I will call the football city council
meeting for Thursday, August 20th to
order. May I have a roll call, please?
>> Councilman Baji,
>> here. Councilman Walker,
>> here. Mayor Weaten,
>> here.
>> Vice Mayor Eldridge,
>> here. Councilman Gilbert,
>> here. Five present.
>> Thank you. At this time, I would like to
ask those that wish to do so stand for
the invitation given tonight by Philip
Baker, followed by the pledge of
allegiance.
>> Yes.
Right.
>> Let's pray together.
>> Father, I thank you for this day. Uh I
thank you for the blessing of being able
to uh to acknowledge you tonight in this
uh meeting and on this occasion. Father,
we know that it pleases you when we show
honor and respect to our leaders. We
know that uh it pleases you when our
leaders show honor and respect to you.
Tonight, I thank you uh 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 Weaten and Councilman Walker as
they conclude their service tonight and
for their your blessings on them in the
next season of their life. Uh Father,
for the new council as they take office
tonight, I pray that their time is
marked by godly wisdom, uh by care, by
compassion, by grace, uh 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.
to the flag of the United States of
America.
» Item three, consider approval of agenda
as presented. Are there any changes?
>> No changes. Mayor
>> motion approved.
>> Motion made by Councilman Walker,
seconded by Vice Mayor Elders. Any
discussion from the council? Thanks for
vote on that.
» All votes correct 5. Yes. Motion
carries.
>> Thank you. All business. 5A. Consider
approval of minutes of council meeting
held on August 6, 2026. Is there a
motion?
>> So move.
>> Motion made by Vice Mayor Eldridge. Is
there a second? Second. Second by
Councilman Bachi. Any discussion? I'll
vote on that.
Although it's correct.
5. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. 5B. Consider on second final
reading ordinance 0260813 amending the
equipable municipal code title 9
business pedler solicitors etc. Chapter
12 mobile food vendors. Mr.
>> Mayor and council. This is the second
reading on ordinance uh 026813.
It's the housekeeping ordinance uh
relating to mobile food vendors. Uh
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 Elders. Is
there a second?
>> Second by Councilman Vaji. Any
discussion from the public on this
agenda item? Discussion from council.
» All votes correct. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you for the consent agenda. 6A
changed the date of public hearing from
9326 to 91726 on ordinance 026 0814
reszoning properties located within the
newly annexed Dodson branch road
annexation area. 6B consider awarding
bids for annual and semianual paving
asphalt mix milling rocking and pavement
marking concrete pipe and capping
services. 6 C consider awarding bid for
325 KVA con transformers.
16. Consider approval to purchase two
2026 Ford F-150 pickups for the energy
department electric division and one
2026 Ford F-150 pickup for the Energy
Department gas division utilizing
statewide contract number 209. 6E
consider approval to purchase one 2026
Ford F250 utilizing statewide contract
209. And 6F, consider approval for the
city manager to enter into a one-year
contract with MA waste management for
biohazard waste removal. Is there a
motion on the consent agenda?
>> Move to approve. Motion by Councilman
Walker, second by Councilman Gilbert.
Um, any discussion with the council?
>> Right. We'll vote on that.
» All those correct?
>> Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. 7A. Consider resolution
R260815 authorizing the receipt of a
direct appropriation grant from the
state of Tennessee and the distribution
of said grant to the Tennessee Valley
Authority for the purpose of relocating
a power transmission structure located
at the southeast intersection of South
Jefferson Avenue and Neil Street. Mr.
Mayor, council members, um, as we
discussed on Monday, the Tennessee State
Legislature approved through public
chapter 1142 a special appropriation um,
to the Department of Finance and
Administration in the amount of $750,000
for the purpose of making a grant to the
city of Kill to be used for the
relocation and replacement of the TVA
tower at Nil 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 upfront. The
city's already uh 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
to 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, it
could cost less. If it costs less, we'll
get 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?
>> Motion made by Vice Mayor Elder,
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 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 get a
hopefully get a new turn lane out of
this that works. Um, and so that whole
area we've tried to improve and this
will be the final step of trying to make
that better.
>> Uh, he's just gonna move it back.
They're going to go with single post is
what I understand.
