City Council Minutes, July 11, 2024

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE July 11, 2024 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on July 11, 2024, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Rev. Jeff Baden with Hamilton Life Church gave the invocation. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Present: Mayor Williams, Vice Mayor Haynes, Councilmember Cagle, Councilmember Tyler, Councilmember Witt, City Manager Miller, City Attorney Litchford, and City Recorder Middleton. Attendance: 6 Milestone Awards for June 2024 – Mayor Williams announced that Sue Cross with the Police Department has 35 years of service with the City. He appreciates her dedication and service, as he does all employees. She will receive a check, a certificate, and a plaque. Special Proclamation – Mayor Williams presented a proclamation to Ms. Leona Lucille Culpepper, on the occasion of her 105th birthday, at her birthday party yesterday at Southern Heritage Assisted Living where she resides. He went over the highlights of the proclamation and stated it was a pleasure to attend her birthday party. Approval of Minutes June 25, 2024 Council Meeting – Vice Mayor Haynes made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve the minutes. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Communication from Citizens: None Communication from Councilmembers: Councilmember Cagle announced that former Councilmember Denny Manning recently passed away. He stated the Manning family appreciated the funeral escort. Vice Mayor Haynes and Councilmember Witt had nothing at this time. Councilmember Tyler announced the 10th annual Optimist Club Kars 4 Kids car show and swap meet will be Saturday July 13th at Camp Jordan Arena. Pre-registration is closed but registration will be open on Saturday morning at 8 am. The car show is from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Mayor Williams announced the following: • Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manning family. • On July 1st, East Ridge Police Officer Resendiz was struck by a vehicle during a chase of a suspect. Our thoughts and prayers are also with him and his family. He commended July 2024 Council Meeting Page 1 of 10 the Chattanooga Police Department, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their assistance in this matter. The East Ridge Police Department, the East Ridge Fire Department, and Hamilton County EMS provided excellent care for Officer Resendiz. He also thanked Georgia law enforcement for taking the suspect into custody. • Library o July 13, 11:00-12:00 - Novel Idea Book Club o July 13, 11:30-1:30 - Teen Field Day, registration required o July 16, 10:30-11:30 - Creature features – showing six animals • Parks and Recreation – Director Skiles gave an update on events. o September 28th, 10 am – 5 pm - Fall Festival - We currently have 108 vendors and are still booking them. There will be craft vendors, music, food, pumpkin patch, face painting, petting zoo, and more. o Registration for adult softball, tackle football, fall soccer, cheer, flag football, fall baseball, softball, and t-ball is open. o Community Center ▪ Summit Physical Therapy will be at the Center on July 23rd at 11 am to help with injury prevention for seniors who play pickle ball. ▪ The Center offers a senior program with exercise classes and line dancing classes. Communication from City Manager: • Mr. Miller stated we recently closed on an $8 million bond issue with $6.5 million for the multi-purpose pavilion and $1.5 million for upgrades to Camp Jordan. We also received approval of our debt obligation report from the Comptroller’s office. • North Mack Smith Road – EPB installed wire on new poles in the area that will be widened from Ringgold Road to the north property line of the Fairfield Inn and Suites. LK Grant Co. is placing underground wire and Chattanooga Gas is locating their utilities to put in new gas lines. We hope to have this work completed by the end of July so the contractor will be able to start on widening the road. • Animal Shelter – Sitework including painting, dry wall, stonework, fences, etc. should be completed by the end of next week, with landscaping starting afterwards. Chief Uselton stated the contractors should do their punch list on July 29th. The shelter should be substantially completed by the end of this month and possibly open sometime in August. Mayor Williams stated that the $8 million bond is reimbursable through the Border Region. Old Business: None New Business: RESOLUTION NO. 3567 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW LADDER TRUCK FROM PIERCE, SIDDONS-MARTIN EMERGENCY GROUP THROUGH THE HOUSTON GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM (“HGACBUY”) CONTRACT #FS 12-23 – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. July 2024 Council Meeting Page 2 of 10 Chief Williams stated he needs to replace a 1993 ladder truck that was an original piece of equipment when the Fire Department first opened. This 1993 truck did not pass its last inspection because of wiring issues, and the City cannot get replacement parts. Lead time for delivery of the new truck is 40-41 months. The vehicle price is $2,337,452.00. If we pre-pay $1 million, we will receive discounts of $173,853.23, making the total cost $2,163,598.77. The pre-pay amount of $1 million would come from the fund balance. A decision would be made later for either a loan or taking funds from the fund balance for the remainder. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3567. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3568 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A BID FOR AN ATHLETIC FIELD SUPPLIER FOR BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL FIELDS AT CAMP JORDAN PARK FOR FY 2024-2025 – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated that we did not specify if we would accept the cumulative bid or accept bids for individual items. He recommends we re-bid this item. Mr. Litchford stated we could withdraw this item from the agenda without taking action. RESOLUTION NO. 3569 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) WITH THE HAMILTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGARDING A RENEWAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (“SROs”) WITHIN HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Uselton stated the City is required to apply for the grant every year and we must approve a MOU with the Hamilton County Department of Education. Vice Mayor Haynes made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3569. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved.. RESOLUTION NO. 3570 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO PURCHASE TWO FERRIS MOWERS FROM CHATTANOOGA TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE BUYBOARD COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACT LISTING #706-23 – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Director Skiles and Street Supervisor Vaughn are both replacing older mowers. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3570. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved.. Discussion of Tentative Agenda Items for the July 25, 2024 City Council Meeting Old Business: • ORDINANCE NO. 1205 (1st reading) – Amendments to Sign Ordinance (Lighting Display and Storefront Display Regulations (tabled June 13, 2024) – City Manager Miller stated this ordinance pertains to lighting and storefront displays, as well as multiple tenant monument displays. Store owners expressed no concerns about lighting displays. However, they had differences of opinions on storefront displays. Mr. Miller came up with July 2024 Council Meeting Page 3 of 10 three proposals on how much of the window space can be used for advertising signs, etc. If the council wants to consider this in the July 25 meeting, it will have to be brought off the table. He stated that Draft A was discussed in the June 13th meeting, Draft B is changes from store owners, and Draft C is the revisions. Councilmember Tyler thanked City Manager Miller and Chief Building Official Howell for working with the business community regarding these amendments. New Business: • RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Installation of Safe Haven Baby Box for Fire Department – Chief Williams stated that he, City Manager Miller, and City Attorney Litchford have been working on this for several months. He also stated the fire station has been a drop off site for several years, but with no baby box. Chief Williams’ daughter brought the information on baby boxes and the Craig Foundation to his attention. The Foundation will pay for the box, installation, maintenance, and any other cost of the baby box for three years. After that time, the city will take over the cost of the box, such as maintenance, etc. An alarm goes off when a baby is placed in the baby box, and emergency personnel are the only people who can retrieve the baby. Mayor Williams asked if this would be the first baby box in Hamilton County. The Chief state that it would be. RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Approval of Bids for Athletic Soccer Field Supplier (Bid Opening July 17, 2024) – Director Skiles stated bids would be opened on July 17th and presented at the July 25th Council meeting. RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Approval to purchase four (4) trucks from Wilson County Motors on Statewide Contract – Chief Uselton is asking permission to purchase four trucks for use by CID detectives for a total cost of $144,869.60. RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Approval to purchase six (6) Ford Interceptors from Lonnie Cobb Ford on Statewide Contract – Chief Uselton is asking permission to purchase six Ford Interceptor SUVs for use by the patrol division. The price for each vehicle is $44,601, plus $10,441 for outfitting the vehicle for a total of $55,042.00 for each vehicle. The outfitting cost will come out of the drug fund. RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Approval to purchase a John Deere Gator for Camp Jordan Park from Agpro through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Alliance – Director Skiles stated the new Gator would replace an older model. The cost of the Gator is $10,921.34 which is a budgeted item. RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Approval of donation of $10,000 to the Chattanooga/ Hamilton County Family Justice Center - City Manager Miller stated that he and Mayor Williams visited the Family Justice Center to tour the facility and listen to a presentation about their services regarding abuse. He stated in 2023 that 9% of the people they helped were from East Ridge. This is a budgeted item. July 2024 Council Meeting Page 4 of 10 RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Approval of Annual Bids for Street Department Materials for FY-2024 – 2025 (Bid Opening July 17, 2024) – Street Supervisor Vaughn stated this is for materials the department uses throughout the year. RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Appointment to the Industrial Development Board by Councilmember Tyler to fill the unexpired term of Lee Ramey – No discussion. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. July 2024 Council Meeting Page 5 of 10 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE July 25, 2024 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on July 25, 2024, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Rev. Terry Arnold, with The Pentecostals of East Ridge, gave the invocation. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Present: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Cagle, Councilmember Tyler, Councilmember Witt, City Manager Miller, City Attorney Litchford, and City Recorder Middleton. Vice Mayor Haynes was not present. Attendance: 10 Approval of Minutes July 11, 2024 Council Meeting – Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler to approve the minutes. