By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Paris City Commission addressed an issue that has been a hot topic on social media Thursday night–grass clippings on roadways–and passed first reading of an ordinance which would prohibit the discharge of grass clippings along with mud, gravel, soil, sand, dirt, leaves, limbs on city streets.
Second and final reading is on the agenda for the September 9 meeting.
City Manager Kim Foster said, “In the past, as sort of a public service announcement, the City has requested on our social media that residents not blow grass onto the city streets. It is unsightly but more important it is extremely dangerous for motorcycles if they encounter this situation. Putting this out into the public has caused quite a stir and there has been a lot of conversation about the topic. It has also become one of those things about which the public is vocal and questions why the City doesn’t do anything to keep it from happening.”
City Attorney Fred McLean added language to an existing junk and nuisance ordinance to include grass clippings.
Foster said, “In addition to specifically addressing grass clippings, this expanded language could actually be of assistance in other scenarios as well. “
Foster reported that the Paris Police Department is short-handed right now. “As of today, we are short seven patrol officers in our Police Department, she said.
“Two are on light duty, one is on medical leave, one is on an extended National Guard deployment, one is at the Academy, one has been reassigned as a SRO (School Resource Officer) and one submitted their resignation late last week,” Foster said. “We have been taking applications for the position of police officer for a few weeks now but have not gotten very many applications. We will be moving forward through the hiring process beginning next week with the administration of the law enforcement test. The plan is to hire two new individuals if we end up with two good candidates. As a result of this shortage officers not assigned to patrol positions (Captains, CID, Asst. Chief, Chief) may have to cover some patrol shifts. It will also mean more overtime than normal. Right now, morale in the department is good but that could change if the remaining officers become overworked. Chief Watson and Asst. Chief Reed are doing their best to make adjustments and make sure everything is covered.”
The commission approved second and final readings on three ordinances: prohibiting use of tobacco and vapor products on city property that is accessible to use by youth (public parks, playgrounds, etc); prohibiting accumulation of tires; and adding an ‘as-built’ provision in planning process.
—Tobacco products : “In the most recent legislative session T.C.A. 39-17-1551 (e) was amended to allow municipalities to prohibit by ordinance the use of tobacco and/or vapor products on the grounds of any public park, public playground, public greenway, or any public property that is accessible to use by youth that is owned or controlled by a municipality. We have had requests for several years to prohibit smoking and tobacco use at our parks. This new legislation now gives us the ability to adopt and enforce the following ordinance which is presented for your consideration,” Foster said.
—Tires: “In the past, over many years, the City of Paris has struggled with the accumulation of tires in business, industrial and even residential settings. This accumulation is not only unsightly but a health hazard as well. In an effort to address any existing or future issues the Planning Commission was asked to look at the only requirements we currently have relating to tires in our Zoning Ordinance which is found under Conditional Uses. The Planning Commission reviewed this topic at its May and June meetings, along with recommendations from staff.
After consideration and discussion the Planning Commission is recommending the following ordinance be adopted. This ordinance will change 11-105 Table 1, 11-502. C., 11-602. B., 11-603. B., 11-604. B. and 11-907 of the Paris Municipal Code by expanding the “tire recapping” category to also include “sale and storage” of tires. Additionally, it will allow for the outside storage of tires but limit the number to 10.”
As-Built--“A site plan is created by a licensed engineer. This would include any improvements such as parking, existing or proposed utilities, drainage and any drainage features. Prior to the city accepting the improvements as constructed, it must be inspected, approved, disapproved or changes made prior to final acceptance.
In the past this was left to staff from the City, particularly with regard to the drainage features such as detention ponds, grades, etc. Staff may not have the expertise or equipment to offer good judgement on the final product.
The Planning Commission is recommending adding a requirement to the site plan process to require the developer to provide an as built approval from the designing engineer that would certify any drainage, grading or drainage features to insure that the work was completed according to the design.
Any costs related to this process would be the responsibility of the developer. The recommendation only includes drainage since that has always been an issue and continues to plague the City. An as-built drawing for the entire development would be costly for the developer, therefore, our only recommendation is for drainage, and anything related.”
City of Paris photo.