The Big Soddy Creek Gulf Area was officially designated as a public park at the Soddy Daisy commission meeting Thursday night. At the same time, phase one of the rules and regulations for use of the park were adopted.
It has been decided that the entrance gate will remain locked to prevent vandalism. The city wants to maintain the pristine nature of the property. So that the park can be enjoyed by elderly or disabled citizens, vehicles will be allowed to drive into the property at least once a day each month. On special request, arrangements can be made to open the gate at other times by contacting City Manager Janice Cagle. “We tried to make this as good for the people as we did for the city,” said Commissioner Robert Cothran. It was noted that as the park is used, other needs may surface and the rules can be adjusted.
The city code to establish package liquor regulations was also accepted Thursday night. The new ordinance puts no limits on the number of package stores that will be allowed in the city, but specifies they must be at least two miles apart, and 500 feet from churches. Other limitations will be caused by zoning ordinances that are in effect.
Marcus Wolff came to the meeting to request a certificate of compliance for a retail package store. The city manager confirmed a background check had been approved, and all requirements have been met. Approval was given to Mr. Wolff to be effective on Dec. 19.
The commissioners adopted the state of Tennessee deferred compensation plans which will allow a city employee to supplement their pension plan. This will be done at no cost to the city.
A resolution was also passed that will protect the rights of developers doing business in Soddy Daisy. If a proposed plan meets the parameters of a preliminary development plan that has been accepted by the city, they are given three years to get the project going. At that time, if the city approves the final plan, the developer is allowed another two years to complete it. Ms. Cagle said that by passing this resolution, the city will not be able to change the rules in the middle of the development. This will be applicable to both residential and commercial projects.
The commissioners have been requested to take care of some needs regarding the baseball fields at the Kid’s Club Park. Some should be done, said Commissioner Gene Shipley, and some, the players and coaches just want. Regular maintenance of the fields is the responsibility of the city. Items such as building batting cages are not a necessity, he said. Other small issues involve lighting improvements. It was suggested that a priority list be made with the associated costs. A motion to take care of as many needs as possible was approved, with the understanding that users of the park would contribute a small portion of the expense.
The city manager received approval for giving annual bonuses to city employees and to purchase 20 new outer safety vests for the police department at a cost of $400 each.
Commissioner Shipley gave a reminder that the Soddy Daisy Christmas parade will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. and Christmas in the Park, held at Poe’s Tavern will begin at 5 p.m. A rain date is Dec. 14.
The commissioners voted to cancel the next scheduled meeting that would have been held Dec. 18, and because the first meeting in January would fall on New Year’s Day, it too will be cancelled. The next meeting of the Soddy Daisy Commission will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2015.