Cookeville public meetings in 2025

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider the annexation of the Dodson Branch area and a rezoning request on North Willow Avenue. The body will also review final plats for residential developments on Mine Lick Creek Road and Neal Street/East Veterans Drive.

• Final plat for River Ranch at Cookeville Phase I (16 lots) on Mine Lick Creek Road
• Final plat for Highbury Phase III (9 lots) on Neal Street and East Veterans Drive
• Rezoning of North Willow Avenue property from RM-8 (Multi-Family Residential) to CL (Local Commercial)
• Public hearing for annexation and Plan of Services for the Dodson Branch Annexation Area
• Study of 2025 Annual Report & Program Design and Official Street Map amendments

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 24 meeting, both unanimously. It gave conditional 90‑day approvals to the final plats for River Ranch Phase I and Highbury Phase III, each vote unanimous. The rezoning of a North Willow Avenue parcel from RM‑8 to CL was approved unanimously. The commission also scheduled a public hearing to review the Dodson Branch Annexation area, but no final annexation decision was made.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Conditional 90‑day approval of River Ranch Phase I final plat (unanimous)
• Conditional 90‑day approval of Highbury Phase III final plat (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of North Willow Ave parcel from RM‑8 to CL (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing on Dodson Branch Annexation plan (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the construction and operation of a rehabilitation hospital via a joint venture with Encompass Health Corporation. The meeting includes a public hearing on the Urban Growth Boundary and a budget amendment for Animal Control. Other items include a rezoning request and various infrastructure projects.

• Authorization for bonds up to $25 million for a rehabilitation hospital
• Rezoning of 208 E. Stevens Street from Single-Family and Duplex Residential to Local Commercial
• Public hearing on amendments to the Urban Growth Boundary
• Proposal with TDOT for the N. Willow Ave. Widening Project from West Broad Street to West 12th Street
• Budget amendment for the Animal Control Fund

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider and vote on two variance requests. One request seeks two public‑street access points for the Upper Cumberland Christian Home multi‑family development of 50 or more units on State Street (Tax Map 054, Parcel 086.02). The second request seeks to reduce the minimum lot size from 10,000 sq ft to 9,241 sq ft for a duplex at 348 South Walnut Avenue (Tax Map 053‑J, Group F, Parcel 008.00). The agenda and the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting will also be approved.

• Variance request for Upper Cumberland Christian Home: two access points required by Zoning Code Section 206.11G for a 50+ unit multi‑family development on State Street
• Variance request for a duplex at 348 South Walnut Avenue to reduce lot size by 759 sq ft (from 10,000 sq ft to 9,241 sq ft)
• Approval of the agenda as submitted
• Approval of the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes

The Board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting, both unanimously. It postponed the variance request for additional street access at the Upper Cumberland Christian Homes development until the January 8, 2026 meeting. It approved a variance to lower the minimum lot size to 9,241 sq ft for a duplex at 348 South Walnut Avenue, also unanimously.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Postponed Upper Cumberland Christian Homes access‑point variance to Jan 8 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved variance reducing lot size to 9,241 sq ft for duplex at 348 South Walnut Ave (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Urban Growth Boundary and the rezoning of 208 E. Stevens Street. Members will also consider a property purchase at 180 Miller Road and a budget amendment for the Animal Control Fund.

• Public hearing on proposed amendments to the Urban Growth Boundary
• First reading of Ordinance #O25-11-20 to rezone 208 E. Stevens Street from RD to CL
• Purchase option agreement for property at 180 Miller Road
• First reading of Ordinance #025-12-22 to amend the fiscal year 2026 Animal Control Fund budget
• Change order #2 for the Energy Department Facility expansion on W Davis Road

Planning Commission

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. It approved the resubmitted preliminary plat for the 67‑lot Liberty Subdivision. It gave conditional 90‑day approval to the final plat for the 12‑lot Morris Hills Division and approved the revised closure and abandonment of a portion of Baron Court. The proposed amendment to the zoning code for subdividing commercial units was referred back for further study.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved resubmittal of preliminary plat for Liberty Subdivision, 67 lots (unanimous)
• Approved conditional 90‑day approval of final plat for Morris Hills Division, 12 lots (unanimous)
• Approved revised request to close and abandon portion of Baron Court (unanimous)
• Referred amendment to Zoning Code on commercial unit subdivision back for further study (not approved)

City Council

The council will consider an amendment to the hotel/motel tax, set dates for public hearings on proposed Urban Growth Boundary changes, and approve the purchase of three Chevrolet Silverado trucks. It will also review resolutions urging state legislative action on sober living homes, annexation by majority property owner consent, and restoration of historic revenue sharing, as well as bids for sewer and water projects and a new postage meter lease.

