Pulaski board approves rezoning, property transfers and easement; forwards Sam Davis Park wall bids

The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Sept. 23 approved several ordinances and resolutions, set two public hearings and authorized staff to pursue agreements tied to industrial development, public safety and parks maintenance.

The board adopted a resolution transferring about 2.5 acres in the industrial park to the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and attaching development covenants so the IDB can negotiate sale terms with an interested company, SunDrop, city staff said. The board also approved two rezoning ordinances on second reading — one to match a parcel behind Giles County Funeral Home to the funeral home's C-3 zoning, and another to rezone three contiguous lots north of the square from C-3 to C-1 — and authorized the mayor to grant a limited easement to allow AT&T access to antenna equipment on Fort Hill.

Why it matters: the transfer to the IDB and attached covenants clear legal constraints so an industrial buyer can pursue development that borders existing industry; the easement aims to improve cellular service at the top of Fort Hill; the Sam Davis Park repairs address a deteriorating outfield wall at a public ball field that the board is preparing to repair.

Key votes and actions - Parade permits: The board approved parade permits for the Rotary Club (including a newly added 5K) and the Giles County High School homecoming parade (Oct. 24, 2025, 1:00 p.m.). Motion by Alderman Massey; second by Mrs. Miles. Roll-call: Massey, Miles, Worsham, Bryant, Lambert, Gentry, Brindley — all Aye.

- Annexation ordinance (first reading): The board approved first reading of an ordinance to de-annex a parcel on Beach Hill Road from the city at the owner's request and set a public hearing for Oct. 14, 2025, at 12:05 p.m. Motion by Alderman Massey; second by Alderman Bryant. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Transfer to Industrial Development Board (resolution): City staff described the parcel as a roughly 2.5-acre portion of the industrial park adjacent to existing parcels already transferred; SunDrop has expressed interest in buying part of the tract. The board adopted a resolution authorizing the transfer to the IDB and requiring development covenants on the tract. Motion by Alderman Massey; second by Alderman Bryant. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Rezoning (Highway 64 & Hilton Pike) — second reading and final: The board rezoned a parcel behind Giles County Funeral Home to C-3, consistent with the funeral home's zoning. Motion by Alderman Massey; second by Mrs. Miles. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Water/sewer/gas tap fee ordinance (first reading): The board approved first reading of an ordinance updating tap fees that had not been adjusted in more than 20 years and set a public hearing for Oct. 14, 2025, at 12:07 p.m. Motion by Alderman Bryant; second by Alderman Worsham. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Sam Davis Park wall — bids opened and forwarded: The board opened bids for repairs to the outfield concrete block wall at Sam Davis Park. City staff said the wall needs cap repair and resealing to stop water infiltration. The board received multiple bids and voted to forward the bids to the city administrator and the city engineer for review and recommendation rather than award at the meeting. - Brinley Construction: base bid $159,003.26; alternate deduct No.1 $7,006.35 (as read aloud at the meeting). - Buckeye Construction: base bid read as $240,002.01 (alternate deduct $19,004.77 as read aloud). - Yandell Construction Service: base bid $164,900 (bidder from Jackson, Tennessee, per the record). - Structural Waterproofing & Restoration LLC (Memphis): base bid $160,000 (deduct/alternative described in record as $140,000 resulting in a $20,000 difference). - Midwest Maintenance: base bid amount in the transcript was unclear when read aloud; the board recorded the bid but the exact base amount was not legible in the meeting record provided. Motion to forward the bids to the city administrator and the city engineer: moved by Alderman Massey; second by Alderman Lambert. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Purchase of East Flower Street lot: The board adopted a resolution authorizing purchase of a small lot on East Flower Street for $15,000 to secure access to the municipal dog park and potential future parking, contingent on the current owner removing an old mobile home from the parcel at the owner's expense. The purchase was recommended by Elaine Rose of public works. Motion by Mrs. Miles; second by Alderman Massey. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Authorize sale of building at old butcher-shop parcel: The board approved placing the structure formerly housing the butcher shop on GovDeals for sale and removal (the city will retain the underlying lot). Motion by Mrs. Miles; second by Mr. Bryant. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Rezoning (North First/Washington/North Second streets) — second reading and final: The board rezoned three contiguous lots from C-3 to C-1 to match adjoining parcels; this was recommended by the planning commission and approved on second reading. Motion by Alderman Worsham; second by Alderman Massey. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

- Fort Hill tower easement: City staff described existing radio towers on Fort Hill leased by Roger Bridal and said AT&T sought access to place equipment on one tower. Staff recommended granting AT&T an easement that matches the access the city gave to the tower owner so technicians can service equipment at the top of the hill. The board authorized Mayor Brindley to grant that limited easement; staff said AT&T indicated they would likely access the site roughly twice a year for maintenance. Motion by Alderman Massey; second by Alderman Bridal. Roll-call: unanimous Aye.

Discussion vs. decisions: The meeting record shows the board took formal, roll-call votes approving the above items. Several items (annexation and tap fees) were approved on first reading and scheduled for public hearings; the Sam Davis Park bids were received and forwarded for staff evaluation rather than awarded. Staff repeatedly told the board that covenants would accompany the industrial-park transfer and that the current owner of the East Flower parcel must remove an old mobile home before the city takes beneficial use of the land.

Speakers and who spoke on each item - Mayor Brindley (Mayor) — presided over the meeting and participated in roll-call votes. - Alderman Massey (board member) — moved multiple motions, including permits, transfers and bids forwarding. - Mrs. Miles (board member) — frequently seconded motions and moved the East Flower purchase. - Alderman Bryant, Alderman Worsham, Alderman Lambert, Alderman Gentry — voted on measures. - Mr. Keith (city staff) — presented details about the annexation request, rezoning items, and other staff recommendations. - Elaine Rose (Public Works, referenced as public works staff) — recommended purchase of the East Flower Street parcel. - Lane Rose (city engineer, referenced by staff) — identified as the engineer who will review bids. - Roger Wright (tower lessee/owner) — referenced as the owner/operator of radio antenna space and party to existing easement arrangements; Roger Bridal was identified in the meeting record as the local tower lessee who leases to WKSR and others.

Clarifying details recorded in the meeting - Sam Davis Park wall: described as an existing concrete block outfield wall with cap damage and water infiltration; bids varied widely and included base bids and alternate deduct options. - East Flower Street purchase: purchase price $15,000; seller is responsible for removing an old mobile home before the city uses the lot. - Industrial park transfer: roughly 2.5 acres approved for transfer to the IDB; covenants attached to restrict future uses as the board directed. - Fort Hill easement: city already holds an easement across private property to the crest; staff recommended authorizing an easement for AT&T that matches the existing access given to the tower lessee; staff said AT&T expects to access the site approximately twice per year for maintenance.

What remains next: Public hearings on the annexation ordinance and the revised water/sewer/gas tap fees are scheduled for Oct. 14, 2025. Staff will return recommended bid awards for the Sam Davis Park wall after engineering review and will complete any required documents for the IDB transfer and the Fort Hill easement.

Ending: The meeting concluded after routine business and roll-call votes on the items above; the board adjourned following the final vote.