The City of Henderson Board of Mayor and Alderman met Thursday, Aug. 14, in regular session, at Henderson City Hall. Aldermen were all in attendance, with the exception of Alderman Buel Maness.
The board passed a number of resolutions and motions, with discussions of lagoon and water tank maintenance and continuing upgrades for the fire department, city hall and Gene Record Park. Alderwoman Donna Butler announced the West Tennessee State Fair Opening Ceremony will be October 16. Read the Chester County Independent in the coming weeks for more details on the fair, schedule of events and how you can be involved.
Alderman Michael Phelps asked that the board recognize Dr. Elizabeth Saunders’ life and contributions to the City of Henderson in government, education, society, church and more. Board members shared memories of Dr. Saunders and thoughts on the various roles she served in Henderson and Chester County.
DJ Jakala addressed the board concerning Small Business Administration Disaster Recovery Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which were made available following the April 2025 storms which impacted Chester County and surrounding areas. While the deadline to file for property damage has passed, the opportunity to return economic injury applications continues through March 19, 2026.
The board unanimously approved the following:
-The East Lagoon dredging project is awarded to the low bidder, Ohio Dredge, LLC, a veteran-owned company, in the amount of $865,000. This includes removal, transport and final disposal of sludge in the East Lagoon, both cells, with contractor to verify weight with an independent lab as indicated in Basis of Payment. Funding for the project partially comes from previously allocated ARPA funds.
The City will accept bids on two flocculators and a flash mixer for the Water Treatment Plant.
Additional fire department equipment to be purchased with remaining funds available under the Community Development Block Grant, with 15% matching funds. Items to be purchased will complete outfitting for the fire truck previously purchased with the grant and include radios, licensing, hand tools, extrication tools, etc.
Also approved, with unanimous roll call votes, five in favor and one absent, were resolutions approving the use of a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement and NASPO Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (National Association of State Procurement Officials), both for the CDBG to be used for fire department equipment. A resolution passed unanimously approving application for a Public Entity Partners Property Conservation Grant, with a 50% local match and $2,000 maximum application. If awarded this grant, the city would use the funds to install security cameras with external and internal coverage.
Mayor Terry Bell requested the board approval a resolution allowing the use of a portion of land in the upper north-west corner of Gene Record Park (near the city maintenance shop) for application of a BlueCross Healthy Places improvement. If accepted, BlueCross BlueShield would install updated park facilities at no cost to the city, potentially including pickleball courts, with a 10-year endowment for repairs. The board approved use of the land for this purpose in a unanimous roll call vote.
In other news, Mayor Bell addressed the board regarding community requests for stretching banners over city streets. Bell asked the board, and the public, to consider other alternatives, citing safety concerns for city workers installing the banners and drivers in the case that banners might come down in heavy winds, etc. Bell suggested banners and signs might be placed elsewhere for public viewing, such as land near the water tower on Main Street. He continued to stress that the organizations requesting the banners and signs be displayed over the streets are reputable and worthwhile organizations, he is simply concerned for the safety of all involved, and would like to hear feedback concerning these signs.
Modular restrooms for Gene Record Park were scheduled to ship Monday, Aug. 18.
Utility Director Darryl Green updated the board on a Jacks Creek Cove gas line that will be moved by Southwest Electric, cleaning and repairs to the Deanburg water tank and completion of the sewer line crossing US HWY45 north of the Public Works shop. Public Works Director Carter Scales shared paving and other projects’ progress.
The board closed with a moment of silence, recognizing the life and work of former board member Dr. Elizabeth Saunders.
