Cookeville Council adopts zoning changes, approves infrastructure contracts, grants and hospital property purchase

Cookeville City Council on Oct. 2 approved a package of ordinances, bid awards, grant applications and property authorizations, including first-reading zoning changes on dumpster screening and driveway surfacing, a $1.01 million low bid for a Rebecca Place low-pressure sewer project, acceptance of several highway safety grants totaling about $120,150, a $16,334 matching tree-planting grant application, purchase of a spare transformer for the water treatment plant generator, and authorization for Cookeville Regional Medical Center to buy a property near the hospital for up to $750,000.

The approvals came largely on voice votes with the council recording unanimous support (5-0) for the listed items. The actions move several capital projects and regulatory changes forward and allow staff to finalize contracts, submit grant applications, and continue design and procurement work.

The council approved on first reading Ordinance O25-0916, which amends the zoning code to require screening for new dumpster locations and updates a dumpster-pad detail (including an 8-inch compacted base stone requirement under poured concrete and placement of enclosure walls outside an 11-foot clearance). Planning and public works staff said the changes respond to service and access problems encountered by the public works department. The motion to approve first reading was made by Vice Mayor Eldridge and seconded by Councilman Gilbert; the council voted 5-0.

Also on first reading the council approved Ordinance O25-0917, amending driveway surfacing requirements for single-family residential districts. The amendment requires new single-family driveways to be surfaced to the back of the public right-of-way or for a distance of 10 feet into the driveway (whichever is greater); public works may require a greater surfaced area where severe slope exists. Staff said the change applies only to new construction and is…