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Displaying 1 - 87 of 87 Knowledgebase documents.
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Facebook Posting Sufficiency for Notice of Public Meeting
Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-04-25; Reviewed: 2022-05-10 )

MTAS Legal Consultant Melissa Ashburn replied to a request for information regarding pending legislation on public meeting notices. Ashburn goes on to explain that a Facebook posting is not sufficient alone to satisfy open meeting requirements.
Facilities Management
Report/Study (Created: 2014-10-31; Reviewed: 2021-06-21 )

MTAS was asked to evaluate the city's management structure for facility maintenance because of the city's major capital investment in its facilities and the ongoing operational costs associated with their maintenance and repair.
Facilities Usage Policies and Procedures: an MTAS Survey
Survey (Created: 2005-06-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-21 )

Nine cities were asked about allowing park facilities or community centers to be used by concert venues or large events that are not city sponsored.
Failure of the Local Government to Substantially Comply with the Public Hearing Notice
Legal Opinion (Created: 1998-09-28; Reviewed: 2021-05-05 )

MTAS was asked whether the failure of the local government to substantially comply with the public hearing notice and other procedural requirements prescribed by the state law is jurisdictional rather than directory.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) "Administrative" Exemption Test
Form (Created: 2016-11-28; Reviewed: 2021-06-15 )

MTAS was asked to develop forms for FLSA exemption "tests" for use in cities.
Fairview, Tennessee, Fire Station Location Study
Report/Study (Created: 2011-04-30; Reviewed: 2021-07-12 )

The study's purpose is to answer this question: Where should Fairview place its fire stations to provide coverage for the City of Fairview and Fairview's response district based upon the maximum five-mile coverage area allowed by ISO?
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: A Summary for Tennessee Municipalities
General (Created: 2020-03-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-15 )

A summary of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (signed into law March 18, 2020) to assist employers and employees during the pandemic.
Farmer's Market Insurance in Selected Tennessee Cities
Survey (Created: 2018-07-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-15 )

Ten cities in Tennessee were surveyed regarding farmer's markets and insurance for the vendors.
Farmers' Markets in Tennessee Cities
General (Created: 2015-04-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-28 )

MTAS was asked for information on what a city needs to know to host a farmers' market inside the city limits, including rules, regulations, and vendor applications.
Fees and Policies for Grinder Pumps in Selected Tennessee Cities
Survey (Created: 2018-05-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-22 )

MTAS surveyed a number of Tennessee cities regarding their fees and policies for grinder pumps.
Fees Sent to State by City Courts
Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-12-14; Reviewed: 2021-07-27 )

MTAS was asked several questions about fees/costs sent to the State for violations tried in city court.
Filing Suit for Collection of Delinquent Real Property Taxes
Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-11-21; Reviewed: 2021-07-16 )

MTAS was asked about the procedure for collecting delinquent property taxes when the county taxes have been paid.
Filling Vacancies in the City's School Board
Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-07-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-16 )

MTAS was asked whether the school board chairman's appointment to fill the vacancy on the school board was legal.
Final Regulations: Volunteers and the Affordable Care Act
General (Created: 2014-02-17; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

In summary, hours worked by a volunteer who does not receive (and is not entitled to receive) compensation in exchange for the performance of services are not treated as hours of service for purposes of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Finance Director Interview Questions
Form (Created: 2022-10-03; Reviewed: 2023-02-03 )

MTAS Management Consultant Honna Rogers created this list of interview questions to be used by the City of Manchester, Tennessee during a search for a new Finance Director.
Financial and Operational Issues for a Sewer Line to Serve the TVA Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.
Report/Study (Created: 2005-08-26; Reviewed: 2021-06-22 )

MTAS was asked to assist Spring City with financial and operational issues regarding the sewer line being constructed to serve the TVA Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.
Financial Audit Advertisement
Form (Created: 2010-09-09; Reviewed: 2021-07-01 )

A sample advertisement for an auditor who is qualified to perform a financial and compliance audit.
Fines for Violation of Town Ordinances
General (Created: 2007-04-02; Reviewed: 2021-07-27 )

MTAS was asked how much the fine can be and if a separate fine can be assessed for each day of a violation.
Fire Chaplains Program Challenged Establishment Cause Grounds
Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-22; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

MTAS was asked whether there has been a case where a fire chaplain program has been challenged on establishment clause grounds.
Fire Chief
Job Description (Created: 2001-08-23; Reviewed: 2021-04-28 )

