Gleason Selected for Tennessee Downtowns Project

The Tennessee Downtowns Program is highly competitive, with limited spaces available every two years. Communities selected for the program receive 24 months of coaching and support, including training, site visits, regional workshops, webinars, technical assistance, and an innovation project grant. These resources are aimed at helping the selected towns launch effective downtown revitalization efforts.

To be eligible, communities must:

•Define a project area in a traditional commercial district that is at least 50 years old.

•Establish a dedicated five-member volunteer steering committee.

•Have a designated non-profit organization or city municipality to host the steering committee.

•Demonstrate interest from local citizens and government for downtown revitalization.

•Adopt a resolution by the city government to participate in the program.

•Clearly demonstrate economic need for revitalization efforts.

About TNECD

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find more information on their website at tnecd.com. Follow them on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

M&M Pipe Service Awarded Sewer Project Contract

T-Deck Sewer Project: The council also approved a resolution to award a contract to M&M Pipe Service for the first phase of the T-deck sewer project. This phase includes cadmium work inside the main sewer pipes and is set to begin shortly.

Mayor’s Statement: “They are the low bidder for this phase of the scope of work in our sewer system,” said Mayor Charles Anderson. “This work will start very soon.”

________________________________________

City Budget and Tax Updates

Budget Approval: The city's budget was passed on the first reading, with no major capital expenditures planned. Importantly, there will be no property tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year.

Mayor’s Remarks: “We are fortunate to have no revenue to offset inflation for this budget. There is no property tax rate increase on this budget,” stated Mayor Anderson.

________________________________________

Gleason Selected for Tennessee Downtown Program

Program Participation: Gleason has been selected as one of 12 towns in the state to participate in the Tennessee Downtown Program. The Steering Committee for Downtown Renovation will attend a kickoff meeting in Nashville to explore opportunities for downtown storefront improvements and other enhancements.

________________________________________

Public Works and Fire Department Updates

Water Tank Maintenance: The Segal Water tank has been completely painted by American Tank Company, and the HIS tank has also been blasted and repainted.

Water Meter Issues: Director of Public Works Rodney Garner reported issues with the main master meter overstating water usage by 20%. A temporary adjustment is being made to daily usage reports until a permanent fix is decided.

Fire Department Grant: Fire Department Chief Mark Stafford confirmed the receipt of items ordered through the VFDAT grant, amounting to $64,210, which will be included in this fiscal year’s budget.

________________________________________

Library Reconstruction Completed

Library Status: All books are now back in place at the library following a period of closure and reconstruction. Volunteers from the Police and Women’s Club have assisted in sorting and organizing the books under the direction of librarian Michelle Wilson.