The fifth and sixth grade Northwest Tennessee Football champs from the McKenzie Youth Football League were recognized during the Nov. 14 McKenzie Council meeting.
They had a 12-0 season and defeated Union City in the final game.
“This is the most fun part of our job when we get to honor our young people’s accomplishments,” said Mayor Jill Holland. “You have brought honor to our town.”
Each player was presented a certificate and congratulated with a handshake from the mayor and each council member.
Council members agreed to table the approval of a capital outlay note for a possible $150,000 that would place street lights on state Highway 22 and University Street, on U.S. Highway 79 and the exit ramp to Huntingdon, and two security lights in the recreation park. The matter will be tabled until the Dec. 12 council meeting or during a call meeting.
A special offer on a 12-year loan at a 3.75 percent interest rate with 1 percent prepay penalty payment is only good until Dec. 12, the mayor pointed out.
The amount cannot be added to the already $2.7 million loan for the LED lights that have recently been installed.
“As far as the value for four security lights, that’s a lot,” said council member Bobby Young.
However, the mayor pointed out that there have been a lot of citizen complaints about the lack of lights over the years. At one point, a petition was submitted by Dr. Tom Smith.
“I have talked with legislators and state officials for years about the lights and nothing has been done,” said Holland.
Police Chief Craig Moates said there is a lighting problem in the park around the bathrooms and batting cages as well as other places.
The mayor advised council members to talk with their constituents about the matter.
Several properties were listed on the night’s agenda that have been condemned. Among them were Bryce Gaston’s property at 276 Elm St., Kristy Adams’ property at 44 Linden St., Keith Traywick’s property at 80 Paris St. and Hayes’ Trailer Park on Magnolia Ave. Property Maintenance officer Philip Morrissett said the removal of junk cars would be the next project.
E & W Electrical Solutions of Paris was awarded the bid for a generator installation at city hall for $23,950. The city bought two generators from the McKenzie Hospital for $20,000, but has had a problem finding anyone to install them.
Linda Howton was welcomed as a member of the Planning Commission.
Financial matters were addressed that included the paying of three bills. In the police department, a local government server cost $5,500; in the water department, Jones Electric was paid $13,000 for an emergency repair to a well; in the public works department, a bill of $95,480 was paid for Euclid paving.
The city’s fiscal year budget from July 2019 to June 2020 was approved in order for it to be sent to the state’s comptroller’s office. This was an oversight when it was passed in August by the council.
Reports were given by department heads.
Public Works director Johnny Mercer said the leaf truck is now running the streets for pickup and the traffic light at Cedar and Highland has been repaired. Waste, Water and Garbage supervisor Billy Woods said the water meter installation project is about complete. Assistant Parks and Recreation director Jeremy Allen said soccer games were finished and downtown has been decorated for Christmas. The police chief said the department had 1,338 service call during the month of October. Fire Chief Brian Tucker said 36 incidents had been handled by the fire department during October.
