By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The city of Paris Wilson Street pedestrian access project is moving right along.
Meeting in regular session Thursday evening, the Paris City Commission recommended TLM Associates to serve as consultant on the project.
Mayor Carlton Gerrell said the first step after receiving the executed contract for the project is to go through the TDOT required process to select a design and construction consultant.
“The process has moved more quickly than we originally thought it would,” he said. “After advertising for letters of interest we received four letters from A & E firms that also included a summary of qualifications and we able to do our review and narrow down a firm for recommendation.”
Of the four, city officials recommended TLM Associates for the position.
Meanwhile, the city has received the state Main Street Façade grant for façade improvements to downtown buildings.
City Economic Development Director Jennifer Morris noted, “Since we began the process of administering the grant we adopted legislation in March based on statute which allowed us to avoid advertising for sealed bids for any projects that are not more than $25,000 as opposed to the $10,000 amount previously in place.”
City officials determined through contacts with the Department of Economic and Community Development that the statutes not apply to our city, Morris said. “In all, we have 12 properties with an approved bid to begin work. Five of the projects exceed the $10,000 threshold meaning we should have advertised for sealed bids for the projects,” she said.
A resolution prepared by City Attorney Fred McLean allows the city to continue following the bid process which is currently in place.
In other business:
–The city approved police department policies and procedures manual to include a travel time and mileage and compensable time policy. Police Chief Chuck Elizondo and Gerrell said the resolution will tighten up the manual.
–The commission amended the city of Paris personnel rules and regulations to add Christmas Eve as an official holiday.
–The commission tabled a resolution to amend the personnel rules and regulations until further updates are presented.
Photo: Economic Development Director Jennifer Morris points to an item on the agenda at tonight’s meeting. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
Menu
