Trezevant Purchases New Police SUV

TREZEVANT (November 12) — Trezevant City Attorney Charlie Trotter administered the oath of office to Mayor Bobby Blaylock, Councilman Leon Lyell, and Councilman Mark Argo as incumbent members recently reelected to their respective positions. The three ran unopposed in the November 5 election.

During the monthly meeting, the Board voted to purchase a new 2023 Ford Explorer with 1,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle is designed for police use and will be equipped with the necessary gear in Nashville.

The vehicle is blue in color. Councilman Don Barger made the motion to purchase the vehicle. He noted the funds were included in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget.

The Board also approved the first of two readings for a new drug-testing policy for city employees. A second reading will be held in December.

Trotter said Baptist Hospital will conduct the drug screen as needed and provide the requisite medical review officer.

One student’s grandmother made some strong comments about the city not providing a crossing guard when discussing a crossing guard at West Carroll Elementary School. That student walks to school and crosses U.S. 79 highway to get to the school.

Trotter said that, according to state law, it is the school’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the student. The responsibility does not rest with the city.

A telephone conversation between Trotter and the school’s attorney indicated that the school system will determine if a significant hazard exists. Trotter will attend the December 5 meeting of the West Carroll School Board to discuss the issue with WCSSD board members.

Trotter said a school bus is available for the sixth grader to ride to and from school.

Roxanne Young, the student’s grandmother, said the bus is available only when the student stays at one of two of his parents, but not the other. In previous years, the city provided a crossing guard, said Young. She said her grandson is not the only student who walks to school.

Trotter invited Young to the West Carroll Board meeting to state her case.

Speaking of U.S. 79 (State Route 76), the Tennessee Department of Transportation is constructing a bypass around the central business district of Trezevant. It is to be completed in December 2025. The city will then assume maintenance and ownership of the current U.S. 79 within the city limits. City officials believe the traffic in front of city hall and West Carroll Elementary will be significantly reduced once the traffic is diverted to the new four-lane highway.

In the meantime, the Board discussed the ongoing problem of motorists disregarding the stop signs at the four-way stop in front of city hall. They discussed rumble strips on the roadway in the lanes as motorists approach the stop sign and some speed ‘calming’ radars to indicate the driver’s speed as they travel along U.S. 79.

Mary Jo Hall was instructed to contact TDOT about possibly adding some speed control measures.

The Board welcomed Virginia Knott as the new city recorder-trainee. She is training with Kathy Edwards, City Recorder. Edwards plans to retire in April 2025 with 18 years with the city.

Gabrille Davis, the city’s certified municipal finance officer made a request to the Board to allow Knott to be added as a signator on the city’s checking accounts. The Board approved the request.

Councilman Dan Dieringer said the city’s Halloween event at the park was very successful. it included events that attracted a couple hundred attendees.

He said electricity has been added to the area at the new stage.

A turnstile will soon be added at the park’s entrance, said Dieringer.

City employees will receive a year-end bonus of $200 for full-time and $100 for part-time service.

After some discussion, the Board informally granted permission for the administrative staff to livestream the monthly meetings. Mayor Blaylock said the resource should not cost the city any city funds.

The city’s Christmas parade is December 9 at 7 p.m. A Christmas dinner for city employees is December 10.