The Harriman City Council held its regular session last night, with Vice Mayor Alicia Harris presiding in the mayor’s absence. During City Manager Scott Mason’s monthly report, he updated the council on discussions with TDOT regarding traffic safety concerns in the Midtown area along Highway 70, particularly around the major shopping centers. TDOT has decided against installing a traffic signal at the middle entrance of the Lowe’s shopping center (across from Weigel’s).

Instead, officials are considering installing curbing to restrict traffic at that entrance. Under the proposal, drivers exiting both Weigel’s and the Lowe’s middle entrance would be limited to right turns only, with left turns eliminated to help reduce congestion and accident risks. The changes are being considered due to expected increases in traffic, especially with a new motel planned behind Weigel’s and Bojangles. Although the initial request for a traffic signal was denied, city officials plan to continue advocating for one and may request another study in the future.

In new business, the council approved updates to Payroll Account Controls at One Bank. The changes strengthen internal financial controls by allowing specific combinations of signers: the Mayor or Vice Mayor, along with the City Manager or City Clerk.

The council also gave first reading approval to an ordinance amendment updating sections of the Harriman Municipal Code concerning abandoned, inoperative, or junk vehicles within the city. A public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled for next month.

Finally, the council denied a rezoning request submitted by Christy Gedelman on behalf of property owner Don Epperly for the property at 316 Walker Road. The request sought to change the zoning from C-2 (commercial) to R-1 (residential) to allow subdivision and construction of three homes. The Harriman Regional Planning Commission had recommended denial of the request.