City Council - Regular Meeting

I will call the Cookville City Council meeting for Thursday, August 20th to order. May I have a roll call, please?

Councilman Bodgie? Here. Councilman Walker? Here. Mayor Wheaton?

Here.

Vice Mayor Eldridge? Here. Councilman Gilbert? Here. Five present.

Thank you. At this time, I would like to ask those who wish to do so to stand for the invocation given tonight by Philip Baker, followed by the plate of allegiance.

Yay! Let's pray together.

Father, I thank you for this day. I thank you for the blessing of being able to acknowledge you tonight in this meeting and on this occasion. Father, we know that it pleases you when we show honor and respect to our leaders. We know that it pleases you when our leaders show honor and respect to you. Tonight, I thank you for these leaders. I thank you for this council as they conclude their service. I thank you for the way they have sacrificed for our community. I thank you specifically for Mayor Wheaton and Councilman Walker as they conclude their service tonight and for your blessings on them in the next season of their life. Father, for the new council, As they take office tonight, I pray that their time is marked by godly wisdom, by care, by compassion, by grace, and a desire to glorify you in their service. Father, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift, including the blessing of living in a community where you can be acknowledged in this setting. Father, may your blessing be on this meeting tonight. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Amen. Why don't you stick the line of the United States of America into the republic, which is advanced, one nation under God, in this world, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

Item three, consider approval of agenda as presented. Are there any changes?

No changes, Mayor. Do I have a motion? So moved and approved.

Motion made by Councilman Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Elders. Any discussion from the Council? Thanks a little bit on that.

Although it's correct. 5. Yes, motion carries.

Thank you. All business 5A consider approval of minutes of council meeting held on August 6th, 2026. Is there a motion?

So moved.

Motion made by Vice Mayor Eldridge. Is there a second?

Second.

Second by Councilman Bacci. Any discussion? All that on that.

Although it's correct. 5-yes, motion carries.

Thank you. 5-B, consider on second and final reading, Ordinance 026-0813, Amendment of Equipment Municipal Code, Title IX, Business Peddlers, Solicitors, etc., Chapter 12, Milk and Food Vendors, Mr. Cranston.

Mayor and Council, this is the second reading on Ordinance 026-0813. It's the housekeeping ordinance relating to mobile food vendors. There have been no changes, and we've received no comments. I recommend approval.

Thank you. Is there a motion?

So moved.

Motion made by Vice Mayor Eldridge. Is there a second? Second. Second by Councilman Bocci. Any discussion from the public on this agenda item? Discussion from Council?

Okay.

All right.

All votes correct. 5-yes motion carries.

Thank you. For the consent agenda, 6A, change the date of public hearing from 9-3-26 to 9-17-26 on Ordinance 0-26-08-14, rezoning properties located within the newly annexed Dotson Branch Road annexation area. 6B, consider awarding bids for annual and semi-annual paving, asphalt mix, milling, rock parking, and pavement marking, concrete pipe, and capping services. 6C, consider awarding bids for 32-15 KVA concrete formers. Sixty consider we're going to purchase two two thousand twenty six four and one fifty pickups for the energy department electric division and one twenty twenty six four and one fifty pick up for the energy department gas division utilizing statewide contract number two and nine. Six eight considerable to purchase one twenty twenty six four and two fifty utilizing statewide contract two and nine. And 6F, consider approval for the city manager to enter into a one-year contract with waste management for biohazard waste removal. Is there a motion on the consent agenda? Motion by Councilman Walker, seconded by Councilman Gilbert. Any discussion with the council? All right, we'll vote on that.

Almost correct. 5. Yes, motion carries.

Thank you. 7 a consider resolution are 260815 authorizing the receipt of a direct appropriation grant in Tennessee and the distribution of said grant to the Tennessee Valley Authority for the purpose of relocating a power transmission structure located in the southeast intersection of South Jefferson Avenue and Neal Street. Mr. Miller.

