The Bradley County Commission chose to accept the church’s bid of $40,554.03 during Monday’s Commission meeting. The bids were opened that morning, and the church’s was the highest. There was only one other bidder on the property.
Sixth District Commissioner Robert Rominger made the motion to accept the bid, which was passed by the 13 commissioners present. Third District Commissioner Jeff Morelock was absent.
In the bid application, Pastor Richard Snyder of Blue Springs Baptist Church outlined the church’s use of the land. In addition to building a new sanctuary and restoring the gym, the church plans to create a memorial to victims of the April 27 tornadoes that destroyed Blue Springs Elementary school.
The church also plans to be available as a polling location within the 6th District, hold sports events for children in the area and start a child care facility.
“I’m glad the church has the intention of using this for community benefit,” 4th District Commissioner J. Adam Lowe said.
First District Commissioner Ed Elkins asked if there was any way the Commission could ensure the gym will be used for community events after the bid’s acceptance.
Bradley County Attorney Crystal Freiburg said the Commission had declared the land surplus and had not put any restrictions on the land use.
The bid was based on an appraisal of the approximately 4.2 acres of useable space on the site. The funds from the sale will go into the general fund of the Bradley County budget. The property was originally donated to the county with the desire that it be used for a school.
- A motion to authorize an investigation into action taken by members of the Planning Commission in relation to the Judith Allen Rezoning request died for lack of a second. Elkins said he had received new information since the first meeting discussing this and would like the Commission to address the issue in another work session before voting.
“There is some concern that based on the current land use plan ... that it might be a mute point that if in fact it does comply with the land use plan, then it would be appropriate for the planning commission to engage in the discussion with the property owners,” Elkins said.
The most recent amendments to zoning regulations adopted by the County Commission on June 6, 2011 states, “The planning commission may initiate a rezoning with the consent of the property owner if there is a reasonable expectation of imminent need of the community for the rezoning,” Elkins said.
The Allens’ request was not initiated by a member of the planning commission. However, it was suggested by one of them. Elkins said he was unsure if the same principle would apply.
Because of confusion surrounding the issue, Elkins said it needed to be discussed more at a later date.
- The Commission also voted to authorize the environmental officer to advertise for bids for a company to clean up a property at 1000 Craigmiles St. The courts have ruled the county has to pay for the cleanup because the property is set to be sold at a delinquent tax sale. Environmental officer Joe Renner said in a previous meeting that there are approximately 200 tires on the property that will need to be disposed of. Renner said there has already been some interest in the property.
