Cookeville Breaks Ground On Energy Department Facility
Cookeville leaders broke ground on the city’s new $2.3 million Energy Department Facility Thursday afternoon. The city began the process of combining the city’s electric and gas departments over a year ago. City Council Member Eric Walker said breaking ground is an exciting step for the city. “Combining the Cookeville Electric Department and the Gas […]
Council Concerned About Tariff Charges On Meter Bids
The Cookeville City Council expressed concern during a Monday work session after learning the city would be charged an estimated $1,900 in tariffs on a water meter bid approved in March. Water and Sewer Director Barry Turner said he was unaware of the tariff charge until the company sent the invoice. Turner said the company […]
Cookeville Considering Drive-Thru Ordinance Changes
A recent zoning request for a new fast food restaurant prompted Cookeville officials to discuss changes to its drive thru ordinances at a Monday work session. The proposed change would permit drive-thrus in a neighborhood commercial zone only upon appeal. In 2018, the city amended its ordinance permitting such facilities so long as they were […]
Cookeville Council Honors Imel As Finance Director Retires
Cookeville City Council honored Finance Director Brenda Imel Thursday night for her service to the city that dates back to 2003. Imel set to retire after serving as Finance Director since 2015. Imel said she is grateful to have worked for the city of Cookeville. “The city is not just a great place to live, […]
Cookeville To Re-Purchase 3 Lots At Business Park
Cookeville will repurchase three properties inside the Highlands Business Park that have not been developed following a Thursday night Council vote. City Manager James Mills said the park’s purchase agreements included language that development must begin with one-year of purchase. One property sold three years ago, two sold two years ago. Without construction, the city […]
Medical Zoning Revised, Amid Methadone Clinic Concerns
Cookeville City Council voted unanimously Thursday to amend the zoning code, clarifying the rules for where certain medical facilities, including methadone clinics, could locate. But after the vote, multiple council members made it clear that they do not want a methadone facility in Cookeville. Mayor Laurin Wheaton said the city’s current zoning rules were too […]
Cookeville Donating Another $3 Million To Tech Stadium
Cookeville will donate an additional $3 million in hotel/motel tax money to complete the renovations at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium. The agreement includes language that the project must be finished by November, 2026 or the city can rescind its donation. Council Member Chad Gilbert asked the city manager to finalize an agreement with the University. […]
Developer Asks For Delay In Wendy’s Signage Discussion At Old Kentucky
Cookeville City Council accepted a request Thursday night to postpone an appeals hearing on additional signage for the Old Kentucky Road shopping development. Developer Wayne Cravens had asked for the hearing after the Planning Commission denied an additional free standing pole sign for a proposed Wendy’s fast food location. “He is evaluating moving an approved […]
Mexican Beef Industry Reps Stop In Warren County As Part Of Recent Trip
Seven beef cattle buyers from Mexico just visited multiple Tennessee farms on an international trade mission including Warren County’s Walker Family Farm. The visitors received a first-hand look at available livestock during the week-long mission. Owner Eric Walker said expanding trade internationally is a good thing for Tennessee livestock farmers as it gives them more […]
Mills Receives 4.89 Out Of 5 On Performance Evaluation; Gets Raise
Cookeville City Manager James Mills received a 4.89 out of 5 on his annual performance evaluation. Attorney Dan Rader shared the results of the evaluation Thursday night. City Council members graded Mills confidentially on 50 different categories. Rader said Mills received a perfect score on leadership and a nearly perfect score on staff and personnel […]
