Cookeville City Council approves sidewalk, utility and equipment contracts; authorizes environmental assessment for 39 Depot Street

Cookeville City Council on Oct. 16 approved a series of bids, grant participations and service agreements and authorized a limited Phase II environmental site assessment for the 39 Depot Street property.

The council approved contracts and project agreements that included a $1.96 million bid for the Interstate Drive sidewalk project, a $152,800 award for City Hall switchgear replacement, a $37,206.25 award for replacement HVAC units at Cane Creek Gymnasium, and a $246,276.62 contract for construction engineering inspection (CEI) services for the sidewalk project. Council members also authorized a limited Phase II environmental site assessment at 39 Depot Street for $42,700 and granted several grant-participation resolutions for small matching reimbursements.

The decisions matter because they advance capital projects, public-safety work and property development steps now that the city has acquired the Depot Street tract. Several of the approved items will require follow-up implementation steps such as CEI oversight, utility rework or state approvals.

Most actions were routine votes with limited public debate. City staff described timelines and budget details for each item and in several cases noted related next steps, such as potential further environmental work depending on Phase II findings.

“One of the things noted in the proposal is that, based on the past use of the 5.07 acre tract, the site is considered an REC, which is a recognized environmental condition, which means there’s likely presence of a hazardous substance or substances,” said Mister Mills, a staff member, describing the Phase II ESA scope and need for TDEC approval. Mills said the limited Phase II work is expected to take four to six weeks and the fee is $42,700.

On procurement and construction matters, Mr. Ward, a staff member, recommended approval of…