Shelbyville Times-Gazette: News : Shelbyville City Government

Shelbyville City Government

Stories related to Shelbyville city government.

City may opt out of guns-in-parks law (07/02/09)
Shelbyville's city council will vote next week on whether to opt out of a new state law that allows those with carry permits to lawfully possess handguns in city parks. The newly passed Public Chapter No. 428 would authorize citizens in Tennessee with handgun carry permits to be able to lawfully possess a firearm in federal, state or local parks...

Council to vote on correcting 1959 mistake (07/02/09)
Fifty years after signing an agreement with the city, the Shelbyville Housing Authority wants to give back property which contains Shelbyville's underground flume system. Hershel Thrasher, executive director, told the council that it recently came to SHA's attention that the flume, also known as pressure tubes A, B and C, was still legally titled to the Housing Authority...

North Main could re-open Thursday (07/01/09)
Engineers said it would take three months or more to finish it. But five weeks after digging began to repair Shelbyville's underground storm water flume, the work has been completed, and city officials hope to have traffic flowing by Thursday night...

Delay sought for city building guidelines (06/30/09)
A member of Shelbyville's planning commission wants to table design guidelines for two years, claiming that the recommendations would make builders think twice about doing business here. Henry Wilhoite told fellow commissioners that builders were "not happy" with the guidelines which are to be recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city. The design guidelines will give builders an idea of what is expected or favored by Shelbyville...

North Main could be re-opened in 2-3 weeks (06/24/09)
If work with Shelbyville's flume proceeds as planned and there are no snags, North Main Street could reopen within two to three weeks. That's the word from public works director Mark Clanton at the construction site Tuesday, but he cautioned against a firm estimate of when the work will be finished...

Flume repair is on schedule so far (06/17/09)
Work on Shelbyville's storm water flume is right on schedule, with the massive steel pipe in the ground and ready for a concrete base. Despite the threat of wet weather over the past two weeks, work has been running smoothly off of North Main Street, where crews have been busy piecing together the 200 feet of steel that make up the segment replaced after underground flooding apparently caused the flume to collapse in April...

Planners to address Belmont district (06/17/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission will look over several rezoning requests when it meets next Thursday, including one in a historic district that may provoke discussion. James Farrar is requesting that property at 507 Belmont Ave. be rezoned from R-3 (medium density residential) to R-4 (high density residential), which would be contrary to the region's current land use plan, according to comments by the city's planning and engineering staff...

City will help repair duck pond (06/16/09)
Shelbyville's public works department will be contributing equipment and labor to repair a leak in a dam at the "duck pond" on Fairfield Pike after the city council approved lending the landowners a hand. But some are afraid that giving this assistance may set a precedent and open up a legal can of worms for the city...

Tax rates the same in new city budget (06/16/09)
With two members voting "no," Shelbyville's city council passed the 2009-10 budget Thursday night. The proposed 2009-10 budget lists revenue of $12,041,519 and expenses of $12,093,178, with a deficit of $51,659. Without comment, councilmen Al Stephenson and Lee Roy Cunningham voted against the measure...

City to try different direction on Depot Street (06/14/09)
With the mayor breaking a tie vote, Depot Street will soon be running the other way -- towards the public square -- for a 60 trial period, after a discussion between Shelbyville city council members Thursday. However, the switchover is likely several weeks away as the public works department focuses on repairing Shelbyville's underground storm water flume first...

No tax increase in new city budget (06/10/09)
Shelbyville's city council is looking at passing a trimmed down budget with no tax hikes when members gather Thursday evening for their regular monthly meeting. This year's budget sports a much lower deficit than the previous year's numbers -- $51,659, compared to the budgeted deficit of fiscal year 2008-09 that totalled $565,827...

New theory on flume collapse; work to last 30 days (06/09/09)
An underground discovery made last Friday could possibly point to the cause behind the collapse of part of the city's stormwater drainage "flume," as digging continues at the site. Meanwhile, new sections of the flume are scheduled to be put in the ground this week...

Who pays for duck pond cleanup? (06/09/09)
Remains of a smelly, mucky mess fill a Shelbyville pond where, until recently, ducks swam and children played on its banks. Repairs, of a sort, are underway at what's known as the "duck pond" on Fairfield Pike at Hickory Drive. But behind the scene lurks the battle of who foots the bill...

Proposal would add $9 fee for garbage pickup (06/05/09)
If a proposal put forward by Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig goes forward, the city could save as much as $700,000 a year -- but city residents would see an additional $9 tacked onto their monthly electric bills. "The question is -- where do we get new revenue?" Craig asked the city council at the budget meeting Thursday night. He went on to say that one thing Shelbyville does not do that "almost everybody else does" is charge for garbage collection...

New direction ahead for Depot Street? (06/03/09)
Shelbyville City Council, after hearing from merchants in the affected area, may try keeping the segment of Depot Street closest to the square as one-way but making it westbound rather than eastbound. The issue was discussed at a study session Tuesday night...

Flume work underway as businesses cope (05/29/09)
Workers started cutting into sections of North Main Street and Cannon Boulevard this morning to replace about 200 feet of the city's underground stormwater flume that collapsed -- for the second time in its history -- last month. Meanwhile, businesses in the impacted area are having to cope with the loss of traffic to their storefronts, and downtown Shelbyville traffic remains backed up along side roads...

Four Shelbyville firefighters graduate (05/26/09)
Friday's graduation ceremonies at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy had several Shelbyville connections. Not only did four Shelbyville Fire Department firefighters graduate from the 10-week Recruit/Firefighter I program, but the ceremony was opened with presentation of colors by a SFD color guard, and Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce presented the fire academy's first ever "challenge coins" to the entire graduating class...

Little Caesar's seeks approval for location (05/26/09)
Pizza maker Little Caesar's is planning a return to Shelbyville. The restaurant was previously located on Madison St. in the old Bi-Lo shopping center. A site approval plan for the chain is on the agenda for Thursday's meeting of the city's planning commission...

City digs into causes of flume collapse (05/21/09)
Digging could begin today on North Main Street to begin repairs to Shelbyville's underground storm water flume, and while the results of core drilling won't be known for a week or more, it may shed light into the reasons behind the collapse. Public Works director Mark Clanton said Wednesday that drill was finished Tuesday -- but the method will only enable them to tell what happened underground around the flume, not directly pinpoint the cause...

Urban Growth Boundary gains city approval (05/15/09)
Shelbyville's city council gave its OK to the city's new expanded Urban Growth Boundary during its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday. The new boundary is part of the comprehensive study and plan developed by Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon (BWSC), which was recommended to the council by the city's planning commission and calls for the city's UGB to be expanded northward...

Flume deal signed (05/13/09)
Core samples will soon be taken from North Main Street as soon as Friday to determine the cause and extent of the damage that has resulted from the collapse of one of Shelbyville's massive underground storm water flumes. On Tuesday, the city council met in an emergency meeting and approved entering into an agreement with Contech Construction Products, Inc., and Clanton Excavation to repair the damaged flume...

Fast action expected on flume (05/12/09)
Shelbyville's city council is meeting this afternoon in an emergency session to approve starting work to repair damage to the city's underground stormwater flume system before it gets any worse. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting over the cause of the collapse and some fingers are being pointed at recent work done for Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System...

City council calls emergency meeting (05/11/09)
Shelbyville City Council will meet 3 p.m. Tuesday in the courtroom at the City Council Annex (Police Department headquarters) to consider hiring firms to repair the damage to the city's flood control flume system.

Area growth gets closer look (05/10/09)
Shelbyville's city council will vote this week on expanding the city's Urban Growth Boundary to the north and to create a new planning authority. City manager Ed Craig said county mayor Eugene Ray has asked that each of Bedford's municipalities submit a request to them to have their planning commissions become regional planning commissions...

Sign ordinance needs tweaking, council says (05/10/09)
"Lots of tweaking" will need to be done to Shelbyville's existing sign ordinance to bring it into line with the city council's wishes, and many businesses would be in violation the way it is currently written. Also, council members are hoping to reach out to Hispanic business owners about the appearance of their buildings...

Flume damage at 'worst case' level (05/08/09)
Public Works director Mark Clanton had bad news for city officials Thursday after he emerged from underneath Shelbyville following the inspection of a collapsed stormwater flume. "Our worst fears are realized," Clanton told Mayor Wallace Cartwright, city manager Ed Craig and others who gathered at the entrance to the flume Thursday morning...

Depot Street traffic concerns merchants (05/07/09)
Merchants from both on and off the public square told Shelbyville's city council Tuesday they would like take another look at traffic and parking patterns on East Depot Street. The street is now 60 days into a 90-day trial period to test the street as a one-way, outbound road from the public square...

City seeks to recover Depot Street demolition costs (05/07/09)
The city of Shelbyville will soon move to recover demolition costs from the owner of a Depot Street building. Total costs for last year's razing and restoration of the site where two buildings once stood off the public square comes to $225,215.24, according to information provided to the city council Tuesday...

Funds sought to repair flume (05/06/09)
Today's heavy rain will likely keep city officials from going beneath Shelbyville to learn how much damage there is in the area of an underground collapse this past weekend that could impact a massive flume. City officials are already calling on state and national representatives about acquiring federal stimulus money to pay for the needed repairs...

'Super' effort leaves Shelbyville much cleaner (05/03/09)
"Super" is how Shelbyville's public works director described last week's city-wide spring clean-up, with some residents beating workers to the curbside to pick up items they wanted. Director Mark Clanton said that in the four days the city held the clean-up, 133 loads of material were hauled away, as opposed to 86 loads during last year's event...

SHA officials say 'technicality' led to bad score (04/30/09)
Officials with the Shelbyville Housing Authority were surprised to learn that a recent article in USA TODAY identified SHA as one of 61 agencies across the country that was "faulted by auditors for mishandling government aid, but still receives federal stimulus money."...

Stimulus funds upgrade for South Maple Apartments (04/30/09)
Over three quarters of a million dollars in federal stimulus money is planned to be used for improvements to South Maple Apartments by the Shelbyville Housing Authority. It's part of $4 billion that is being used in an effort to create jobs by fixing up public housing projects across the nation. Shelbyville's cut of that money is $829,593...

Closer look at proposed design guidelines (04/26/09)
With just enough members to hold a meeting, the Shelbyville Planning Commission swiftly approved several items, while postponing examination of design guidelines until next month. The commission had planned to begin review of the 18 pages of guidelines, which are intended to be only recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city...

Upgraded city pool to make a splash (04/23/09)
With fingers crossed, the sounds of splashing should be heard at the city's recreation center on May 4. That's when Shelbyville's pool is planned to reopen following two weeks of work that began Sunday, according to Pam Henry, aquatics director for Shelbyville Recreation Center...

City readies for spring cleanup (04/17/09)
If you've been wondering what to do with that piece of junk taking up space in your garage, shed or back yard, next week Shelbyville residents will be able to do something about it. The city's Spring Clean-up kicks off Monday and lasts until Thursday. During that week, residents can get rid of all that stuff that's been lying around...

Council defers request for city audit (04/10/09)
A request by a Shelbyville City Council member for a state audit of the city's books was deferred until next month for more discussion. Councilman Lee Roy Cunningham had put the item on the agenda, but council member Jo Ann Holland wanted to discuss the motion in more detail at next month's study session,...

City seeks federal funds to demolish eyesores (04/10/09)
The City of Shelbyville voted Thursday to apply for a grant for over a quarter million dollars that would go toward getting rid of blighted structures around town. The National Stabilization Program (NSP) grant would be for $326,023 and would be given under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, also known as the first stimulus package that was signed into law by former president George W. Bush...

City may defer senior tax freeze (04/05/09)
A tax freeze program for residents over 65 will be a topic of discussion for Shelbyville City Council next month. However, a review by an intern with the Tennessee Municipal League and Municipal Technical Advisory Service says it may be better if Shelbyville defers adopting this program...

City proposes guidelines for buildings, signs (04/03/09)
Shelbyville's city council will vote next week on an amendment to the city's sign ordinance that would address what some consider unsightly buildings occupied by Hispanic merchants. Mayor Wallace Cartwright said he has been hearing many concerns from residents and businesses about the appearance of local Hispanic establishments in Shelbyville and wants to alter the city's ordinance to say that signs can not be painted on buildings, among other changes...

Police request four officers from stimulus money (04/02/09)
Shelbyville police asked the City Council Tuesday for the opportunity to hire four additional officers with federal stimulus money. The funds, which would come from the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program, via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, would provide 100 percent funding for three years for newly hired, full time officers...

Final costs expected soon on Depot Street project (04/02/09)
Final figures on the total costs of last year's demolition of buildings on East Depot Street should be ready next month so that the city will able to seek recovery costs through litigation. The building at 113 E. Depot was damaged last year during the demolition of 109 E. Depot, which was considered a dangerous structure, and contractors and engineers said at the time it would cost over $200,000 to repair it and bring up to code, so the council voted to tear it down as well...

Planning commission tries to avoid harsh terminology (03/29/09)
helbyville's planning commission will take time over the next three months to review design guidelines, with members debating how to word the document without driving new business away. Planning and codes director Kip Green told the commission that the 18 pages of guidelines are only recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city...

CIty bids draw council discussion (03/15/09)
Members of Shelbyville's city council were looking for ways to save money and asking questions about the necessity of some bids for work during Thursday's meeting. Stewart Security Systems won the bid for the fire alarm system for Central Memorial Gym (formerly Harris Middle School gym) at a cost of $14,975, but councilman Lee Roy Cunningham said he had heard from a member of the school board that the current system in place might be repairable...

Council to settle Williams suit for $180K (03/13/09)
Shelbyville's city council has agreed to pay $180,000 plus legal fees to settle a lawsuit brought by a former building official for the city. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, sued Shelbyville and city manager Ed Craig for breach of contract and wrongful termination in May 2007...

County, city get $70K in enforcement funds (03/11/09)
Bedford County and the city of Shelbyville will receive a total of nearly $70,000 in federal law enforcement funding, the White House announced Friday. The funding comes from $2 billion in Recovery Act 2009 funding allocations for state and local law enforcement assistance available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which includes over $50.3 million for the state of Tennessee...

Treasurer: city budget OK after tax payments (03/10/09)
Following the tally of property tax receipts for February, Shelbyville is currently on budget so far for this year, according to the city treasurer. Treasurer Gary Cantrell said Monday that collections for February "looked grim" until the end of the month, when suddenly, citizens came in at the last minute to turn in their money...

Fireworks costs flare up (03/08/09)
A number of items will be addressed next week by the Shelbyville city council when it meets on Thursday. The cost of fireworks for this year's Fourth of July celebration has gone up, according to city manager Ed Craig. The amount for the pyrotechnic display is now $9,500 -- $2,000 higher than last year. The county shares the expense with the city of the annual display and Shelbyville's cost will now be $4,750...

Depot Street segment is now one way (03/06/09)
Shelbyville's city council chose to test the concept of one-way traffic on East Depot Street for 90 days, despite hearing about some criticism of the idea from two local merchants. While he did not appear Tuesday night to address the council on the topic, city manager Ed Craig said that merchant Wayne Hix had objected to making East Depot Street one-way...

Bailey seeks North Main site for child care (03/05/09)
A local homeless advocate is asking the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday for the use of the old Child Development Center on North Main Street again -- this time, to use as a child care facility. But some council members want to sell the property in question and put it on the tax rolls...

Branch bank approved for North Main location (03/01/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission gave its recommendation for a site plan for a Traders Bank branch on North Main Street Thursday. The Tullahoma-based bank intends to construct a 3,400 square foot branch office to be located at the corner of North Main Street and Hickory Drive...

New service takes sting out of paying traffic tickets (02/22/09)
You've been caught speeding and now -- aside from the financial hit you are going to take -- you are also going to have to take time out of your busy schedule to go to court. A new addition to the city of Shelbyville's website, however, may take away some of the pain of paying for a traffic infraction by allowing you to pay your ticket online...

Rules committee views growth plan proposal (02/18/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee got its first look at proposed revisions to the county's growth plan on Tuesday night, along with a report by Charles Goforth of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon. In the late 1990s, a new state law, Public Chapter 1101, required every county in Tennessee to develop a 20-year growth plan. ...

Traders Bank seeks branch in Shelbyville (02/17/09)
Tullahoma-based Traders Bank is requesting approval of a site plan for a 3,400 square foot branch office to be addressed by the Shelbyville Planning Commission next week. Blueprints for the site show that the proposed building, which would be the bank's first location in the Bedford County market, would be located at the corner of North Main Street and Hickory Drive...

City chooses new names for Harris landmarks (02/16/09)
Shelbyville City Council voted Thursday for a name change to pieces of property still in use for sports practices. The council approved a recommendation by the city's park board to refer to the old Harris Middle School gym and the adjoining fields as the Elm Street Sports Complex and Central Memorial Gym...

Bypass project to heat up during spring, summer (02/15/09)
Bids for the long awaited Shelbyville bypass will be let in May with construction to begin in July, if all goes according to plan. City manager Ed Craig announced at Thursday's Shelbyville study session that city officials met this week for a review meeting with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), attended by Craig, Shelbyville mayor Wallace Cartwright and public works director Mark Clanton...

Baseball may strike out without lighting upgrade (02/09/09)
With 85 teams using the baseball fields at H.V. Griffin Park, upgraded lighting must be installed or there can be no night games this coming year, Shelbyville City Council was told during its study session last Tuesday. The council will vote this week on spending an estimated $64,500 to replace field lighting poles...

East Depot one-way route reconsidered (02/08/09)
If part of East Depot Street is to be made one way on a permanent basis, it should be outbound from the square, Shelbyville city council members were told Tuesday. Last October, the city council passed a measure that would turn East Depot into a one-way street for a 90-day period...

Retrofit may force closure of city pool (02/08/09)
Shelbyville's city council will have to approve bids to bring the city's swimming pools into compliance with a new federal law passed in December. And unless the outdoor pool at the Shelbyville Recreation Center is retrofitted with new equipment by May, the city will not be able to open it for the summer...

Jet travel firm may take flight (02/05/09)
An environmental study will be needed for land at the Shelbyville airport to attract a possible new industry specializing in jet travel. Walt Wood, CEO of Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, told Shelbyville's city council Tuesday that a firm that manufactures small jet aircraft is looking at locating here, but for the site to be seriously considered, a Phase I environmental study will be required...

Sanford packaging expansion approved (01/26/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission gave its OK Thursday for a 155,000-square-foot addition to the Sanford Distribution Center. The addition to the plant is to be a new packaging center adjacent to the current facility on Railroad Avenue, which will employ more than 125 people. The center is scheduled to be open during the time period when the manufacturing facility in Shelbyville closes, resulting in a net loss of 175 jobs...

Remains of old building dumped illegally (01/18/09)
Material from a demolition site in downtown Shelbyville was illegally dumped on property on Warners Bridge Road and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has issued a Notice of Violation to the property owner. TDEC officials said Friday that a cleanup was underway at 1326 Warners Bridge Road, where the "illegal disposal of solid waste" had taken place...

City will return fluoride to water system (01/18/09)
Any local dentist could tell you -- Shelbyville children are being neglected. Luckily, the neglect wasn't intentional nor was it permanent, and the long-term effects may not be anything more than a cavity or two. For several months now, the water leaving the Shelbyville treatment plant has been leaving without fluoride, that secret ingredient of good dental health...

Cunningham, city manager square off (01/07/09)
The first study session of 2009 for the Shelbyville City Council erupted into a shouting match Monday between a councilman and the city manager. Councilman Lee Roy Cunningham verbally attacked planning and codes director Kip Green, accusing him of keeping business from coming to Shelbyville, while city manager Ed Craig said that Green was merely upholding the laws on the books...

Tow operator sues county, city (12/17/08)
A Shelbyville tow operator has filed a federal lawsuit against Bedford County, the city of Shelbyville, its police department and a competing wrecker service, alleging that towing and repair jobs were steered toward one business. Robert L. Bushnell, of Shelbyville, owner of Quality Collision and Towing, is asking for $300,000 in compensatory damages, plus an unknown amount of punitive damages, as well as a jury trial...

New council members sworn in (12/12/08)
Newly elected and selected members of the Shelbyville City Council took the oath of office Thursday night, with a series of committee appointments made as well. First business of the evening was Thomas Landers taking the oath of office to fill the seat of the late Fred Harrison...

Planners urge expansion of city growth boundary (12/07/08)
Shelbyville's planning commission gave a recommendation to the city council to expand the city's growth boundary and also recommended a 20-year growth plan Thursday night. The commission, however, voted to table new design guidelines so that the matter could be studied further. A public hearing was opened for the proposed growth plan for the city, but not a single citizen attended the meeting...

Firms line up to show traffic cams (12/03/08)
Three more companies are lining up to give presentations of their traffic camera systems to the city of Shelbyville. Meanwhile, a legal opinion by the Tennessee Attorney General says that citations based on the traffic control devices are constitutional...

Shelbyville council looks ahead to new appointments (12/02/08)
There was little on the Shelbyville city council's study session Monday, as several of the items on the agenda will wait for a new council to take office. Two new members will be sworn in next Thursday. New council members Thomas Landers and Jean Pruitt will take the oath of office, followed by returning members Kay Rose and Jo Ann Holland...

Property owners gain more time for demolition (11/25/08)
Shelbyville's codes department wants to work with the owners of dilapidated homes around the city to give them more time to comply with instructions to bring down the structures. Codes director Kip Green said the city wants to give more leeway to property owners who are cooperating and "are being more patient with our process" of starting demolition...

Another red light firm wants city's business (11/18/08)
A second red light camera company wants to give a demonstration of its system to Shelbyville city leaders, the council learned Thursday. City manager Ed Craig told the council that Gatso USA has asked to make a presentation to police and city officials. That presentation will be made Thursday, Dec. 11, at some point before that day's city council meeting, although a time has not been designated yet...

