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 intended to reduce gravel washing into city streets. Councilman Boggi moved the ordinance; Vice Mayor Eldridge seconded. The vote was 5-0.

The council authorized the city manager to enter into Tennessee Highway Safety Office grants covering several programs with a combined value of about $120,150. The staff summary lists program amounts as: Network Coordinator $45,000; DUI Enforcement $49,999.80; Team Traffic Safety $24,150; Child Passenger Safety $21,000, for a total of $120,149.80; the grant period was listed as Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026, and staff said there is no local match. The council approved acceptance and execution of the grants (motion by Vice Mayor Eldridge; second by Councilman Gilbert; vote 5-0).

Parks/leisure and planning staff asked permission to apply for the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TAPE) community tree-planting grant. The proposed application requests funding for 154 trees, with an estimated tree-purchase cost of $16,334 and a 50/50 match provided by the city; staff said most plantings would be in parks (including the Cane Creek expansion and Dogwood Park) and some medians and replacement locations. The council authorized submission of the application (motion by Vice Mayor Eldridge; second by Councilman Boggi; vote 5-0).

The council awarded the Rebecca Place low-pressure sewer system project (2025 Rebecca Place) to the low bidder; staff said the project will serve about 140 parcels and has an estimated 180-day construction time. City staff reported the low bid at $1,013,970 and recommended award. The council approved the bid award (motion by Councilman Baji; second by Vice Mayor Eldridge; vote 5-0). The bidder name was not specified in the meeting presentation.

The council approved purchasing a spare 2,500 kVA transformer for the water treatment plant generator project. Staff reported the recommended price at $76,511 from the identified supplier and estimated a 12-week delivery time; the council approved the purchase (motion by Councilman Baji; second by Vice Mayor Eldridge; vote 5-0).

A resolution (R25-1115) expressing support for recurring state funding for the Tennessee Short Line Railroad Program also passed on a unanimous vote; the resolution asks the governor to include $20 million annually in the FY26–27 budget for the program. The council approved the resolution (motion by Vice Mayor Eldridge; second noted in the record; vote 5-0).

The Council also approved authorizing the Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Board of Trustees to purchase the property at 337 N. Cedar Avenue for an amount not to exceed $750,000. Staff said the parcel is about 0.183 acres (7,992 sq. ft.) with a 3,763 sq. ft. commercial building; the hospital board had adopted a resolution supporting the purchase and requested the city’s authorization. The council approved the authorization (motion by Councilman Walker; second not specified in the transcript; vote 5-0).

Other routine actions approved included minutes approval, surplus declarations, and multiple consent-agenda items (set public hearings for two additional zoning ordinances, surplus vehicle declarations, and award of equipment bids). The council moved the consent agenda by motion of Councilman Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Eldridge; vote 5-0.

Votes at a glance (items mentioned during the meeting and outcomes): - Resolution R25‑0913 honoring Leisure Services Director Rick Woods on his retirement (approved 5-0; motion: Councilman Walker; second: Councilman Baji). Woods’ retirement date was noted as Oct. 3 after nearly 38 years of service. - Ordinance O25‑0916 (first reading): dumpster screening and dumpster-pad detail amendments to zoning code (approved 5-0; motion: Vice Mayor Eldridge; second: Councilman Gilbert). - Ordinance O25‑0917 (first reading): driveway surfacing requirements for single-family residential districts (approved 5-0; motion: Councilman Boggi; second: Vice Mayor Eldridge). - Acceptance/execution of Tennessee Highway Safety Office grants totaling $120,149.80 (approved 5-0; motion: Vice Mayor Eldridge; second: Councilman Gilbert). - Authorization to apply for Tennessee Division of Forestry (TAPE) community tree-planting grant (154 trees; $16,334 tree cost; 50/50 match) (approved 5-0; motion: Vice Mayor Eldridge; second: Councilman Boggi). - Award low bid for Rebecca Place low‑pressure sewer project (low bid $1,013,970; serves ~140 parcels; approved 5-0; motion: Councilman Baji; second: Vice Mayor Eldridge). - Purchase spare 2,500 kVA transformer for water treatment plant generator ($76,511; 12-week delivery estimated) (approved 5-0; motion: Councilman Baji; second: Vice Mayor Eldridge). - Resolution R25‑1115 supporting recurring TDOT funding for Tennessee Short Line Railroad Program ($20,000,000 annual request beginning FY26‑27) (approved 5-0; motion: Vice Mayor Eldridge; second: Councilman "Bocce" as recorded). - Authorization for Cookeville Regional Medical Center to purchase 337 N. Cedar Ave. (parcel ~0.183 acres; structure ~3,763 sq ft) for an amount not to exceed $750,000 (approved 5-0; motion: Councilman Walker; second: not specified).

The council president opened public comments after the agenda; separate items raised by citizens (backyard chickens and skate park restroom closures) prompted staff follow-up but were not council votes. Several awards and recognitions (distinguished citizen, Chief’s Award of Excellence, life-saving medals, Officer of the Year) were presented during the meeting and recorded but required no council action.

The actions above were motions recorded in the meeting transcript; most passed by unanimous voice vote, allowing staff to proceed to implement contracts, submit grant applications, and schedule follow-ups where noted.