Among the agenda items of Thursday’s Murfreesboro City Council meeting were preliminary approvals of several long-term transportation upgrades, various sewer improvements throughout the city, and the appointment of Nancy Rainier to fill the City School Board seat of her late husband, Dennis Rainier.

The meeting quickly became a solemn affair when Mayor Tommy Bragg reminded the council that a decision must be made on appointing a replacement to the City School Board for Dennis Rainier.

Rainier passed away suddenly last month at the age of 64, after battling a rare illness that was found after a recent trip to Florida.

Bragg reminded the council that it could decide how to fill the vacancy, and Rainier’s wife Nancy had filled out the proper paperwork for the position and had expressed her interest in the appointment.

“The children of this city had no greater friend than Dennis Rainier,” Councilman Tobey Gilley said. “I can’t think of any better person to fulfill his role and no greater tribute to his legacy.”

“I could not have said it better,” said Bratcher. “I grew up with Dennis and Nancy and this will be a fulfillment of Dennis’ legacy.”

Bratcher then motioned to appoint Nancy Rainier to fill the vacancy, and it was approved unanimously.

When Bragg asked Nancy Rainier if she would like to say a few words, she responded that she was too emotional at the moment.

Zane Cantrell spoke on her behalf, noting he was Dennis Rainier’s campaign manager during his 2010 race.

“Nancy worked right along side us very day of the campaign,” he said. “She feels blessed by this appointment.”

An emotional Rainier later commented in private that she “felt in her heart that seeking the appointment was the right thing to do.”

“I will work every day to carry on all that Dennis started,” she said tearfully.

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Transportation Director Dana Richardson requested the approval of upgrades for Thompson Lane and an extension of Cherry Lane.

The upgrades for Thompson Lane would affect only the section from Northwest Broad Street to Memorial Boulevard, and would include widening the road, changing signals and adding bike lanes.

Cherry Lane, from Sulphur Springs Road to Broad Street, will receive it’s last phase of improvement and includes an interchange at State Route 840.

Both projects, totaling $64.6 million, are part of the 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Plan and are heavily funded by state and federal programs, with the local expenditure portion totaling $26.9 million.

Councilman Doug Young raised concerns about plans for proper signaling along the Thompson Lane upgrades.

“How will the signaling plan work with this project?” he asked. “That’s something that would come later,” Tansportation Director Dana Richardson responded.

“This is simply the preliminary funding phase and decisions on many things such as signaling will be a couple of years down the road.”

“When will we see equipment arrive at the site and begin working?” Councilman Shane McFarland said.

“We’ve been working on a seven to 10 year time frame on this project and we are in the preliminary stages of contracting,” Richardson responded.

Gilley motioned for approval, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher, and the recommendation gained unanimous approval.

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Water and Sewer Board Director Joe Kirchner recommended approval of bids relating to sewer and stormwater upgrades.

“Some of our sewer lines are approaching 75 years of age and are in dire need of replacement,” he said.

“Where are these, exactly?” Bragg asked.

Kirchner responded the lines are located throughout the city and include sections on Bell Street, University Street, Sinking Creek, Fourth Avenue, East Main Street, Elrod Street, East Castle Street, North Rutherford Boulevard and Old Lascassas Road.

Gilley motioned for approval, Bratcher seconded, and the motion was approved unanimously.

Kirchner also recommended purchase of a parcel along South Molloy Lane to improve storm water service to area residents.

“Mr. Kirchner, you’ll be glad to know that was one of the first calls I received as mayor.” Bragg said. “A resident of the area complained of water standing behind his house.

Mr. Templeton and I put waders on and discovered that water was running through his property, not just standing there.”

The recommendation gained unanimous approval.

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City attorney Susan McGannon then advised the council that the population of Murfreesboro, having surpassed 100,000, is now permitted under state law to allow wholesale liquor sales.

She recommended an update to city ordinances accordingly.

Young quickly motioned for approval, Gilley seconded, and it passed unanimously.