Mayor and council members, as we discussed on Monday, the Tennessee state legislature approved through public chapter 1142, a special appropriation to the Department of Finance and Administration in the amount of $750,000 for the purpose of making a grant to the city of Coble to be used for the relocation and replacement of the TVA Tower at Neal Street in South Jefferson. This resolution authorizes us to receive that $750,000 appropriation and to distribute it to the Tennessee Valley Authority to relocate the tower. Back in July, you approved an agreement with TVA for the relocation of the tower. The agreement says that the cost estimate for the project is $789,187. We're required to pay this up front. The city's already given or deposited $30,000 with TVA. So the total payment to TVA under the agreement is $759,187. So my point being, we're still going to have to come up with $9,187, and this will come from the Electric Division of the Energy Department. to pay for this relocation of the tower. Now, the tower relocation could cost more or it could cost less. If it costs less, we'll get a refund. If it costs more, I'll be back before you asking for more money to get this tower relocated. But I would ask your approval of this resolution.

Thank you. Is there a motion? So moved. Motion made by Vice Mayor Eldridge, seconded by Councilman Walker. Any discussion from the public on this agenda item? Discussion from Council?

This is a big deal. Yeah. It's not just any TVA tower, everybody. It's on Jefferson next to Longhorn. It's the one that has the big concrete wall that gets busted down by tractor trailers. And we're going to hopefully get a new turn lane out of this that works. And so that whole area we've tried to improve. And this will be the final step of trying to make that. Is this going to move it back or are we going to go with single post is what I understood. Yeah. the small footprint too.

Any other discussion?

I think we need to thank our state representatives, Ryan Williams and Paul Bailey, who were instrumental in helping us get this done and getting us the funds to do it.

All right. Seeing none, we will take a vote.

Well, that's correct. 5-yes, motion carries.

Thank you. 7-B, consider Resolution R-26-08-16, authorizing the submittal of a street improvement project at South Jefferson Avenue, SR-136, to the Tennessee Department of Transportation Statewide Partnership. Mr. Ward. It's me. Yes, I'm so sorry.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. The southbound lane of South Jefferson Avenue at Interstate Drive has long been one of the most congested sections of State Route 136. Continued growth and development in the area have made the problem worse, with traffic often backing up nearly a third of a mile to East Veterans Drive. TDOT's SPP, the Statewide Partnership Program, gives communities an opportunity to identify priorities for future improvements along state routes. By committing local funding, the City can make its projects more competitive for additional state and federal funding. If TDOT approves the partnership, state and federal funds may then be applied to the project, providing a more direct path toward completion. This resolution requests that the construction of a turn lane and pedestrian improvements at South Jefferson Avenue and Interstate Drive be submitted for consideration by TDOT to be included in the statewide partnership program, with the city committing up to $500,000 in local funding to assist with the project. Previously, the city submitted for the northbound turn lane project at Willow and Interstate Drive for SPP and is receiving funding for an additional $4 million in state and federal money to complete the project. I respectfully recommend council's approval of this resolution authorizing the South Jefferson Avenue project to be submitted for inclusion in TDOT's statewide partnership program.

Thank you. Is there a motion?

So moved.

Motion made by Vice Mayor Elder, seconded by Councilman Walker. Any discussion from the public on this agenda item? Discussion from council? Seeing none, we'll go ahead and take a vote.

All votes correct. 5VS motion carries.

Thank you. 7C, consider approval of the 326 Spirit in Place type project. Mr. Turner. Sorry to kick you out of the main room.

Thank you. Thank you. Mayor and members of the council, this is a sewer rehab project. This map shows the area that we'll be rehabbing. We'll be rehabbing 7,294 feet of sewer line with cured in place pipe and replacing 1,100 feet that we are unable to line. It's got switches. Okay. We received seven bids, low bid being John T. Hoff Instruction at $1,104,512, and I'd recommend your approval.

Thank you. Is there a motion?

So moved.

Motion made by Vice Mayor Eldridge, seconded by Councilman Gilbert. Any discussion from the public on this? Discussion from Council? Okay. All right.

of correct. Yes, motion carries.

Thank you. Seven day. Consider waiting bid for an annual maintenance contract for water and sewer line installation. Mr Turner.