Committee proposed to study job losses (11/17/08)
The recent loss of jobs in Shelbyville has prompted a discussion about what can be done to preserve them in Bedford County. At the close of Thursday night's city council meeting, Councilman Lee Roy Cunningham said that the city and county should form a committee "in view of what's happened this week" to look at the county's employment situation...

City faces more Depot Street expenses (11/17/08)
An additional expense of $5,000 will be incurred by the city to shore up the roof and wall of That Book Shop to prevent problems when the old Grapevine building is brought down, the Shelbyville City Council learned Thursday. City manager Ed Craig passed out copies of photos taken inside of the attic of the Grapevine during an inspection by Lee Adcock, who will be performing the demolition of the vacant shop...

Airport improvements stem from grant funds (11/16/08)
Aeronautics grant funds totaling $99,000 have been approved for the Shelbyville Municipal Airport, it was announced this week. The grant funds, part of nearly $4 million given to 15 Tennessee airports, will be used for an airport layout plan and to install security cameras...

Landers named to City Council seat (11/14/08)
Thomas Landers was unanimously selected to fill the Shelbyville City Council seat of the late Fred Harrison Thursday night. Landers will take the oath of office at the next city council meeting on Dec. 11. Council members said that Landers was the first to ask to fill the seat. He was approved swiftly without opposition...

Council approves demolition of building (11/13/08)
Shelbyville City Council approved the demolition of a building on East Depot Street that once contained a popular antique store, but heard criticism over how the matter was handled from the firm that won the bid. Meanwhile, the owner of the lot where the building stands asked the council if he can buy back the lot for the possible use of a parking lot...

Shelbyville takes closer look at traffic cameras (11/12/08)
It's a concept that nearby Murfreesboro has used to cut down on accidents, and now its smaller neighbor -- Shelbyville -- will take a look at the idea. Shelbyville's city council will be examining the concept of an automated red light violation monitoring system that it is hoped will make the streets safer...

Shelbyville city spending may be deferred (11/10/08)
Spending for Shelbyville totaling some $375,000 could be deferred in an effort to save money, the city council was told Thursday night. However, city manager Ed Craig said the city "is on budget" and that while deficits are budgeted into the numbers, Shelbyville has never really had one...

Council argues over how to replace Harrison (11/09/08)
Voices were raised by Shelbyville city council members and accusations flew during a discussion Thursday night over picking a replacement for the late Fred Harrison. Harrison died Oct. 31 after a long illness. The council must now choose someone to fill his seat. However, one councilman made a suggestion that upset other members...

North Brittain closed as sewer line replaced (11/06/08)
Motorists who use North Brittain Street will have to look for another route for the next month or so as workers begin a replacement job. Engineer John Freeman of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer said that worker will begin re-laying a sewer line starting beside Dr. Charles Stimpson's veterinary clinic...

It's ladies first in city election (11/05/08)
Two Shelbyville city council incumbents retained their seats Tuesday while another was defeated by a previous member of that body. According to unofficial results, Ward 5 Councilman Randy Vernon was unseated by Jean Pruitt, who had previously served on the city council, by a vote of 349 to 198...

Civic leader Harrison dies at 78 (11/01/08)
A longtime fixture in Bedford County and Shelbyville politics has died. Fred Harrison, 78, died Friday at Bedford County Nursing Home following an illness. "Fred was a fine gentleman," said Circuit Court Clerk Thomas Smith Saturday morning. "I've known him a lot of years. He's probably the only person who served on county commission then turned right around and served on the city council. The last time he ran, he ran unopposed...

Grapevine demolition bids may be considered (10/28/08)
Bids may be taken before the Shelbyville City Council's next study session for the demolition of the former Grapevine on East Depot Street. The study session has been set for Thursday, Nov. 6, which was moved from Tuesday, Nov. 4, Election Day. A very brief special called meeting took place last Tuesday to address the matter of considering proposals for the demolition of 111 E. Depot St. Councilman Al Stephenson raised the issue that the city should take bids for the work, not just proposals...

Hotel, credit union gain planners' approval (10/24/08)
Shelbyville Planning Commission on Thursday approved site plans for a new four-story, 60-plus room Microtel hotel to be located at 1207 North Main St., and for the new Shelbyville branch for Ascend Federal Credit Union, which will be located at 1900 North Main St...

Hiring, spending freeze proposed for city (10/13/08)
A proposed spending and hiring freeze will be discussed at Shelbyville's next study session, after a city councilman attempted to have the item put on the agenda of Thursday's night's meeting. Lee Roy Cunningham made the proposal to add the item to the agenda at the beginning of Thursday's regular meeting, but other members of the council wanted more time to study the idea before taking any action...

Second Depot Street building to be demolished (10/10/08)
More discussion about the demolition on East Depot Street dominated Thursday's meeting of the Shelbyville City Council, with authorization given to tear down the building that formerly housed the Grapevine. The building at 111 and 113 E. Depot had been damaged during the demolition of 109 E. Depot and contractors and engineers have said it would cost over $200,000 to repair and bring up to code...

City residents to vote by wards this year (10/07/08)
To avoid confusion at the polls, city and county officials want to remind Shelbyville voters about an important change in the City Council election next month. Only city residents in Wards 1, 3 and 5 will be voting for council positions on Tuesday, Nov. 4...

Downtown Depot Street area may go one-way (10/06/08)
All but one of the businesses on East Depot Street support having the two blocks off the public square become a one way thoroughfare, members of the city council were told Tuesday. The issue will be on the council's agenda when they meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the city hall annex...

Depot Street building may come down (10/02/08)
Costs to repair an adjoining building damaged during the recent demolition on East Depot Street could exceed $200,000, Shelbyville city council members were told Tuesday, which may lead them to order its destruction as well next week. Meanwhile, one council member said the building at 109 E. Depot should have never come down, claiming that he entered the condemned building to inspect it himself, in what another council member said would have been violation of the law...

New vision in view for Shelbyville (09/29/08)
New goals and a strategy to implement Shelbyville's comprehensive growth plan are likely to be discussed over the next month by the city council and planning commission. On Thursday, Charles Goforth of the design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) gave planning commission members compact discs containing the final draft, which contains drawings of the city's proposed Urban Growth Area and land use...

Planning commission sees strategic plan draft (09/26/08)
Shelbyville's planning commission will take a look at the city's new strategic plan next month, as members were given draft copies of the plan Thursday. Charles Goforth, of the design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC), gave commission members compact discs containing the final draft...

Depot Street reopened to traffic (09/24/08)
The 100 block of East Depot Street was reopened to traffic on Tuesday; it had been closed since the demolition of a condemned building on Monday. Meanwhile, a building damaged during the demolition of the condemned structure will be checked to see if it can be salvaged...

Depot Street building falls, damages nearby structure (09/23/08)
Bricks fell and dust flew Monday as crews got to work bringing down the building at 109 E. Depot St., which had been deemed dangerous by the city. However, a collapsing wall that struck a neighboring building means that the city will either have to pay for damages or buy the entire structure and destroy it as well...

East Depot building to tumble this week (09/16/08)
Traffic on East Depot Street could be flowing again by the end of the week as the demolition of a dangerous structure is tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday morning. Last Thursday, the city council passed three emergency resolutions pertaining to the building at 109 E. Depot, which was condemned in March. One block of the street has been closed to traffic since last week due to safety concerns...

City will pay for sod in detention area (09/14/08)
In its regular monthly meeting Thursday evening, the Shelbyville City Council voted to authorize the city manager to execute payment to Dwayne Sullivan to reimburse expenditures for sod used in a detention area. Sullivan came to the council last week with questions about how to solve drainage problems after he learned that he might not be the true owner of the land where he is building apartment development he is building at Thompson Street and East Lane Street...

Building's demolition gains approval (09/12/08)
With Shelbyville facing a "huge expense," the city council voted Thursday to authorize the emergency demolition of the building of 109 E. Depot St. and, possibly, the building next door. The trick will be getting the owner of the building to pay for the demolition, which will likely require litigation, the city's manager and attorney both said...

City moves toward demolition (09/09/08)
Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright inspected the walls inside The Grapevine Monday, at 113 East Depot Street. "This could come down at any minute," he said of a wall inside The Grapevine that is shared by a building deemed unsafe for habitation by the city in March...

Railroad right-of-way issues cause problems (09/07/08)
A question about drainage and the true ownership of land arose before the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday. Dwanye Sullivan addressed the council about problems he encountered with an apartment development he owns, or thought he owned until he discovered that part of it was actually property of Walking Horse and Eastern Railroad...

City against proposed shelter location (09/05/08)
Shelbyville City Council members said Tuesday they were not in favor of a proposed homeless shelter and child care center on North Main Street. The council took issue with the location rather than the concept. Last month, Dr. Carl Bailey presented his vision for Community Religious Outreach Social Services (CROSS) to the council. ...

Restrictions urged on chemical storage near schools (09/04/08)
estricting the storage of potentially dangerous chemicals close to schools and other facilities was urged Tuesday by a group of concerned citizens and institutions. In response, the council could use zoning laws to address the issue, Shelbyville's city manager said...

City envisions Depot Street revitalization (09/03/08)
Turning East Depot Street into a one-way thoroughfare is one idea that is part of a revitalization project envisioned for a two block area off the public square, the Shelbyville City Council was told Tuesday. City manager Ed Craig said he had been approached by several merchants on E. Depot about making the street one way due to concerns over safety for the businesses there...

Store's availbility for industry questioned (08/31/08)
A question from a Shelbyville city councilman sparked speculation about a new business during the end of Shelbyville's planning commission meeting Thursday. Right before adjournment, councilman Al Stephenson asked planning and codes director Kip Green if the old Kroger building on Madison Street could be used for light industrial purposes, or I-1 zoning...

Colloredo-North Main intersection upgraded (08/18/08)
Just one more step remains to finish work on the widening of the intersection of Colloredo Boulevard and North Main Street, according to city officials. Paving at the intersection was completed Thursday night, according to city manager Ed Craig, and he said that the work on the roadway "should be complete."...

High grass mows down city's time (08/17/08)
There's a stack of papers on the desk of Shelbyville codes official David Langford that continues to grow. Which is ironic, since growth is the main topic of letters that have been going out to property owners -- the uncontrolled growth of grass. Langford's main responsibility in the planning and codes department is property maintenance, dealing with subjects like junked cars or rundown homes. But, this summer, he has spent most of his time making sure that people keep their lawns mowed...

Council signs off on sewer work bid (08/17/08)
It was a brief and routine meeting for Shelbyville City Council Thursday, with a variety of ordinances and resolutions passed. A resolution was passed to approve awarding a bid for Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer on the northeast area sewer replacement project. The bid was awarded to Mayse Construction Co. of Chattanooga, which had the low bid of $1,079,053...

Homeless shelter, child care center proposed (08/13/08)
Shelbyville's city council is being asked for a zoning change and permission to use a building on North Main Street for a volunteer-run homeless shelter and child care center. Dr. Carl Bailey, who spearheads the county's Emergency Management Agency Avian Flu preparedness program and its shelter program, asked the council for the zoning change so that four trailers can be placed behind a house at 262 North Main St., which is owned jointly by the city and county...

Heavy traffic equals new business, council told (08/12/08)
Traffic flow is the key to bringing more retail businesses to Shelbyville, says the head of the city's and county's Chamber of Commerce. Walt Wood, CEO of Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, briefed city council members last week about the continuing efforts to bring more store fronts to the community...

City needs more parks land, council told (08/11/08)
There's no room for growth at H.V. Griffin Park and expansion is needed for the city's Parks and Recreation Department, the Shelbyville City Council was told Tuesday. Athletic coordinator Jakob Stephens briefed council members about the department's needs, saying that the city has an inability to host larger tournaments and more fields are needed...

$50M lawsuit against city dismissed (08/10/08)
A federal judge has dismissed a $50 million dollar wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Shelbyville filed by the family of Fermin Estrada, who was shot by police in March 2006, according to court records. Eight claims against Shelbyville police officer James Wilkerson were also dismissed, but remaining matters involving him are to be resolved in an undisclosed settlement agreement within the next few weeks...

Harris gym roof needs repair 'soon' (08/10/08)
Shelbyville city leaders have been told that the gym roof at the old Harris Middle School on Elm Street is "beyond its life expectancy." A letter from Don Price of Professional Roofing Contractors of Shelbyville to City Manager Ed Craig said repairing the upper roof would give the city a few more years to include a complete replacement in the city budget, but the lower lobby roof "needs to be replaced as soon as possible."...

Industrial park funding discussed by council (08/07/08)
The city council agrees: Shelbyville needs an industrial park. The question: How to pay for it. That was a topic of discussion raised by city manager Ed Craig at the city council's study session Tuesday evening. His idea is to buy 300 acres of land that is currently available on Railroad Avenue and turn it into an industrial park as well as a location for a sports park...

Housing permits, construction increase in city (08/03/08)
The housing slowdown in Shelbyville seems to be reversing itself, with work beginning on several projects, according to the city's planning and codes director. Kip Green said in March that the nation's housing slowdown had an obvious impact on home construction in Shelbyville, with the building of new houses down 60 percent since that time last year...

Leaders mark city's future priorities (07/28/08)
Members of Shelbyville's city council and its planning commission listed their priorities Thursday to make the city a better place in the future. Taking adhesive green "dots," members marked items they thought should be priorities for the city on several large sheets that listed a series of city goals and objectives...

Engineers fear building will collapse (07/23/08)
Engineers are worried about the possibility of "immediate collapse" of a building off the public square on East Depot Street that has been deemed unsafe for human habitation by the City of Shelbyville. Part of the sidewalk at 109 E. Depot St. is blocked by barrels and yellow caution tape to keep pedestrians out of the area where bricks have already fallen from the facade of the building...

Tornado warning sirens to sound (07/14/08)
Emergency management officials are planning to place tornado warning sirens around Bedford County, and are already using two existing units inside Shelbyville. Scott Johnson, director of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, says there are plans to erect 20 of the devices around the county in coming years, once funding becomes available...

Spec building's pros, cons discussed (07/14/08)
Shelbyville's city council was briefed Thursday on the pros and cons of constructing a 48,000-square-foot speculative building at the Airport Business Park. It was announced in April that Duck River Electric Membership Corp. had been given a $300,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant to help build a spec building to attract an industry to Airport Business Park...

City bans parking lot pet sales (07/11/08)
The sale of animals in the city, a change in the charter and a new police substation were some of the items the Shelbyville City Council addressed Thursday. A resolution asking for a change in the city's charter passed. The charter change would alter the voting requirement to "a majority of those present and voting" from "a majority of those present" in regards to electing members of the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board...

Police to add Purdy Court substation (07/09/08)
A new police substation at Purdy Court could be ready for use within the next month, Shelbyville city officials say. The use of a three-bedroom unit at 900 Purdy Court has been offered by the Shelbyville Housing Authority and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a place where officers can fill out reports, and to relieve overcrowding at the main police station on Lane Parkway, city manager Ed Craig said...

Garbage route changes 'running smoothly' (07/09/08)
"So far, everything is going smoothly." That's what Shelbyville public works director Mark Clanton said about the first few days of the city's new garbage schedule, which began Monday. The department converted to a four-day, 10-hour work week in an effort to save money on fuel...

Police accused of favoring tow firm (07/07/08)
A Shelbyville wrecker operator made allegations Tuesday that police were directing business to a particular tow company instead of following a set rotation schedule. But Shelbyville City Council members seemed unconvinced and asked for more evidence concerning the charges...

Novelty lighter ban pleases fire official (07/07/08)
They look like any innocent item a parent might buy at a retail store for their child, or even resemble a toy included in a children's fast food meal. But they aren't toys. They are cigarette lighters and, as of July 1, it is illegal to sell or distribute the items in Tennessee...

Council faces final pet sale decision (07/07/08)
A number of items will be addressed by Shelbyville's city council when it meets for its regular meeting Thursday, including passing an ordinance pertaining to the sale of pets. The final reading of ordinance number 821 would make it illegal to sell or give away animals in public places in Shelbyville, unless the person in question is a dealer...

City not sure it wants gym (07/06/08)
Bedford County's mayor will soon be sending a lease agreement to the City of Shelbyville for the old Harris Middle School gym and other properties. However, council members are asking for an inspection of the property before leasing it from the county...

Goals for Shelbyville considered by council (07/02/08)
Jobs. Education. Appearance. Recreation. Retail. Safety. These are goals Shelbyville's city council will take a look at next month when they examine the city's new strategic plan. The council held a strategic planning session at Henry Horton State Park in May to come up with a vision statement and a list of six goals and objectives for the future...

City garbage routes to change next week (07/01/08)
Shelbyville's sanitation officer has been wearing out his shoe leather for the past couple of weeks to make sure residents know which day to cart their trash to the curb. Beginning Monday, the city's public works department will switch to a 4-day, 10-hour work week, meaning the Friday garbage route will be phased out and others will be changing...

City Council member collapses in Memphis (06/29/08)
Shelbyville City Council got a scare earlier this week when one of its members suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing. Council members were waiting for a bus in front of the downtown Memphis Marriott Monday evening when Fred Harrison suddenly lost consciousness and began to fall backwards into a fountain...

Planning commission approves requests (06/27/08)
Shelbyville's planning commission had a brief agenda Thursday, dealing with only three items. A rezoning request was approved for Joe M. Lambert and Bobby G. Sanders for a parcel on East Cedar Street, from C-3 (Neighborhood Service District) to R-4 (High Density Residential)...

City budget passes; pay raises granted (06/26/08)
Despite two "no" votes, Shelbyville City Council passed its budget for fiscal year 2008-09 following a discussion about pay raises. No comments were made in the public hearing for the budget before the special called meeting to approve it. But when the motion to pass the budget came before the council, councilman Al Stephenson proposed an amendment keeping employee pay raises at three percent across the board...

East Side drainage problems may be over (06/24/08)
Drainage problems near East Side School should be reduced with the completion of work on the storm sewer in that area. Workers dug a 20-foot-deep hole in a playground across from the elementary school last week to install manholes and obtain access to underground storm water pipes...

Garbage collection times change for some (06/23/08)
Starting the week of July 7, a number of Shelbyville residents will begin a new garbage pickup schedule. Workers will also soon go door to door to inform those impacted by the change. According to Mark Clanton, director of the city's public works department, workers will shift to a four-day, 10-hour work week on July 7 in an effort to save Shelbyville money. As a result, the Friday garbage route will be phased out...

Shelbyville adds online tax payments (06/19/08)
The City of Shelbyville's web site now has a new feature that will not only allow citizens to pay their property taxes online, but will also make it possible to look up tax information. The new service can be found on the upper left hand side of the city's web page at www.shelbyvilletn.org...

Shelbyville expands fire fleet (06/17/08)
Shelbyville's fire department will soon put a new pumper truck into service, expanding its fleet and possibly lowering insurance rates, the city's fire chief said. Fire Chief John Habel said the new pumper contains some of the latest firefighting innovations, such as extra capacity for foam used to extinguish newer mixtures of fuel containing alcohol...

Mayor breaks ties, backs budget cuts (06/13/08)
Shelbyville's mayor broke two tie votes dealing with budget cuts at Thursday evening's regular meeting of the city council. Two budget cutting measures were before the council: The elimination of paper paychecks, estimated to save $16,740; and requiring city employees to take a two-week vacation, which would put $32,859 back into the budget...

City budget deficit projected at $571K (06/12/08)
Members of Shelbyville City Council have settled on the amount of the city's deficit and will approve this coming year's budget at a special called meeting later this month. The proposed budget would make Friday garbage pickup a thing of the past. Shelbyville will have a budget deficit of approximately $571,000 -- a figure which the council decided, following a lengthy discussion, to leave as is...

'Kitten season' snarls local animal shelters (06/09/08)
An influx of stray cats and kittens this spring has filled Bedford County Animal Control and other agencies to capacity. "This is kitten season," said Michael Gregory of BCAC. "This last month we've had so many cats come in that have since had litters. We have about 15 to 17 cats that are adaptable and more who are feral. We are full."...

Shelbyville seeks to slice deficit (06/05/08)
The budget ax emerged at Tuesday's meeting of the Shelbyville City Council, but very few actual cuts were made as the group struggles to reduce a nearly $650,000 deficit projected in next year's numbers. Three measures were agreed upon -- eliminating the use of paper paychecks, estimated to save $16,740; eliminating one public works position at a savings of $12,801; and requiring city employees to take a two-week vacation, which would put $32,859 back into the budget. ...

Shelbyville is not alone in sewage problems (06/02/08)
Aging sewage systems statewide are causing water quality problems, and the problem hits home in Bedford County. Shelbyville is one of 68 municipally-owned sewer systems in Tennessee that are under some type of order to bring their systems up to standards, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports, based on data from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation...

More city street repair dollars urged (05/31/08)
Shelbyville City Council reviewed preliminary budget figures Thursday night as presented by City Manager Ed Craig, with council member Al Stephenson saying he would like to see more put into street repair than is shown by the working document. The new fiscal year will begin July 1...

New city budget to be revealed (05/24/08)
Shelbyville's city council will get its first look at the 2008-09 budget this week, according to city manager Ed Craig. A budget meeting has been tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday in the courtroom of the city police station. Craig and city treasurer Gary Cantrell will take a final look at the first draft of the budget before passing it along to the city council, Craig stated...

Stormwater discussed by city planners (05/23/08)
A public meeting will be held next month, probably June 19, to explain the City of Shelbyville's stormwater regulations, which were adopted in 2003 as a result of state and federal Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) requirements. City Manager Ed Craig announced the meeting during Thursday night's meeting of Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission...

