City Council Minutes, November 13, 2025

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE November 13, 2025 6:00 p.m. The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to the meeting notice on November 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the East Ridge City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Robert Jones gave the invocation. All present joined in for the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Mayor Brian Williams, Vice Mayor David Tyler, Councilmember Jacky Cagle, Councilmember Jeff Ezell, Councilmember Andrea Witt, City Manager Scott Miller, City Attorney Mark Litchford, Finance Director Diane Qualls, and City Clerk Jennifer Deitrick Attendance: Thirteen Approval of Minutes October 23, 2025 Councilmember Witt moved to approve the October 23, 2025 minutes. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. Communication from Citizens: None Communication from Councilmembers Vice Mayor Tyler, Councilmember Cagle, and Councilmember Witt had no comments. Councilmember Ezell asked about the responsibility of lowering flags to half-staff for the City. City Manager Miller responded that the Maintenance Department is responsible. Mayor Williams announced several upcoming Parks and Recreation events and East Ridge Library events. Communication from City Manager City Manager Miller provided updates on the North Mack Smith Road project, City resurfacing projects, Venue 1921, and the Community Center expansion. Old Business PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE NO. 1236 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS AND THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE SO AS TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 416 DONALDSON ROAD, TAX MAP #156E-L-009, FROM R-1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO R-2 RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX DISTRICT City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Mayor Williams opened the public hearing. Chief Building Official Howell stated that the rezoning would bring an existing duplex into conformity with current zoning regulations. There being no public comment, Mayor Williams closed the public hearing. ORDINANCE NO. 1236 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS AND THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE SO AS TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 416 DONALDSON ROAD, TAX MAP #156E-L-009 FROM R-1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO R-2 RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX DISTRICT (2nd READING) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Ordinance No. 1236. Councilmember Witt seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. November 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Page I of4 New Business ORDINANCE NO. 1238 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RID GE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING BUDGET, ORD INANCE NO. 1226, BY CHANGING THE RF.VENUES AN D EXPENDITURES OF VARIOUS FUNDS (1st READING) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Finance Director Qualls stated that the amendment reflects final payment for the new fire engine truck and acceptance of the Hamilton County Leaning Into Communities Grant. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Ordinance No. 1238. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle -yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3759 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE TO PROVIDE FIRE AND POLICE SERVICES TO THE CITY OF RIDGESIDE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. City Manager Miller stated that the interlocal agreements automatically renew, but there is no provision for an increase in the cost of service after June 30, 2024. The proposed addendums include a 4% increase for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3759. Councilmember Witt seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle -yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3760 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE ADVANCEMENT OF STATE SALARY SUPPLEMENT PAYMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICER City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Chief Uselton reported that 48 police officers are eligible for the advancement, totaling $38,400, and Fire Chief Williams reported 29 firefighters are eligible, totaling $23,200. The State will reimburse the City in 2026. Councilmember Ezell moved to approve Resolution No. 3760. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle -yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt -yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3761 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A BID FOR IN-CAR TABLETS AND MOUNTING SOLUTIONS FOR THE EAST RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Chief Uselton stated this request is to authorize the purchase 10 in-car tablets to be used by frontline police officers. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3761. Councilmember Witt seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle -yes; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmember Witt -yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3762 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER FOR THE NEW FIRE ENGINE PUMPER IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,533.00 City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Chief Williams stated the change order is for an on board foam system in the amount of $12,533. Councilmember Ezell moved to approve Resolution No. 3762. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3763 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SETTING FORTH CONDITIONS ON THE SALE, SERVICE, AND/OR CONSUMPTION OF WINE, ALCOHOL, AND BEER AT VENUE 1921 AT EAST RIDGE November 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 of 4 City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. City Manager Miller summarized the key provisions outlined in the resolution for alcohol service at Venue 1921. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3763. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Following some discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - no; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 3764 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE PROPOSAL FROM BIG SKY LANDSCAPES FOR LANDSCAPING SERVICES AT VENUE 1921 AT EAST RIDGE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. City Manager Miller reviewed the proposal for landscaping around the perimeter of the Venue 1921 building and noted the work that City staff will complete at the McBrien School. The proposal amount of $58,150 is within the budget for Venue 1921. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3764. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3765 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF CHAIRS, TABLES, AND LINENS FOR VENUE 1921 AT EAST RIDGE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. City Manager Miller stated the purchase includes folding tables for indoor and outdoor use, high-top tables, resin folding chairs with cushions, tablecloths, and dollies. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3765. Councilmember Witt seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle -yes; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmember Witt -yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3766 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ALLOWING EAST RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO USE CAMP JORDAN ARENA AND WAIVE THE FEES FOR SUCH USAGE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. City Manager Miller reviewed the request and noted that the fee waiver request for East Ridge Elementary School has been approved in previous years. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3766. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion of Tentative Agenda for the December 11, 2025 City Council Meeting (see Attachment A) ATTACHMENT A TENTATIVE AGENDA December 11, 2025 Presentation of Christmas Parade Award - No discussion. Presentation of FY 2024-2025 Audit- No discussion. Old Business ORDINANCE NO. 1238 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING BUDGET, ORDINANCE NO. 1226, BY CHANGING THE REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES OF VARIOUS FUNDS (2nd READING) No discussion. November 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 of 4 New Business RESOLUTION NO._ - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A BID FOR THE 2026 SEASONAL RECREATION UNIFORMS City Manager Miller stated bids will be opened on December 3, 2025, and presented to Council on December 11. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE PREFERRED VENDOR LIST FOR VENUE 1921 AT EAST RIDGE City Manager Miller stated that the list will provide renters with vendor options for various service categories. Councilmember Cagle asked whether the use of the preferred vendors is required and the qualifications for drone operators. City Manager Miller stated using the preferred vendors is not required and that drone operators must be licensed and insured. Councilmember Cagle then expressed concern regarding the number of police officers required for events with alcohol that have 100 attendees or more. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING THE STEP ONE TEACHING GARDEN GRANT City Manager Miller stated the library is seeking approval to accept the grant awarded in the amount of $1,000. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE F.AST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING AN APPOINTMENT BY COUNCILMEMBER EZELL TO THE F.AST RIDGE BEER BOARD No discussion. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BEER BOARD BY MAYOR WILLIAMS Mayor Williams stated that the chairperson is appointed annually and will be presented for metnorialization. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING AN APPOINTMENT BY COUNCILMEMBER CAGLE TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD No discussion. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING AN APPOINTMENT BY COUNCILMEMBER WITT TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD No discussion. RESOLUTION NO. - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN APPOINTMENT BY THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD Councilmember Ezell asked if applicants may be contacted prior to appointment. Mayor Williams confirmed they may. City Attorney Litchford requested the addition of the mobile food vendor ordinance to the December 11, 2025 agenda. In response to a question from Councilmember Cagle regarding the storm drains on John Ross Road, City Manager Miller stated the work is not included in the state contract and the state will not raise the inlets. Mayor Williams recognized Veterans Day and announced the Hamilton County Christmas Tree lighting. Adjournment There being no further business, November 13, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Ridge was adjourned at 7:07 p.m. APPROVED: &?dd¼<A MAYOR ~ .. YCLE ~,(/J ~ November 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 of 4