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Current News:
 

It's that time of year again - almost SPRING!!!  Time to clean up our city streets in time for all our SUMMER walking!  Come join the fun! Saturday, March 8, 10 am at the Community Center (if rainy or wicked cold we'll do it the following Saturday, March 15) We supply the trash bags, "picker-uppers", coffee and donuts!

 

	Baneberry Banter Winter February 2008 Don’t forget to check the Baneberry website for the latest city news, current events and City Council minutes, www,baneberrytn.com. Open 24-7.     Notes from the Mayor ISO Rating As you may recall from the previous issue of the Banter, ISO downgraded the city from an ISO rating of 6 to a rating of 10. The downgrade was due to the city previously being in excess of five miles from the White Pine Fire Station. The downgrading to a "10" was an indication to insurance agents who use the ISO system that the city has no fire suppression capability. This downgrading resulted in increased insurance premiums for many residents, me included. My homeowner’s insurance premiums increased by 81%. An ISO inspection of the city’s current fire suppression capability was conducted on 11 January. The ISO evaluation procedure is very complex and looked not only at our fire department, but also evaluated the Jefferson County Dispatch Center (E-911) and our water supply for fire suppression (Witt Utility). Overall, I believe we did well. Our major area of concern continues to be lack of adequate water storage and fire hydrants. Although we have not yet been notified by the ISO headquarters in New Jersey as to what our new rating will be, I’m optimistic that we may receive a rating of 7 or 6. I base this optimism on my recent policy renewal statement where the premiums for the coming year are comparable with those I paid prior to my increase. We’ll wait and see. MK   Recycling 101 It seems everything we do these days has the potential for energy savings or energy waste. There’s a lot we can’t control. Recycling is one area where we can have some impact. Taken from the News Sentinel, "Every time you toss out an aluminum can, you’re tossing away six ounces of gasoline." For those of you who are new to the community, Baneberry does participate in a recycle program through the Jefferson County Landfill. Door to door pickup, which is a luxury in some communities, is too expensive for us to undertake. Our recyclables are collected from containers which are located behind the Lakeway Real Estate office across from Angelos’s. Items the county currently picks up are: #1 (clear) and #2 (non-clear or colored) plastics. Check the bottoms of the container for the # in the triangle (sometimes hard to read), rinsed, no lids. Aluminum cans Cardboard-corrugated, cookie and cereal boxes, crackers boxes, soda- pop boxes. Please, nothing with meat blood residue. Breakdown boxes for space efficiency. Phone books, junk mail, magazines, no hardcovers and no plastic windows, no Styrofoam and no wrapping paper.   New If you’re willing to make a trip to Leadmine, Leadmine currently handles tin . No need to remove the label, just a quick rinse, lid and all. In the spring there will be a container for clear and colored glass at Leadmine as well. JK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FAIRWAY SPA Fairway Spa would like to thank you for a great first year in Baneberry. We are looking forward to an even better one in ’08. We are continuing to grow and add new treatments monthly. Stop by and meet our staff and find out more about the wonderful treatments we offer. Again, thank you from the Fairway Spa staff. Pictured above from left to right standing are Owners Michelle Harris and, Diana Smelcer, Esthetician. Seated from left to right are Office Manager, Louise Rosenbalm, Massage Therapist, Nicole Seals and Nail Technician Sandra Hayes. Christmas Decoration Contest Tied for first place in our contest this year were Steve and Julie Rex and Keith and Tina Murrow, both on Lake Vista Dr. They received a $75.00 gift card for their great efforts. Tied for third were Bill and Tina Sibley and Dallas and Joan Rector, who received $25.00 certificates. Severe Weather Spotting Class The National Weather Service is conducting Spotter training classes across the eastern part of the state during the months of February and March. This basic weather spotting class provides tips and instructions on how to determine if severe weather is imminent and how to go about reporting storm damage and severe weather to the National Weather Service. In addition, information will also be provided on the SKYWARN program and the importance of weather radios. For Jefferson County, the class will be conducted in the Baneberry Community Center on March 17th and will commence promptly at 7 PM. The class is three (3) hours in duration and there is no charge. We have been informed that for most spotter training classes, space is limited. If interested in attending the class in Baneberry, please call the National Weather Service in Morristown at 423-586-8706 to reserve a place. You can also e-mail the instructor, Howard Waldron at Howard.Waldron@noaa.gov to reserve a seat. Capital Improvement Plan Your city government is in the process of establishing a Capital Planning Committee to develop a long-range plan which will identify capital projects and equipment purchases, provide a planning schedule and identify options for financing the plan. