This is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first.

Current News:

Baneberry Banter
Winter	January, 2010

 

	Awards: The City of Baneberry has been recognized through-out the state for providing their residents with two new buildings consisting of a city hall, community center, fire station, police station and a city garage as well as establishing the "Baneberry Volunteer Fire Department".
	New City Facilities:  The City Hall and Community Center are in building one. It  has 4100 square feet plus a 1280 square feet pavilion for outside dining etc. A three bay fire hall, city garage facilities and a police station are located in building two. It has 2880 square feet .Plans are on display at city hall. The Community Center is available for social and business functions. Activities sponsored by Parks and Recreation are available to residents at no charge.  For all other functions the following fees apply.  For rental applications or further information on policies and guidelines for use please call Judy Keane at 674-0268 or inquire at the City Office. Baneberry Community Center Rental Fees and Guidelines  Large Room (Includes use of the Kitchen)     Residents----------------------------------$100.00     Non-Residents----------------------------- 150.00     Business Groups---------------------------  200.00  Small Rooms-------------------------------25.00  Large Room, Kitchen, Patio and Barbecue     Residents-----------------------------------$150.00     Non-Residents------------------------------ 200.00     Business Groups-----------------------------250.00 All fees require a cleaning deposit equal to the rental fee and should be paid with a separate check.  The cleaning deposit is refundable at the close of the event after inspection by a Community Center representative.
	Fire Protection: It's official. The State Fire Marshal's office declared our fire department as a duly authorized fire department. We are  the "Baneberry Volunteer Fire Department". Prior to that recognition, the County established a recognized fire district for Baneberry that includes not only the area within the city, but also county areas within a three mile radius of the fire station. The establishment of a recognized fire district and official recognition by the State became the lever for the County to allocate $40,000, or more, each fiscal year to the City for fire suppression. our fire truck is now housed in our new facilities. We have received grants to purchase other needed equipment. Members of the White Pine Volunteer Fire Department will serve double duty and man and maintain our equipment.
	Police Protection: We now have our own "Baneberry Police Department". Our police are on the job and are now patrolling the city on a regular basis. Baneberry doesn't have a lot of problems, but we hope the presence of the police will stop most of the nuisance violations. We encourage all residents to report any violations. Remember that 911 is always the number to call for emergencies. Call 475-3482 for all Non-emergency violations. A partial list of violations that they will be monitoring are normal traffic violations, violation of city ordinances, such as illegally using the mail center road, dumping or littering, discharging firearms, violation of animal control ordinance or any other suspicious actions. General Information:
	Burn Permit: A burn permit is required to burn trash. Call Pat Lunsford at City Hall, 674-0124 or home 674-8444. NEW:  You now may burn any day of the week except Sundays and National holidays, dawn until dusk. All fires must be extinguished by dark. Fires must be attended at all times with an adequate method of extinguishing the fire. For a complete copy of the fire regulations call Pat at 674-0124 or 674-8444.

