GATLINBURG, TN -- The collective 440+ members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group have submitted a public communications request to the Gatlinburg City Commission. The request demands answers to 80 questions concerning the wildfire of November 28, 2016.

“We, as citizens of United States of America, object to any obligations requiring us to comply with Resolution 939 limiting our First Amendment rights to free speech.

Together, with other citizens, we intend to ask questions from the attached list submitted to the City of Gatlinburg with objection to Resolution 939 and in advance of the meeting.

We demand our civil rights to ask each question on the attached list, and will resume asking each question from this list when a prior speaker ends his or her 3 minutes.

We support free speech in the United States of America and request your support too.”

Questions from the Community for the City of Gatlinburg:

1. On November 28, 2016, how were all of the communications on encrypted channels between the fire department, police department, and EMS recorded? Where are those recordings today? Why have those recordings not been released to the public?

2. If the City of Gatlinburg had issued an evacuation alert as early as 2:00 p.m to all residents and visitors, do you believe your evacuation alert may have saved lives?

3. The audio speakers in the City Commission meeting room do not work properly and, as such, limit the ability for all guests, including those who are hearing impaired, to participate in the meeting. Can the City of Gatlinburg please fix the audio problems in the meeting room so that all guests may participate?

4. Is there an Evacuation Plan now established for Ski Mountain? Baskins Creek / Loop Road? Roraring [sic] Fork? If not, why?

5. A report of high winds and the risk of a wildfire from Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreading at a rapid rate throughout the greater Gatlinburg community has just been announced and is expected to occur tomorrow beginning at 6:15 p.m. Describe all of the activities the City of Gatlinburg will engage in to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents.

6. Why has the City of Gatlinburg elected to not treat the City’s After-Action Report as punitive in nature? Do you believe no one is responsible for the deaths, injuries and destruction of property on November 28, 2016?

7. Why was there no boil alert for the City of Gatlinburg after the pipes ran dry on November 28th? If you allege an alert was issued, identify who issued the alert, when was the alert issued, and how did the City communicate the alert to all residents, business owners and visitors?

8. Hydroseeding along the roadsides and hillsides is either dying or is already dead? Does the dead hydroseeded grass provide fuel for another fire? Why did the City of Gatlinburg not water the hydroseeded areas?

9. Is the air and water being tested for pollution since the wildfire of November 28, 2016? How frequently is the water tested? Does the drinking water contain any new contaminants not previously seen in our drinking water supply before the November 28, 2016 wildfire?

10. When are evacuation or warning sirens going to be ready and tested? Why has the City not tested the system so that all residents and visitors can hear the alert? Prior to November 28, 2016, when was the last time the siren system was used? Prior to November 28, 2016, when was the last time the siren system was tested? If the siren system was inoperable or dysfunctional, when was the system failure first discovered and what efforts did the City of Gatlinburg take to remedy any known problem(s)?

11. Why has the City not engaged in practice drills or other exercises to prepare for an orderly evacuation of all visitors and residents?

12. (for Cindy Ogle) Did Fire Chief Miller advise you that he wished to call for an evacuation of all residents and visitors on November 28th? When did Chief Miller advise you of his request? Why was an evacuation not called for at that time? Who had the authority to call for an evacuation, you, Fire Chief Miller, or someone else (identify)?

13. Did the City of Gatlinburg prioritize its economy over the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors on November 28, 2016? Did the City of Gatlinburg delay the timely evacuation of all residents and visitors on November 28, 2016?

14. What is the name of the individual who issued an evacuation notice at 8:00 p.m. on November 28, 2016? Why was the evacuation notice issued so late?

15. (for Mayor Werner) At the last meeting, you said you would be willing to meet with all of us. When and where do you wish to meet? What is your agenda? What do you hope to achieve from the meeting? Why did you wait for more than eight months to offer a meeting to discuss your community’s concerns with residents and visitors?

16. What specifically are you going to do next time to keep Chalet Village North safe?

17. What protocols does the City of Gatlinburg utilize to evacuate the City during a City-wide emergency? Which communities are evacuated first, in what order, and describe fully the evacuation procedures used.

18. More than eight months have passed since the devastating wildfire of November 28, 2016. What have you done to make residents feel safe? How can you encourage residents to rebuild? What do you believe has changed today compared to November 27, 2016? Why should residents and visitors trust you with our safety and well-being?

19. Why did the City of Gatlinburg rush to reopen shortly after the curfew was lifted, when residents had not been given a reasonable opportunity to identify their own losses, to grieve, or to coordinate their own efforts to recover? Did you prioritize the community’s economy over its people?

20. Can the Memorial for the victims of the wildfire be placed at the Spur Welcome Center since most of the dead are from Chalet Village North?

