News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council approved a $3.1 million bid to improve and widen West Stevens Street Thursday night.
Public Works Director Mary Beth Elrod said the work will involve grading on both sides of the road to prepare for the upgrades. Elrod said the improvements include eleven-foot drive lanes, two-and-half-foot curb and gutters, two-foot grass strips, and five-foot sidewalks.
“This also includes replacement of the storm structures and piping along the roadway and water and sewer improvements and also (gas) line and electric improvements and replacements,” Elrod said. “The existing roadway will have a full pavement depth replacement as well, which includes base stone, binder, and asphalt.”
The city received two bids on the project which goes from Hughes Street to Willow Avenue. Elrod said her department found the bid from Rogers Group to be solid despite it being some $876,000 less than the other bid.
“We’ve evaluated the bid and determined that it is a good, valid bid and it is budgeted in our current budget and I do recommend your approval,” Elrod said.
In other business, Cookeville approved a $1.8 million bid for the Cane Creek Park expansion project. The bid was approved with two optional upgrades: to pave the entirety of the new trail coming with the expansion and to fence in the new portions of the park.
Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said that, despite coming in far over budget, the project may or may not require a budget amendment because the work will be split between the current and next fiscal years. Woods said it will depend on whether or not the city exceeds the allotted $825,000 before June 30.
“We think the project adds great value to our park and to our community,” Woods said. “Cane Creek Park is our most visited and most popular park, arguably, and this project increases the usable area of the park and enhances the opportunities for recreation in our community.”
The council also agreed to join in on Monterey’s request asking state legislators to fund the Transportation Equity Fund and allocate $20 million for short line railroads across the state. Council Member Eric Walker said before voting that the railroad line west of Cookeville is an “essential asset,” but the portion from Cookeville to Monterey could serve the region better as a “rail to trail corridor.”
City council approved a resolution to contribute $3,000 to a “Safety Partners” matching grant program providing ballistic helmets for the fire department, eye protection for leisure services, and trauma kits for various city facilities.
Council members also approved the purchase of a Chevrolet Equinox SUV for some $31,000 for the police department to replace a vehicle that was totaled.
The council received a report on debt obligation for a State Revolving Fund loan the city took out for its water treatment plant expansion project. Water and Sewer Department Director Barry Turner said the report was presented because of a requirement from the Comptroller’s Office.
