City Council Minutes, October 10, 2024

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE October 10, 2024 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on October 10, 2024, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Rev. Jeff Baden, 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: 20 Presentation of Proclamation for Parkridge East Hospital — Mayor Williams presented a proclamation to Caroline Burris, CEO of Parkridge East Hospital on the occasion of their 50" anniversary. He stated that Parkridge East is a vital part of our community. Ms. Burris thanked the Mayor and Council and stated it is a privilege to be located in the City of East Ridge. Presentation of Life Saving Awards — Fire and Police — Chief Williams stated that on September 30, 2023, East Ridge Fire and Police, and Hamilton County EMS were dispatched to 1359 Ridgefield Circle on a CPR in progress. Mr. Kevin Pritt was lying on the ground with his wife performing CPR. Fire crews and Police took over CPR and applied the Automatic External Defibrillator. Mr. Pritt was then transported by Hamilton County EMS to Memorial Hospital. Mr. Pritt came by the Fire Station almost a year later to thank the crews for saving his life. Chief Williams and Chief Uselton presented Life-saving Awards to the following firefighters, police officers, and EMS crewmember for their actions in saving Mr. Pritt’s life. e Battalion Chief Eric Bowen Captain Thomas Finch Engineer Brandon Dycus Officer Jonah Goddard Officer Toni Kirby Paramedic Mason Twomey Mr. Pritt and his wife were also present. He thanked everyone involved for their efforts in saving his life. Employee Milestone Awards for September — Mayor Williams announced the milestone award for Chris Gilbert who has five years of service to the City. The Mayor thanked Mr. Gilbert and all the employees for their service to the City. Approval of Minutes September 26, 2024 — Vice Mayor Haynes made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve the minutes of September 26, 2024. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. October 10, 2024 Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 Old Business: ORDINANCE NO. 1205 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND ORDINANCE 1028 WHICH AMENDED THE EAST RIDGE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 481, BY ADDING AN ADDITIONAL SECTION THERETO, BEING SECTION 111 OF ARTICLE VI (SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS), IN THE EAST RIDGE ZONING ORDINANCE AND AMENDING THE NUMBER OF DAYS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ORDINANCE (1* reading) — City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Building Official Howell stated that the Planning Commission reviewed and approved the following changes: e All businesses have 90 days to comply with lighting display regulations from the original 60-day requirement, additional language was added to store-front display regulations to include “businesses sold two years after” the effective date of this ordinance. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler to approve Ordinance No. 1205 on first reading. Roll call vote: Vice Mayor Haynes - yes; Councilmember Cagle - no; Councilmember Tyler - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion approved. New Business: PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE NO. 1210 - 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 4012 BENNETT ROAD, TAX MAP #168L-L-009 FROM R-1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO C-5 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT -— City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mayor Williams opened the public hearing. Chief Building Official Howell stated the applicant wants to use the building as an office for the Needy Child Fund. The Planning Commission approved the request for rezoning with two conditions: 1) that it be used as office space only, and 2) that a 6-foot high privacy fence be constructed on the west side of the property. Cathy Patterson, 3711 Olmstead Drive, East Ridge, TN 37412 came forward representing the Needy Child Fund. She stated they have been temporarily housed at Frawley Church, but now the church needs their space back. No one came forward in favor of or in opposition to the rezoning. Mayor Williams closed the public hearing ORDINANCE NO. 1210 — 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 4012 BENNETT ROAD, TAX MAP #168L-L-009 FROM R-1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO C-5 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (1 reading) — City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Vice Mayor Haynes made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Ordinance No. 1210 on first reading. Councilmember Cagle asked Ms. Patterson if they are going to store any items in this space. She stated that they have some toys stored there. Mr. Cagle asked if we could add warehouse zoning to this ordinance. Mr. Litchford stated that accessory storage that compliments the business is allowed in the C-5 zoning. If it is rezoned to warehouse it could open it up to other types of warehouses. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. October 10, 2024 Council Meeting Page 3 of7 Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3603. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3604 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE FY 24 - 25 PATRICK LEAHY BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP GRANT - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mr. McAllister stated the amount of the grant increased to $22,144.14, with a 50% match required from the City in the amount of $11,072.07. Chief Uselton stated the City’s match would come from the Drug Fund. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3604. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3605 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FY 25 PUBLIC ENTITY PARTNERS (“PEP”) PROPERTY CONSERVATION GRANT - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mr. McAllister stated the City was awarded $8,000 to be used for additional security surveillance at the Community Center. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3605. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved RESOLUTION NO. 3606 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE ATTACHED CHANGE ORDER REQUEST #1 FROM MUSCO SPORTS LIGHTING, LLC IN REGARD TO LIGHTING FOR THE SOCCER FIELDS AS PART OF THE OF THE CAMP JORDAN LIGHTING ENHANCEMENT PROJECT - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated this change order is for pressure drilling through rock on fields 7, 8, 10, an 11 in order to install light poles. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3606. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3607 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS TO REPLACE THE ROOF AT THE LIBRARY LOCATED IN CITY HALL - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated that the Library roof sustained leaks from Hurricane Helene and we must protect the books and other library materials. He stated we are sending out bid packets that will be presented at the October 24, 2024 meeting. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Resolution No. 3607. Mayor Williams asked if the damage would allow the City to apply for FEMA dollars. Mr. Miller stated the County has to be certified regarding damages and costs for clean-up, personnel costs, labor costs, vehicle costs, etc. and we had nothing to put in for as far as damages. Councilmember Cagle asked about replacing the roof over the Administration portion of the building. Mr. Miller stated they have found no leaks, but the costs could be $120,000 to $150,000 for a roof because of raising the air units, etc. He will put this in the budget for next year. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Discussion of Tentative Agenda Items for the October 24, 2024 City Council Meeting (see Attachment A) e Old Business: October 10, 2024 Council Meeting Page 5 of7 APPROVED: MAYOR CfffY RECORDER October 10, 2024 Council Meeting Page 7 of7 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE October 24, 2024 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on October 24, 2024, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Rey. Terry Arnold, the Pentecostals of East Ridge 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: 4 Consent Agenda: A. Approval of Minutes October 10, 2024 Council Meeting B. Approval of August 2024 Financial Report Vice Mayor Haynes made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve the Consent Agenda. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Communication from Citizens: None Communication from Councilmembers: Councilmember Cagle, Vice Mayor Haynes, and Councilmember Witt had nothing at this time. Councilmember Tyler announced the 11" Annual Optimist Club Booo-b-Que would be held on November 2, 2024 just outside of City Hall, 1517 Tombras Avenue. Proceeds support the youth of our community and programming for the year for the Optimist Club. Mayor Williams discussed the following: e The Mayor thanked everyone who participated in National Night Out on the previous Monday evening. e Library o Teen Movie Night — Spooky Halloween — Friday, October 25" at 6 pm. Food will be provided. o Learn How to Draw and Write Graphic Novels — Saturday, October 26, 11 am —12 pm. © Cookin’ the Book and Halloween Charcuterie — Monday, October 28" at 6 pm. Call 423-867-7323 to register. o Drive Thru Trick or Treat — October 29", 3:30 — 5:30 pm. The Library is taking candy donations until October 28" at 2 pm. October 24, 2024 Council Meeting Page 1 of6 e Parks and Recreation o Indoor soccer sign-ups October 5" — November 27th o Youth basketball registration — October 7 — November 17th © Crafty Cauldron: A Halloween Bash! — October 25", 6 pm — 8 pm. Wear your costume. There will be dancing and crafts. o Christmas Parade — November 23", line up beginning at 3:30 pm and Parade beginning at 6:30 pm o Community Thanksgiving Dinner, November 26". Serving will begin at 4:30 pm and the last meal will be served at 7:30 pm. e Election Day is Tuesday, November 5"" — The Mayor encouraged everyone to get out and vote. Early voting is October 16" — October 31". © The Mayor discussed a particularly good article in Business View Magazine regarding new development in East Ridge. Communication from City Manager: ¢ Moore and McBrien Bridges — City Manager Miller stated he had a progress meeting with Jeff Blevins, Project Manager with Wright Construction, and they are hoping to open both bridges by the end of this calendar year. He also stated that westbound I-24 will be down to two lanes from 9:00 pm Friday, Nov. 9t until 6:00 am, Tuesday, November 12" to rebuild the pavement under the Belvoir bridge. ¢ Multi-purpose pavilion — Mr. Miller stated we need to come up with a name for the pavilion. He met with Pillar Construction, who is planning to start construction the week of November 4", depending on approval of a land disturbance permit from TDEC. Old Business: ORDINANCE NO. 1205 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND ORDINANCE 1028 WHICH AMENDED THE EAST RIDGE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 481, BY ADDING AN ADDITIONAL SECTION THERETO, BEING SECTION 111 OF ARTICLE VI (SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS), IN THE EAST RIDGE ZONING ORDINANCE AND AMENDING THE NUMBER OF DAYS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ORDINANCE (2" and final reading) - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Chief Building Official Howell stated the changes to the ordinance were sent back to the Planning Commission and were approved. The changes stated that all businesses have 90 days to comply with lighting display regulations from the original 60-day requirement and additional language was added to store-front display regulations to include “businesses sold two years after” the effective date of this ordinance. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to approve Ordinance No. 1205 on second and final reading. Roll call vote: Vice Mayor Haynes - yes; Councilmember Cagle - no; Councilmember Tyler - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. ORDINANCE NO. 1210 — 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 4012 BENNETT ROAD, TAX MAP #168L-L-009 FROM R-1 RESIDENTIAL October 24, 2024 Council Meeting Page 2 of 6 INC. THROUGH THE 2024 TDOT GUARDRAIL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT #CNY089 — City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Street Supervisor Vaughn stated there have been numerous wrecks at the four locations at which the guardrails need replaced. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resoltion No. 3610. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. 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 DISPOSAL/TRANSFER STATION SERVICES- City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated the City sent out a Request for Proposals for solid waste services and received three proposals as follows: e Capital Waste Services $55.00 per ton e Waste Connections dba City Waste $43.75 per ton BFI dba Republic Services $53.00 per ton He sent a contract to Waste Connections dba City Waste and they sent it back with amendments that are not acceptable. He has scheduled a meeting with them to go over these amendments. Councilmember Witt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Tyler, to pass Resolution No. 3611 to the November 14,2024 meeting. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3612 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO OPEN A CHECKING ACCOUNT AT FIRST BANK IN WHICH TO DEPOSIT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS- City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Finance Director Qualls stated we need to open this account for Federal Forfeiture Funds for the Police Department. According to Federal guidelines, we must keep these funds separate from other city funds. Vice Mayor Haynes made a motion, scconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3612. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3613 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO HAVE THE HEAT EXCHANGER IN THE AIR UNIT AT THE EAST RIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER REPLACED- City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated the heat exchanger in the air unit has gone out and needs replacing. Cost is $12,479.00 from Trane. Mr. Miller stated we will not replace any units until we do the expansion to the Community Center. Councilmember Tyler made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Witt, to approve Resolution No. 3613. Mayor Williams asked if we had a start and completion date. Mr. Miller stated sometime within the next week. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3614 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE LAWSUIT FILED BY TENNESSEE 1 PROPERTIES, LLC, AGAINST THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE- City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mr. Litchford stated this item stems from a citation issued by the Housing Commission. Work on the structure was dormant for over a year and the property was in non-compliance. The Housing Commission gave the property owner numerous opportunities, but in March 2024, the Commission determined that the structure was damaged more than 50% and voted to demolish it. The October 24, 2024 Council Meeting Page 4 of6 o ORDINANCE NO. ____ - Budget Amendment (1* reading) — Finance Director Qualls stated this amendment would cover opening the account for Federal Forfeiture Funds, various grants, and the increase in solid waste disposal. o RESOLUTION NO. ____- Approval of Ridgeside contracts for Fire and Police - City Manager Miller stated the City has had an interlocal agreement with the City of Ridgeside for 8+ years. This past year Ridgeside paid $83,368 for Police Services and $37,901 for Fire services. The 2021 agreement provided for a cost-of-living adjustment for FY 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, but after that it provided for no such adjustment. He and the Ridgeside mayor did an addendum last year that provided for a 4% increase for FY 2024-2025. He is proposing a similar addendum for FY 2025- 2026 to add the 4% increase. o RESOLUTION NO. ___ — Approval of Advancement of State Salary Supplements for Fire and Police — Chief Uselton stated 44 officers were eligible for the supplements after completion of inservice training. Total cost is $35,200. Chief Williams stated that 28 firefighters are eligible for a cost of $22,400. Each firefighter and police officer that is eligible will receive $800. o RESOLUTION NO.___- Approval of Nomination by Councilmember Cagle to fill a Term on the East Ridge Beer Board — No discussion. o RESOLUTION NO.___ - Approval of Nomination by Councilmember Tyler to fill a Term on the East Ridge Beer Board - No discussion o RESOLUTION NO. ___ - Mayor’s Appointment of Chairperson of the East Ridge Beer Board — Mayor Williams stated he makes this appointment annually. Councilmember Cagle asked if the Beer Board members were restricted to term limits. Cily Allorney Litchford slated they are not. o RESOLUTION NO.____ - Approval of Bids for PD Tablets and Mounts — Chief Uselton stated the new tablets and keyboards would have more functionality for the officers. He will present the bids at the next meeting. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. APPROVED: Audlhiim Ni. honet. lyWed hte x cen MAYOR Clif'Y RECORDER October 24, 2024 Council Meeting Page 6 of 6