21. Does the City of Gatlinburg condone city employees publishing their own personal opinions in various social media forums while also serving the community as public servants? Does the City perceive a conflict of interest when a police department dispatcher creates an online petition against a group of the City’s own residents?

How can all residents trust and rely upon the services of the Gatlinburg Police Department when one or more employees have willfully, intentionally and purposefully expressed their dissatisfaction(s) toward individuals or a group of individuals?

22. Why have you not invited the families of those who perished to participate in development of the memorial?

23. Amber Alerts to mobile devices have a particular alert sound. Can the City of Gatlinburg help create an alert sound specific for wildfires?

24. Have you purchased a mobilized cell phone tower to use for backup communications? When did you purchase this equipment? What did the equipment cost? How did the City pay for the equipment? When will the equipment be implemented and utilized?

25. Since visitors do not know about Sevier County’s “Code Red” system, how will you alert our visitors to an emergency in our community? Will your “Code Red” system work in remote areas where some people do not receive mobile phone service? How will you communicate emergency information to individuals who do not receive mobile phone service in their communities?

26. (for all Commissioners) Do you claim your wages earned for your service as Commissioners on your federal and/or state income tax returns? Do you receive a W-2, a 1099, or other form (identify) for your income received for your service as a Commissioner? Do Commissioners qualify to receive workers’ compensation insurance?

27. Why did the City of Gatlinburg willfully, intentionally and purposefully publish certain personal information, including individual’s names and addresses, to other individuals receiving either solicited or unsolicited copies of the questions and your answers provided at the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting?

28. Why did the City of Gatlinburg elect to distribute at the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting personal information of certain individuals, namely, the name and address of those individuals who questioned the activities of the City of Gatlinburg and its leaders on November 28, 2016, and members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group, but chose not publish or distribute the same personal information, such as the name and address, of other speakers, including Ryan DeSear and Dinah Bays, among others? Can you understand why some individuals perceive the City of Gatlinburg’s act(s) as willful, intentional and purposeful to harm certain individuals who oppose you or do not share your opinions? Did you know on July 18, 2017, or do you now know, that certain individuals who oppose you or do not share your opinions have received death threats from other individuals both inside and outside of the community? If any harm is brought upon any individual or their family member(s) due to your willful, intentional and purposeful disclosure of their personal information, will you accept responsibility, on behalf of the City of Gatlinburg, for losses suffered as a result of your act(s)?

29. Why were certain individuals or group of individuals escorted and supervised by two City of Gatlinburg Police Officers when delivering their questions, under your rules. To city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle’s office before the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting? Does the City of Gatlinburg condone this practice for all individuals who visit the city manager’s office? Has the city manager received any threats the community should be aware of? Do you acknowledge that the City’s request for a police escort of certain individuals who deliver communications to the city manager’s office is perceived as threatening, intimidating, harassing, manipulative or abuse of power and/or authority?

30. During the wildfire, National Park Service officials locked gates from Campbell Lead Road to the bypass, trapping evacuees who tried to escape from the wildfires. What will the City of Gatlinburg do to work together with the National Park Service to ensure no such failure in procedures ever occurs again?

31. We are here despite of you. We believe we survived the devastating wildfires of November 28, 2016 despite your failures which caused the deaths of more than fourteen people, the injuries of more than 200 people, and the destruction of more than $1 billion in commercial and residential property. Do you understand why so many people, including visitors worldwide, believe they are not safe when visiting Gatlinburg because you have done little to nothing to protect your residents and visitors? Why do you expect residents and visitors to feel safe in Gatlinburg?

32. Can the City of Gatlinburg issue emergency information to residents and visitors via weather alert radios? Please describe how emergency notices are transmitted via weather alert radios.

33. Has the City of Gatlinburg visited all commercial and residential properties affected by the wildfires of November 28, 2016 to inspect for contamination and hazardous material risks? Why or why not?

34. Did any employee of the City of Gatlinburg light a fire, backfire or “controlled burn” fire to control fire spread in any community? If so, please describe each fire lit, where the fire was lit, how the fire was controlled, the names of the individuals responsible for monitoring the fire, and whether or not winds carried fires lit by any City employee to other areas beyond the immediate “controlled burn” location.

35. Immediately after the wildfires, Commissioners refused to answer questions from the community, and attacked some community members when questions were asked. Since July 18, 2017, the Commission has requested all questions from the community must be presented in writing, and has only answered questions to the community in writing. Written responses to the community’s questions do not allow for engagement with your community, inhibits productive dialogue, and does not allow your community to resolve their concerns. Why has city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and each of the Commissioners refused to discuss (verbal dialogue) the community’s concerns with those asking questions? Why did Mayor Werner attack Genie Brabham on June 20, 2017 for asking questions about his public interview? Why do Commissioners publicly attack members of our community for asking questions Commissioners do not like?

