to adopt conservative water use practices now, even though no trigger points calling for restricted water use had been reached. “We haven’t had rain in many days, except for last night. I don’t know when it’s going to rain again of any consequence. The rainfall last night came to one-quarter inch I was told by our water plant people. It wasn’t enough to make a dent. There’s an increased demand on Monteagle’s water supply during the summer, August being one of the highest months.”

Monteagle raised court costs from $123 to $143. Research by the court clerk and police department prompted the change, Maloof said. “The increase puts us more in line with other municipalities.”

The building permit fee ordinance approved by the council formally adopted the fee schedule put in place by former building inspector Earle Geary. The fee schedule also assigns a fee for permit applicants seeking consultation with the building inspector.