Um, this is a yearly contract for what are sort of improvements. And this is one year contract after discussions after meeting Monday and meeting with the city manager. We're going to come back for any task order. That's 25,000 or greater to get council approval in this Contract, the contractor is required to furnish all labor equipment and tools and the city is going to furnish the parts. We received one bid, unit prices for each of the items that were in the package Monday. So they're shown, they're not in the slides here today, but recommend approval to John T. Hogg Construction.

Thank you. Is there a motion?

So moved.

Motion moved by Councilman Gilbert. Is there a second?

Second.

Second by Councilman Bocci. Any discussion from the public? Discussion from Council?

I just want to make sure this is just for one year. We'll re-bid it next year. Yes.

And anytime there's a project that's greater than $25,000, it's still up to the Council to get a particular notion.

That needs to be included in the motion, just like that.

Right.

So do we need to amend the motion? I thought he already mentioned.

But we're still on the slide too. Yeah, they mentioned it shouldn't be moved. It's right here.

Don't confuse me on the last day. Eight years. All right, we're good? Yes, okay. So we've got a motion and a second. We've had the discussion. We're good with how it's written. Yeah.

Yeah.

Okay. Any more discussion? All right. I'll go ahead and take a vote then. Although it's correct.

Yes, motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And then 7E, receive and consider certified election results from the City Council election held on August 6, 2026. Mr. Coons.

Mayor and Council, before you are the certified election results from the August 8th, 2026 election. I recommend approval or receiving those results.

Thank you. Is there a motion?

So moved.

Motion made by Vice Mayor Aldridge. Is there a second?

Seconded.

Seconded by Councilman Walker. Any discussion from the public? Discussion from Council? Okay. Solve it.

Although it's correct. I guess motion carries.

Thank you. That concludes the agenda portion for this meeting. Are there any comments from any comfortable men? I can go first.

Oh, yeah, this is gonna take a minute, three minutes. I'm not a member of the public yet, so hopefully I get more than three minutes. Eight years is a long time to be involved with anything. And for your benefit, I took time to write this down. For those of you who know me, well, this is the quickest way to get through this. Most people ask me, are you glad to be getting off council? or what are you going to do with all of your time and while i do hope to use that time well i can only hope to be as productive in my private life as serving on the city council has allowed me to be in my public life it's truly has been one of the greatest privileges of my life for me public service was never about pursuing politics or using the position I was given and impose my own personal values on other people. It was about serving every member in our community objectively and doing what was right for the city. Mostly, it was about continuing to lead us on the path of progress, the type of progress which has given us the recipe of being a great American city. I would not be sitting here today without the support of my constituents and supporters who Eight years ago, and four years ago, saw that potential. Whether that potential was in me, in the platform I ran on, or simply in the direction they believed our city should continue to go. I hope the results of these past eight years speak for themselves. But so much of that progress would never have been possible without the hardworking people who have chosen to make serving the city their profession. And I know a lot of you are in the hallway right now. They are the people who live a life of public service every day, and they deserve far more credit than any elected official. So to all of our city employees, thank you. Fortunately, most of you didn't have to put up with me directly. But I do want to especially thank our current past directors and specifically the people I worked with on a weekly basis. Our planning director, John Ward, when I was serving on the planning commission in my first term, Christina, Tracy, and Sydney, who have somehow managed to keep us organized and make us look good along the way. Thank you to our city attorney, Dan, for keeping us grounded in the law and reminding us where boundaries are. Thank you to our city clerk, Darian, for keeping us organized and keeping this council moving. And I especially want to thank our city manager, James Mills, for his experience, talent, guidance, and leadership. We are incredibly unfortunate to live in a community that chose the council manager form of government. It is structure that allows elected officials to set direction while experienced professionals manage the day-to-day operations of the city. I truly believe James is one of the most capable municipal managers in the country. And the quality professionalism and expertise of our staff and directors that he has assembled speak to that. Mayor Wheaton, council members, Chad, Luke, Ollie, and the prior council members, thank you for serving with me on this journey. Ashley, there you are. My mom, my late father, Daniel, Beth, my sister, Bonnie Kate, and Tyler, who couldn't be here. You have been there through all of it. You listened to more than politics than you ever probably wanted to hear. You supported me through the good days, the difficult days, the late nights, and the challenges that came with these eight years. You gave me the ability to serve this community because I always knew I had your support when I came home. And I especially want to thank my mom and my late father, who's not here. Without your upbringing, I couldn't be where I am today. It is hard to remember everything over the past eight years, but I knew when I first ran for this office that expanding our infrastructure, improving our roads, and continuing to improve our town would be central to what I wanted to accomplish. I think we can clearly say, we checked some of those boxes, But when I look back now, what we were able to accomplish together was so much more. My hope is that when people look back on these past eight years, they can see beyond the challenges and some of the controversy and recognize what was produced. I hope that they see that we have strengthened Cookville's foundation, both financially and through the investments we have made in the people the institutions, facilities, and infrastructure that serve this community every day. But most importantly, I hope people see themselves in that progress. I don't want the story of these eight years to be about progress of these past two councils have made. I want it to be about what our community has accomplished. These are your roads, your parks, your fire and police stations, your utilities, your town hall, and your city. The ownership of the city and the progress we have made belongs to everyone. Many of you may be able to think back 10 or 15 years ago, and yet you probably couldn't name all the members on the council we had at that time. And I'm sure that will be probably true of us, perhaps even now, or certainly in the future. What I do hope you carry with you is a sense of ownership. one that continues long after we leave office. The future is now in the hands of those who continue to tend to it. Thank you and Godspeed.

