Mount Carmel recognizes first responders for house fire rescues

MOUNT CARMEL — Mount Carmel's Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting was packed, Thursday night, as Fire Chief Mitch Walker recognized three first responders for their actions during house fires. Police officer Michael Fontenot, Walker said, arrived to a fire at Nicole Drive on Feb. 23 just before the fire department. Fontenot stopped the resident from reentering the home, while it was still unsafe, to get her dog. The dog was later rescued with minor injuries, according to a Facebook post from the fire department. Firefighters Joe Stapleton and Michael Clark were commended for saving the life of Diane Osborne on Feb. 25 from a fire on Bay Street. The fire department responded within four minutes to zero visibility, intense heat conditions and heavy debris. Stapleton and Clark, assigned to primary search operations, found Osborne within a minute. Her cat, Garfield, was also rescued and cared for at the Mount Carmel Pet Hospital until going to live with a family friend. "While they both face long recoveries, they continue to show steady improvement each day," Walker said. "Although many individuals contributed to the successful rescue and care of the victims, none had a more direct impact than [Stapleton and Clark]. Their decision making, composure under pressure and exceptional performance were instrumental in saving two lives." Melissa Hood, the family friend of Osborne who is fostering Garfield, attended the BMA meeting to thank the first responders. "It's amazing to have those type of people that's willing to put their lives on the line just to help a neighbor," she said. Town Manager Jim Stables, who witnessed the fire and police department's response to the Osborne fire, also praised them. "I spent 40 years in emergency services, and what I saw on that scene, you all have the best of the best here," he said. Additionally, Mount Carmel Senior Citizen's Center Director Sue Jarret thanked the police department for their help with a lost man. "We're to be thankful that we live in a community where we've got people caring for each other," she said. Sewer rate The board, except for Alderman Jim Gilliam, voted to raise the sewer rate by 4.6%. This follows a March 2025 resolution to stay on top of annual rate increases, Town Manager Jim Stables said, to avoid making drastic jumps every several years. For instance, the board raised the rate by 35% last year to reflect 10 years with no increases. It also addresses the town's sewer fund imbalance. The 4.6% figure comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Stables has previously said. It would take the base rate from $43.88 to $45.90, or the per thousand gallons rate from $7.08 to $7.41. During public comment, a resident criticized the rate increase, saying people are already struggling to pay their bills. He also criticized the town's use of $80,000 to build a recycling center; he said it was an unnecessary expense and the money would be better spent on animal control. Stables said, later in the meeting, that if the town isn't proactive about the sewer rates, the state utility board will set the rates itself — and that won't be cheaper. Parks The board extended the timeline of a parks grant issued by the state in 2023. The grant funds the bathroom and pavilion remodeling at the Mount Carmel City Park, which begins construction next week. Assistant Town Manager Tyler Williams said if the town gets the 2026 park grant, it will be fully funded at $2 million, with no local match. The town has been exploring possible projects like improvements to the baseball field, basketball court or walking trails; installing a splash pad; and more. Holidays The board commemorated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as part of a national and statewide initiative called America 250. Alderman Mindy Shugart gave a preview for the town's Fourth of July celebrations. She said there'd be live music, food trucks, bounce houses, GellyBall — and, of course, fireworks. Meanwhile, there will be a town easter egg hunt this Sunday at the park, starting at noon. Gibson thanked the senior center for their help putting the eggs together. "Those children should be very happy when they receive these eggs," Jarret said. Other updates The board established a fee on traffic violation tickets to offset municipal court costs. The fee, currently proposed at $26 per ticket, would save the town $6,500. The board, except for Mayor John Gibson, dissolved the Business and Economic Development Committee. The committee was established April 2025 to act as an advisory board, meant to recruit businesses into the town's limited retail space. However, it has struggled to get off the ground. "I still think there needs to be something in place that the city's doing, looking at economic development outside of just hoping something comes our way," Gibson said. Alderman Philip Binstock said the committee was not the right way or not the right time for it. The board entered an interlocal agreement with the town of Rogersville to provide mutual assistance between public works departments, regarding equipment and employees. Gibson and Rogersville Mayor John Metz, who attended the meeting, said this was a way to formalize being a good neighbor. The board voted to surplus two police cars in poor condition and a desk from the Mount Carmel Library. The board will discuss its trash collection services from Kingsport, pulled from Thursday's agenda, at next month's meeting.