Job description for the position of Fire Chief for the City of Smyrna.
Fire Chief (1)
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Job description for the position of Fire Chief.
Fire Chief (2)
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

Job description for the position of Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Is In The Driver's Seat
General (Created: 2001-09-13; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

An article answering the question regarding the responsibility and scheduling of the Fire Chief's position in a fire department.
Fire Chief Sample Job Descriptions
Job Description (Created: 2013-09-12; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

A collection of several sample job descriptions for the position of fire chief; includes job descriptions for fire chiefs of a volunteer fire department.
Fire Department Headquarters Station Design Review
Report/Study (Created: 2020-01-09; Reviewed: 2023-01-13 )

MTAS Fire Consultant Steve Cross authored this study for Ashland City regarding their fire department headquarters station design.
Fire Department Hose Test Record
Form (Created: 2021-04-29; Reviewed: 2021-07-12 )

This form was created to be used by any fire department and includes a method for testing fire hoses.
Fire Department Major
Job Description (Created: 2003-08-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-12 )

A job description for the position of Fire Department Executive Officer with the rank of Major.
Fire Department Minimum Staffing Survey
Survey (Created: 2020-06-10; Reviewed: 2021-07-12 )

Selected Tennessee cities responded to a request for information regarding the staffing numbers in their fire departments.
Fire Department Recognition Bill
General (Created: 2003-02-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-12 )

This information from a TFCA flyer answers questions about the Fire Department Recognition Bill.
Fire Department Schedule
Report/Study (Created: 2001-08-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Proposed 28-day schedule for a fire department working a 24/48 shift pattern, including meal time deduction and kelly day.
Fire Department Sick Leave Policies
Survey (Created: 2007-05-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

TPMA sent out a survey to determine how municipalities handle sick leave for Fire Department employees and received fourteen responses.
Fire Department Standard Operating Procedure: Fire Department Vehicle Safety, Emergency and Non-Emergency Response, Safe Emergency Operations on Roadways
General (Created: 2010-06-30; Reviewed: 2021-07-22 )

This procedure identifies requirements for the implementation of a safe Fire Department vehicle operations program.
Fire Department Training Records
General (Created: 2003-08-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Fire Department records for training and personnel are open for inspection upon demand during any reasonable hours.
Fire Drills in Schools and ISO Credit
Form (Created: 2018-07-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Section 1000 of the ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule evaluates the community risk reduction efforts in a community. Part of Section 1032B1, Fire Safety Education in Schools, evaluates fire safety efforts in schools, including the conducting of monthly fire drills. This section requires that “Each school must conduct 1 fire exit drill, in accordance with the general criteria of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, or the ICC International Fire Code each month that the campus is in session.”
Fire Hydrant Cost, Installation, and Maintenance in Selected Municipalities
Survey (Created: 2021-09-15; Reviewed: 2022-03-11 )

Eight Tennessee cities responded to a request for information regarding the procedures and costs for installation of fire hydrants.
Fire Hydrant Flow Test Results Calculator
General (Created: 2015-02-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-12 )

This spreadsheet may be downloaded to calculate the results of fire hydrant flow tests.
Fire Hydrants and Potential Fees in Municipal Water Systems
Report/Study (Created: 2020-11-11; Reviewed: 2023-02-16 )

The State of Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office requested assistance in answering customer questions regarding municipal water systems and fire hydrant fees. According to the M1 Manual of Water Supply Practices published by the American Water Works Association, there are three approaches to allocating the costs associated with fire protection in municipalities.
Fire Inspection Quality Assurance Survey
Form (Created: 2018-07-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

This form is a sample survey that cities can use as follow up after a fire code compliance inspection.
Fire Investigator Mentor Program
General (Created: 2008-11-14; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

This Fire Investigator Mentor Program has been endorsed by the Tennessee Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and recognized by the IAAI as an excellent program in training and qualifying new fire investigators.
Fire Positions Exempted from Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System Mandatory Retirement at Age 60
Survey (Created: 2017-09-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-22 )

A survey of selected cities to determine if their battalion chief or shift caption positions are exempted from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System mandatory retirement for public safety positions at age 60.
Fire Shift Commanders and Assistant Chief Salary and Organizational Structure
Survey (Created: 2018-02-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-22 )

Selected Tennessee cities were surveyed regarding their fire departments and the organizational structure.
Fire Shift Supervisor Survey
Survey (Created: 2014-12-04; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