• Ordinance #O25-11-21 amending the Hotel/Motel Tax
• Set dates (12-4-25 and 12-18-25) for public hearings on Urban Growth Boundary amendments
• Purchase of three 2026 Chevrolet Silverado trucks under Statewide Contract #209
• Award bid for 2025 Ridgedale Low Pressure Sewer Project
• Award bid for 2025 N. Cookeville Water Line Project

The council adopted Ordinance #025-11-21, updating the city’s hotel/motel tax code. It also approved a consent agenda that set dates for urban growth boundary hearings, awarded a catering contract, declared water meters surplus, and authorized purchase of three Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Several resolutions were adopted, including requests to the state legislature on sober‑living home regulation, annexation by property‑owner consent, and restoration of historic sales‑tax revenue sharing. Additional actions included approving a new postage‑meter lease, awarding bids for sewer and water line projects, and approving an engineering contract amendment for the South Jefferson Avenue road widening.

• Approved Ordinance #025-11-21 amending hotel/motel tax (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda items: public hearing dates, catering service, surplus water meters, purchase of three Chevrolet Silverado trucks (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-11-20 on sober‑living home legislation (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-11-21 on annexation by majority property‑owner consent (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-11-22 to restore historic sales‑tax revenue sharing (4-0)
• Approved early termination and new postage‑meter lease under Statewide Contract #419 (4-0)
• Awarded bid for 2025 Ridgedale Low Pressure Sewer Project (4-0)
• Approved Amendment No.2 to engineering contract for utility work in South Jefferson Avenue Road Widening Project (4-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board will consider and vote on the agenda and the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It will review a special‑exception request to allow a private recycling center in the Light Manufacturing (LM) zoning district on 20 CC Camp Road (Tax Map 054‑D, Parcel 033.01) submitted by Jack States for Sparrow Ventures Group. The Board will also consider a variance request to reduce the minimum lot width from 75 feet to 71.46 feet for three proposed lots at 1701 Womack Avenue (Tax Map 040‑F, Parcel 020.00) submitted by Jeremiah Wheet.

• Approve the agenda as submitted
• Approve the minutes of the October 9, 2025 meeting
• Special exception to permit a private recycling center at 20 CC Camp Road
• Variance to lower lot width from 75 ft to 71.46 ft for three lots at 1701 Womack Avenue

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved its agenda and the minutes from the October 9 meeting. It also approved a special exception to allow a private recycling center at 20 CC Camp Road within the Light Manufacturing district. Additionally, the board unanimously approved a variance reducing the minimum lot width at the setback line for three proposed lots at 1701 Womack Avenue.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved October 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved special exception for private recycling center at 20 CC Camp Road (unanimous)
• Approved variance reducing minimum lot width to 71.46‑71.54 ft for three lots at 1701 Womack Avenue (unanimous)

City Council

The Cookeville City Council meeting on November 6, 2025 includes several public hearings and contract approvals. A public hearing is set for December 4, 2025 to consider Ordinance #O25-11-20 rezoning 208 E. Stevens Street from Single‑Family and Duplex Residential (RD) to Local Commercial (CL). The council will also hear first‑reading proposals to amend the zoning code for commercial unit subdivision (Ordinance #O25-10-18), close a portion of Baron Court (Ordinance #O25-10-19), and consider contracts for ERP software, a Microsoft 365 subscription, steel poles, and a Medicare Advantage plan renewal.

• Public hearing on Dec 4, 2025 for Ordinance #O25-11-20 rezoning 208 E. Stevens St to Local Commercial
• Purchase of the third of three 12‑month Microsoft 365 subscriptions (ITT Division)
• Awarding bid for steel poles (Energy/Electric Division)
• Public hearing on Ordinance #O25-10-18 to amend zoning code permitting subdivision of commercial units
• Public hearing on Ordinance #O25-10-19 to close a portion of Baron Court

The Cookeville City Council approved an amended agenda and a consent agenda that set a public hearing for a rezoning, renewed a Microsoft 365 subscription and awarded a steel‑pole bid. The council sent a zoning‑code amendment back to the Planning Commission, adopted a resolution to move toward a referendum on the Dodson Branch Road annexation, and approved a hotel/motel tax amendment. It also authorized the City Manager to execute an ERP software contract and a Phase III ERP consulting contract, and renewed the city’s Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Approved agenda amendment removing item 7B and adding a public hearing (unanimous)
• Set Dec 4 2025 public hearing on rezoning 208 E. Stevens St (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of third 12‑month Microsoft 365 subscription ($111,099.42) (unanimous)
• Approved award of bid for steel poles (Energy/Electric Division) (unanimous)
• Sent Ordinance #0 25‑10‑18 on commercial‑unit subdivision back to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #R25‑11‑17 to prepare a referendum on Dodson Branch Road annexation (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25‑11‑21 amending the hotel/motel tax (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to execute ERP software contract and Phase III ERP consulting contract (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review several preliminary plat extensions and a rezoning request for East Stevens Street. The body will also study updates to the City of Cookeville’s Urban Growth Boundary.

