East Ridge is preparing for the upcoming elections, but a change in the ordinance regarding placement and timing of political signs was not made early enough to notify the candidates in the current race. A revision to the ordinance that passed on first reading Thursday night defines the distance from the street where political signs can be placed so they do not block the vision of drivers. It also specifies they cannot be put up at poll locations until 24 hours prior to the election and must be removed 24 hours after the election.
Vice Mayor Marc Gravitt said the problem is that everyone has a copy of the old ordinance and has already put up signs. There is a difficulty in changing mid-stream he said. The new rules will be used in future elections. The revised ordinance also creates a lottery for sites where candidates put up tents around city hall the day of the election. The exact rules will be determined before the second and final vote at the next council meeting on Sept. 22.
Dick Cook, a resident of the city, is organizing a candidate’s forum and informed the council of the details. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct.17 in the commission room. Residents of the city will submit questions and political science professor Dr. Rick Wilson will moderate the debate and select which questions to ask from those accumulated.
There are also some new rules for wreckers and tow trucks that operate in East Ridge. Upon advice from City Attorney Hal North, the council voted to include any company in the city’s rotation list that meets the qualifications established in the ordinance. Other towing companies are allowed, but a business must have been operating in the city for three years and be in good standing. The business must also have had a physical location in East Ridge for at least three years to be on the rotation list that police use to clear wrecks. Currently there are three companies on that list. A second reading and final vote will take place at the next council meeting.
The hours that outdoor construction will be allowed has been changed so as not to disturb people in residential neighborhoods. Outside work is restricted to 7a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. A waiver can be gotten from the building inspector for certain work that would allow construction during other hours. Inside repairs are not restricted because it is recognized that the sound would not be disturbing. There are also six holidays where construction is not permitted at all.
A bid from Lee Smith CMI was approved for a new side-loaded, automated garbage truck for $173,500. The council chose this bid even though it was not the lowest because it included better warranties and local service.
East Ridge will again participate in the Tennessee Municipal League “Driver Safety” matching grant program for 2016-2017. Because the money will be used to do driver license checks on everyone who operates a city vehicle, the money received will not have to be matched by the city. The purpose of this grant is to reduce the liability from vehicle operations which are insured with TML.
The council also gave approval to build a cell phone tower on the grounds of East Ridge High School at 4320 Bennett Road.
Councilman Denny Manning appointed a new member to the Library Board. Frances Pope will replace a board member who resigned.
Resident John Temple came to the meeting to ask for the city’s support for the East Ridge Jones Memorial Methodist annual barbeque. Profits will be set aside to buy winter coats for young people, mostly in elementary school, he said. It will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. This will be the 41st year for this fundraiser. Mr. Temple said that last year $17,000 was raised with $7,000 profit, which bought 170 coats. Principals at the schools help determine children who are most in need. The council voted to purchase 40 tickets on behalf of the city.