Cookeville City Council approves rezoning, road repairs, VOCA grant and railroad engineering deposit

Cookeville City Council on May 21 approved a slate of routine and project-specific items, including a rezoning ordinance, contracts for a roadway repair project and inspection services, a victim-services grant renewal, and a deposit to begin railroad crossing engineering for the 39 Depot project.

The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance O260101 on second and final reading to rezone a parcel on North Villa Avenue (portion of tax map 40 G B 001) from RMA multifamily residential to CL local commercial after planner Mr. Ward reported no changes or public comments and recommended approval.

The council also awarded the Interstate Drive roadway settlement repair base bid to Remco Geotechnical Contractors at $319,200. Miss Elrod of Public Works told the council the base bid covers approximately 35 primary boreholes and grouting within the five-lane roadway segment and would include an alternate for additional grout holes if needed. The council separately authorized the city manager to contract with UES Professional Solutions for construction inspection services, at an estimated 15 days of oversight and an estimated cost of $15,000.

On grants and victim services, staff reported the Office of Criminal Justice Programs awarded a VOCA grant of $54,773 for fiscal year 2027 to help fund the victim-service coordinator position; the city will be responsible for remaining salary and benefits. The council approved renewal of the contract to continue that funding.

As an addition to the agenda, the council approved a contract and deposit to RJ Corman to begin preliminary engineering and design for a new railroad crossing that would connect Oak Avenue as part of the 39 Depot project. Mr. Mills said the city is responsible for the cost of construction and must submit a deposit of $20,337.48 for the preliminary engineering; if actual costs differ the city will be billed or reimbursed accordingly. Construction would be under a separate contract with RJ Corman.

Votes at a glance - Agenda (amended): moved by Vice Mayor Eldridge; seconded by Councilman Baji; outcome: 5–0 in favor. - Minutes (05/07/2026): moved by Vice Mayor Eldridge; seconded by Councilman Baji; outcome: 5–0 in favor. - Ordinance O260101 (rezoning, second & final reading): mover: Vice Mayor Eldridge; second: Councilman Gilbert; outcome: 5–0, approved. - Consent agenda (various procurement awards): mover: Councilman Baji; second: Vice Mayor Eldridge; outcome: 5–0, approved. - 7a – Employee wellness screenings agreement (CRMC): mover: Vice Mayor Eldridge; outcome: 5–0, approved; city cost: $63 per participating employee (city covers cost for current employees only). - 7b – Interstate Drive roadway settlement contract: low bidder Remco Geotechnical Contractors, base bid $319,200; outcome: 5–0, approved. - 7c – Construction inspection (UES Professional Solutions): estimated oversight 15 days; estimated cost $15,000; outcome: 5–0, approved. - 7d – VOCA grant renewal (OCJP): awarded $54,773 for FY2027 to support victim-service coordinator; outcome: 5–0, approved. - 7e – RJ Corman preliminary engineering deposit for new railroad crossing (39 Depot project): deposit required $20,337.48; outcome: 5–0, approved.

Council members discussed project timelines and next steps but did not amend the contracts on the floor. Most motions passed unanimously with a recorded result of "5 yes motion carries." The meeting proceeded to a public-comment period after agenda business concluded; no votes were taken during public comment.

The council adjourned after brief member remarks and holiday greetings.