I will close out.

our meeting here, and I'm gonna warn y'all, I probably will cry. I've got some napkins from some clinics up here, but that's just who I am these days. All mayors, by the end of their term, reach a reflection point and wrestle with one question. Did I make a difference? It has been one of my greatest joys to represent the citizens of Cookeville. I found it paramount to emphasize that this position and this council represent a town and not a theology. It represents all ages, all religions, and all citizens. In City Hall, you will find podiums, not pulpits. When we are elected to hold and serve public office, that is exactly who we are, serving the public. During the last four years, it was my goal to focus on the people of this community and not the position of this office. I believe that made a difference. Cootville is, in fact, in every facet better now than four years ago. Maybe not traffic, but that's some of the state roads, so I'll let you not deal with that. I have found no higher sense of gratification than serving as your mayor. One of my favorite patients often had this definition of wisdom. He said, wisdom just means I made the mistake long before you did. So I'd like to offer the incoming council hopefully some words of wisdom. Go to dinner on the west side at least once a week. It'll probably be more because you will not have time to cook, as my family can attest to. I found a conversation on the sidewalk was far more meaningful than a comment on social media. Take compliments when they're given, but forget them soon. Take criticism as well, but forget it even sooner. To quote my husband, the basketball coach, if you don't have haters, you ain't making plays. I was going to make it my campaign slogan four years ago, but we decided not. Speak with your presence and not your promise. People will always remember who showed up for a meeting or a conversation over coffee, not what speech you gave. Give credit where credit is due. So I want to take a moment to give credit to those. To the previous council I served on, thank you for taking on a rookie and helping me learn what makes this city so wonderful. To my current council, thank you for allowing me to lead and serve beside you while doing some pretty amazing things for our city. I will miss our funny conversations. I will miss a lot of things about y'all, but it was truly team that got us here. I want to thank our city employees, to Dan, Darian, Christina, Sydney, and to all of our city directors. We are a great city because of y'all. No one does this job by themselves. Mr. Mills, I only asked one thing when I became mayor, and that was for you to stay in your desk until August of 2026. And sometimes I've threatened to tie you to it. I could not have done this job without you.

I always value your leadership, but more importantly, your friendship.

To my mom friends, who got me here in the first place. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. I'm lucky to have you. I don't think JB would be proud. They're my in-laws and my parents. Gail and Ed, thank you for letting me represent the Wheaton name. To be honest, it's probably the reason I got elected.

Everyone knew the Wheatons and then when you said which Wheaton you were, it was easy.

Y'all being willing to drop everything and pick up a kid or come to the house and help is one of the only ways I was able to do this. Mom and dad, I'm still sorry I didn't tell you I was running for city council and that you had to find out on Facebook. But I think it turned out okay. I am who I am because of you today and even though my brother, your son, is a city attorney, I think city mayor trumps that. I think you can now admit I'm your favorite child. I'm your favorite child.

