In response to a request for assistance from Union City Fire Chief Karl Ullrich, MTAS conducted a fire station location study for use in planning for the future of fire and life safety service delivery in Union City, Tennessee. MTAS reviewed the current organization and structure of the fire department and the community to provide information and potential sites for the location and operation of a new fire station to supplement the two which are already in service. Areas within the Union City Rural Fire Protection District (Appendix A) but outside of the current municipal limits and Union City urban growth planning boundary were not considered in this study. Additional reviews will be required for final site selection for the construction of a new fire station.

This assessment review will focus on organization and staffing; adopted codes and appeal boards; licensing and fees; operating and permitting procedures; plan review and inspection services; comparison with other cities and the survey reviews.

MTAS was asked for a sample lease agreement for a city-owned building that is currently being operated as a senior center.

MTAS was asked three questions: (1) Can the city enter into long term contracts for such operations?; (2) Is there any authority for city to explore for natural gas?; (3) Is drilling for natural gas a "professional service?

MTAS was asked about who should take meeting minutes and how minutes may be amended.

MTAS was asked whether a municipality is liable for sewer back-ups that cause damage to private property.

With the severe shortage of N95 respirators, many municipalities and other organizations are faced with the dilemma of reusing N95 respirators, using a lessor form of protection, such as a surgical mark, trying to make their own mask or respirator, or going without any respiratory protection.

MTAS was asked to conduct the first comprehensive fire study of the Chattanooga Fire Department.

Seventeen Tennessee cities responded to a request for information regarding water and sewer tap fees in their municipalities.

MTAS was asked whether members of governing bodies who are also members of private boards to which the city gives gifts or otherwise provides municipal funds should vote on matters pertaining to those private boards.