City Council Minutes, January 9, 2025

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE January 9, 2025 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on January 9, 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Rev. Danny Lance 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: ten Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes December 9, 2024, Inaugural and Organization Meeting Approval of December 12, 2024, Council Meeting Approval of October 2024 Financial Report Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve the consent agenda, Second Councilmember Witt. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. Communication from Citizens: None Communication from Councilmembers: Councilmember Ezell — Happy New Year to everyone and to be safe tomorrow with the snow that is coming. Councilmember Witt — Remind everyone about the Senior Fit Program that is run by the Community Center. There will not be classes tomorrow due to the possible severe weather. Vice Mayor Tyler — Nothing currently. Councilmember Cagle — Nothing currently Mayor Williams — Hoped everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Asked Director Skiles to list all the signups going on now for spring activities. The library has started a new adult reading program for the winter. This started January 3 and will end on the 28%, Communication from City Manager: e Town Center Building — onsite grading is complete. January 09, 2025 Council Meeting Page | of 4 e Expansion of Community Center — Staff met with Kimley Horn and HHK last week to discuss where we are. The construction plans are 100% complete and the building department should receive them for review soon. Going out to bid on February 2 with the award late March or April. Staff are already preparing for the snow that is coming. All the streets that have hills have already been treated. Connector streets will be done first once the snow arrives. Public Safety and Public Works will be working closely during this time. Recycling will be done on Monday instead of tomorrow. City offices will be closed tomorrow. Old Business: None New Business: A. RESOLUTION NO. 3636 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A BID FOR THE SPRING-SUMMER UNIFORMS FOR THE 2025 SPORTS SEASON FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - Director Skiles stated that two (2) bids were received. Staff recommend accepting the bid from Krown USA Inc. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3636, Second Councilmember Witt. There being no further discussion. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved motion carried. B. RESOLUTION NO. 3637 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A 40-FOOT UTILITY EASEMENT ACROSS CITY- OWNED PROPERTY FOR PRINCIPAL ACRES, LLC — Chief Building Official Howell stated Kacper Piechnik is seeking approval for a forty-foot easement across city-owned property located at 1623 Springvale Road. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3637, Second Councilmember Witt. After some discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. C. RESOLUTION NO. 3638 —- A RESOLUTIN OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH HOLLAND AND KNIGHT LLP TO ACT AS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNSEL BEFORE THE TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - City Manager Miller stated that the City has used the services of Holland & Knight as our Lobbyist to assist with issues and matters before the Tennessee General Assembly and state agencies for several years. They have been instrumental in achieving enhancements to the Border Region Retail Development District Act that has financially and economically benefited the city. The cost will be $ 4,166.67 per month. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3638, Second Councilmember Witt. Councilmember Cagle asked if this overlapped with the Six City Coalition. Mr. Miller stated that they have different objections, Six City Coalition focuses on the needs of those six cities, TML on all the cities in the state. Holland and Knight focus on the City of East Ridge only. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion carried. January 09, 2025 Council Meeting Page 2 of 4 D. RESOLUTION NO. 3639 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE DECISION AND ACTION OF THE CITY MANAGER IN AUTHORIZING AN EMERGENCY ORDER IN REPLACING THE WATER LINE FROM THE STREET O EAST RIDGE FIRE STATION NO. 2 DUE TO A MAJOR WATER LEAK. — City Manager Miller stated that a major water least had be discovered a Station 2 and that Maintenance department did what they could to resolve the issue they turned on the water and but the encountered another water leak. This was beyond their scope and requested that they be allowed to get quotes for the repairs. During all this the Station had no water at all. During this time, the city utilized its Fire Service Mutual Aid Agreement and received a trailer with bathroom and shower facilities for use by the Firefighters at Station 2. Metro Plumbing was able to take care of the problem in a timely manner. