By Holly Roeder
Staff Writer
The City of Henderson Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session Thursday, April 13, with four aldermen in attendance. Aldermen Donna Butler and Michael Phelps were absent.
The board discussed quotes for city hall classroom equipment, approved the purchase of a truck for Public Works and discussed future sidewalk projects in addition to other business within the meeting.
Quotes for a projector and sound system for a new classroom in City Hall included $10,982 from Dill Auto, $16,384.50 from MCC Jackson and $19,235 from InternallySound. The board voted unanimously to move ahead with the lowest quote, Dill Audio.
A motion was unanimously approved for the purchase of a 2022 F-FF0 dump bed truck for the Public Works Department. According to City Recorder Jim Garland, Public Works had previously submitted for board approval of the purchase of a new truck, which was granted and submitted to the dealership, Lonnie Cobb Ford. However, the order was never accepted by Ford, Garland said. When he called to check on the order, he was informed of such. However, the local dealership did have in possession the truck specified above. The board voted to purchase this truck for $61,535 instead of ordering a new 2024 model.
Motion carried unanimously to approve roof repairs to the City Fire Department. The Matlock Roofing quote for $6,000 includes pressure washing and sealing the whole building and installing TPO membrane under cap metal and new cap metal, as well as repairing expansion joints in the block wall.
Utility Director Darryl Green gave a report on the Water Main Relocation Project in conjunction with TDOT Highway 100 East Bridge project. Green said the cost for the water main relocation is estimated at around $565,803, however they have received approval for a Chapter 86 Project which means DOT will pay for the project. He informed the board of another relocation project beginning on Talley Store Road. The bridge which will be installed will be higher than the current one, which will help combat flooding.
Sidewalk rehabilitation is in the planning for some of the older areas in the city, such as Crook, North and Hill Avenues. As no funding is currently budgeted for sidewalks, there is money in the streets budget which can be used for sidewalks. The board recommended to begin working on some of the sidewalks in worst condition.
Scheduling a budget meeting was discussed with potential dates of April 24, 25 or 27.
In other business, Mayor Bobby King said he is looking at increasing lighting at the park. Brent Beshires said the site plan review is scheduled for the new hotel, Dixie Youth is moving ahead with construction and that he has received two-three manufacturing expansion proposals as well as commercial proposals. Green said his department just had their comprehensive annual gas system inspection with no violations cited. Fire Chief Doug Acred shared the fire department would be submitting a Community Block (CBDG) grant the following day. Garland informed the board of quotes he had received for city hall window blinds – $5,287 from Blue Goose Blinds and Shutters and $7,625.65 from SMB. The board unanimously approved a motion to move ahead with the quote from Blue Goose.
