City of Henderson Mayor and Board of Aldermen make progress on several projects

The City of Henderson Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Thursday, Sept. 14, in regular session. Alderman Mike Phelps was absent.
Norma Meissner, Front Street Farm House owner, approached the board with concerns about the crosswalks on Main St. in downtown Henderson. She said vehicles travel through the area at higher speeds, and the crosswalk lines are faded, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrian traffic.
Tennessee law 55-8-134, “Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks,” states, “Unless in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, when traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. When in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver shall remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed the roadway on which the vehicle is stopped. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”
Meisner requested the city look into re-striping the lines and adding signs to the area to remind drivers to watch for pedestrians. The board discussed the possibilities of these options with Public Works Director Carter Scales and Henderson Police Chief Gary Davidson. Chief Davidson noted that the speed limit through that section of town is 25, and the board discussed adding additional signage calling attention to that as well. Also noted were some limitations due to Main St. being a state highway, and, therefore, any changes to speed limit are subject to the state.
Sheila Eckard asked if the city would be looking at raising taxes in light of recent discussions regarding the Chester County budget and a recent increase in property taxes. Mayor Bobby King said that, as the city is contained within the county, there will be no additional property taxes. He explained that city revenue largely comes from local sales tax of which the proceeds are split dollar for dollar with the school system.
Jerry Bullman addressed the board on behalf of the Thomas family, concerning a request to reconsider a previously denied request to rezone a portion of land located on the west side of Newsome Ave. at Main St. from R-2 Residential to B-4 Highway Business. The board discussed their reasons for previously declining the rezoning, including a recommendation from a Regional Planner, traffic congestion concerns and opinions of neighborhood residents. Alderman Buel Maness made a motion to reconsider the request with a vote, but with no second, the motion failed.
Henderson Fire Department has been awarded a THSO grant in the amount of $12,485. The board unanimously approved for the fire department to purchase an extrication tool for $13,716, meeting the remainder of the cost with FD budget funds. FD Chief Doug Acred informed the board the FD has been awarded grants from THSO and Public Entities Partners. Additionally, the fire truck which was recently purchased is ready and should be delivered to Tennessee soon.
The board also unanimously approved utility department purchases of seven water meters and two re-setters at $12,282 and a power rake and grapple bucket for the skid steer at $20,700. The utility department received unanimous approval to purchase vehicles on state contract, as long as the cost is within budget, as well as to seek bids for the Rebecca Drive project. Green gave an update on the Hwy. 100 E bridge project with TDEC. He stated the project is expected to go to bid in December.
A resolution was unanimously approved for application for a Site Development Grant to finish grading the industrial site at the end of Porter Way. Total project cost is estimated at $825,000 with a 10% local match of $82,500 and the possibility of a reduction to a 5% match.
Regarding the proposed siren-activated traffic signal, the project had originally been included in a Multimodal Grant Program, which had not yet been approved for bids. The city had discussed moving ahead with the traffic signal, pulling it from the grant project and funding it locally for expediency; however with the receipt of an email approving the Multimodal grant project to move ahead with bids, the board opted to leave the signal in the project bid document for now, as more research is done on signal options, reliability and efficiency, reserving the option to pull it from the project at a later date with no penalties or reduction in benefit.
In consideration of a proposed 30-year lease agreement of the Tech Center to the State of Tennessee, the city unanimously approved to submit a quitclaim deed to Chester County, releasing the city’s portion of the property to the county, reserving utility right of way. Mayor King explained that originally the city gave $500,000 to help build the Tech Center. Chester County also paid $500,000, and then State Representative Steve McDaniel was able to provide an additional $300,000-400,000 to complete the center. It was never the intent of the city to retain the center or control operations.
Scales reported public works had begun paving Thursday. He also informed the board that he had ordered lights for the traffic sign on Steed St. at Hill Ave., and as they were not quite as expected, had 1:09
City Recorder Jim Garland gave an update on current grant projects. He said the city is still waiting for approval to move forward with the $4.4 million ARP grant. Progress is being made with the city park grant, and he anticipates moving forward with bids in the spring. The CDBG grant for a fire truck is expected to be announced this fall. Depending on whether the city is awarded it, they will then decide what to do for the grant for next year. Garland said the West Main grant project using TBG funds is in the environmental phase but appears to be progressing and may be ready to bid by the next paving cycle. Tim Crowe reported the city has been awarded the grant for new radios, which will be purchased in coordination with the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
The Chester County Barbecue Festival begins Friday in downtown Henderson. Chief Davidson said streets will be blocked at 4 p.m. Thursday for the festival.
This meeting may be viewed in its entirety on the Chester County Independent YouTube channel.