The numbers are up: traffic lights get signage (05/22/08)
Shelbyville has a lot of visitors, and sooner or later, they all have one thing in common. They get "turned around" or just plain lost. This week, the city's public works department is doing something about that by numbering the traffic lights on Shelbyville's main arteries: Madison Street and North Main Street...

Newly-placed trees are the wrong kind (05/17/08)
Don't get too used to seeing those new trees on the square. They are soon to be removed and won't be replaced until fall. According to City Manager Ed Craig, D & L Associates of Nashville, the landscaping company hired to plant and maintain the foliage, installed the wrong types of trees on the square...

Lawmakers support fight against public service unions (05/16/08)
Shelbyville and 20 other towns in Tennessee now have two allies in their fight to stop forced union representation for police and fire departments: Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander. Corker has proposed an amendment to the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (H.R. 980), which would require states to have mandatory collective bargaining for public service employees, according to a press release from his office...

Tribute offered to fallen police officers (05/15/08)
Fallen officers were on the minds of a group of Shelbyville policemen as they raised a flag Tuesday in honor of their own during a commemoration of National Police Week. "You can't take anything for granted," Chief Austin Swing noted, pointing out prisoners who seem totally trustworthy are capable of suddenly becoming violent...

S. Brittain soccer field proposal scrapped (05/10/08)
The idea to use property behind homes on South Brittain Street for soccer fields was scrapped after residents of that neighborhood showed up in force at Thursday night's Shelbyville city council meeting. A motion had been placed on the agenda last week to authorize Mayor Wallace Cartwright to contact the Shelbyville Power System Board to determine if they would lease property south of the water plant to the city for use as a soccer complex...

City eyes public pet peddling (05/10/08)
The first reading of an ordinance that would make it illegal to sell or give away animals in public places in Shelbyville was passed Thursday. The ordinance would make it unlawful to display any animal in a public place with the purpose of giving them away or selling them, unless the person in question is a dealer...

Sudberry, Nelson elected to power board (05/09/08)
Despite a complicated process, the Shelbyville City Council voted in two Power Board members Thursday evening. Rayburn Sudberry was elected to replace Clarence Lamb and Clara Nelson was returned to her seat. Lamb and Nelson had filed applications to serve, as did Sudberry, Thomas Landers, Ashley Heard, James Darden, Robert Crowell, Lizzie Peoples and Jason "Rusty" Reed...

New trees planted on square (05/08/08)
Dirt was moved again Wednesday on the Shelbyville public square, only this time it was to finally plant the trees that have been the source of concern for both downtown merchants and city officials. Reaction to the new greenery depended on who was asked. Janet Cavna, who lives on the square and is a member of Main Street Shelbyville, said she was pleased with the result...

State study says airport site is best for soccer (05/07/08)
A state evaluation says that land near Shelbyville Municipal Airport is the best site for a proposed soccer/athletic complex, the city's park board learned Monday. The concept was a topic of discussion at last week's Shelbyville study session, with two council members, Lee Roy Cunningham and Al Stephenson, wanting to build a complex on land owned by the city's power, water and sewer utility located behind a residential area on South Brittain St...

Five-year sports facility plan outlined (05/07/08)
An outline for a five-year plan to construct a soccer/athletic complex was included in an evaluation submitted to Shelbyville by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Recreational and Educational Services. The report recommends using 42 acres of land located near the city's airport for the proposed facility, which could include eight soccer fields and four baseball/softball fields...

S. Brittain soccer fields proposed (05/02/08)
Shelbyville's city council will consider a proposal to use property off South Brittain Street owned by the city's power, water and sewer utility for soccer fields. But some council members want more study done on the concept before making a decision...

Charter may change over power board issue (05/02/08)
Shelbyville's city council will consider a change in the city's charter dealing with power board appointments after receiving an opinion from the state attorney general that says the mayor can veto the council's choice. Last June, the council sought the opinion of the attorney general after controversy arose over a controversial Power Board appointment they made in May 2007...

City wants to ban parking lot pet sales (05/01/08)
The practice of selling or giving away animals at places like Wal-Mart may soon be a thing of the past. Shelbyville's city council will consider an ordinance that would make it unlawful to display any animal in a public place with the purpose of giving them away or selling them, unless the person in question is a dealer...

Federal union bill concerns city officials (05/01/08)
Shelbyville may soon join forces with other Tennessee municipalities to lobby against a bill requiring union representation for public service employees. City manager Ed Craig explained that a bill has made its way through Congress and is now in the Senate that would require states to have mandatory collective bargaining for fire and police...

Fuel costs impact city budget (04/28/08)
Rising fuel costs are prompting the city of Shelbyville to change how it will figure gasoline expenses into the next year's fiscal budget. But the good news is that overall, this year's budget is on target. With the numbers at the pumps reaching the $3.50 mark, cities and counties across the nation must absorb the impact and Shelbyville is no exception...

Building's fate to be decided (04/26/08)
The fate of an East Depot Street building deemed unsafe for human habitation by the City of Shelbyville will be decided within the next month. Barrels and yellow caution tape mark the spot where bricks have fallen from the facade of 109 E. Depot. Codes official Scotty Farrar said the building was declared dangerous when its condition was brought to the city's attention at the request of owner Alice Albright, who was having "some issues" with a tenant...

Planners address church, cycles, waste treatment (04/25/08)
A new church building, a motorcycle dealership and an improved treatment plant for Tyson were some of the items addressed by the Shelbyville Planning Commission Thursday. A public hearing was held concerning Shelbyville's new subdivision regulations before the commission meeting began. No one spoke about the new rules and the commission approved the regulations after that...

Big trucks moved off the square (04/25/08)
The traffic situation on Shelbyville's public square will soon see some relief as 18-wheeled vehicles will be directed away from the crowded area. City manager Ed Craig said that Mayor Wallace Cartwright had requested that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reroute state highways off of the square. The city received word from TDOT Tuesday that the request was approved...

Large tree must go, city says (04/23/08)
Concern about the fate of a tree on East Depot Street led to a small public hearing Tuesday between some downtown business people and city officials. Jennifer Templeton of Templeton Insurance started a petition to save the large tree in front of the business that is slated to be replaced by a pair of single stem crepe myrtles...

Half of Shelbyville without water for 12 hours (04/21/08)
So far, 2008 has been an eventful year for Bedford County's water utilities. About 4,500 customers -- a little more than half -- of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System were without water for 12 hours Saturday night and Sunday morning, after a water main break in a field near SPWSS headquarters...

North Main work begins Monday (04/19/08)
The long awaited beginning of the widening of North Main Street in Shelbyville kicks off Monday with the first phase: work on the intersection with Colloredo Boulevard / Fairfield Pike. Word was received late Wednesday from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that work would soon be underway, according to public works director Mark Clanton...

Tyson seeks wastewater plant upgrade (04/18/08)
An addition to Tyson Foods' wastewater treatment facility for its Shelbyville Poultry Complex is one of the items on the city's planning commission agenda next week. The food giant is requesting site plan approval for combined additional coverage of 13,707 square feet for the treatment system upgrade at 901 West Jackson St...

Citywide cleanup is coming (04/18/08)
If you've had enough of looking at that musty old couch or need to finally get rid of that antiquated refrigerator, get ready to haul it out to the street. April 21-25 is Spring Cleanup Week in Shelbyville, which gives residents the opportunity to get rid of all that junk that's been pilling up...

Cunningham: 'No' to some city funding (04/12/08)
Some city departments may want to consider not asking for some items after a city council member stated Thursday he would begin voting "no" on various funding requests. Lee Roy Cunningham said that the city should stop spending money on items he feels Shelbyville does not need. He had questioned if the city really needed mobile staging that was purchased by the Parks and Recreation Department at a cost of $6,755...

City accepts tree bids for the square (04/05/08)
With two members voting no, the Shelbyville City Council accepted bids Tuesday for the planting of trees on the city square. Accepting the bids was the only item for a special called meeting of the council that occurred before its regular study session. A bid of $12,205 from D & L Associates of Nashville was accepted...

City discusses dog control (04/03/08)
Do you catch them humanely, or introduce them to Mr. Pow! Pow! Pow!? That was the question debated Tuesday as the topic of dogs was once again before Shelbyville City Council, with councilmen asking the city's animal control officer if shooting the wild animals was an option...

Draft of urban growth plan revealed (04/01/08)
A preliminary working draft of Shelbyville's comprehensive growth plan lays out a list of issues and opportunities, which helps identify the city's strengths and weaknesses. The draft plan was drawn up by the design firm of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC), which is also working on the county's growth plans. The plan calls for the city's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to be expanded northward where most, if not all, of the future growth is expected to take place...

Growth plan sets goals, objectives for city (04/01/08)
While the preliminary draft of Shelbyville's comprehensive growth plan shows where new development will likely to occur, it also lists a series of goals and objectives for the city's future. The plan, which is supposed to cover a 20-year period from 2005 to 2025, is being drawn up by the design firm of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) and calls for the expansion of Shelbyville's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to the north...

Planners see urban growth blueprint (03/29/08)
Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission got its first look at a preliminary version of the city's urban growth plan Thursday night. Charles Goforth of the design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) briefed the commission on how the city should plan for its growth over the next 20 years...

City will take towing bids (03/14/08)
The City of Shelbyville has ended a decades-long practice of allowing a single business to handle all the towing and repair of city vehicles. The city council voted Thursday to bid out the contract instead of allowing Beech's Body Shop to continue to perform the towing service for free...

City to take bids on tow service (03/06/08)
"We need to do it right." Those were the words of Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig as he spoke about ending the 35-year practice of allowing a single business to handle all the towing and repair of city vehicles. Shelbyville will bid out the contract instead of allowing Beech's Body Shop to continue to perform the towing service for free...

Hospital CEO says new facility will draw patients (03/06/08)
An estimated 60 percent of Bedford County residents go elsewhere for their hospitalization needs, but the new CEO of Bedford County Medical Center told city officials that the new Heritage Medical Center should turn that trend around. That was the message Dan Buckner had for Shelbyville City Council Tuesday as he briefed them on what to expect when the new facility opens on July 12...

More work added to North Main project (03/05/08)
The city of Shelbyville will vote next week on an addition of Northside Park Drive to the plans for the widening of North Main Street. The city asked the design firm Gresham, Smith and Partners to add the redesign of Northside Park Drive to the project, which would widen North Main from its current four lanes to five, beginning at Madison Street and ending at Palmer Drive, for a distance of 1.2 miles...

Bid awarded for improving busy intersection (03/04/08)
A local paving company was recently awarded the bid for work that will begin the long-anticipated widening of North Main Street. Wright Paving Contractors, Inc. was awarded the contract for work to be done at the intersection of Colloredo Boulevard and Fairfield Pike with a low bid of $260,626...

New sub regs to go before public (02/29/08)
Shelbyville's planning commission approved amendments to the city's subdivision regulations Thursday and a public hearing will be scheduled before the new rules are approved by the city council. The regulations deal with a variety of topics such as open space and are designed to make new subdivisions more livable...

Real estate signs are regulated (02/27/08)
Those signs with the arrows can be seen on many street corners at the entrance to Shelbyville's subdivisions, pointing out properties for sale by various local real estate firms. But an irate T-G reader has phoned to complain about the practice, which he termed an eyesore and encroaching on his property...

Depot Street speed limit restored (02/15/08)
Shelbyville's city council returned the speed limit on Depot Street to its previous limit of 45 mph after council members received a number of complaints from citizens. Several weeks ago, city manager Ed Craig directed the public works department to change the speed limit on East Depot Street from 45 to 30 mph due to the large amount of accidents that were occurring at the intersection of Depot, Bethany Lane and Coney Island Road...

Donations on their way to tornado victims (02/12/08)
"This truck is just overflowing with kindness." That's how Public Fire Education Officer/Inspector Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department described a Big G trailer full of goods parked next to the city's main station on Monday. The loaded tractor-trailer left this morning at 7 for tornado-stricken Macon County packed with needed supplies. A twister ripped a path through the rural county last week, killing 13 people and leaving many without a roof over their heads...

City plans to destroy dilapidated buildings (02/08/08)
About a dozen eyesores around Shelbyville may soon have a date with the wrecking ball as the city seeks to demolish abandoned structures that have become public safety hazards. While there is a lengthy legal process behind the effort, city planning director Kip Green says that the rights of the property owner are of paramount concern...

City asked to support 'safe place' grant (02/07/08)
The Center for Family Development is asking the City of Shelbyville to sponsor a federal grant that will provide a safe place for kids. Director Denise Hobbs addressed the council Tuesday during its February study session to request that the city partner with the Center by applying for a $300,000 grant for a program called Safe Haven Supervised Visitation...

Council plants roots for tree program (02/06/08)
Trees on the square and other matters were reviewed Tuesday during a special called meeting and study session of Shelbyville City Council. Before the study session, the council held a called meeting to deal with two items. Approved was a motion to authorize the mayor to execute a contract with Ron Parsons, who made a bid of $300,000 last month to purchase the old Senior Citizens Center building on North Main Street...

1997 deal covers CDC maintenance (01/26/08)
A 1997 agreement between the Child Development Center / Community Development Center, Bedford County and the City of Shelbyville does make the city and county responsible for exterior maintenance at CDC's site on Eaglette Way, according to director Sarah Hunt...

Planners elect officers, consider zoning requests (01/25/08)
Two new members were welcomed to the Shelbyville Planning Commission and officers were elected for the year during a brief meeting Thursday. Earl Pewitt and Henry Wilhoite were appointed to the commission last month by Mayor Wallace Cartwright. Chairman Morton Renegar advised the pair to consult with city planning director Kip Green to learn what the commission can and can't do...

City, county could sell unused house (01/16/08)
A local real estate agent has expressed interest in an unused building on North Main Street jointly owned by the city and county, according to discussion Tuesday night by Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and property committee. The house, which at one time was used as a secure and private site for interviewing victims of alleged child sexual abuse, is currently unused, and Wayne Neese of Wayne Neese Realty & Auction Co. ...

County growth plans presented to public (01/15/08)
"Is this the right direction?" That was the question posed to interested citizens during the first of three public meetings dealing with Bedford County's revised master growth plan. With large graphics of the different proposed plans displayed, Charles Goforth of the design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) explained to the crowd of about 50 where the county should plan for its growth over the next 20 years...

Braker: Shelbyville sewer plant affects water supply (01/12/08)
Calling the area's ongoing drought "a real crisis," the head of the Duck River Utility Commission (DRUC) believes the release of water from Normandy Dam should be cut further. Randall Braker of DRUC also took issue with the idea that Tullahoma's waste water flowing into the Elk River watershed is a "major leak" in the Duck River's water supply, as a former engineer for Shelbyville claimed last week...

Growth plan hearings this week (01/12/08)
If the future growth of the county is a topic that concerns you, you will have three chances to sound off with your opinion this week. A series of public hearings will be held by the Bedford County's Joint Economic Development Board (JEDB) on the subject of the comprehensive master plan that is to be used as an update to Bedford County's growth plan...

Wrecker ordinance approved (01/11/08)
With Mayor Wallace Cartwright breaking a tie vote, Shelbyville's city council passed a controversial wrecker ordinance Thursday night. The ordinance proposes that any wrecker service that is on the Tennessee Highway Patrol schedule or meets the requirements of the Tennessee Department of Safety towing standards manual and those regulations may enter into an agreement with Shelbyville to perform non-consent tows for the city following accidents or breakdowns...

Rec Center one of the top aquatic facilities in U.S. (12/31/07)
The facilities at the Shelbyville Recreation Center have been named one of the top 25 aquatic programs in the country by the United States Water Fitness Association. Shelbyville was ranked number 21 and was also the only aquatic facility chosen in the state of Tennessee...

Wrecker proposal draws complaints (12/29/07)
Voices were raised during Shelbyville's city council study session Thursday over a proposed fee schedule for wreckers, with operators accusing the council of "price fixing." The ordinance dealing with wreckers performing non-consent tows for the city proposes that any wrecker service that is on the Tennessee Highway Patrol schedule or meets the requirements of the Tennessee Department of Safety towing standards manual and those regulations may contract with Shelbyville...

Planners allow apartments on the square (12/29/07)
Shelbyville's planning commission approved a zoning change Thursday that would make it easier to develop apartments on the square. The commission approved a recommendation to add apartments as a permitted use in two commercial zones. According to comments submitted by the planning and engineering staff for the city, it was recommended that the use table be amended by allowing C-1 (Central Business District) and C-2 (Highway Service District) zones for multi-family uses, or apartments...

Crimestoppers needs funding (12/21/07)
The Crimestoppers program has been the key to solving a number of criminal cases thanks to tips from people in Shelbyville and Bedford County, say law enforcement officials. But now funding is urgently needed to keep the program going and crooks off the streets...

City may lease old Harris gymnasium from county (12/19/07)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee voted Tuesday night to recommend leasing the old Harris Middle School gymnasium to the City of Shelbyville for $1 per year, with the city to be responsible for maintaining it...

City to take bids on old Senior Citizens Center (12/14/07)
Shelbyville will take sealed bids for the old Senior Citizen Center building on North Main Street, according to discussion Thursday night at the final regular meeting of the year for Shelbyville City Council. The city will advertise for the bids, with the right of refusal and a requirement that bidders state the purpose they may have for the building...

Chickens run loose in parts of city (12/11/07)
As codes enforcer for the city of Shelbyville, David Langford has to deal with a variety of issues in his job. Routine items like abandoned vehicles, grass that is too high or when a neighbor's property is too messy are just some of the challenges Langford faces with the public...

Hearings set on growth plan (12/05/07)
Bedford County's Joint Economic Development Board [JEDB] will hold a series of public hearings next month on the topic of the comprehensive master plan to be used as an update to the county's growth plan. The series of public hearings are tentatively scheduled to be held Jan. 14 at Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Jan. 15 at Cascade School and Jan. 17 at Community School. All of the meetings will start at 6 p.m...

Council considers revised wrecker ordinance (12/05/07)
Shelbyville City Council took a look at a revised wrecker ordinance Tuesday that was first examined in May. Several changes were made to the ordinance; most of the tow operators have agreed to them. Craig told the council that the city can't regulate the wrecker business, but it can contract with wrecker companies...

North Main work to cause closure (11/29/07)
A section of North Main Street will be closed tonight so the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) can finish uncompleted work on part of the roadway. According to Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig, the section between North Cannon Boulevard and Rite Aid will be closed and graded...

City gets $24M loan for sewer plant (11/21/07)
Shelbyville has received a $24.8 million loan through the State Revolving Fund Loan Program to upgrade and expand the city's wastewater treatment plant. Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage system manager David Crowell said he is very pleased with the announcement and is looking forward to progressing with the project...

Zoning change could allow lofts on the square (11/19/07)
A zoning change proposed for the city would make it easier to develop apartments on the square. Shelbyville Planning Commission will examine a recommendation to add apartments as a permitted use in two commercial zones when it meets next week. The commission will meet Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. in the courtroom in the Shelbyville Police Department...

Streetscape plans to be developed for square (11/09/07)
Shelbyville's city council only had a few items to address Thursday evening, one of them involving trees on the public square. The council passed a motion to hire Jim Douglas with Hodgson Planning and Design Services for streetscape planning for Shelbyville's Public Square, but Councilman Lee Roy Cunningham had questions about the move...

Council studies city retirement issues (10/31/07)
Shelbyville's city council held a brief study session Tuesday which mostly focused on retirement issues for its employees. City Manager Ed Craig reviewed for the council no less than eight different options to make sure that long term employees will be able to survive on their pension without having to take another job after retiring from the city...

Subdivision proposals to be released (10/27/07)
Developers and the public will soon be getting their first look at Shelbyville's proposed subdivision regulations so that the city's planning commission can make final adjustments before sending the document to the city council for approval. The commission plans to hold a public hearing on the new regulations after Christmas. ...

Healthy trees improve square, merchants told (10/25/07)
Downtown merchants and beautification enthusiasts agreed Wednesday that maintaining trees on the Shelbyville public square is the most important factor in keeping the area looking good, in order to promote business. The meeting was held to reach a consensus between businesses and members of the Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee to decide what steps need to be taken to improve the look of the square...

Trees will be meeting topic (10/18/07)
The debate over trees on the Shelbyville public square will continue during a public meeting next Wednesday, with a landscape professional giving his input on the issue. The meeting takes place at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the City Hall Courtroom at the Shelbyville Police Department...

City wins motions in lawsuit, but issues remain (10/13/07)
Summary judgment in favor of the City of Shelbyville was handed down Wednesday in Fayetteville in a lawsuit between the city and a local paving company. However, two legal issues still remain in the suit that was filed nearly two and a half years ago...

Tempest in a treetop (10/12/07)
Trees on the square were a topic of discussion Thursday during Shelbyville City Council's October meeting, with a merchant and a beautification advocate expressing different viewpoints. A debate began on the topic when a motion was made to apply for a landscape grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry, for the purchase and installation of trees on the public square...

Continuance granted in Wright lawsuit (10/09/07)
Motions continue surrounding a lengthy legal battle between the city of Shelbyville and a local paving company. The case was continued on Monday, with another hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Fayetteville. The suit was filed nearly two and a half years ago in Bedford County Chancery Court by Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC over a proposed controversial rock quarry which was turned down for approval in January of 2005...

BCUD, Shelbyville agree on water line transfer (10/04/07)
An agreement has been reached and signed for Shelbyville's municipal water system to acquire some of Bedford County Utility District's jurisdiction just outside city limits. The exchange grew from a property owner's request in early summer 2006 when Eddie Crowell of Jackson, son of W.J. Crowell of Shelbyville, sought city sewer service for 126 acres southwest of U.S. 41-A North...

City studies new financing method (10/03/07)
Shelbyville City Council was informed Tuesday about ways to pay for capital projects with a method called Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Don Darden of the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) explained the pros and cons of the method, which is used for redevelopment and community improvement projects...

