Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

McKenzie Council

City November Election, 2022-23 Budget Approved

Posted

McKENZIE (July 14) — Two meetings were held at McKenzie City Hall July 14.

The McKenzie Alcohol Board met at 5:30 p.m. to discuss and approve a new certificate for a Type B “On Premise” alcohol sales permit to Vickie Noles at Old West Steakhouse, 15895 Highland Drive in McKenzie.

City Recorder Jennifer Waldrup informed the council that Vickie and the restaurant had already met all state requirements. The board voted to permit alcohol sales at Old West Steakhouse.

Vickie received a certificate from Mayor Jill Holland, to be displayed at Old West Steakhouse.

The City of McKenzie Board of Mayor and Council met at 6 p.m. following the Alcohol Board meeting with a light agenda to approve the 2022-23 budget upon its second hearing, authorize a November election, hear citizens’ input from Matt Hudgins, and hear departmental updates.

After hearing the 2022-23 budget at the June 9 meeting, the council opened the room for citizens to address the council for a public hearing. After no one addressed the council, they unanimously passed the budget upon its second hearing.

In new business, the board passed a resolution authorizing the City of McKenzie to hold a city election Tuesday, November 1. The resolution was approved to be sent to the election office.

This is McKenzie’s first election since abolishing the city’s ward system in May.

The council seats held by Bobby Young, Garrett Burns and Steve Watson are the first seats subject to the at-large system in the November election. As of July 12, Bobby Young has filed a qualified petition for councilperson at-large. Tim McBride has also obtained a petition.

During citizens’ input, Matt Hudgins addressed the board regarding the City of McKenzie’s fireworks sales guidelines. Currently, the city allows a ten-day fireworks sales and shooting period. Hudgins requested a five-day extension to the sales period, saying he is losing customers to fireworks stands in neighboring towns who allow a longer sales period. He emphasized keeping the 10-day shooting period and only extending the sales period.

Mayor Jill Holland announced a later workshop to discuss a reason for change in the municipal codes. The 10-day sales and shooting period arose from citizens’ complaints in prior years. She and City Attorney Laura Keeton want the public to give their opinion on the matter before making a decision.

During the department supervisor reports, Police Chief Craig Moates reported 1,186 calls in June, seven of which were about fireworks.

Billy Wood, supervisor of the waste, water and garbage department, also reported updates to the council.

In regards to last month’s decision to purchase a new fire truck for the McKenzie Fire Department, Fire Chief Brian Tucker said after researching and crunching numbers, he found a “stock” truck program that would allow the department to specify exact characteristics they wanted the truck to have. Using the new program, the Fire Department will save up to $74,000 and have the truck delivered by May 2023 — more than a year earlier than initially planned. Chief Tucker has graphic drawings of the truck that will go into production hopefully by February.

In other news from the Fire Department, 129 rural fire contracts have been sold to-date after sending postcards to residents outside city limits. 296 rural contracts were sold in 2021.

In the month of June, there were 18 dispatched calls to the Fire Department. Two were residential fires: one inside city limits and one outside city limits.

Mayor Holland congratulated Johnny Mercer, Public Works Department supervisor, on receiving his Class I Erosion and Settlement Control certification. Instead of hiring and outside supervisor, he will now supervise all erosion and settlement control with projects in the City Park.

Billy Hollowell of the Parks Department informed the council of a $10,800 bill from Tennessee Tractor for the department’s new zero-turn Z930 mower. The mower was delivered July 13 and is already in-use.

Hollowell also updated the council on the Parks Department’s projects. He said the fence enclosing the Splash Pad is coming in a few weeks. He is gathering bids to pour concrete so the department can begin building a pavilion near the Splash Pad.

City Recorder Jennifer Waldrup announced plans to bring The Red Caboose Concessions, a concession stand with snacks, water, soft drinks, and ice cream, to the Splash Pad.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Holland announced upcoming Sweet Tea and Southern Pickin’s Festival festivities. There is a golf outing Friday, August 26 at 9 a.m., with all proceeds benefiting the McKenzie Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Fajita Bros and the King Bees perform at the festival Friday, August 26. Other entertainers will perform Saturday. Mayor Holland said she “looks forward” to the festival.

The next scheduled McKenzie City Council meeting is August 11 at 6 p.m. at McKenzie City Hall. City Wine and Liquor and 79 Spirits and Wine are scheduled to address the board during citizens’ input.