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) typically includes the following information: $ A listing of the capital projects or equipment to be purchased. $ The projects ranked in order of preference. $ The plan for financing the projects. $ A timetable for the construction or completion of the project. $ Justification for the project. Capital planning done carefully and thoroughly can serve as a mechanism for identifying capital needs and setting priorities for all those capital needs. It produces not only a wish list, but a schedule of realistic needs that include the cost and method of financing capital improvements. If you are interested in helping develop the city’s first CIP, please contact Mike Keane at 865-674-0268 by February 29. I would like to form up a board no later than the middle of March with our first meeting early April. Discharge of Fire Arms within the City of Baneberry "Should that man really be hunting in my back yard" One of our residents opened his door to a man with a headlamp and a gun wanting to find his hunting dog loose on the resident’s property. He said" I felt like city mouse meets country mouse." The idea of hunting within city limits is very new to many. Questions have been raised as to what control the city has to regulate hunting within the city limits. The following may answer some of your questions, with no guaranty that you’ll necessarily be happy with the answers. Although the city has an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of firearms within the city limits (Ordinance 95-5) State law supersedes or "pre-empts" municipal and county regulations when it comes to regulating the discharge of firearms in the course of hunting. A municipal ordinance prohibiting firearm discharge would generally not be enforceable against someone who is lawfully engaged in hunting within city limits. The legislature has given the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission (TWRC) the exclusive authority to establish when and in what manner wildlife may be hunted or taken in any area of the state. State statues, however, do address several unlawful activities that are prohibited most of which are pertinent to our concerns of illegal hunting and safety within the city limits. The following is a condensed list of unlawful activities: TCA 70-4-106 states that it is unlawful to hunt on private property without first obtaining permission or approval of the owner. With the passage of TCA 70-4-106 in 1990, a "Hunting by Written Permission" law went into effect. Simply, the law states that if private land has been properly posted by the owner with signs that include the owner’s name and address plus the wording "Hunting by Written Permission Only" a hunter or trapper must carry the owner’s written permission. TCA 70-4-108 prohibits hunting or shooting from a public right of way or across any public roads. It is also unlawful to hunt or shoot within 100 yards of a visible dwelling without permission of the owner. (Not sure who would want to give permission). TCA 70-4-109 prohibits hunting or killing game from a vehicle. TCA 70-4-110 prohibits "spotlighting" deer. TCA 70-4-111 prohibits hunting or killing any big game during closed seasons. Hunting seasons vary depending on the type of game and the weapons authorized (which can include guns or bow and arrows). Generally speaking, hunting season for big game (hopefully only deer or the occasional lost bear) runs from October to February. Specific dates can be determined by calling the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) office in Morristown, 423-587-7037. In addition, the 2007 Hunting & Trapping Guide, promulgated by the State of Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, lists hunting hours as one-half hour before legal sunrise to one-half hour after legal sunset. This Guide is 85 pages long if you want more information. The bottom line: If hunters are observed by residents after sunset and before sunrise they probably are in violation of state law and should be reported. It is strongly recommended that residents do not confront suspected hunters. Do not call E-911 or the County Sheriff Department. Rather, call the "Poaching Hotline" 1-800-831-1174. The Hotline is manned 7 AM to 12 PM seven days a week. An operator will take the information provided by the resident and contact the necessary agent in the vicinity. This may not make us non-hunters feel more secure, but at least we have the facts. Having problems falling asleep? The Jefferson County Commissioners meetings are now being "delayed" broadcast on Charter Cable - channel 7. If you’re interested in watching our local county government at work as they struggle with the school bond issue and proposed increase in the wheel tax tune in on: Monday 2:00 PM Wednesday 2:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM Sunday 7:00 PM You can also observe (delayed broadcast) the Jefferson County School Board at work . Tune in channel 7, Saturdays at 7:00 PM.   E-Mail Addresses Please let Pat Lunsford know if you have an e-mail address that we don’t currently have. We can send time sensitive notices through the Banter e-mail. LET FAIRWAY SPA HELP KEEP YOU WARM THIS WINTER Try our Hot Stone Treatments Pedicure, Manicure, Facial & Massage On Special in February $10.00 Off Call today to make an appointment..and warm up! 704 Harrison Ferry Rd. 865-674-0725 Community Center Calendar February 6, 13, 20, 27 Euchre 7 City Council 14 City Court 8 Book Club March 1 Volunteer Dinner 5,12,19,26 Euchre 3 Parks Meeting 6 City Council 13 City Court 14 Book Club April 2,9,16,23,30 Euchre 3 City Council * Road Commission 7 Parks Meeting 10 City Court 11 Book Club *Will meet quarterly
	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:  We have moved into our new 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. In June 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 this fiscal year to the City for fire suppression. Our new Fire truck is now housed in our new facilities. Members of the White Pine Volunteer Fire Department will serve double duty and man and maintain our equipment.
	The city's Contract Deputy Sheriffs 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 deputies 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, firing firearms, un-leashed dogs 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. Remember you can only burn on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 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.
	Due to the drought and our very dry conditions no burn permits will be issued until further notice.
	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.
	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. 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.
	Parks And Recreation:    Click Here
	Angelos' Tavern On The Green (formerly "Club Baneberry") is open  Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Tommy Angelos 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, or Jess or Pat at home 674-8444 or Mayor Stan Veltkamp, 674-6387 or Commissioner Clint Hurley at 674-0508 or Commissioner Skip Carter at 674-7722. 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
	Apr. thru Nov.......Baneberry Golf Club scramble.
	July 4..................Parade and Pot luck
	Dec. to be announ. Annual Cristmas tree lighting