City Council Minutes, December 9, 2024

INAUGURATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE December 9, 2024 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on December 9, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Reverend Danny Lance gave the invocation. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Present: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Cagle, Councilmember Ezell, Councilmember Tyler, Councilmember Witt, City Manager Miller, City Attorney Litchford, and Deputy City Recorder Qualls. Vice Mayor Helton — Haynes was absent Attendance: Thirty Mayor Williams welcomed all for attending this inauguration, and recognized Judge Cox for her attendance. Mr. Jeff Ezell — Oath of Office — Mark Litchford, Esquire Mrs. Andrea “Aundie” Witt - Oath of Office — Judge Tracy Cox Election of Vice Mayor Councilmember Aundie Witt made the motion to appoint Councilmember David Tyler as Vice Mayor, second Mayor Williams. There being no further nominations, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was as follows: Councilmember Cagle — No, Councilmember Ezell — No, Councilmember Tyler — Yes, Councilmember Witt - Yes, Mayor Williams — Yes. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Elect Tyler — thanked Representative Helton-Haynes for her service to the city. Congratulated Councilmembers Ezell and Witt. Councilmember Cagle wished to congratulate Councilmember Witt and Councilmember Ezell. Councilmember Ezell congratulated Councilmember Witt and will serve to the best of his abilities for those who voted for him and all of the citizens of East Ridge. Councilmember Witt congratulated Councilmember Ezell and thanked all of those who voted for both. Thanked Councilmember Tyler for accepting being Vice Mayor and she will deeply miss Vice Mayor Helton- Haynes. Mayor William congratulated both Councilmember Ezell and Councilmember Witt and the rest of the Council as the City continues to move forward. December 9, 2024 Council Meeting Page 1 of 2 There being no further business meeting adjourned. APPROVED: P Wh a s . DEPUTY CITY REGORDER bin X MAYOR : a. December 9, 2024 Council Meeting Page 2 of 2 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE December 12, 2024 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on December 12, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Reverend Charles Cochran gave the invocation. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Present: Mayor Williams, Vice Mayor Tyler, Councilmember Cagle, Councilmember Ezell, Councilmember Witt, City Manager Miller, City Attorney Litchford, and Deputy City Recorder Qualls. Attendance: thirty-five Presentation of Plaque to former Vice Mayor Easther Haynes moved to January 9 2025. Milestone Awards for November 2024- Clay Smith 5 years of service Presentation of Christmas Parade Awards — Shawnna Skiles , Parks & Recreation Director Grand Marshal — Miller Creel 2024 City Services/Clubs Winners 1 Place - East Ridge Library 1% Place - East Ridge Animal Services 2"4 Place - East Ridge Senior Fitness 3" Place - East Ridge Optimist Club 2024 Education Winners 1st Place - Tyner Academy Marching Band 2"4 Place - East Ridge High School JROTC 3" Place — East Brainerd Elementary Eagle Flyers 2024 Christmas Parade Winners 1S Place — Lumberjacks Tree Service 2"4 Place — Chattanooga Inflatables 24 Place — Southeast Jeep Club Coalition 3" Place — University Diabetes & Endocrine Associates Presentation of FY 2024 Audit — Garrett Williams, HHM December 12, 2024 Council Meeting Page | of 5 The audit was clean, enjoyed working with Diane Qualls and her staff. Everyone was very cooperative. Single Audit was also clean. The General Fund ended with a strong fund balance. Mayor Williams thanked staff for all the challenging work that they did during the year to stay within budget. Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes November 14, 2024, Council Meeting Approval of September Financial Report Approval of Surplus Property Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve the consent agenda, Second: Vice Mayor Tyler. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimously approved. Motion carried. Communication from Citizens: None Communication from Councilmembers: Vice Mayor Tyler — Wish happy birthday to my youngest son, Silas Tyler, Merry Christmas to all the Citizens of East Ridge, and Merry Christmas to all City employees. Councilmember Cagle - Nothing currently Councilmember Witt — Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Looking forward to the new year. Councilmember Ezell — Nothing currently. Mayor Williams — Groundbreaking for the Pavillion, November 216 was a special event that by staff and volunteers doing a Thanksgiving dinner for the community. A retirement event was held for Captain Henson of the Fire Department. The library is accepting letters for Santa. On December 20" there will be cookies with Santa at the Community Center. Communication from City Manager: e Pavillion is doing site and pad preparation. Construction may then begin depending on the weather in late January. e North Mack Smith — Adams Contracting will begin road widening on March 1, 2025. Old Business: A. ORDINANCE 1212 — 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 LOCATION AT 6728 RJINGGOLD ROAD FROM R-3 APARMENT DISTRICT AND C-1 TOURISM COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT AND AN UNADDRESSED PROPERTY IN THE December 12, 2024 Council Meeting Page 2 of 5 6700 BLOCK OF RINGGOLD ROAD FROM C-TOURISM COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO C-2 GENERAL COMMERICAL DISTRICT 2 (2"4 and final reading) Motion was made by Councilmember Ezell to approve Ordinance 1212, second Councilmember Witt. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. B. ORDINANCE NO. 1213 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 OPERING BUDGET, ORDINANCE NO. 1206, BY CHANGING THE REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES OF VARIOUS FUNDS (second and final reading). Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve Ordinance 1213, second Vice Mayor Tyler. Finance Director Qualls and City Manager Miller explained the changes that are being made to the Ordinance. Councilmember Ezell asked if the ordinance could be changed between readings since two items had been added. The Finance Director stated that it could be done. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call., The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. C. RESOLUTION NO. 3611 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH WASTE CONNECTIONS OF TENNESSEE DBA CITY WASTE, LLC FOR SOLID WASTE, TRANSFER STATION SERVICES (Pasted from November 14, 2024 meeting) City Manager Miller explained that the contract has been revised and all changes have been approved by both parties. Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve Resolution 3611, second Vice Mayor Tyler. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. New Business: A. RESOLUTION NO 3629 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE, APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH EAST RIDGE SHOPPING CENTER, G.P., RELATING TO A PROJECT IN THE BORDER REGION RETAIL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN ACTIONS RELATING THERETO. City Manager Miller explained that the property was the Osborne Shopping Center. City Attorney Litchford explained that it would be an 80/20 split and had been approved by the Industrial Development Board. This will bring organic growth toward the west and would be the largest baseline project to date. Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve Resolution 3629, second Vice Mayor Tyler. Councilmember Ezell asked a question regarding the old Food City. Councilmember Cagle asked if the baseline has been taken out for the Food City since it is not in the Border Region. There being no further discussion Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. B. RESOLUTION NO. 3630 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO December 12, 2024 Council Meeting Page 3 of 5 PURCHASE ONE POLE-MOUNTED TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET ASSEMBLY FROM TEMPLE, INC. TO BE CONSIDERED AS A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE. Traffic Control Supervisor Crowe explained that this would be a backup cabinet. The city currently has twenty-two cabinets in use; it takes up to 40 weeks to get a cabinet as they must be made. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3630, second Councilmember Witt. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimously approved. Motion carried. . RESOLUTION NO. 3631 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL. TO APPROVE A NOMINATION BY COUCILMEMBER TYLER TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD - Vice Mayor nominated Kimberly Myers to the library board. Councilmember Ezell made the motion to approve Resolution 3631, second Councilmember Witt. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimously approved. Motion carried. . RESOLUTION NO. 3632 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE A NOMINATION BY COUNCILMEMBER EZELL TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD -— Councilmember Ezell made the motion to nominate Rachel McCrary, second Councilmember Witt. There being no further discussion Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. . RESOLUTION NO. 3633 — A RSOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO WAIVE THE FEE FOR USE OF CAMP JORDAN ARENA BY EAST RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THEIR FIFTH GRADE GRADUATION — Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve Resolution 3633, second Vice Mayor Tyler. There being no further discussion Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. . RESOLUTION NO. 3634 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING ADDENDUMS TO THE ORIGINAL INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS TO THE CITY OF RIDGESIDE — City Manager explained that the agreement had to be amended to reflect the 4% increase beginning July 1*, 2025, and a 4% increase for July 1‘, 2026. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3634, second Councilmember Witt. Councilmember asked how many people the Fire Department sends for an assist. Deputy Fire Marshal Dean stated that normally it would be two personnel and a vehicle. There being no further discussion Mayor Williams ask for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. . RESOLUTION NO. 3635 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN EXTENSION DEPOSIT AGREEMENT BETWEEN TENNESSEE AMERICAN WATER AND THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE FOR THE EXTENSION OF A WATER LINE TO THE NEW TOWN CENTER - City Manager explained that a 160 feet of main off of East Ridge Avenue at a cost of $47,327.00. If the cost comes in less than that amount, we get a refund, if more we must pay more. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3635, December 12, 2024 Council Meeting Page 4 of 5 second Councilmember Witt. Councilmember Cagle asked a question regarding deepness due to rocks. Should be no more than three feet. There being no further discussion Mayor Williams ask for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. Discussion of tentative agenda items for the January 9, 2024, City Council meeting e Special presentation — former Vice Mayor Esther Haynes Old Business New Business o Resolution approval of bid for Spring-Summer Athletic Uniforms for Parks and Recreation. o Resolution Owner of property would like to get an easement on Springvale. Councilmember Cagle asked about being able to do this since the property was purchased using FEMA money. Chief Building Officer Howell has checked with the state regarding this and will forward those emails to the City Attomey. Can only do a utility easement. o Council appointment to the Planning Commission. There being no further business meeting adjourned. APPROVED: MAYOR DEPUTY CITY RECORDER December 12, 2024 Council Meeting Page 5 of 5