November 2021 | Vol. 7, Issue 9 | |
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What's Happening
In Oak Ridge?!
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City of Oak Ridge offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, and Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Oak Ridge Public Library and book drop, Oak Ridge Civic Center and indoor pool, Senior Center, and Scarboro Center will be closed through the weekend, from Thursday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.
The Tennessee Centennial Golf Course will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25 only and will reopen on regular schedule Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.
The Oak Ridge Animal Shelter will be closed Thursday and Friday but will be open Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, as usual, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Regular household trash and recycling will not be picked up on Thanksgiving Day and the Waste Connections Convenience Center will also be closed. As a result of the holiday, Thursday trash collection will slide to Friday and Friday collection will slide to Saturday.
You can still continue to make utility payments online at https://customerservice.oakridgetn.gov/ or by phone 24/7 by calling (833) 268-4341 (6-digit account number required). Customers can also use the overnight drop box located in the parking lot at 200 S. Tulane Avenue or payments can be mailed to P.O. Box 1 Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
For more information, visit OakRidgeTN.gov or call the City Manager’s office at (865) 425-3550.
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TDOT halts lane closures on state highways over Thanksgiving weekend
Thanksgiving travelers will not be delayed by construction on Tennessee roads during this holiday. TDOT will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. All construction-related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, through midnight on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
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The annual citywide leaf pickup program is now underway, in an effort to pick up the influx of leaves that have recently fallen. The pickup is coordinated by Waste Connections of Tennessee. Collection efforts will follow the proposed schedule as closely as possible.
Please note that the proposed schedule is a general guide and can vary considerably from the actual schedule due to weather conditions, resident participation, and the amount of leaves needed to be picked up.
The following guidelines will help make the leaf pickup process easier for Waste Connections crews and homeowners:
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Residents should place their leaves near, but not beyond the curb. Leaves must not be placed on the sidewalk or in the street, parking spaces, on water meters, or drainage ditches due to posing a pedestrian or traffic hazard and possibly clogging the storm drains. Hazards that are created by improperly placed leaves will be removed by the City at the resident's expense.
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Leaves must be free of tree branches and twigs as these can cause the leaf vacuums to clog; therefore, delaying the pickup schedule. Because of their impact on production, leaf piles found to contain these items will not be picked up.
- All leaves must be placed outside fenced areas. If there is no other location on your property to rake your leaves, rake them to the end or side of your driveway. Leaves may also be placed in plastic bags and will be picked up at the curb during the scheduled program.
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Only leaves will be collected during this program.
At the completion of the day, a final drive through of each daily specified route will be done to verify and ensure that all leaves are collected during that time. Please be advised that delays may occur due to unforeseen weather conditions and level of resident participation. We appreciate resident patience should your leaves not be picked up on your specified day. Streets will be swept approximately two weeks after leaves are picked up in each designated area.
For more information, please contact Waste Connections of Tennessee at (865) 482-3656
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Oak Ridge Annual Christmas Tree Lighting set for Dec. 2
The City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will hold its Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 2, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Pavilion in A.K. Bissell Park.
The event will kick off at the outdoor, A.K. Bissell Park Pavilion with seasonal music and the Park Board Awards ceremony. There will also be light refreshments provided by Y-12 Federal Credit Union and the Park Board.
Following the program, participants will proceed to the Secret City Commemorative Walk on the east side of the Oak Ridge Public Library parking area for a brief ceremony ending with the tree lighting.
The entire program will take place outside in the park (weather permitting). Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately. In the event of rain, the music program will take place in the Civic Center’s Shep Lauter Room (gymnasium).
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The City of Oak Ridge is working on a Rails to Trails (R2T) project for the adaptive reuse of 4.6 miles of abandoned CSX railroad within the city, to create a greenway for pedestrians and bicycles.
The full greenway will extend from Elza Gate at the Oak Ridge Turnpike, along Belgrade Road, Warehouse Road, Fairbanks Road, and Lafayette Drive, and across South Illinois Avenue to the Y-12 National Security Complex entrance on Scarboro Road.
“The greenway system brings parkland nearer to all Oak Ridge citizens,” said Recreation and Parks Director Jon Hetrick. “It provides opportunity for motor-less commuting, enjoyable physical exercise, learning experiences about wildlife, and connections to parks, schools, and shopping areas.”
Project funding was initially awarded in 2017, through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to assist with preliminary studies, design, and acquisition of the right-of-way. Then, the FY2020-2023 Knoxville Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a four-year work program approved by the Federal Highway Administration, allocated federal transportation funds for 80% of the full construction cost of the 4.6-mile greenway, based on a total project cost of $4.4 million.
