City Council Minutes, February 12, 2026

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE February 12, 2026 6:00 p.m. The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to the meeting notice on February 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the East Ridge City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brian Williams called the meeting to order. Pastor Jeff Baden of Hamilton Life 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 32 members of the public were present. Milestone Awards Mayor Williams recognized employees who had reached service milestones with the city: • Robert Parker, Sanitation Department: 15 years • Greg Beck, Police Department: 10 years • Jamie Blevins, Parks and Recreation: 5 years Approval of Consent Agenda Mayor Williams explained that the Consent Agenda included approval of the updated minutes of January 22, 2026, and the declaration of surplus property. Councilmember Witt moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called 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 Mayor Williams opened the floor for citizen comments. No citizens came forward to address the Council. Communication from Councilmembers Councilmember Ezell reported attending a Community in Schools meeting at East Ridge High School. He noted that the program showed promising results for student improvement and encouraged continued support. Councilmember Cagle shared that he attended a choir event at First Baptist Church downtown, where East Ridge Middle School participated alongside several other schools. He commended the East Ridge Middle School choir director for her excellent work with the students. Mayor Williams stated that the Mayors' Legacy Celebration to honor former mayors through the installation of a commemorative plaque in City Hall and the Venue 1921 at East Ridge grand opening were held on February 7, 2026. He then announced the upcoming Parks and Recreation and City Library events and programs. Communication from City Manager City Manager Miller provided a progress update on the state-contracted paving on South Terrace, Community Center expansion project and Camp Jordan Arena improvements. Old Business 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 - Remove from the Table and Schedule Continuation of First Reading of the Ordinance February 12, 2026 Council Meeting Page I of5 City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Mayor Williams stated that this item was previously tabled and required removal from the table to schedule continuation of the first reading. Councilmember Witt moved to remove Ordinance No: 1239 from the table and schedule the continuation of the first reading for the February 26, 2026 regular business meeting. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt -yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 1241 - 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 noted that there have been no changes since the first reading. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Ordinance No. 1241. Councilmember Witt seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. New Business ORDINANCE NO. 1242 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SETTING THE COMPENSATION OF THE CITY COURT CLERK IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 3, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 3-504 (1st READING) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Court Clerk Patricia Cassidy addressed the Council, requesting consideration of a salary adjustment for the court clerk position. She noted that it had been eight years since the last salary adjustment while court operations and compliance requirements have continued to expand. She requested a salary of $72,500 and provided comparisons of salaries of court clerks in neighboring cities. Council member Cagle moved to set the compensation of the City Court Clerk at $65,000 per year and to provide the option to enroll in the City's insurance benefits program. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Councilmember Witt moved to amend the motion to set the compensation of the City Court Clerk at $70,000 per year and lo remove the option to enroll in the benefits program. Councilmember Ezell seconded. Following discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote to amend the motion. Vice Mayor Tyler -yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. Following further discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote on the motion as amended. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 1243 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE, APPROVING THE DESIGNATION OF THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 1226 TO FUND THE POSITION FOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER (Pt READING) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. City Manager Miller explained that in preparation for his retirement on February 27, 2026, he has appointed Fire Chief Mike Williams as Assistant City Manager effective immediately. Upon City Manager Miller's departure, Chief Williams would become Interim City Manager while continuing to serve as Fire Chief until a new City Manager is appointed and recommended additional compensation of $1,000 per month for Chief Williams when he assumes the interim position. Councilmember Cagle moved to approve Ordinance No. 1243 and provide additional compensation of $1,000 per month. Councilmember Witt seconded. City Attorney Litchford stated that the Council needs to make a determination on whether the Assistant City Manager title would be removed and that position would be vacated and unfunded upon hiring a City Manager. February 12, 2026 Council Meeting Page 2 of5 Councilmember Cagle amended the motion to approve City Manager Miller's designation of Fire Chief Mike Williams as Assistant City Manager and Chief Williams will receive additional compensation of $1,000 per month while serving as Interim City Manager upon Mr. Miller's retirement. Upon the appointment of the new City Manager, the title of Assistant City Manager and Interim City Manager will be removed, and the positions will be vacated. Councilmember Witt seconded. Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote to amend the motion. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanim ously. Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote to approve as amended. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3782 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A REQUEST TO OPERATE A HOTEL AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6101 RINGGOLD ROAD, TAX MAP #169L-F-043.01, LOCATED WITHIN THE C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CITY CODE, ARTICLE V, SECTION 1203 TITLED USES PERMITTED ON REVIEW City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Chief Building Official Howell presented the request from Eric and Christy Chapman to operate a four-unit hotel in an existing two-story building at 6101 Ringgold Road. He noted that under the C-2 district, the owners could currently establish a business on the ground floor with residential units above without Council approval. Christy Chapman explained plans to develop a boutique hotel with themed rooms. She noted this would be the first phase, with potential expansion to 10-12 units when the current Check Into Cash lease expires in two years. Councilmembers expressed concerns about traffic, parking, and extended-stay housing. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3782 with conditions to limit to four units in the existing building and to not allow extended stays. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Councilmembers and City Manager Miller discussed the eligibility of a facade grant and Border Region agreement. There being no further discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3783 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE JOHN ROSS ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Development Director McAllister presented Change Order No. 1 for the John Ross Road resurfacing project, explaining that consultant errors resulted in a project cost overrun of $19,308.67. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3783. Councilmember Ezell seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3784 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2634 ADOPTING A REVISED PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY FOR THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption and explained that the amendments to the Public Records Policy make it consistent with state law by allowing the submission of open records requests through various methods. Additionally, a dedicated email address will be established for open records requests, providing better continuity as staff changes over time. February I 2, 2026 Council Meeting Page 3 of5 Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3784. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell - yes; Councilmember Witt - yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously Selection of Dates for Public Interviews of City Manager Candidates City Manager Miller outlined the process and timeline for selecting a new City Manager. After discussion Council agreed to the following schedule: • March 4-5, 2026: Mayor and Councilmembers one-on-one interviews with City Manager candidates • March 5, 2026: Called meeting for public interviews with City Manager candidates • March 12, 2026: Regular Council meeting where selection of top candidate could be made • March 26, 2026: Potential approval of contract with selected candidate City Manager Miller noted this timeline would allow a new City Manager to potentially start by May 1, 2026, which would align well with the budget process. Discussion of Tentative Agenda for the February 26, 2026 City Council Meeting (See Attachment A) ATTACHMENT A TRNT ATIVE AGENDA February 26, 2026 Old Business 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 (CONTINUATION OF pt READING) No discussion. ORDINANCE NO. 1242 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SETTING THE · COMPENSATION OF THE CITY COURT CLERK IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 3, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 3-504 (2nd READING) No discussion. ORDINANCE NO. 1243 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE, APPROVING THE DESIGNATION OF THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 1226 TO FUND THE POSITION FOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER (2nd READING) No discussion. Discussion of proposed Mobile Food Vending Ordinance Chief Building Official Howell stated that the updated draft ordinance will be presented to Council for review and will then be forwarded to Planning Commission for formal review and recommendation for final consideration. New Business RESOLUTION NO. __ - Partnership agreement with D-bat Chattanooga City Manager Miller stated that this is a continuation of the agreement with D-bat Chattanooga for the upcoming season of softball and baseball. February 12, 2026 Council Meeting Page4 of5 RESOLUTION NO. __ - Request to allow East Ridge Needy Child Fund to use Camp Jordan Arena and to waive the rental fee City Manager Miller stated that this is for a fundraiser for the Needy Child Fund. Councilmember Cagle questioned the start and end time listed for the event. City Manager Miller stated that he will confirm the times with Parks and Recreation Director Skiles. