Soddy Daisy Commissioners Hear Complaint About Fallen Tree At Trailer Park; Look For New Use For Old Caboose

  • Friday, September 6, 2013
  • Gail Perry

A resident of Soddy Daisy came to the commission meeting Thursday night with her mother, to ask for help and guidance. For many years, residents of Hidden Hills Trailer Park have asked managers of the park to cut down some dead pine trees that are perceived threats to their mobile homes. Last Friday night one of these trees fell through the roof of the trailer where the mother lives, and came close to hitting her. The local rental manager acts as a buffer between tenants and the owner of the complex who lives in Boca Raton, Fla., keeping the renters unable to contact him, commissioners were told.

In addition to the trees, there are other issues such as sewage leaks, drugs, fights and the tenants having to pay to have repairs made themselves. Because it is private property, said City Attorney Sam Elliott, the city can’t do much about the trees, but it does have the ability to look for city code violations for which the owner can be penalized. The commissioners assured the citizens that a code enforcement inspector will be sent to the park.

Attorney Elliott said it is a delicate matter because if Soddy Daisy shuts down the trailer park as a nuisance, many residents will have nowhere to move. Mayor Janice Cagle suggested writing a letter to the absentee owner and sending it by registered mail as well as getting advice from an attorney about landlord and tenant laws.

In the city manager’s report, Hardie Stulce updated commissioners about two road projects. He told them he has received the paperwork and is ready to proceed with the construction on Montlake Road. He has also received paperwork and the engineering has been done for sections of Dayton Pike where improvements have been planned.

Many years ago Don Gentry, a past mayor of the city, donated a caboose to be used in North Park. Mr. Stulce said, “it is now a 60-year-old caboose with wasp nests in it.” He asked commissioners for permission to explore the possibilities of renovating the 45-foot-long structure, to make it usable for a possible meeting venue and moving it to a place that is accessible. The commissioners agreed that he should get estimates of the cost to have it restored, to move it or to ask for charitable work from Norfolk Southern to help in relocating it.

Commissioner Gene Shipley said plans are underway for the Soddy Daisy Punkin Fest that will take place Oct. 5. This event is organized by the Soddy Daisy chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, and is a fundraiser benefiting St. Jude’s Hospital, said Robert Cothran, president of the group. There will be a 5K run around a scenic road and creek and a one-mile “fun walk.” More participants are needed, said Mr. Shipley.  Already signed up are 60-70 booths which will sell food and regional crafts and there will be games for children. The run begins at 10 a.m. and the event continues until dark when there will be a fireworks display.

Mr. Shipley also said plans are already being made for Christmas in the Park.

Vice Mayor, Rick Nunley reported that the parks and recreation department met earlier this week and voted to recommend letting Bill Carney, director of the Chattanooga Woodworking Academy, install a split rail fence along the roadway in front of the park where Poe’s Tavern is located. The materials have already been purchased, but the commissioners must instruct Mr. Carney where to locate the fence. It was decided that it will be built sitting back far enough from the road to allow a car to pull off the roadway to read the historical markers.

In his report, Commissioner Jim Adams mentioned he had noticed a lot of road signs in the city that are bent. The city manager told him that he did not have to do a wholesale replacement of the old signs, only those that need it can be replaced.

Commissioner Patti Skates asked the city manager to look into the contracts the city has for purchasing two vehicles, a car and an SUV. She also reminded law enforcement officers to continue looking into the problems with rowdy juveniles on Walmart Drive on weekends.

The next meeting of the Soddy Daisy Commission will be Thursday, Sept. 19.

 

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