The county Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority owns the sewer system in Red Bank and work will soon begin to rehabilitate the system. WWTA will be responsible for the project but, as a formality, the city is kept informed of work to be done and commissioners must vote to authorize changes made to it.
Tuesday, Red Bank Commissioners voted to approve an amendment to the CTI Engineering contract so the work can move forward.
Commissioners also approved entering into a contract with Preferred Computers to update the city’s computer equipment. City Manager Randall Smith told the commissioners that some of the computers at city hall, the fire department and at the public works department are antiquated. The contract amount of $35,612.56 came in under the budgeted amount and was unanimously approved.
Also given approval was the city's participation in the Tennessee Municipal League risk management pool “safety partners” matching grant program. If the city provides $1,500 for safety equipment for employees, TML with match the amount. The city manager said that Red Bank participates in this program each year to increase safety. Money is rotated among the police, fire and public works departments. This year the money will be used to buy safety apparel for employees in public works.
When a city applies for a federal grant, it must meet requirements regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In order for Red Bank to compete for federal grants, a compliance manual concerning this issue has been updated and on second reading was approved by the commission.
The annual budget was also passed on second reading for the fiscal year 2013-2014.
City commissioners recently met with U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann to discuss topics about the local area. Vice Mayor Floy Pierce and Commissioner Rick Causer told the audience that the meeting had been very informative and that the congressman left with an awareness of Red Bank’s needs.
Commissioner Eddie Pierce said he has spoken with the contractors doing the road work on Highway 27, and he said the work is getting close to being completed. He said the improvements should help gain access to and from Red Bank.
Commissioner Kenneth Welch announced that Four Paws Pantry will soon be opening on Dayton Boulevard. This is a non-profit food bank for dogs and cats. The goal is to prevent people in need from having to take their pet to a shelter.
The property owner of an office building at 4403-4405 Dayton Blvd. came to the meeting to ask commissioners for help. The road sign in front of her building is rusty and needs to be painted. The city’s codes officer does not agree. The owner said with all the improvements she has made to the property she would like it to be pristine. There also is a problem with skateboarders at the location, and they have broken walls. She said she has not received help from the city. Another problem is a ditch beside the road that is caving in.
Vice Mayor Pierce said she was aware of how much work had been done to maintain the property and she would ask the board to look at it again. The city manager told her that repairs to the ditch were in the new budget and would be taken care of.
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