Council reviews TDOT maintenance contract and local mowing concerns; Jefferson Pike transfer discussed

At the June workshop, staff presented the town’s annual contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for mowing, litter pickup and related maintenance on state routes within Smyrna.

Tom (staff member) said the contract covers three elements: roadway maintenance ($169,782.74), mowing (TDOT contribution $50,300) and litter pickup ($14,076), for a total not to exceed $234,001.58. Council members questioned whether the mowing allocation was adequate for the mileage and asked whether Jefferson Pike and other routes would be added to town maintenance responsibility.

Staff said that Jefferson Pike will become the town’s responsibility after the contractor completes construction and TDOT transfers maintenance; staff estimated that change could occur “late summer, early fall” and said the town would do an addendum to the TDOT contract when the transfer occurs or include it in next year’s contract if needed. Council members pressed staff to explore options to boost mowing, weed‑eating and trash pickup service levels and to develop clearer public communication about homeowner responsibilities: an attendee noted that town ordinance requires owners to mow to the back of the sidewalk or curb and that public service announcements may help compliance.

No formal contract approval occurred at the workshop; staff requested the TDOT contract be placed on the July agenda for formal action.