The law enforcement community has changed, said Red Bank Police Chief Tim Christol. There have been a lot of incidents around the country that call into question, the integrity of law enforcement. He told the Red Bank commissioners Tuesday night that his department wants to begin rebuilding, or rescuing, the relationship the police department has with the public in Red Bank.
The city has 24 full-time police officers and five reserve officers who are volunteers acting under the supervision of a full time officer. The entire police force reaffirmed their commitment at the commission meeting by re-taking their oath of honor which was administered by Mayor John Roberts. This was also the opportunity to officially introduce the new shield worn by Red Bank police officers.
A vote of approval from the commissioners authorized the city to apply for a 2016 Community Development Block Grant that will be used to make sewer system improvements on the south end of town. It is a matching grant, and if it is received, the match would be picked up by WWTA. Other improvements the money would be used to for is to replace eight inch sewer lines with 10 inch lines, which would reduce the chance of raw sewage overflowing into the ground. The lines involved, go from Memorial to Midvale.
Authorization was also given to close the railroad grade crossing at Kildare Street. It is felt that because of development in south Red Bank and increased traffic, in the interest of safety, this crossing should be closed and improvements made to another, the crossing at Midvale. TDOT plans to add $250,000 of safety equipment at Midvale to protect drivers that cross the tracks daily.
The Tennessee River Gorge Trust is gifting 12 acres of land to the city of Red Bank that lies next to Stringers Ridge. The property comes to the city with stipulations, one of which is a guarantee that it be protected. It will be used to create a trail connecting to Stringers Ridge Trial into North Chattanooga. Unanimous approval was given to accept the donation of land.
Because of inclement weather, leaf pick-up has been delayed and prolonged. The commissioners voted to use $6,000 from the stormwater fund for temporary labor services during the remainder of leaf season. The purchase of emergency equipment for two new police cars was also given approval. The equipment includes items such as sirens and emergency lights.
Money was added to the 2016 operating budget to appropriate funding for the police department in the amount of $10,500. This money came from the sale of surplus seized equipment. A resolution also passed that will allow changing signatures to access the drug fund checking account.
Two appointments were made Tuesday night to fill board vacancies. Howard Cotter, a past mayor of Red Bank, was appointed to take the place of Commissioner Rick Causer who resigned as the city’s representative to the WWTA board. And Mike Congdon was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals by Vice Mayor Eddie Pierce.