'I've had about enough of you': Tempers flare at CLB meeting

NEWPORT — Tempers flared at the monthly Cocke County Legislative Body (CLB) meeting on Tuesday evening.

During a discussion about helping flood victims, Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis and Commissioner Dan Bright expressed frustrations with each other.

Commissioner Gayla Blazer asked about information provided at a previous meeting. She said it was her understanding there were 70 applicants for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance (FEMA) and 129 properties with loans that were covered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that suffered flood damage.

"How many flood victims are homeless?" she asked. She then specified how many are living in tents in the county.

"There are 50 people across the affected region," Mathis said. "There are none in Cocke County without shelter."

It was discussed that if they lost their home they are most likely living with friends or family until they come up with a permanent solution.

Referring to the 70 people, Property Assessor and Floodplain Administrator Macie Reed said that was not the number who applied for FEMA assistance, but the number of homes that FEMA thought had suffered substantial damage.

"How many of those people that FEMA was talking about did they supply shelter to? How many did the county supply shelter to? If it hadn't been for the churches, volunteers and volunteer funds, do you know how many people we would have dead from exposure?" Bright asked.

He pointed to several volunteers in the audience who helped flood victims.

"It's a disgrace. These people have fell through the cracks," he continued. He then asked, "How many people have I seen out helping these people?" then pointed toward Sheriff C.J. Ball, and said, "one."

Mayor Mathis then stood up and pointedly said, "Who do you think those people are working with, sir? Commissioner, I have had about enough of you."

"Well, I've had about enough of you!" Bright responded.

Vice Chairman Rick Vassar, who was presiding over the meeting in the absence of Chairman Norman Smith, hit the gavel and called the meeting back to order.

"It's not the right time to point fingers," Vassar said.

In other business, Bright had asked to be on the agenda regarding a "moratorium on all zoning regulations in flood affected areas for a period of not less than five years. Under this proposal, all rules and regulations except state septic and electric would be removed so they do not interfere with landowners repairing or replacing homes on their property."

"I would like to table this until the next meeting," Bright said.

The county attorney said rather than enact a moratorium, the request could go to the board of zoning appeals (BZA) for an amendment.

"The argument could be made that this is a situation that requires more regulations and permits," County Attorney John Owings said.

Bright asked the county attorney to write a letter to President Donald Trump to "ask him to give us the same treatment as North Carolina."

Owings said he would be glad to pen a letter and was willing to talk with Bright one on one or in an executive session.

Building Commissioner Ashley Shelton was asked if anyone rebuilding their homes had been "hampered or denied" because of zoning.

"There has been no issue with rebuilding," she said.

Bright said he had spoken with someone who had gotten a stop work order.

"That's NFIP, not zoning. I think you are getting those two confused, commissioner," Mathis said. Reed later confirmed she had issued the stop work order as floodplain administrator per the NFIP guidelines.

Commissioner David Veridal asked, "What does zoning have to do with restoring these properties?"

"Nothing," Mathis responded.

"I'm smarter than I thought I was," Veridal said.

"We are in the NFIP," Vassar said. "Those rules apply."

"Clean up this fake news," Mathis added.

Rezoning Request

A rezoning request to rezone property belonging to Scott Allen off Smoky Lane was approved. The property was rezoned from R1 to C2 for mini storage units.

Macie Reed

Reed had turned in a letter of resignation to the CLB regarding her role as floodplain administrator, saying that role should be separated from her office. She withdrew the letter of resignation at the CLB meeting until after a workshop can be held regarding her role as floodplain administrator and the NFIP.

"I apologize for the way I presented at the last meeting," Reed said. "I went back and watched the video and it didn't come across the way I wanted it to. I had good intentions behind it.

"To express that I was throwing my hands up in the air was never my intention. It has always been my intention for us to work together. I understand your aggravation with me that night."

She said she had hired the six employees authorized for the FEMA 1206 fund, but two of those had quit because they found full-time employment.

"We believe we have completed all substantial damage estimates on properties in a special flood hazard area," she explained. "We are continuing to issue permits for those rebuilding as well as for new construction. We are communicating with TEMA and FEMA to ensure compliance."

She discussed concerns on social media about people who believe flood victims will have to tear everything down and start from scratch.

"That is not the case," she said, explaining that the project should be permitted and the home may have to be elevated or flood vents may need to be installed.

"Just because it has 50% or more damage or is in the floodplain does not mean it will automatically require elevation," she explained.

She also pointed out that the damage determination cannot be calculated in the field.

Discussing the floodplain administrator role, she explained that before the flood she had discussed the matter with the county mayor and the building commissioner. Reed also made a recommendation for the floodplain administrator.