In 2009, TDOT installed signs and realigned the lanes on Bradyville Pike to make it safer for pedestrians and drivers. (Photo by T. Swann)
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Thursday’s meeting of the Murfreesboro City Council included changes to the city employee pension plan, improvements to Bradyville Pike, a greenway extension, a public hearing for a new liquor store, and a little comic relief.
The meeting opened with Mayor Tommy Bragg recognizing Cub Scout Troop 320 and Brownie Troop 4027, who were present for the proceedings.
Bragg then recognized Councilman Toby Gilley for his efforts in representing the council at the annual Read To Succeed Celebrity Spelling Bee and presented Gilley with a certificate of appreciation.
Gilley’s spelling ability later became a subject of discussion on another matter.
A public hearing was conducted to consider a certificate of compliance for Georgetown Wine & Spirits, located at 1720 West Northfield Blvd., by applicants Vishal Patel and Chiragkumar Patel.
Ed Farrell, owner of City Limits Liquor and an Antioch resident, voiced opposition to the new store, citing more competition as a problem.
“We have 18 liquor stores and the pie is cut pretty thin as it is,” Farrell said. “Folks who were buying a fifth a week are now buying pints or half pints.”
However, David Floyd of Northboro Court in Murfreesboro, said “healthy competition in the liquor business is the American way.”
The measure passed unanimously after City Attorney Susan McGannon pointed out that the city charter includes no provision for refusal based on exceeding a number of such stores already within city limits.
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The City Council then considered a small change of the city’s zoning ordinance.
Planning staff recommended correction of a misspelled word within the ordinance, replacing the word “gabrel” with the word “gambrel” in reference to allowable roof designs.
Councilman Shane McFarland offered the only comment on the matter.
“I will defer to Mr. Gilley as to any further spelling errors,” he said.
“That was uncalled for,” Gilley said.
The proposed change gained unanimous approval.
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Transportation Director Dana Richardson recommended approval of a $7.4 million project to update Bradyville Pike.
“This is an old state route with only two lanes and poor drainage,” he said. “It is in dire need of safety improvements.”
He explained that the city’s portion of the project would be only $1.6 million, with the rest of the funding provided by the state and U.S. Department of Transportation.
Bradyville Pike is the same road that was slightly improved two years ago after a sheriff’s deputy struck and killed a young girl.
He then requested an additional $3.6 million for completion of the final phase of the Stones River Greenway between Old Fort and Barfield parks.
Both proposals passed unanimously.
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McGannon, on behalf of the Pension Committee and Human Resources director, recommended changes to the employee pension plan, which adds a Roth option to the city’s Deferred Compensation Plan managed by ING.
Councilman Doug Young sought confirmation that employees would be properly notified of the change and the new option.
“What are we going to do to educate our employees of this new option?” he asked.
McGannon responded that the city will hold a “series of structured meetings throughout the city.”
“We will utilize a variety of tools, such as e-mail, to inform employees prior to the switch is made at the first of the year,” she said.
The proposed changes passed unanimously. |
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