McKenzie City Council approved the purchase of an infrared heat asphalt repair machine at a price of $28,10 and voted to negotiate a purchase price on 11.7 acres of land adjoining McKenzie City Park on Como Street.

In an earlier meeting, Tim Waldrup, superintendent of Public Service, said the paving machine would allow the Street Department to make street repairs all year. The city will be able to purchase hot mix asphalt, place it in molds, and reheat it as necessary to make smooth repairs. Currently, the city makes temporary repairs with a cold mix, which rarely produces a smooth patch. City Clerk Charlie Beal said the purchase price is in the 2007-2008 budget. Beal said he was impressed with the machine''s capabilities.

Mr. Dusty Locke offered to sell 11.7 acres of land adjoining the City Park to the city. The council voted to allow Mayor Walter Winchester negotiate a purchase price for the property in anticipation of needing it in the future.

Fire Chief Brian Tucker presented a request to purchase a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck for $15,500 through the state’s surplus property program. The department''s Ford Bronco and fire car will be sold and the Silverado will replace the two vehicles, said Tucker. The pickup will be used for brush fire and other tasks, said Tucker. The vote was 6-0 to approve the purchase.

An invoice in the amount of $5,275.79 was approved for the repair of fire engine #2.