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Harriman council approves rezoning, first readings on two ordinances, appoints board members and authorizes $2.275 million loan
Summary
At its March 3 meeting the Harriman City Council approved a rezoning ordinance on final reading, passed first readings on two ordinances (video‑arcade rules and absentee voting for nonresident property owners), confirmed three board appointments, and authorized loan resolutions to finance public works up to $2,275,000.
Harriman’s City Council approved a package of land‑use, regulatory and financing measures during its March 3 meeting, including a final rezoning ordinance, first readings of two city code changes and two loan resolutions to fund public works.
The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 0226‑02, which rezones a parcel from C‑2 (general commercial) to C‑1 (central business district). Councilwoman Cheryl Laxton moved the final reading; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote with all members recorded as voting in favor.
In other ordinance business, Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 0326‑02, a modernization of the city’s video arcade, pool room and bowling alley rules. The ordinance establishes a one‑year license, a $100 application fee, 100‑foot distance restrictions from schools and places of public assembly, and nontransferable licenses; council removed prior neighbor‑notice requirements during discussion. The first reading passed on roll call.
Council also approved first reading of Ordinance 0326‑01 to allow nonresident property owners to vote in municipal elections by absentee ballot, a change tied to an expected private‑act charter amendment. Staff said they will work with Sen. Ken Joerger and return proposed charter language at a workshop after March 17; a final reading is planned in April.
The council confirmed three board appointments: Sonia Thomas to the Harriman Industrial Development Board (term to July 2030), the reappointment of Tony Watson to the Harriman Housing Authority Board (term to Aug. 2030), and the reappointment of Jason Shillings to the beer board (term to July 2027).
On financing, the council approved two related resolutions authorizing the city to incur indebtedness and execute a loan agreement with the public building authority of Clarksville for a principal amount not to exceed $2,275,000. City staff outlined project allocations the loan would fund: lighting upgrades (Musco) at municipal fields, approximately $400,000 in matching sidewalk grants downtown, purchase of a TCAT building (listed at $500,000), a community center gym floor replacement ($100,000), and storm‑drain repairs ($200,000), with roughly $75,000 set aside for underwriting and issuance costs. The financing was described as a 15‑year loan with an all‑in cost of about 3.95 percent. The two resolutions passed on roll call; Councilman David Vansdale cast the lone no vote on the indebtedness measures.
The meeting concluded with routine council comments and adjournment. The council indicated it will return to an executive session after journaling.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 0226‑02 (rezoning): approved (unanimous). Ordinance 0326‑02 (video arcade) first reading: approved. Ordinance 0326‑01 (nonresident absentee voting) first reading: approved. Appointments (Sonia Thomas; Tony Watson; Jason Shillings): approved. Resolutions R0326‑01 and R0326‑02 (loan authorization and related loan documents): approved (David Vansdale recorded as dissenting).
