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McKenzie Council Approves Zoning Map, Residential Zoning Ordinance

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McKENZIE (January 9) — During its regular monthly meeting, the McKenzie Board of Mayor and Council approved the city’s zoning map and amendments to Ordinance 529. The zoning map and ordinance were approved by the McKenzie Regional Planning Commission in November 2019.
According to Mayor Jill Holland and Councilman Jason Martin, both are ex officio members of the commission, stated the zoning changes focused around the former Gaines Manufacturing building and a portion of Kencindot Street. The area in question was changed from heavy industrial to light industrial allowing for greater opportunity for commercial usage of the properties.
On its first reading, amendments to Ordinance 529 were approved. The amendments are in Chapter 4, Sections 11-403, 11-601 and 11-602 concerning the construction of more than one principal structure on a lot.
Section 11-403 states only one principal structure shall be erected or situated housing a permitted or permissible principal use may be erected. Section 11-601 and 11-602 amended the language of the provisions governing residential districts concerning the R-1 (low density) and R-2 (medium density) districts. Both ordinances prevent further construction of duplex and apartment housing in the aforementioned districts.
During the meeting a public hearing was held for the adoption of the ADA transition plan proposed by Jim Pillow. After Pillow’s work with city officials, the following were items were found to be out of ADA compliance on city-owned property and will be addressed by the City of McKenzie: city hall parking lot handicapped parking has no signage, some lines are not drawn for van parking; not enough adequate space to maneuver around the council seating area; no accessible route to second floor of fire department; no braille signage except on the outside of the lobby restrooms (signs are on the doors instead of on the walls); many of the restrooms routes have obstructions leading into them; no grab bars in most of the restrooms; several toilet levers on wall side instead of open side in restrooms; pipes not insulated under sinks; many sinks are not conducive to being approached straight to the front because of obstacles like trash cans, etc., and most of the door knobs require tight grasping and twisting (need to replace with lever).
In other business the council approved the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) Grant budget. The grant total is $60,000 with a dollar and in-kind match of $60,000 from the City of McKenzie. The $120,000 project is for the construction of Harmony Park to be located adjacent to the Splash Pad.

The council approved the nomination of Jennifer Fontana to the Library Board.
Bids were opened concerning the demolition of multiple condemned properties. The following properties were initially included in the requested bid notice 276 Elm Street, 44 Linden Street, 80 Paris Street, and Hays Trailer Park, 924 Magnolia Avenue. The properties located on Paris Street and Magnolia agreed to remove the structures without the city’s involvement.
Following the opening of bids, City Attorney Laura Keeton said the council needed to allow two of the bidding parties a chance to amend their bids due to change the quantity of properties. Joseph Foster and Anderson Construction bid on the Linden and Elm properties while Peed Family Associates (Clarksville) and DR&M Demolition (Hermitage) on all four.
The council recommended a special committee consisting of Public Works Supervisor Johnny Mercer, Codes Officer Phillip Morrissett, Councilman Martin and Mayor Holland will convene on Monday, January 27 at 4 p.m. to accept the bid between the four companies.
Under department reports, Water Supervisor Billy Wood informed the council of the nearing completion of the sewer rehabilitation project and only a few water meters are waiting to be installed. The public works department made a $3,500 repair to the leaf machine and had work with the parks department to remove Christmas decorations. Mike Beasley of the parks department informed the council baseball practice will commence on January 13. Fire Chief Brian Tucker reported 24 incidents for the month of December including six residential fires.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Mayor and Council is 6 p.m., February 13 at McKenzie City Hall.

McKenzie, city council, zoning