Apison Pike is being widened to accommodate growth that is taking place in the Collegedale area. This road is the first thing that is seen when people enter the city, and the commissioners would like to eliminate the clutter of power lines that run along the road. On Monday night, Commissioner Ethan White asked if it would be possible for power lines to be buried from Pattentown Road to Ooltewah-Ringgold Road.
When asked several months ago, EPB said its cost would be an additional $2 million to put them underground not counting what it would add to bury Comcast and ATT lines, Mr.
White was told. At that time it was decided that the cost was prohibitive and at this late time in the widening process, a re-design would be necessary thus delaying the completion.
After discussion, the commissioners asked Building Codes and Safety Officer Andrew Morkert to try and arrange for Jennifer Flynn, spokesperson for TDOT, to come to the next workshop to give an update on the project.
Commissioners agreed to accept and participate in two grants. One is the Tennessee Municipal League Safety Grant, which is provided to buy safety equipment such as bullet proof vests for the police or fire departments. This is a 50/50 grant that will give the city up to $1,500.
An Airport Layout Drawing grant (ALD) was also given approval. This is a 95/5 percent grant with Collegedale being responsible for just five percent, or $2,000, of the cost for engineering services. A layout and diagram for all future projects at the airport will be created with this money.
Previously the commission gave a property owner with land adjacent to the airport permission to level areas on both sides of the property lines at his own expense. A second land owner has made the same request and was also given permission to fill in low places and replace the fence which will improve both properties, it was stated. City Attorney Sam Elliott said they can do it as long as it is done to the city’s satisfaction.
The city has also benefited from apartments that have recently been built. The Village at Apison Pike, originally known as Collegedale Station, agreed to build the sewer system connecting the development to the city’s specifications and dedicate it to the city. It has now been inspected and approved. Ownership of the system will now be transferred to the city, Director of Public Works Eric Sine told the commissioners.
A TA-J4 training jet that was recently acquired by the city will be displayed in Veterans Memorial Park. It was used for training fighter pilots on aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War.
Commissioner Phil Garver, who is on the park board, let the commissioners know that a contract has now been signed to re-paint the plane after which it will be mounted on a pole for display. It is expected to be installed by the end of August.
photo by Gail Perry