Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center

Ball told the board that Jimmy Dunn, Ray Lauer, Don Hurst, Lee Baker, Hilda Lovell, David Bible, Keith Ketterman, Doug Shoemaker, Tommy Bible, and Tom Rosberg would now begin to study applications and begin to interview those applying for the position, created recently by a modification to the Private Act.

During Tuesday's meeting, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Alderman Faye Fish to the position of vice-mayor, as well as the appointment of Cecil Gilland to the position of Newport Regional Planning Commission board member.

Ball told board members on Tuesday that he believes "Newport needs a child advocacy center.

"Abused kids need good people, doctors and other volunteers, and a comfortable environment," said Ball. "There is a committee in place to study the issue, and Jennifer Shelton is chairing that committee."

In other business on Tuesday, the board accepted the lone bid from Newport Paving for paving work to be done on Newport's streets, with a stipulation included allowing the company to adjust the price upward or downward, depending upon fluctuations in the price of petroleum.

The board also approved acceptance of a $51,000 loan through the Tennessee Small Business Energy Loan Program to pay for heating, lighting, and air-conditioning of the soon-to-be-refurbished Newport City Hall building (former Newport Utilities building, off Main Street).

Finally, the board agreed to meet on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. for a special called meeting to consider a 2005 one-time retirement incentive for city employees.