By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A proclamation honoring the late Paris City Attorney Fred McLean, who served the city for 44 years, was read and presented to McLean’s family members and law firm co-workers at the City Commission meeting Thursday night.
Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell read the proclamation, which was presented to McLean’s wife Jill and his brother and law partner Chip. Members of the law firm of McLean & McLean also were on hand for the presentation. McLean passed away suddenly in June. Gerrell voiced his condolences to his family and co-workers and noted, “Fred was a great inspiration to many.”
Gerrell said in the proclamation that the city of Paris ‘benefitted immeasurably from his 44 years of service and knowledge representing the city of Paris as City Attorney where his service was steadfast”. The proclamation also noted that McLean was “vital to the organization and operation of Henry County Helping Hand” since 1988, serving as volunteer, President, board member and auctioneer. “His auctioneering skills were enjoyed by all with his very descriptive and animated explanations of items such as ‘larapin’ and his pleas to bid high and bid often,” the proclamation reads, and McLean was “one of the greatest ambassadors” for Helping Hand.
McLean was Paris Lakeway Kiwanis Member of the Year three times and played an important role in the Paris Landing Arts & Crafts Fair, football concessions, World’s Biggest Fish Fry, Special Olympics and annual Mexican dinner sponsored by Kiwanis. He also was named Henry County Volunteer of the Year and served the foster children of Paris and Henry County as a board member of the local CASA organization.
In other business:
–City Manager Kim Foster announced the hiring of Paris Attorney James Smith to serve as City Attorney. Smith is a member of the City’s Alcohol Beverage Control Board, a member of the local Kiwanis organization, and PLUS Endowment.
Foster said she was thrilled when she received the application from Smith because McLean himself had recommended him when he announced he would be retiring this year. Smith said, “That is the highest compliment I could receive to learn that Fred had recommended me and I look forward to working with all of you.”
Foster said she received four applications for the position.
–As we reported in July, the Paris Utility Authority is one of 12 recipients in the state of Tennessee to receive grant funding to install fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Paris Utility Authority CEO Terry Wimberley had previously reported that two charging stations would be installed in the parking lot behind the downtown plaza.
The spot picked for construction of the two charging stations is the downtown parking lot at the corner of Blythe and Market Streets, he said. The portion of that parking lot that is closest to the post office is owned by the federal government, with the remainder of the lot owned by the city of Paris.
It will be at no cost to the city.
Foster said the stations will be within walking distance to downtown, restaurants, rest rooms and the stations will be put on the statewide map utilized by electric vehicle owners.
Other EV charging stations will be placed at Eiffel Tower Park by the tennis courts and they will be slower-charging stations.
–Commissioners approved first reading of an ordinance to allow microbreweries within the city of Paris. The city planning commission previously approved the proposed ordinance and forwarded it to the city commission. Second reading and public hearing would be conducted in October.
Photo: City Manager Kim Foster, center, presents the proclamation honoring Fred McLean to his brother and law partner Chip and his wife, Jill. (Shannon McFarlin photo).