Bradley County Commission meeting recap

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.

Commissioners approved an annexation agreement involving nearly 20 acres along Dalton Pike.

The commission voted 11-to-1 to allow County Mayor D. Gary Davis to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Cleveland.

Property owner Aaron Ware requested the annexation as part of plans for a new commercial development. Ware said the property could include a medical office, direct primary care clinic, pharmacy, and restaurants.

Cleveland City Manager Joe Fivas was in attendance and emphasized that the request came from the property owner and was not initiated by the city.

Ware owns approximately 43 acres. However, the current agreement covers only about 20 acres because that portion reaches Cleveland’s designated urban growth boundary.

Fivas said the remaining property could be considered for annexation later because the growth boundary divides the parcel. Before that can happen, water and sewer service must be available.

Much of the commission’s discussion focused on emergency response.

Commissioner Mike Hughes raised concerns that a Bradley County fire station is much closer to the property than the nearest Cleveland fire station, which is located on APD-40.

Hughes said emergency response times could become a public safety issue as the city annexes property farther into the county.

Fivas said the issue is complicated by staffing requirements, dispatch systems, and insurance ratings, but the city is willing to continue working toward an agreement.

Hughes cast the only vote against the annexation agreement.

Commissioners unanimously approved two other commercial rezoning requests.

Property at 140 Kinser Road, owned by Kinser Church of God, was rezoned from agricultural and residential use to general commercial. A church trustee said the change would better reflect the property’s current use as a family center.

Another property on Waterlevel Highway was also rezoned for general commercial use. A representative said the buyer plans to operate a moving company office at the location.

The commission also unanimously approved an appointment to fill Sandra Knight’s unexpired term on the Hiwassee Utility Commission. Knight passed away a few weeks ago.

Drew Gilliland will serve out that term through June of 2028.

Commissioners approved allowing retiring emergency management employee Jeff Gunder to receive his service weapon after 20 years of service.

During public comments, a resident urged commissioners to carefully review future annexation requests, while another resident raised environmental and quality-of-life concerns about potential data center developments in Bradley County.

The Bradley County Commission’s next work session is scheduled for Monday, July 27th, at 7 p.m.