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Currently, the City’s consultant has completed preliminary studies and design, and the next phase is railway acquisition.
“Aside from creating a safe and secure corridor for cyclists and pedestrians that is accessible from surrounding neighborhoods, the greenway will help to expand a greater network of greenways, trails, and sidewalk connections for people to use,” City of Oak Ridge Community Development Planner Nathalie Schmidt said.
To learn more about how the R2T project supports all three over-arching goals of the Oak Ridge City Blueprint, a community visionary plan that declares that Oak Ridge will improve through planned strategic growth and by knowing and preserving its most cherished values, visit http://oakridgeblueprint.info. For questions or more information, email railstotrails@oakridgetn.gov.
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Registration now open for City of Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks Department Winter Athletic Leagues
Registration is now open for the City of Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks Department Winter 2022 basketball and volleyball leagues.
Registration will close on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021.
Men’s basketball will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings. The co-ed volleyball league will be held on Tuesday evenings.
The teen basketball (18U) leagues will be held on Saturday mornings and are open to any teen age 18 or younger that is currently enrolled in school and does not play TSSAA basketball. Games are tentatively scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 3, 2022. Masks are strongly recommended.
Interested teams or individual players may obtain registration information at the front desk of the Oak Ridge Civic Center or by contacting Matt Reece at (865) 425-3440 or via email: mreece@oakridgetn.gov.
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Registration now open for "Zoom with Santa"
The City of Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board is hosting a Zoom Call with Santa on Saturday, December 4, 2021.
Pre-registration is required either through online registration or by stopping by the Civic Center Front Desk. Online registration requires payment by credit card. Only one registration per household is needed for the low cost of $5.00 plus fees.
A limited number of spots will be available. Please call (865) 425-3450 if you have questions.
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Did you know that the City of Oak Ridge has 16 boards and commissions? All boards and commissions are authorized by City Council. Oak Ridge residency is required for appointment to a City Board or Commission (except for the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Hotel/Motel Representation and the Trade Licensing Board, under certain circumstances), and the members serve without compensation.
Elections occur twice per year. Applications for any vacancies will open mid-December with a Feb. 4, 2022, deadline. A meet and greet between City Council and any candidates who are interested in applying for vacancies on City boards and commissions will take place in mid-January.
More information on elections will be shared in the December City Newsletter.
To learn more about our boards and commissions, visit our website: http://www.oakridgetn.gov/boards.aspx or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (865) 425-3411.
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November 2021 | Featured Boards & Commissions | |
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board: 2 vacancies | |
The purpose of the Board is to advise City Council and City Staff as to the recreation and park needs of the City as well as provide advice on future rules, planning, usage, land acquisition, and facility needs of all City-owned properties used for recreational, athletic or land conservation purposes. Operation and management of the Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Oak Ridge, as well as its facilities, shall be conducted by City Staff under the City Manager pursuant to the Charter of the City of Oak Ridge.
The Board is comprised of nine (9) members. Members are elected by Council for three-year staggered terms of office. Five (5) members constitute a quorum and the concurring vote of a majority of those members present at a meeting is required for board action.
The board typically meets on the second Thursday of every month in the Civic Center Social Room. This month’s meeting is currently set for Dec. 9, 2021, at 7 p.m. To view the board's minutes and agendas, visit the Recreation and Parks Department Website. The Staff Liaison is Recreation and Parks Director Jon Hetrick. He can be reached by phone at 865-425-3450 or by email at jhetrick@oakridgetn.gov.
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Beer Permit Board: 4 vacancies | |
The purpose of the Beer Board is to grant, suspend and/or revoke beer permits and manager approvals within the city limits. Any establishment desiring to sell beer must come before the Beer Board for approval prior to commencement of beer sales. The Board is also required to oversee establishments with beer permits for compliance with city ordinances and state laws pertaining to beer sales.
The board is comprised of seven (7) citizens of at least twenty-two 22 years of age who have resided within the corporate limits of the city for a period of at least two (2) years immediately preceding their election by the city council. Members are elected by Council for three-year staggered terms of office. Four (4) members constitute a quorum and the concurring vote of a majority of those members present at a meeting is required to approve, suspend or revoke a beer permit or manager approval.
The next meeting is at the Central Service Complex Multipurpose Room on Jan. 5, 2021, at 5:15 p.m. Click here for agendas, minutes, applications, current list of beer permit holders and other board Information. Click here for the Rules and Procedures. The staff liaison is City Clerk Beth Hickman. She can be reached by phone at (865) 425-3411 or by email at bhickman@oakridgetn.gov.