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution 3639. Second, Councilmember Witt. After some discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion Carried. E. RESOLUTION NO. 3640 ~ A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO SELECT A COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE ON THE EAST RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION- City Manager Miller explained that pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. Section 13-4-101, a municipal planning commission is created and it shall consist of five (5) members; two (2) of these shall be the Mayor, or a person designated by the Mayor, and another member of the City Council selected by the City Council and the other three (3) shall be appointed by the Mayor. Further, the terms of the mayor, or a person designated by the mayor, and the member selected by the City Council shall run concurrently with their terms of office. Councilmember Cagle made the motion to appoint Councilmember Ezell to the Planning Commission. Second, Councimember Ezell. After much discussion regarding Boards & Commissions Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was as follows: Vice Mayor Tyler — no, Councilmember Cagle — yes, Councilmember Ezell — yes, Councilmember Witt — no, Mayor Williams — no. Motion failed. Vice Mayor Tyler asked that the city attorney look at Title II and see what could be added or taken away regarding Council, and boards and Commissions. Mayor Williams asked for another nomination for this position. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to appoint Councilmember Witt to the Planning Commission. Second, Councilmember Witt. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was as follows: Vice Mayor Tyler — yes, Councilmember Cagle — no, Councilmember Ezell — no, Councilmember Witt — yes, Mayor Williams — yes. Motion passed. F. Discussion of Tentative Agenda Items for the January 23, 2025, City Council Meeting Old Business New Business o Resolution Use on review for off premise sign for Frawley Road Baptist Church — Councilmember Cagle asked if it would be flashing sign, no. January 09, 2025 Council Meeting Page 3 of 4 o Resolution City Manager Contract There being no further business meeting adjourned. APPROVED: Bee D) Lon MAYOR DEPUTY CITY REZGORDER January 09, 2025 Council Meeting Page 4 of 4 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE January 23, 2025 6:00 pm The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to notice on January 23, at 6:00 pm at East Ridge City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Rev. Daniel Beard 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: 12 Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes January 9, 2025, Council Meeting. Vice Mayor Tyler made a motion to approve the consent agenda, Second Councilmember Witt. There being no discussion. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Communication from Citizens: None Communication from Councilmembers: Councilmember Ezell - Wanted to thank the police for helping a citizen that was having issues with his vehicle. Councilmember Witt — Asked that the City Manager supply each councilmember with a copy of the food truck ordinance that was presented to Council back last year. It needs to be looked at and a decision made. Vice Mayor Tyler — East Ridge Optimist Club is looking for participants for their oration contest. Councilmember Cagle — Nothing currently Mayor Williams — e Mayor Willilams had Director Skiles come up and list the spring sports that are now open for registration. e The library has a winter reading program going on, cards for veterans, Cooking the Books, and a Valentine dinner for couples coming up. January 23, 2025 Council Meeting Page 1 of4 e Mary Jennings, who was recognized a while back for being one hundred years old, which is a great accomplishment, passed away today at the age of 100 years and 3 months. Communication from City Manager: e TDOT did an Audit on the Multi Modal Project and there were no findings. ¢ The bid is going out on the Community Center expansion on February 2, March 11 for bid opening, and approval by Council at the second meeting in March. ¢_ Work continues at the new pavilion/venue site. Weather is not holding them back. Old Business: None New Business: ORDINANCE NO. 1214 —- AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 1132 BY ADDING SUBPART 3 TO CHAPTER 2-101 AND ADDING SUBPART 1 TO CHAPER 2-104 (1% reading) — City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mr. Litchford stated Council requested changes to this ordinance at the last meeting. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 1214, second Councilmember Witt. Councilmember Cagle made the motion to table Ordinance No. 1214 until further discussion, second Councilmember Ezell. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. Roll call: Vice Mayor Tyler — No, Councilmember Cagle — Yes, Councilmember Ezell — Yes, Councilmember Witt — No, Mayor Williams — No. Motion denied. Councilmember Ezell made the motion to amend Ordinance No 1214 that a person can only sit on one board or commission, second Vice Mayor Tyler. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. Roll call: Vice Mayor Tyler — Yes, Councilmember Cagle — Yes, Councilmember Ezell — Yes, Councilmember Witt — No, Mayor Williams — Yes. Motion approved. Mayor Williams asked for roll call on Ordinance No. 1214 as amended. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3641 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TRIANGLE 2 SOLUTIONS TO PERFORM A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO DETERMINE THE VIABILITY OF BUILDING A NEW YMCA FACILITY IN CAMP JORDAN PARK- City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated that he and the Mayor had met with YMCA representatives to discuss a potential presence of the YMCA at Camp Jordan. Before the YMCA can move forward to locate a new facility in Camp Jordan, they require a feasibility study to be commissioned by a third party known as Triangle 2 Solutions. This would be at a cost of $21,500.00 with $7,167 coming from the YMCA and $14,333 from the City. Mr. Baron Herdelin-Doherty and a representative from Triangle 2 Solutions were in attendance to discuss this proposal. Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve Resolution No. 3641, second January 23, 2025 Council Meeting Page 2 of4 Councilmember Ezell. There was no further discussion; therefore, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3642 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN EXTENSION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR J. SCOTT MILLER WITH REGARD TO THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Attorney Litchford read on caption. City Manager Miller stated that it was again time to extend his employment agreement if the Council was in agreement. The only requests are a three percent (3%) COLA that all other employees have received, and a one percent (1%) performance merit raise. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution No. 3642, second Councilmember Ezell. After discussion and stating how confident that they are as a council to have Mr. Miller as the City Manager, the Mayor asked for roll call. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3643 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A CONSENT LETTER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO COMMIT A LOCAL PORTION MATCH FOR CONSTRUCTION COST FOR THE SCRUGGS ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mr. McAllister, Administrator of Economic and Community Development, is requesting that the Council approve a consent letter authorizing the City to commit 20% (Local Portion) of the construction costs for Scruggs Road Reconstruction. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution No. 3643, second Councilmember Witt. After some discussion, Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3644 —- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE TO ACCEPT THE FY 2025 PUBLIC ENTITY PARTNERS “CYBER SECURITY PARTNERS” MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM - City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Mr. McAllister requested that Council approve the FY 24/25 Cyber Security Grant. This is a 50/50 grant. The total cost associated with the internal and external vulnerability scans are estimated to be $3,800. Vice Mayor Tyler made the motion to approve Resolution No. 3644, second Councilmember Witt. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. RESOLUTION NO. 3645 — A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH D-BAT CHATTANOOGA- City Attorney Litchford read on caption. Director Skiles is asking for Council’s approval of Park & Recreations agreement with D-Bat. This will cover all three seasons of baseball and softball. Councilmember Witt made the motion to approve Resolution No. 3645, second Vice Mayor Tyler. Mayor Williams asked for roll call. The vote was unanimous. Motion approved. Discussion of Tentative Agenda Items for the February 13, 2025 City Council Meeting. Old Business A. ORDINANCE NO. 1214 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 1132 BY ADDING SUBPART E TO CHAPTER 2-101 AND ADDING SUBPART I TO CHAPTER 2-104 (2TM and final reading) January 23, 2025 Council Meeting Page 3 of4 New Business A. RESOLUTION NO. Use on review for off premise sign for Frawley Road Baptist Church - Chief Building Official Howell gave an update on the sign and where it would be located. B. RESOLUTION NO. Abandonment on Old Ringgold Road ~ Chief Building Official Howell explained that the road in question is located behind the Osborne Center and the developers have plans to use that area. C. RESOLUTION NO. Approval request for Infield Conditioning field grading bid.- Director Skiles stated that bids had been opened and that staff would present at the next council meeting. D. Request to put the Food Truck Ordinance on the agenda. APPROVED: IAYOR January 23, 2025 Council Meeting Page 4 of4