Darian Coons

The Council meeting covered several key areas. The Consent Agenda involved the approval to purchase Microsoft Windows Server 2025 licenses, approval for purchasing traffic controllers and monitors (sole-source), and the awarding of bids for semi-annual paving, asphalt mix, and milling. During New Business, a Public Hearing was held regarding the Annual Progress Report on Plans of Services for numerous annexation areas, focusing heavily on the status of extending sanitary sewer service. The Council adopted Resolution #R26-02-04, abandoning participation in the TDOT Multimodal Access Grant for the State Route 135 sidewalk project. An ordinance was approved on first reading to exempt the Putnam County Convention Center and Fairgrounds and indoor Leslie Town Center events from requiring a Special Events Alcoholic Beverage Permit. A public hearing and first reading occurred for an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2026 budget. The Council authorized rejecting a bid for semi-annual mineral aggregate and requested a rebid. Furthermore, authorization was granted for the City Manager to execute Change Order #2 for the Water Treatment Plant Generator Construction Project and Amendment #1 for Engineering Services Agreement related to standby power at the Water Plant. Finally, the City's financial report for July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, was received.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting addressed several variance requests and one special exception request. Key discussions included a variance request for minimum lot requirements for a proposed two-lot subdivision on Proffitt Street. Other variance requests considered involved side yard setbacks for a drive-thru canopy on South Willow Avenue and a duplex on Highland Avenue, and rear yard setbacks for proposed additions on South Pickard Avenue and South Willow Avenue. The board also considered a special exception request to allow outdoor storage of goods and materials on West Jackson Street, which staff recommended for approval subject to zoning code compliance.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items involved approving the agenda as presented and the minutes from the February 19th, 2026 meeting. Ordinance O260203 was passed on second and final reading, exempting the Putnam County Convention Center and Fairgrounds, and an indoor venue at the Lesley Town Center from requirements for a special events alcohol beverage permit. A public hearing was held for ordinance O260202 amending the fiscal year 2026 budget across multiple city funds. The consent agenda included setting dates for future public hearings regarding rezoning a property on Boyd Ferris Road and amendments to the official street map, as well as awarding bids for pad transformers, purchasing a bucket truck, lawn maintenance services, and semiannual mineral aggregate. Furthermore, the council considered purchasing Dell rugged tablets, radar units, and a pickup truck. A significant discussion involved authorizing an MOA with Volunteer Behavioral Health to continue the CCR program, absorbing EMT and operational costs after grant funding ends. Another item authorized the city manager to execute an MOU with CHM Cookville LLC for paving Greengate Lane and relocating a waterline associated with the Willow development. During the public comment session, the executive director of UC Maker Space requested assistance in securing a new facility at the Cookville Mall to prevent displacement in July and discussed their estimated buildout costs.

The Council meeting involved amending the agenda to include a resolution requesting approval from the R.J. Corman Railroad Group for a new crossing at Oak Avenue. Old Business included approving zoning code amendments concerning commercial subdivisions on individual lots and closing/abandoning a portion of Baron Court right-of-way. The Consent Agenda ratified the 2025 Wellness Program Agreement with CRMC and approved the purchase of bulk de-icing salt. New Business featured a resolution calling for a public hearing regarding the proposed referendum annexation of the Dodson Branch Road area, approval for a software subscription with Citizenserve for code enforcement and permitting, approval of a contract with Clinton Engineering for Interstate Drive widening design services, awarding a bid for the extension of Henley Drive, authorizing Change Order #4 for a waterline replacement project, adopting a resolution for acquiring land rights for an East-West connector street, and approving an Engineering Contract Amendment for the Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project.

The Cookeville Municipal Planning Commission agenda for February 23rd, 2026, included the election of officers and approval of the agenda. Key action items involved considering six-month extensions for preliminary plats for Turnberry Subdivision and Conexus. The commission was set to consider action on the preliminary plat for the Henley Drive Extension and final plats for the Roy & Beer Division, Elrod Subdivision Block C, Saxony Phase IV, and the Re-Subdivision of Lot 2, Willow Properties Subdivision Phase II. Furthermore, the agenda included consideration for rezoning properties on Messenger Road and Boyd Farris Road, holding a public hearing and recommending action on the Dodson Branch Road Annexation Plan of Services, and considering the 2025 Annual Report & Program Design and amendments to the Official Street Map. Study items included the preliminary plat for Polly Place.