36. (for Commissioner Smith) In your answers to our questions submitted for the July 18th meeting, you said the question was “personal in nature”. What is personal about your public election?

37. We request a Town Hall meeting to address questions from the community regarding your actions and inactions on November 28, 2016, and to address our concerns for the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to the City of Gatlinburg. Will you participate in a Town Hall meeting with us? Where? When?

38. How is the City of Gatlinburg working with other cities to identify opportunities for affordable housing?

39. What concerns, significant or otherwise, does the City have for its residents and visitors concerning any hazards relating to wildfire ash?

40. (for Fire Chief Miller) What directives did you provide to incoming out-of-area first responders to address fires in the city limits of Gatlinburg?

41. (for Fire Chief Miller) What directives did you provide to incoming out-of-area first responders to address fires in the community of Chalet Village North?

42. (for Fire Chief Miller) Were out-of-area first responders advised of black marks on top of fire hydrants and what they represented?

43. Does the City of Gatlinburg or its Commissioners condone the discrimination of any individuals by the business community?

44. Does the City of Gatlinburg or its Commissioners condone the discrimination of any individuals by other individuals in the community?

45. Does the City of Gatlinburg condemn the statements of businessman Davy Thomas expressed on July 28, 2017, in which a microphone recorded Mr. Thomas saying to a wildfire survivor, “The owners don’t want your kind here.” and asked for the wildfire survivor and his group to leave their property?

46. Does city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and/or the Commissioners deny asking friends, employees and associates to attend the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting to fill seats and/or keep other individuals from attending the meeting?

47. (for Mayor Werner) Do you deny asking your son, Albert Werner, call his friends and to tell them to fill the City Commission meeting room on July 18, 2017 with their friends in order to fill seats and/or keep other individuals from attening the meeting?

48. How are certain individuals or groups of individuals affecting tourism? Describe in full, please. What do you suggest will remedy your concern(s) and end any future impact on tourism in Gatlinburg?

49. What concerns does the City of Gatlinburg have, if any, for wildfire ash and debris being dumped in the Sevier County landfill since the landfill is not certified to receive, process or handle this waste material?

50. Why has the City of Gatlinburg not enforced TDEC’s recommendations for the handling of wildfire structure ash, such as requirements to collect wildfire structure ash in dump trucks or containers lined with 6-mil thick plastic and sealed “burrito style” with duct tape?

51. Do you feel responsible for those who lost loved ones and pets because you did not evacuate people timely? 52. Has the City reached out to anyone who lost family members from the wildfire of November 28, 2016?

53. Has the City reached out to anyone who lost their homes from the wildfire of November 28, 2016?

54. How do each of you respond to public opinions that you are responsible for culpable negligence and/or manslaughter in the deaths of 14 or more people resulting from the wildfires of November 28, 2016? Please allow city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and each City Commissioner to respond to this question by answering individually for themselves, not as a collective group.

55. How did the City of Gatlinburg ensure burned vehicles removed from the City were being disposed of properly Is this City aware that some burned vehicles were disposed of improperly in Cocke County?

56. Is the City of Gatlinburg concerned that more than eight months after the wildfire of November 28, 2016, some residents are still living in storage sheds, sheds on properties, and motel rooms? Regardless of any efforts demonstrated by Mountain Tough, what efforts is the City of Gatlinburg taking to help these individuals return to suitable housing?

57. (for Mayor Werner) Why did you choose to not recuse yourself from voting on item 7.a. on the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting agenda? Do you regret casting your vote? Do you understand the community’s perception of impropriety relating to the issue you voted on? Do you benefit personally from the passage of agenda item 7.a.? Do you vote on issues involving matters which may benefit yourself or your business relationships?

58. How often do Commissioners vote on issues that may benefit themselves personally, their personal businesses or business interests, or their personal relationships with other individuals?

59. Have any pollution issues been identified from wildfire structure ash or waste? Has the City of Gatlinburg or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation tested the drinking water since November 28, 2016? When? What were the results? Has the City of Gatlinburg or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation tested and public or private property soil(s) since November 28, 2016? When? What were the results? Has the City of Gatlinburg or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation tested the air quality since November 28, 2016? When? What were the results?

60. On November 28, 2016, provide the evacuation time(s) for each of the following communities within the City of Gatlinburg and surrounding community: Baskins Creek region; Rattlesnake Hollow region; Roaring Fork region; Downtown region; Ski Mountain Road region; Ski View Drive region; Chalet Village North region; Highway 321 region; Mynatt Park region; Parkway region (from the Spur to Ripley’s Aquarium). How did you evacuate the community? What tools, equipment or resources did you use to evacuate? Who coordinated evacuation personnel?

61. Are you aware of any backburn or “controlled burn” fire(s) being set in the national park at Chimney Tops on or about November 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, 2016?

