On the mayor's radio show, whenever a listener phones-in a question that needs research, Mayor Shane McFarland searches for the answer. Here are the mayor's responses to questions received on July 12, 2017.

1) Is there a way to coordinate that someone's house address is not on their registration, in the event that could break in a vehicle and then be able to find someone's home address and possibly break into it as well?

We suggest that you take a photo of it on your cell phone or make a copy and keep it with you in your wallet, rather than keeping the original in the glove box. If you are pulled over, law enforcement officers will accept a photo or a photocopy of your registration and insurance. However, copies are not acceptable in lieu of a valid Driver's License.

2) CSX intersections blocking roadways

Unfortunately, the law may be on CSX's side. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there are no federal laws governing blocked crossings. It is up to State's to determine what penalties there should be when rail companies abuse crossings by blocking roadways from emergency vehicles or for extended periods.

In looking into this, I found a "Tennessee Rail System Plan" conducted for the Nashville MPO ( http://www.nashvillempo.org/docs/Tennessee%20rail%20freight%20report.pdf); below is an excerpt from the Plan:

" The majority of states place restrictions on the amount of time a highway-rail crossing can be blocked. The laws and regulations vary, but never do they exceed more than ten minutes. A number of states list an exception for emergencies or circumstances beyond the control of the railroad company. That is not to say that the individual cities and towns within those states with no relevant statute do not have an ordinance restricting the blocking of highway-rail crossings within their jurisdictions. A number of them do, but to list them all would extend beyond the scope of this report...Tennessee has no applicable statute associated with blocked crossings, although numerous municipalities in Tennessee that have related local ordinances."

3) Additional police precincts? What are our plans?

No specific location has been identified at this time, but the City is studying options for a precinct on the west side of the City, where we are currently experiencing the largest growth in new development and population. A precinct, which could be a leased storefront or perhaps and addition onto a fire station, would serve the community, such as providing copies of reports, while also providing police officers with a secure location for completing paperwork and other functions. In addition to studying the operational benefits of a physical facility, the City continues to look for opportunities to enhance our services through the use of technology; such as improving communications and access to information on our website and social media.

4) Rutledge Way in poor condition, just before you get to Kenny Ln.

We have passed this information on to our Street Department to investigate the concerns.

5) How long can a car be parked on the side of the street.

There is no time restriction for on-street parking, except where it is posted otherwise (i.e. 2-hour parking in the downtown).