Spencer council appoints new alderman, adopts records policy and approves park and transportation grants

Mayor Gage Farmer presided over the City of Spencer council meeting on Oct. 30, 2025, where the council appointed Jill Bouldin to a vacant alderman seat and approved a slate of ordinances, budget amendments and resolutions intended to fund park improvements and transportation planning.

The council voted to fill the vacant alderman seat after a previously scheduled special meeting could not be held. "I move to appoint Jill Bouldin to serve the remainder of the term," Alderman David Chandler said; Alderman Darrell Nance seconded the motion. The roll call recorded votes of Hensley: Yes; Nance: Yes; Campbell: Yes; Chandler: Yes, and the motion passed. Mayor Gage Farmer then administered the oath of office to Jill Bouldin.

On second and final reading the council adopted Ordinance 2025-7, a records-retention policy recommended by MTAS following a training Crystal Crain attended. Alderman Jody Hensley moved approval, which Vice Mayor Drew Campbell seconded; the vote was unanimous.

The council advanced two budget amendments on first reading. Ordinance 2025-8 would add Tennessee Department of Health City Park Grant funds totaling $80,000 with a $20,000 local match — a $100,000 project proposed for playground equipment upgrades. "The grant is for $80,000 with a $20,000 match for a total project of $100,000," Mayor Farmer explained to the council. Ordinance 2025-9 would add Tourism Enhancement Grant funds earmarked for park lighting and construction of a performance stage. Both first-readings were approved by unanimous roll calls to move forward.

Council members also approved a first reading of Ordinance 2025-10 to rezone a portion of 298 Woodlee Street from residential to agriculture. Alderman Jill Bouldin asked for clarification on the practical difference: "What will be the difference between residential and agriculture?" Mayor Farmer replied that the agricultural designation would allow farm buildings and farm animals, while other building types would require review and approval by the planning committee. The motion to approve the rezoning passed on roll call.

On transportation and capital finance matters, the council approved Resolution 2025-12 authorizing a Capital Outlay Note not to exceed $451,000 on a six-month term to support the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) sidewalk project. The council also approved Resolution 2025-14 to accept a no-cost, no-match TDOT Transportation Planning Grant to fund a citywide resurfacing study meant to position the city for future paving grant opportunities.

The council adopted Resolution 2025-13 setting local public-comment rules: public comments will be limited to three minutes and individuals wishing to appear on an agenda must contact the city recorder at least one week before the meeting. Alderman Jody Hensley asked whether the policy originated with MTAS; Mayor Farmer confirmed it did, and Alderman Jill Bouldin asked whether the public would be notified, to which Mayor Farmer said yes.

The council voted to grant a $20 trademark filing to register the "Fall Creek Falls Recreation Corridor" logo after a recommendation from Steve Chandler of Chandler Thinks and following a Tourism Council vote. Members also approved rescheduling the November and December regular meetings to Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 to avoid holiday conflicts.

In his report, Mayor Farmer presented a certificate from the Comptroller's office recognizing the city's timely adoption of a balanced 2025 budget, said he represented Van Buren County at the Governor's Rural Summit, and noted he will attend the ECD Governor's Conference in Murfreesboro on Nov. 4–5. With no further business, the council adjourned by unanimous motion.

The council recorded roll-call votes for motions and ordinances as noted in the minutes and took no contested votes at the meeting.