City announces investigative committee
McMinnville officials have given their approval for a nine-member ad hoc committee to begin a review of the historic downtown district and the Historic Zoning Commission.
The nine-member committee is composed of Rachel Killebrew, Tommy Foster, Linda Partin, Roy Pierce, Jerry Williamson, Alicea Weddington, Joe Anish, Jeff Golden and Michael Chrisawn.
Here is a look at ad hoc committee members:
‘ Rachel Killebrew ‘ She is no stranger to the commission and its guidelines. Killebrew, along with Jimmy Haley, helped write the Historic District guidelines and got the Historic District put in place.
‘It probably needs a little smoothing out,’ said Killebrew. ‘There are some really good, favorable reasons that someone would want in a historic district. It’s just that right now everyone feels like it is difficult to get anything done so it’s not working smoothly. That can be fixed.’
In the past, Killebrew owned property downtown. She has been a member of the Main Street McMinnville Board, the Heritage Alliance Board and the Magness Library Board.
‘ Tommy Foster ‘ He owns Foster & Foster Realty on Main Street.
‘I just want the town to do good,’ said Foster. ‘Some of the things they want done are not practical. I’m not for knocking a building down and building a McDonald’s, but a lot of things aren’t practical.’
One of the impractical guidelines includes the use of wood windows and not vinyl.
‘No one makes wood windows anymore,’ said Foster. ‘You get wood inside and vinyl-clad or aluminum outside. In about three years, you’ll have to paint wood windows. If you put up vinyl or aluminum, nobody knows the difference. It looks the same and it’s a done deal.’
In the past he has been on the Main Street McMinnville Board and a Parks and Recreation committee.
‘ Linda Partin ‘ She owns Warren County Furniture with her husband, Ed.
‘I would like the Historical Zoning Commission and the Zoning Appeals Board to be more of a partnership with the downtown businesses,’ said Partin. ‘We need to work together to improve the downtown area. We want the area to grow and working together is the best way to make sure that happens.’
Linda and Ed have been regularly attending all city committee and board meetings for years.
‘The things they do affects my business so you have to work together,’ said Partin. ‘That’s what I’m hoping to accomplish, working together.’
She is currently on a Warren County board (Adult Oriented Business Board), as well as various clubs and service groups in the area.
‘ Roy Pierce ‘ He is active in the community and understands how upset property owners can get when they are told what to do with their property.
‘I know that some businesses that come up there are resentful with anyone telling them what to do with their property,’ said Pierce. ‘You have that anywhere. If I want to do something with your house, you have to get a permit because you can’t just go do it. If you don’t have rules to go by, people will build junk.’
Flipping that coin, he understands that by the commission members doing the right thing and going by the guidelines hasn’t made them popular.
‘I would assume the ad hoc committee will be looking at all the aspects of it and seeing how to make it work better,’ said Pierce.
In the past, he was a member of the Historic Zoning Commission and Planning Commission. He has been a school board member and county commissioner. He is currently on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
‘ Jerry Williamson ‘ He could not be reached for comment. He is a downtown property owner and sits on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
‘ Alicea Weddington ‘ She is the current Chamber of Commerce president. Weddington didn’t volunteer as much as she was drafted.
‘David (Rutherford) kind of drafted me,’ said Weddington. ‘There are some things that obviously need to be addressed. The Chamber is in the middle of the downtown area so it kind of makes sense we would be involved.’
A strong interest in the well-being of the county and its residents keeps her motivated to become involved.
‘I have a very strong interest in how the downtown does and I’m very interested in how this county does,’ said Weddington. ‘If not, I wouldn’t have accepted this job.’
Among the numerous committees and boards, Weddington is currently on the Main Street McMinnville Board, and Upper Cumberland Tourist Association Board.
‘ Michael Chrisawn ‘ He could not be reached for comment. He is a former city alderman and former Chamber of Commerce president.
‘ Joe Anish ‘ He owns Village Car Wash.
‘I see the need for downtown revitalization,’ said Anish. ‘I’m hoping to have an input as an outsider that doesn’t have anything to do with the downtown as far as prior knowledge. Hopefully I can put some new insight into the discussion.’
Anish was approached by city administrator David Rutherford, Alderman Bobby Kirby, Alderman Billy Wood and Mayor Royce Davenport regarding being on the committee.
He hasn’t been on any city boards or committees. However, Anish is a six-year member of Breakfast Rotary. In that organization, he was the community service director during the organization’s greenway project and is currently the sergeant-at-arms.
‘ Jeff Golden ‘ He could not be reached for comment. He is the current Industrial Development Board chairman and former president of City Bank.
Within the next few weeks, the committee will begin its monthly meetings. Any suggestions for change will be made to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for its consideration.