Subdivision turns to be widened (09/28/07)
Questions about turn radiuses with roads inside a proposed development dominated discussion for Shelbyville's planning commission Thursday. A preliminary plat was before the commission for Briarwood Estates, a 87-lot residential subdivision on 72.4 acres located off of Richdale Lane and Brown Lane owned by Mayor Wallace Cartwright, who is also a member of the commission...

Speed humps installed at park complex (09/27/07)
Too many motorists racing through H.V. Griffin Park have resulted in the installation of speed humps on Buddy Overcast Parkway. City manager Ed Craig said the city has been "struggling for years" with people speeding through the park. After looking at several types of "calming devices" to get drivers to take their foot off the gas, the speed humps were laid down Wednesday...

Suit against city moved to federal court (09/27/07)
A suit filed by a former building official for Shelbyville has been moved to federal court, the T-G has learned. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, is suing his former employer for breach of contract and wrongful termination. Papers were filed in Bedford County Circuit Court in May, but the case has been removed to the Winchester Division of the U.S. District Court's Eastern District of Tennessee by the city due to constitutional issues, according to City Manager Ed Craig...

City planner looks at 'complete streets' (09/25/07)
With so many subdivisions and planned unit developments being built in Bedford County, new transportation concepts being used in the northwest are catching the eye of Shelbyville's planning director. Kirkland, Wash., is attracting planners from around the country who are looking at its street designs, which keep busy roadways safe for bike riders and walkers without adding new lanes. ...

City fire department gets grant for new truck (09/21/07)
The Shelbyville Fire Department has been awarded a $475,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security vehicle acquisition grant, it was announced Wednesday. The funds will be used to purchase a 75-foot ladder truck, which will replace a 1973 truck that doesn't have a pump or tank...

City approves its share of GIS flyover costs (09/14/07)
The Shelbyville City Council gave approval to funding the city's part of new aerial photography of Bedford County Thursday evening. The imagery will be for the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the city's portion of that cost will be $5,577. The current imagery is now around nine years old and is very out of date, especially on North Main Street where growth has exploded over the past decade. ...

City wants to talk trees with square merchants (09/05/07)
The city of Shelbyville wants to get together with businesses on the public square and others to discuss the future of trees there. The general consensus from the council was to get input from everyone concerned about planting new trees on the square...

Sub reg changes aim for livability (08/25/07)
Making communities more livable is one of the main concepts behind updated subdivision regulations that Shelbyville's planning commission will be examining over the next few months. "We've tried to meet what state law requires and what the environment requires, being the federal government, and put that into a document that makes sense," Planning and Zoning Director Kip Green said Friday...

Planners see proposed new sub regs (08/24/07)
Shelbyville's planning commission got their first look at the first draft of proposed subdivision regulations that are intended to bring the city "up to date" with surrounding communities. Chairman Morton Renegar said they have been waiting a long time for the draft, indicating the current regulations on the books were out of date...

City seeks Purdy Court pool funding (08/18/07)
The Shelbyville City Council took action Thursday to begin the process to obtain funding for the revitalization of the Purdy Court Park area. The grant being applied for would be for $103,840. The in-kind amount paid by the city would be $28,000, going toward the labor costs of renovating restrooms at the site...

Shelbyville airport receives state grant (08/18/07)
An Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $95,660 has been approved for the Shelbyville Municipal Airport, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation [TDOT] Aeronautics Division. Funds from the aeronautics grant will be used for an addition to the airport's existing apron [ramp]. Last month, the Shelbyville City Council gave approval for the mayor to execute a state grant application for construction of the new apron for a new maintenance hangar...

Attempt to remove city manager fails (08/17/07)
Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig survived an attempt to remove him from his job Thursday and then later had his contract renewed for two and half years. At the very end of Thursday night's council meeting, Councilman Al Stephenson made a motion that Craig be given 90 days notice that his contract as city manger would not be renewed...

Poll responders support consolidating VFSI (08/13/07)
The largest single group of respondents to a non-scientific poll on the Times-Gazette web site support leaving Volunteer Fire Services Inc. as is. However, if you add those who favor combining VFSI with the county ambulance service and those who support combining it with the Shelbyville Fire Department, you would find a majority of respondents in favor of some sort of change...

Proposed sewer plant gets favorable environmental report (08/08/07)
Shelbyville's new wastewater treatment plant has been given an environmental assessment and a "Finding of No Significant Impact" by the state Department of Environment and Conservation [TDEC]. Funding for the new plant, designed to handle 6.5 million gallons a day, was approved last month by the Shelbyville City Council. The project is estimated to cost around $25 million...

Traffic cases crowd city court (08/08/07)
"We've got seats if you've got tickets!" The standing room only crowd tried to stuff themselves further into the room where the man at the microphone was calling. Many strained to understand what he said while attempting to move closer, but the large mass of people made it difficult...

Six local bridges structurally deficient (08/07/07)
A total of six bridges in Bedford County have been classified as "structurally deficient" by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. (TDOT) TDOT states that while they track deficiencies in state bridges, the list released "by no means indicates a safety issue with the bridges."...

Swing honored by fellow police chiefs (08/07/07)
Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing was honored last week as Middle Tennessee Division Chief of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP). The group held its 37th annual conference in Memphis. Swing is a past board member for the association and is active on its finance oversight committee. ...

City looks at Purdy Court grant possibilities (08/03/07)
The Shelbyville City Council will look at a motion in two weeks to apply for a grant to revitalize Purdy Court. That was just one of the items examined in Thursday's study session, the first for newly elected mayor Wallace Cartwright, council members Lee Roy Cunningham, Al Stephenson and Kay Rose...

New elementary school approved by planners (07/27/07)
A site plan review for a new elementary school on Learning Way was approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Planning Commission, while two other items of interest were delayed until August. The school is to be located at the intersection of Learning Way and Madison Street on 3.22 acres. The property is currently zoned I-1 [light industrial]. It has no official name yet, although it is widely referred to as "Central Elementary School" for the sake of convenience...

Mayor is home, doing well (07/26/07)
Mayor Wallace Cartwright returned home Wednesday after he was taken to a Nashville hospital on Tuesday night. "Everything turned out fine and he's on his way home," City Recorder Betty Lamb said early Wednesday afternoon. Cartwright was admitted to Bedford County Medical Center after suffering from chest pains on Tuesday morning but the decision to move him was made during the evening...

Mayor hospitalized, sent to Nashville (07/25/07)
Mayor Wallace Cartwright was taken to a Nashville hospital last night. He was admitted to Bedford County Medical Center after suffering from chest pains on Tuesday but the decision to move him was made during the evening. According to City Recorder Betty Lamb, who spoke to Cartwright, he was to have been kept overnight for observation as a precaution, but was later sent to Nashville following a series of blood tests...

Public input sought for rec plans (07/25/07)
What do you think the future of Shelbyville's recreation department should be? That's the question officials want to get answered next week as the department holds two public meetings on the topic next Thursday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. until noon and a second session from 6-8 p.m. at the Shelbyville Recreation Center...

New council approves airport hangar (07/19/07)
Shelbyville's new city council held their first meeting Wednesday in a special called session to approve bids for a new maintenance hangar at the Municipal Airport. Also approved was a authorization to allow the mayor to execute a state grant application for construction of a new apron [ramp] for the new building...

South Main intersection closed (07/18/07)
Work is being done on a potentially dangerous intersection in Shelbyville that will slightly reroute traffic, but should help to prevent accidents. The section of South Main Street that directly intersects South Brittain Street has been closed and is being removed...

Controversial subdivision on city planning agenda (07/17/07)
The second phase of a subdivision that was met with opposition by neighbors will be before the Shelbyville Planning Commission next week. A request for final plat approval for Phase II of Stones Throw Subdivision, a 36 lot development on 12.70 acres on Highway 231 South north of Naron Road will be on the commission's agenda when they meet next Thursday at the City Hall Annex starting at 6 p.m...

New mayor, council take reins (07/13/07)
It was the changing of the guard Thursday as Shelbyville's new mayor and councilpersons were sworn in following their regular meeting. Judge Lee Russell administered the oath of office to incoming mayor Wallace Cartwright, new councilmen Al Stephenson, Lee Roy Cunningham, returning member Fred Harrison and Kay Rose, who was selected to fill Cartwright's vacant slot...

Outgoing council approves wastewater facility (07/13/07)
The Shelbyville city council took care of a number of items before swearing in new members Thursday, including financing a new wastewater facility and completing the process of changing the city's charter. Last week, Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer asked the city for approximately $25 million for a new sewage treatment plant, saying the existing plant has served its purpose...

Growth brings upgraded subdivision regulations (07/11/07)
With more growth in Shelbyville's future, planning commission chairman Morton Renegar says updating the city's subdivision regulations is a must. In August, the commission will begin looking at the first of several sections of the regulations which would make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks...

Funds requested for new sewer plant (07/05/07)
Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer is asking the city for approximately $25 million for a new wastewater treatment plant. The request for the bonds was made Tuesday at the city council's study session. David Crowell told the council that the existing facility has served it's purpose...

City to consider voting by wards (07/05/07)
Before the new Shelbyville City Council is sworn in next Thursday, the outgoing body will have several items to consider. One resolution that will be before the council is the issue of the city returning to voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large."...

Drought fizzles show, but fireworks will blast (06/29/07)
The tents have been popping up all over the county as they do every year, selling explosive fun for folks to celebrate the 4th of July. But the extremely dry conditions has fire officials worried that the fireworks could spark blazes. On Tuesday, Fire Chief John Habel recommended that the fireworks display for this year's Independence Day celebration be canceled, although other activities at H.V. Griffin Park will continue as planned...

Site plan approved for new EMS station (06/29/07)
Approval was given for a site plan for Bedford County Emergency Medical Services [BCEMS] Thursday by Shelbyville's planning commission. The main station is to be located on 1.8 acres at the intersection of Summit Drive, Airport Business Park Road and Frank Martin Road. The property is currently zoned I-1 [light industrial]. The property was donated for the EMS headquarters by the Wal-Mart Distribution Center...

Lawsuit filed over Power Board appointment (06/28/07)
A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Shelbyville and Henry Feldhaus over a controversial Power Board appointment which is to be examined by Tennessee's Attorney General. Rayburn Sudberry filed a Petition for Declaratory Judgment against the city and Feldhaus on June 22 in Bedford County Chancery Court, but papers had not been served to the city as of Thursday morning...

City approves 07-08 budget (06/27/07)
Shelbyville's city council swiftly passed the 2007-08 budget Tuesday evening in a special called meeting. The final numbers were slightly revised since the last study session concerning the budget. Projected unappropriated revenue is $11,979,130 with projected unappropriated expenses totaling $12,203,226, leaving a deficit of $224,097...

Fireworks cancelled due to drought conditions (06/27/07)
The fireworks display scheduled for July 4th at Shelbyville City Park has been canceled on the recommendation of Fire Chief John Habel due to the extreme drought the area is enduring. Other activities scheduled for the 4th at the park will go on as scheduled, Recreation Director Silva Pinson said...

Subdivision regulations to be updated (06/26/07)
New subdivision regulations for Shelbyville should begin to be examined in August by the city's planning commission, although the process for the changes will be done a piece at a time. Planning and Codes Director Kip Green said the first regulations to be examined are intended to make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks...

City budget is ready to go (06/20/07)
Shelbyville's 2007-08 budget is ready to go and will be addressed at a special called meeting of the City Council next Monday. The meeting is to take place at the city hall annex (the courtroom in the police department) at 6 p.m. The council held a study session Friday to fine tune the numbers, cutting back some non-profit funding and a road project...

City passes 'dangerous dog' ordinance (06/15/07)
The Shelbyville City Council passed the final reading on the dangerous dog section of Shelbyville animal control ordinance. The changes to the ordinance creates a provision for dangerous dogs, which are defined as having a "known propensity or disposition" to attack unprovoked, cause injury or threaten the safety of both humans and domestic animals...

State's view sought on board post (06/15/07)
Shelbyville will seek an attorney general's opinion as legal issues continue to swarm around a controversial Power Board appointment that the city council made last month. Meanwhile, the city may already be facing a lawsuit over the appointment. The discussion over the appointment began in May after Councilman (and now mayor-elect) Wallace Cartwright refused to vote on appointing a member to the board, citing actions taken in past years...

Legal battle continues between city and paving firm (06/12/07)
A long legal battle between the city of Shelbyville and a local paving company is continuing after Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell overruled a motion for partial summary judgment from the plaintiffs. The suit was filed nearly two and a half years ago in Bedford County Chancery Court by Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC over a proposed controversial rock quarry which was turned down for approval in January of 2005...

Cross-connection is an issue for lawn care (06/09/07)
The next time you turn on your faucet, thank local water providers and their cross-connection systems for the safety of the water that flows from the pipe. Wayne Cook of the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System is a member of the cross-connection department, a division that could just save lives...

Power board member selection in doubt (06/08/07)
Complex legal questions are still surrounding the Shelbyville City Council election of a Power Board member which took place last month. The city is currently seeking further legal opinions from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service [MTAS] over the matter and may even ask for an opinion from the Tennessee State Attorney General...

Cartwright wins mayor's race over incumbent (06/07/07)
Wallace Cartwright defeated incumbent Mayor Geneva Smith yesterday by a margin of 1,142 to 632 in City of Shelbyville elections, according to unofficial totals. Jerry Robinson was a distant third with 143 votes. All vote totals are unofficial until certified by Bedford County Election Commission, which is scheduled to meet 5 p.m. Tuesday at the election office....

City picks Blue Cross (06/07/07)
The Shelbyville City Council held a brief called meeting Tuesday to award the medical insurance plan for city employees, picking BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Last month, the council learned that HealthSpring, the current policy holder for the city, paid out $727,000 last year and only took in $559,000. City Manger Ed Craig said at the time that their proposed rate increase of 47 percent was "unacceptable."...

Police, fire services cost city (06/06/07)
If you've ever wondered where all your tax dollars go, the city has worked that out in their latest revised budget, which was presented to the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday. According to figures tabulated, 25 percent of next year's budget expenditures go to the Shelbyville Police Department, with 22 percent earmarked for the Fire Department. Public works get 15 percent, followed by 11 percent to general government...

Candidates talk metro at forum (06/05/07)
Candidates and their family members outnumbered the audience at a meeting Monday evening of Bedford County Democratic Club which had been billed as a city candidate forum. The forum, while poorly-attended, brought up one issue which had not yet been heavily discussed in the campaign: metropolitan government...

Polls open 9 a.m. Thursday (06/04/07)
Polls will be open 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday for the Shelbyville city election, with the mayor's race and three of the six City Council seats up for election. Early voting for the election wrapped up on Saturday. There were a total of 819 early voters, including paper ballots which have been received by the election office...

State grant to fund airport repairs (06/02/07)
Gov. Phil Bredesen announced on Friday that an aeronautics grant of $12,500 has been awarded to Shelbyville Municipal Airport. "Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee's transportation network," said Bredesen in a news release. "I can't stress enough the importance of not only maintaining these facilities, but also making sure they can continue to serve the changing needs of their communities. I'm pleased to support continued growth at Shelbyville Municipal Airport."...

July 4 observance will have Bicentennial flavor (06/01/07)
Erma Bombeck, noted newspaper humorist, said, "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."...

Early voting slow for city election (05/31/07)
Only 560 Shelbyville residents have early voted for the June 7 city election, which could be an early indicator of low turnout on Election Day. Saturday is the last day for early voting. "It's been slow," said Summer Leverette of the county election office. "It's a city election, and it's always pretty slow."...

Future projects may reduce sewer smell (05/30/07)
Manager David Crowell of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System says that an odor reported to the Times-Gazette by callers southwest of the square is the typical smell which emanates from the sewage treatment plant during the heat -- and that SPWSS has both short-term and long-term plans for addressing it...

New businesses approved for North Main (05/25/07)
Shelbyville's planning commission approved site plans for a new Taco Bell and retail center Thursday night, among other items. The two buildings are to be located at 1704 North Main St. on 1.66 acres. The plans call for a 2,700 square foot building for the restaurant, which is to seat 20 persons and an adjoining 9,350 square foot building labeled as a "retail center."...

Candidate Q&A: Fred Harrison (05/25/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? Education: bachelor's degree in business administration, one year graduate work in administrative education. Served 16 years as a county commissoion member and one term on the council....

Candidate Q&A: Jamie Williams (05/24/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking?
Between running a business for several years, my education, and working as a church treasurer, I have developed many skills which make me the best candidate for the Fourth Ward city council position....

Candidate Q&A: June Taylor (05/24/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking?
I have worked 25-plus years listening to both sides of the issue and determining the fairness for each party involved....

Candidate Q&A: Lee Roy Cunningham (05/24/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking?
I have the experience to do this job. I have served as a city councilman years ago. My background in business, running my own business for over 40 years, gives me a plus. I think you will agree that city government is a big business with a $16 million budget.....

Meet the Candidates: Fourth Ward (05/24/07)
The Times-Gazette's series on candidates in the June 7 city election continues today with the candidates for the Fourth Ward city council seat: Lee Roy Cunningham, June Taylor and Jamie Williams. Candidates must live in the ward they seek to represent, but all voters are eligible to vote in all council races, regardless of ward. There has been some discussion of changing that system for future elections...

City begins to crunch numbers (05/23/07)
It was number crunching time for the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday as they got their first look at the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. And from what they saw, the figures are looking good this year with no major expenses or tax hike seen. City Manager Ed Craig said the numbers "looks great," and that the council would probably be ready to wrap up the budget process in June...

Meet the Candidates -- Second Ward (05/23/07)
The Times-Gazette's series on candidates in the June 7 city election continues today with the candidates for the Second Ward city council seat: Jimmy Darden, former mayor Al Stephenson and incumbent Leonard Travis. Candidates must live in the ward they seek to represent, but all voters are eligible to vote in all council races, regardless of ward. There has been some discussion of changing that system for future elections...

Candidate Q&A: Jimmy Darden (05/23/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? My experience in coaching and management and my personality make me the best person for the office I am seeking...

Candidate Q&A: Al Stephenson (05/23/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? My term of four years as mayor of the City of Shelbyville gives me knowledge of working with the City Council and also state and county government. I've operated businesses in Shelbyville for approximately 25 years. I have an outgoing personality and the ability to listen to citizens' problems and concerns...

Candidate Q&A: Leonard Travis (05/23/07)
1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? My experience consists of being a Shelbyville resident for over forty years and serving the public while employed with Purity Dairy Milk Company. ...

Meet the candidates (05/22/07)
Today, the Times-Gazette begins a multi-part series in which we ask candidates in the June 7 city election to comment on their own qualifications and on recent issues facing the city. Today's installment focuses on the mayoral candidates -- Wallace Cartwright, Jerry Robinson and incumbent Geneva Smith...

Candidate Q&A: Wallace Cartwright (05/22/07)
Wallace Cartwright, candidate for mayor 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? I've been serving on the City Council for the past ten years and I have always been interested in what goes on in the city as well as in the county...

Candidate Q&A: Jerry Robinson (05/22/07)
Jerry Robinson, candidate for mayor 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? I am the only candidate for mayor that is college-educated in political science and public administration: I hold a BA with majors in Political Science and Economics, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (Go Vols!). ...

Candidate Q&A: Geneva Smith (05/22/07)
Geneva Smith, candidate for mayor 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? For the past eight years, I have worked hard with the local Economic Development and Tourism office, the South Central Tennessee Development District, the State Department of Economic and Community Development and Tennessee Department of Transportation to bring new industry and projects to Shelbyville. ...

Harrison seeks re-election (05/21/07)
Fred Harrison has announced his candidacy for re-election to a sixth ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 general election. Harrison has been a state auditor and a teacher and runs a bookkeeping and income tax service. He served 12 years on Bedford County Board of Commissioners and its budget and finance committee, including about six years as chair of that committee...

Clarifications from 2001 meeting reveal actions (05/18/07)
Minutes from a special called city meeting from 2001 reveal that a Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board member was appointed properly following questions about what constituted a "majority." Councilman Wallace Cartwright provided the Times-Gazette with minutes to a special called meeting held June 5, 2001, which was devoted solely to electing a utility board member...

Williams sues city for wrongful termination (05/16/07)
A former building official for Shelbyville is suing his former employer for breach of contract and wrongful termination, according to papers filed in Bedford County Circuit Court this week. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, was terminated from his position last May following action he intended to take in regards to a controversial asphalt plant. He is suing both the city of Shelbyville and city manager Ed Craig...

Remembering those who served (05/15/07)
There's a different flag waving in the breeze at the Shelbyville Police Department this week under the nation's symbol that is that flying at half-mast. It says "In Memoriam" and has been raised in honor of National Police Week, remembering the law enforcement officers who have fallen while serving their community...

City clarifies tiebreaking procedure (05/15/07)
Research into the past minutes of Shelbyville City Council meetings have clarified confusion that arose last week over previous votes for the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board. A controversy erupted during the council's regular meeting last Thursday after Councilman Wallace Cartwright refused to vote on appointing a member to the board, citing actions taken in past years...

Candidates agree not to campaign at polls (05/15/07)
Candidates in the June 7 city election have apparently made a "gentleman's agreement" not to station campaign workers at the polls that day, according to Election Registrar Anna Clanton, who witnessed the discussion but said the agreement is completely informal and has no official status with her office or the election commission...

Council argues over board vote (05/11/07)
Henry Feldhaus was appointed to the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board Thursday, but not before an extensive debate of Robert's Rules of Order and what constituted a majority. The proceedings were thrown into disarray when Councilman Wallace Cartwright refused to vote on the matter, leaving the vote 3-2 to appoint Feldhaus. An extensive debate then began over actions taken three years ago in appointing a member to the board...

