City Council Minutes, December 11, 2025

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE December 11, 2025 6:00 p.m, I The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to the meeting notice on December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the East Ridge City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brian Williams called the meeting to order. Pastor Daniel Beard of Action Church 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, City Clerk Jennifer Deitrick Attendance: Approximately 34 members of the public were present. Presentation of Christmas Parade Awards Mayor Williams expressed appreciation to all participants and volunteers involved in the Christmas Parade. The City Council, along with Parks and Recreation Director Skiles, presented the following awards: • Grand Marshal: Janet Middleton • City Services Award o l" Place: East Ridge Senior Fitness Program o 2nd Place: East Ridge Animal Services o 3rd Place: East Ridge Library • Education Award o l " Place: Tyner's Marching Band o 2nd Place: East Ridge High School JROTC o 3rd Place: East Ridge Elementary School • Overall Parade Winner o l" Place: Lumberjack Tree Service o 2nd Place: Chattanooga Inflatables o 3rd Place: Southern Payroll and Bookkeeping Approval of Minutes November 13, 2025 Councilmember Ezell moved to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2025 meeting. 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 There were no comments from citizens. Communication from Councilmembers Vice Mayor Tyler wished his son a happy birthday. Vice Mayor Tyler, Councilmember Cagle and Councilmember Witt wished everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year. Councilmember Ezell had no comments. Mayor Williams thanked staff, sponsors, donors, and volunteers for their contributions to the Community Thanksgiving event, which served more than 550 meals. He reported that the Forgotten Child Fund "Coats for Kids" drive, held on December 4, 2025 at Camp Jordan, collected over 2,600 coats and more than $41,000 in donations. Mayor Williams also noted that the City hosted a Legislative Breakfast on December 8, 2025, and announced upcoming events, including East Ridge Library events, the grand opening ceremony for Venue 1921 on January 24, 2026, and a ceremony honoring all East Ridge mayors. He concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. December 11, 2025 Council Meeting Page I of5 Communication from City Manager City Manager Miller provided updates on Venue 1921, the North Mack Smith Road project, and the Community Center expansion. He announced that the East Ridge Fire Department has received a new fire engine which will be showcased prior to the January 8, 2026 City Council meeting. The dedication ceremony, including the traditional "push-in" of the engine will take place on January 9, 2026. 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) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Finance Director Qualls stated that there are no changes from the first reading. 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. Discussion of Mobile Food Vending Ordinance Chief Building Official Howell presented a draft ordinance and stated that if Council would like to proceed, the ordinance will be presented to the Planning Commission at its next meeting. City Manager Miller reviewed concerns regarding the current draft, including provisions for portable restrooms and permanent seating and tables. He suggested adding additional overlay districts and questioned whether permanently staged food trucks should comply with the Architectural Design Standards and Guidelines. He noted that the draft ordinance only addresses permanent staging and special events. Councilmember Ezell requested a special called meeting to further discuss the mobile food vending ordinance. Mayor stated that the Planning Commission members should be encouraged to attend. After discussion of potential dates, considering upcoming board meetings and City Manager candidate interviews, the Council scheduled the meeting to discuss the mobile food vending ordinance for January 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and the City Council interview of City Manager candidates for January 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. In response to questions from Councilmember Cagle, City Attorney Litchford stated that the draft ordinance will be updated to include both alcohol and beer. Chief Building Official Howell stated that the minimum distance between mobile food vendors will be increased to 10 feet. New Business RESOLUTION NO. 3767 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF THE CITY'S RIGHT OF REVERTER RELATED TO REAL PROPERTY CONVEYED TO EAST RIDGE GENERAL HOSPITAL, INC. City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. He provided historical context regarding the right of reverter clause in the property deed, which stated that if the hospital was not built, the property would revert to the City. He noted that a hospital was constructed which satisfies the condition of the reverter. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3767. 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. 3768 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER REQUEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,532 FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSI ON PROJECT City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that staff are requesting additional funding to upgrade flooring and restroom fixtures that were not included in the original scope of work. December 11, 2025 Council Meeting Page 2 of 5 Mayor Williams moved to approve Resolution No. 3768. 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. 3769 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF UNEXPENDED FUNDS FROM THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER GRANT TO THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Development Administrator McAllister explained that in Fiscal Year 2025, the City received grant funds to support four School Resource Officer positions. After submitting final expenditures to the State, unexpended funds totaling $14,018.00 were identified due to one officer not enrolling in the City's benefit program. He noted that this does not affect the Fiscal Year 2026 grant or future grant cycles and will not impact the current fiscal year's fund balance. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3769. 