The Cookeville City Council authorized a grant Thursday night designed to help city workers with tire changes.
The city will purchase a large truck tire changer. Human Resources Manager Amy Garrett said the grant provides a 50 percent match, up to $3,000.
“The purchase of this equipment will enhance workplace safety for our public works mechanics by reducing the physical strain associated with manually breaking tire beads and prying heavy tires,” Garrett said.
Council Member Ali Bajci said he supported the purchase based on his own personal experience with the difficulty of the task.
The council authorized the Community Development Department to apply for a Tennessee Division of Forestry community tree planting grant. The city is requesting funding to purchase and install trees across various municipal properties, including city street medians, parks, and the Cookeville City Cemetery.
Matching funds will be provided by the Cookeville Tree Board and the Leisure Services Department.
The council approved a $172,400 contract for a sanitary sewer manhole replacement project to address significant water leakage within the city’s infrastructure.
Water Quality Department Director Barry Turner said the project focuses on rehabilitating specific manholes that are currently allowing groundwater to enter the sewer system. Turner said while city crews can repair some types of manholes internally, this contract handles more complex rehabilitations that require specialized masonry work.
