A new sign is going up at the entrance to Shoma Park subdivision in northeastern Shelbyville, but some city officials are concerned about setting a precedent.

“Does that mean that any subdivision can ask for a sign?” council member Bobby Turnbow said at a study session Tuesday night.

The sign will be placed near the location of the subdivision’s original sign, placed in the 1970s. Two signs, which had been placed in the median, have been demolished in auto accidents over the years, Public Works Director Buck Vallad said.

Several large, long-established subdivisions in Shelbyville have signs placed by developers at their entrances. Idle Acres and Brookhaven were mentioned at the meeting.

The city could be liable for subdivision signs built in the right-of-way, City Attorney Ginger Shofner said.

Area residents requested the new Idle Acres sign, Vallad said. Cost is estimated at approximately $6,700 by Tennessee Sign Co., but Vallad said that could come down if city crews make the sign.

More burial sites

Ground penetrating radar has detected approximately 300 more potential burial plots at Willow Mount Cemetery, Vallad said.

The area, in the western side near mausoleums in the newer area of the historic cemetery, was previously thought to have rock too thick to penetrate.

Appointment

William Christie was appointed as the council’s representative on the Shelbyville-Bedford Partnership.

The position has been held for several years by Henry Feldhaus. Mayor Randy Carroll, who chose Christie, did not specify a reason for the change.

More firefighters

An upcoming application for a $1.3 million three-year grant from the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency was discussed.

Shelbyville Fire Department hopes to use the funds to hire six additional firefighters. The grant will provide approximately $68,000 to $79,500 for funding each firefighter during the period, with the city picking up all costs afterwards.

ARP funds

City Treasurer Kay Parker explained how the council can designate approximately $6.5 million in unused American Rescue Plan funds for such items as police and fire protection and public works, freeing money already budgeted for those departments. Those funds could be redesignated, as an example given to the council, for much-needed flume pumps or other needs.

Feldhaus thanked Parker for extensively documenting the process, including archiving emails, to ensure legality.

Industrial road

The city of Shelbyville’s share of a state grant for the access road to 231 North Industrial Park was discussed. Council member Marilyn Ewing suggested asking other firms and agencies using the road to help with costs, and Shofner mentioned the possibility of utilities working with the city on costs.

Tourism sponsorship

Carroll urged city donations of $7,500 to the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association and $3,500 to Southern Saddlebreds. Both groups will be holding events this year at Cooper Steel Arena.

The CMSA wants to move its events permanently from Murfreesboro to Shelbyville, Carroll said.

Both donations will be made from hotel-motel tax funds.