By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—At Thursday night’s Paris City Commission meeting, long-time City Commissioner Terry Fuller was honored upon his retirement after serving 12 years on the panel.
With Fuller’s family present, Mayor Carlton Gerrell read a proclamation recognizing Fuller’s service to the city. Gerrell told Fuller, “I’ve gained a friend over these years and have grown to love you and care for you.”
Commissioner Gayle Griffith thanked Fuller for his years on the panel and said, “You’re a great Henry Countian and a great Tennessean.” Commissioner Sam Tharpe said Fuller “is a great community leader and you have shined in so many ways.” Vice Mayor Jackie Jones noted that she and Fuller have “sat side by side for six years now and I have learned a lot from him.”
Fuller noted he has lived in Paris for some 30 years. “I was a transplant from Jackson and thank God I wound up here. I’ve tried to serve the city well in every capacity. It’s been an honor and a privilege, but I’m not going away. I’ll still be around still doing all I can for the city of Paris. Paris is a jewel in the corner of Northwest Tennessee.”
Speaking to his wife, Sabra, and his family, Fuller noted that any time you are involved in public service “you take time away from your family and my family have been so gracious all these years.”
He congratulated Jones on her reelection to the Commission earlier this week and welcomed new Commissioner John Etheridge.
In other business during the meeting:
–The commission approved payment of an additional $7,500 for the ongoing project to restore the city’s former 1927 American LeFrance fire truck. The $7,500 payment matches what the county commission approved at its September meeting.
Historical Society President David Webb formally made the request for additional funds to complete restoration of the antique fire truck. As he explained at the county commission meeting, Webb said the Society had raised most of its goal when he was notified by the restorers that some $20,000 in repairs and additional restoration work would be needed. “My heart sank,” Webb said.
The restoration company is donating a lot of in-kind labor to the project and Helping Hand, Roundup, Rotary and other civic organizations and private citizens have contributed.
–Commission approved submitting an application for matching funds for a property conservation grant for such projects as lighting, security fencing, surveillance cameras, etc. at the new Eiffel Tower Splash Park. The grant is 50/50 matching grant with value of up to $2,500.
–Commission tabled a decision on increasing the COLA for employees to match the county. A decision will be made after the first of the year to see how the economy is doing and until the new commissioner is on board.
–Commission also tabled a request from Fire Chief Michael Williams for purchase of a new pumper to replace the 1994 model pumper in use. It will cost some $300,000. Williams said it will take 10-12 months to build.
Photo: City Administrative Assistant MJ Stancook takes a photo as Mayor Carlton Gerrell presents Terry Fuller with a proclamation. (Shannon McFarlin photo).