The newly elected judge for Soddy Daisy, Marty Lasley, conducted the swearing-in ceremony for three commissioners chosen in the Nov. 6 election, at the Thursday night commission meeting. The two returning officials are Gene Shipley and Jim Adams. One new face is Dr. Patti Skates. Judge Lasley said he was thankful for everyone who ran for office in this past election because it gave the city choices.
After they were installed, the commissioners voted to elect the mayor and vice mayor from among themselves. Janice Cagle was selected to serve as mayor and Rick Nunley to serve as vice mayor.
The second and final reading of several ordinances led to the annexation of land adjacent to the city limits. The additions are (Area A ), designated as the Old Dayton Pike Area with the exception of everything north of Lee Pike, (Area B) designated as the Penobscot Drive Area, (Area C) Dallas Hollow Road Area and (Area D) Old Dayton Pike South at Highway 153.
The city has received a grant from the Governors’ Highway Safety Office of $50,000. This money is designated to be used for needed law enforcement equipment. A budget amendment was approved in order to incorporate this unexpected money into the general fund budget.
The city needs an additional dispatcher which can be a part time employee. Funding of $21,000 was approved by the commissioners for this position. Because of this newly created job, the city’s classification and pay plan for city employees was amended for fiscal year 2012-2013.
In Commissioner Shipley’s report he thanked past Mayor Adams for a job well done on behalf of the city. Commissioner Adams will continue to be Soddy Daisy’s representative to WWTA. He worked extensively with the Chamber of Commerce during his tenure, said Mr. Shipley, and the many connections he made during his term as mayor will continue to help the city in the future, he said.
Commissioner Shipley also told the commissioners and citizens present that when the garbage contract was let, it was agreed that the city would collect bulky items. He said that does not mean just everything, such as hazardous materials or carpet for example. Upon his suggestion, items that the garbage service will and will not pick up will be put on the city website and in the community news for residents to see.
He also announced that the lighting of Poe’s Tavern will be held Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. at Poe’s Tavern Park. It will be a community gathering with singing. Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be supplied by local churches. The event will be from 5-8 p.m. and the planners are hoping to have a crowd of 500.
In her report, Commissioner Skates wanted to explain her “no” vote to elect Mayor Cagle. She told the other commissioners that she knows Ms. Cagle will do a great job as mayor. She said her dissenting vote was because of a pending lawsuit against Soddy Daisy for the wrongful termination of a city official in 2009 in which Ms. Cagle is involved.
Mayor Cagle responded to Commissioner Skates that there are no hard feelings.
Vice Mayor Rick Nunley made an announcement that the Christmas parade will be Dec. 2. He also wanted to remind all citizens to be respectful of the Wall of Honor and not to use it for propping things up, which he has recently witnessed.
Commissioner Adams thanked those who voted for him and added that Soddy Daisy will soon be recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in this area. He also told the other commissioners that Soddy Daisy’s past judge, Jerry Summers, has established a $1,000 scholarship to benefit a student from the high school.
After adjournment of the meeting, a reception was held in the lobby to honor the newly elected commissioners.
gailaperry@comcast.net.