Collegedale and Lakesite get Municipal League awards
Attached: Photo of Employees of Collegedale Public Works Department:
Pictured in no order are: Robbie Derrick, Sam Sewel, Dwight Young, Sam Parker, Brian Robinson, Brett Ramsey, Josh Cook, Hunter Parker, David Picket, Steve Price, Scott Wheeler, Lamar Rains, Eric Sines, Paul Silverio, James Gailor, Steven Farmer, Herman Holcomb.
Not pictured are Bo Cox, Daniel Hollifield, Jamie Bialeschki, Kris McAloon.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Tennessee Municipal League singles out two communities in our area.
The organization of Tennessee cities has presented their Execellence in Public Works award to the city of Collegedale.
The award is for the city’s quick response to the train collision in December.
A Norfolk Southern train hit a truck carrying a 137-foot concrete beam meant for a road construction project and then derailed.
Three engines and ten rail cars rolled off the tracks.
The TML notes that Collegedale Public Works employees were one the scene within seconds of the wreck because they were driving by.
They helped first responders, directed traffic, established a detour, and set up boom sticks to contain spills into a creek.
In the coming weeks, they oversaw the repairs to the roadway, sidewalks and greenway.
“The Municipal League Award for Excellence bestowed upon the folks of our Public Works department confirms what we in the City already know,” said Collegedale City Manager Wayon Hines.
“The Collegedale Public Works department is a group of highly dedicated individuals that continue to strive for excellence. Their timely response in times of crisis to the day in and day out typical duties are completed with a level of professionalism and excellence that should be the envy of any city. I continue to be impressed by and thankful for all their contributions to the City of Collegedale.”
The Municipal League also presented a Small City Progress award to the City of Lakesite near Soddy-Daisy.
Lakesite just celebrated their 50th anniversary last year.
The town has grown from 500 residents to over 1,850.
Lakesite has now added a full-time city manager and is now developing a Parks and Recreation growth plan.
“I’m not surprised, but I am amazed and honored to see The City of Lakesite receive this award,” said Lakesite Mayor David Howell. “I’ve known for a long time that we’ve had great residents, staff, and Board of Commissioners. The addition of Kirsten Ert Acuff as the city’s first full-time City Manager was the right move at the right time and has proven to be an enormous benefit to our city. All of us in Lakesite should enjoy this time and be proud of what has been accomplished. The good news is that our future is bright and there’s more to come. Thank you to the Tennessee Municipal League for putting your faith in our lovely City and bestowing this recognition upon us.”
The TML will present both awards at their annual convention next month.