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Communication from Citizens: Dennis Dodson, 41 Yellowstone Drive, Rossville, GA 30741, is representing the residents of East Ridge Residence senior apartments. He stated the apartments are riddled with mold, the owners have increased the rent, and there are only about 25 residents left at the facility. He has reached out to Hamilton County Commissioner Mike Chauncey, who is willing to help. Mayor Willaims stated that the City Manager can have our Codes Enforcement Department look at building code issues. Communication from Councilmembers: Councilmember Tyler had nothing at this time. Councilmember Witt appreciated the Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for escorting Officer Resendiz home after he was released from rehab. Councilmember Cagle had nothing at this time. Mayor Williams announced the following: • Officer Alan Resendiz went home today after being hospitalized for a serious injury earlier this month. Police escorts from East Ridge, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department, Ringgold Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office escorted Officer Resendiz home from rehab down Ringgold Road to I-75 and then to his home. The Mayor thanked all the police escorts, city employees, citizens, and businesses for lining the streets showing their support for Officer Resendiz. July 2024 Council Meeting Page 6 of 10 • The City received the Excellence in Economic Development award at the Tennessee Municipal League’s 84th annual conference. Staff showed the video presentation which was shown at the TML conference when the City received the award. The Mayor stated in 2011 the State enacted the Border Region Tourism Development District Act for the purpose of increasing tourism and encouraging development for cities that border other states. It provides incentives from sales taxes for developers for their investments in the City. In 2011, the City designated 950 acres as a Border Region Development District, which allowed the City to enter into development agreements with developers. The Mayor recognized former Mayor Brent Lambert and the Council at that time for their foresight in designating the Border Region Development District. The Mayor named the many businesses who have entered into development agreements with the City through the Border Region Tourism Development District Act. The Mayor thanked TML for recognition of the City’s success. • Library – Harry Potter drop in event – July 31st from 3:00 - 4:30 pm • Parks and Recreation – Director Skiles announced the following: o Registration is open for adult softball, t-ball, baseball, softball, flag football, soccer, cheerleading, tackle football o Fall Festival – September 28th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. – We have almost 140 vendors. We added pony rides and are expanding the inflatables. We have added two extra face painters to help the Library and added balloon animals. Communication from City Manager: • Animal Shelter – The HVAC, painting, ceilings, and hardware have been completed. The asphalt, curbing, and landscaping is complete. He believes the Shelter should be substantially completed within a week to a week and a half. • N. Mack Smith Road, Adams Contracting – EPB is stringing the power poles and Chattanooga Gas will hopefully start on Monday installing gas lines. By the first of September, Adams Contracting should be able to come in and resume construction. • Belvoir Avenue and South Terrace repairs – One week ago, we had a water main break at this intersection. When Tennessee American Water was doing repairs, they found a break in the stormwater system which is controlled by the City of Chattanooga. Repairs could possibly be done by July 29th. Old Business: None New Business: RESOLUTION NO. 3571 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO ENTER INTO A DONATION, LEASE, AND SERVICE AGREEMENT REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF A SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX AT THE EAST RIDGE FIRE STATION THROUGH THE TENNESSEE GRANT PROGRAM – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Williams introduced his daughter Courtney Williams, who brought the idea of the Baby Box to him, and Laverne Craig with the Craig Foundation, who was instrumental in the legislation for baby boxes. Chief Williams stated that all costs for the first three years, including installation and training, will be paid by the Tennessee Grant. After three years, the costs will be absorbed in the Fire Department budget. Mayor Williams thanked Ms. Craig and Ms. Williams for the work they have done on this July 2024 Council Meeting Page 7 of 10 project. Ms. Craig stated there are 280 baby boxes in 18 states with ten boxes in Tennessee. She also stated that five babies have been placed in the baby boxes. Councilmember Witt thanked Ms. Craig and Ms. Williams for bringing this to the City. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3571. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3572 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A BID FOR AN ATHLETIC FIELD SUPPLIER FOR SOCCER FIELDS AT CAMP JORDAN PARK FOR FY 2024 – 2025 – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Director Skiles stated the city received bids as follows: • Harrell’s, LLC $19,421.00 meets all bid specifications. • Advanced Turf Solutions $23,877.45 meets all bid specifications. Staff is recommending the low bid from Harrell’s, LLC. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3572. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3573 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO PURCHASE FOUR (4) CHEVROLET COLORADO TRUCKS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES STATE- WIDE CONTRACT LISTING #209, PURSUANT TO TENNESSEE CODE ANNOTATED 12-3-1201(b) – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Uselton stated the total cost of the vehicles is $144,869.60, which is included in the budget. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3573. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3574 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO PURCHASE SIX (6) 2025 FORD INTERCEPTOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES (“SUVs”) FROM LONNIE COBB FORD THROUGH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES STATE-WIDE CONTRACT LISTING #209, PURSUANT TO TENNESSEE CODE ANNOTATED 12-3-1201(b) – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Uselton stated the total cost is $330,252.00, which was included in the budget. The amount of $267,606.00 will come out of the general fund, and $62,646.00 for upfitting the vehicles will come from the drug fund. