By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Paris City Commission got its first glimpse of the planned Municipal Building. The rendering, which was produced by the TLM firm “is just perfect. It includes elements of the courthouse, the old City Hall building and the post office,” according to City Manager Kim Foster.
Foster praised the “wonderful job” the TLM firm did on the rendering, which she said will fit perfectly with Paris’ historic downtown. As planned now, the City Hall building will contain the general business offices and police department. A separate building for the fire deparment will be built.
City commissioners had been prepared to act on a proposal to purchase property on West Wood Street for the new facilities project, but one of the two property owners that had been ready to sell their properties now have had second thoughts.
Foster explained that the TLM firm has had a difficult time getting the proposed new buildings (fire station and munisicpal building) to fit on the current property and still include all the space that’s needed.
Meanwhile, owners of property located at 301, 307 (two parcels) and 311 W. Wood St. were initially willing to sell and the lots would have been perfect for a new fire station, Foster said. Fire Chief Jamie Hinson had expressed logistical concerns with locating the new fire hall on the property the city already owns behind the present city hall building. “It’s very hard for the fire trucks to go uphill,” Foster said. “It’s very hard” but Hinson is very much in favor of the proposed location which would remove the logistical concerns (the proposed location is across the street from Papaleo’s and Take Me Back Cafe).
“So, we’re not ready to ask for anything at this meeting because we’re not where we thought we would be at this point”, Foster said. With one of the property owner backing out, “Now, we’re looking for other options.”
Commissioners also got their first glimpse at the conceptual design for the newest downtown mural, called “Destination Paris” which is being created by Paris Artist Dan Knowles. The new mural will be placed on the exterior wall on the Wimberley building on N. Market Street where it will be seen by passersby. The mural will be completed in June.
In other business:
–The commission authorized applying for a Community Development Block Grant and authorize matching funds for a second try at a project which would construct a sidewalk and boardwalk around the trout pond at Eiffel Tower Park Extended.
The city of Paris qualifies for up to some $828,000 in funds with only an 11 percent required match.
–Kelvin Evans of the City Public Works department gave a report on the status of pothole repair in the city. He said city workers are locating potholes and working on them. There currently are five spots on Chickasaw but BPU has a rehab project planned there so they cannot start repairing them until BPU starts its project.
–Foster noted that city trucks will now have the motto, “Committed to Excellent Community Service” inscribed on them, which she said was an idea from the employees.
–City commission approved first reading of a rezoning request for property at 599 Russell St., owned by Tuffy Craig who plans to building a shop on the property. A public hearing was held at the outset of the meeting.
–The commission approved first reading of an ordinance to amend zoning for walls, fences, screens and landscape requirements and first reading on another ordinance overseeing hot tubs, swimming pools and spas.
–The commission approved the certificate of compliance for West Wood Wine and Liquor. The owners have filed it as part of a name change of the business.