Jim E. Garland

The meeting addressed several significant items following a public hearing held on December 8th regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The Board decided to proceed with a project to hire a company to inspect sewer inflow and infiltration (I & I) of the lagoons to develop a correction plan, as direct equipment funding seemed unlikely through CDBG. Discussions on Local Park and Recreation Fund (LPRF) Grants led to a decision to hold off on applying for 2026 to potentially self-fund solar lights for the Gene Record Park walking trail. An ordinance pertaining to Mobile Food Vendors, based on Dyersburg's ordinance, was given its first reading, introducing requirements for applications, fees, and proof of local licensing; further amendments were noted before the second reading at the next meeting. Appointments and re-appointments to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Industrial Development Board, and City Park Advisory Board were approved as recommended by the Mayor. The Board also discussed potential changes to residential policy radius requirements for department heads (changing 5-mile to 10-mile radius) and full-time firefighters (changing 10-mile to 15-mile radius), which Recorder Garland will draft for January consideration. Police Chief Davidson recognized a fallen officer and noted the success of the 'Christmas with a Cop' event. Additionally, the sale of the old green ladder truck was reported.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A presentation was given regarding Economic Injury Disaster Loans available for small businesses. The East Lagoon Dredging Project was awarded to Ohio Dredge, LLC. Bids were considered for a Flocculator and a Flash Mixer for the Water Treatment Plant. The purchase of additional fire department equipment using Community Development Block Grant funds was approved, along with resolutions related to Sourcewell and NASPO Valuepoint Cooperative Purchasing Agreements for fire truck equipment. A resolution to approve the application for a Public Entity Partners Property Conservation Grant was also passed. The board discussed discontinuing banners over city streets due to safety concerns. Updates were provided on a situation at Jacks Creek Cove involving a gas line relocation, repairs to the Deanburg tank, and the completion of a sewer line project. The board also discussed fire call rates and a power backup for a red light at US Hwy 45 and Hwy 100.

The meeting addressed concerns about traffic on Hearn Street, including discussions of potential solutions like speed bumps and increased signage. The board considered ordinances related to the definition and standards for manufactured homes, and reviewed a request for a Certificate for Retail Package Liquor Store. An amendment to the Police Department's Standard Operating Procedure was approved, and the purchase of water meters and upgraded software for the utility department's automatic meter reading system was also approved. Additionally, the creation of an Animal Control Advisory Board and the appointment of a new member to the Chester County Library Board were discussed and approved. Other business included updates on a TDOT Transportation Planning Grant, construction progress for Casey's General Store, and various departmental updates.

The meeting addressed a range of topics including a budget amendment for ongoing grant projects, revisions to municipal zoning regulations concerning tiny homes, and the purchase of utility department vehicles and natural gas supplies. Discussions also covered employee health insurance rates, a safety partners grant application, park improvements, and modifications to fire department bay doors. Additionally, the board considered a training change proposal for volunteer firefighters, pressure washing for City Hall, and parking lot sealing. The meeting also touched on issues related to liquor sales compliance and a fence dispute among neighbors.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items, including the approval of the 2025-2026 City Budget and Tax Rate Ordinance, and the adoption of the 2025-2026 Operations and Capital Expenditure Budget for the Water/Sewer Fund and the Natural Gas Fund. The board also considered an ordinance amending the 2024-2025 budget for ongoing grant projects and line-item overruns, and approved repairs to Water Well #6. An ordinance amending the Municipal Zoning Regulations pertaining to the definition of 'Tiny Homes' was discussed. Additionally, the board discussed and approved updated fees related to Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, a policy for an employee Stipend for Collateral Assignments for the Fire Department, and the purchase of a new patrol car. They also reviewed a quote for sealing the Maintenance Shop Roof and received an update on the Fire Department door renovations.