Local operators unhappy with wrecker policy (05/09/07)
Several in the local towing business are not happy with proposed changes to Shelbyville's wrecker policy, which is up for a first reading Thursday. Last week, City Manager Ed Craig suggested the city bid out or contract the number of wrecker operators needed to respond to traffic accidents and then award the contract based on the prices bid by the operators...

Major makeover planned for Purdy Court (05/07/07)
Imagine a place where kids can walk through loops of water and cool off, or an elephant trunk spraying the children while they play. That's the vision coming from the city's recreation department, with ideas to make the old new again by giving the facilities at Purdy Court a much needed face lift...

New greenway plan unveiled (05/04/07)
While sections of it may not be completed for some time, Shelbyville's city council got a first look at the comprehensive master greenway plan on Tuesday. Terry Mulvaney of architectural firm Gresham Smith and Partners, who has given assistance with the design concept, explained the layout to the council. The city's greenway committee decided to have a comprehensive plan instead of designing piece by piece...

TDOT grant will benefit local airport (05/03/07)
The Shelbyville Municipal Airport has been awarded an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $40,500 to assist with improvements to that facility. Gov. Phil Bredesen made the announcement earlier this week. "General aviation airports are critical to the economic development of communities across the state," said Bredesen. ...

Council to consider voting by ward (05/03/07)
The issue of Shelbyville returning to voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large" in coming years will once again be before the city council. The suggestion to go to single member districts was made last month by Councilman Wallace Cartwright. Mayor Geneva Smith pointed out that the council had voted against the idea of voting by wards several years ago...

Wrecker ordinance changes proposed (05/03/07)
A proposed new ordinance regarding wrecker services used by the city for police tows is on the agenda for the Shelbyville City Council three years after the current one was amended. City Manager Ed Craig suggested the city bid out or contract the number of wrecker operators it needs and then award the contract based on the prices bid by the operators...

Dog owners growl about proposed limit (05/02/07)
The number of pets allowed in a yard may be re-examined after the Shelbyville City council got an earful from concerned dog owners about animal control proposals. Council members have been wrestling with how to deal with changing the city's code on animal control, which came following several dog attacks, including the attack on a Shelbyville woman by two pit bull dogs last November...

BCMC site plans get city's nod (04/27/07)
Site plans for the new Bedford County Medical Center were approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission. The 60 bed, 100,002 square foot building is to be located on U.S. 231 North across from the Shelbyville Municipal Airport in the Airport Business Subdivision...

Young attorney's death shocks community (04/25/07)
Attorney Tom Nance, 39, who served as Shelbyville City Attorney and as a partner in Bobo, Hunt, White and Nance, died Monday at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. "I'm just devastated," City Manager Ed Craig said this morning. "Tom was a great friend and great advisor and I relied on him daily. He was such a wonderful man with a warm manner and great sense of humor. It has left a huge hole here in City Hall."...

Celebration makes massive financial impact (04/20/07)
Like an old family friend, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has been with Shelbyville since 1939, so long that many can't remember there being a time when there wasn't a horse show. The longevity of the show makes it difficult to determine the exact tax impact that the annual event has on this community, according to Shelbyville Mayor Geneva Smith...

City defers action on voting change (04/13/07)
Shelbyville's city council voted to defer a resolution that would change voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large" on Thursday. Councilmen Randy Vernon asked for it to be discussed at next month's meeting because the matter was brought up at the end of last week's study session and Vernon felt there hadn't been enough time to discuss it...

Dog ordinance passes first reading (04/13/07)
The first reading of an ordinance concerning dogs was passed by the Shelbyville City Council Thursday evening. The ordinance amends Chapter 2, Title 3 of the city's municipal code pertaining to dogs. Interest in changing the city's code on animal control came following several dog attacks, including the attack on a Shelbyville woman by two pit bulls last November...

Gordon briefed on greenway project (04/11/07)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon stopped by Shelbyville City Hall on Tuesday for a briefing about the city's master greenway plan, and expressed support for the city's pro-active approach. "I'm happy to see you're way out in front on all this," said Gordon. Mayor Geneva Smith, City Manager Ed Craig and Planning and Codes Director Kip Green made the presentation to Gordon and his Bedford County field representative, Sean Gilliland...

Darden seeks Second Ward seat (04/11/07)
James "Coach Jimmy Dee" Darden has announced his candidacy for a Second Ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Darden is a retired employee of the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center, for which he worked 23 years. Prior to that, he worked at Uniroyal in Shelbyville for 17 years. He is a graduate of Burt High School, Austin Peay State University and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa's continuing education program...

Travis seeks another term on Council (04/06/07)
Leonard Travis has announced his candidacy for re-election to a Ward 2 seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Travis is retired from Murfreesboro Pure Milk Co. (Purity) after 45 years of service. He has served on the Shelbyville Planning Commission, the Shelbyville Airport Authority, the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center board and the Stormwater committee...

Shelbyville elections could change (04/05/07)
Shelbyville could return to voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large" in coming years. Councilman Wallace Cartwright suggested going to single member districts during Tuesday's study session of the city council. Councilmen Randy Vernon and Leonard Travis also supported the idea...

Cunningham seeks City Council seat (04/04/07)
Lee Roy Cunningham has announced his candidacy for a Fourth Ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Cunningham was born, raised and educated in Bedford County. He owns and operates Bedford Motors and has been a businessman for 44 years...

Limits on dogs, cats possible (04/04/07)
The issue of limiting how many dogs and other animals can be kept outside a home in Shelbyville was examined by the city council as they move closer to a vote over animal control. A new section is to be added to the city code dealing with limitations on keeping animals outdoors which would limit the number of creatures allowed based on lot size...

Ten qualify for city election (03/30/07)
Ten candidates have qualified to run for offices in the June 7 Shelbyville city election, including three candidates for mayor. This is the last city election to be held in an odd-numbered year. Starting in 2008, city elections will be held in November of even-numbered years, at the same time as state and federal general elections. This will save the city the cost of having its own separate election...

Taylor seeks Fourth Ward seat (03/27/07)
June Taylor has announced her candidacy for a Fourth Ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Taylor is director and owner of Kiddie Kare I Infant and Toddler Center and Kiddie Kare II Preschool. She has been in the child care business for 20 years...

New subdivision rules being readied (03/23/07)
Shelbyville's Planning Commission may have new subdivision regulations in their hands by this time next month, according to the city's planning and zoning director, Kip Green. Finishing touches were being put on the new regulations, Green said, which are intended to make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks...

Celebration, city support Trainers Show (03/23/07)
The industry that has made the city of Shelbyville known worldwide as the "Walking Horse Capital of the World" announced that the City of Shelbyville has shown its support for the National Trainers' Show in a big way. Walking Horse Trainers' Association Director Benny Johnson joined Celebration CEO Ron Thomas and Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig on the Celebration Grounds to accept a sponsorship check totaling $30,000 from The Celebration and the City of Shelbyville for their sponsorship of the event.. ...

Cartwright seeks mayor's office (03/22/07)
Wallace Cartwright has announced his candidacy for mayor of Shelbyville in the June 7 city election. Cartwright is currently serving his third term as a council member representing Ward 3. Cartwright was a partner with his father in Ewing F. Cartwright and Son, General Contractors, for 24 years. ...

Mayor seeks re-election (03/15/07)
Geneva Smith has announced her candidacy for re-election as mayor of Shelbyville in the June 7 city election. Smith, a Bedford County native, is a member of Fairfield Church of Christ. She is a member of the Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce board; the Economic Development and Tourism board; and the Joint Economic Development Board. ...

Stephenson seeks Council seat (03/14/07)
Former Shelbyville mayor Albert Stephenson has announced his candidacy for City Council, representing Ward 2, in the June 7 city election. Stephenson was mayor from 1995 to 1999. He is an alumnus of Leadership Bedford and holds a certificate for government leadership from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Institute for Public Service. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former president of Shelbyville Kiwanis Club and a former lieutenant governor for Kiwanis International...

What will county look like in 2027? (03/12/07)
Residents from all parts of Bedford County are invited to express their opinions on how they think their community should grow during the next 20 years. The public hearing scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on March 27 is in conjunction with discussions started this winter by an advisory panel with a consultant from a Nashville planning and engineering firm...

Open records aren't always seen by public (03/10/07)
NASHVILLE (AP) -- If a local or state official in Tennessee refuses to release a public document, the only recourse is to file an expensive civil lawsuit. But there are some efforts to change that this year. Gov. Phil Bredesen has said he will put money in the budget to create an open records ombudsman, someone to help people who are refused access to public records...

Developers want access to city water (03/09/07)
A couple of developers and a farmer who wants to sell land for subdivisions left the Bedford County Utility District meeting Thursday night saying they'd been put between the city utility and the utility district in situations similar to one that's been festering since last summer...

Council opposes AT&T proposal (03/09/07)
Shelbyville's city council passed a resolution stating its opposition to an upcoming state bill concerning cable television franchising rights and possible competition in the area. AT&T, formerly known as BellSouth, wants to change Tennessee state law to permit companies "willing to compete with the monopoly cable TV providers" to get a statewide franchise to provide cable services themselves...

To bee or not to bee in tree (03/08/07)
It's rare when the Shelbyville Public Works Department generates a buzz in town, but that just what department employees were doing Wednesday, with help from local beekeepers who were called in to help move a massive beehive. City workers used heavy equipment to bring down a rotting tree behind a home on Michael Lane. The tree was causing a drainage problem, but another issue cropped up when it was discovered that an enormous colony of bees has taken up housekeeping inside the tree...

Library asks city for $1 million (03/02/07)
A request for funding for a new library was made to the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday, with representatives pointing out the shrinking space in the current facility. In December, the Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding setting conditions on when and how Argie Cooper Public Library can receive the $1 million contribution approved by commissioners back in April of 2006...

Council urged to oppose cable proposal (03/01/07)
Shelbyville's city council will consider a pair of resolutions dealing with an upcoming state bill concerning cable television franchising rights and possible competition in the area. However, City Manager Ed Craig is urging the council to oppose that idea, saying that customers would lose in the long run...

Limits may be placed on dog ownership (02/28/07)
The discussion on dogs and other animals in the city limits continued Tuesday, with Shelbyville's city council debating several facets of an updated ordinance of control. The biggest issue discussed was the number of dogs allowed to be kept in a yard and setting that limit...

SPWSS approves customer records policy (02/28/07)
A new policy on the release of public records was adopted on Tuesday by directors of city utilities here. To find people who owe him money, a local businessman has sought their addresses from the Shelbyville Power, Water & Sewerage System, according to discussion among members of the utilities' board...

Robinson enters mayor's race (02/26/07)
Former City Manager Jerry Robinson has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Shelbyville in the June 7 city election. Robinson was city manager in 1996 and 1997. He has been employed at Winner's Circle Horse Supply in Shelbyville since 1998, and he is a member of First Baptist Church on Depot Street...

Planners deny rezoning request (02/23/07)
Shelbyville's planning commission denied a rezoning request Thursday for land at the corner of Lewis Avenue and Coble Circle from R-1 [low density residential] to C-2 [highway service district]. City staff had recommended the denial due to encroachment into an established R-1 community being located near a flood prone area. Increased traffic at the location could also pose a hazard to the natural flow coming into Shelbyville from Highway 64, they said...

Too many dogs, too much barking (02/14/07)
Too many dogs at some homes and barking dogs are two frequent complaints faced by Shelbyville officials, according to discussion Tuesday as the city council reviewed a proposed law drafted, at first, to deal with vicious dogs. "We also have to deal, here in Shelbyville, with chickens," City Manager Ed Craig told the council during a workshop on what's developed into a broader examination of animal control ordinances since residents' attention was focused on a pit bull dog attack on a grandmother protecting her pet last September.. ...

Rec center upgrades gain approval (02/09/07)
Shelbyville will soon be taking bids for work on the city's recreation center, after the city council passed several motions regarding the department. The council passed a motion to take bids to paint the interior of the building, as well as to install a new cove base as required and to have the outside of the building sealed against the elements...

Dog ordinance proposals to be discussed (02/08/07)
A number of proposed changes to Shelbyville's dog ordinance that will be discussed next Tuesday creates a provision for dangerous dogs, a list of "prohibited acts" and adds a section to the city code concerning the treatment of animals. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the courtroom of the city hall annex...

Big plans for rec center (02/03/07)
By this time next year, Shelbyville Recreation Center should be the talk of the town. That's what parks and recreation director Sylvia Pinson is working toward. Since taking over the reins of the department in October, Pinson has been busy planning changes she hopes will give Shelbyville one of the best recreation centers in the state...

Glitch in zoning laws to be examined (02/03/07)
Shelbyville City Council was briefed Tuesday about a "catch-22" in the city's current zoning regulations that would impact about 20 homes. The issue has arisen over a home that has existed in the city for 30 years in a commercial zone. According to planning and zoning director Kip Green, if the home was to be 60 percent destroyed by a fire or other disaster, the city would not be able to issue a building permit as codes are currently written...

City dog problem will be discussed (02/01/07)
Shelbyville's city council will hold a special meeting on Feb. 13 to once again take up the issue of animal control, specifically what to do about vicious dogs. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the courtroom of the city hall annex. City Manager Ed Craig said that he felt the council wasn't anywhere near a pit bull ban, which had been one option discussed but instead to place restrictions on dogs "after they become bad."...

SCHS site plan gets city nod (01/26/07)
Approval was given Thursday by the Shelbyville Planning Commission for the site plan for work to be done on areas of Shelbyville Central High School. The additions will total 96,538 square feet, containing a new two-story classroom and office building, which are to be placed between the existing building and the gymnasium, becoming the building's new front entrance, facing Learning Way and the Harris Middle School campus...

Planners to review SCHS site plan (01/18/07)
Next Thursday, the Shelbyville Planning Commission will consider the site plan request for work to be done on parts of Shelbyville Central High School. The additions will total 96,538 square feet, containing a new two-story classroom and office building, which is to be placed between the existing building and the gymnasium, becoming the building's new front entrance, facing Learning Way and the Harris Middle School campus...

Growth planning process continues (01/13/07)
Leaders from various aspects of Bedford County and its municipalities will gather again soon as an advisory panel to help a consultant develop a growth plan for local governments. The consultant, Doug Tennant of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc., Nashville, has planned another meeting of the panel he's calling the "PC 1101 Plan Advisory Committee" to help local governments respond to a law requiring urban growth plans...

North Main work gets council nod (01/12/07)
Approval was given by the Shelbyville City Council Thursday to a proposal for survey and design work for one of the stages of the widening of North Main Street. The work is to be done by the design firm of Gresham, Smith and Partners for a cost of $358,000. According to the firm, it is intended that the widening be completed on the eastern boundary of the road. Handicap ramps on the western side of the road will also be updated in the project...

North Main widening moves forward (01/04/07)
The first new item of 2007 for Shelbyville's city council next week will be approving an agreement for a survey and roadway design for the widening of North Main Street. The work is to be done by the design firm of Gresham, Smith and Partners for a cost of $358,000. According to the firm, it is intended that the widening be completed on the eastern boundary of the road and handicap ramps on the western side of the road will also be updated in the project...

City will concentrate on roads, storm water in '07 (12/29/06)
Work on roads and storm water detention around Shelbyville will be a priority in 2007, according to city manager Ed Craig. The city made plenty of accomplishments, from administrative to planning, in 2006 and citizens should be seeing progress on several fronts in the upcoming year, Craig said...

Land swaps, zoning close out year for council (12/18/06)
Land swaps and rezoning were the main items on the Shelbyville City Council's agenda at the last meeting of 2006 Thursday. The council voted to approve a land swap with Bobby Parker on property on Eagle Boulevard and to authorize the mayor and city recorder to execute the agreement and deed...

Planners approve 225-lot subdivision (12/08/06)
Shelbyville's planning commission approved a request for rezoning for a 255 lot subdivision Thursday, just one of many items addressed during the last meeting of the year The subdivision known as Hearthstone was approved to be changed from R-1 [Low Density Residential] to PUD [Planned Unit Development]...

Target owners, not the breed, council told (12/06/06)
The issue of pit bulls and vicious dogs will be one for study as the Shelbyville City Council heard from dog owners who said that the owners, not the breed, need to be the target of any new city laws. The council will not take any action in the regular meeting for December, scheduled for next Thursday...

Growth plan being reviewed (12/04/06)
Bedford County leaders have begun a series of meetings to reconsider their urban growth plan which was adopted several years ago and their approach is with the help of a professional planner. The consultant, Doug Tennant of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc., Nashville, met with a panel he's calling the "PC 1101 Plan Advisory Committee." They're members of the community's Joint Economic Development Committee...

Sewage plant upgrade could reduce odors (12/02/06)
Expansion of the sewage treatment plant in Shelbyville includes plans for a system to control odors from the facility within eyesight of the Bedford County Courthouse. Installation of a "de-watering process" is being planed by an engineer working for the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System, according to David Crowell, general manager of the system...

Planning Commission has long agenda (11/29/06)
There will be two months worth of items to consider for the Shelbyville Planning Commission when they meet Dec. 7, including site plans for a new business, expansions of existing ones and a look at two large subdivisions. A request for rezoning for a 255 lot subdivision called Hearthstone and a 6.17 acres commercial tract is one of the items. Latting Road LLC and Harts Chapel, LLC is asking for the 120 acres to be changed from R-1 [Low Density Residential] to PUD [Planned Unit Development]...

Council to study dog regulations (11/25/06)
Two proposed ordinances will be presented on how to deal with pit bull dogs when Shelbyville City Council members meet next month for their workshop session. "Control the owners and don't attack the breed," City Manager Ed Craig said to summarize the message he's received from people reacting to the prospect of an ordinance to ban pit bull dogs...

Pit bull ordinance discussed (11/24/06)
If Shelbyville passes a pit bull ordinance, it will place new restrictions on those who already own the animals and ban them for others who wish to have them. While the idea for the ordinance has been brewing due to recent incidents involving the breed, the proposed change in the law has came about following an attack on Peggy Rambo by two pit bulls last weekend...

Proposed pit bull ban draws support (11/18/06)
Third in a series An ordinance to ban pit bull dog ownership in Shelbyville is to be considered by the city council next month and it's supported by two grandmothers involved in last Sunday's attack on Tremont Drive. "I'll be glad to show them my hands and I'll bring my bloody coat," Peggy Rambo said of what she'll do when she testifies during a public hearing that might be held next year if the council proceeds as recommended by City Manager Ed Craig...

$50 million suit filed in Estrada death (11/10/06)
Saying they want a full explanation, survivors of the Shelbyville grocer who suffered a fatal bullet wound in March will file a $50 million wrongful death suit today against the city, its police department and the officer who fired his city-provided assault rifle, according to their Memphis-based attorneys....

Council approves building repair (11/10/06)
It was a routine meeting for the Shelbyville City Council as members passed a number of ordinances and resolutions Thursday night. The council approved a motion to declare an emergency and expend an amount of no more than $23,000 to repair the back wall and a door frame at the city's public works building. It was damaged two weeks ago by a wind storm that caused parts of a wall to crumble and warped the door frame. The cost of repair would be covered by insurance...

The other amendment on Tuesday's ballot (11/04/06)
It's proposed constitutional amendment #1 -- the definition of marriage -- that's getting all the attention, but the other amendment on Tuesday's general election ballot could have an impact on senior citizens, and on local governments. Amendment #2 would allow counties and cities to grant property tax relief to senior citizens by, in effect, freezing the property tax bill on their primary residence at the time they turn 65. ...

More green space would enhance city (11/04/06)
In the next few months, Shelbyville Planning Commission and the city council will look at updated subdivision regulations that would make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks. In fact, the planning commission recently turned down a plat request for Lexington Cove, a 241-lot residential subdivision on 91.55 acres located off of Morton Street and Vine Street proposed by Roger Ritch, over such issues...

Two more weeks of work at intersection (11/01/06)
It may be two more weeks before work is finished to widen a section of road in front of the old Renegar's Drug Store, the Shelbyville City Council learned Tuesday. City Manager Ed Craig said that work in front of Arby's on Madison Street was nearly completed and the finishing and striping work should be completed sometime later this week...

City, BCUD hit snag in negotiations (10/30/06)
A sticking point has been revealed in negotiations between two local water utilities that are talking about moving the border between their service districts. Bedford County Utility District wants Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System to pay an amount for customers it gets from BCUD based on gross revenue...

Grant will buy bullet-proof vests (10/27/06)
A $2,438 U.S. Department of Justice grant will allow the Shelbyville Police Department to purchase 15 bulletproof vests, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced last week. "Unfortunately, many communities don't have the money to purchase all the vital equipment needed," said Gordon in a news release. "This grant is an effective way to help local law enforcement do its job safely...

Planners deny subdivision plat (10/27/06)
Shelbyville's planning commission Thursday evening denied a preliminary plat citing concerns over road design and open space issues. The plat request was for Lexington Cove, a 241-lot residential subdivision on 91.55 acres located off of Morton Street and Vine Street, owned by Roger Ritch...

Parks director's new job is a homecoming (10/14/06)
Bedford County native Sylvia Pinson has come home to share a passion she's worked at all her life. Pinson was recently named director of Shelbyville's parks and recreation department after 19 years working for the Jackson Recreation and Park Department in west Tennessee...

Cleaned-up lot still called a nuisance (10/13/06)
Shelbyville's city council passed a resolution Thursday declaring a property on Landers Street a nuisance, even though the lot had been recently cleaned. The property in question is owned by Linda Lee Wilhoite of 614 Landers St. She was fined a total of $2,250 plus court costs last week by City Judge John T. ...

Industry promises smell will end soon (10/06/06)
Residents in the area of Stanley Boulevard in Shelbyville have been complaining about a foul odor that apparently has been coming from the area of Bemis Custom Products. However, a company spokesman said Thursday steps are being taken to remove the smell, which is said to be caused by decomposing plants and algae in a drainage pond...