In the minutes.

To my babies. Kennedy and Palmer. I'm sorry, I missed some things. And I made y'all go to a ridiculous amount of events. I made you dress up, even though you're halfway dressed up, you have on gym shorts and a nice shirt. We'll go with it. I made y'all take a thousand pictures. You two are actually my proudest accomplishment. Being your mom is the greatest title of all and getting to be your full-time Uber driver to all the amazing things that you are doing is what I'm looking forward to the most. And to Wade. When I became mayor, you said you're leasing me to the city for four years. Well, that leases up. I'm coming back home. I have forgotten how to cook.

It was you.

You were the first one to say you should do it when I talked about running for city council. You're the most amazing backup dancer I've ever had. You may have regretted that statement multiple times over the last eight years, but you got me through it. You were the most amazing first man. Gentlemen, we never actually settled on a term for you that this city and our family could have ever asked for. I love you. And to my heavenly father, Thank you for lining everything up perfectly. There were times when I didn't know what door I was walking through, but I walked through it with confidence, knowing that you were by my side. And because of that, I've gotten to have eight wonderful years. I'm sorry. During my inception speech four years ago, I fledglingly coupled with confidence, humility, and class. When I say these words, I can think of no better person that personifies these eight attributes more than Chad Gilbert. I'm proud that he will be my mayor for the next four years, but I'm even prouder to call you a friend. Well, I have no reservations about your ability to lead. I do have two envelopes for you, and I'll explain. A preceding politician gave the newly elected official two letters on his way out. He said, when you find yourself in a tough situation where it seems like there are no answers or solutions and you can't make anyone happy, read the first letter. So not long after, when the newly elected official found himself in a tough situation, he opened the first letter and read it. It said, blame everything on me.

And it worked.

A couple of years later, the same official found himself in a similar tough situation. And he remembered there was another letter. So he opened it up and it said, now sit down and write two letters. So I have two envelopes for Chad that I'm leaving in this chair. Thank you, it's been the honor of my life. I gotta take a kid to a football game, let's go. So, seeing that that is the last of the comments, I will adjourn.

Hang on. We want to say a few things.

Okay.

I will at least. So both of you, I'll say it collectively. What an experience. I can't. It's hard to express in a moment. You guys, what you said there, it's profound, it's classy, it's everything that you guys have been the whole time. Eric, I said it last meeting, your sincerity and what you pursue on behalf of Cookville, always what you think is best for Cookville and your statesmanship to present that, I appreciate that every time. Lauren, your class and the way you lead and carry yourself, just a model for everyone who sits in that chair. So just before we adjourned, I wanted to say that publicly and express my gratitude to both of you. Thank you, Chip.

I would just like to add to that. None of this happens unless you have relationships. And like I said last time, it's all about the relationships. You know, if we didn't have good relationships and we were all able to row in the same direction, we wouldn't have been able to accomplish as much as we have. You know, we've accomplished so much. We've invested so much, reinvested back into the city.

while achieving the highest bond rating the city's ever had and that just doesn't happen by accident it happens because we are a good team so i appreciate y'all yeah just what they say it's it's been an honor serving before you i've learned more about dumpsters but honestly like what chad said it's you have a perspective and i appreciate it because i sit and i listen to your perspective and Lauren, even yours, you know, you guys have been here talking to you about things when I would say, hey, I want to do this just FYI. Okay, but... even if we didn't agree on things at the end of the day we still came up here as a team and we worked together to accomplish some great things and so i do appreciate all your time and energy and even the conversations we had a council member or a mayor one time he's here tonight dwight henry said and i appreciate it is that if we all voted yes we don't need that team We only need one person. Or if we all didn't agree, if we all agreed. But even through all that, we have worked through some amazing things. And we've done a great thing that you guys helped us even coming in to just learn, operate. And I appreciate your time, your energy, and even the disagreements. And even the great things we've done. So I do appreciate you guys.

I will adjourn the day we need a motion adjourn.