Eight cities responded to this survey that asks about the position that is responsible for the supervision of two or more fire stations and their crews.
Fire Stations and Coronavirus Precautions: A Hot Topic for Tennessee Municipalities
General (Created: 2020-03-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-22 )

Firefighters understand the concept of hot, warm, and cold zones in fire stations when it comes to keeping turnouts and fire contaminated gear out of the living areas of the station. But what about viruses and other pathogens? The practices used for fire contaminated gear do not work with pathogens. Therefore, firefighters need to practice more extensive contamination control to reduce the chance of spreading the coronavirus while at the fire station.
Fire Support Specialist
Job Description (Created: 2017-03-03; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

A sample job description for a Fire Support Specialist.
Fire Support Specialist
Job Description (Created: 2017-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

A sample job description for a fire support specialist.
Fire Watch Policy
Form (Created: 2016-02-08; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

This sample fire watch policy provides for the continuous presence of a trained person, who maintains a constant fire watch, while the required fire protection system is out of service.
Firefighter
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Job description for the position of Firefighter.
Firefighter Driver
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Job description for the position of Firefighter/Driver.
Firefighter Mechanic
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

Job description for the position of Firefighter/Mechanic.
Firefighter Training and Certification in Tennessee
General (Created: 2021-04-29; Reviewed: 2021-07-22 )

MTAS Fire Consultant Dennis Wolf created this document in order to compile information from frequently asked questions regarding what training firefighters are required to have.
Firefighter Training in Tennessee
General (Created: 2021-02-11; Reviewed: 2021-02-11 )

MTAS is often asked about what training firefighters are required to have. The answer is that, from a standpoint of required training, the training requirements for firefighters vary from none-at-all to minimal. The key word in this question is “required,” being defined as mandatory by a state law or regulation.
Firefighter Vacation Accrual in Selected Tennessee Cities
Survey (Created: 2019-04-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-22 )

MTAS asked a number of Tennessee cities how they handle vacation accrual for firefighters.
Firefighters as Auxiliary Police Officers and Dispatcher Psychological Assessment Survey
Survey (Created: 2019-07-01; Reviewed: 2021-06-29 )

A survey of selected cities and towns regarding allowing firefighters to serve auxiliary police officers and also the psychological assessment of dispatchers.
Firefighters Driving on a License from Another State
General (Created: 2014-04-03; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

MTAS was asked whether, in Tennessee, firefighters are required to have a valid Tennessee driver's license to operate vehicles and work in the full capacity of a fire fighter.
Firefighters Must Have Key to Fire Station
General (Created: 2006-09-19; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

If a fire station is locked when not occupied, then all firefighters must have a key.
Firefighters Vacation Accrual Summary Report
Survey (Created: 2010-03-23; Reviewed: 2021-05-20 )

Eighteen cities were asked about vacation leave for full-time employees of the fire department.
Fireworks Sample Ordinance
Ordinance (Created: 2006-10-19; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

An ordinance to add Chapter 4, "Fireworks," to Title 7 of the City of ______ Municipal Code.
Firing the City Attorney
Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-11-29; Reviewed: 2021-07-25 )

MTAS was asked for whom the City Attorney works and if the City Attorney may be fired.
First Responder Compensation Survey
Survey (Created: 2020-10-23; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Ten Tennessee cities responded to a request for information regarding compensation for experienced, certified and entry level first responders.
First Responders and Fireworks Incidents Survey
Survey (Created: 2020-08-21; Reviewed: 2021-05-21 )

Six Tennessee cities responded to a request for information regarding first responders having fireworks shot or directed at them while on-duty.
Fiscal Recovery Fund (FRF) Overview
General (Created: 2021-09-21; Reviewed: 2021-09-21 )

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on economies, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) on March 11, 2021. It provides for a substantial infusion of fiscal recovery funds into state and local governments throughout the United States. Tennessee was allocated $3.725 billion for use at the state level, and $2.28 billion to be distributed to local governments. This is a guide provides an overview of the funding process.
Fitness Facility Manager
Job Description (Created: 2001-08-23; Reviewed: 2021-04-28 )

Job description for the position of Fitness Facility Manager for the City of Smyrna.
Fitness Facility Manager Job Description
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21 )

Job description for the position of Fitness Facility Manager.
Flea Market Dealers
General (Created: 2003-02-03; Reviewed: 2021-06-18 )

Registering dealers at a multi-vendor open-area flea market that routinely occurs along the Tennessee border and probably has multi-state vendor participation.
Fleet and Materials Manager
Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2020-10-07 )

