McKENZIE (March 9) — The City of McKenzie Board of Mayor and Council met Thursday evening with a light agenda. Two individuals from McKenzie were appointed at the recommendation of Mayor Ryan Griffin to the planning commission and housing authority. A.J. Maxwell was appointed to the McKenzie Regional Planning Commission and Karen Fowler was appointed to the housing authority.

Ordinance #552 was brought back before the council and approved on its first reading. The ordinance is based on accessory buildings and uses of garages, carports, gazebos, sheds, etc. The second reading will take place during the April meeting.

Ordinance #550 and ordinance #551 were approved on their second reading, both pertain to rewording for zoning ordinances. Ordinance #551 amends the text of McKenzie’s Zoning Ordinance Chapter 7, “Provisions Governing Business Districts”, Section 11-702, B-2 (Highway Business) Districts, by permitting medical clinics. This makes way for a medical clinic to work towards construction on the former Sonic Drive-In property adjacent to the Auto Clinic on Highway 79. Ordinance #550 amends the text of McKenzie’s Zoning Ordinance Chapter 9, “Provisions Governing Industrial Districts”, Section 11-902 to include general merchandise in M-2 district (heavy industrial districts).

Under department head reports, it was noted the police department responded to 786 calls. Chief Ryan White noted they were awarded an $80,000 grant from the state. This will be used to purchase additional vehicles for the department. The fire department received two new vehicles through a leasing program with Enterprise. They are expecting a new truck soon.

The parks department has been busy prepping baseball and softball fields as the ball season has commenced. In regards to the pickleball court, the lights and fencing have been installed. Once temperatures reach a consistent range in the evenings, the surface will be applied along with the nets.

The street department has worked tirelessly to pick up brush and debris following the recent storm. Supervisor Johnny Mercer thanked everyone especially the police and fire departments for aiding in tree removal along blocked roadways.

As a general government report, the council was informed of city hall’s improved phone system along with the future installation of a program that can route calls to the cell phones of department heads. A question was raised about the hiring of a crosswalk attendant for the middle school intersection. Mayor Griffin stated they had zero applicants and planned to run a second round of announcements for the position.

The next regular meeting of the council is April 13 at 6 p.m. at McKenzie City Hall.