Yeah, I need a motion.

So I know you're tired of me talking. I said, what I want to say in our last meeting, you know, I want to make sure I had the opportunity to know how much I care about you guys and how much you mean to me into the city. You're going to be missed. That's the way I'm going to leave it. Thank you. Thank you.

All right, now do I have a motion to adjourn? Send ABA.

So moved. Second.

All right, got a motion and a second. Will we vote on that?

We're going to vote. Should have voted no. All votes are correct. Should have voted no.

Jeff, I complete it. We are adjourned.

All right.

We're going to have a little transition here, so bear with us for just a minute. So...

I call this meeting at the Cookville City Council to order. At this time, council will step forward. And we have this evening the Honorable Gary McKenzie to administer the oaths of office to our new council members. We can stand in front of our seats.

Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I state my name. do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Tennessee, and the Charter of the City of Cookville, and I will faithfully perform the duties

Which I have been elected. And which I am about to ascend. Congratulations.

All right. By situated, now the fun starts. Well, first item on the agenda is a consider approval of the agenda as presented. Roll call. Oh, excuse me. Roll call. You do the roll call.

Councilman Bajie. Here. Councilman England.

Present.

Councilman Gilbert. Here. Councilman Eldridge. Here. Councilman Parkinson.

Here.

Vice President.

Okay, now we're gonna approve of the agenda. So do I have a motion to approve the agenda as presented? So moved. Second.

All right, all votes. Absolutely. All votes correct.

Yes, motion carries. Okay, item 13B is election of the mayor. Do I have a nomination for the position of mayor?

I would like to nominate Chad Gilbert as our next mayor. It would be an honor to do so, sir.

Thank you.

I'll second that. Thank you. Are there any other nominations? Seeing none, we'll take a motion to elect Chad as our new mayor by acclamation. Let's do a vote. Let's do a vote. Let's do a vote. All the votes correct. Obvious motion carries.

I'm going to turn the meeting over to our new mayor. Thank you.

Thank you, James. All right. First order of business, I would like to nominate Councilman Luke Gelbridge for vice mayor. Second. Go ahead. So I have a second. So Councilman Baljeet. Okay. Second, Councilman Baljeet. Any discussion? All vote.

Oh, that's correct. I guess motion carries. Congratulations.

Congratulations, everybody up here. Absolutely. Well done. Item 13D, announcement of the mayor's appointment to planning commission. I have the honor of appointing Justin Hill. I think he actually attended the planning commission work session today, and I'm excited to have him on that board. It does not require votes. I'm going to move on to item 13E, consider appointment of the city council's representative to the planning commission. Do I have any nominations? I would like to nominate Ali Baji.

Second that.

I have a motion from Councilman Eldridge, Vice Mayor Eldridge. A second from Councilman Eldridge. That's going to be fun. Thank you. Any discussion? All right, all vote. All votes correct.

5-S motion carries.

Item 13-F, consider Resolution R26-07-11, commending Mayor Warren Wheaton for serving on the City Council.

Yes, Mayor. We've drafted a resolution honoring Mayor Warren, and if you don't mind, I'd ask you to read that resolution.