>> Yeah.
>> Little smaller footprint, too.
>> Any other discussion?
>> Uh, 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.
>> One more comment. All right. Seeing
none, we will take it over.
» All is correct. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. 7B. Consider resolution
R260816
authorizing the submitt of a street
improvement project at South Jefferson
Avenue SR136 to the Tennessee Department
of Transportation Statewide Partnership.
Mr. Award.
>> Mr. Yes. Billings. So, sorry.
>> Thank you, Mayor and Council. The
southbound lanes 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. Tott's SP, 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 T dot 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 T DOT to
be included in a 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 SP SP 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 TOD statewide
partnership program.
>> Thank you. Is there a motion?
>> So moved.
>> Motion made by Vice Mayor Elders,
seconded by Council Walker. Any
discussion from the public on this
agenda item? Discussion from council.
All right, seeing none, we'll go and
take a vote.
» All votes correct by yes, motion
carries.
>> Thank you. 7C, consider approval of 26
spirit in place site project. Mr.
Turner,
>> sorry we kicked you out of the main
roof.
>> Thank you, mayor and members of the
council. This is a sewer rehab project.
Um, this map shows the area that we'll
be uh rehabbing. We'll be rehabbing
7,294
feet of sewer line with cured in place
pipe and replacing, 1100 ft that we are
unable to line.
It's got switches.
Okay. Uh, we received uh seven bids. Low
bid being John T. Hall Construction at
1,14,512.
and I'd recommend your approval.
>> Thank you. Is there a motion?
>> So move.
>> Motion made by Vis, seconded by
Councilman Gilbert. Any discussion from
the public on this discussion from
council? Okay. All vote.
» Correct.
>> 5. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. 7D. Consider awarding bid for
an annual maintenance contract for water
and sewer line installation. Mr. Turner.
Um,
this is a yearly contract for water sew
improvements and this is a one-year
contract. After uh discussions after
meeting Monday and then meeting with the
city manager, we're uh going to come
back for any task order that's uh 25,000
or greater to get get council approval.
Uh in this contract, the contractor is
required to furnish all labor,
equipment, and tools. And the city's
going to furnish the parts.
Um, we received one bid.
>> Yes.
>> Uh, unit prices for each of the items
were in the packets Monday. So, they're shown. They're not in the slides
here today, but u recommend approval to
John T. Hall instruction.
>> Thank you. Is there a motion?
>> So, move.
>> Motion made by Councilman Gilbert. Is
there a second? Second. Second by
Council Bachi. Any discussion from the
public? Discussion from council.
>> I just want to make sure this is just
for one year. We'll rebid it next year.
>> Yes.
And uh anytime there's a project that's
greater than $25,000,
it still over to the council to get a
rece.
>> Yeah, that needs to be included in the
motion. Just like that,
>> right?
>> So, do we need to amend the motion?
>> I thought he he already mentioned
>> Yeah,
>> but we still on the slide to
>> We're good then.
>> Yeah, if he mentioned it shouldn't be.
>> We're good.
>> Okay, it's right here.
>> Don't confuse me on my last day.
this out in four years. Eight years.
>> All right, we're good.
>> Yes. Okay. So, we got a motion in a
second. We've had the discussion. We're
good with how it's written.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. Any more discussion?
>> All right. Go ahead and take a vote
then.
» Correct. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you.
And then 7E, receive and
consider certified election results from
the city council election held on August
6th, 2026. Mr. Coons,
>> mayor and council, uh, before you are
the certified election results from the
August 8th, 2026 election. Uh, I
recommend uh, approval or receiving
those results.
>> Thank you. Is there a motion?
>> So moved.
>> Motion made by Vice Mayor Al. Second.
>> Seconded.
>> Second by Council Walker. Any discussion
from the public? Discussion from
council. Okay. All vote.
» All votes. Correct. Five. Yes. Motion
carries.
>> Thank you. That concludes the agenda
portion for this meeting. Uh are there
any comments from any council? Then
[laughter]
>> I can go first.
>> Time on. Um,
>> oh yeah, this is gonna take a minute.
>> Three minutes.
>> So, I'm not a member of the public yet,
so hopefully I get more than three
minutes.