• Rezoning of 208 East Stevens Street from RD (Single-Family and Duplex Residential) to CL (Local Commercial)
• Study of updates to the City of Cookeville’s Urban Growth Boundary
• Request to close and abandon right-of-way at 348 South Walnut Avenue
• Variance for right-of-way dedication for the Ann Murphy Breeding Division at 1260 East 10th Street
• Six-month extensions for preliminary plats of Calia, Grand Cascades, Franklin Court, and River Ranch

The Planning Commission approved the agenda and September minutes unanimously. It approved six‑month extensions for several preliminary plats, conditionally approved a right‑of‑way variance for the Ann Murphy Breeding Division, approved the rezoning of 208 East Stevens Street from residential to local commercial, denied a request to close and abandon a portion of the right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Avenue, and approved a study to update the city’s Urban Growth Boundary.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved September 22 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved six‑month extensions for Calia, Grand Cascades, Franklin Court, River Ranch, Brook View Phase I, and Brook View Phase II (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved variance for right‑of‑way dedication and final plat at 1260 East 10th St (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 208 East Stevens St from RD to CL (unanimous)
• Denied request to close, abandon, and declare surplus right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Ave (unanimous)
• Approved study to update the Urban Growth Boundary (unanimous)

City Council

The Cookeville City Council will consider two ordinances that amend the Zoning Code: one changes rules for garbage and waste containers, and the other updates driveway surfacing requirements for single‑family residential districts. The council will also act on several contracts and bids, including a bulk de‑icing salt purchase, a bid for HVAC units for the Cane Creek Gymnasium, and an easement for Upper Cumberland Electric on the water plant property. Additional items include resolutions for matching grant programs and a limited Phase II environmental site assessment for the 39 Depot Property.

• Ordinance #O25-09-16 amending Zoning Code Section 204.15 on garbage/waste containers (Sponsor: Jon Ward)
• Ordinance #O25-09-17 amending Zoning Code driveway surfacing requirements for single‑family zones (Sponsor: Jon Ward)
• Purchase of bulk de‑icing salt under Statewide Contract #507, Contract ID# 66848 (Public Works Department)
• Awarding bid for two 15‑ton HVAC units with air dampers for the Cane Creek Gymnasium (Leisure Services Department)
• Granting easement to Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation on the Water Plant Property (Water Quality Control Department)

The Cookeville City Council approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 2 meeting. It adopted two zoning ordinance amendments, approved a consent agenda covering purchases and a grant balance change, and authorized several contracts and grant participation resolutions. All actions passed with three ayes and two members absent.

• Approved agenda as presented (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Approved minutes of Oct 2, 2025 meeting (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25-09-16 amending Zoning Code garbage/waste containers (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25-09-17 amending driveway surfacing requirements (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Approved consent agenda (bulk de‑icing salt purchase, surplus 2017 garbage truck, 2021 CD BGP sewer balance change) (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Approved contract for Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment of 39 Depot Property (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-10-14 for Safety Partners Matching Grant Program (3 ayes, 2 absent)
• Awarded bid for two 15‑ton HVAC units for Cane Creek Gymnasium (3 ayes, 2 absent)

Historic Zoning Commission

The Cookeville Historic Zoning Commission will consider approving the minutes from its July 8, 2025 meeting. It will also consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new deck/patio addition requested by Brent Staton at 531 North Dixie Avenue in the North Dixie Avenue Historic District. Additionally, the commission will recognize Ralph’s Donut Shop for its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Approve minutes of the July 8, 2025 Historic Zoning Commission meeting
• Consider Certificate of Appropriateness for deck/patio addition at 531 North Dixie Avenue
• Recognition of Ralph’s Donut Shop being placed on the National Register of Historic Places

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will first approve the meeting agenda. It will then approve the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. Finally, the board will consider a variance request to reduce the front-yard setback from 30 feet to 1 foot—a 29-foot reduction—for a commercial structure at 540 Ruby Lane (Tax Map 053-M, Group B, Parcel 023.01), which was postponed at the September meeting.

• Approve agenda as submitted
• Approve minutes of September 11, 2025
• Review variance request to cut front-yard setback from 30 ft to 1 ft at 540 Ruby Lane (29‑ft reduction)
• Variance request was postponed from the September 11 meeting

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on October 9, 2025, and unanimously approved the agenda and the September 11, 2025 minutes. After reviewing a revised proposal, the board unanimously approved a variance reducing the front‑yard setback from 30 feet to 26 feet for a commercial structure at 540 Ruby Lane. The decision follows staff recommendation and addresses concerns raised by a neighboring property owner.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved front‑yard setback variance to 26 ft for 540 Ruby Lane (unanimous)

City Council

The Cookeville City Council will consider routine agenda items, honor retiring staff, and approve prior meeting minutes. It will set dates for public hearings on two zoning amendments and hold hearings on two new zoning ordinances, a highway safety grant contract, a tree‑planting grant, a sewer project, a transformer purchase, railroad funding support, and a property acquisition. All items are listed for discussion or decision at the October 2 meeting.

• Set public hearing (Nov 6, 2025) on Ordinance #O25-10-18 to amend commercial zoning sections 221 CL and 222 CG
• Set public hearing (Nov 6, 2025) on Ordinance #O25-10-19 to close a portion of Baron Court
• Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance #O25-09-16 to amend zoning code for garbage/waste containers
• Authorize City Manager to contract with Tennessee Dept. of Safety for Highway Safety Grants
• Approve purchase of one spare 2500 KVA transformer for Water Treatment Plant Generator Project

The Cookeville City Council adopted a resolution honoring retiring Leisure Services Director Rick Woods and approved the meeting agenda. It passed two zoning code amendments on first reading, one for garbage containers and another for driveway surfacing. The council also authorized a highway safety grant contract, a tree‑planting grant application, and the purchase of a property at 337 N. Cedar Ave. Finally, it awarded the bid for the 2025 Rebecca Place Low Pressure Sewer System Project.

