Needs of the public works department were addressed at the Thursday night meeting of the Soddy Daisy Commission. City Manager Janice Cagle reported that bids have been received for two items that will be used by the department. The low bid of $9,260 to build and install an electric gate for the public works shop was approved.
Steve Grant, director of public works, told the commissioners that the gate will help gain control over the dumpster that is located in the shop area. A sign that is posted there gives notice that the area is for use of employees only, but that has not deterred others from bringing trash and filling the dumpster, sometimes twice a week. Mr. Grant said that a truck from the maintenance department of Tall Pines Mobile Home Park often comes to get rid of debris. Also seen filling the dumpster are construction trucks and individuals from surrounding municipalities and counties. If notified that trash is on the street, the public works department will pick it up for residents of Soddy Daisy.
A low bid of $17,796 was accepted for the purchase of a 50'x50' building. The price of $17,796 will buy the components, but the public works employees will actually put it together. The building will be used to store salt and sand.
A tractor used by public works for mowing had transmission trouble and had to be taken out of service for repairs. The repairs that cost $14,425 have now been completed and the tractor has been returned to the city.
The commission voted to provide $5,900 for a 20-25 minute fireworks display for the Fourth of July, which is the same amount spent last year.
Replacement of hoses for the fire department was a budgeted item but required approval from the commissioners. The lowest bid of just over $7,000 was approved Thursday night. This will replace around 2,500 feet of hose, some of which is 30 years old.
Chairman of the city’s parks and recreation board Pam Glaser gave a quarterly update of items the board has been working on. At the Big Soddy Gulf Park a sign is almost ready that will list allowed activities. A garbage can has been placed there and a donation of an informational kiosk has been made.
The board is planning to plant trees around Poe’s Tavern. Signs have also been put in place to mark the Trail of Tears.
A work day has been scheduled for Saturday. That day volunteers will put in four benches and distance markers in Big Soddy Gulf. The benches are a donation from a local church. Mayor Rick Nunley noted that the gates will be opened on the third Saturday of every month to allow the elderly and handicapped to drive into the park. Others can walk in every day, even if the gates are closed, from sunrise to sunset.
The first draft of a policy of how the city will handle special events has been drawn up but still needs to be refined, said Ms. Glaser.
Mayor Nunley announced that the farmer’s market will start for the summer on May 1 at Poe’s Tavern.
Commissioner Robert Cothran reported that the armored personnel carrier acquired for Veterans Park has arrived in Soddy Daisy and is currently being cleaned and painted before moving and mounting it for display.