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Request to allow East Ridge Middle School to use a soccer and softball field and to waive the rental fee City Manager Miller stated East Ridge Middle School has requested the use of a soccer and a softball field at Camp Jordan Park for the Spring and Fall seasons of 2026 and for the City to waive the rental fees. RESOLUTION NO. __ -Approval to solicit bids for the replacement of the East Ridge Community Center lower roof City Manager Miller stated that the Community Center lower roof needs to be replaced and staff are requesting authorization to proceed with the bidding process. RESOLUTION NO. __ -Award of Bid for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Program City Manager Miller stated that the bid opening is scheduled for February 17, 2026. ASA Engineering will then review the bids and provide a recommendation to the City. He confirmed that the unfinished and partially finished roads from the 2025 Street Resurfacing Program will be included at the top of the 2026 list. Mayor Williams requested an item to discuss Resolution 2340 regarding elected officials' participation in the City's insurance benefits program. Adjournment There being no further business, the February 12, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Ridge was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. AJbcJ~ MAYOR February 12, 2026 Council Meeting Page 5 of 5 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE February 26, 2026 6:00 p.m, The East Ridge City Council met pursuant to the meeting notice on February 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the East Ridge City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brian Williams called the meeting to order. Terry Arnold 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, City Clerk Jennifer Deitrick Attendance: Approximately 21 members of the public were present. Mayor Williams presented a proclamation to City Manager Miller proclaiming February 27, 2026 as J. Scott Miller Day. Approval of Minutes February 12, 2026 Councilmember Witt moved to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2026 meeting. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called 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 Tyler Kapherr, 6814 Martha Ave, expressed concerns regarding the flooding and drainage impacts from new developments. Communication from Councilmembers The Councilmembers and the Mayor expressed their appreciation to City Manager Miller for his years of dedicated service to the City. Councilmember Cagle reported that the Election Commission incorrectly listed Venue 1921 as Venue 1912 on recently issued voter registration cards. · Mayor Williams announced that the grand opening for Goodwill was held earlier this morning. He then invited Parks and Recreation Director Skiles to share information on upcoming Parks and Recreation events and programs. Communication from City Manager City Manager Miller provided updates on the Community Center expansion project and the resurfacing ofN011h Terrace, South Terrace and the intersection of McBrien Road and Belvoir Avenue. He also noted that the first major booking at Venue 1921 is scheduled for February 27, 2026. Old Business 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 #l69K-J-009, FROM C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO R-2 RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX DISTRICT - (Continuation of First Reading of the Ordinance) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Chief Building Official Howell stated that during the first reading, a stormwater assessment was requested. He reported that ASA Engineering has completed the assessment. February 26, 2026 Council Meeting Page I of6 Councilmember Witt moved to approve Ordinance No. 1239. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Councilmember Cagle asked whether a condition could be imposed requiring a core soil sample as part of the rezoning approval. City Attorney Litchford stated that any conditions must relate solely to use. Councilmember Cagle then asked if language could be added to the R-2 Residential Duplex District regulations requiring core sampling when rezoning from commercial use. City Attorney Litchford stated that he will research whether such language can be incorporated into the zoning regulations. Following additional discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler -yes; Councilmember Cagle - no; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmember Witt -yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried. ORDINANCF, NO. 1242 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SETTING Tiffi COMPENSATION OF THE CITY COURT CLERK IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 3, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 3-504 (2nd READING) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve <;)rdinance No. 1242. Councilmember Ezell seconded. Mayor Williams stated that if the elected City Court Clerk is to be offered certain City benefits, those benefits must be included in the ordinance. City Attorney Litchford explained that the position's compensation must be set by ordinance and that benefits are considered compensation. Vice Mayor Tyler amended the motion to include the option for the City Court Clerk to participate in the City's medical, vision, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance benefits. Councilmember Witt seconded. Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote on the amended motion. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - no; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmember Witt-yes; Mayor Williams -no. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1243 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE, APPROVING THE DESIGNATION OF THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 1226 TO FUND THE POSITION FOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER (2nd READING) City Attorney Litchford read the ordinance on caption. City Manager Miller stated that the additional compensation would be $1,000.00 per month and would take effect beginning at 4:30 p.m. on February 27, 2027. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Ordinance No. 1243. