LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The Metro Moore County Council looks to make it a light meeting next Monday, January 19 with a short agenda and no controversial agenda items.
They will vote to approve or deny the Hazardous Mitigation Plan for the county.
The 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan is a federally required planning document that allows Metro Moore County/Lynchburg to remain eligible for FEMA and TEMA disaster-mitigation grants (including BRIC, HMGP, and Flood Mitigation Assistance). Without an approved plan, the county would lose access to millions in potential pre-disaster and post-disaster funding.
At its core, the plan identifies which hazards pose the greatest risk, how vulnerable local people and infrastructure are, and which projects should be prioritized to reduce loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption.
Local officials update the plan every four years and it must be approved by both FEMA and local officials, according to EMA Director Jason Deal. Mayor Stewart and EMA Director Jason Deal both say there are no major changes from the previous plan to the 184-page document, and all risk data has been updated. Though Director Deal did state that there are a couple of new projects that may be looked at if grant funds become available.
From the previous plan, one mitigation action was fully completed – adding generators to Fire Station #1 in Lynchburg. Two are marked as partially in progress, and seven were never started. Director Deal says that local officials are limited to which projects they can begin based on federal dollars available, and the those actions serve as a set of goal should funding become available.
A hard copy of the plan is available at the Metro Mayor office and digital copies are also available to any interested citizen.
Other agenda items
In elections and appointments, they’ll vote on Sylvia Hargrove for notary public. A notary public is a person authorized to perform certain legal formalities, especially to draw up or certify contracts, deeds, and other documents.
In new business, they will vote whether or not to declare a 2000 Ford truck previously used by the Solid Waste Department to pick up litter. According to Mayor Sloan Stewart, the County has no immediate plans to replace the truck but based on years and mileage, he’d like to deem in surplus, so they can move forward if that need occurs.
The Council will also consider the second and final reading of a rezoning request for a minor division of property on Marble Hill Road (Map 050 Parcel 006.02) for Michael Barker as well as Joshua and Haley Lyell. There will be a public hearing to hear comments for or against the rezoning at 6:20 p.m. before the regular meeting.
The Metro Council meets every third Monday of the month at the American Legion Building at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the general public and there is a public comment period. Any citizen wishing to speak before the Council should contact Mayor Sloan Stewart’s office at 931-759-7076 prior to the meeting. •
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