Job description for the position of Fleet and Materials Manager.
Fleet Maintenance and Operations Schedules
Form (Created: 2012-07-12; Reviewed: 2020-10-07 )

Seven checklists for preventive maintenance and inspections.
Fleet Maintenance Services Survey
Survey (Created: 2014-10-20; Reviewed: 2020-10-07 )

MTAS asked six cities about charging the city's various departments for fleet services.
Fleet Management: an MTAS Survey
Survey (Created: 2008-11-24; Reviewed: 2020-10-07 )

Ten cities were asked several questions about their fleet management practices.
FLSA and Exempt Employees
General (Created: 2004-09-29; Reviewed: 2021-06-15 )

MTAS was asked to provide documentation allowing city to send employees home when they have worked 40 hours in workweek.
FLSA Questions on Bereavement and Overtime
General (Created: 2008-02-01; Reviewed: 2021-06-15 )

Questions on recognizing bereavement leave as hours worked and hours worked over 8 in a day.
FMLA and Extended Leave of Absence: an MTAS Survey
Survey (Created: 2011-02-14; Reviewed: 2021-06-15 )

Twenty-three cities were asked about their FMLA policies and extended leave of absence policies.
FMLA Forms
Form (Created: 2015-06-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-29 )

Links to FMLA forms are provided here.
FOG Programs in Selected Tennessee Cities
Survey (Created: 2019-01-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-22 )

Seven Tennessee cities responded to a request for information on their local FOG programs and the fees that may be associated with the program.
Forcing the City to Accept and Maintain Private Streets Located in Privately Owned Residential Developments
Legal Opinion (Created: 1991-08-15; Reviewed: 2020-10-07 )

MTAS was asked whether the City can be forced to accept the dedication and ongoing maintenance responsibility for private streets, street lights and storm sewers located within condominium and planned unit developments.
Forestry Inspector
Job Description (Created: 2007-11-16; Reviewed: 2021-06-21 )

Job description for the position of Forestry Inspector
Forestry Supervisor
Job Description (Created: 2007-11-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-21 )

Job description for the position of Forestry Supervisor
Form for Operating a Business in the City of Lebanon
Form (Created: 2000-06-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-18 )

A form to help the city deal with new businesses, providing the applicants with notice to comply with the city's zoning laws.
Form of Government, Charter Type, District vs. At-Large Elections and Term Limits in Selected Council/Manager Municipalities
Survey (Created: 2019-11-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-20 )

The MTAS Research and Information Center team compiled election and term limit information for a number of selected Tennessee cities.
Form of Petition for Liquor Sales
Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-09-12; Reviewed: 2021-07-16 )

MTAS was asked for a form of petition for package liquor sales and liquor-by-the-drink sales.
Forming a New Police Department
General (Created: 1997-07-14; Reviewed: 2021-06-30 )

MTAS was asked several questions about the benefits of forming a new police department versus contracting with the county for police services.
Forms to Accompany Capital Asset Accounting System
Form (Created: 2003-07-02; Reviewed: 2021-04-22 )

Includes a sample capital asset disposal record, a capital asset ledger card, and a model resolution to establish a threshold that dictates when expenditures may be capitalized.
Forms to Accompany the Drug Fund Manual
Form (Created: 2003-07-02; Reviewed: 2021-07-06 )

Includes sample forms, description of the forms, and a sample drug fund budget.
Fowl Ordinance Comparison
Survey (Created: 2010-04-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-08 )

The Town of Signal Mountain asked twenty-four cities whether they had an ordinance regulating chickens within the city limits.
Free Water and Sewer Service Provided to School
Legal Opinion (Created: 2010-06-30; Reviewed: 2021-04-22 )

MTAS was asked whether it is legal to provide water for free to a public school, and posed further questions about the enforcement of the agreement with the county and school district.
Freedom to Protest: Guidance for Managing Demonstrations in Tennessee Towns and Cities
General (Created: 2020-06-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-12 )

MTAS guidance on freedom of speech, freedom to assemble and how to handle demonstrations. This is a video resource. (Created June 25, 2020; 7:07 minutes in length)
Frequency of Election : Local Option
General (Created: 2002-02-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-16 )

Information was requested on the frequency of elections for liquor by the drink.
Function and Duties of a Home Rule Charter Commission
Legal Opinion (Created: 2008-10-07; Reviewed: 2021-06-18 )

Basic introduction of charter commission candidates to the functions and duties of the charter commission.