• Approved agenda as presented (Councilman Bagci, Councilman Walker, Mayor Wheaton, Vice‑Mayor Eldridge, Councilman Gilbert: aye)
• Adopted Resolution R25-09-13 honoring retiring Leisure Services Director Rick Woods (all five members: aye)
• Approved Ordinance #025-09-16 (first reading) amending zoning code for garbage/waste containers (all five members: aye)
• Approved Ordinance #025-09-17 (first reading) amending zoning code for driveway surfacing requirements (all five members: aye)
• Authorized City Manager to contract with Tennessee Dept. of Safety for Highway Safety Grants (all five members: aye)
• Authorized application for Tennessee Division of Forestry Community Tree Planting Grant (all five members: aye)
• Awarded bid for 2025 Rebecca Place Low Pressure Sewer System Project (all five members: aye)
• Authorized CRMC to purchase property at 337 N. Cedar Ave (all five members: aye)

Planning Commission

The Cookeville Planning Commission will vote on a variance request and final plat for two lots on North Dixie Avenue. It will also consider a request to close a portion of Baron Court and an amendment to the Zoning Code concerning subdivision of commercial units. Two study items will be reviewed: rezoning of 208 East Stevens Street and a request to close and declare surplus a portion of the right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Avenue.

• Variance for a flag lot and final plat of two lots on North Dixie Avenue (Tax Map 040B, Group A, Parcel 026.00) – request by Jeff Pryor
• Request to close a portion of Baron Court – staff request
• Amendment to the Zoning Code on subdividing commercial units on individual lots – staff request (postponed at August 25, 2025 meeting)
• Study of rezoning 208 East Stevens Street from RD to CL – request by Charles Whittenburg
• Study of closing, abandoning, and declaring surplus a portion of the undeveloped right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Avenue – request by Donnie Suits for Capital Communities, LLC

The commission unanimously approved a six‑month extension of the preliminary plat for four lots at 214 West Jere Whitson Avenue. It also approved a variance and final plat for a flag lot on North Dixie Avenue, and authorized the closure of an additional 172.36 feet of Baron Court. The commission adopted amendments to Zoning Code Sections 221.3 and 222.3 to allow individual commercial unit subdivisions, accepted two items for study, and set October 20 as the date for the Comprehensive Plan update.

• Approved six‑month extension of Northpointe Preserve preliminary plat (4 lots) – unanimous
• Approved variance and final plat for flag lot on North Dixie Avenue – unanimous
• Approved closure of 172.36 ft of Baron Court – unanimous
• Approved amendment to Zoning Code Sections 221.3 and 222.3 for commercial unit subdivisions – unanimous
• Accepted rezoning of 208 East Stevens Street for study – unanimous
• Accepted request to study closure of right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Avenue – unanimous
• Set date for Comprehensive Plan Update to October 20 – unanimous

City Council

The Cookeville City Council will consider several ordinances on September 18, including a change to the zoning code that eliminates drive‑thru restaurants in the Neighborhood Commercial district. It will also vote on rezoning 1630 Blackwell Road from Light Manufacturing to Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use and 2034 West Broad Street from Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use to Local Commercial. Additional items include authorizing street access points for the Fairgrounds and a bus garage, awarding a bid for 20,000 ft of 350‑triplex wire, and approving a professional services agreement with ASA Engineering for the 39 Depot Area master plan.

• Ordinance #O25-06-10: amend zoning code to remove drive‑thru restaurants in the Neighborhood Commercial district (sponsor Jon Ward)
• Ordinance #O25-08-12: rezoning 1630 Blackwell Road (Tax Map 083, Parcel 075.00) from Light Manufacturing (LM) to Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use (CI) (sponsor Jon Ward)
• Ordinance #O25-08-13: rezoning 2034 West Broad Street (Tax Map 039, Parcel 205.00) from Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use (CI) to Local Commercial (CL) (sponsor Jon Ward)
• Ordinance #O25-08-14: authorize public street access points on Tennessee Avenue and Event Center Drive for the Putnam County Fairgrounds and bus/maintenance garage (sponsor Jon Ward)
• Consent agenda award: bid for 20,000 ft of 350‑triplex wire – Energy Department/Electric Division

The council approved several ordinances, including updates to credit‑card payment rules, removal of drive‑through restaurants from the Neighborhood Commercial district, rezoning of two properties, and new street access points. It also approved a professional services agreement with ASA Engineering & Consulting for up to $430,000. One rezoning ordinance was postponed until January 15, 2026.

