"We've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go. The [sewer system] is rebuilt, and the water system is being rebuilt now. We're preparing ourselves for the next 50 years for our city. We are committed to utilizing our assets to try to keep the taxes as low as possible."

Jim Kuykendall, Oak Ridge North Mayor

Meetings

The Oak Ridge North City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at 27424 Robinson Road.

Terms and compensation

City council members and the mayor serve two-year terms. Council members earn $250 per month, while the mayor earns $500 per month.

Big decisions made in 2013

• Comprehensive plan finalized - After more than a year of data compiling and research, the Oak Ridge North City Council approved the city's long-term comprehensive plan over the summer. The dozens of initiatives within the plan include possible transportation projects, such as the re-routing of Robinson Road, the creation of a town center, economic development strategies, and other possible projects and infrastructure improvements.
• Discussions begin for first hotel, conference center - Although the agreement originally planned for completion in December has been given a 120-day extension, Oak Ridge North began discussions with a developer for two hotels and a conference center at the southeast intersection of I-45 and Robinson Road. The hotel would be the city's first and could break ground this year.

Big decisions made in 2013

• Comprehensive plan finalized - After more than a year of data compiling and research, the Oak Ridge North City Council approved the city's long-term comprehensive plan over the summer. The dozens of initiatives within the plan include possible transportation projects, such as the re-routing of Robinson Road, the creation of a town center, economic development strategies, and other possible projects and infrastructure improvements.
• Discussions begin for first hotel, conference center - Although the agreement originally planned for completion in December has been given a 120-day extension, Oak Ridge North began discussions with a developer for two hotels and a conference center at the southeast intersection of I-45 and Robinson Road. The hotel would be the city's first and could break ground this year.