By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Paris Community Development Director Jennifer Morris was honored on her retirement in style, with a full house of well-wishers and both the city and county’s highest awards that can be bestowed citizens.
At the reception, Henry County Mayor Randy Geiger presented her with the Loyal Patriot Award and Paris Mayor Kathy Ray presented her with the Marquis de Paris Award and both spoke of Morris’ commitment to the city of Paris.
A long-time city employee, Morris is retiring after working for seven city managers over the years. The first city manager she worked with, Randy Williams, was among those present.
City Commissioner Sam Tharpe said, “You certainly put your mark” on the city of Paris and fellow Commissioner Jackie Jones said, “I didn’t know anything about how to be a commissioner” until she met Morris.
City Manager Kim Foster was emotional as she spoke of Morris, saying how important of a mentor she was. “You taught me how to be a public servant”, she said.
Morris thanked everybody in the room for their attendance and good wishes and said how wonderful it has been to have a job doing what you love.
The Commission met in regular session after the reception, with several items of business on the agenda.
–City Finance Director Tammie Hopper said the city issued three business licenses to : Cielito Lindo Mexican Restaurant (where Stella Nera was located); Supreme Service Solutions (food service); DirecTV. Two minimal activity licenses were issued to Chris’ Construction and Bright Minds (educational service).
–Commissioners heard a report from Auditor Matt Wood of Alexander Thompson Arnold, who said the city of Paris had a clean audit.
–The commission approved two zoning requests: one at 53 Myatt Road (from Planned Business to Residential); and for the Circle K at the corner of Hwy 218/Hwy 79S (from Residential to B-1 Highway Commercial).
–The commission passed a resolution maing known the city’s desire to move forward with its application to USDA and to incur bonds for the construction of a new fire station.
–Upon recommendation of City Attorney James Smith, the commission approved a rewrite of the municipal code regarding beer. Smith said it will be called the beer board instead of the alcohol board since beer is all the city can regulate and the new verbiage aims to support the needs of local businesses, comply with state standards and facilitate future development. The board will expand from five to seven members, with three required for a quorum.
–The Commission authorized Smith to execute documents needed to accept a sizeable donation to the Paris-Henry County Animal Shelter from the estate of Dr. Patricia Smith.
–Foster provided updates on all the projects the city is involved in, including all the signalization and safety upgrades, sidewalks, and grant projects for downtown and Mineral Wells intersections. She also reported that survey work is underway for the CDBG Boardwalk grant for Eiffel Tower Park Extended.
Photo: Jennifer Morris receives the Loyal Patriot Award from County Mayor Randy Geiger. Shannon McFarlin photo.