Area Served
The Southeast Chapter serves the surveying communities of Chattanooga, TN and surrounding counties, including north Georgia.
POLK, BRADLEY, HAMILTON, MARION, SEQUATCHIE, VANBUREN, BLEDSOE, RHEA, MCMINN, MEIGS
We meet the third Tuesday of every odd month at Wally's Restaurant in East Ridge (6521 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, TN 37412).
We usually meet at 6:00 to eat and we start the business meeting at 6:30.
Minutes – TAPS SE Chapter July 15, 2026
Meeting: 5:00 pm, Via Zoom.
Chapter President – David Young
Chapter Secretary/Treasurer/Director: David E. Mallory
Call to Order: David Young 5:05 pm
Roll Call: Members - David Young, David E. Mallory, Mario Forte,
Bart Crattie, Mike Colliette, Don VanHook, Tonya Howington,
Paul Stern
• Chapter Budget Report: David E. Mallory
Beginning Balance: $1,465.55
Income $ 30.00 Dues (06-25-2026)
Ending Balance: $1,495.55
• Chapter Membership Report: David E. Mallory --- 16 Full Members, 1 Associate Member, 1 Student
David Young (full) Mario Forte (full) David E. Mallory (full) Daniel Collier (full)
Charlie Schaerer (full) Nick Phipps (full) Don Vanhook (full) Paul Jones (Full)
Michael Barry (full) Travis Shields (Full) Mark Chastain (Full) Bart Crattie (Full)
Jeff Dawson (Full) Roger Riemer (Full) Michael Colliette (Full) Michael Stapleton (Full)
Tonya Howington (assoc) Paul Stern (student)
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting was a regular chapter gathering focused on updates and local issues. Mario struggled to find his notes
from the State Board meeting but recalled that award nominations were due by September 26th. Bart confirmed he
would present a one-hour CSF introduction at the upcoming conference. The group discussed the CSF course at
Opryland, noting venue restrictions on outside food and limited registrants. Tonya reported that the City of
Chattanooga plat review fee increased to $170 and shared payment processing details for Hamilton County.
Members discussed recurring issues with the plat review portal, including repeated review comments on final
submissions. David M. provided a brief treasurer’s report, noting a new member, Michael Stapleton, and an updated
balance. The conversation ended with a reminder of the next social gathering.
Summary
Award Nominations and Chapter Updates
Mario informed the group that award nominations need to be submitted to the board by September 26th and offered
to send the awards list or sheet to anyone interested. Bart confirmed he will conduct a one-hour introduction to the
CSF at next year's conference.
Planning Commission and Register Updates
Tonya informed Mario about Ethan Collier stepping down from the Planning Commission chair position, though it's
unclear if he left the commission entirely. Mario discussed a statewide initiative for online Register of Deeds,
mentioning his role in checking on progress with Mark Gravett and planning to follow up on scheduling. The
conversation ended abruptly with Mario asking Bart for updates, but no response was captured in the transcript.
CSF Course Planning Update
Bart discussed the upcoming CSF course at the Inn at Opryland from July 29 to August 1, noting that the venue
does not allow outside food or refreshments and requires using their menu. Bart confirmed he could write to the
local chapter about providing continental breakfast and afternoon snacks, though only 14 registrants are currently
confirmed. Bart also mentioned that while the venue initially wanted to charge $9.50 per day for a screen and projector, Laurie was able to negotiate a flat rate instead.
Membership Update and Fee Changes
David M. announced that Michael Stapleton has joined as a new member, bringing the total to 16 full members.
Tonya informed the group that the cost of City of Chattanooga plat review increased from $140 to $170, with the
new breakdown including various fees. Tonya also clarified that checks for Hamilton County plats should be made
out to Hamilton County Planning Department rather than the Regional Planning Agency.
Portal Review Process Issues
The group discussed issues with the portal review process where submissions are reviewed again after final
approval, requiring reprints and additional signatures from property owners. Mario shared his experience refusing to
make changes after final submission and having his plat recorded without modifications. The conversation ended
with David mentioning missing emails about nominations and the group confirming they would not meet on August
18th due to multiple members being out of town.
Next Social: HiFi Clydes, Main St. 5:30pm, Tuesday August 18, 2026.
Next Business meeting: Wednesday September 16, 2026 at 5pm ET on Zoom. Meeting ID : 551 680 8441
Meeting Adjourned at: 5:37 pm
Chapter Venmo Account available to process Chapter Membership Dues ($30)
TAPS Southeast Chapter Venmo: @TAPS-SEC