By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Meeting in regular session Thursday evening, the Paris City Commission welcomed Police Sgt. Amanda Forrest as the new downtown officer and bid adieu to City Finance Director Traci Shannon, who is retiring.
As concerns continue with downtown traffic and pedestrian safety, Sgt. Forrest will be patrolling the downtown area. City Manager Kim Foster said, “We’re so thankful to have her in this role. It will be a real asset to downtown.” Forrest will be visiting with downtown business owners in the coming days, she said. “There is such a need for this.”
“I’m looking forward to it”, Forrest said.
Meanwhile, Foster provided updates on the city’s downtown safety upgrade projects, all of which are in process. The Signalization project for three downtown intersections is waiting on right of way finalization as development of construction plans continues. The city is still waiting on responses from various agencies. The Multimodal Access Grant for four downtown intersections is awaiting final Right of Way plans from TDOT.
Safety concerns have heightened with two pedestrian deaths in the downtown area this year, with the latest being last week when a woman from Camden was struck and killed in the Wood/Market Street intersection.
Foster announced that Shannon was attending her last meeting and will be retiring after a lengthy career with the city. Her last day will be August 23. Foster said the process of advertising for her position has begun.
City Commissioners thanked Shannon for her service to the city.
In other business:
–On second reading, the commission approved an ordinance to levy a privilege tax upon the occupancy in any hotel or motel.
–Shannon said retail sales again were ahead with a 1.57 percent increase in May compared to last May. Fiscal year-to-date, the city is ahead 5.1 percent.
11 business licenses were issued in June, with four for new businesses; four for new owners; and three for new minimal licenses.
–Foster updated the commission on the Municipal Facilities project. A Fire Station schematic design is underway with the city’s input, while work continues on redesign of the Police building based off of the city’s comments. She said they are looking at combining City Hall and the Police Department in one building. Discussion on space and facility problems has been held at previous sessions.
Photo: Sgt. Amanda Forrest introduced as the new downtown officer. Shannon McFarlin photo.