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3574. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3575 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO PURCHASE A JOHN DEERE GATOR UTILITY VEHICLE FROM AG-PRO THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT LISTING #031121-DAC – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Director Skiles stated the gators are used for dragging fields, to aerate fields, etc. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3575. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3576 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO DONATE $10,000 TO THE CHATTANOOGA/ HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER – City July 2024 Council Meeting Page 8 of 10 Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated he and Mayor Williams visited the Justice Center in February with Regina McDevitt, Executive Director of the Center. Mr. Miller stated the Center provides services for domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, etc. to citizens of East Ridge and the surrounding areas. This amount was included in the budget. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3576. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3577 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE NOMINATION BY COUNCILMEMBER TYLER TO THE EAST RIDGE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF LEE RAMEY – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Councilmember Tyler thanked Mr. Ramey for his service on the Industrial Development Board (“IDB”). He then nominated Marty Von Schaaf to the IDB. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Mayor Williams, to approve Resolution No. 3577 with the nomination of Marty Von Schaaf. Councilmember Cagle stated the application he received for Mr. Von Schaaf stated he would like to apply for the Planning Commission and it also stated he would be interested in the Beer Board and IDB but was not sure. Roll call vote: Councilmember Cagle - pass; Councilmember Tyler - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3578 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AWARDING ANNUAL BIDS FOR STREET DEPARTMENT MATERIALS FOR FY 2024 – 2025 – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Street Supervisor Vaugh stated we bid these materials annually. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3578. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3579 – A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A USED PICK-UP TRUCK FOR THE EAST RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT – City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Williams stated in June the council approved $30,000 for a used truck from the sale of a Rosenbauer fire engine. Staff located a 2021 Chevy Colorado truck but the cost is $31,206. City Manager Miller stated we could purchase a new truck for a few thousand more but we would have to order the truck and it would not be available until January 2025. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3579. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Discussion of Tentative Agenda Items for the August 8, 2024 City Council Meeting Old Business: • ORDINANCE NO. 1205 (1st reading) – Amendments to Sign Ordinance (Lighting Display and Storefront Display Regulations) (1st reading) (tabled June 13, 2024) – City Manager Miller has presented three drafts to Council, A) the original proposal approved by the Planning Commission, B) the proposal with changes suggested by businesses, and C) the proposal drafted by Mr. Miller and Chief Building Official Howell. July 2024 Council Meeting Page 9 of 10 He forwarded the proposals to P.J. Patel, who represents some of the businesses, but has not heard back from him. New Business: • ORDINANCE NO. ____ - Budget Amendment (1st reading) – Finance Director Qualls stated this amendment is for the down payment on the new fire truck in the amount of $1 million. City Manager Miller stated we could take the remainer from the fund balance or do a bond issue when the truck comes in. • RESOLUTION NO. ____ - Authorization for S&ME, Inc. to provide asbestos abatement design and project monitoring services for the abatement of asbestos at the McBrien School building. City Manager Miller stated the study done by S&ME found lead paint, but it was below the level for removal. The study also found asbestos which must be removed for either demolition or renovation. Mr. Miller stated it could cost $125,000 - $150,000 for removal of the asbestos. The proposal from S&ME is $19,780 for design of the project and monitoring services. • Replacement truck (used) for the Building Department – Mr. Miller stated the Building Department currently uses a 2012 crew cab truck that is in very poor condition and needs replacing. He stated a used truck could be purchased with funds from the slum clearance line item in the amount of $30,000. • CARTA Care-a Van increase – Mr. Miller stated that CARTA is increasing their per trip fee from $10 to $20. The City currently pays $7.50 and the rider pays $2.50. If we used the same payment structure, the City would pay $17.50 and the rider would pay $2.50. We have over 100 riders. • Conveyance Property (55 acres) – trail (3-mile hike and 3-mile bike) – City Manager Miller stated this pertains to a 55-acre tract of land that we are going to turn into a hiking trail and bike trail. The Council awarded the contract for construction of the trails last month to Martin Land Clearing, but due to a misunderstanding on the contractor’s part, he cannot do the construction. Mr. Miller would like to go with the second lowest bidder for this project. We have until August 2025 to complete the trails. Mayor Williams added the Community Spotlight Award to the next agenda. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. July 2024 Council Meeting Page 10 of 10