Sullivan to head emergency board

By MIKE WEST

Cannon County Commissioners named Roy Sullivan, 911 director, as temporary chairman of the county's new public safety committee.

The new committee will replace the county's former Emergency Mana-gement Agency commit-tee, which was chaired by EMA Director Faye Morse. A 13-member panel was discussed by the commission and was approved following a unanimous voice vote.

 The committee will be composed of officials from Cannon County and Woodbury police and fire departments, along with representatives from local utilities.

Panel  members include Sheriff Darrell Young,  Woodbury Police Chief Kevin Mooneyham, EMS Director Ricky Cope, 911 Director Roy Sullivan,  Woodbury Fire Chief Bill Johnston, Cannon County Fire Chief Michael Underhill, Rescue Squad Director Tim Bell, Middle Tennessee Gas manager Jonathan Scurlock, Alan Paschal and John Barker as well as a representative from DTC phone company.

Sullivan told commis-sioners that no word has been received from the Tennessee State Comp-troller about a possible investigation into Cannon County's EMA. "I have no comment on that point," Sullivan said.

Commission Chairman Bob Stoetzel said he had discussed the removal of Morse with County Executive Mike Gannon, who said "unless we could prove to him that she was doing something immoral or illegal" that she would not be replaced. Neither Morse nor Gannon were in attendance at the Tuesday meeting.

All the debate over Morse is leaving Cannon County with a safety issue, said Commissioner Kevin George, adding something needs to be done.

 "We can wait for the comptroller, but we think something wasn't right. Let's gather up that equipment and transfer it to the 911 center," Stoetzel suggested.

Sullivan pointed out that the equipment list was very incomplete. "We've got some things that are missing," he said.

Tim Bell, Rescue Squad director, talked about the past EMA board.

"We had some meetings, they were pretty much non-productive. Very little was accomplished," Bell said. "My opinion for the best of the county, we need a diverse group who can come together."

Stoetzel said it was up to the County Commission to restructure the committee dealing with public safety.

Commissioner Jim Bush moved to draft a new committee. George seconded. The motion passed unanimously. No action was taken on the EMA equipment.

Discussion turned to operation of the Cannon County Landfill.

George said the landfill is the responsibility of County Executive Gannon. "He's told us he can run it anyway he sees fit," he said.

Commissioner Russell Reed suggested that the county look into putting at least two more trailers at the landfill. One for construction materials and another for furniture.