BOMA retreat reviews 2021 accomplishments

Receiving federal money from last year’s CARES Act grant, breaking ground for Town Center, the Town Hall playground and Phase 3 of McFee Road construction headlined Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s list of accomplishments for 2021.

The Board reviewed its lists during its retreat in Town Hall Friday, Feb. 4.

Regarding the CARES Act grant, “that put money in our budget,” Mayor Ron Williams said. “It was a one-time deal ... staff was able to do everything.”

“I’ve been impressed with our committees, especially tourism, we’ve got strong people,” Alderman Ron Pinchok said.

Another feat accomplished was the completion of the Smith Road sidewalk.

“There was a lot of work with (an) HOA,” Vice Mayor Louise Povlin said. “A lot of people are already using that connection. It really was worth the time to get it right.”

Additionally, board members noted the Town staff’s compensation updates “to bring them up and know they are valued.”

“With the challenges of staffing, we accomplished all this and still have reserves and no debts,” Alderman Scott Meyer said. “I think it’s time for a sequel to ‘Full Steam Ahead.’”

The playground at Town Hall received kudos.

“It’s a small dream come true,” Alderman Drew Burnette said.

“Having that small piece of property was key,” Williams said. “If you go by, and it’s a nice day, you will see five to 10 cars out there. Folks are using it. It’s been well-received.”

McFee Park, Town Center, more

That expansion project was “an overall success,” Williams said.

“Phase 3 will be coming to a close in the next couple of weeks,” Burnette said, adding Parks and Recreation officials also submitted its master plan draft.

“A lot of exciting things in there,” he added.

“When you look at heart of Town today, it’s like night and day,” Povlin said of Biddle Farm Town Center construction. “It’s just amazing to me how different it looks and how active it is now.

“We didn’t know where a first project was going to come from, but it gives us a catalyst to look beyond it. I think we’re on a great path.”

“Top Golf was another tough deal to get, but it’s turned out really nice,” Williams said.

Other accomplishments included getting the Town cleared of derelict buildings and lots in some residential areas, staff realignment, a new business development program and the near completion of the Concord-Virtue Road construction, Light the Park with 30,000 attending and upgrading Virtue Road.