• Approved Ordinance #025-09-15 (credit/debit card payment amendment) – 5 aye
• Approved Ordinance #025-06-10 (remove drive‑through restaurants from Neighborhood Commercial district) – 5 aye
• Approved Ordinance #025-08-12 (rezoning 1630 Blackwell Rd to Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use) – 5 aye
• Postponed Ordinance #025-08-13 (rezoning 2034 West Broad St to Local Commercial) until Jan 15, 2026 – 4 aye, 1 abstain
• Approved Ordinance #025-08-14 (authorize public street access points on Tennessee Ave and Event Center Dr) – 4 aye, 1 abstain
• Approved consent agenda for 20,000 ft of 350‑triplex wire – 5 aye
• Approved professional services agreement with ASA Engineering & Consulting, up to $430,000 for phases 1‑2 – 5 aye
• Approved minutes of the September 4, 2025 council meeting – 5 aye

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review a variance request to allow a restaurant drive‑through at 1151 South Willow Avenue that seeks a bypass lane narrower than the required 12 feet. It will also consider a front‑yard setback variance for a commercial building at 540 Ruby Lane and a special‑exception request for a childcare center at 135 West 2nd Street. Agenda and minutes approvals are routine items.

• Variance request for 1151 South Willow Ave (bypass lane width less than 12 ft) – Section 205.11D
• Variance request for 540 Ruby Lane to reduce front‑yard setback from 30 ft to 1 ft
• Special‑exception request for a childcare center at 135 West 2nd Street in the Medical Services district
• Approval of the meeting agenda
• Approval of the August 14, 2025 minutes

The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 14, 2025. It approved a variance for 1151 South Willow Avenue, requiring a 12‑foot bypass lane and signage. The variance request for 540 Ruby Lane’s front‑yard setback was postponed to the October 9 meeting.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Aug 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 1151 South Willow Ave with 12‑ft lane and signage (unanimous)
• Postponed variance for 540 Ruby Lane front‑yard setback to Oct 9 meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda, which included multiple energy department bids and uniform purchases. It also approved several ordinances and contracts, including a 5‑year Versaterm drone‑management agreement for the Police Department, a contract with Tays Realty for internet‑only firearm auctions, and a change order to close out the 10th Street Widening Project. All actions were adopted with recorded votes, most unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (energy bids, uniform purchases) – unanimous aye
• Approved 5‑year Versaterm drone‑management contract – unanimous aye
• Approved contract with Tays Realty & Auction for internet firearm auctions – unanimous aye
• Authorized City Manager to execute Change Order #2 (Final) for 10th Street Widening Project – unanimous aye
• Authorized amendment to renew Tennessee Pipeline Agreement – unanimous aye
• Approved Ordinance #0 25‑06‑10 to remove drive‑thru restaurants in Neighborhood Commercial district – unanimous aye
• Approved Ordinance #0 25‑08‑12 rezoning 1630 Blackwell Road to Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use – 4 aye, 1 abstain
• Approved Ordinance #0 25‑08‑13 rezoning 2034 West Broad Street to Local Commercial – 4 aye, 1 abstain

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss amendments to the Zoning Code regarding dumpster details, residential driveway surfacing, and the subdivision of commercial suites. The body will also review several plat extensions and a right-of-way variance.

• Zoning Code amendment for Illustration 24 – Dumpster Detail
• Zoning Code amendment for Section 205.9 residential driveway surfacing
• Zoning Code amendment for subdividing commercial suites on individual lots
• Right-of-way dedication variance for Danny & Permelia Elmore Trust Division on West Spring Street
• Final plat for Western Hills Subdivision (4 lots) at 225 Holder Avenue

The commission approved the meeting agenda and July 28 minutes without dissent. It granted six‑month extensions for three preliminary plats, approved a right‑of‑way variance for the Elmore Trust commercial subdivision, and gave conditional approval to the Western Hills residential final plat. The commission also adopted amendments to the zoning code’s dumpster requirements and related illustration.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved six‑month extensions for Johnny Hammock, Saxony Phase IV, and Conexus Park plats (unanimous)
• Approved variance to reduce right‑of‑way dedication for Danny & Permelia Elmore Trust Division (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for Western Hills Subdivision at 225 Holder Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Zoning Code Section 204.15 and Illustration 24 – Dumpster Detail (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 7 meeting. It adopted Ordinance #025-07-11 rezoning a Bill Smith Road parcel from RS-20 to RS-10. The council also approved the consent agenda, adopted a bridge‑project resolution, authorized a hazardous‑materials grant, and approved several change orders and an emergency pump purchase.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved minutes from August 7 meeting (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance #025-07-11 rezoning Bill Smith Rd parcel (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (police uniforms, vehicles, paving contracts, water‑quality inventory) (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-08-12 authorizing bridge project proposal with TDOT (5-0)
• Authorized Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant application (5-0)
• Authorized Change Order with W & O Construction for new facility site work (5-0)
• Approved emergency purchase of pump rotating assembly for Booger Swamp Pump Station (5-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider approving three variance requests: reducing rear yard setbacks for two single-family homes, reducing side yard setbacks for a pool deck, and allowing a single access point for a multi-family development.

