McKenzie Fire, Rescue to Add Equipment

McKENZIE (August 8) — The McKenzie City Council met Thursday with a light agenda. The McKenzie Fire Department was given approval to purchase a battery powered version of the Jaws of Life. The combination package that includes two extended rechargeable battery packs was quoted at $14,074.

The rescue tool has the same capabilities as the standard hydraulic version currently used by the department. The current 2024-25 budget had plans for the purchase.

On the first reading, approval was agreed upon to amend Zoning Ordinance 570. The ordinance addresses fencing requirements within the McKenzie City Limits. The wording states that a building permit must be obtained and states that the maximum height is 6 feet for single-family, duplexes and multifamily dwellings. Tennis courts would have a maximum height of 10 feet.

Mention was made of fencing materials as well. The ordinance states, “fences should be made of masonry, ornamental metal, vinyl, chain link, durable wood, or some combination of the aforementioned materials. The use of wire is not permitted for fences. The finished side or outside of fences shall be positioned to face adjacent property. Privacy screening shall be required in multi-family housing areas to separate such areas from adjacent single-family or duplex properties.”

Current fencing that is considered not in compliance will be grandfathered in and not required to come up to code. If the fencing were to be removed or be seriously damage then would have to be replaced to meet the ordinance requirements. Repairs to a non-compliant fence are subject to question of what degree of repair is necessary and is to be determined by the codes officer.

The second reading of Ordinance 570 will take place in September and should have a public hearing before hand as is required by TCA 13-7-203.

The Council gave McKenzie City Attorney Beau Pemberton the approval to work on an agreement between the City and First Baptist Church on the usage of the city hall parking lot. The agreement would release the City of McKenzie from general liability from First Baptist when the parking lot is used for non-government purposes. This agreement would be on Wednesday evenings and Sunday during church service hours. The Church can use the parking areas as long as it does not interfere with any government function.

In other business, Kim McMahen and Beverly Mueller were appointed to the library board.

During department reports, it was noted by Codes Enforcement Officer Jim Seaton that 43 violations were issued for July with 39 being corrected. Two properties will go before the Condemnation Board.

The Fire Department had 50 calls in July with 29 being classified as medical related.

The Police Department had 1592 calls in July; 723 were security checks and 400 were traffic stops.

The next regular meeting of the McKenzie City Council is September 12 at 6 p.m.