>> Um,
eight years is a long time to be
involved with anything. Um, 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.
Uh, 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 this city
council has allowed me to be in my
public life. Um, it's truly has been one
of the greatest privileges of my life.
Uh for me, public service was never
about pursuing politics
uh 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 up 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. Uh,
thank you to our city clerk, Darien, for
keeping us organized and keeping this
council moving. And I especially want to
thank our city manager, James Mills, for
his experience, tal 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. Um, my mom, uh,
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 listen
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.
Um, 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 prove our town would
be central to what I wanted to
accomplish. I think we can clearly say
we check 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 Cookull'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 [clears throat] 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 God speed.
I will [clears throat] extra bucks back
there. I like it. Um, I will close out
our meeting here. Um, and I'm gonna warn
y'all, I probably will cry. I've got
some napkins and some Kleenex up here,
but that's just who I am these days. Um,
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 Cookville. 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. And we are elected to hold and
serve public office. That is exactly who
we are, thrin, 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 I
made a difference. Kville is in fact
in every ef in every method better now
than four years ago. Maybe not traffic,
but uh that's one of the state roads, so
I'll let you 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 are 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."
[laughter] I was going to make it my
campaign slogan four years ago, but we
decided not to.
>> 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. Okay, I'm getting 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,
Darien, 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 threaten 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. [laughter]
And I think JB would be proud.
My in-laws are my parents. Gay Med,
thank you for letting me represent the
Wheaten name. To be honest, it's
probably the reason I got elected.
Everyone knew the Wheatens. And then
when you said which Weaten 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
found 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. [laughter] So you can now admit
I'm your favorite child. I'm gonna be
that
in the minutes [laughter]
to my babies. Canadian Palmer,
>> I'm sorry. I miss 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 We'll go
[laughter]
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 lease is up.
I'm coming back home. I have forgotten
how to cook. Um, 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. into 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 got to
have eight wonderful years.
Hey, sorry. During my inception speech
four years ago, I pledgedly with
confidence, humility, and class. When I
say these words, I can think of no
better person that personifies these
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. Why, I
have no reservations about your ability
to lead.
I do have two envelopes for you, and
I'll explain.
A proceding politician gave a 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, [laughter]
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. But it's been the honor of my
life.
» Football game. I gota gota take a kid to
a football game. Let's go. [laughter]
So seeing that that is the last of the
comments,
I will adjourn.
>> Hang on.
>> Huh?
>> Hang on. We we want to say a few things,
right?
>> Okay. Okay.
>> I would at least uh so both of you I'll
say it collectively. Uh what an
experience. Uh I can't it's hard to
express at a moment. You guys what you
said there's it's profound, it's classy,
it's everything that you guys have been
the whole time. Um, Eric, I said it last
meeting, your your your your sincerity
and what you pursue on behalf of
Cookville always what's what you what
you think is best for Cookville and your statesmanship to present that.
I appreciate that every time. Uh,
Lauren, your class and and the way you
lead and carry yourself just a just a
model for everyone who sits in that
chair. So, just before we adjourned, I
wanted to say that publicly and just and
express my gratitude to both of you.
Thank you, Chair. And
>> I would just like to add to that,
none of this happens unless you have
relationships. And I 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
roll in the same direction, we wouldn't
have been able to accomplish
as much as we had. 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 you for you. I've
learned more about dumpsters.
We bought dumpsters from Lincoln. 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 uh when I would say,
"Hey, I'm going 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 uh 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 a
team we only 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 great things and you guys helped us
even coming in to just learn operate and
I appreciate your time your energy and
even the disagreements so and even the
great things we've done so I do
appreciate you
I will adjourn.
>> The ADA.
>> We need a motion to adjourn.
>> Yeah,
>> I need a motion to
>> so move.
>> You want to talk?
>> Well, I know you're tired of me talking.
>> I said what I wanted to say at our last
meeting. Uh, you know, I wanted to make
sure I had the opportunity to know how
much I care about you guys and how much
you mean to me and to this city. So,
you're going to be missed is the way I'm
going to leave it. So,
>> thank you. Thank you, chair.
