By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.–At a busy meeting of the Paris City Commission Thursday night, the new Director of the W.G. Rhea Library was formally welcomed to her new position by the city. Kathy Collins already is a familiar face to them since she has worked at the library for several years, during which she was Assistant Director and Interim Director since the retirement of Connie McSwain.
The commission also heard from Assistant Henry County High School Principal Dr. Randy Davis who recognized foreign exchange students at the school.
Commissioners also approved permanent closure of the bridge on the portion of Clifty Road that runs from Hwy. 641S at Clifty Farms Co. to the Hwy. 218 by pass which is no longer safe and is closed to traffic. City Manager Kim Foster said, “In our estimation it would cost $75,000 – $100,000 to replace this bridge. There are no homes along this stretch of road and no businesses that currently use this road for access with the exception of Clifty Farms.”
City staff recommended permanent closure of that portion of the bridge as opposed to replacing the bridge.
Also upon recommendation of staff, the city referred to the industrial board a recommendation to sell a parcel of land in the Paris Industrial Park located off Hwy. 641S. Foster noted there is very little available land left for development: one is eight acres in size, with a larger parcel at 32.5 acres.
“The larger parcel is almost entirely either in the flood way or the flood plain,” she said. “For many years a local farmer has cut hay from these parcels under a verbal agreement from previous administration. Recently, an individual has expressed an interest in being allowed to farm the larger parcel. Since development of the larger parcel for industrial purposes is extremely unlikely, and since management of city owned property for agricultural purposes would be outside of the typical scope of city business, staff would like to recommend for your consideration offering for sale the larger parcel of property.”
In other business, the city accepted the donation of a piece of property at 1304 N. Market. Foster explained, “The property owner does not live in Paris but inherited this property from her parents. The property is located next to Porter Court Park and the owner thought the property could be used for parking for our park located just across Cedar St. from her property.”
Parks & Rec. Director Tony Lawrence and his staff evaluated the property and they think it would be a good addition to the park, she said.
Photo: Foreign exchange students were introduced to the commission by Assistant Principal Dr. Randy Davis. (MJ Stancook photo).
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