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. 3770 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING THE STEP ONE TEACHING GARDEN GRANT AWARDED TO THE CITY BY THE HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Head Librarian Weaver reported that the Library was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,000 and requested approval to accept the award. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3770. Councilmember Ezell 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. 3771 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THREE REPLACEMENT SERVERS FOR THE CITY'S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Human Resources Director Sinigaglio stated that staff are requesting approval to replace three aged information technology servers at a cost of $55,688.00, which includes servers, installation, licensing, training, and transition from the old servers to the new ones. The funds will come from the Capital Projects Fund. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3771. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. In response to a question from Councilmember Ezell, Director Sinigaglio clarified that software licensing will be a recurring annual cost, but the new servers are expected to last approximately seven to ten years. There being no further 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. 3772 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A BID FOR THE 2026 SEASONAL RECREATION UNIFORMS City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that sealed bids were opened on December 3, 2025 for athletic uniforms for the 2026 recreation season. She stated that the Parks & Recreation Department solicited bids for the year to try to get better pricing. After conducting reference checks, staff recommend going with Krown Sports USA even though this is not the lowest bid. J Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3772 to award the bid to Krown Sports USA. Councilmember Ezell 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. December 11, 2025 Council Meeting Page 3 of5 RESOLUTION NO. 3773 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING AN APPOINTMENT BY COUNCILMEMBER EZELL TO THE EAST RIDGE BEER BOARD City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Councilmember Ezell moved to appoint Carnell Storie to the East Ridge Beer Board. 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. 3774 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE EAST RIDGE BEER HOARD RV MAYOR WILLIAMS City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Mayor Williams moved to appoint Robert Maner as the Chairperson of the East Ridge Beer Board. Councilmember Ezell 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. 3775 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING AN APPOINTMENT BY COUNCILMEMBER CAGLE TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Councilmember Cagle moved to appoint Linda Henson to the East Ridge Library Board. 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. 3776 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL MEMORIALIZING AN APPOINTMENT BY COUNCILMEMBER WITT TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Councilmember Witt thanked Carolyn Tucker for her service on the Library Board. Councilmember Witt moved to appoint Katie Perkins to the East Ridge Library Board. 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. 3777 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN APPOINTMENT BY THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE EAST RIDGE LIBRARY BOARD City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Councilmember Cagle moved to appoint Marilyn Lowrey to the East Ridge Library Board. 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. Discussion of Tentative Agenda for the January 8, 2026 City Council Meeting (see Attachment A) December 11, 2025 Council Meeting Page 4 of5 ATTACHMENT A TENTATIVE AGENDA January 8, 2026 Old Business 1 None. New Business PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE NO. 1239 - 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 1408 SAN HSI DRIVE, TAX MAP #169K-J-009, FROM C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO R-2 RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX DISTRICT Chief Building Official Howell stated that the rezoning request is to allow construction of a duplex and noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval. Councilmember Cagle requested a condition prohibiting short- term vacation rentals and expressed concerns about drainage and water runoff. ORDINANCE NO. 1239 - 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 1408 SAN HSI DRIVE, TAX MAP #169K-J-009, FROM C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO R-2 RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX DISTRICT (1st READING) No discussion. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Approving the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Resurfacing Program City Manager Miller reported that staff have completed on-site inspections with ASA Engineering and prepared a list of streets for the resurfacing program, which is currently being evaluated for construction costs. He noted that Caldwell Paving was awarded the contract for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 but has not completed the resurfacing program for that fiscal year. Mr. Miller stated that if the work is not completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year, staff recommend terminating the contract with Caldwell Paving and transferring the unfinished streets and unspent funds to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 program. Mayor Williams asked about the status of road at Whataburger and Champy's. City Manager Miller stated that Caldwell Paving had to order a replacement part for their paver, delaying the project until next week. Councilmember Cagle requested staff review Lazard Street for possible inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 list. Mayor Williams asked Council and staff if there were any additional items to add to the agenda. City Manager Miller requested to add an amendment to the Air Pollution Control Ordinance to increase the emission fees at the request of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau. Adjournment There being no further business, the December 11, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Ridge was adjourned at 7:41 p.m. j ~VED: • ~ MAYOR December 11, 2025 Council Meeting Page 5 of5