County Commissioners · Meeting · Oct 27, 2025

Mon, Oct 27, 2025

The elected legislative body for Hickman County. Sets county policy, adopts the budget, and represents residents across the county’s districts.

Outline

This outline was generated by an LLM from a transcript and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Prefer the original recording when available.

Highlights

The October 27, 2025 meeting of the Hickman County Legislative Body was dominated by a lengthy and sometimes contentious debate over Resolution 2529, which amends zoning requirements for R1 suburban residential districts. The resolution, as adopted, requires a 30-foot right-of-way and potable water infrastructure for properties seeking R1 zoning, with amendments to reduce the right-of-way to 25 feet and to remove the potable water requirement both failing. The commission also approved several budget amendments, including a contested $87,000 allocation to complete EMS Station 3, and handled multiple routine financial and committee reports. Other notable items included the appointment of Jim Herren to fill a First District commissioner vacancy, public comments on a pending rezoning request (Resolution 2532), and updates on grant funding and the impact of the federal government shutdown on county operations.

Additional threads included the adoption of the planning commission’s future land use plan (with further action expected next month), approval of copier leases for county offices, and updates on disaster recovery efforts and grant applications. Routine business such as notary appointments, approval of minutes, and committee reports were handled efficiently.

Call to Order, Roll Call, Opening Prayer and Pledge 15:16

  • 15:16 Meeting called to order; roll call taken (13 present, 1 vacancy).
  • 15:42 Opening prayer led by Commissioner Gianakos; Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Clark.

Approval of Agenda and Addition of Vacancy Action 17:15

  • 17:15 Chair requested to add actions related to the First District commissioner vacancy to the agenda; no objection.
  • 17:48 Agenda approved by motion and vote.

Actions Concerning Vacancy of First District Commissioner 18:03

  • 18:03 Nomination of Jim Herren to fill the First District commissioner vacancy.
  • 18:34 Motion and second to cease nominations and appoint Herren by acclamation; approved unanimously.
  • 19:21 Jim Herren sworn in as commissioner.

Public Comments 20:40

  • 21:11 Lily Paige spoke regarding Resolution 2532 (rezoning 9231 Bates Trail), explaining her intent to build a single-family home, compliance with state/local requirements, and alignment with county growth objectives. She cited similar rezonings and requested reconsideration.
  • 25:01 Leslie Hudgens spoke in opposition to the rezoning, representing Bates Trail residents who remain opposed.

Approval of Minutes 25:30

  • 25:30 Minutes from September 22, 2025, meeting approved by motion and vote.

Special Recognitions, Memorials, and Commendations 25:49

  • 25:49 No special recognitions or memorials brought forward.

Elections, Appointments, and Confirmations 26:00

  • 26:19 Three notary appointments: Douglas Thompson Bates IV, Rita W. Murray, Rebecca Walton.
  • 26:32 Motion and second to approve; roll call vote: 13 yes, 1 pass. Approved.
  • 27:11 No other bonds or appointments.

Quarterly Reports 27:18

  • 27:35 Quarterly reports included in packet; motion and second to approve.
  • 28:18 Roll call vote: 14 yes. Approved.

Communication with County Mayor 28:24

  • 28:30 Mayor apologized for missing notes due to focus on AES facility incident.
  • 28:58 Public thanks extended to Director Pete Tibbs (EMA), Allen Livengood (EMS), Jordan Sachs (Solid Waste), all fire departments, Sheriff Jason Craft, and Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis for response to AES incident.
  • 30:18 Veteran service officer position posted; applications open until November 3, 2025.
  • 30:35 Federal government shutdown affecting county: USDA office closed since October 1; ROC program checks delayed; CDBG grant for EMS cardiac monitors delayed.
  • 31:50 No further questions for the mayor.