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Mayor Williams called 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 proposed Mobile Food Vending Ordinance Chief Building Official Howell reviewed the highlighted sections of the proposed ordinance. He noted that if the ordinance is approved, it will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for approval. Councilmember Ezell asked whether property owners would still be required to request approval for their property to be designated as an overlay district. Chief Building Official Howell confirmed that they would. Councilmember Ezell recalled that two special event permits would be allowed per parcel per year. The proposed ordinance will be updated to reflect Council's consensus to permit two special event permits per parcel per year. Councilmember Cagle asked whether mobile food trucks on Ringgold Road would be required to be behind the building. Chief Building Official Howell stated that where site constraints exist, the Fire Marshal has discretion. February 26, 2026 Council Meeting Page 2 of6 Councilmember Cagle expressed concern regarding Sunday hours of operation, noting that beer cannot be sold until 10:00 a.m. City Manager Miller responded that vendors may still sell food. City Attorney Litchford reviewed the ordinance provision requiring compliance with all other applicable regulations. Councilmember Cagle requested clarification on the permit suspension timeline. Chief Building Official Howell explained that two violations within a six-month period will result in suspension, and three violations within twelve months will result in permit revocation. New Business RESOLUTION NO. 3785 -A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AWARDING A BID FOR THE 2026 STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. City Manager Miller reported that the City solicited bids for the 2026 Street Improvements Program and held the bid opening on February 17, 2026. Three bids were received and the lowest responsible bid was submitted by Talley Construction in the amount of $1,349,549.50. Councilmember Ezell moved to approve Resolution No. 3785. Councilmember Witt seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3786 - 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 the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that the agreement is for the spring, summer, and fall seasons of 2026 and reviewed the services that D-BA T Chattanooga will provide under the partnership agreement. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3786. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3787 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ALLOWING THE EAST RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO USE A SOCCER FIELD AND A SOFTBALL FIELD AT CAMP JORDAN AND WAIVE THE FEES FOR SUCH USAGE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that East Ridge Middle School has requested to use the fields during the spring and fall seasons and clarified that the use does not include the turf fields. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3787. Councilmember Witt seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3788 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ALLOWING THE EAST RIDGE NEEDY CHILD FUND TO USE CAMP JORDAN ARENA AND WAIVE THE FEES FOR SUCH USAGE City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director ·skiles stated that the East Ridge Needy Child Fund has requested use of Camp Jordan Arena on August 8, 2026, and has asked that the fees be waived. This year, the East Ridge Needy Child Fund is partnering with the Optimist Club for the event. Councilmember Ezell moved to approve Resolution No. 3788. Councilmember Witt seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3789 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LOWER ROOF OF THE EAST RIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER February 26, 2026 Council Meeting Page 3 of6 City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that during a recent walkthrough at the Community Center, staff discovered that the lower portion of the roof has multiple holes. Staff requested pricing from Pillar Construction for replacement, but the cost was high; therefore, staff is requesting authorization to solicit bids. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3789. Councilmember Witt seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler -yes; Councilmcmber Cagle -yes; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmember Witt -yes; Mayor Williams -yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3790 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING A DONATION OF INDUSTRIAL-GRADE LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT FOR THE EAST RIDGE ANIMAL SHELTER City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Police Chief Uselton stated that he is requesting approval for the City to accept a donation of good-quality, used industrial-grade laundry equipment for the East Ridge Animal Shelter. He noted that while the equipment is being donated, the City will be responsible for the installation costs. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3790. Vice Mayor Tyler seconded. Following brief discussion, Mayor Williams called 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. 3791 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE AMENDMENT ONE TO THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2026 TENNESSEE HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE (THSO) HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT GRANT City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Development Director McAllister stated that the State notified grant recipients of a 20% reduction in funding, which reduced the City's award amount to $8,000. Councilmember Witt moved to approve Resolution No. 3 791. Councilmember Ezell seconded. There being no discussion, Mayor Williams called for a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Tyler - yes; Councilmember Cagle - yes; Councilmember Ezell -yes; Councilmemher Witt -yes; Mayor Williams - yes. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 3792 - A RESOLUTION OF THE EAST RIDGE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE A CHANGF, ORDER REQUEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,168 FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT City Attorney Litchford read the resolution on caption. Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that the change order is for an upgrade to the vapor barrier for the Community Center gym floor. She noted that the cost for the required work is $14,168 and that this amount will be applied toward the project's contingency credit. Vice Mayor Tyler moved to approve Resolution No. 3792. Councilmember Witt seconded. Following discussion, Mayor Williams called 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 Continuation, Expansion, or Removal of Elected Officials' Eligibility to Participate in Certain City Benefit Programs Under Resolution No. 2340 City Attorney Litchford explained that Resolution No. 2340, adopted in 2013, allows members of the City Council the option to participate in certain City benefit programs. He noted that in 2014, a referendum was approved requiring any changes to Council salary or benefits to be adopted by referendum. City Attorney Litchford stated that the Council may repeal the resolution and place the matter on the November 2026 ballot. Mayor Williams stated that he does not object to the opportunity being available; however, any Councilmember choosing to participate should be responsible for paying the full cost of the benefit. Councilmember Tyler agreed with requiring full cost to be paid by the participating Councilmember. Councilmember Ezell expressed support for repealing the resolution and requested that the City Attorney prepare the necessary ordinance. February 26, 2026 Council Meeting Page 4 of6 City Attorney Litchford stated that a resolution to repeal Resolution No. 2340 will be presented at the next Council meeting, and he will prepare an ordinance to place the matter on the referendum ballot, clarifying that any benefits offered must be fully paid by the individual Councilmember. Discussion of Tentative Agenda for the March 12, 2026 City Council Meeting (See Attachment A) ATTACHMENT A TENTATIVE AGENDA March 12, 2026 Old Business The second reading of Ordinance 1242, as amended, will be added to the March 12, 2026 agenda. Councilmember Ezell asked about the procedure if the ordinance as amended with benefits fails. City Attorney Litchford explained that if the compensation ordinance as amended fails on second reading, the matter would revert to consideration of the original ordinance on second reading. New Business RESOLUTION NO. __ - Short-term vacation rental certificate application for the property located at 188 John Arnold Avenue Chief Building Official Howell reported that this item is an appeal for a short-term vacation rental certificate. He noted that one objection was received and that there is already one approved short-term vacation rental within the Graston development. Councilmember Cagle asked whether the Council had previously voted to allow short-term vacation rentals only in the R-2 zoning district. Chief Building Official Howell responded that he was not aware of such a vote and confirmed that the property is located in an R-3 zoning district, where short-term vacation rentals are permitted. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Conditional Use Permit for a variance to the City's Sign Ordinance for an existing off-premise sign at the corner of Ringgold Road and Mack Smith Road Chief Building Official Howell stated that a use on review request for an existing off-premise sign at this location was approved by the Council in June 2022. He explained that Kenny Custer with Star Community Builders is seeking approval to reuse the existing off-premise sign support structure, identical to the request approved in 2022. The proposed sign will be approximately 21 feet in height and approximately 8 feet in width and will serve as an LED message center for the Gateway Development. Councilmember Cagle asked whether the 2022 approval had become void due to more than a year having passed. Chief Building Official Howell confirmed that it had. Councilmember Cagle also expressed concern about the sign potentially interfering with traffic. Mayor Williams then asked whether the sign is currently in violation. Chief Building Official Howell responded that the matter is presently before the Administrative Hearing Officer. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Chattanooga Autism Center request to use the East Ridge Community Center and waive the fees for such use Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated the Chattanooga Autism Center has requested use of the Community Center on June 20, 2026 for a free community event. She noted that all required paperwork has been submitted and the organization meets all necessary qualifications. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Optimist Club request to use Dickert Pond to hold a fishing rodeo and waive the fees for such use February 26, 2026 Council Meeting Page 5 of6 Parks and Recreation Director Skiles reported that the East Ridge Optimist Club has requested permission to use Dickert Pond for its annual children's fishing rodeo. She stated that all required paperwork has been completed. Councilmember Ezell asked about the fees associated with Dickert Pond. Director Skiles explained that there is no fee for the pond itself, but fees apply to the use of City equipment such as tables, chairs, and the sound system. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Approval of a sponsorship agreement with Academy Sport Parks and Recreation Director Skiles stated that this resolution concerns the City's annual sponsorship agreement with Academy Sport. A copy of the agreement will be available at the next Council meeting and has been reviewed by City Attorney Litchford. She also reviewed the services that Academy Sport will provide through the agreement. RESOLUTION NO. __ - Repeal Resolution No. 2340 Mayor Williams stated that a resolution to repeal Resolution No. 2340 will be added to the agenda. Discussion and selection of top City Manager Candidate Human Resources Director Sinigaglio reviewed the upcoming schedule for the City Manager candidate process. The schedule includes one-on-one interviews between each Councilmember and each candidate, a meet-and-greet event with City staff, guided tours of the City for the candidates, and a public meeting during which the Council will interview each candidate. City Manager Miller reported that the City currently has five candidates and that virtual interviews have been conducted with four of them. Adjournment There being no further business, the February 26, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Ridge was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. MAYOR ~~ YCLER February 26, 2026 Council Meeting Page 6 of6