By Tim Alsobrooks
Paris, Tenn.- At Thursday’s Paris City Commission meeting, Downtown Paris Association Executive Director Kathy Ray informed the commission that a grant with the Tennessee Arts Commission has been received for the north alley mural which will feature Dr. E.W. Grove and his contributions to Henry County.
Ray said she met with representatives of the Tennessee Arts Commission this week and took them around to see where the work would be done. The back alley Paris project has received around $30,000 from the Arts Commission for the work on the alleyways the last several years.
City Manager Kim Foster updated commissioners on various projects including the Splash Pad. She said the City had made a lot of progress as the designer had met with them and nailed down several details. TDEC approval will now be sought and a building package will be ready by the end of August.
The Rison Street Bridge Replacement is ongoing as well and Foster explained that the City has completed an application for a locally managed project. As soon as a contract is received from TDOT, the City can proceed with the Notice to Proceed and begin the NEPA phase.
Retail Sales Stay Positive
Finance Director Traci Shannon updated commissioners on the financials Thursday nigh saying May reflected a 2.75% in retail sales tax compared to last year. The City remains ahead of fiscal year to date by 1.08%.
The City’s General Fund revenues were ahead of expenditures for the month of June. Shannon said they finished the fiscal year in good shape and ahead by 2.92% with both revenues and expenditures coming under budget for June. Sanitation and the Landfill also finished ahead at the end of the fiscal year.
The City has issued 11 business licenses in June as well.
Commissioners approved a resolution to participate in the Partners in Safety Grant for the Paris Police Department. The grant is a $2K value with a 50/50 match.
Commissioners Approve Rezoning Requests
The commission approved some rezoning requests including one for Janet French at 102 Fairview St. Her request is to rezone from current R-1 residential to Commercial Zone and Transitional Residential Business or TRB with the intention being an accounting office.
Commissioners also approved a rezoning request from Tim Wirgau to rezone property at 130 Abbott Lane from planned Industrial to planned business. Wirgau plans to develop this portion of the property into an assisted living facility. The Planning Commission has approved the request.
Another request for rezoning for property located at West Wood and Irvine Street was approved Thursday night. The property owner wants to rezone from Commercial to Residential to allow a manufactured home on the property.
Board Appointments Approved by City Commission
Board appointments were made by commissioners Thursday night including the following: Richard Edwards to continue to serve on the Planning Commission and BZA until 2022; David Webb to continue on the Historic Zoning Board until 2024; Jamison Townsend to continue to serve on the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals until 2022; Denise Wardle and Matt Wermer on the Americans with Disabilities Advisory Board until 2022; and Dr. Norma Gerrell on the Library Board.
The City Commission approved write-off requests of $128 from Chancery Court in uncollectible property taxes.
City Manager Kim Foster updated commissioners on various projects including the Splash Pad. She said the City had made a lot of progress as the designer had met with them and nailed down several details. TDEC approval will now be sought and a building package will be ready by the end of August.
The Rison Street Bridge Replacement is ongoing as well and Foster explained that the City has completed an application for a locally managed project. As soon as a contract is received from TDOT, the City can proceed with the Notice to Proceed and begin the NEPA phase.
Retail Sales Stay Positive
Finance Director Traci Shannon updated commissioners on the financials Thursday nigh saying May reflected a 2.75% in retail sales tax compared to last year. The City remains ahead of fiscal year to date by 1.08%.
The City’s General Fund revenues were ahead of expenditures for the month of June. Shannon said they finished the fiscal year in good shape and ahead by 2.92% with both revenues and expenditures coming under budget for June. Sanitation and the Landfill also finished ahead at the end of the fiscal year.
The City has issued 11 business licenses in June as well.
Commissioners approved a resolution to participate in the Partners in Safety Grant for the Paris Police Department. The grant is a $2K value with a 50/50 match.
Commissioners Approve Rezoning Requests
The commission approved some rezoning requests including one for Janet French at 102 Fairview St. Her request is to rezone from current R-1 residential to Commercial Zone and Transitional Residential Business or TRB with the intention being an accounting office.
Commissioners also approved a rezoning request from Tim Wirgau to rezone property at 130 Abbott Lane from planned Industrial to planned business. Wirgau plans to develop this portion of the property into an assisted living facility. The Planning Commission has approved the request.
Another request for rezoning for property located at West Wood and Irvine Street was approved Thursday night. The property owner wants to rezone from Commercial to Residential to allow a manufactured home on the property.
Board Appointments Approved by City Commission
Board appointments were made by commissioners Thursday night including the following: Richard Edwards to continue to serve on the Planning Commission and BZA until 2022; David Webb to continue on the Historic Zoning Board until 2024; Jamison Townsend to continue to serve on the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals until 2022; Denise Wardle and Matt Wermer on the Americans with Disabilities Advisory Board until 2022; and Dr. Norma Gerrell on the Library Board.
The City Commission approved write-off requests of $128 from Chancery Court in uncollectible property taxes.
Photo: City Finance Director Traci Shannon, right, gives her report.