Approves $450,800 capital

outlay note for Twins construction

Thursday, as Councilman Sam Shipley hammered down the gavel in adjournment, it marked the end of his final Elizabethton City Council meeting and 20 years of services on the council.

During Thursday’s meeting at the Elizabethton City Hall, the council took a moment to recognize both Shipley, who did not run in the recent midterm elections due to health issues, and Councilman Richard Tester, whose eight-year run with the council also came to a close Thursday evening.

“We went back and did some history on some of the things you have done in your tenure, and it is absolutely impressive,” Elizabethton City Mayor Curt Alexander said to Shipley. “Sam has done a tremendous amount for this city, community, and county. The number of boards you have served on and continue to serve on is mind-boggling. You have done them all so well and the right way.

“. . . Sam has always done what he thinks is right for the city,” added Alexander. “There are not many people like that, and I respect you and it’s been an honor working with you.”

The council presented both Shipley and Tester plagues for their service. The council also gave Shipley a scrapbook commemorating his years on the council. Shipley also received a State of Tennessee commendation from Governor Bill Haslam. Shipley will continue to serve on various boards.

“This is definitely unexpected,” said Shipley. “I am overwhelmed by the good favors I have been given here by these people. I am very appreciative.”

Also during Thursday’s meeting, the council voted unanimously to approve a capital outlay note of $450,800, which according to the city council packet, will be paid off in seven years. The note will be used towards the construction at Joe O’Brien Field.

The capital outlay note comes after the council approved an agreement between the City of Elizabethton and the Minnesota Twins in October as to how renovations at the Joe O’Brien Field would be funded. The renovations, which include a new clubhouse, will cost an estimated $2,322,100.

The City of Elizabethton, according to the October agreement, is responsible for 1.5 million of the costs while Minnesota has agreed to pay roughly $800,000.

Construction at Joe O’Brien Field started last week as Burleson Construction broke ground on the new the clubhouse.