City visits tourism initiatives; shooting range discussed

Board members first heard from Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber President and CEO Allen Hester and David Taylor concerning the activities, budget and members of the Chamber's Tourism and Economic Development Committee.

After Hester went over a handout concerning the committee's many projects, Taylor requested board members re-appoint Tina Christian and Eddie Anderson to three-year terms on the committee and approve the TED budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Alderman Lewis Norman moved to reappoint Christian and Anderson, with Bart Williams adding a second. The motion was passed unanimously by all board members present. Alderman Bob Kirk was the only member of the board absent from the meeting.

Williams moved to approve the 2010-2011 TED Budget, with Taylor stating that the city receives over a 2-to-1 return on its investment when the investment from the area's private sector is calculated into the budget. Alderman Freeman Dudley added a second and the motion was passed unanimously by those present at the meeting.

Aldermen then heard an update on another local project aimed to bring tourism dollars and specialty sportsmen to the area. The Northwest Tennessee Shooting Sports Association Inc.'s proposed Forked Deer Shooting Complex, located on 64 acres on the right side of Beaver Road in the Tigrett Wildlife Management Area, will not only open a large venue for several kinds of shooting sports and competitions, but will provide a practice site for area law enforcement officers away from the Bruce Community.

NWTSSA President Robin Rockett said organizers of the shooting range had hoped to begin construction this August, but must instead begin a year of hard fundraising to ready the land for National Guard to come in and begin the dirt work.

Rockett estimates needing $130,000 to $135,000 to meet the stormwater guidelines required for dirt work to begin. Alderman Kevin Chaney requested the city try to allocate some money to move the project along.

Mayor John Holden pledged to continue working with the county government and other community organizations with funding and in-kind donations to help get the project up and going.

Alderman Charles McCright and Bruce resident Mary Martin both spoke on behalf of the Bruce residents who live with noise issues from the present police department practice range, located on the levee adjacent to the Bruce Community.

The completed project will offer four separate ranges in a variety of lengths with 24 firing lanes on each range, covered firing lanes with concrete floors, shooting benches and tables, a target pit, a main building containing classrooms, administrative and reception areas, a small kitchen, space for vending machines and restroom facilities, a storage area and a covered area outside the building. The complex will be available for use by the general public, with fees for competitions and daily fees expected to total nearly $20,000 annually. NWTSSA dues are also expected to generate nearly $30,000 per year.

Rockett said law enforcement departments from surrounding counties have expressed interest in using the shooting range for training, as well.

"I am very, very hopeful that we can kick this off by August of next year," said Rockett.

Also at the meeting,

* a public hearing concerning the annexation, zoning and plan of services for the Dyer County School System's proposed Fifth Consolidated School building was scheduled for July 19.

* A beer permit was granted to Zengfa Huang for Shogun and Mongolian Inc., located at 2730 Mall Loop, in Dyersburg.

Dyersburg Police Chief Art Heun said the applicant met all qualifications in the department's investigation and he could see no reason not to issue the permit. Alderman Chaney moved to approve the permit, with Jewell Horner adding a second. The motion passed with no opposition.

* Holden reported the DPS has received a JAG Grant in the amount of $18,280 to share with Dyer County and the city of Newbern. The grant will be used to help with the training of local officers. Williams moved to accept the grant, with Horner adding a second. The motion passed unanimously.

* Holden announced that the city of Dyersburg will recognize Independence Day on Monday, July 5. City offices will close that day and no city board meeting will be held that evening.