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Video recording (YouTube) — Meeting began 6:00 p.m., City of Lebanon Administration Building
Derek Dodson, 106 Chapman Drive (7:16–9:22) — Dodson described discovering a document in the city council packet (639 pages) that he characterized as significant enough to prompt him to return to Lebanon specifically for this meeting. He distributed a written one-page statement to each council member and the city attorney, describing it as an “electrifying bombshell.” The content of that document was not stated on the record; it was delivered in written form only. Dodson also noted that he had voted against the city budget and intended to disclose his reasons at a future date.
Philip Donnell, Maple Hill Road (9:34–11:09) — Donnell stated he had spoken that day with neighbors who abut the 150-acre Site 22 parcel. He said those neighbors indicated they would prefer a sewer plant with 50–60 employees over the approved residential development of 311 homes, with the associated daily traffic volume on Maple Hill Road.
Donnell disclosed the following regarding the development contract on Site 22:
Donnell stated at 11:00: “The effluent line is on our property that goes out to the Cumberland.” The Donnell property (Site 8, 914 Maple Hill Road, 97.41 acres) is directly adjacent to Site 22. This on-the-record statement indicates that the effluent discharge line — the pipe carrying treated water from the existing plant to the Cumberland River — already runs through the parcel immediately adjacent to Site 22. See also: Site 22 — Independent Analysis.
Donnell concluded: “I think we can make a deal.”
Mayor Rick Bell addressed the Wilson County Commission’s resolution, passed the previous evening, opposing certain potential sewer plant locations. He reviewed the history of city sewer service provided to county facilities, including schools, the county jail, the Expo Center, and commercial development along I-840. County facilities on the city’s sewer system referenced by the mayor included:
Mayor Bell concluded his remarks (19:01–19:17):
“I’m saying tonight this sewer plant will be built. The committee is going to pick a site and we’re going to buy it. And some county commission resolution is not going to stop us.”
Following the mayor’s remarks, one councilor (29:45–30:11) offered this statement:
“I do not have an intention of forcibly taking away somebody’s property that does not want to sell their property. I’m hoping out of all of those sites that we will have some willing sellers and we will be able to negotiate a deal and we will put a brand new wastewater system in that will service all of Lebanon and obviously some of these other places that are not in the city limits.”
Ordinance 267434 (first reading) — Authorization of a budget amendment for the wastewater treatment plant, presented by Jeremiah Exom, wastewater treatment plant manager. Approved unanimously.
Ordinance 267435 (first reading) — Grant contract with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan, including authorization to hire a consulting firm and a related budget amendment. Presented by Regina Santana, utilities director. Approved unanimously.
Ordinance 267436 (first reading) — Grant contract with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for an Asset Management Plan, including authorization to hire a consulting firm and a related budget amendment. Presented by Regina Santana, utilities director. Approved unanimously.