A new administrative position was created Tuesday night for Red Bank’s municipal government. An administrative hearing officer will not be a permanent job, but will be filled as a contract position on an as-needed basis. The goal of this job will be to make property owners maintain their houses, not for the purpose of collecting fines, officials said.
Currently, violations of the city’s building codes are heard by the city judge.
Under the new plan, the administrative hearing officer will be the person with that responsibility. It is anticipated that this arrangement will streamline the process and free up the city court by taking some of the lighter cases from the city judge. Two other nearby small cities, Collegedale and East Ridge, have had success with this program, said Commissioner Terry Pope.
Objections came from past Red Bank Commissioner Ruth Juno who believes the responsibility for enforcing building codes is part of the city judge’s job, and suggested it might take an extra day to deal with building code issues. The administrative hearing officer position will cost the city $200 per hour, but will only be applicable if there is a hearing.
Opposition also came from Commissioner Rick Causer whose vote was the only one against the ordinance. He wanted the extra time to discuss ideas for streamlining the process with the city judge before a first vote.
Red Bank resident Jon Baker, who has been a codes enforcement officer in the past, told the commissioners that statistics are that 90 percent of those given notice of a violation comply and correct the problems and the other 10 percent of cases drag on. “I don’t think we have a 90 percent compliance rate now,” said Commissioner Pope. “That’s pretty good. If what we are doing is not working, let’s try something else," he said.
The Red Bank Police Department is the beneficiary of two grants and a gift. The department was awarded a $15,000 Governor’s Highway Safety Office grant. These are federal funds that come to the city with no match required. It will be used for an alcohol enforcement program.
The TML risk management pool safety partners matching grant for $1,500 will also go to the police department. Gloves for the officers will be purchased with this money.
Funds were also appropriated from a gift from the Dallas Bay Baptist Church in Hixson. Church members provided the $1,000 given to the Red Bank Police Department. Chief Tim Christol told the commissioners that it would be used to buy and fill backpacks with items for children that are in need.
The mobile food vehicle ordinance was also passed Tuesday night. This established regulations for mobile food vehicles and pushcarts. Three motor vehicles that have been seized by the police department were declared as surplus. They will be sold online.
“Walk to School Day” will take place Oct. 13 beginning at 6:30 starting at the Food City parking lot and proceeding beside Dayton Boulevard. It will cross four intersections. Police presence will be along the route. Commissioner Ed Lecompte also announced that this is Fire Prevention Week and that smoke detectors are available at the fire station.