I'd be honored to. Resolution of the Appreciation for Mayor Warren Wheaton, given today, August the... 20th. Whereas Lauren Wheaton faithfully served the citizens of the City of Cookeville as Vice Mayor from August 2018 to August 2022, and as Mayor from August 2022 to August 2026, given eight years of dedicated public service to the community she and her family chose to call home. And whereas as a nurse practitioner and healthcare professional, Mayor Wheaton has devoted her career to caring for others and her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families helped shape a compassionate, thoughtful, and people-centered approach to public service. And whereas upon becoming mayor in 2022, Lauren Wheaton became the second woman in Cookeville's history to hold that office, serving as an example of leadership and public service for future generations. And whereas, throughout her tenure on the City Council, Mayor Wheaton helped lead the City of Cookville through extraordinary challenges, including the devastating March 3, 2020 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic, working alongside City employees, first responders, health care providers, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders as Cookville responded, recovered, and moved forward together. And whereas, Mayor Wheaton extended her commitment to service throughout Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland through leadership and participation on numerous boards and organizations, including the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, the Upper Cumberland Development District, the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board, strengthening partnerships and representing the interests of the city throughout the region. And whereas Mayor Wheaton remained committed to responsible growth, fiscal stewardship, public safety, infrastructure, and long-term investment in Cookville's future, supporting mayor projects including the new Cookville Police Department headquarters, two new fire stations, and the city's new energy department building. And whereas Mayor Whedon also provided leadership in the city's acquisition of the property at 39 Depot Street and the development of a long-term vision for the site and recognizing its importance to the continued vitality and future of downtown cookville and whereas throughout her service mayor we demonstrated a strong confirmation a strong appreciation for the employees of the city of cookville and remain committed to attracting retaining and supporting the dedicated men and women who provide essential services to the community each day and whereas throughout her compassion professionalism Servant leadership and genuine love for Cookville, Mayor Wheaton has made a lasting impact on the community, leaving a legacy reflected not only in projects and accomplishments, but also in strengthened relationships, regional partnerships, and a commitment to caring for the people she served. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Cookville, Tennessee, that on behalf of the citizens and the employees of the City of Cookville, the deepest gratitude and appreciation are hereby extended to Mayor Lauren Wheaton for eight years of exceptional public service, dedicated leadership, and countless hours she has given to the City of Cookville and the Upper Cumberland. Be it further resolved that Mayor Lauren Wheaton leaves office with a sincere appreciation, respect, and best wishes of the City Council, City employees, and the citizens of Cookville, and with gratitude for a legacy of service rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment for the community she proudly calls home, and be it further resolved that this resolution shall be duly recorded and filed in the Office of the City Clerk, adopted this 20th day of August 2026. Thank you.

Do I have a motion? Second.

Any discussion?

All right, we have none. All vote.

All vote's correct. 5 yes, motion carries. Or I'm also going to bring you down a gavel. And I did a little research just to see what the gavel kind of represents in this context. And it's a symbol of authority. But true measure of leadership is not the authority one is given, is what one chooses to do with it. You have carried that responsibility with honor and our city is better because you serve. May this gavel always remind you not to simply, not to simply, I'm sorry. May this gavel always remind you not simply of the office you held, but of the people you served and the differences you made.

It was a little bit older.

Are you alone with your family? No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Item 13F, moving on, item 13F, consider resolution, I'm sorry, 13G, consider resolution R260712, amending Councilman Eric Walker for serving on the City Council. Mr. Mills.

May we prepare the resolution honoring Eric for his years of service, and I would request that you please read the resolution.

Yeah, happily. Okay. Again, August 20th, 2026, a resolution of appreciation for Councilman Eric Walker. Whereas Eric Walker faithfully served as Councilman for the City of Cookeville from August 2018 to August 2026. And whereas Mr. Walker, a local businessman, community leader, and devoted family man, has generously given his time and talents in service to the community he proudly calls home. In addition to his service on the City Council, he has demonstrated his commitment to Cookville through his involvement with numerous civic organizations, including the Planning Commission, Cookville Cityscape, the Rotary Club of Cookville, the Upper Cumberland Home Builder Association, WCTE, and the Cookville Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. And whereas during his tenure on the City Council, Mr. Walker helped guide the city... through some of the most significant challenges in its history, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating March 3, 2020 tornado, supporting efforts to restore, rebuild, and strengthen the Cookville community through resilience, compassion, and cooperation. And whereas Mr. Walker has been dedicated to responsible growth, fiscal stewardship, infrastructure improvements, and public safety, supporting transformative projects, including the construction of the Cookville Police Department headquarters, two new fire stations, and the beginning of construction of the city's new energy department building, while continually working to ensure the highest quality of municipal services for the citizens of Cookville. And whereas Eric Walker's devotion to the community has been evident through his support of economic development, neighborhood enhancement, and community partnerships, as well as his commitment to preserving the exceptional quality of life that makes Cookville a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. And whereas Mr. Walker's leadership professionalism and unwavering dedication to public service has made a lasting impact on the city of cookville and its contributions will continue to benefit the community for generations to come Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Cookville, Tennessee, that on behalf of the citizens and employees of the City of Cookville, deepest appreciation is hereby extended to Eric Walker for his outstanding service, for the tremendous contributions he has made toward the growth and improvement of the quality of life in the City of Cookville. Now, therefore, be it further resolved that this resolution shall be duly recorded and filed in the Office of the City Clerk, adopted this 20th day of August 2026.

