Cookeville City Council Meeting July 16th, 2026

The City of Cookeville, Tennessee City Council held a meeting on July 16, 2026, which included extensive discussions on zoning ordinance amendments related to adaptive residential multifamily reuse in commercial-industrial zones, focusing on affordability and rent caps tied to area median income. The council debated rent limits, lease terms, and voucher acceptance to balance affordable housing needs with market realities. Several procurement actions were approved, including the purchase of a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, a Pierce Enforcer 107-foot ladder fire truck for nearly $2 million via the HGAC cooperative, and contracts for GPS dash cameras, record management software, and transformers. The council also authorized agreements for engineering services, a contract with Motorola Solutions for smart connectivity features, and a significant $789,187 agreement with TVA to relocate a 161 KV structure to improve traffic flow. Additionally, the council approved the 39 Depot master plan, which includes parking, utility relocation, and public space improvements, with future phases involving street design and infrastructure. The meeting concluded with acceptance of the city manager's evaluation and a 3% salary increase. Overall, the meeting featured key procurement decisions for capital projects, equipment acquisitions, and professional services supporting infrastructure and public safety enhancements.