By Holly Roeder
Staff Writer
The City of Henderson Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Thursday, Dec. 14, in regular session with Michael Phelps absent. The board approved zoning changes, utility inspection and repairs, committee appointments, mayoral salary and more.
Mayor Bobby King announced he had received notification that the city has been awarded a Community Block Grant in the amount of $419,495 for a new fire pumper. Fire Chief Doug Acred commended the volunteer firefighters who assisted in retrieving data for the grant submission.
Acred said the City Fire Department has also applied for a grant for fire hose and cameras and suggested the board consider applying for a $1 million FEMA grant for a new ladder truck. Acred also requested the board consider building a storm shelter inside the fire station to protect fire personnel with regard to recent storm damage at another Tennessee fire department.
Upon discussion and presentation by Alderman Keith Smith, the board passed the next term mayoral salary of $89,500 on the first reading with four in favor, one absent and Alderman Mark Barber abstaining. According to City Recorder Jim Garland, the board must set the salary for the mayor 180 days prior to election, as per ordinance, and must be set ahead with no increase during the term, as per state constitution. Smith explained the salary is figured by taking an average after applying the estimated cost of living adjustment to the coming four years.
With no comments toward a public hearing, the board unanimously (with one absent) approved an ordinance to rezone property owned by Chester County Board of Education, described as 425-505 Jacks Creek Street (north side), to B-1 (General Business) on the first reading. A second reading will be held next month.
Utility Director Darryl Green requested the board approve water tank inspection as required every five years at a projected $5,200. The motion carried with none opposed. The board also unanimously approved $19,215 for repairs to well number eight and the purchase of gas materials on low bid by Core & Main of Memphis at $10,960. Green also shared with the board the utility department recently underwent a Comprehensive Sanitary Survey and scored 99 out of 100.
Upon current term expiration, the board approved the continuation of appointments of Bill Moore to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, Dwain Seaton, Sr. and Neal Smith to the Industrial Development Board and Michelle Cavaness to the Park Advisory Board. Sheila Eckard was approved to the Industrial Development Board, taking the place of the retiring Joe Pevahouse. Pevahouse had served on the Henderson Industrial Development Board since its formation in 1963.
Alderman Keith Smith asked for an update on a previous discussion of a roadway known as Moten Drive. Garland said records show the drive was paved or tar and chipped in 1986 and in 1994, but still found no clear indication of roadway status. The board voted to complete a survey to determine whether Moten Drive is a city street or a private drive.
Alderman Buel Maness asked about reinstating city voting for those who own property within the city limits but do not live withing the city. Mayor King stated that upon a two-thirds approval by the board the vote would go to the State house and state senate, then back to city council to vote in, or the option could be placed on the ballot as a referendum for the city voters to vote on.
Watch the full meeting online at chestercountyindependent.com
