The Cookeville Planning Commission approved a plan of services Monday night for the proposed Dodson Branch annexation.
The commission asked if some of the sewer services would be cost-shared with the developer who requested annexation. Community Development Director Jon Ward said those conversations are in the works, but have not gone very far.
“Cost shares would typically get sewer extended faster, right,” Ward said. “And if this is successful, I would assume that is a path that a petitioner would pursue.”
The total cost for the plan of services is an estimated $7.1 million, with an estimated $6.1 million of that being sewer. Ward said the area will be a very expensive area to sewer.
“I mean, everybody is aware of the topography and everything,” Ward said. “As soon as you get off the top there into the valley, it’s, you know, there’s quite a bit of improvements, and we have went over that cost with the city council.”
The plan of services also includes access to recreational facilities, electric services, fire protection, gas services, inspection services, planning and zoning jurisdictions, police protection, solid waste collection and disposal, street repairs, and water services.
Ward said the city has added a five-acre parcel of multi-family development on the corner of Crabtree Circle and Shipley Road to the annexation plan. Ward said the addition would not largely impact the plan of services.
“Really been no changes to the revised plan of services as was previously presented to the planning commission,” Ward said. “The costs were negligible there on the additional sewer improvements that would have been needed serve one additional parcel.”
Ward said the total proposed annexation is 56 parcels and approximately 280.58 acres, including street right-of-ways. Ward said he anticipates this to be the final version for the city council to consider.
Council is set to hold another public hearing on the annexation proposal and approve a resolution to send the proposal to a referendum. Cookeville is targeting to include the annexation in the May 5 election.
In other business, the commission approved the final plat for Highbury Phase Three. This is nine lots located on Neal Street and East Veterans Drive.
The commission approved rezoning a property located on North Willow Avenue from RM-8 Multi-Family Residential to CL Local Commercial.