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Newbern City Board says hurdles cleared for Taco Bell; talks Oakview Park, golf course lights
By WILLIAM NORTHCUTT
Staff reporter
The City of Newbern Board of Mayor and Aldermen met Tuesday, October 15, for a swift meeting that heard updates from various departments as well as updates on Taco Bell and projects at the park and the golf course.
Attending were Mayor Pam Mabry, Aldermen Kim May, Randy Wolf, Tim Ware, Nicky Thomas, and Vice-Mayor Keith Hardin. Mark Lamb was absent. Also attending were City Recorder Jason Roberts, Newbern Police Chief Greg Barr, City Hall Office Manager Cindy Reed, Street Department Supervisor DJ Peery, and Newbern Fire Department (NFD) Captain Doug Tyler.
Mabry began the meeting by reading Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” She asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting of the board. May made the motion, Ware seconded, and the motion carried.
Barr reported to the board that he had lost one officer when that officer accepted a job for the county as a School Resource Officer (SRO). However, he said, he had brought in a new officer as replacement.
Under new business, Wolf noted some issues with trees in the community that need to be cut/trimmed. He asked whether Electric Department and its Supervisor Sandy Hill or Peery’s Street Department were responsible. Peery replied that he could take care of it but that usually, that was a job by the tree cutters with Hill’s department.
Wolf then told Tyler and the board that for future meetings, he would like NFD Chief Phillip Cottrell to attend. He said, “I think it’s important for him or the Assistant Chief to come to these meetings.” Tyler told Wolf that Cottrell had a full time job and did not get off work in time for the meetings. Mabry reminded Wolf that the NFD is voluntary. Wolf told Tyler, “There’s nothing wrong with the job you do” but that he still would like Cottrell to be at the meetings. Mabry said she would note Wolf’s request.
There were no attorney invoices for October, but Mabry said she had signed checks for two properties off Main Street. She also noted that even though Newbern did not receive a tourism grant to purchase lights for the Oakview Links golf course, the board had already approved purchasing them and bids would go out soon. She also stated that work at Oakview Park was moving forward for the splash pad and slides, due to be completed by May 2025.
Mabry also noted that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) had approved road entries to the coming Taco Bell.
Mabry asked Reed whether City Hall was fully staffed, and Reed confirmed that it was.
The Aldermen’s Reports brought a few comments. Noting Newbern’s business and quality of life growth, Thomas said, “These are exciting times, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” She mentioned the “beautiful fall weather,” and Mabry told her, “We’re so glad that you’re feeling better.” Wolf asked whether the city had been looking for land at the Industrial Park. Mabry replied that it was a difficult task. Hardin concluded the meeting by congratulating the Northview Middle School volleyball champions.