During the Oct. 13 meeting of the Plainview Planning Commission, Jordan Rockwell, Plainview city planner, explained the Tennessee Land Trust Program.

Agricultural land is eligible to be placed in the trust. The act passed in 2025, but the Trust Board has spent approximately a year establishing rules and guidelines. The Legislature allocated $25 million for the trust.

Land placed in the trust can be farmed and inhabited like any other agricultural property. However, it cannot be developed for commercial use except for farm-related businesses. A house and farm structures may be built, but additional dwellings are restricted.

The land remains privately owned and can be sold, but the conservation easement and its restrictions generally remain in place forever. However, the status can be changed through eminent domain or if a judge determines that enforcing the easement is no longer feasible.

The Transaction Assistance Fund helps cover attorney fees, survey fees, appraisals and stewardship donations for enforcing conservation agreements. For more information, contact Emily Parish at (615) 244-5263 or eparish@landtrusttn.org.

Zoning Officer Stewart Skeen reported that he had issued two home permits in Plainview, with two more in process. He also fielded several phone calls.

At the close of the Planning Commission meeting, Mayor Lynn Beeler conducted a public hearing on M1 Zoning Ordinance 171, which establishes an industrial zone. No one spoke during the hearing.

During the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting, extensive discussion focused on Flock cameras, with both advantages and concerns presented.

Vice Mayor Richard Phillips stated that the contract for the two existing cameras was not available, but he was actively trying to determine whether one had been signed. He explained that someone needed to oversee training for camera use, policy restrictions and access agreements with other police departments.

Phillips moved to have the mayor and vice mayor assume that responsibility. Marilyn Toppins seconded the motion.

Sergeant Johnny Collins explained that Plainview's two cameras are license plate readers that photograph only a license plate and part of the vehicle surrounding it. The images may be accessed only by Chief Jerry Lawson and Collins and only for an official investigation of a crime in progress or one that has been committed.

Agreements for access to the information are generally made with police departments in the county and surrounding counties through authorized sheriffs, police chiefs or designated officers. One camera is currently unavailable.

Collins reported that the cameras had helped solve at least four crimes between 2024 and 2026. The system costs approximately $6,000 per year.

Alderman Rebecca Lock pointed out that Flock cameras had been misused in other districts in Tennessee and in other states. She also cited several lawsuits and questioned the company's reputation.

According to Collins, an officer must complete a form explaining the reasons for accessing the data. He said no unauthorized use had been detected in Plainview.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the motion by Vice Mayor Phillips to establish oversight of camera use and access was approved.

Mayor Lynn Beeler reminded citizens that neither he nor any alderman can call police about an incident they have not witnessed. Anyone experiencing a crime or believing a crime is in progress must call 911.

Sergeant Collins presented the police report, noting that officers had handled 44 calls. He also reported that the yellow motorcycle that had been causing considerable noise seemed to have quieted down recently. He cited the operator of a dirt bike for riding on a public road.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved the M1 Zoning Ordinance on second reading. The zoning official reported on building permits issued. The fire chief was absent.

The next Plainview meetings will be Tuesday, Nov. 10, with the Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting at 7 p.m.