Trezevant Names Codes Enforcement Officer Seaton

TREZEVANT (November 11) — Trezevant Mayor and Council hired Jim Seaton as the codes enforcement officer (building inspector), approved a statute to regulate tiny houses, heard Devin Stafford is the new fire chief, and discussed allowing fireworks to be sold and discharged in the city.

City Attorney Charlie Trotter recommended the city employ a codes enforcement officer and grant him the authority to issue citations for violations. He also suggested a more formal process for citizens to apply for building permits.

The Board voted to hire Jim Seaton, former codes officer for McKenzie, and to grant him the authority to issue citations. A more formal process for applying for permits and issuing citations will be reviewed for potential adoption by the Council in the future.

The roles and authority of the building inspector, the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and the city court in enforcing ordinances were clarified by Attorney Trotter.

Councilman Dan Dieringer said he would serve on a committee to develop a new, standardized permit application process to track better and regulate business activities, construction, and changes to building use.

The Board discussed amending zoning ordinances for various purposes, including allowing the repurposing of non-residential structures, such as churches and schools, and defining regulations for tiny houses, recreational vehicles, and accessory buildings.

• Specific legal frameworks were referenced as the basis for the town’s authority to enact these ordinances.

• A roll call vote was taken on the second reading of a zoning ordinance amendment as it relates to tiny houses. The vote was four to one, with Don Barger casting the dissenting vote.

• Fireworks Ordinance and Enforcement

• The Council addressed the seemingly unenforceability of the current fireworks ban, noting that illegal discharges of fireworks were already occurring. The sale of fireworks is also unlawful, leading to lost tax revenue.

• They debated amending the ordinance to allow and regulate short-term fireworks sales through permits as a way to generate revenue,

A possible amendment to the fireworks ordinance is being considered by the Board, with a decision postponed until January.

• A lawsuit involving Mr. John Quinn and Ms. Stephanie Ledsinger was settled, requiring the relocation of reptiles, now housed in the former funeral home, to a new location in Rutherford.

A town van, used by the fire department, is unusable due to a recurring, undiagnosed brake failure, posing an operational risk as the vehicle is unreliable for necessary functions.