>> All right. Now, do I have a motion to
adjourn ADA?
>> So, moved. Second.
>> All right. Got a motion and a second.
>> Will we vote on that?
>> We're going to vote.
» Voted no.
Should have voted no.
>> Yes. I believe
All right,
>> we're gonna have a little transition
here, so bear with us for just a minute.
So,
>> thanks for pick up. I mean our two team
members come up and then you guys can go
>> gladly
>> where we don't
So, we're going to call then we'll
probably go down here. We'll have this
and then come back up.
» You good?
>> You're good.
>> You good?
>> Yep. I call this meeting at the
Cookville City Council to order. Uh at
this time, uh council will step forward.
Uh and we have this evening the
honorable Gary McKenzie to administer
the oath of office to our new council
members.
We go stand in front of our go
[clears throat]
raise your right hand. Repeat after.
I state your name. I
>> do solemnly swear
>> domly swear
>> that I will support
>> the Constitution of the United States
>> the Constitution of the State of
Tennessee
>> the Constitution of the State of
Tennessee
>> and the charter
>> of the city of K
>> of the city of Kville
>> and I will faithfully
>> that I will faithfully
>> perform the duties
>> of the office of councilman of the
office which I have been elected
>> with I have been elected
>> and which I am about to assume
>> which
congratulations
All
right,
everybody situated. Now the fun starts,
huh? The first item uh on the agenda is
a consider approval of the agenda as
presented.
>> Roll call.
>> Oh, excuse me. Roll call. You do roll
call. Councilman Baji
>> here.
>> Councilman England
>> present.
>> Councilman Gilbert
>> here.
>> Councilman Eldridge
>> here.
>> Councilman Parkinson
>> here.
>> By press.
>> Okay. Now we're going to approve of the
agenda. So do I have a motion to approve
the agenda as presented?
>> So move.
>> Second.
» All right. All votes.
All
>> correct.
>> Uh, 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'd 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.
>> A vote.
>> Let's do a vote.
three years ago.
>> All the votes correct
obvious motion carries.
>> I'm going to turn the meeting over to
our new mayor.
Thank James. All right. Uh,
first order first order of business. I
would like to nominate Councilman Luke
Eldridge for vice mayor.
>> Second.
>> So I have a second. So Council Li.
Okay. Second, Captain Aby. Any
discussion?
All vote.
» All votes. Correct.
>> Obvious motion carries.
>> Congratulations. Thank you.
>> Congratulations.
Come up. Sure.
» 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 and I'm excited to have him on that
board. Uh does not require votes. I'm
going move on to item 13E. Consider
appointment of the city council's
representative to the planning
commission. Uh do I have any
nominations? I would like to nominate
Ali Baji.
We'll
>> second that.
>> I have a motion from Councilman
Eldridge, Vice Mayor Eldridge, a second
from Councilman.
That's going to be fine.
» Any discussion?
All right. All votes correct by yes. Motion
carries.
>> Item 13F, uh, consider resolution
R26-07-11
commending Mayor Warren Weed for serving
on the city council.
» Yes, Mayor. We we've we've drafted a
resolution honoring
our mayor Lauren. And Chad, if you don't
mind, I'd ask you to read that
resolution. I'd be honored to resolution
of the appreciation for Mayor Lauren
Weaten given today, August the
20th 20th. Whereas Lauren Weeden
faithfully served the citizens of the
city of Cookville 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 healthc care
professional, Mayor Weaten 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
Weaten became the second woman in
Cookville's history to hold that office,
serving as an example of leadership and
public service for future generation.
