By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Paris City Commission unanimously approved a certificate of compliance for the Circle K gas station and convenience store under construction on Hwy. 79S.
In attendance at Thursday evening’s meeting was Rob Pinson of Adams and Reese of Nashville on behalf of Mac’s Convenience Store and Store Manager Kelli Hale. Attending through a zoom hook-up was Melissa Duncan of of Circle K.
City Attorney James Smith told the commission that all required documentation for the certificate was in order. The certificate is needed for Circle K to obtain a retail food store license through the state of Tennessee, he said.
Circle K, Smith said, “is an extremely large business, with 7,000 stores in the U.S. and 14,000 stores around the world”. They asking for a grocery line permit so they can sell wine at the store. This is not a liquor license request. Smith said Circle K also intends to apply for a beer license with the local Beer Control Board later this month.
“All the paperwork is in order and they met all our qualifications,” Smith said.
Circle K is under construction at the intersection of Hwy. 79S and Highway 218. It will feature a 24-hour fuel station with convenience store that sells a range of food products including breakfast, hot sandwiches, hot snacks, burgers, pizza, deli sandwiches and baked goods, and will be selling a variety of drinks.
In other business:
–Commissioners praised the city’s Public Works Department for its diligence during the ice and snow storm over the past two weeks. City Community Engagement Director Abby Pierce said the department worked 1320 hours, applied 350 tons of salt and brine, and treated and/or plowed 80 miles of roadway..
Public Works teams worked continuously across Paris to treat and clear streets during the weather event, she said.
City Manager Kim Foster said, “This was a hard battle. I hope people do realize this was a unique storm. Very hard to deal with. Kudos to everyone involved.”
Pierce noted that the city website and the city of Paris Facebook page showed a dramatic increase in viewership. Also Pierce’s posting which explained the county and city responsibilities was well-received, with a great number of people responding and sharing the information.
–The rezoning request for 43 Hillcrest Drive has again been referred back to the planning commission. The request from Justin Stutzman was presented at the January planning commission, but Smith said there was some confusion about what was being voted upon ‘so out of an abundance of caution, we’re recommending it be referred back to the planning commission.”
Stutzman is requesting the property be rezoning to B-1 (Highway Commercial) from the present R-1L (Residential Low Density).
–Foster provided a monthly update on all the city’s ongoing projects, including the sidewalk project on Fairgrounds and Royal Oak Dr. The Henry County Fair Board has requested a meeting with TLM and the city staff to discuss the plans. The session is set for 6:30 p.m. February 10 at the fairgrounds.
Photo: Circle K representatives seated in foreground, left, at last evening’s meeting. Shannon McFarlin photo.