News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council approved additions to the city’s personnel manual prohibiting any insignia or decal on city owned-property.
The unanimous vote Thursday amended chapter five of the policy. It identifies the only exceptions as city badges and logos as well as the flags of the state and nation. The change came after Council Member Mark Miller proposed a resolution last month asking the city remove confederate flags and symbols. Council decided to handle the issue administratively.
City Council approved the one-year extension of the contract with Retail Strategies at a cost of $25,000. The company helps recruit national retailers interested in Cookeville.
Council also approved receiving a $780,438 grant from the state. Governor Bill Lee proposed the grants during COVID to help cities and counties. Cookeville will use the money for the purchase of vehicles, public safety items, and an updated HVAC unit at Cookeville City Hall.
The grant has no match.
The fire department will move forward with the purchase of five defibrillators. Fire Chief Daryl Blair said the units are compatible with units used by Putnam County EMS and Cookeville Regional. The total price is just over $148,000.
Cookeville Police will purchase three used vehicles to be used by the investigations department. Council approved the purchase at a cost of $50,000.
The council approved the second and final reading of a resolution to close and declare surplus a portion of Poplar Avenue.