City levies fine for trash (10/04/06)
A Shelbyville homeowner was found guilty of "public nuisance" over sanitation issues and the accumulation of rubbish and garbage at her home on Landers Street. Meanwhile, city officials say that the council will likely move forward to pass an ordinance formerly declaring the property a public nuisance when they meet on Oct. 12...

Chili's site plan receives approval (09/29/06)
A site plan for Chili's Grill and Bar was approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission. The 4,215 square foot restaurant is to be located at 1734 North Main St., the same address as Lowe's. The company's representative is Perry Engineering LLC. The first Chili's was opened in 1975 and now has over 1,000 locations in 49 states and 23 countries...

Home may be declared public nuisance (09/28/06)
The Shelbyville City Council will be looking at passing a resolution to declare a piece of property on Landers Street as a public nuisance. The home in question is at 614 Landers St., owned by Linda Lee, which has been the subject of numerous complaints over abandoned vehicles, scrap metal, junk and other items that have littered the property since 1999...

Road work will address traffic problems (09/28/06)
Motorists traveling through Shelbyville will be slowing down in two areas over the next few weeks, but it will be due to some much anticipated road work to help ease traffic problems. Survey work began Wednesday on North Main Street in front of the former Renegar Drug Store and Auto Zone. The city hopes to finish making that segment into a four-lane street by the end of October...

City defers action on lawsuit (09/27/06)
Shelbyville City Council deferred any action on a possible lawsuit against the county concerning the funding of Volunteer Fire Services Inc. in violation of state law. Mayor Geneva Smith asked for the deferral because the city and county had met this past Saturday and both government bodies were to submit proposals to each other and then meet to work out the matter...

City to meet on lawsuit (09/25/06)
Shelbyville's city council will meet in special session Tuesday to discuss proceedings concerning the funding of Volunteer Fire Services Inc. in violation of state law. The possible action comes despite a meeting Saturday between members of both the city and county government in which some officials urged the city not to file a suit over the issue...

Chili's to build in Shelbyville (09/19/06)
Shelbyville will have a new dining experience in the near future with the addition of Chili's Grill and Bar. A site plan request has been submitted to the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission for a 4,215 square foot restaurant to be located at 1734 North Main St...

City holds off on suing county (09/15/06)
Shelbyville's city council deferred a motion to authorize the law firm of Boult Cummings to begin steps to file suit against Bedford County to enforce a injunction from 1993 involving funding of Volunteer Fire Services Inc. Councilman Leonard Travis suggested that the matter be put off until after city and county officials meet on Saturday, Sept. 23, to discuss this issue and another one that involves a 1974 sales tax agreement...

Planners examine city's growth (09/11/06)
With new developments popping up all over Shelbyville, the city's planning commission sat down Thursday to discuss what kind of growth they want. The commission discussed guidelines for city staff for planned developments, specifically mixed uses within the development such as agricultural and commercial, as well as what style of homes they want in the PUDs -- a rural appearance, a Florida Keys townhouse or a Cape Cod style unit with a minimum separation between buildings...

New recreation director named (09/07/06)
Shelbyville has a new director for the city's parks and recreation department. Ed Craig, city manager, announced Wednesday that Sylvia Sanders Pinson has accepted the position of director. She is currently the superintendent of recreation for the Jackson Recreation and Park Department...

City will adopt code of ethics (09/07/06)
Over the next few months, Shelbyville's city council will be looking into adopting a code of ethics for the municipality, which is now required by state law. The ethical standards would require two restrictions. One would be rules "setting limits on and/or providing for reasonable and systematic disclosure of gifts or other things of value received by officials or employees that affect or appear to affect their discretion."...

City will vote on whether to file suit (09/06/06)
The Shelbyville City Council will vote next Thursday whether or not to file suit against the county over a "double taxation" issue that the county has yet to respond to. The issue refers to lawsuits settled in 1996 which alleged that Shelbyville taxpayers were taxed illegally to pay for fire and sanitation services provided to only county residents outside the city...

Land sale might not end problems (08/29/06)
An attorney involved in a complicated land dispute says the property will likely be sold to a Nevada firm once a court in Nashville rules on issues surrounding the ownership. But even if the land sale is made to the company, there could be problems getting the proposed factory rezoned and approved in the area of Horse Mountain Road...

Stone's Throw on agenda again (08/16/06)
Shelbyville's planning commission will look at a request for final plat approval for a controversial development again next Thursday. A request for Phase I of Stone's Throw Subdivision, described as a 26-lot residential subdivision consisting of 8.03 acres, will be before that body when they meet on Aug. 24. The property is located on Highway 231 South, north of Naron Road...

City's new property tax rate approved (08/11/06)
It's now official. Shelbyville's city council voted Thursday to establish the fiscal year 2006-07 budget and set a new property tax rate: $1.41, which exceeds the certified rate of $1.26 by 15 cents. The tax is going down six cents from the current rate of $1.47...

City water deal goes to BCUD (08/08/06)
A proposal on what Shelbyville's water system would pay for expanding its service area into that of Bedford County Utility District has been formulated and will be presented Thursday night to the rural water and gas utility. "We've got a pretty good offer that we're going to make," said Johnny Donegan, one of two members of the Board of Directors of the Shelbyville Power, Water & Sewerage System who agreed to serve as a delegation to BCUD's board...

County's state funding totals $63.2M (08/03/06)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) has received the annual budget data containing state funding broken down by county and has announced that during the new state fiscal year that began July 1, Bedford County is now projected to receive approximately $63.2 million of state appropriations. Also, Bedford County will receive a portion of the $9.3 billion of federal funds included in Tennessee's $26.4 billion budget as adopted by the 104th General Assembly...

Needy seniors may get tax break from city (08/02/06)
While many Shelbyville residents will be paying more property tax, the elderly will be looking at tax relief. Councilman Leonard Travis says he will make a motion at next Thursday's Shelbyville City Council meeting to give a tax break to those age 65 and older or totally disabled and income of $20,000 or less...

Property tax rate depends on perspective (07/29/06)
While some may be grumbling about an upcoming change in Shelbyville's property tax rate, records show that the actual rate of $1.41 is the lowest it's been in nearly 30 years. On Tuesday, the city council decided that Shelbyville's new tax rate will be $1.41, exceeding the certified rate of $1.26 by 15 cents. The rate is going down six cents from the current rate of $1.47...

City approves site plan for new hospital (07/28/06)
Shelbyville's municipal planning commission gave the thumbs up to a site plan for the new Bedford County Medical Center [BCMC] Thursday but not before some questions were asked. Several commission members asked about what the impact of the noise from aircraft traffic might have on patients...

BCUD view on water deal sought (07/28/06)
Two members of Shelbyville's utility board are going to the next meeting of the rural water district based here to officially find out what that panel's position is on a property owner's preference for city water. D.E. "Ed" Crowell of Jackson, his wife and father own 126 acres just north of the city line at Unionville Highway and they'd like to annex the land for sewer service. ...

H.V. Griffin dead at 89 (07/26/06)
H.V. Griffin, who was mayor of Shelbyville for several separate terms between 1969 and 1987, died this morning after an extended illness. He was 89. Shelbyville's park complex, which was built and opened in the 1970s while Griffin was mayor, was later renamed H.V. Griffin Park in his honor....

H.V. Griffin (07/27/06)
Funeral services for former mayor H.V. Griffin, 89, of Shelbyville, who died Wednesday after an extended illness, will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, where he was a member and served as an elder, with the Rev. Stephen Caine officiating.

City will raise property tax (07/26/06)
Changes are coming to Shelbyville's property tax. Following a lengthy budget workshop, the city council decided that Shelbyville's new tax rate will be $1.41, exceeding the certified rate of $1.23 by 15 cents. The tax is going down six cents from the current rate of $1.47...

North Main work slowly progresses (07/22/06)
It may not look like it now, but progress is moving forward to correct traffic problems on North Main Street and Madison Street that have been plaguing drivers traveling in Shelbyville. The bad news is that it may be a couple of years before all the work will be completed...

Council adds $1 million to budget (07/21/06)
It was another evening of pouring over the budget numbers for the Shelbyville City Council Thursday, with nearly an extra $1 million being added to fund needed items. The only question for the council now is to figure out how to pay for it. That challenge will be before the council when they meet again next Tuesday to debate their options...

Three-Star upgrade is certain for county (07/15/06)
It's all over but the shouting. According to a review team which visited Shelbyville on Friday, Bedford County's upgrade to a Level III certification in the Governor's Three-Star Award program is, while not yet official, a foregone conclusion. "The points are here," said Renee Winchester of the review team. "You are being certified, so let me congratulate you."...

Council addresses routine items (07/15/06)
With the Shelbyville City Council looking at budget matters this month, there wasn't much on the agenda for its brief regular July meeting Thursday night. A resolution was passed to authorize the city to participate in the Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool "Safety Partners" Loss Control Matching Grant...

Wilkerson is back on duty (07/13/06)
The Shelbyville police officer who shot and killed an Hispanic businessman during a backyard barbecue, which included celebratory gunfire, has been returned to patrol duty, now officially seen as having responded in accordance with police training. "The Shelbyville Police Department is happy to announce the return of Patrolman James Wilkerson to his regular duties on July 12," Police Chief Austin Swing said in a prepared statement as he took Wilkerson off administrative leave that lasted nearly four months.. ...

Non-profits request city funds (07/10/06)
Several non-profit organizations and other groups submitted their yearly requests for funding from the city of Shelbyville during their budget study session Thursday. A total of 16 community non-profit organizations, non-profit charitable agencies and institutions such as the Argie Cooper Public Library and the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce are asking for money this year. However, only eight representatives appeared before the council to make their requests...

City considers budget add-ons (07/07/06)
It's budget time for the City of Shelbyville. City manager Ed Craig told the council during Thursday's study session that the second draft of the fiscal year 2006-07 budget is essentially balanced, with projected unappropriated revenue at $11,059,657 and projected unappropriated expenses listed at $11,068,846...

A fantastic Fourth (06/30/06)
Next Tuesday will see bright flashes and thunder in the sky over the H.V. Griffin Park Complex, but it will all be man made. It's once again time to celebrate Independence Day and there will be plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The fireworks display will kick off at 9 p.m...

New development planned for Madison (06/23/06)
A brief meeting of Shelbyville's planning commission Thursday saw the approval of three items, one of which is hoped to bring rejuvenation to a part of the city. The commission voted to rezone 747A Madison St. from C-2 to PUD [Planned Unit Development] for Celebration Plaza, which owner Bill Papanos described as housing "upper class units."...

Council chooses insurance provider (06/22/06)
Shelbyville's city council acted on three finance-related matters in a special called meeting Wednesday. The council voted to select Health Spring as the city's health insurance plan provider for the next fiscal year, covering 195 employees. City Manager Ed Craig provided council members a spreadsheet that analyzed the proposals for the health insurance. ...

Progress or eyesore? (06/21/06)
A mess -- or progress? That question weighs heavily on the mind of a Shelbyville resident whose trees were trimmed Monday by a contract crew working for Shelbyville Power System. "I cried when I saw what they'd done," Mildred Reed, 609 Landers St., said of the condition of large shade trees in her front yard. "If the trees die I expect them to be replaced."...

Housing Authority receives $678K grant (06/16/06)
The Shelbyville Housing Authority has been awarded $678,559 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to upgrade its housing units. The announcment was made Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon. Shelbyville Housing Authority's Director of Operations Ronald Tillman says they will use the money for modernization projects...

City employees certified (06/12/06)
A number of Shelbyville city employees in various departments have completed management courses recently offered by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service [MTAS]. Participants were awarded with certificates during Thursday's city council meeting. MTAS's Municipal Management Academy is designed for experienced managers and supervisors who want to become more effective, as well as those who have been recently appointed to supervisory positions in municipal government...

City, county may meet on tax issues (06/10/06)
It may be next month before the city and county get together again to hash out their differences over two taxation issues. Councilman Randy Vernon inquired about the status of the issues at the end of Thursday's city council meeting, asking if County Mayor Jimmy Woodson had responded to a letter sent to the county in April regarding the dispute...

City design manual to be printed (06/09/06)
Shelbyville's city council will enter into an agreement with design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon to develop a Community Design Standards Manual. Councilman Wallace Cartwright voted against the measure. The cost of the manual will be $16,700 and could include items such as landscaping requirements for businesses and sidewalk requirements for new subdivisions...

Plat approved for controversial subdivision (06/07/06)
Shelbyville's planning commission reversed a previous vote Tuesday and approved the preliminary plat for Stone's Throw subdivision, which has been the center of a lawsuit between the city and its developer. However, one citizen said she would hold the commission responsible for any accidents that occur in that area due to increased traffic...

Replacing power lines without disrupting power (06/07/06)
It happens about once a year and it's been happening this week on three roads in Shelbyville. Old power lines are being replaced with bigger wires to meet the increasing demand for electricity. Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage General Manager David Crowell explained the colorful ropes being strung by a contractor Tuesday from one utility pole to another on Union Street...

City considers design standards (05/31/06)
Community design standards, which could include everything from landscaping requirements for businesses to sidewalk requirements for new subdivisions, were discussed by Shelbyville City Council during a study session Tuesday night. On the table for the council's June meeting is a proposal to hire the engineering firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon to draft a community development design standards manual for the city...

Couple questioned about April shooting (05/27/06)
A couple from Warren County are being held who may have been involved in the April shooting of the wife of Shelbyville's planning and zoning director. Tracy Green, the wife of Kip Green, was shot and wounded last month after she confronted a man and woman she caught red-handed breaking into their home in rural Coffee County...

Stone's Throw to be studied (05/26/06)
A special called meeting of Shelbyville's planning commission will be held June 6 to re-examine the matter of the proposed Stone's Throw subdivision, which has been the center of a lawsuit between the city and its developer. In March, P&R Development LLC filed a compliant in Bedford County Chancery Court alleging that the commission had "arbitrarily and capriciously denied preliminary plat approval, which was an abuse of discretion and illegal."...

Hospital proceeds may be used for fire trucks (05/24/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee recommended Tuesday night that the interest on the proceeds from the sale of Bedford County Medical Center be used to help finance new fire trucks for Volunteer Fire Services Inc. and an expansion program for Bedford County Emergency Medical Services...

Asphalt plant dispute costs official his job (05/20/06)
Shelbyville's building official Wayne Williams was terminated from his position last week following action he intended to take in regards to a controversial asphalt plant. Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, was notified of his dismissal on May 10...

City census yields disappointing result (05/19/06)
Privacy concerns from residents in Shelbyville appear to be the reason that results of a city-wide census are much lower than anticipated, according to city officials. Planning and zoning administrator Kip Green turned in the numbers to the state Monday, which totaled 16,213, a gain of just 108 people compared to the last census conducted...

Council approves its share of growth plan cost (05/12/06)
Shelbyville's city council voted Thursday night to enter into an agreement with the county to have a comprehensive master plan developed as an update to the county's current growth plan. The city will split the costs of the study with the county, a total of $41,055. The Joint Economic Development Board [JEDB] had asked the two government bodies to split the costs of the plan, which will be developed by Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon, Inc. [BWSC]...

Metro isn't the answer, council told (05/11/06)
Don Darden of the University of Tennessee's Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) told Shelbyville City Council members on Tuesday that consolidated city-county government, called metropolitan or metro government, is not the windfall that some people assume...

Celebration, city donate $25K to trainers' show (05/09/06)
The industry that has made the city of Shelbyville known worldwide as the "Walking Horse Capital of the World" announced that the City of Shelbyville has shown its support for the recently-completed Trainers' Show in a big way. Walking Horse Trainers' Association Executive Director Billy Thomas was on the Celebration Grounds recently to accept a sponsorship check for $25,000 from The Celebration and the City of Shelbyville for their sponsorship of the event...

Lewisburg Highway could be four-laned (05/06/06)
It will take a few years, but progress is being made to turn the idea of expanding State Highway 64 west of Shelbyville to four lanes into a reality. Shelbyville's planning and zoning director, Kip Green, said that a feasibility study for the project has been completed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation [TDOT]...

City hires new aquatics director (05/04/06)
Shelbyville has hired an aquatics director for the parks and recreation department, who says he has plans for new programs and fun. Brian Wolf started full time in the position Tuesday and the timing couldn't have been better; with summer nearly here and the outdoor pool at the recreation center opening up May 27...

City to discuss metro government (05/04/06)
Shelbyville's city council will meet Tuesday to discuss the concept of a consolidated city-county government, also known as metro. The council will hear from Don Darden of the Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service on the topic when they meet at 6 p.m. in the courtroom at the city's police department...

County faces continued growth, says planner (05/03/06)
Bedford County is "in the path of growth" that will "continue unabated," according to a professional planner that addressed the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday. The city has been asked by the Joint Economic Development Board [JEDB] to split the costs for a comprehensive master plan as an update to the area's overall growth plan...

Census takers hired (05/01/06)
The City of Shelbyville has hired 10 people to go door to door with red folders and name tags and put the finishing touches on a special city-wide census. According to planning and zoning administrator Kip Green, the city has about 3,000 addresses to visit and only 10 days to do it. Shelbyville firefighters already have helped out by going door-to-door to homes of those who have not yet responded to the census...

Annexation requests pulled from agenda (04/28/06)
Two annexation requests were pulled from the Shelbyville Planning Commission's agenda Thursday and other requests were approved. One request was from owner W.J. Crowell for 126.07 acres of land on U.S. 41-A North to be annexed into the corporate limits...

Growth plan to include public input (04/26/06)
If the county and Shelbyville choose to split the costs of a comprehensive master plan updating the area's growth plan, a complicated seven-month process would get underway that will make sure everyone has a voice. Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon, Inc. [BWSC] recently submitted a proposal to provide professional planning services at a cost of $82,110...

County, city asked to fund growth plan (04/25/06)
Bedford County's Joint Economic Development Board [JEDB] is requesting that the county and Shelbyville split the costs for a comprehensive master plan as an update to the area's growth plan. A proposal has been submitted by Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon, Inc. [BWSC] to provide professional planning services for the county at a cost of $82,110...

City census still underway (04/22/06)
The head count is now under 13,000 for Shelbyville's special census and the deadline for reporting the figures to the state is less than a month away. Planning and zoning administrator Kip Green said Wednesday that there are a total of 4,400 addresses in the city where people have responded...

City receives annexation request (04/21/06)
As the city ponders how to manage the explosive growth it is experiencing, Shelbyville's planning commission has received a request to recommend annexing 126.07 acres of land into the corporate limits. The request comes from owner W.J. Crowell for property on U.S. 41-A North. However, that request could be denied until certain issues are addressed, according to comments made by the city staff that advises the commission...

TASC convention to be held here (04/19/06)
Central High School will welcome 500-700 middle school and high school students and adult advisors from across the state March 29-31, 2007, as it plays host to the Tennessee Association of Student Councils convention. The students will stay for two nights in homes throughout the city, while about 100 adults will stay in hotel rooms, according to a presentation Tuesday night to the Bedford County Board of Education. ...

City wants new tax agreement with county (04/14/06)
Shelbyville's city council voted to enter into discussions on a new agreement with the county over tax issues after passing a resolution to that effect Thursday. The two issues involve a sales tax agreement made with the county in 1974 -- which was apparently approved in violation of Tennessee's Sunshine Law -- and Bedford County's compliance with a 1996 court injunction for the funding of Volunteer Fire Services Inc...

Firefighters help with census (04/13/06)
With just a short time left to complete an important special city-wide census, members of the Shelbyville Fire Department started helping out Monday by going door-to-door at the homes of those have has not replied yet. However, the results are still around the 10,000 mark, far lower than the 20,000 responses the city was hoping for when the head count began last month, according to Kip Green, planning and zoning administrator for Shelbyville...

City proposes dual-tier tax (04/12/06)
Shelbyville City Council reached a general consensus Tuesday night that it's time to move on to avoid an impasse with Bedford County over two taxing issues. However, the solution appears to be a suggestion from the city that the county have two property tax rates: One for residents who don't live in a city, and one for those who do...

City study session will be held on tax issues (04/05/06)
A special study session will be held Tuesday by the Shelbyville City Council to discuss two tax issues with the county. The council met already last week to talk about the issue; however, the discussion was deferred until all members could attend. The meeting will be in the courtroom of the police department starting at 6 p.m...

Airport awarded grant to replace hangar roof (04/05/06)
The Shelbyville Municipal Airport has received an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $90,000 that will go toward replacing the roof on a hangar at that facility. The grant is a 50/50 split, according to airport manager Hank Williamson. The new roof will go onto a community hanger that houses 12 aircraft on one end and a jet in the other, he said...

Planners look at managing growth (03/31/06)
Shelbyville's planning and zoning administrator is in the process of gathering information so that the municipal planning commission can start looking at ways to manage the explosive growth the city is experiencing. Morton Renegar, chairman of that committee, has called for a moratorium on large subdivisions in the past...

Census will go door-to-door (03/31/06)
Shelbyville isn't getting the feedback they expected from a special city-wide census, so in the next few weeks, they'll start doing it the old fashioned way -- door-to-door. "So far, we have not had the response we had hoped to get," according to planning and zoning administrator Kip Green. Approximately 10,000 people have responded to the city-wide head count, and that's just half of what was expected, according to Green...

Council puts off tax decision (03/29/06)
With two members absent, Shelbyville's city council deferred discussion and possible action of two tax issues with the county. Councilmen Wallace Cartwright and Robert Frazier were not present at the meeting. City Manager Ed Craig said there were big issues involved and that there was no rush...

