Two Red Bank Commissioners on Tuesday night voted against the city spending $5,000 to go with a $33,208 grant to get nine in-car tablets for use by police patrol officers.
Commissioner Rick Causer and Vice Mayor Floy Pierce voted against with no discussion or explanation.
Mayor John Roberts and Commissioner Eddie Pierce voted yes, but could not get a majority vote.
The commission is getting along with only four members until the election after Kenneth Welch moved.
The resolution had authorized a contract with Turn Key Mobile, Inc. for buying the tablets.
In the portion of the meeting devoted to comments and questions from citizens, James A. Webster said that he is an advocate for the police force and would like to give officers the equipment they need. He told the commissioners that “we might be giving up $33,000 in grants because we’re not spending $5,000 for the tablets.” He asked, “What is the rationalization from the two that voted no?” The question went unanswered by both commissioners.
The budget was amended to appropriate grant and donation funding for two other projects. A contract with Tally Construction was authorized in the amount of $583,677 for repaving Dayton Boulevard between Memorial Drive and Greenleaf Street. During the summer this company repaved many secondary roads throughout the city. Work should begin in October.
Another grant, this one, a 100 percent GHSO Alcohol Grant for $19,998, was approved unanimously for the police department. It will be used to purchase car cameras and to pay overtime.
Commissioners also authorized a contract for maintenance work on the city hall. Trusten Roof LLC will install a new roof for an amount not to exceed $43,474.
Police Chief Tim Christol told the commissioners that over the years firearms have been acquired by the police department. These are weapons that have been used in criminal acts and cannot be returned to their original owners so have been awarded to the Red Bank Police. They will be disposed of through a federal arms dealer. The money received from the sales is limited to use for police equipment. The commissioners gave approval to proceed with the sale.
On second reading, the sale of growlers for off-premises consumption was passed. It will be allowed by any business that holds a restaurant, tavern or craft brewer’s sampling license.
An ordinance amendment was also approved that will increase Red Bank city court fees and fines. And a temporary workspace agreement was made with East Tennessee Natural Gas, Inc. This will provide an easement for repairs that are being done next to the fire hall.
Restructuring of the cable TV franchise will result in the change from Comcast to Greatland Connections as being the cable provider in Red Bank. Commissioners voted Tuesday night to give the new company consent to use the city’s right-of-ways.
City Manager Randall Smith announced that a meeting will be held at the Red Bank community center next Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. The proposed zoning regulations that are now being considered will be presented and discussed. He said this will not be a formal presentation and citizens will be able to ask questions. The planning commission worked on the new plan throughout the past summer. The ordinance can be read on the city’s website. Maps will be shown at the meeting.