62. Are you aware of any backburn or “controlled burn” fire(s) being set in the national park at the Sugarlands on or about November 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, 2016?

63. Are you aware of any backburn or “controlled burn” fire(s) being set anywhere within the national park on or about November 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, 2016? If “yes”, which areas of the national park? When were these fires set?

64. When weather alerts informing the public that winds may exceed 60+ mph were released, why were no evacuations called for at that time?

65. What time were the trolleys moved from their parking lot on East Parkway to the corner of East Parkway and Glades Road on November 28, 2016? Who was responsible for moving the trolleys to the corner of East Parkway and Glades Road (provide the names of each employee or other individual involved in the movement of trolleys on November 28, 2016).

66. Who decided not to use the trolleys to evacuate the workers, tourists and residents who have no other transportation?

67. Commissioners, if you say you have an open door policy and you welcome anyone to contact you at any time, why have you not responded to letters sent to you individually in the past year or more?

68. Individually, describe your relationship with Sevier County Commissioner Mary Dumas-Davis. Include all business interests and relationships you may have currently, or have had in the past, with Commissioner Davis. Please allow city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and each City Commissioner to respond to this question by answering individually for themselves, not as a collective group.

69. If we met with you under your open door policy, will be escorted by police to meet with you?

70. Why were autopsy reports released to family members and then suddenly sealed again? What explanation has been provided to the City of Gatlinburg regarding the re-sealing of autopsy reports?

71. What assistance has city attorney Ron Sharp provided any of you in answering any of the questions we ask?

72. Does the City of Gatlinburg have any concerns for city employees who publish their personal opinions online while they are employed to serve the public?

73. When are city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle’s “open door” hours?

74. Will the City permit crosses to be placed in honor those who died in the location(s) where they died?

75. Does the city have any concerns for TEMA losing all incoming and outgoing recordings to the Emergency Operations Center? What are your concerns? What if those recordings indicated more people died?

76. Why has the City of Gatlinburg not released all of the 911 emergency calls placed on November 28, 2016? What has the City done to preserve all 911 emergency calls placed on November 28, 2016 from being lost or destroyed?

77. Do any of the Commissioners have a business relationship with Davy Thomas, Logan Coykendall, or Hospitality Solutions, Inc.? If “yes”, describe your business relationship in full and include how your business relationship does not affect your service to the community as our city manager, Mayor or Commissioner.

78. Knowing wind speeds would reach an excess of 60+ mph on November 28, 2016, why didn’t the City of Gatlinburg communicate with the Sevier County Utility District to turn off the power grid and prevent electrical fires from fallen power lines and transformers throughout Gatlinburg?

79. What day and time did you activate the City of Gatlinburg Emergency Operations Center (“EOC”)? Who activated the EOC? When did you first contact the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (“TEMA”) for any reason on or prior to November 28, 2016? How did you contact TEMA (i.e., telephone call, email, emergency alert, etc.)?

80. Will you kindly correct the false narrative Mayor Mike Werner, Cindy Cameron Ogle, City Commissioners, and Sevier County Commissioner Mary Davis have created of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group as a “protest group”. The Group has conducted exactly zero protests since creation. On the six month anniversary of the November 28th catastrophe, the Group did, however, conduct a prayer vigil for those who lost their lives when no one else, including you, planned to honor them or their families. The “protest group” rumor and false label began when your colleague and board member, Logan Coykendall, desperately tried to repair the damaged image and reputation of his company, Hospitality Solutions, Inc., for threatening to have wildfire survivors arrested if they did not leave hotel property they paid to rent for a press conference the hotel was well-aware of (Note: Refunding or not processing a credit card for payment does not change the terms of a contract.). Since none of you were there on July 28, 2017, and as you will recall, none of you had any comment to the media on July 28th regarding TEMA’s untimely announcement of having lost all of its November 28, 2016 recordings, none of you are first-person witnesses to the unfortunate event which transpired at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg hotel which has now evolved into anticipated litigation for substantial damages suffered by many, the damaged reputations of Mr. Coykendall, Davy Thomas, Hospitality Solutions, Inc. and their Sevier County hotel brands, and the efforts to remove Mr. Coykendall and his company from various board positions for conduct unbecoming of a business citizen in our community. Promulgating false rumors among your friends, peers and colleagues makes each of you look petty and immature, diminishes any respect for you or the positions you hold, and further divides our community from those few who support you, from the many who support us. We number more than 440 strong and, according to you, only a few of us have the power to affect the entire economic outlook of the City of Gatlinburg.

“Let’s change the narrative and find a cooperative way to work together. Remember the olive branch none of you have extended to any of us to meet and help us move forward, while you sit atop your high perch on the Commission bench and preach a false narrative no one buys but your congregation of friends, peers, business associates, and family members.”