The atmosphere was somber at the East Ridge City Council meeting Thursday night, after the death of Stump Martin, the city’s recreation director, earlier in the day. Mayor Brent Lambert said that Mr. Martin had worked for East Ridge almost seven years and did a very fine job. As good of an employee that he was, he was an even better person, said the mayor.
East Ridge High School football coach Tim James spoke to the council, saying, “It was a sad day for all of us.” The coaches in the Chattanooga area want to hold the Tennessee/Georgia All Star Football Game this year as a memorial to Stump and a benefit for his family to help cover large medical expenses.
The council approved waiving the fee for use of the East Ridge High School football field for the event that will take place on June 8.
Outside, City Hall flags stood at half mast for Mr. Martin, who was formerly director of the Rossville rec program and had a popular prep sports TV show. He also had a long career as a sports writer for the News-Free Press.
Mr. Martin also led in many upgrades to the city's Camp Jordan Park and in a unique effort for the city to take over and fix up sports facilities at East Ridge High School.
City Manager Scott Miller presented the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget to the council and citizens who were present. It will also be put on the city’s website and is available to read at the East Ridge Library. Highlights of the annual budget for July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 show the millage rate remaining the same at 1.3381 mills. It does not draw upon the fund balance and maintains a healthy fund balance that is projected at $5.16 million. The general fund budget is balanced at $13,667,059 (projected income matching anticipated expenditures). There are no proposed rate or fee increases. Included in the budget are an additional five full time and one part time employee. It also proposes vehicle and equipment replacements totaling $445,342.
The council approved entering into an agreement with CTI Engineers, Inc. to provide “on-call” engineering services for East Ridge. This will include services such as engineering design review services for construction, land development projects, repaving and regrading, storm water drainage and sewer work. The city maintains the ability to get quotes for jobs over $25,000. City Manager Miller told the council that all work orders will have to be approved by the city council.
An agreement will also be entered into with Artech Design Group for planning and architectural services with regard to new restroom facilities and concession stands at Camp Jordan Park.
Two grant applications were authorized by the council. The Firehouse Subs 2018 Grant, if won, will be used for vehicle rescue and extrication equipment for the East Ridge Fire Department. An application for the Better World Books: Literacy Grants for Libraries 2018 grant will also be made. If it is awarded to the city, this grant would be used to create an education station in the library that will engage young patrons to advance literacy.
An ordinance was passed on second and final reading that establishes minimum hotel and extended stay hotel requirements and standards. An additional section adds penalties for failure to comply with these regulations.
Property located at 1420 Boyd St. was rezoned from R-1 Residential District to RT-1 Residential Townhouse District on final reading.