• Variance for 3900 Stonewall Drive to reduce rear yard setback from 30 feet to 10 feet
• Variance for 125 East 4th Street to reduce side yard setback from 10 feet to 6 feet
• Variance for 634 Longstreet Drive to reduce rear yard setback from 30 feet to 13 feet
• Variance for Ashbury Farms Subdivision Phase I to allow one access point for 50+ units
• Approval of July 10, 2025, Board of Zoning Appeals minutes

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the July 10, 2025 minutes. It approved a variance to reduce the rear‑yard setback from 30 ft to 10 ft for 3900 Stonewall Drive. The request for a bypass lane variance for a drive‑through at 1151 South Willow Avenue was postponed to the September 11, 2025 meeting.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved rear‑yard setback variance for 3900 Stonewall Drive (unanimous)
• Postponed bypass lane variance request for 1151 South Willow Avenue to Sep 11, 2025 (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the amended agenda, the July 17 meeting minutes, and the consent agenda that set public‑hearing dates for four zoning ordinances. It also approved the first reading of Ordinance #0‑25‑07‑11 to rezone Bill Smith Road, a change order for the pickleball‑court construction project, and a 5% salary increase for City Manager James Mills.

• Approved agenda amendment adding items 6M and 9A (all aye)
• Approved July 17, 2025 council minutes (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda setting 9‑4‑25 hearings for four zoning ordinances (all aye)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #0‑25‑07‑11 rezoning Bill Smith Road (all aye)
• Approved change order for Steelhead Building Group pickleball‑court project (all aye)
• Approved 5% salary increase for City Manager James Mills (all aye)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from June 23, 2025, both unanimously. It also approved a six‑month extension of the preliminary plat for the Turnberry Subdivision on Hawkins Crawford Road. The commission unanimously approved a variance for a flag lot and the final plat for the two‑lot Waverly East subdivision on South Walnut Avenue. A proposal to remove drive‑through restaurants from the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district was discussed but no vote was recorded.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 23, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved six‑month extension of Turnberry Subdivision preliminary plat (unanimous)
• Approved flag‑lot variance and final plat for Waverly East subdivision (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved its agenda and the July 3, 2025 meeting minutes, appointed Jay Albrecht to the Regional Medical Center Board, and reappointed Douglas Airhart and Sid Bundy to the Tree Board. It approved the consent agenda covering multiple procurement items. The council adopted a new policy for public applications to city boards (Resolution R25‑07‑11) and approved a plan for a public hearing on the Dodson Branch Road annexation (Resolution R25‑06‑09). It also authorized the city manager to negotiate a change order for the pickleball court project.

• Approved agenda as presented (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Approved July 3, 2025 meeting minutes (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Appointed Jay Albrecht to Regional Medical Center Board, 7‑year term (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Reappointed Douglas Airhart and Sid Bundy to Tree Board, 3‑year terms (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Approved consent agenda (LED lights bid, RMS fee, vehicle surplus, water meter tariff, truck and equipment purchases) (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Adopted Resolution R25‑07‑11 establishing formal policy for public applications to city boards (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Adopted Resolution R25‑06‑09 calling for public hearing on Dodson Branch Road annexation and approving service plan (4 aye, 1 absent)
• Authorized city manager to negotiate and sign change order for pickleball court pad repairs, with ratification at Aug 7, 2025 (4 aye, 1 absent)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the June 12, 2025 minutes. It then approved a variance to reduce the side‑yard setback at 125 East 4th Street from 10 ft to 6 ft. A second variance was approved to reduce the rear‑yard setback at 634 Longstreet Drive from 30 ft to 13 ft. Finally, the Board approved a variance allowing the 50th townhome in the Ashbury Farms Phase I development to be built with only one public‑street access point.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved June 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved side‑yard setback variance at 125 East 4th St (unanimous)
• Approved rear‑yard setback variance at 634 Longstreet Dr (unanimous)
• Approved access variance for Ashbury Farms Phase I multi‑family development (unanimous)

Historic Zoning Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting unanimously. It denied the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a covered deck/patio addition at 531 North Dixie Avenue. The denial motion was made by Peter Metts, seconded by Susan Vandergriff, and carried unanimously.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied Certificate of Appropriateness for 531 North Dixie Ave deck addition (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the amended agenda, reappointed Eric Cherry to the Environmental Appeals Board and Megan Atkinson to the Historic Zoning Commission, and approved the consent agenda covering numerous purchases and contracts. It amended Ordinance #0 25‑06‑10, sending it back to the Planning Commission for further review, and approved a fund transfer to the TN Central Rail Trail Authority along with several contract authorizations.

• Approved agenda amendment (5-0)
• Reappointed Eric Cherry to Environmental Appeals Board (5-0)
• Appointed Megan Atkinson to Historic Zoning Commission (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda covering multiple purchases and contracts (5-0)
• Amended Ordinance #0 25‑06‑10 to send back to Planning Commission (5-0)
• Approved transfer of funds to TN Central Rail Trail Authority (5-0)
• Approved Change Order increasing ERP consulting contract limit (5-0)
• Authorized City Manager contract with AXON for camera auto‑tagging licenses (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from May 19, 2025 unanimously. It approved the resubmitted preliminary plat for Creek Side (nine lots on Holder Avenue) unanimously. It conditionally approved the preliminary plat for Watts Family Townhomes, the revised preliminary plat for Maple Heritage Homes Subdivision, the revised preliminary plat for Ashbury Farms Phase I, and the final plat for Timberwalk Subdivision Phase V, each with a unanimous vote.