All right. Do I have a motion to adopt the resolution? Second. I'm like, I got one. Second. Any discussion? No, I'll vote. I'll vote. I'll vote's correct.

5-yes, motion carries. Okay.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

uh item 14 well that this is this this concludes the agenda portion of our meeting item 14 are there any citizens requests for hearing before the city council all right say none are there any comments from this council

I just want to say it's an honor to serve the city that I love so much and to follow behind such a great council who's already made such an impact. And we do thank you, too, for your service. I listen wholeheartedly to what you said, and I will take your advice. And I hope that I can represent this council well, just like you.

I'm excited to be here. Thank you for your guidance, your wisdom, your encouragement. Thank you to everyone that voted for me to be here. I hope that I can serve everyone in the city and serve us well and help support and just make us even better than we already are. And I'm excited to serve with you all. And yeah, let's do it.

I would just like to say that I'm grateful for these last four years, but also grateful for the opportunity to continue to give back to my hometown. And I appreciate that. And also, I'm looking forward to serving with the two new additions and thankful that I've been given the opportunity to serve with you two. And I really am excited for the great things that we're going to accomplish together.

Yeah, and just to wrap up, thank you for everybody who voted for for me. So keep me where I was at. I did so good there. You want to keep me there and. I've joked with Chad a little bit on some things and we've had a lot of good fun. That's 1 thing about the council prior and this one, we had fun. Doing what we did, even when we didn't agree on everything, we still had fun. I still respect them and I'm going to miss again. I am going to miss my dumpster. So when I need to talk about that, I'm trying to see Eric. May run something by Lauren every now and then, but it will be fun to serve with these. I know these two prior for being in the community. So it will be fun. I'm excited that we can accomplish and continue. And I just want to thank my family for four more years. You got to sacrifice some late night while I talk on the phone and walk at base. Because that's how I cope and that's my coping mechanism.

Four more years of doing that.

I thank my kids for being understanding and knowing we'll miss some things, but it's part of it. And after four years, I'll be home. But going to enjoy these four years, especially with this group. Congratulations again, Mayor C. I'm excited about it. So looking forward to things.

Well, thank you all. I'm looking forward to it as well. Thank you all for being here. I'll be considerate of your time. I've got a couple comments here just to kind of wind us out. I'd like to start by thanking my wife, Anna, and my family, many of which are here taking up several rows. I can't thank you enough for that. Rather than call everybody out, just know what that means to me and how important that is. Specifically to my mom and dad, thank you for raising me and our family here in Cookville. I know that sounds simple and even understated, but it made all the difference in my life. Just as my family has grown over the last four years, so has Cookville. And I'd like to thank the citizens for putting their trust in me as mayor, along with this new council, to lead our great city. That honor and responsibility are not taken lightly. And as much has been accomplished over the last four years, I couldn't be more excited to start the next chapter of our city's story and to contribute to its legacy. We find ourselves today in a city that is strong, stable, growing, and vibrant, and yet still the charming place many of us have called home most of our lives. It is a remarkable recipe that makes Cookeville so special, and as proud as I am of my tenure on the most recent council, I am equally grateful for the previous mayors and council that laid the foundation from which we benefit today. Looking ahead, I am committed to leading with humility, accessibility, and support for our citizens. There is no doubt in my mind there will be challenges, but I am even more confident that they will be outnumbered by opportunities, and I look forward to working alongside this council to make sure we do what is best for Cookville at every turn. Please keep us in your prayers and let us know whenever we can be of service. Thank you again for everyone who's here tonight. I think, James, we may have a reception. Yes, we do. Back for that. Okay. And again, thank you. If there's no other business, meeting adjourned.

I'll make a motion we adjourn.

That was just special for...

Okay.

Let's go.

Okay.