Fairfield Pike residents complain about traffic (03/25/06)
Residents along Fairfield Pike are fed up with the traffic situation in front of their homes and a spokesperson for the group claims that Shelbyville's city manager is not doing his job. But City Manager Ed Craig said that the council is already considering its options regarding the matter...

Planners define quarry, quarrying (03/25/06)
Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission approved a definition for stone quarrying Thursday, a left-over issue from a controversy surrounding a local paving company and the city. According to the definition, stone quarrying is "the excavation or extraction from the earth of a parcel of property of rock and stone by cutting, digging, blasting, or other means, except where such excavation is necessary or required for construction on that parcel pursuant to a properly issued grading permit, and in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations.". ...

Council will meet to discuss city / county tax dispute (03/25/06)
Shelbyville City Council will hold a special called meeting Tuesday to consider its position and any possible action on a sales tax agreement made with the county in 1974, which was apparently approved in violation of Tennessee's Sunshine Law. The council will also consider their position and any action regarding Bedford County's compliance with a 1996 court injunction for the funding of Volunteer Fire Services Inc...

Developers sue city planners (03/24/06)
A Lewisburg development firm has filed suit against the Shelbyville Planning Commission over their denial of preliminary plat approval for Stone's Throw subdivision in January. P&R Development LLC filed the compliant in Bedford County Chancery Court alleging that the commission "arbitrarily and capriciously denied preliminary plat approval, which was an abuse of discretion and illegal."...

Davis is back on patrol after shooting (03/23/06)
The Shelbyville police officer who witnessed the fatal shooting of a Hispanic businessman here on Saturday was returned to duty Wednesday, according to Police Chief Austin Swing. "Officer Bruce Davis has been cleared and is back on duty today," Chief Swing said Wednesday morning. "He did not fire the shot. He was a witness" to Officer James Wilkerson's shooting of Fermin Estrada...

Census response is low so far (03/23/06)
City officials are hoping for a bigger response to the special citywide census, with only 25 percent, a little over 5,600 taking part so far. Planning and zoning administrator Kip Green said Tuesday that they will be sending a list of those who have not responded to telemarketers who will be begin making calls Wednesday until the middle of next week...

Police offer escorts to Latino firms (03/23/06)
Shelbyville police on Tuesday night offered security escort services to Hispanic businesses when they make deposits at their banks and said all the owners have to do is ask if they want police their shops more frequently. Police Chief Austin Swing and Detective Sgt. Jason Williams offered those services during a three-hour meeting of Hispanic businesses owners and operators at St. William Catholic Church and the police encouraged greater cooperation between their people...

Metro to be discussed (03/22/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee voted to send the issue of metropolitan government to the county attorney for study, a first step towards possibly presenting the idea to the full county commission. "I'd like to see it studied, see the pros and cons about it," said commissioner Bobby Vannatta, who appeared before the rules committee to present the metro government proposal and two other issues...

Census results begin to come in (03/14/06)
The first results are in and so far, 2,425 have responded to Shelbyville's special census, a total of 13 percent of the city's goal. The red envelopes bearing the forms went out to the public a little over a week ago and the city will give citizens several weeks to respond to the mailed letters, although the postal system isn't the only way folks can answer...

Airport will receive landscaping (03/10/06)
Shelbyville's airport will be looking nicer soon, thanks to the efforts of the Leadership Bedford Class of 2006. The Shelbyville City Council approved a project Thursday to landscape a portion of the airport grounds. Each side of the driveway entrance will be landscaped, perennials are to be planted in the corners of the back fence, two picnic tables for people to sit and watch the planes take off and trash receptacles are to be installed...

City hopes census brings more state funding (03/02/06)
Keep an eye out for a red envelope in your mailbox very soon because it could help Shelbyville get more money from the state. It's a special census to be conducted by the city which officials say could result in a lower local tax burden for Shelbyville residents. The letters containing the census should be mailed out by the end of this week...

Tree surgeons to begin work later this month (03/02/06)
Shelbyville residents will be visited this month by consultants hired by the city's electric service to discuss how a tree pruning business will be trimming limbs near power lines this year. Keeping tree limbs away from power lines helps assure continued electric service during ice storms by avoiding short circuits. Limbs near wires are to be pruned. Trees that are topped grow many new smaller branches. The utility is abandoning that practice...

Committee considers portables, fire trucks, schools (03/01/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee voted Tuesday night to spend $720,000 on new portable classrooms for the county school system and asked for financing options for nearly $3 million in new fire trucks -- and discussed the much-larger expenses looming for a school building program...

Heavier trucks may be allowed in city (03/01/06)
Shelbyville's city council is looking at amending the city code which would allow heavier trucks to travel on various roads within the municipality. As the code is written now, vehicles that weigh in excess of 10,000 pounds are allowed to travel only on North Main Street, Cannon Boulevard, westbound on Highways 130 and 82, westbound on Highway 64, and north and southbound on Highway 41-A...

Planners told to think 20 years ahead (02/24/06)
The chairman of Shelbyville's Municipal Planning Commission asked members to start thinking about what kind of city they want in the next 20 years. It's a topic that Morgan Renegar has spoken about before due to the size of some of the subdivisions that have been before the body over the past year. In October of last year, he called for a moratorium on large subdivisions...

Metro government process outlined (02/22/06)
The city-county dispute over taxes has led some officials to wonder out loud about the process for adopting "metropolitan" government, which would combine city and county governments. Tennessee Code Annotated 7-2-101 and following sections lay out the process for proposing and adopting a metro charter. ...

City, county still at odds (02/22/06)
At their second meeting to discuss tax issues, Shelbyville city officials and Bedford County officials found a little common ground but remained separated on the issue of whether the sales tax distribution between city and county should be changed. City officials also said the county doomed its last wheel tax proposal to failure by not tying it to schools...

Presidents Day closings announced (02/17/06)
A variety of offices and agencies will close Monday for the federal Presidents' Day holiday. Here are some schedules of broad interest: Bedford County Courthouse and courthouse annex offices will close Monday and (where applicable) Saturday....

City wants quicker North Main widening (02/11/06)
Survey work in anticipation of widening North Main Street continues as Shelbyville is spending some of its federal money to prompt reconstruction sooner than the work might be done only by the state. Yet, according to City Manager Ed Craig, officials don't anticipate state funding for completion of the widening until the state's budget is adopted in 2008 with money appropriated for the Tennessee Department of Transportation...

Snow threat postpones Fun Festival (02/10/06)
A Family Fun Festival planned by the city of Shelbyville has been postponed until next Saturday due to the threat of snow this weekend. The event is to take place at the Shelbyville Recreation Center on Feb. 18 with a city employee rummage sale for the United Way kicking off at 7 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m...

City hires law firm for dispute with county (02/10/06)
Shelbyville's city council voted Thursday to employ the law firm Boult, Cummings, Conners and Berry to work with City Manager Ed Craig to give advice on legal issues regarding a 31-year-old sales tax agreement and double taxation issues with Bedford County...

Census to help city get its fair share (02/03/06)
Starting in March, Shelbyville residents need to start looking for a red envelope in their mailbox. That's because answering the simple questions within could mean the city will get more tax money from the state. The city will be conducting a special census starting Feb. 28 which officials say could result in a lower local tax burden for Shelbyville residents...

Nashville firms propose to represent city (02/01/06)
Shelbyville's city council heard the results of a search for possible legal representation over taxation issues between the city and the county. City Manager Ed Craig said he has spoken to two different Nashville law firms about the two matters; one pertaining to a 31-year-old sales tax agreement between the city and county that was approved in violation of Tennessee's Open Meetings Act while the other deals with "double taxation," a matter that was the subject of litigation between the city and county in the 1990s.. ...

Planners deny Stones Throw subdivision (01/27/06)
Stormwater drainage, more traffic on a narrow road and the lack of a neighborhood playground were why Shelbyville planning commissioners on Thursday denied a businessman's request to develop Stones Throw subdivision on U.S. 231 South just north of Naron Road...

City water and sewer rates may rise (01/26/06)
Extensive rain this week affected Normandy Dam operations and prompted a brief exchange between the chairman and manager of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage that foreshadows spending up to $20 million and utility rate hikes. Doubling the capacity of the city's sewage treatment plant is to be funded with loans totaling $15-20 million from Tennessee's revolving loan program which now has rates lower than municipal bonds. Water and sewer rates will have to go up to pay off the debt...

City, county hold summit (01/25/06)
Shelbyville and Bedford County officials met Tuesday night to try to clear the air over disagreements regarding taxation. Both governments claim to have severe fiscal needs, and Shelbyville officials have hinted in recent weeks at possible court action to nullify a 30-year-old agreement for dividing up sales tax revenue...

Subdivision again before planning commission (01/23/06)
A proposed subdivision that is opposed by neighbors will be considered by the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission Thursday. Last month, action on Stones Throw Subdivision was tabled by the commission until a traffic study could be completed. A preliminary plat has been submitted for the subdivision, which is described as a 113 lot residential development consisting of 42.31 acres off U.S. 231 South, north of Naron Road...

Police officer back on the job (01/18/06)
Shelbyville Police Lt. Mike Baker is back on the job. After suffering severe personal injuries in a motorcycle accident on Dec. 7, 2004, the 18-year veteran saw his first day back in uniform Tuesday. "It's been a long road," Baker said of his recovery. "I'm thankful for the city to give me the opportunity to let me come back. Thanks to everybody for all their prayers."...

Family Fun Festival to benefit United Way (01/16/06)
The city of Shelbyville is planning something new, different and fun after Groundhog Day that will benefit the United Way. A Family Fun Festival is to be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Shelbyville Recreation Center and it appears there will be something for everyone...

City seeks legal counsel in tax dispute (01/13/06)
Two resolutions dealing with taxation issues between Shelbyville and Bedford County that could result in legal action being undertaken were approved Thursday by the city council. City and county officials are to meet to discuss the matter, which threatens to harm relations between the two government bodies. A date was decided on during the meeting, but early Friday, the Times-Gazette learned that the date would have to be changed and will be announced at a later date....

County committee to deal with city (01/11/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners didn't discuss the nuts and bolts of a potential debate with the city over tax revenue during their Tuesday night meeting, but they did ask County Mayor Jimmy Woodson to appoint a committee to deal with the city...

Grant will promote self-sufficiency (01/07/06)
Some Shelbyville Housing Authority residents may be closer to supporting themselves thanks to a grant of $246,121 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The announcement was made by U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon on Thursday. According to SHA director Hershel Thrasher, the grant was made possible "due to the dedication and hard work of Candice Kellogg, director of resident services, and her excellent staff."...

Green settling into new job (01/06/06)
Kip Green, Shelbyville's new planning and zoning administrator, is settling into his new job and with growth being one of the top issues in town, he will no doubt have his hands full this coming year. Green's last job was as land use administrator for Coffee County from 2002 until this past year. ...

City will ask to void sales tax agreement (01/04/06)
A resolution will be before Shelbyville's city council next Thursday (Jan. 12) that will ask to take appropriate legal action to declare a 31-year-old sales tax agreement between the city and county void. The resolution will address the issue of "double taxation" as well, a matter that was the subject of litigation between the city and county in the 1990s. The resolution will also offer an invitation to county officials to meet with the city to discuss the two issues...

Advocate says old closed meeting case is problematic (12/31/05)
The executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government (TCOG) says that that he's never heard of a Sunshine Law violation lasting as long as the one regarding a 31-year-old sales tax agreement between Shelbyville and Bedford County. Director Frank Gibson, a veteran Nashville journalist and part-time editor for The Tennessean, said there are complicated legal questions involved with the case...

New Year's closings announced (12/29/05)
A variety of local agencies and offices will close this weekend for the New Year's holiday. Here are some schedules of broad interest: Bedford County Courthouse and courthouse annex offices will close Saturday (where applicable) and Monday....

Tree-trimming advice sought (12/22/05)
Shelbyville's utility board has hired a consultant on tree trimming just in time for Christmas. And while the consultant, ACRT of Akron, Ohio, will be sending arborists throughout the city's neighborhoods, they won't offer advice on Christmas trees unless, for example, a Blue Spruce is planted under electric power lines...

Local taxation powers debated (12/20/05)
An organization of government officials studying tax proposals, including the proposed adequate facilities tax for Bedford County, wants changes in state law to make it easier for Tennessee cities and counties to impose or raise taxes, but some state lawmakers and lobbying groups are opposed...

Lawyer says Open Meetings suit can be filed (12/16/05)
A 31-year old Sunshine Law violation regarding a sales tax agreement between Shelbyville and Bedford County will be one of the topics of discussion when the city council meets on Jan. 3 and an expert in the law says any citizen may file suit over it...

Commission defends sales tax distribution (12/14/05)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners members defended the current distribution of sales tax revenues between city and county, saying Tuesday night that 70 percent of the county's students are from within Shelbyville and so it's only fair that city taxes pay for their education...

Registration fee fails, but city to consider urban-rural tax issues (12/09/05)
Shelbyville's controversial vehicle registration fee failed its final reading Thursday as questions were raised about the current split of the local option sales tax revenue and county property tax rates. The fee, which was to pay for an estimated $6 million of road improvements, died for a lack of a second after the council discussed actions taken over 30 years ago in regard to the current 64/36 split of local option sales tax revenue and the lawsuits between the county and city over double taxation.. ...

Subdivision delayed for traffic study (12/02/05)
Action on Stones Throw Subdivision was tabled by the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission until a traffic study can be done. A preliminary plat has been submitted for the subdivision, which is now described as a 113 lot residential development consisting of 42.31 acres off U.S. 231 South, north of Naron Road...

State grant to help Palmer Foods provide new jobs (12/02/05)
Gov. Phil Bredesen and Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) Commissioner Matthew Kisber have announced the approval of a $84,600 FastTrack Infrastructure Development Program (FIDP) grant for the City of Shelbyville. The funding will assist in infrastructure improvements for Jack Palmer Foodservice on Lane Parkway...

Council uncertain about selling airport land (12/01/05)
Despite a recommendation from Shelbyville's Airport Authority, the Shelbyville City Council is having some reservations about selling 40 acres of property currently adjoining the airport. "I have a problem with selling that land," Mayor Geneva Smith said Tuesday night during the council's last study session of 2005. "There's no more land out there and what if another company like Jabiru came in? What if another company came in that needed airport facilities?"...

Vernon questions city-county tax split (12/01/05)
Shelbyville City Council held a discussion Tuesday after Councilman Randy Vernon raised questions related about the city and its relationship with the county, in particular the current split of the local option sales tax revenue and county property tax rates...

County may refuse to collect city fee (11/30/05)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee has recommended that the county clerk have no role in collecting the City of Shelbyville's proposed vehicle registration fee. The commission approved a county-wide wheel tax in 2004, saying that county tax revenues weren't keeping up with the demands placed on county government by rapid growth. But the tax was put to a referendum and soundly defeated by the voters earlier this year...

City nears final decision on vehicle fee (11/30/05)
It will be up to the Shelbyville City Council next Thursday whether or not members will pass a controversial vehicle registration fee to pay for road improvements. The item comes up for its third and final reading when the council meets in the courtroom of the city hall annex at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8...

Money meant for power pays for water, sewer (11/26/05)
A Shelbyville man has been getting his water and sewer bill paid through a federal program designed to help people pay their winter heating and summer cooling bills. And he wants that to stop, so David Crowell, general manager of Shelbyville Power, Water & Sewerage System, has re-examined the situation and has come to the conclusion that to satisfy a customer, the utility bill can be separated...

Subdivision comes back to city planners (11/25/05)
A controversial subdivision will be on the agenda once again for the Dec. 1 meeting of the Shelbyville Planning Commission. A request for a preliminary plat has been made for Stones Throw subdivision, which is now described as a 113 lot residential development consisting of 42.31 acres off U.S. 231 South, north of Naron Road...

City postpones tree-trimming choices (11/23/05)
Shelbyville's utility board has postponed its tree trimming decisions until just before Christmas, according to panelists who met Tuesday night at their offices on South Main Street. However, the trimming doesn't include ornaments or garlands. Nor does it include the chainsaws wielded by city utility employees in an effort to keep branches off wires so Christmas lights might burn bright despite icicles...

Cooperation a must in planning, says speaker (11/18/05)
Cooperation between the county and cities is a vital component to effective planning, according to one of the authors of Public Act 1101, which requires growth plans in Tennessee. Sam Edwards, executive director of the Greater Nashville Regional Council, the counterpart to the South Central Tennessee Development District, spoke Thursday to various county commissioners and planning commission members, as well as mayors and members of their planning boards, during an educational meeting...

Mayor says growth demands vehicle fee (11/16/05)
Shelbyville is growing and the city needs the roads to expand along with it. That's the reason Mayor Geneva Smith gave for breaking a tie vote last week on the second reading of a vehicle registration fee which would pay for traffic improvements across Shelbyville...

Motion tabled on airport land sale (11/12/05)
A motion was tabled that would have declared 40 acres at the Shelbyville Municipal Airport as surplus property and would have authorized its sale. A buyer is offering $3,000 per acre and plans to have brood mares on the property. With 40 acres, the sale could fetch $120,000 which Airport manager Hank Williamson says could be used to help fund matching grants for the airport...

Vehicle fee passes second reading (11/11/05)
With Mayor Geneva Smith breaking the tie, a controversial vehicle registration fee passed a second reading following by comments from angry citizens opposed to the idea. At last night's Shelbyville City Council meeting, members Wallace Cartwright, Leonard Travis and Fred Harrison voted no while Jo Ann Holland, Randy Vernon and Robert Frazier voted for the fee. Smith then cast the tie-breaking vote, only the second time she has done so since taking office...

Veterans Day closings announced (11/09/05)
A number of agencies will close Friday in observance of the Veterans' Day holiday. Here are some schedules of broad interest: ***Closed Friday Bedford County Courthouse and Courthouse Annex offices will close Friday and (where applicable) Saturday....

City, county leaders to discuss growth (11/03/05)
There are cries about annexation in Bell Buckle. New zoning changes have been made for rural areas. A call for a moratorium on large subdivisions and changes in the urban growth boundary are being discussed in Shelbyville. No doubt about it, one of the leading issues facing Bedford County is growth and development, which is why county and municipal leaders are being called together to talk about it on Nov. 17...

City looks at selling airport land (11/03/05)
Selling a piece of airport property was one topic of discussion during the Shelbyville City Council's study session Tuesday evening. The property in question is a 40 acre "L" shaped tract currently being used for agricultural purposes and is being leased by Don Taylor...

City vehicle fee to be focus of debate (11/02/05)
Shelbyville's city council will be looking at a second reading of a vehicle registration fee to pay for road projects next Thursday, a possible charge of $35 to $40 per car, but it will be a political decision whether it passes or not. A public hearing on the fee will also take place at the meeting, which is to start at 6 p.m. in the courtroom at the city hall annex...

Planning chairman wants moratorium, stronger codes (10/31/05)
Ways to control growth in Shelbyville were discussed after the chairman of the municipal planning commission called for a moratorium on large subdivisions Thursday evening. Chairman Morton Renegar said over the past year, the commission has been presented with "some rather large subdivisions which we simply were not prepared to handle."...

Consultant suggest hiring tree-trimming service (10/31/05)
The Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System wants to hire tree trimmers so electric service won't be interrupted during ice storms if limbs are kept from falling on wires. General Manager David Crowell explained the plan late last week after the utility board met and agreed on how to improve its readiness for winter weather with continuous service...

Vacancy doubles in public housing (10/27/05)
The vacancy rate has virtually doubled at homes owned by the Shelbyville Public Housing Authority, according to reports and discussion at the authority's monthly board meeting this week. "Six percent is as high as I've seen," said Henry Feldhaus, one of the five members of the authority here...

City obtains more land for Greenway (10/15/05)
Aside from issues involving road improvements and a possible fee to pay for them, the Shelbyville City Council took a number of other actions Thursday evening. The city council approved an agreement between Judy Tillett Young, Nancy Jo Glover Young, Gerald Tillett and his wife Betty A. Tillett and the city of Shelbyville to transfer six acres located on Riverview Drive to the city, which is considered the keystone to Phase III of the Shelbyville Greenway...

City postpones fee vote (10/14/05)
Shelbyville's city council postponed a vote Thursday night on a vehicle registration fee for city residents that would raise funds for future city street improvements, including the widening of North Main Street. A motion by councilwoman Jo Ann Holland cited the need for more input and discussion and the vote on the second readingof the proposed ordinance will be addressed at the city's next regular council meeting on Nov. 10...

Land secured for next Greenway phase (10/07/05)
The keystone to Phase III of the Shelbyville Greenway is to be transferred to the city following an agreement with the owners of six acres near Never Rest Park. The city council was presented with an agreement Tuesday between Judy Tillett Young, Nancy Jo Glover Young, Gerald Tillett and his wife Betty A. Tillett and the city of Shelbyville to transfer the land located on Riverview Drive to the city...

City considers road closures (10/06/05)
Permanently closing a section of South Main Street in front of St. William's Catholic Church and rerouting traffic to correct a dangerous situation is being examined by the Shelbyville City Council. City Manager Ed Craig said the topic had arisen during discussions approving the development of the church's new building. The intersection in question is where South Main meets the Highway 82 bypass and South Brittain Street...

Fines added to vehicle fee (10/05/05)
A second reading of an ordinance that would impose a motor vehicle registration fee on Shelbyville residents to pay for the widening of North Main Street and other future road projects will include a sunset provision and fines and court costs for those who fail to register...

10-codes won't go away after all (10/01/05)
First responders had been told to say good-bye to them, but now the nation's Homeland Security chief says that cops, firemen and others can keep their 10-Codes. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Wednesday that first responders do not have to discontinue using the 10-Code system of verbal communication in order to come into compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS)...