Monthly Committee Reports 32:07

Planning Commission 32:07

  • 32:20 Future land use plan passed unanimously by planning commission; distributed to commissioners and available on website.
  • 33:18 Discussion on need for commissioner input before next month’s vote.
  • 34:08 Request to post appendix of land use plan online for public access.
  • 34:39 Discussion of five-acre density concern: changed to a recommendation of 3–15 acres, not a binding rule, just a guide.
  • 37:47 Clarification that only the commission can change zoning rules; planning commission can only suggest.
  • 38:14 Subdivision regulations discussed (e.g., fire hydrant requirements).
  • 39:21 Questions about zoning map clarity and how changes would be implemented.
  • 41:08 Emphasis that the plan is a guide, not law; intent is to discourage high-density subdivisions in certain areas.

Solid Waste Committee 41:45

  • 41:45 Minutes in packet; officers elected.
  • 41:53 No questions for Solid Waste Director.

Health, Safety, and Properties Committee 42:01

  • 42:01 No meeting held (spring break).

Finance Committee 42:13

  • 42:13 Minutes and September finance report in packet.
  • 42:35 Motion and second to approve September financial summary; roll call vote: 14 yes. Approved.

Budget Committee 43:19

  • 43:27 Ten budget amendments grouped for approval:
    • 43:39 #2618: $87,988 (school position reclass/donation)
    • 43:48 #2619: $33,000 (highway department position reclass)
    • 43:56 #2620: $176,253.60 (ARPA grant carryover, health dept.)
    • 44:02 #2621: $58,717.69 (health dept. grant match carryover)
    • 44:19 #2622: $540,000 (home grant)
    • 44:29 #2623: $22,275.99 (general fund reclass, insurance recovery)
    • 44:44 #2624: $19,045 (mental health grant transport carryover)
    • 44:49 #2625: $62,000 (storage reserve for law enforcement vehicle)
    • 45:05 #2626: $364,676.96 (solid waste capital loan carryover)
    • 45:21 #2629: $29,182 (solid waste major repair)
  • 45:28 Motion and second to approve; roll call vote: 14 yes (one declared conflict but voted yes). Approved.
  • 46:32 #2628: $87,000 for EMS Station 3 completion; motion and second; roll call vote: 11 yes, 3 no. Approved.
  • 47:30 #2627: Amendment withdrawn by requestor.
  • 47:48 Copier leases for clerk’s and election offices: $135.51, $135.50, $161.52, $145.37 (5-year leases); motion and second to approve; roll call vote: 14 yes. Approved.

Economic and Community Development 49:30

  • 49:39 Report by mayor (Carla Moore on vacation); highlights:
    • 49:43 Ongoing support for AES families; ECD office coordinating recovery resources.
    • 50:12 AES recovery GoFundMe at $46,000 (goal: $50,000).
    • 50:26 Strategic grant: $50,000 (ThreeStar Round 2) for 20-year land use plan; awaiting results.
    • 50:44 Broadband Ready Communities grant: $100,000 for downtown Wi-Fi; funding reduced, only one area to be addressed.
    • 51:13 Countywide pilot training scheduled for December 9.

Other Committees and Boards

  • 51:40 Board of Zoning Appeals: met, minutes in packet.
  • 51:51 Industrial Board, Opioid Settlement Board: met, reviewed quarterly reports.
  • 52:08 Animal Shelter Advisory Board, Library Board: no reports.
  • 52:21 Motion and second to approve all committee/board reports; approved by voice vote.

