John Coffelt, Editor

Manchester Codes Director Brittany Fiske said her office has received multiple complaints regarding the Manchester Planning Commission during its June 17 meeting.

 Fiske said during the meeting that the complaints allege both the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals are out of compliance with state regulation regarding membership.

 The two boards are made up of the same members, and their meetings run back to back.

 Fiske said that her office received complaints that the BZA violated TCA 13-7-304 by having too many members on the nine person board.

 “That section concerns regional zoning ordinance,” she said.  “Manchester does not have a regional zoning ordinance. Manchester Board of Zoning Appeals hears municipal zoning (maters).”

 “We are in compliance and never out of compliance,” Fiske confirmed to BZA Vice Chairman Leif Swanson.

 Fiske said that due to several Planning Commission members’ early resignation over the last few years, the board is “not necessarily compliant” with the membership terms.

 State code states that members’ five-year terms shall be staggered and those expire yearly.

Fiske said that the recommendation of the City Attorney Craig Johnson and Attorney Edwards that the matter be addressed as members’ terms expire.

She said that the future mayor who will take office following the Aug. 1 election may feel differently.         

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.