City approves purchase of fire engine

The City of Henderson Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session Thursday, August 10 at Henderson City Hall. Alderman Jason Rhodes was absent.
The board approved the purchase of a new fire pumper and discussed the addition of a safety feature to the traffic light at the intersection of US Hwy 45 and Main St. The cost of the new fire engine is $613,9000. It will replace the one totaled in a recent crash at the aforementioned intersection. Insurance payout for the wrecked vehicle is $324,500, according to City Recorder Jim Garland. The city has had intentions to install a siren-activated system to the US Hwy 45 and Main St. traffic signal, Garland said. The system would cause the light to change by siren-activation, for emergency vehicles to proceed. Other options are GPS activation or infrared activation. Each alternative comes with different costs and features. The board requested a proposal for next month’s meeting. The board also unanimously approved the HFD Standard Operating Procedures.
An ordinance passed with a unanimous roll call vote on the second reading amending the Municipal Zoning Ordinance text to permit short term rental units as a use permitted in institutional districts with certain restrictions and eliminate insurance requirements and fees on short term rental units in all districts where they are allowed.
The board passed a resolution with a unanimous roll call vote to move forward with application for a Public Entity Partners Property Conservation Grant, which has a 50% local match with a maximum grant amount of $4,000.
Garland updated the board concerning the TDEC ARP grant program for water and wastewater improvements. Garland stated the city has received a signed contract and is now seeking bids on the project. He said the project must be completed in full by September 2026.
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, the board unanimously approved to reinstate 40 hours COVID leave for new city employees who have not previously used COVID leave. The board will reconsider the policy at six months.
Alderman Keith Smith requested an updated traffic study to appeal to a state decision against a traffic light at the Hill Ave. and Steed St. intersection. The board discussed adding a solar-powered flashing signal to the stop sign. A motion to add lights to the sign passed unanimously.