Soddy Daisy Setting Up Rules For Use Of New Wilderness Park And For Package Liquor Stores

  • Friday, November 21, 2014
  • Gail Perry
Several groups gave checks for the Christmas fund
Several groups gave checks for the Christmas fund
photo by Gail Perry

City officials in Soddy Daisy are working to create regulations for Big Soddy Creek Gulf, the newly acquired park property. A public meeting was held Nov. 13 and a second one was held at the commission meeting Thursday night to get input from the public for how the park will be used and to establish rules and regulations. The first draft was approved with the understanding that changes would be made before the second and final reading in two weeks.

 

Of particular concern is the difficulty of access for the elderly or people with disabilities. It is recognized that to get into the property is a long walk for some people. In the past, when people were allowed unlimited access, the property was trashed and damaged by ATVs, remembered several commissioners. Commissioner Jim Adams has heard comments about the city using a million dollars of taxpayers' money to purchase the land, and now they want to be able to use it.

 

Several ideas were suggested to remedy this including the addition of a second gate farther down the existing gravel road beyond which car traffic would not be allowed. Commissioner Shipley said that could be tried and, if problems occur, then the city could use more restrictions and keep the front gate locked.

 

Another idea proposed was to unlock the front gate at designated times when police presence was possible. Having volunteers present who would function as overseers during times when the gate was opened is yet another suggestion. Commissioner Robert Cothran said he thought there would be people who would be willing and thrilled to do that, suggesting retired people who are looking for something to do. Mayor Rick Nunley said that people have already volunteered to work there and a Boy Scout came to the meeting offering help. He said troops or Eagle Scouts are always looking for projects.  The Parks and Recreation department headed by Pam Glaser will be responsible for coordinating any volunteers with work.

 

Commissioner Cothran also asked for a change to the no camping policy, so that it might be allowed in the future. Ms. Glaser said the rules under consideration now only represent phase I which will be the first six months to one year that the park will be open. The camping restrictions, in particular, are only temporary.

 

She told the commissioners that before the next meeting, she will make a summary of the comments that were heard at the public meeting on Nov. 13. She said the parks department has wrestled with balancing all types of studies. Because it is designated as a wilderness area they are trying to maintain it as it now exists while also allowing public access. “We’d like to accommodate everyone,” she said.

 

The commissioners are also responsible for establishing regulations for package liquor sales which were approved by referendum during the last election.  The first set of rules will be deliberated by the commissioners before the final approval of the ordinance on Dec 4. Among other things, the number of outlets that will be allowed, the distance between them and the distance between the outlets and churches as well as hours for Sunday sales are items that will be under consideration. The regulations for selling liquor may also need to be coordinated with those already established for selling beer.

 

Every year the Soddy Daisy firefighters organize a benevolent Christmas fund for needy children in the city. Last year they helped over 300 children during Christmas. Multiple organizations came to the meeting Thursday night with checks in hand for the fund. The Daisy Masonic Lodge, The Soddy Masonic Lodge, Daisy Eastern Star and Vietnam Veterans of America all made donations. Contributions also came from this year’s Christmas parade’s entrance fees. Vice Mayor Patti Skates asked for people to put change in the firefighters' boots that will be left at area stores such as Bi Lo and Wal Mart. The firefighters' fund is coordinated with Toys for Tots based in Chattanooga, to make sure efforts are not duplicated.

 

In her report to the commissioners, City Manager Janice Cagle asked for and received approval for the mayor to sign a letter to the Vietnam Veterans approving the display of a personnel carrier that will be put in Veteran’s Park. Money for paving was included in this year’s budget as well as which streets were designated to be done. As it is needed, approval from the commissioners is requested. The next project will require around $12,000 more, said Ms. Cagle.

 

Christmas in the park and the annual Christmas parade will be held Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. Various churches are making cakes and there will be hot chocolate and coffee available. Members from area churches and schools will be singing and winners of the parade will be announced that night.

 

 

 


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