When East Ridge set up a personnel board it was only given the authority to agree or disagree with decisions that the city manager makes relating to the termination of employees, but the opinions are not binding. Several citizens of the city came to the council meeting Thursday night after hearing that the city was considering doing away with this panel. Mayor Brent Lambert suggested exploring options that would give employees a way to air grievances as well as discuss terminations.
City Attorney Hal North said he sees its worth and that if he was a manager, from a litigation standpoint, he would like his decisions to be backed up by the board’s opinion. After discussion, it was decided to modify the existing board, but let it continue in its current status until the council members decide what exactly that they want it to do.
Concerns with the way East Ridge 911 calls are handled was also under discussion. A former dispatcher for the city said that East Ridge is paying the county 911 call center $250,000 yearly and the way that calls are handled is putting the officers at risk and that only one dispatcher is dedicated to East Ridge. Vice Mayor Marc Gravitt asked that Fire Chief Mike Williams, Police Chief J.R. Reed, Chief Kenny Custer and the assistant police chief get together and review if the city is receiving the best service for its money and to bring a report back to the council.
The council decided to establish a volunteer network program that would bring organizations and individuals together to donate talent, time or funds that would be devoted to two demographics that are in need, youth and the elderly. This could provide community services such as after school child care or mentors for young people. For the elderly, things such as help with lawn care, painting and cleaning, dog walking, or sitters could be offered. This board is seen as the glue to bring people together.
Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd came to the meeting to ask for direction. He said a cell phone tower has been proposed to be located at East Ridge High School. The proper order would have been for the council to first give approval, but since that had not been done, he suggested that the issue be tabled until the council knows the specifics. Commissioner Boyd said that the Hamilton County Board of Education would receive $460,000 over the 25-year lease. Of that, East Ridge High would receive $10,000 when the lease starts, and after that $1,500 would be split equally between the two each month. He made the suggestion that the money be used to build a new football stadium. The council asked that he try to table the resolution next week to give the East Ridge Council time to study the proposal.
A lengthy discussion was held about compensation for Diane Qualls who stepped into the position of city treasurer when the former treasurer resigned. It was decided that she will receive an additional $500 monthly, retroactively from when she assumed the responsibilities. This extra payment will stop when a new city treasurer is hired.
Titan Light Shows, Inc. and East Ridge terminated the parking lot space use permit for the Christmas Nights of Lights. This was done by mutual agreement.
The council voted to approve the application and acceptance for two grants. One is the Strength is our Foundation Grant and the other is a Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant.
A variance was granted to Walgreens at 3508 Ringgold Road that will allow the store to sell beer. The variance was required because the distance to a nearby church was closer than 150 feet that is specified in the city’s ordinance.