Public Works Commissioner retiring after 35 years
'His knowledge is immeasurable when it comes to the City of Lebanon,' Mayor Rick Bell said.
In recognition for the work Baines has done for the city, he was presented a 'Legends of Lebanon' award by Mayor Bell.
'Tonight, Jeff, you're going to be an official legend,' Bell said.
'Are you sure about that?' Baines responded jokingly.
Baines is a graduate of Lebanon High School Class of 1976 and in 1980 earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville.
Baines began his professional career in 1980 with Metro Nashville Public Works. In 1990, Baines was hired by Mayor Bobby Jewell as City Engineer. Eight years later, he was named Commissioner of Public Works.
In 2020, the American Public Works Association honored Baines as a lifetime member.
Through his 35-year career, Baines has worked with five mayors, numerous city councilors, and for thousands of Lebanon citizens.
With a standing ovation, thunderous applause, a handshake and a hug, Baines accepted the Legends of Lebanon award from Bell.
'This is home. It's about serving,' Baines said. 'All the folks who've worked with me [through] the years — we're a team. I believe in the concept of team.'
'On our next agenda, we'll have a resolution to name the public works building the Jeff Baines Public Works Building,' Bell said.
A public works complex has been in the works for many years, and Mayor Bell said once the complex is complete, it will be known as the Jeff Baines Public Works Complex.
'All right!' Ward 5 Councilor Tick Bryan cheered regarding the news of the complex.
'You're going to be missed, and I'm sure you're going to be back,' Ward 1 Councilor Joey Carmack said, also noting his long friendship with Baines.
'I've only been here for six short months and I feel like Jeff Baines is my friend for life,' Ward 2 Councilor Geri Ashley said. 'He feels like somebody that I've known forever. He stops whatever he's doing to help.'
'I don't know anybody else that can make sewer, water or engineering more interesting than he can,' Ward 3 Councilor Camille Burdine said, while also reiterating the sentiments shared by other city officials.
'I'm going to continue the accolades for my friend,' Bryan said. 'I've probably known Jeff longer than anyone in this room — other than his mother.'
'He even told me in a kind of a bragging way, when I first got on the council, he said, 'Tick, I know where every sewer lid is on every street in Lebanon.' That was impressive,' Bryan added.
Before joining the other councilors in congratulating Baines, Ward 6 Councilor Phil Morehead took the opportunity to also thank Police Chief Mike Justice for addressing speeding in the Five Oaks neighborhood.
'And now to continue with the Jeff Baines show,' Morehead said. 'You've been a mentor. As a [newer] council member, anytime I had a question I could reach out to you. You never put me off, always gave me the straight scoop, and pointed me in the right direction.'
Ward 4 Councilor Cris Crowell was absent from Tuesday's meeting.
At the adjournment of the City Council meeting, Bell let Baines strike the gavel to end the session. Bell previously let former Ward 2 Councilor Fred Burton adjourn his last meeting when retiring.
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