The Soddy Daisy Commission Thursday night recognized the fire department for lowering the city’s ISO rating from three to two. Fire Chief Mike Guffey said there are only 917 departments nationwide that have that designation, and of 347 municipalities in Tennessee there are only 15 with that rating. The grade is based upon items including the amount of water necessary for fire suppression being available, emergency dispatching, equipment, staffing, training, and the geographic location of fire halls.
ISO information is used when insurance companies determine rates, and this should result in a substantial reduction in commercial and industrial property insurance rates, hopefully encouraging companies to move into the city, officials said. Vice Mayor Patti Skates said that businesses need to check with their insurance companies after Dec. 1, when the change will take place, to see how much money they will be saving.
The towns of Daisy and Soddy held a referendum to form a city in the early 1970s, primarily to have fire protection and garbage service, said Hardie Stulce. This was the primary reason to incorporate, he said. The city commissioners have been committed to supporting the fire department from the beginning, he stated. At the beginning, two pumper trucks were bought when the only place to store them was an old gas station. At that time, no person younger than 18 was allowed to join the volunteer department. The rules later changed to admit 16-year-olds. Four volunteers who joined the department at 16 are still with the fire department, one being Hardie Stulce.
He said the commission went out on a limb several years ago when money was put in the budget for hiring the first full-time employees. This group of commissioners and their predecessors has provided the means for the fire department to accomplish what it has, he said. Arnold Stulce was praised and thanked for all the help he has provided with money and support. Commissioner Gene Shipley told him that “You’re a big part of where we are today.”
The first reading of an ordinance that would allow Bill Lee, a resident of Soddy Daisy, to distill alcohol was brought before the commissioners. The ethanol produced would be used in his personal vehicles, but Mr. Lee said his real intent is to develop information for a new commercial business which possibly would be located in Soddy Daisy. The second reading will take place at the first commission meeting in August.
In light of the events that took place in Chattanooga on Thursday, Vice Mayor Skates asked for the city to make sure that all schools in this district have a school resource officer. There are two high schools, a junior high school and three elementary schools in Soddy Daisy. She was told that SROs were provided to the two high schools by Hamilton County. Commissioner Gene Shipley suggested that City Manager Janice Cagle coordinate with the county to see if some of the costs can be shared for hiring others. He added that Soddy Daisy might have to wind up absorbing the expense.
In the time set aside for citizen communication, Margaret Chastain asked about plans for the Big Soddy Gulf Park. She was told that benches have been ordered and will be delivered soon, and that waste containers have already been placed. Picnic tables have been discussed and may be put there in the future.
Commissioner Robert Cothran said he had been asked about a dangerous intersection at Dallas Hollow Road and the north end of Hixson Pike by several people. Because of a hill and a curve it is difficult to exit onto Hixson Pike. He requested that the police use radar in the area to slow down traffic.
The next meeting of the Soddy Daisy Commission will be Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.