Trezevant Passes Fireworks Ordinance, Considers New Permit Protocol

TREZEVANT (April 14) — The Trezevant Board of Mayor and Aldermen addressed a wide range of municipal issues during its Tuesday meeting, including fire department funding, ongoing concerns about business regulation and enforcement, proposed permitting requirements, a new fireworks ordinance and steps toward forming an industrial development board.

Mayor Bobby Blaylock presided over the meeting with all aldermen present—Pam Joyner, Don Barger, Dan Dieringer, Leon Lyell and Mark Argo—beginning with department updates.

Dieringer reported that seasonal work is underway at the town park, including mowing and flower planting, and noted a successful Easter egg hunt. He also said sanitation services had no negative reports in the past month and announced that leaf pickup would begin later in the week.

Alderman Don Barger highlighted law enforcement activity, with 95 traffic stops conducted, resulting in 52 citations and 66 total violations. Officials noted that drivers were averaging 20 to 21 miles per hour over posted speed limits. Citations included speeding, stop sign violations and issues related to licenses, insurance and cell phone use.

Alderman Leon Lyell informed board members that the Trezevant Fire Department asked if the city could redirect their pay to go toward new equipment. Board members expressed concern about the legality and fairness of this request.

Mayor Blaylock said, “I think we should keep paying them. We can find money somewhere in the budget to pay for what they need.”

The board will discuss this matter further in future meetings, after Lyell speaks with the fire chief and determines potential equipment costs.

During public comments, resident John Quinn raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of home occupation rules. Quinn argued that while he had followed the town’s requirements, others had not faced similar scrutiny.

“You made the rules,” Quinn said. “I’m following them. You’ve got multiple businesses in this town that have yet to go to the board of appeals and get a permit or an exception for their business.”

Quinn also pointed out potential lost revenue from unlicensed businesses failing to collect sales tax, urging the board to enforce regulations more uniformly.

The board later discussed a proposed permitting system for construction projects and businesses, including a potential $50 application fee.

Alderman Dieringer described the measure as a documentation tool to ensure compliance with existing codes and provide accountability.
The proposal prompted extensive debate over fees, enforcement and the scope of regulation, with questions raised about inspections, mobile businesses and whether fees would be refundable if permits were denied. No final decision was made, and the matter is expected to return for further consideration.

The board also approved a new fireworks ordinance on second reading, establishing specific dates and times for legal use, including July 1, 2 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., July 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., December 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and January 1 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

One resident objected to late-night allowances extending into January 2, calling it “excessive” as January 2 is a workday. The ordinance ultimately passed without amendment after discussion.

In other business, the board moved forward with forming a planning commission, naming Mayor Blaylock and Alderman Mark Argo to serve. Officials also provided an update on the creation of an industrial development board, noting that candidates had been interviewed and would soon participate in a training session before final appointments are made.

Budget amendments for both the general fund and water and sewer fund were approved, largely to reallocate existing funds and better reflect current spending.

The meeting concluded with a vote to spend $395 to include Trezevant on the Carroll County resource map and to purchase 25 copies for the town.

The Town of Trezevant’s next meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen is Tuesday, May 12.