There was a definite emphasis on fire safety at the November 17th meeting of the Rutherford County Commission. The Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee applied for two grants from the Liberty Mutual’s Be Fire Smart Fire Safety Pledge Program and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, both for continued fire safety initiatives, and firefighters participating in TUFF Challenge received a Resolution of Recognition. The 2011 Siegel High School Band was also recognized for being crowned Grand Champions at the 50th Annual Contest of Champions band competition. The Property Management Committee approved the lease agreement with Peachtree, Inc. for the new Lascassas Convenience Center, and Steve Harrison was appointed to the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Commission to replace longtime member Don Alexander. A public hearing was held to consider rezoning and a conditional use permit for a property located at 3534 Almaville Road to be turned into a 37 acre winery, including a tasting room, gift shop and bistro, wine production facility, health spa, and events center for weddings and receptions. Funding was authorized for replacement of communication consoles at the Sheriff's Department, as well as brick repairs to the building, and renovation and expansion of the jail's kitchen. A grant contract was signed with the Tennessee Department of Health for pet adoption and welfare services, and a "no-show" fee was implemented for the county's on-site medical clinics. And finally, the wait is almost over, as the budget for construction of the new Stewarts Creek High School has been approved.