	Burn Pile: The burn pile is located behind a locked gate. Entrance will be made available to all residents of Baneberry. You may get a key and instructions  from the Pro Shop.. Only brush will be accepted. Absolutely no grass, leaves  construction debris, large trees, rubber, plastic, manufactured material or any heavy smoke producing items will be accepted. Commercial tree companies, contractors or other commercial entities are not permitted to use the burn pile.
	Mowing: All lots in Baneberry (with the exception of lots still in their natural state) must be kept mowed below twelve inches. Failure to keep affected lots mowed may result in a citation being issued to the owner of the property.
	Mail Center Traffic:  The traffic situation was improving considerably after the Mayor ask the residents for their cooperation. People have begun to ignore the signs again. The police are writing citations for violators. No more warnings.  Several citations have been written to date. We want to thank all of those who have stopped using it as a short cut and helping to keep a safe environment at the mail center.
	Minors driving vehicles on public streets:  You must have a drivers license operate any vehicle on a public street. Several minors have been seen driving golf carts and ATVs on the public streets. This is illegal. The police and other authorized personnel will be writing citations for violators.
	Stray Dogs:  Recently we ask all dog owners to keep their dogs restrained in compliance with current City Ordinance. Most people complied and for that we thank you. However we are still getting complaints of dogs running loose and owners walking their dogs without a leash and allowing them to “potty” in other people’s yard. This is not only an imposition on your neighbors but it is a violation of City Ordinance, county law and state law. The city has been somewhat lax in the past on this issue. However due to the growing list of complaints and the lack of cooperation of a few, we will henceforth be obligated to enforce the ordinance.  If a dog is notoriously running loose, we will have no alternative than to enforce the ordinance. However we understand that from time to time dogs will escape from their restraint.  If we can identify the dog and/or the owner we will notify you. After we exhaust all efforts to identify the dog/owner we will ask the local Animal Control Agency to remove it. If a dog does not have an ID tag or a rabies tag it will be impounded. The sheriff's office is now charge of "animal control" in Jefferson County. Since they took charge of it, they have been overwhelmed with calls. However they will still assist us in controlling the problem within the city. However if they spot a dog running loose they will impound it. If you encounter an animal that appears to be dangerous call 911, otherwise call one of the following numbers: City Hall                     674-0124 Jess Lunsford              674-8444 cell 850-8375 Co. Animal Control       471-5980 Remember if you don't call us we cannot deal with the problem. The Tennessee statute provides that any dog found running at large may be seized by authorities and placed in a dog pound. If the dog is wearing a tag, the owner shall be notified by a postcard addressed to the owner's last-known mailing address to appear within five (5) days and pay a fee or the dog will be destroyed. If the dog is not wearing a tag, the dog shall be destroyed, unless legally claimed by the owner within two (2) days. Thanks for your cooperation. Animal Control Ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 207-4 (Replaces ordinance number 87-6) ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE WHEREAS, the City Commission feels there is a growing need for better animal control in the City of Baneberry and the best interests of the city and all residents would be served by this ordinance.  BE IT ORDAINED by the City of Baneberry, Tennessee, as follows: Section 1.  Rabies vaccination and registration required. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or harbor any dog or cat without having the same duly vaccinated against rabies and registered in accordance with the provisions of the "Tennessee Anti-Rabies Law" (Tennessee Code Annotated, 68-8-101 through 68-8-115) or other applicable law.             Section 2.  Dogs to wear tags. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor any dog which does not wear a tag evidencing the vaccination and registration required by the preceding section. Section 3.  Running at large prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to permit any dog owned by him or under his control to run at large within the corporate limits. All dogs outside the owners domicile must be fully under control by a leash or an approved enclosure.           Section 4.  Defecation in and or on others property. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to permit any dog or other animal owned by him or under his control to defecate in and or on any property which is not owned by the owner or person having control of the dog or other animal, without cleaning up said feces.           Section 5.  Noisy dogs prohibited. No person shall own, keep, or harbor any dog which, by loud and frequent barking, whining, or howling, disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood.           Section 6.   Vicious dogs to be securely restrained. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep any dog known to be vicious or dangerous unless such dog is so confined and/or otherwise securely restrained as to provide reasonably for the protection of other animals and persons.                             Section 7.  Livestock prohibited, No person shall own, keep, or harbor any livestock, such as  swine, horses, cattle, goats, sheep or any animal or fowl perceived to be commercial livestock, within the corporate limits.            Section 8.  Violation and Penalty. A violation of any section of this ordinance shall constitute a civil offense and shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) plus court cost, for each violation. Each day a violation shall be allowed to continue shall constitute a separate offense.            Section 9.   Enforcement. Any law enforcement officer, The Mayor, City commissioners and the City Codes Enforcement Officers, may issue citations for violation of this ordinance.   Section 10. This ordinance rescinds and replaces ordinance number 87-6 and shall take effect immediately upon the passage of its second and final reading, the public welfare requiring it. Passed first reading:_____________________________ Passed second reading:___________________________ Public Hearing:_________________________________ ATTEST:                                                                             ______________________________                                                                                          MIKE KEANE, MAYOR                   __________________________________ PAT LUNSFORD, RECORDER
	Parks And Recreation:    Click Here
	Angelos' Tavern On The Green (formerly "Club Baneberry") is open  Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Tommy Angelo and his family have been in the restaurant business for many years and have made a great effort to remodel the facilities and provide a great place to dine. The food is great and the prices are reasonable. A page on this site will be dedicated to them to bring you the current menu and special events. Click Here
	Criminal Activities: 1. We are still having street signs stolen. This is a very thoughtless and dangerous activity. We have already had a problem with E911 not being able to promptly respond to an emergency call. A resident was injured and called 911 and they had a hard time finding the street because the street sign had been stolen. This is a serious offense, punishable by a long jail sentence. a large fine or both. However if someone's injury or illness is enhanced or someone dies because the sign was stolen, then the thieves will be responsible for a lot more. This is a large risk just so some kid can hang these signs in their bedroom. If the kids are underage the parents will be responsible. The City of Baneberry is obligated to prosecute the violators to the full extent of the law. We are taking steps to monitor the situation more closely. 2. We are having some dumping going on around the city. This could be from the outside. Hopefully it is not from our residents. If you see any trucks loaded with any kind of building material (new or old) or any thing that looks suspicious, please call City Manager Pat Lunsford at city hall, 674-0124 (cell 850-4594), or Jess or Pat at home 674-8444 or Mayor Mike Keane at 674-0268 or Commissioner Chuck Summers at 674-7554 or Commissioner Dave Utley at 674-8661. We need to catch these people.
	Drainage Ditches: Please help us keep our drainage ditches clean. The State has issued directives to all counties and municipalities concerning proper drainage and flood control. It is a violation of state, county and city laws to alter or block any drainage system in any way. Do not put your leaves, brush or trash of any kind in the ditches.
	Flag etiquette http://www.usa-flag-site.org

	Oct. thru Mar......Euchre Club Wed. 7-9 PM Community Center All residents and guests are invited to participate. If you don't know how to play Euchre (it's very easy to learn) we will have some training sessions. Call Jess Lunsford @ 674-8444 for more information.
	Apr. thru Oct.......Men's Club Golf Thur.  8:30 AM  Apr./Aug.                                                         9:30 AM  Sep./Oct.
	Apr. thru Nov.......Women's Club Golf. Tues. 9:30 AM
	July 4..................Parade and Pot luck
	Dec. to be announ. Annual Cristmas tree lighting