And whereas throughout her tenure on the
city council, Mayor Weaten helped lead
the city of Cookville through
extraordinary challenges, including the
devastating March 3rd, 2020 tornado, and
the CO 19 pandemic, working alongside
city employees, first responders,
healthc care providers, businesses,
volunteers, and community leaders as
Cookville responded, recovered, and
moved forward together. And whereas
Mayor Weaten extended her commitment to
service throughout Cookville and the
upper Cumberland through leadership and
participation on numerous boards and
organizations including the Cookville
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
Weaten remained committed to responsible
growth, fiscal stewardship, public
safety, infrastructure, and long-term
investment in Cougall'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 Weeden also
provided leadership in the city's
acquisition of the property at 39 depot
and the development of a long-term
vision for the site, recognized it and
recognizing its importance to the
continued vitality and future of
downtown Cookville. And whereas
throughout her service, Mayor Weaten
demonstrated a strong prom a strong
appreciation for the employees of the
city of Cookville and remained 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
the cook for Cookville, Mayor Wheaten
has made it a made a lasting impact on
the community, leaving a legacy
reflected not only in projects and
accomplishments, but also in strengthen
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 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 Weeden 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 Weeden 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 a further resolve
that this resolution shall be duly
recorded and filed in the office of the
city clerk, adopted this 20th day of
August, 2026.
I present.
>> Do I have a motion?
>> Second.
>> Any discussion?
All right. Have none. All vote.
Although it's correct.
>> 5. Yes. Motion carries.
>> Lauren, I'm also going to bring you down
a gavvel. And I did a little research
just to see what the gavl kind of
represents in in this context. And it's
a symbol of authority, but true measure
of leadership is not the authority one
is given. It 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
gavvel always remind you not simp not
simple I'm sorry may this gavl always
remind you not simply of the office you
held but of the people you served and
the differences you Okay.
» Put it in my hand.
Are you one with your family up there?
» He's all done.
All right. Uh
item 13F. Moving on. Item 13, consider
resolution. I'm sorry, that was 13th.
13G, consider resolution R260712
commending Councilman Eric Walker for
serving on the city council. Mr. Mills,
>> mayor, we've prepared a resolution
honoring Eric for his years of service
and I would request that she 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 Cookville from August 20
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 Homebuild Association, WCTTE,
and the Cookville Putnham County Chamber
of Commerce. And whereas during his
tenure on the city council, Mr. Walker
helped guide the city [clears throat]
through some of the most significant
challenges in its history, including the
unprecedented CO 19 pandemic and the
devastating March 3rd, 2020 tornado,
supporting efforts to restore, rebuild,
and strengthen the Cookill 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 new
police the Cookville Police Department
headquarters, two new fire station, 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 his contributions will continue to
benefit the community for generations to
come. Now therefore, be it resolved by
the city of Cook, the city council of
Cookville, Tennessee, that on behalf of
the citizens and employees of the city
of Cookville, deepest appreciation
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 motion
council second by Vice Mayor.
Any discussion?
None. All vote.
All
>> votes correct.
Yes. Motion carries.
Don't
freaking
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. Seeing none, are there any
comments from this council?
Yes, you can.
>> 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. Um 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
um 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 that for these last four years,
but also grateful for the opportunity to
continue to give back to to my hometown.
And I appreciate that. And also I am
looking forward to serving with the two
new additions and thankful that I've
been given the opportunity to serve with
you too and and I really am excited um
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. Saw bit
keep me where I was at. I did so good
there. You want to keep me there? And uh
I've joked with Chad a little bit on
some things and we've had a lot of good
fun. That's one 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. Uh 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
coming 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 uh for being in the community.
So it will be fun. I'm excited to see
what we can accomplish and continue. And
I just want to thank my family for in
four more years. You got to sacrifice
some late night while I talk on the
phone and walk and pace because that's
how I cope and that's my coping
mechanism. But four more years of doing
that. I thank my kids for being
understanding and knowing going to miss
some things but it's part of it and
after four years I'll be home. So uh but
going to enjoy these four years
especially with this group. So
congratulations again at mayor seat. I'm
excited about it. So looking forward to
things.
>> Well thank you all. I'm looking forward
to it as well. U 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. Um I'd like to
start by thanking my wife Anna and my
family, many of which are here taking up
several rows. And I
can't thank you enough for that. Rather
than call everybody out, just 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, uh, so has Cookville. And I'd
like to thank the citizens 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 has been
accomplished over the last four years, I
couldn't be more excited to start the
next chapter of our city 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
Cookville so special. And I 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 there 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 direction on the line.
>> Okay. And again, thank you. If there's
no other business uh meeting adjourned,
>> we need a
>> I'll make a motion we adjourn.
[laughter]
>> That was just special.
>> Okay. Hit the
Okay.