• Approved Creek Side preliminary plat (9 lots) – unanimous
• Conditional Approval Watts Family Townhomes preliminary plat (12 lots) – unanimous
• Conditional Approval Maple Heritage Homes revised preliminary plat (14 lots) – unanimous
• Conditional Approval Ashbury Farms Phase I revised preliminary plat (51 lots) – unanimous
• Conditional 90‑day Approval Timberwalk Phase V final plat (44 lots) – unanimous

City Council

The Cookeville City Council unanimously approved appointments for City Attorney, City Judge, Special Judge, a seat on the Industrial Development Board, and a reappointment to the Putnam County Library Board. It also adopted the annual budget for Cookeville Regional Medical Center and a city tax levy for fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the council increased the City Judge's monthly salary to $1,000.

• Appointed Dan Rader III as City Attorney (5-0)
• Appointed Joy Buck Gothard as City Judge (5-0)
• Appointed Dana Looper as Special Judge (5-0)
• Appointed Phillip Baker to the Industrial Development Board (5-0)
• Reappointed Patricia Phillips to the Putnam County Library Board (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25-06-06 adopting the Regional Medical Center budget (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25-06-07 providing a city tax levy for FY 2026 (5-0)
• Increased City Judge salary to $1,000 per month (5-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the meeting agenda and the April 10 minutes without opposition. It then approved three separate variance requests for residential properties, reducing rear yard setbacks at 941 Stonebridge Circle and 62 Womack Avenue. Finally, it granted a commercial parking variance that cuts the required spaces from 36 to 12 for the Cookeville Pizza & Pub at 707 Mahler Avenue, all votes unanimous.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 10 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved parking variance reducing spaces from 36 to 12 at 707 Mahler Ave (unanimous)
• Approved rear yard setback reduction to 12 ft at 941 Stonebridge Circle (unanimous)
• Approved rear yard setback reduction to 17 ft at 62 Womack Avenue (unanimous)

City Council

The Cookeville City Council unanimously approved the agenda, reappointed two members to the Industrial Development Board, and adopted a fiscal‑year 2025 budget amendment that adds a $3.5 million property purchase. The council also approved a consent agenda declaring surplus vehicles, adopted the Cookeville Regional Medical Center budget, and passed a tax‑levy ordinance for FY 2026. A resolution to consider annexation was postponed to July 17, 2025, and a resolution authorizing a property‑purchase contract was adopted.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Reappointed Jim Shipley and J.D. Parks to Industrial Development Board (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2025 budget amendment (Ordinance #0 25-05-05) adding $3.5M property purchase (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda declaring surplus vehicles and equipment (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25-06-06 adopting CRMC annual budget (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #0 25-06-07 tax‑levy for FY ending June 30 2026 (unanimous)
• Postponed Resolution #R25-06-09 annexation consideration to July 17 2025 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-06-08 authorizing contract for property purchase on Depot St, South Cedar, and South Oak Avenues (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved a six‑month extension of the Liberty Subdivision preliminary plat and the resubmittal of the Emerald Forest Estates preliminary plat. It gave conditional 90‑day approvals to the final plats for the Michael Cunningham South Jefferson Avenue development and the West Side Connection RAO development. The commission also approved an amendment to the zoning code to allow drive‑through restaurants on appeal in the Neighborhood Commercial district.

• Approved six‑month extension of Liberty Subdivision preliminary plat (unanimous)
• Approved resubmittal of Emerald Forest Estates preliminary plat (unanimous)
• Conditional 90‑day approval of Michael Cunningham South Jefferson Avenue final plat (unanimous)
• Conditional 90‑day approval of West Side Connection RAO final plat (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Zoning Code to permit drive‑through restaurants on appeal in CN district (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved Ordinance #025-05-04 amending the FY 2025 budget. It adopted Resolution #R25-05-07 to issue tax‑exempt bonds for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It approved a contract to purchase approximately 5.07 acres of property from HCA Health Services. It awarded the Phase II bid for the East Spring Street Multimodal Sidewalk Project and authorized CRMC to borrow up to $13,000,000 for a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

• Approved Ordinance #025-05-04 budget amendment (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-05-07 for tax‑exempt bonds for Vanderbilt (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Approved purchase of ~5.07 acres from HCA Health Services (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Approved Ordinance #025-05-05 (first reading) budget amendment (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Awarded bid for Phase II East Spring Street Multimodal Sidewalk Project (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Approved CEI services contract with HMB Professional Engineers for Phase II sidewalk project (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Authorized CRMC to borrow up to $13,000,000 for new inpatient rehab hospital (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)
• Authorized CRMC to borrow up to $13,000,000 for new inpatient rehab hospital (second motion) (aye, aye, aye, absent, aye)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the agenda amendment that removed a Steelhead change‑order item. It then approved the consent agenda covering several energy and vehicle items. The council adopted Ordinance #025-05-04 amending the fiscal year 2025 budget on first reading. Additional actions included awarding the Interstate Drive water‑line bid, approving a CPAC/Dogwood Park retaining‑wall change order, awarding a Cane Creek park splash‑pad contract, and authorizing land‑repurchase steps for Highlands Business Park.