Unfinished Business 53:06

Resolution 2529: Amending Zoning for R1 Suburban Residential District 53:14

  • 53:24 Motion to amend: remove “to be subdivided” from section one, part one; approved by voice vote.
  • 54:11 Rationale: Ensures roads and water infrastructure are adequate before allowing R1 zoning (higher density). 30-foot right-of-way matches industry standards; potable water must be present.
  • 56:07 Emphasis on managing growth and avoiding infrastructure problems seen in other counties.
  • 57:16 Clarification: Applies to properties seeking R1 zoning (for lots under one acre); does not affect A1 properties building single homes on larger lots.
  • 1:03:05 Only affects those seeking to subdivide below one acre; current properties under one acre are grandfathered.
  • 1:04:09 Discussion on whether subdivision regulations could address high-density issues instead.
  • 1:11:25 Motion to amend: remove potable water requirement (section one, part two); seconded. Discussion on wells vs. public water, developer responsibilities, and public health. Motion fails: 3 yes, 11 no.
  • 1:19:30 Motion to amend: reduce right-of-way from 30 feet to 25 feet; seconded. Discussion on road widths, engineering standards, and county road inventory. Motion fails: 3 yes, 11 no.
  • 1:26:22 Final roll call vote on Resolution 2529 as amended: 8 yes, 5 no, 1 pass. Adopted.

Resolution 2530: Rezoning Property on Highway 7, Lyles 1:27:23

  • 1:27:54 Sponsored by Commissioners Callicott and Clark; recommended for approval.
  • 1:28:09 Roll call vote: 14 yes. Adopted.

Resolution 2531: Rezoning Property at 9023 Middle Creek Road 1:28:39

  • 1:28:50 Sponsored by Commissioners Clark and Callicott; recommended for approval.
  • 1:28:58 Roll call vote: 14 yes. Adopted.

New Business 1:29:24

Resolution 2532: Rezoning 9231 Bates Trail

  • 1:29:24 Not up for vote; public comments heard earlier. No discussion.

Announcements and Adjournment 1:29:42

  • 1:29:48 No announcements.
  • 1:29:59 Motion and second to adjourn; meeting adjourned.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
13 Headcount Commissioners present 15:38
1 Vacancy Commissioner vacancy (First District) 15:38
3 Count Notary appointments 26:19
13 yes, 1 pass Vote tally Notary appointments approval 27:00
14 yes Vote tally Quarterly reports approval 28:18
$87,988 Expense Budget amendment #2618 (school position/donation) 43:39
$33,000 Expense Budget amendment #2619 (highway dept. position) 43:48
$176,253.60 Expense Budget amendment #2620 (ARPA grant, health dept.) 43:56
$58,717.69 Expense Budget amendment #2621 (health dept. grant match) 44:02
$540,000 Expense Budget amendment #2622 (home grant) 44:19
$22,275.99 Expense Budget amendment #2623 (general fund/insurance) 44:29
$19,045 Expense Budget amendment #2624 (mental health grant) 44:44
$62,000 Expense Budget amendment #2625 (law enforcement vehicle) 44:49
$364,676.96 Expense Budget amendment #2626 (solid waste capital loan) 45:05
$29,182 Expense Budget amendment #2629 (solid waste repair) 45:21
14 yes Vote tally Budget amendments approval 46:25
$87,000 Expense Budget amendment #2628 (EMS Station 3) 46:39
11 yes, 3 no Vote tally EMS Station 3 amendment approval 47:17
$135.51 Expense Copier lease (clerk’s office) 48:05
$135.50 Expense Copier lease (clerk’s office) 48:11
$161.52 Expense Copier lease (election office) 48:19
$145.37 Expense Copier lease (election office) 48:19
14 yes Vote tally Copier lease approval 49:03
$46,000 Fundraising AES recovery GoFundMe total (goal: $50,000) 50:12
$50,000 Grant ThreeStar Round 2 grant (land use plan) 50:26
$100,000 Grant Broadband Ready Communities grant 50:44
8 yes, 5 no, 1 pass Vote tally Resolution 2529 (zoning amendment) approval 1:26:59
14 yes Vote tally Resolution 2530 (rezoning Highway 7) approval 1:28:25
14 yes Vote tally Resolution 2531 (rezoning Middle Creek Rd) approval 1:29:14
3 yes, 11 no Vote tally Motion to remove potable water requirement (2529) 1:17:47
3 yes, 11 no Vote tally Motion to reduce right-of-way to 25 ft (2529) 1:26:07