Despite outbursts and a threat from Mayor Jimmy Haley to clear the room, McMinnville officials approved two annexation requests near Spring Valley Road and the new four-lane to Woodbury on Tuesday night.
Their approval came after comments of disapproval from neighbors of the properties.
Donald Hillis requested the city annex 22.36 acres of property into the city as Residential 2. His request passed unanimously by Mayor Jimmy Haley, Vice Mayor Ben Newman and Aldermen Mike Neal, Jimmy Bonner, Steve Harvey, Ryle Chastain and Everett Brock.
James B. Passons requested the city annex 13.2 acres of property into the city as Commercial 2. His request passed 6-1. Voting in favor were Haley, Newman, Neal, Bonner, Chastain and Brock, while Harvey voted against it.
 Approval for the Hillis annexation paved the way for an agreement he has with McMinnville Housing Authority for it to purchase the property and build 13 units, which amounts to six-and-a-half duplexes. Patricia Basham, Housing Authority executive director, says they will be similar to those at 518 Spring Street in what’s called Griswold Terrace.
The meeting drew a crowd of approximately 80 individuals, exceeding the boardroom’s maximum capacity of 70.
Several individuals voiced disapproval. Jeffery Hobbs, whose property is adjacent to Donald Hillis’ property, was among those.
 “I’ve been there for 30 years,” said Hobbs. “I’m going to lose $50,000. None of you guys want the projects behind your house. I’m not trying to say this in a mean way. I like to help people, but you’ve got projects in four locations in McMinnville. Do you want it everywhere you come into this town? Do you want that? You are putting the projects right in behind my house and taking money out of my pocket to make Mr. Hillis wealthier than he already is.”
The statement brought a response from the crowd with cheers, shouts of approval, and clapping.
“We are not involved in this,” said Brock, pertaining to the agreement between Hillis and McMinnville Housing Authority.
Hobbs added, “Mr. Brock, you are involved in it. All of you are involved in it. That’s why we are here.”
The room erupted again. Haley threatened to clear it.
“Please, contain yourself and the crowd or we will ask everyone of you to leave,” said Haley. “There is no excuse for this outbreak. None whatsoever. You do not act this way in public. If this were a County Commission meeting, you would already be escorted out.”
Hobbs apologized.
“I’m sorry that my anger came out,” he said. “We are here to address this.”
Haley added, “In an orderly fashion, which you have not.”
Attorney Felicia Walkup spoke on behalf of several residents who contacted her for legal assistance.
“They have asked me to look into and address this board concerning the Passons property, as well as the Hillis property. They are here, as well as many others, to oppose this annexation,” she said.
She presented the city with a petition signed by more than 130 residents in the area who are opposed to annexation.
Alderman Brock informed Walkup that non-city residents have no standing before the board because it represents city residents only.
“Respectfully, I disagree with you sir,” said Walkup. “Not that you represent them, but the interest in question should be the interest of the community as a whole.”
Brock stated, “My interests are the interests of the city of McMinnville.”
“I understand that,” said Walkup. “To address that, I think the city has to look at the community as a whole and in this instance, it includes these folks because their property is going to be affected, either directly or indirectly, if this annexation goes through.”
Walkup encouraged the board to look at the impact of annexation.
“What you have here is two individual property owners who have petitioned this board to an-nex their property. One of the things cities need to look at in terms of annexing property is whether it’s reasonable for the overall wellbeing of the communities involved.”
Walkup says property owners in the area believe the future use of the Hillis property will be detrimental to the community, reduce their property values and she urged the board to look for property already within the city limits for development.
Brock stated, “That’s not our job to go around and try to sell property. It’s not our job to try and facilitate this sale. This sale is facilitated between two private individuals. It has nothing to do with the city going and redeveloping land.” 
Bonner interrupted stating that cities in Tennessee can no longer force annexation by state law so the city’s hands are tied.
“I understand these people are concerned about their property,” said Bonner. “When the state stopped us from forcible annexation of property, that tied our hands. I think it’s our obligation to the city to annex those who want to come into the city. I don’t care what Donald Hillis does with his land. We have an obligation to city taxpayers to pass this. Annexation has stopped so this is the only way we are ever going to annex anyone is if they want city services.”
During the 2014 legislative session, state lawmakers put an end to city officials simply passing an ordinance to acquire new property that expanded city limits and their tax bases. Using forced annexation, the town or city could claim the land whether the people living on the property wanted to join the city or not.
During the meeting, Haley asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor of annexation. No one did. However, Donald Hillis presented board members with a written statement titled “My Annexation Thoughts” that was distributed to them prior to the meeting.
“I think in my opinion your obligation as an alderman is to the city taxpayers, to oversee the departments and oversee the budgets of each department,” Hillis stated. “As an alderman for eight years, four of which I was vice mayor, I understand difficult decisions have to be made. Since the new law only allows annexation of property by request, then if the request meets all the zoning requirements and the plan of service can be completed, then why not extend or annex properties to broaden the corporate city limits.
“In this specific annexation area request, the city has updated and expanded the sewer lines, sidewalks and street lights,” he said. “The state has built a four-lane road leading to Cannon County. Now, Newtown is ready for annexation. SURE THERE WILL BE OPPOSITION!!!! I GUARANTEE IT!!!! While as an alderman, you always consider the opinion of others. However, when an annexation request is presented and it meets all zoning and city requirements, annex the property.”
 Because the annexation was in the form of a resolution, it only requires one passing read before the board.