By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—At a busy meeting Thursday night, the Paris City Commission officially unveiled its new digs to the public. Remodeling on the north end of City Hall has been completed, which includes new city commission meeting room and city court facilities.
City Manager Kim Foster said work currently is underway in the police department. “We are probably six weeks from completion on all phases,” she said.
Mayor Carlton Gerrell said, “I’m excited about our new home. Kudos to all involved.” Commissioner Gayle Griffith said, “It looks great.”
Noting that the minimum fee for use of the Paris-Henry Co. Landfill has remained unchanged for a number of years, city commission increased its fees.
City Manager Kim Foster noted that in recent years, the local landfill has experienced a noticeable increase in out of town patrons, especially from Weakley Co., apparently attracted by the fact that the local landfill rates were much lower than other area facilities.
Foster said, “We have discovered that individuals and business owners are driving further than their closest facility to dispose of their waste at our facility due to the significant savings. This has resulted in an increase of waste in our facility which is becoming problematic for landfill staff.”
New rates were approved, with the main changes being an increase to the minimum charge for disposal and implementation of a non-resident distinction for fees.
In response to the recent change in state law allowing liquor stores to sell wine and liquor on Sundays and some holidays, the commission changed provisions of the Municipal Code to comply.
Foster noted, “The City’s attorney has prepared a proposed Ordinance to conform to the new State statute effective immediately. Retail liquor stores may now sell wine and liquor between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Sunday. Retail liquor stores must be closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. This Ordinance change will conform our Ordinance to the new State statute.”
Foster noted the new statute does not allow wine sales in retail food stores on Sundays until after January 1, 2019. “We do not have specific provisions in our Municipal Code governing wine sold through retail food stores. We allow the State Alcoholic Beverage Commission Regulations to completely govern this.”
The commission heard that City Judge David Hessing intends to retire effective June 1 and accepted his resignation with sadness. Foster noted he has served the city well as judge for over 30 years.
Upon Foster’s recommendation, the commission decided to advertise for the position; a committee will be appointed to review the submissions. Committee members would include the mayor, city manager, police chief, police captain and at least one commissioner.
“Our Municipal code, Title 1, Chapter 10, outlines the following requirements of a City Judge: he/she be at least 30 years of age, a resident citizen of Henry County, and a person learned in the law and licensed to practice law under the statues of the State of Tennessee,” Foster said.
Commissioners gave the Mayor and city Manager the authority to finalize the acquisition of the old fuel distribution center located at the corner of South Market and Veterans drive. The city has been discussing the possibility of acquiring that property, which would be used for storage for the police and parks departments.
Foster said, “We have been working through the process with the County who acquired it through the last delinquent tax sale. City Attorney McLean and County Attorney Whitfield have worked through all of the legal requirements and have drafted the following resolution for your consideration. “
Phillip Massey of Shelter Insurance has purchased two parcels of property between East Wood Street and East Blythe Street. The existing A-frame building fronts on Blythe and Massey wants to develop the property on the East Wood Street side into a parking area for his office, according to Economic Development Director Jennifer Morris. The request was forwarded to the planning commission for its recommendation.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin
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