City to seek state funds for railroad spur

It was a short meeting for Shelbyville City Council Thursday night, with only a handful of items addressed.

The council approved a resolution to apply for a grant from Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) for funding for a part of the costs of the construction of a rail spur line to the former Quintec building on Railroad Avenue.

The state legislature has appropriated funds for the Fast Track Infrastructure Development Program administered by ECD.

In other business, the council authorized Public Works Director Mark Clanton to make 14 signs for the Bedford County school system at a cost of $560, which will be reimbursed to the city.

The year's fireworks display and activities at H.V. Griffin Park will be held Saturday, July 3 because July 4 falls on a Sunday this year, the council decided. Members stated last week that Saturday would be a better time to hold the event since many residents attend church on Sunday evenings.

Also approved was a resolution for Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for the rehabilitation of the city's northeast sewer basin.

The total project cost is estimated to be $595,000, with the grant amount being $450,000. The required matching contribution of $145,000 would be provided by the operating account of the city utility.

The council approved a motion to advertise for a power board vacancy due to the resignation of Clara Nelson, which became effective Jan. 31.

A resolution was approved that authorized the council to attend this year's Tennessee Municipal League conference in Nashville on March 8-9.

Passed on first reading was an ordinance to rezone property on South Main Street at South Brittain Street from R-3 (medium density residential) to R-4 (high density residential).

The council accepted bids on equipment for the police department -- 41 digital cameras for officers at a cost of $83 each will be provided by B&H Photo of New York for a total of $3,403, and a $7,210 bid was approved for an audio receiver system from Law Enforcement Associates Inc of Raleigh, N.C.

Both purchases will be funded under a 100 percent Edward Byrne Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice at no cost to the city..

Mayor Wallace Cartwright also appointed Jamie Williams, Henry Wilhoite and John Davis to the city's planning commission.