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Environmental Quality Advisory Board: 7 vacancies | |
The purpose of the Board is to serve as an advisory body to Council. When requested by Council, the Board gives advice and assistance in matters contributing to a quality environment. Further, upon request, the Board advises the City Manager and the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on specific environmental matters.
The Board is comprised of twelve (12) members, two (2) of whom shall be high school students attending school in Oak Ridge. Members are elected by Council for three-year staggered terms, except the high school students who serve staggered two-year terms of office. Six (6) members constitute a quorum and the concurring vote of a majority of those members present at a meeting is required for any board action. The student representatives share in one vote.
The board typically meets on the first Thursday of every month. The next meeting is set for Dec. 9, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Training Room. Click here to view agendas and minutes. Click here for Bylaws. Click here to view the Tree Plan. The staff liaison is Assistant to the City Manager Eric Ault. He can be reached by phone at (865) 425-3420 or by email at eault@oakridgetn.gov.
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Industrial Development Board: 4 vacancies | |
The purpose of the Board is as prescribed by the Industrial Development Corporation Act of Tennessee as set forth in the State statute. These powers enable the Board to acquire, own, lease and dispose of properties to promote industry and to develop trade by attracting manufacturing, industrial and commercial enterprises to Oak Ridge. Bonds can be issued by the Board. On December 12, 1988, Council delegated to the Board the authority to sell certain City-owned industrial properties. On October 12, 2010, Oak Ridge City Council approved by Resolution 10-99-10 the 2010 PILOT Reauthorization, which allows the IDB to offer Payment In Lieu of Tax (PILOT) agreements for industrial and commercial projects within prescribed guidelines.
The Board is comprised of nine (9) members. Members are elected by Council for six-year staggered terms of office. Five (5) members constitute a quorum and the concurring vote of a majority of those members present at a meeting is required for board action. All applicants shall be duly qualified electors of and taxpayers of the City of Oak Ridge.
Meetings typically occur the first Monday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6, 2021, at 4 p.m.
Click here for agendas, minutes, and other reports. Click here for the bylaws. Click here for the Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board website. View the Economic Impact Plan for the Redevelopment of the Oak Ridge Mall Economic Development Area. The board liaison is Samantha Royster and she can be reached by email at oridb01@gmail.com.
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Traffic Safety Advisory Board: 2 vacancies | |
The purpose of the Board is to serve as an advisory body to City Council. In the performance of this function, the Board reviews any traffic safety issue requiring Council approval. Upon request, the Board also gives advice and assistance in other matters concerning traffic safety. Upon request, the Board may advise the City Manager and the Planning Commission on specific issues. The Board is required to submit an annual report of its activities and recommendations to City Council, along with a recommended program of work for the ensuing year.
The Board is comprised of ten (10) members, one of whom shall be nominated from the membership of the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission and one of whom shall be an Oak Ridge High School (ORHS) student. Members are elected by Council for three-year staggered terms, except the ORHS student who serves a one-year term of office. Six (6) members constitute a quorum and the concurring vote of a majority of those members present at a meeting is required for any board action.
The board typically meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building Training Room. There is no meeting in December 2021. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2022. To view the board's minutes and agendas, contact staff liaison Roger Flynn. He can be reached by phone at (865) 425-1875 or by email at rflynn@oakridgetn.gov.
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Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission: 2 vacancies | |
The purpose of the Commission is as prescribed by State law for municipal planning commissions. In addition, the Commission submits to Council, in accordance with the City Charter, a long-term capital improvement program with recommendations as to the priority of individual projects and the methods of financing them.
The Board is comprised of ten (10) members as follows: the Mayor or the Mayor's designee, a member of Council, and the remaining eight (8) members are at large. The Mayor or the Mayor's designee serves concurrent with the Mayor's term of office, and the Council member serves for two (2) years or until his or her term on Council expires, whichever occurs first. The remaining eight (8) members serve for four-term year staggered terms. Six (6) members constitute a quorum and the concurring vote of a majority of those members present at a meeting is required for any board action.
The Commission typically meets on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2021. Click here to view the agendas and minutes. The staff liaison is Community Development Director Wayne Blasius. He can be reached by phone at (865) 425-3585 or by email at wblasius@oakridgetn.gov.
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Coming up in the December 2021 Newsletter: | |
We will continue to feature our City boards and commissions with vacancies that will need to be filled in the upcoming election.
The following will have vacancies:
- Board of Zoning Appeals – 2
- Convention and Visitors Bureau/Explore Oak Ridge – 3 At-Large and 3 Hotel Representatives
- Health and Educational Facilities Board – 1
- Oak Ridge Housing Authority – 2
- Oak Ridge Land Bank Corporation Board of Directors – 2
- Personnel Advisory Board – 2
- Trade Licensing Board – 2
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