Dyersburg aldermen thank storm-response crews, discuss Sportsplex closure and local amenities

Council members used the Feb. 17 meeting to thank public works, sanitation, police, fire and volunteers for their work during a recent winter storm and to update the public on community amenities.

An alderman thanked employees for working through the storm and noted the warming center was open for approximately 10 days; volunteers and the Salvation Army (Lisa Chesley) provided meals during that time. Officials said the street department worked 12 of 14 days responding to conditions and that the city used about 250 tons of road salt at roughly $147 per ton. The meeting transcript included an unclear total-dollar figure for salt usage; that aggregate figure is not presented here because the transcript number appears inconsistent.

Council members also raised concerns about the planned closing of the Sportsplex on the bypass and asked whether the city's recreation department could absorb activities and programs; staff said they would look into collaboration. A councilor also asked whether the chamber had prospects to recruit a new movie theater; staff said the chamber had contacted potential operators but had no success to date. Members expressed regret that the local newspaper has reduced to a once-weekly circulation.

A resident concern from Southtown about an overgrown walking trail was raised; staff noted that some ditches are being maintained as natural habitat under grant requirements and that the city would check the trail area and address as appropriate.

Next steps: staff to follow up on recreation programming options after Sportsplex closure, check the walking-trail maintenance issue, and confirm supply levels for winter operations planning.