Despite a deepened season of COVID-19, City officials are continuing to make good on some long-term promises to taxpayers before the close of 2020.

The City most recently offered a Texas government official the office of manager and welcomed a new economic director, jointly with the county.

Council unanimously approved during its recent business meeting to donate $10,000 towards office space renovation at the old medical arts building for use of a State of Tennessee driver’s license center. The previous state driver’s license testing center, located off Railroad Avenue, has been closed for several months.

In the same vein of economic development, Council recently approved a motion to amend its consulting contract with Volkert, Inc., of Alabama. This economic feasibility study contract was approved with an estimated timeline of 6 months and at a cost not to exceed $35,375.

Bedford County Government and the City of Shelbyville entered into a joint agreement last year to begin downtown revitalization, particularly earmarking property owned near the Duck River off the town square. The City recently purchased properties on the historic public square: the former Kyle property at 100 South Spring St. for $75,000 and the former Trollinger property at 104 South Spring St. for $210,000.

City department needs

While revitalization plans continue, there are still issues of need within City departments. During its recent business meeting, Council, including two newly elected members, Gary Haile and Stephanie Isaacs, also authorized Shelbyville Fire Department Chief Matt Doak to apply for a Firehouse Public Safety Foundation “2021 Firehouse Subs Grant.” These firehouse grants were put in place a few years ago to honor firefighters and the needs their respective departments as they relate to health and welfare.

“We are needing additional extrication equipment for the airport station,” Doak said Friday. “So we would use the grant money to purchase the equipment.”

Council also approved a motion for William Christie to join a committee with treasurer Parker, Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Director Mike Alsup and Shelbyville Public Works Director Buck Vallad. This group will have a meeting with Steven Thompson of Burris, Thompson and Associates, concerning questions about the City of Shelbyville’s compensation study.

A business item, which was approved unanimously, authorized City Treasurer Parker to send a letter to the Division of Local Government-Finance, along with a refunding report “City of Shelbyville Refunding Plan-2021” as prepared by Raymond James. This item was placed on the agenda in regard to some “outstanding debt” by Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System.

This approved item also pertains to the proposed sale and issuance of general obligation refunding bonds and requests a “Report of Review of the Plan” in order for the City to comply with applicable sections of state law. Councilman Henry Feldhaus abstained from voting on that agenda item ; he’s professionally affiliated with Raymond James. 

Annexations, rezoning

In other business, Council approved:

•On first reading the rezoning of 5.01 acres, owned by Hartsford Development LLC., located northeast of the intersection of TN-437 and Fairfield Pike from Bedford County A-1 (agricultural-forestry) to Planned United Development (PUD.)

•The Global Manor Phase 7 Planned Unit Development Regulating Pattern Book, as recommended by Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission.

•A resolution adopting a plan of services for an area proposed for annexation-a territory located on the north side of Highway 437 By-Pass, which is a parcel to be annexed by owner consent and to be incorporated within the boundaries of the City and owned by Alberta J. Tanner.

•A resolution to annex territory, upon written consent of owners, and to incorporate the same within boundaries of the City, a 10.31 acre tract located on the north side of Highway 437 Bypass and owned by Suzy Cartwright Johnson.

•A resolution amending the City’s storm water management manual.

**City holiday schedule

City Hall will be closed for the Christmas holidays, Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25, and also on Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s.

Shelbyville Public Works will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 24, in observance of the Christmas holidays. Wednesday’s trash route will be picked up on Tuesday, Dec. 22, with Tuesday’s regular route. Thursday’s trash route will be picked up on Monday, Dec. 28, with Monday’s regular route. Public works will also be closed on Thursday, Dec. 31, in observance of New Year’s. Thursday’s trash route will be picked up on Monday, Jan. 4, with Monday’s regular route.