News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council implemented a new inclement weather policy Thursday night designed to provide better guidance.
Human Resources Director Carl Sells said the January storm showed the need to give employees clear options and rules.
“It outlines choices that the employee can make and the options that are attached to those options as well, that they have,” Sells said. “And it also dictates how the city would close offices during inclement weather when the city manager authorizes it. So it provides guidance that we have not had in the past.”
The policy said the city does not expect employees to take unnecessary risks when the City Manager keeps offices opened. Employees can use vacation, personal or compensation time in case they do not feel comfortable getting to work.
“Employees are required to use personal judgement pertaining to their safety in deciding if they can report to work,” Section 14 of Procedures read.
The policy also outlines that essential service personnel are still required to work in the event of an emergency.
In other business, City Council approved the extension of sewer lines along Interstate 40 to the Highway 70N corridor, at exit 290.
Water and Sewer Director Barry Turner said the lines will be built out south of the interstate along Salem Road to the Baymont Inn. North of the interstate, lines will also be installed along Dry Valley Road to East Broad Street. The lines will not extend all the way to the interstate.
The total price tag of that project is some $1.02 million. Madwell Construction will do the work. The company’s bid came in more than $3.5 million less than the second bidder.
The city’s Annexation Progress Report said the extension will connect 25 new parcels.
Two agreements to maintain lawn service for the city this year approved. A total of 25 diffferent properties are included in the agreements, at a cost of some $107,000 annually. The city decided to go with this approach as a way to use temporary employees to complete other tasks. The cost savings appear minimal.
Council also approved the purchase of 5.6 acres off CC Camp Road as an addition to Cane Creek Park.
