The Soddy Daisy Commission voted unanimously Thursday night to approve a 30-cent per hour pay increase to all employees. Commissioner Gene Shipley told residents in attendance that the goal of the raise was to show appreciation and to get Soddy Daisy employees’ pay scale equal to that of other cities and agencies in the area. Over one year the amount totals a little over $600, he said.
However, the employees will be paying additional amounts for insurance.
The city’s cost for health insurance benefits for the coming year increased 15 percent, said City Manager Janice Cagle. To offset the added expense to the city, the way it will pay for insurance has been altered. Out of pocket expenses will increase for employees, but the city will absorb some of those added costs. Co-payments will also be increased by $5 to keep premiums down.
The commissioners also voted to add two new employees - one part-time police officer and a full-time administrative position.
Ms. Cagle told the commissioners that the payment of $11,385 for paving materials has been approved. Bids have been received for 12 sets of turn-out gear for the fire department. Fire Chief Mike Guffey said the lowest submission did not meet the bid specs. The second lowest bid of a little over $21,000 was accepted for the safety equipment. Chief Guffey told the commissioners that a federal grant for the purchase was not awarded this year but that funds for buying the suits had already been included in the budget.
Another unanimous vote approved building a permanent stage for the North Park. Money that has been set aside for the parks and recreation board will be used with the cost ceiling to be $30,000. The stage will be built by the public works department so bidding the construction out is not necessary, said Attorney Sam Elliott.
Christmas events sponsored by the city are already being planned. Christmas in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3-8 p.m. Santa Clause will be in Poe’s Tavern during those hours, handing out candy and surprise bags for children. The Christmas Parade will be held the next day, Dec. 6. This year, people will be walking along the sides of the parade handing out candy to children as opposed to throwing it. Tossing candy into the street has been strongly discouraged by the city’s insurance company since it might encourage a child to run in front of a vehicle, or hit someone and cause an injury. City Attorney Elliott said if throwing candy caused a child to be hurt, it would likely increase insurance rates in the future or cause it to be cancelled.
The Daisy Masonic Lodge No. 706 and Daisy Chapter No. 328 Order of Eastern Star would like to invite all residents of the community to a first annual Santa’s workshop. It will be held Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The free event will be held at Daisy Masonic Lodge, 125 Oakwood Dr., directly across the street from Poe’s Tavern. Santa will be available for photos. Cameras will be available or people can bring their own. Free treats and cookies will be given. Dogs will also be allowed if well behaved, said Chris Harper, an organizer of the special event. The Tennessee Child Identification Program will be available for any interested family. Fingerprints, hair samples and voice recognition can all be added to a computerized system. This service will also be free to participants.
Commissioner Robert Cothran updated the commission on Veteran’s Day happenings. The Soddy Daisy Middle School will have a program on Nov. 10, and the Jr. ROTC from three high schools in the city will hold a parade that day. Ceremonies devoted to all veterans will also be held at the National Cemetery, at the Soddy Daisy Baptist Church and at Christ Family Church on Nov. 11.
A representative from the Hamilton County Water Quality group will speak to the commissioners at the Nov. 17 board meeting. Ordinances will need to be amended to allow the town of Walden to join the current group of eight municipalities, said Commissioner Jim Adams.