City wants to work with county on vehicle fee (09/30/05)
Shelbyville officials want to work with the county on compensation and logistical matters if the city council passes a vehicle registration fee to pay for the widening of North Main Street and other road projects. The city council passed an ordinance for the proposed fee on first reading Sept. 13. No fee amount has be set by the city as of yet but could do so by resolution...

County discusses city's proposed vehicle fee (09/29/05)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners tried to pass a wheel tax last year but had it rejected this year by county voters. Tuesday night, the commission's budget and finance committee discussed the fact that the City of Shelbyville is now trying to pass a vehicle fee which would, in practice, be very similar to a wheel tax. The city's fee, since it isn't technically a wheel tax, is not subject to a voter referendum...

Changes made at duck pond (09/26/05)
Shelbyville has widened one of its most dangerous intersections. Work was recently finished on the southern entrance to Hickory Drive off Fairfield Pike -- the heavily traveled "Duck Pond" area -- according to City Manager Ed Craig. Craig described it as a "very dangerous intersection" and that the road is very narrow as Hickory Drive intersects with Fairfield Pike...

Subdivision proposal off agenda (09/23/05)
A controversial proposed subdivision that had brought residents out in force to protest was dropped again from the agenda of the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission. Stone's Throw, a 118 lot-residential subdivision consisting of 52.86 acres located of Highway 231 South and north of Naron Road, has been the topic of debate for the past several months. ...

Vehicle fee passes first vote (09/14/05)
By a 4-2 vote, Shelbyville's City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance Tuesday to adopt a vehicle registration fee for all vehicle owners in the city to pay for future road projects, including the widening of North Main Street. Council members Wallace Cartwright and Fred Harrison voted against the measure. ...

Police may stop using 10-codes (09/09/05)
Shelbyville's City Council examined a resolution that would adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which would do away with "10-codes" currently used by police and other emergency personnel and adopt new "plain English" standards being implemented by the federal government...

City may hire planning director (09/08/05)
With the realization that the city is experiencing growing pains, Shelbyville is looking at hiring a director of Community Development and Planning. City Manager Ed Craig told the council during Tuesday's study session that planning commission meetings are busier than they've ever been and are dealing with many issues. He recommended hiring someone to be a full time planner that would have a planning degree...

Vehicle fee proposed by City Council (09/07/05)
Shelbyville's City Council will be looking at an ordinance to create a motor vehicle registration fee for city residents to pay for future road projects, including the widening of North Main Street. The council was told Tuesday that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has given approval for funding the widening...

Local leaders look at evacuee housing options (09/07/05)
Shelbyville and Bedford County leaders are trying to determine what can be done here for people evacuating Louisiana and Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Strained budgets, the old Harris Middle School building and system capacities are concerns facing the group that Mayor Geneva Smith dubbed the Emergency Response Action Group...

Labor day closings announced (09/02/05)
A variety of local agencies and organizations will close Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Here are some closings of broad interest: Bedford County Courthouse and courthouse annex offices will close Monday and, where applicable, Saturday....

Planners struggle to define quarrying (08/29/05)
Shelbyville's Municipal Planning Commission examined a definition for stone quarrying Thursday, a left-over issue from a controversy surrounding a local paving company and the city. The commission will examine the definition again next month and possibly recommend it to the city council as an ordinance. ...

Subdivision withdrawn from consideration (08/27/05)
Concerned citizens gathered for Thursday's meeting of the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission learned that the matter they were there to oppose had been withdrawn from the agenda. Stone's Throw, a proposed 118-lot, 52.86 acre residential subdivision located off South Cannon Boulevard near Naron Road, was withdrawn for consideration by the commission by P & R Development and Stone's Throw owner Jason Ray...

City wants to change growth boundary (08/26/05)
Shelbyville's Municipal Planning Commission will soon begin the long process of expanding the city's Urban Growth Boundary after a request from the city council. City Manager Ed Craig told the commission that developers have asked the city earlier in the year to annex land that did not fall within Shelbyville's current growth area, so the idea of expanding the boundary began to be discussed. ...

Planners back down on subdivision plans (08/17/05)
With a standing room only crowd watching Tuesday night, the Shelbyville Planning Commission rescinded its approval of a final plat for a subdivision that brought protesting residents out in force two weeks ago. What has residents of Campbell Estates and nearby areas in an uproar is the proposed Stones Throw subdivision, which consists of 52.86 acres located off South Cannon Boulevard near Naron Road. The commission will look at the matter again at its next meeting, Thursday, Aug. 25...

City tax rate unchanged in final budget (08/12/05)
Shelbyville City Council passed the third and final reading of the 2005-06 budget, along with other items, during Thursday's meeting. The sixth and final draft of the budget has a deficit of $495,569. Currently, the unappropriated cash revenue is listed as $10,690,759, with cash expenses for the city at $11,186,328...

Subdivision decision may be rescinded (08/09/05)
The Shelbyville Planning Commission will consider rescinding their approval of a final plat for a subdivision that brought protesting residents out in force last week. The commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Shelbyville City Hall annex...

Council to hold budget hearing (08/05/05)
Shelbyville's City Council will hold a public hearing and a final reading Thursday, Aug. 11, for the fiscal year 2006 budget. The sixth draft of the budget has a deficit of $495,569, city manager Ed Craig said. Currently, the unappropriated cash revenue is listed as $10,690,759, with cash expenses for the city at $11,186,328...

Updates ahead for public housing (08/04/05)
The Shelbyville Housing Authority will use a $696,887 grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to upgrade its housing units, according to an announcement from the office of U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon. Shelbyville Housing Authority Executive Director Hershel Thrasher said the grant will be used to modernize units with air conditioning and renovations such as new windows, kitchen cabinets, flooring and water heaters. ...

Council: City can't stop subdivision (08/04/05)
A group of citizens addressed Shelbyville City Council Tuesday, upset over the planning commission approving the final plat of Stones Throw Subdivision last week, which they claim will lower their property values. But the city council has no authority to do anything regarding the matter since the commission's approval of the final plat is considered the final action. ...

City wants to amend growth boundary (08/03/05)
The Shelbyville City Council will ask the planning commission to begin the process of amending the city's Urban Growth Boundary. The matter was raised during the Tuesday night study session. The subject was first addressed during the May study session and the council had chosen to move forward with the idea. City Manager Ed Craig had briefed council members at the time on procedures from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) on how the city could amend its growth plan...

Highway bill includes $320,000 for greenway (07/30/05)
"We're thrilled to get it!" That was the reaction of Shelbyville city manager Ed Craig over the news that the city has $320,000 earmarked for the greenway project as part of a highway bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday. U.S. Sens. ...

Asphalt plant proposed (07/23/05)
An asphalt plant currently under construction on L. Fisher Road in Shelbyville contains a site for proposed rock quarry that was the topic of protests from local residents last year. The $1.8 million plant is owned by Wright Paving and owner Tommy Wright sees the business as a benefit to the area...

A plea answered (07/21/05)
A complaint from a 68-year-old woman who broke her ankle July 7 and requested a handicap ramp to the foyer of her Bedford Manor apartment building said this week her 40-year-old neighbor has needed a wheelchair ramp since she moved in last year. That was Monday, but Tuesday afternoon, Roberta Hagan reported lumber had been placed between two apartment buildings but she didn't know why, and neither did Melva Boyd, manager of the complex on Barksdale Lane northeast of train tracks on Madison Street.. ...

City asks for 231 widening (07/21/05)
Local officials, including two representatives at the state level, met with the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in Nashville Tuesday to discuss the proposed widening of North Main Street (U.S. 231) in Shelbyville. TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely met with Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig, Mayor Geneva Smith, Bill Moore with Gresham Smith and Associates, who does consulting work for the city, State Senator Jim Tracy and State Rep. Curt Cobb...

New council member sworn in (07/15/05)
There was a changing of the guard at the Shelbyville City Council Thursday, with new member Randy Vernon being sworn in and other reelected incumbents taking the oath of office. Vernon was sworn in by Judge Robert Crigler. Judge Lee Russell administered the oath of office to returning members Wallace Cartwright and JoAnn Holland...

Preserving the past (07/14/05)
The history of Shelbyville is important to many, yet threats to the fabric of the town's past exist -- whether the age of a building, development or other factors -- causing our heritage to fade away. That's why Shelbyville's Historic Zoning Commission is asking to be more closely connected with the city's planning commission and the city council to make sure the past doesn't disappear into memory...

Shelbyville gets lower ISO rating (07/09/05)
After years of effort from various city and county agencies, Shelbyville has had its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating lowered to a 3, which should result in a drop in insurance rates later this year. ISO works for insurance companies and rates communities all across the country. Looking at the water supply, communications and fire departments, ISO reviews the fire suppression capabilities of a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC) -- a number from 1 to 10...

Council looks at modified budget (07/07/05)
A revised fourth draft of Shelbyville's 2005-06 budget and a list of appropriations for non-profit organizations was reviewed by Shelbyville's City Council Tuesday. The revised budget figures have a deficit of $310,993, city manager Ed Craig said. Currently, the unappropriated cash revenue is listed as $10,706,914, with cash expenses for the city at $11,022,907...

Revised city budget list reviewed (07/06/05)
A revised fourth draft of Shelbyville's 2005-6 budget and a list of appropriations for non-profit organizations was reviewed by Shelbyville's City Council Tuesday. The revised budget figures has a deficit of $310,993, city manager Ed Craig said. Currently, the unappropriated cash revenue is listed as $10,706,914, with cash expenses for the city at $11,022, 907...

Shelbyville considers amending growth plan (07/06/05)
The possibility of Shelbyville amending its Urban Growth Plan was a topic of discussion during the city council study session Tuesday. The subject was first addressed during a study session in May and the council had chosen to move forward with the idea. On Monday, City Manager Ed Craig gave council members procedures from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) on how the city could amend its growth plan...

Land grabs won't happen in Shelbyville: Craig (07/06/05)
The Tennessee Municipal League (TML) has sent a series of talking points to mayors, city managers and TML Board Members favoring the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning eminent domain, which allows local governments to seize private property for economic development...

Shelbyville uses budget ax (07/01/05)
Continuing its work on the 2005-06 budget, the Shelbyville City Council brought out the fiscal ax Thursday, cutting programs and positions as they try to lower the deficit. In the fourth draft of Shelbyville's budget presented to the council, the unappropriated cash revenue was listed as $10,706,914, with cash expenses for the city at $11,595,857, resulting in a deficit of $888,942...

Housing projects anticipate air conditioning (07/01/05)
With temperatures hovering around 90 degrees and humidity making Shelbyville's air sweat, three residents of public housing asked during a hearing this week when central heat and air conditioning systems would be installed at their rent subsidized duplexes...

Animals are airport's biggest threat (06/30/05)
Subtle improvements have been made for security at Shelbyville Municipal Airport since 9-11, and more obvious steps will be taken, the manager at Bomar Field said Wednesday while reflecting on a recent incident in New York and Connecticut. Police say an intoxicated 20-year-old man stole a Cessna from a Connecticut airport, took-off on a joy ride with two friends and flew around without a pilot's license for nearly three hours until fuel ran low and he landed at Westchester County Airport in New York where they were met by police who found empty beer cans falling out of the plane when its door was opened.. ...

SHA plans $3.5M in upgrades (06/20/05)
The Shelbyville Public Housing Authority has plans to spend more than $702,000 annually during five years for the maintenance and improvement of the units which are home to nearly 760 people. Suggestions on how that $3.51 million ought to be spent are to be received by the housing authority's board of directors during their monthly meeting at noon on Tuesday next week in the banquet room of Richard's Cafeteria on Lane Parkway...

North Main center lane delayed (06/19/05)
The addition of a center lane for North Main Street in Shelbyville was taken out of the 2005-06 budget during a workshop held by the city council Thursday night, but it will likely be funded at a later date. Removing the $1,035,000 appropriation for the project lowers the budget deficit considerably, but City Manager Ed Craig stated Friday that there is more work to be done. ...

City puzzled by county inspection fee (06/17/05)
Shelbyville's city manager expressed confusion and concern over a vote Tuesday night by the Bedford County Board of Commissioners that would impose a building inspection fee on all houses, even those within incorporated cities and towns. City Manager Ed Craig expressed his concern during a budget workshop of the Shelbyville City Council Thursday night...

Recycling plant helps allay fears (06/14/05)
Local officials say the community's relationship with Alchem Recycling (formerly IMCO) has taken an 180 degree turn over the past six months, from adversarial to cooperative, and that Alchem is now working closely to help ensure the community's safety and protect local air quality...

River cleanup set for June 25 (06/11/05)
As Shelbyville residents want a clean river for their greenway, Congress is finishing work on a bill with money for the city's path beside and near Duck River. The annual volunteer cleanup, to remove trash and debris in and along the river in and near Shelbyville, is scheduled for June 25. Breakfast and lunch will be served to the volunteers, according to Lynn Hulan, chairwoman of Shelbyville's Greenway committee...

Council to ask for state route changes (06/10/05)
Shelbyville City Council voted Thursday evening to ask Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to reroute State Highways 64 and 82 off the public square. The proposal would make East Depot Street one-way from the square to the 82 Bypass-South Jefferson Street intersection with the removal of traffic signals on the square...

SHA may protest funding change (06/05/05)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is changing the way it funds local public housing, a move that's being protested by a national association of housing authority directors, and Shelbyville's Housing Authority has joined the argument...

Growth provides more revenue for Shelbyville budget (06/03/05)
Without a property tax rate hike, Shelbyville's city manager is expecting an increase in city revenue for the annual budget that's to start July 1. "It's because of growth," City Manager Ed Craig said Wednesday during a brief review of the first draft of anticipated revenue, and proposed expenses that will be brought into line...

Council considers traffic flow (06/02/05)
Motorcycle police patrol could improve traffic code enforcement, and the elimination of two sets of traffic lights on the Shelbyville Square may help boost the downtown economy. Those are two ideas presented to Shelbyville City Council by City Manager Ed Craig who elaborated Wednesday on a couple of topics raised for consideration Tuesday as the mayor and council reviewed the first draft of their budget set to start July 1...

Greenway opinions sought (05/25/05)
What do you think about the Shelbyville Greenway? What should be the next step? These are questions being asked by the Greenway Committee and they want your opinion. The Greenway goal is to provide a walkway giving Shelbyville citizens and visitors access to a number of community facilities either by walking or bicycling...

Greenway seeks visitors (05/18/05)
Greenways are about connections and Shelbyville's Greenway Committee is looking for connections and input from the public about the ongoing project. The problem is that there is a lack of awareness about the Greenway, which runs through areas of Shelbyville and, hopefully, will eventually canvass the entire community...

City to conduct backflow survey (05/15/05)
Customers of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System will receive a cross-connection questionnaire in the next few weeks, accompanied by the latest water quality report. The water quality report is good news, with local water quality meeting EPA standards...

Overcast honored at city meeting (05/13/05)
Tears flowed as longtime Shelbyville Recreation Director Buddy Overcast was honored posthumously during the city council's May meeting on Thursday. Overcast passed away unexpectedly March 11. State Rep. Curt Cobb presented Overcast's family with a state House resolution passed by Speaker Jimmy Naifeh "in honor and appreciation for everything that Buddy Overcast has done for Shelbyville and this community."...

Traffic, noise increase on Fairfield Pike (05/08/05)
Concerns were expressed to the Shelbyville City Council about speeding, increased traffic and the proposed widening of Fairfield Pike, and the city manager will be talking to Shelbyville's judge about a tough policy on enforcement. Melanie Serio, who lives on Fairfield Pike, told the council Tuesday night that she is concerned about the value of her property with plans under consideration to widen the road being considered plus heavy traffic, which she described as "a terrible mess."...

City considers annexation (05/06/05)
The topics of annexation, growth and rezoning were examined during Tuesday night's Shelbyville City Council study session, during which City Manager Ed Craig stated that while growth may be frowned upon in other parts of the county, Shelbyville welcomes it...

City budget in planning stages (05/04/05)
It's budget time for the Shelbyville City Council and the group will be getting a look at the numbers before the end of the month. City Manager Ed Craig told the council Tuesday night that by the study session scheduled for May 31, the first draft of the budget will have been drafted to present to them to review...

Codes inspector to improve enforcement (04/28/05)
Now that Shelbyville's City Council has passed the International Property Maintenance Codes (IMPC), the next step is to hire a person to enforce the new rules. The IMPC addresses the need for communities to have a modern, up-to-date property code which governs the maintenance of existing buildings. Included in the code are specific property maintenance requirements that would regulate interior and exterior building facilities in the Shelbyville city limits...

Local pilots want hangars in Nashville (04/25/05)
Shelbyville's chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association has asked Nashville International Airport about developing hangars there for pilots flying from here, according to the president and chief executive officer of Metro's airport. "We want to talk with them in a manner consistent with our master plan," Airport President and CEO Raul Regalado of Nashville said Saturday afternoon after landing at Russell Puckett Field, the glider airport just north of Rover on U.S. Highway 41-A...

Shelbyville responds to Wright Paving lawsuit (04/18/05)
Attorneys representing the city of Shelbyville have filed a response to a lawsuit brought against the city by Wright Paving Co. over a proposed controversial rock quarry which was turned down for approval in January. Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC filed the suit in Bedford County Chancery Court on Feb. 22. Defendants in the case are the city of Shelbyville, the city council and the planning commission...

Council toughens city codes (04/17/05)
Homes and properties will be cleaning up after the Shelbyville City Council passed a measure that will beef up city codes. The council voted on a third reading to adopt the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code, which will strengthen the city's code in regard to the upkeep of property. Rundown properties would have to be spruced up under the new guidelines...

City gets $1M wastewater loan (04/08/05)
Shelbyville has received a $1 million increase to an existing 20-year wastewater construction loan for the building of two new pump stations, the construction of interceptor sewers and a new force main. Shelbyville was one of five cities and utility districts that will receive low-interest loans through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to fund water and wastewater construction projects, according to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner Betsy L. ...

Zoning changes considered by council (04/08/05)
The Shelbyville City Council examined several items during its Tuesday study session, including planned development regulations and an application for a grant for the municipal airport. During last month's council meeting, action was deferred on the first reading of amending the zoning ordinance to adopt planning development regulations that were recommended by the city's planning commission. ...

Parks department reorganized (04/08/05)
The Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Department has been reorganized with two assistant director positions being created. During Tuesday night's study session, city manager Ed Craig informed the city council that he had named Jeremy Wilhelm to the position of assistant director for the Recreation Center and Bryan Dial had been named assistant director for Parks and Recreation programs...

(04/07/05)
The possibility of Shelbyville contracting with a private waste disposal company for residential trash pick up was a topic of discussion for the city council during Tuesday night's study session. City Manager Ed Craig told the council that he and Public Works Director Mark Clanton have been discussing contracting out the residential pick up of garbage for some time to a firm such as BFI or Waste Management...

SHA modernization continues (03/29/05)
Shelbyville's Housing Authority is spending $225,000 to improve 14 of its duplexes, according to the authority's executive director, Hershel Thrasher, who described the work with his maintenance manager. "They're getting central air," Joe Baker, SHA's manager for maintenance, said. "It's already had central heat," Baker said while listing various changes paid for by a federal modernization grant...

Putting the squeeze on speed (03/27/05)
With more than 28 years behind the steering wheel of a police cruiser, Maj. Jan Phillips can look at a car and tell whether it's speeding. "I'm using my own personal judgment that somebody is speeding and then I verify it with the radar," the Shelbyville police officer said while on patrol Thursday...

City studies retirement plan (03/23/05)
The city of Shelbyville will be looking into what the cost will be to change its early retirement provision in its existing pension plan to allow for full retirement at age 59.5 for police and fire personnel after 25 years of service. The council met in a study session Tuesday to review the complicated issues surrounding retirement plans for Shelbyville's 160 employees, examining plans for long time employees and new hires...

Memorial fund honors Overcast (03/21/05)
The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Bedford County has announced that a memorial fund honoring James "Buddy" Overcast has been established at First Community Bank and Peoples Bank of Bedford County. Mr. Overcast, whose support of Bedford County athletics spanned more than three decades, served as director of the Shelbyville Parks & Recreation Department for 12 years until the time of his death on March 11...

James H. "Buddy" Overcast (03/13/05)
Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Department director James H. "Buddy" Overcast, 68, died Friday at Harton Regional Medical Center in Tullahoma. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Hillcrest Funeral Home with Mark Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens...

City will move elections beginning in 2008 (03/11/05)
The city of Shelbyville will change its schedule for electing the mayor and council members -- but the change won't take full effect until 2008, so this year's council elections will go on as originally scheduled. Currently, city elections are held in June of odd-numbered years. Under the new system, they will be held in November of even-numbered years, to coincide with state and federal elections. That will save money, since the city won't be expected to pay for an election by itself...

Council considers sales tax impact (03/03/05)
Shelbyville's City Council examined a number of items during Tuesday's study session, including news about the impact of a new law going into effect this summer. City Manager Ed Craig briefed the council on Tennessee's streamlined sales tax law which is set to begin July 1. According to a study by the University of Tennessee, Shelbyville would lose $459,000 in sales tax revenue but Bedford County would gain $636,000...

Wrights sue city over quarry (03/02/05)
The city of Shelbyville, the city council and the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission are targets of a lawsuit over a proposed controversial rock quarry on L. Fisher Road that was turned down for approval in January. Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co., Inc. and Custom Stone LLC field the suit in Bedford County Chancery Court on Feb. 22...

Housing Authority fights tenant fraud (02/23/05)
Shelbyville's Public Housing Authority has adopted a new system to verify tenants' employment and, therefore, their ability to pay rent, and while it affects existing tenants, verification of a new tenants' pay may take a month or two. And by that time, someone who's not eligible for public housing could be living in a unit when they shouldn't, according to discussion among members of the Housing Authority as they met Tuesday afternoon in Richard's Restaurant...