Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Councilwoman Deanna McLaughlin proposed a new resolution to the Clarksville City Council Thursday, June 26 asking for the placement of signs recognizing Heath Calhoun.
Calhoun is a Wounded Warrior and Paralympics Silver Medalist in alpine skiing. He lives in Clarksville with his family and has been instrumental in enacting legislation for fellow wounded soldiers. After bringing home the silver medal from Sochi earlier this year, he was honored with a special presentation and awards from the community.
McLaughlin’s resolution asks that “Home of Heath Calhoun, 2014 Paralympic Silver Medalist” signs be created and installed by the Clarksville Street Department near the Clarksville City Entrances.
During Thursday’s session, the resolution was brought before the Council and Mayor Kim McMillan. The mayor said no current guidelines exist to handle this request, and suggested a committee be formed to propose appropriate standards.
McMillan also said the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) must give permission for any signs that are placed on state roads.
The mayor said there is no available documentation for the current signs in place for Miss USA Rachel Smith, including those placed on state roads.
McLaughlin asked that the resolution be put to a vote, rather than forming a separate committee. She told the mayor if the resolution passed, she would personally contact TDOT to obtain the proper permissions.
“Last time I checked I was the chairman of the designations committee,” McLaughlin said. “I believe that the mayor instructed the Street Department to make the Rachel Smith signs and put them up.”
Mayor McMillan asked if there were any other questions following the Councilwoman’s statement and moved on to the next order of business.
To see a segment from this portion of the City Council Session, click here.