
News
Rep. Michael Hale seeks annual bonus for campus and public safety officers
January 14, 2025
By: Dwayne Page
State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, has proposed legislation ensuring certified campus police and public safety officers receive supplemental annual training pay, similar to bonuses already granted to law enforcement each year.
Police, campus police and public safety officers all complete the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) commission certification training and meet identical requirements under current law, (TCA § 38-8-107(d)).
“These men and women are protecting our most valuable asset—our children,” Hale said.
House Bill 0008 would provide an $800 annual training pay supplement.
To qualify, eligible officers must complete the same annual in-service training as public police officers.
The P.O.S.T. Commission, the state agency responsible for employment standards and training for law enforcement agencies, would allocate funds to the appropriate institutions, boards and schools, ensuring the bonuses are paid to campus and public safety officers.
“By providing this supplemental pay, we can help these departments offer compensation that aligns with other law enforcement agencies, making it easier to recruit new officers,” Hale said. “This is the right thing to do for these officers and our colleges across the state.”
The 114th General Assembly convenes at noon on Jan. 14.
State Rep. Michael Hale represents House District 40, which includes Cannon, DeKalb, Jackson, Smith and part of Wilson Counties.
City Planning Commission Recommends Passage of Tiny House Regulations
January 14, 2025
By: Dwayne Page
With more homeowners focusing less on size and more on sustainability, it should come as no surprise that tiny houses are having a massive surge in popularity. These mini dwellings are redefining how people build and live in their homes, from the property built on to the amenities inside the houses.
Currently, the City of Smithville has no “Tiny House” regulations under the zoning ordinance in a residential zone. One tiny house has already been located on Juniper Lane in an R-1 residential district.
During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Smithville Planning Commission voted to send a regulation recommendation to the mayor and aldermen for adoption. Members voting in favor were Shawn Jacobs, Glen Nichols, Meshia Johnson, Hoyte Barrett, and Brandon Miller. Donnie Crook voted no.
Under the proposed zoning ordinance amendment, Tiny Houses would be permitted only in the R-2 district as a use permitted and defined as anything 727 square feet or below restricted to only one tiny house per parcel by right. More than one tiny house must be subject to mobile home park regulations and submitted with a site plan. Tiny houses would also be subject to the city’s international residential codes including existing setback requirements.
Tiny house floor plans are designed to use every square inch of space efficiently. Typically, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are essentially the same space, but with innovative design and if more living space is desired, a loft area above could be included as a sleeping area to open up the small footprint.
In other business the planning commission voted to recommend to the city council passage of a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to permit zero lot lines for multi-family residential developments as a special exception in all districts accept R-1.
“We have had a couple of folks come in and request zero lot lines,” said Tommy Lee, Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District, who serves as UCDD staff planner and advisor to the City of Smithville. “What we have been having to do so far is send them to the BZA to get variances, but we are having more of these requests. This amendment would address that,” he said.
According to the planning commission, this amendment would primarily apply to owner occupied developments.
“Typically, if they own the property, they take more pride in ownership. They would still have to adhere to setbacks for common areas. It would just be sidewalls that would be shared,” said Lee.
Meanwhile, the planning commission voted to recommend another amendment to the zoning ordinance to clear up some language by revising the multi-family residential structures standards.
Under the proposal, 20,000 square feet is required for the first four units plus an additional 2,000 square feet per unit. The change would be to require the addition of two off street parking spaces per apartment.
US Army Corps of Engineers employee rescues kayaker
January 14, 2025
By: Michael Davis
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee played a crucial role in rescuing a kayaker who capsized on the Caney Fork River near Center Hill Dam on Dec. 31, 2024. Kevin Salvilla, natural resource program manager at Center Hill Lake, responded to the distress call, ensuring the kayaker’s safety in challenging conditions.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Salvilla received a call from dispatch reporting a kayaker clinging to a tree in the river after capsizing. He learned that the individual was not wearing a life jacket and was submerged and showing signs of hypothermia. Salvilla, with assistance from the DeKalb County Rescue Squad, responded swiftly.
Salvilla met the rescue team at the Long Branch Day Use Area where he launched a USACE park ranger vessel and navigated downstream to reach the kayaker.
“We provided the distressed young man with a life jacket, brought him into the boat, and retrieved his equipment before returning him safely to shore,” Salvilla recounted. “He was treated for hypothermia symptoms by DeKalb County EMS and released shortly after.”
Salvilla noted that the incident occurred due to the kayaker striking submerged debris.
“Thankfully, he was able to call 911 using his phone that he was able to retrieve from his pocket,” said Salvilla. “This situation highlights the importance of being prepared, wearing a life jacket, and expecting the unexpected while on the water.”
During a visit to Center Hill, the USACE Nashville District commander presented several awards to the team and to individuals for this incident response as well as other recent successes at Center Hill.
“The rescue on New Year’s Eve highlights the professionalism and dedication this team brings to every response,” said Lt. Col. Robert Green, USACE Nashville District commander. “The team’s actions reinforce one of our core missions to serve the public and protect lives, no matter the time or challenge.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds everyone to prioritize safety when engaging in water-based activities, especially during colder months when hypothermia is a significant risk. Wearing a life jacket, staying aware of environmental conditions, and having emergency equipment can make all the difference.
Additionally, in areas downstream from hydropower facilities, such as the Caney Fork River, it is important to be aware of generation schedules and how they impact water conditions. Hydropower generation schedules for all facilities in the Cumberland River Basin can be found on the USACE Nashville District website.
