By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Following an impassioned presentation by a contingent of people concerned with the homeless in Paris at Thursday night’s city commission meeting, city officials decided to schedule a public forum to better discuss the issue.
A contingent of some 15 people attended the meeting and voiced their concerns for the homeless in the city.
Lori Roberts, who has been active in community service organizations for some time, said, “If we had a regular homeless shelter for people to go to that would make a big difference. Maybe then they would be able to get themselves cleaned up so they could get a job. They are not homeless because they want to be and it’s not always about drugs. We’re all God’s children whether we sleep on the ground o r not.”
Michael Trent of Paris Hope Ministries, said he currently has 13 empty beds that could be used and he has the manpower to help construct a homeless center. “I don’t know how many people are aware that we have a Men’s Health Center now. We have a Women’s Health Center and now we also have a Men’s Center.”
Paris City Manager Kim Foster said, “We have definitely all struggled with this. Maybe we could set up a forum or workshop for all the people who are interested and see if we can join forces”.
“I’m very appreciative that you came here,” Commissioner Sam Tharpe said. “There are a lot of things we can do together. Let’s plan a meeting and maybe we can all make a difference. What a way to start the new year off.”
People in the audience provided their contact information to the city so that they can be contacted about meetings on the issue in the future and a public notice will be provided as to when a forum will be held on the issue.
In other business:
–The commission amended the Paris Police rules and procedures manual to add remote restraint devices. A demonstration was shown by Assistant Police Chief Ean Reed of the type of new tool that is now available. It reduces and eliminates the uses of force on individuals who are not committing a crimianl offense but do need to be restrained. Reed said the new devices are less lethal and painful and provide another option to gain control of individuals when need be. The new device is called a Bolowrap.
–Amy Cook was apppointed to the Paris Housing Authority board and Brent Greer was appointed to the Planning Commission/ Board of Zoning Appeals.
–Upon presentation by Jessie Skidmore, Codes Enforcement Officer, the commission approved first reading on an amendment in the zoning ordinance for walls, fences, screens and landscape requirements and approved first reading on an ordinance overseeing swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
–The commission referred a request for rezoning of 599 Russell St. to the planning commission. Tuffy Craig has requested rezoning of property to allow him to build a maintenance shop to maintain vehicles for his trucking company.
–Upon presentation by Engineer Bob Safin of TLM, the commission gave the go-ahead to move forward on a solution that will bring sidewalks on Volunteer Dr. up to ADA requirements.
–The commission authorized city officials to order a new fire department pumper truck. The current reserve truck requires a new engine and the department needs a replacement as soon as possible.
Photo: Lori Roberts speaks to the commission about the local homeless population. Shannon McFarlin photo.