By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Meeting Thursday evening, the Paris City Commission approved annexation of property at the intersection of Hwy. 79S and Hwy. 218 for a planned Circle K convenience store.
Circle K Stores, Inc., is a national chain and in addition to gas stations, Circle K sells a range of food products, including breakfast, hot sandwiches, burgers, hot snacks, pizza, deli sandwiches, and baked goods and sells a range of drinks, including coffee, slushies, and more.
City Administrative Assistant Jessica Crouch said there is a lot of paperwork involved with annexation “and this is part of the process”. When the Circle K proposal was introduced in September, Community Development Director Jennifer Morris estimated it could take as long as six months to complete the process.
The planning commission also has discussed and acted upon parts of the annexation.
Just prior to the city commission meeting, a retirement reception was held for Public Works Director Phillip Jessie, who is retiring after a 44 year career with the city. A large crowd was on hand for the reception, which included gifts, refreshments and viewing of a video.
Another retirement reception will be held next month: that of Jennifer Morris, who has had a lengthy career with the city, too. Her reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. February 6 at City Hall.
In other business:
City Manager Kim Foster said the Rison Street Bridge project is complete but the City is waiting for TDOT to inspect/approve it. She said TDOT is waiting for several projects in one area before they come to Paris for the inspection.
–During the environmental phase of the USDA-RD financing, the State Historic Preservation Office determined the current City Hall is in the ‘viewshed’ of the commercial historic district. A Memo of Agreement was approved outlining what the City must do before the existing City Hall can be demolished for the planned new City Hall/renovation project.
–The TVA awarded the city of Paris $242,569 which Foster said was “literally a gift out of the sky” and is part of the Cumberland Natural Gas Plant project. The funds are unrestricted and will continue yearly until the plant has reached completion. Henry County earlier received an award of $750,000.
–Finance Director Tammie Hopper said the city had a $200,000 incease in Property Tax payments made in November and expects that to increase from the end of February.
–The city approved a rezoning request from Guinn’s Shoes for property at the corner of Fairgrounds Rd. and South Bell Ave. Grant Guinn intends to build a series of commercial warehouses.
Photo: Phillip Jessie, left, speaks with City Hall staffer Barb Wyrick while former and current employees mingle. Shannon McFarlin photo.