• Approved agenda amendment removing Steelhead change‑order item (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (surplus vehicle, transformer pricing adjustment, substation switches, 300 KVA and 45 KVA pad transformers, AMI base station) (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance #025-05-04 amending FY2025 budget on first reading (5-0)
• Awarded bid for 2025 Interstate Drive Water Line Replacement Project (5-0)
• Approved change order with HD Commercial for CPAC/Dogwood Park retaining‑wall repair (5-0)
• Awarded bid for Cane Creek Park splashpad and pickleball improvements; authorized agreement with FTM Contracting (5-0)
• Authorized City Manager to enforce Article IX for Highlands Business Park land repurchase and seek partial reimbursement from Putnam County (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the March 24 minutes by unanimous vote. It also approved six six‑month extensions for preliminary plats of six subdivisions under the consent agenda. By unanimous vote the commission conditionally approved a flag‑lot variance and final plat for Madewell & Springdale, the final plat for Reserves at the Country Club Phase VI, and a flag‑lot variance and final plat for J&S Construction Subdivision.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimously)
• Approved March 24 minutes (unanimously)
• Approved six‑month extensions for six subdivision preliminary plats (Calia Subdivision, Franklin Court, Brook View Phase I, Brook View Phase II, River Ranch at Cookeville, Ellington Subdivision Phase II) (unanimously)
• Conditional approval of variance for a flag lot and final plat of Madewell & Springdale (unanimously)
• Conditional approval of final plat for Reserves at the Country Club Phase VI (unanimously)
• Conditional approval of variance for two flag lots and final plat of J&S Construction Subdivision (unanimously)

City Council

The Cookeville City Council approved an agenda amendment to fund a safety grant for the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport and declared a portion of 125 Chestnut Avenue surplus. It adopted three ordinances, including a street‑map amendment and two rezoning actions that change land use designations. The council also approved a consent agenda for advanced metering equipment and authorized multiple purchases for public works, including a new brush truck. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda amendment to appropriate matching funds for Upper Cumberland Regional Airport safety grant (unanimous 5‑0)
• Declared surplus a portion of the property at 125 Chestnut Avenue (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved amendment to the Official Street Map (Ordinance #025-03-01) (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved rezoning of West Broad St. & Ridgedale Dr. to Local Commercial (Ordinance #025-03-02) (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved rezoning of 1211 South Jefferson Ave. to General Commercial (Ordinance #025-03-03) (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda for Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters (energy, gas, electric) (unanimous 5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution #R25-04-05 to have Planning Commission review annexation plan of service territory (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved purchase of one 2026 Freightliner TL3 brush truck from CMI (unanimous 5‑0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from March 13, 2025. It also unanimously approved a variance request to reduce the required lot width at the setback line from 75 feet to 70.99 feet for two new lots at 645 East 20th Street. No other actions were taken.

• Approved agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved variance to reduce lot width at 645 East 20th St to 70.99 ft (unanimous)

Historic Zoning Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the August 13, 2024 meeting unanimously. Members elected Cathy Lamb as chairman and Jenna Hillis as vice‑chairman, also unanimously. The commission fully endorsed the nomination of Ralph’s Donut Shop at 59 South Cedar Avenue for the National Register of Historic Places, as recommended by staff, with a unanimous vote.

• Approved August 13, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Cathy Lamb Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Jenna Hillis Vice‑Chairman (unanimous)
• Endorsed nomination of Ralph’s Donut Shop for National Register (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda as amended and appointed Martin Ing as the City of Cookeville representative to the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board for a three‑year term. It also approved the March 6 minutes, the consent agenda, and first‑reading ordinances for street‑map changes and three rezoning actions. Additionally, the council authorized the City Manager to enter an engineering agreement to replace electrical equipment at City Hall.

• Approved agenda as amended (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Appointed Martin Ing to Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board (3‑year term) (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Approved March 6, 2025 council minutes (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Approved consent agenda items (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #0‑25‑03‑01 (official street map amendments) (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #0‑25‑03‑02 (rezoning West Broad St & Ridgedale Drive) (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #0‑25‑03‑03 (rezoning 1211 South Jefferson Ave) (5‑0, Mayor absent)
• Authorized City Manager to enter engineering agreement to replace City Hall electrical equipment (5‑0, Mayor absent)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the meeting agenda and February minutes unanimously. It adopted the consent agenda, which included the Callie Square resubmittal and Northpointe Preserve extension. The commission then gave conditional approvals, unanimously, to five development plats and accepted a rezoning study item. All actions were recorded as unanimous decisions.

• Agenda approved (unanimous)
• February 24 minutes approved (unanimous)
• Consent agenda approved, including Callie Square resubmittal and Northpointe Preserve extension (unanimous)
• Conditional approval of Maple Heritage Homes Subdivision preliminary plat (12 lots) (unanimous)
• Conditional approval of Sergent Properties Combination Plat (1 lot) (unanimous)
• Conditional approval of Lone Oak Townhomes final plat (15 lots) (unanimous)
• Conditional approval of Event Center Drive Right‑of‑Way Dedication final plat (1 lot) (unanimous)
• Conditional approval of Red Bud Village final plat (1 lot) (unanimous)