City Manager Scott Miller
Thursday night was the first city council meeting for East Ridge’s newly hired city manager. Vice Mayor Marc Gravitt introduced Scott Miller, saying, “I think he’ll be the right fit for our city.” Mr. Miller thanked the council for having confidence in him and choosing him, and said, “I’ll give it 110 percent and try to make the city a better place to live, work and play.”
Another introduction was made, this one for the city’s newest member of the police department, Officer Axel.
East Ridge Police Chief J.R. Reed told the council that the Belgian Malinois had been chosen at a kennel in March. Now he is 14-15 months old and has completed training in drug detection. The training will continue and he will become a multi-purpose police dog. Chief Reed said a bullet-proof vest will be fitted for him when he reaches his full size at age 20 months. His handler is Sergeant Steve Rogers.
The council approved an ordinance that will allow the city to conduct business by adopting a continuation of the fiscal year 2015-2016 budget until the time when the 2016-2017 budget is finalized and adopted.
Approval was also given for the normal bid process to be waived for the emergency repair of the HVAC unit in Fire and Police Station #1. Two bids have been received to replace a condenser on the unit for the fire department. The city manager recommended having the work done by the lowest bidder in the amount of $11,850. It would be two more weeks before the council meets again in order for it to consider additional bids, and, with summer temperatures rising, the council voted to move forward with the work.
On second reading and with no one present to speak for or against it, a .25-acre lot and the structure on it at 501 Notre Dame Ave. was approved for a zoning change from R-1 Residential to 0-1 Office District.
Two new appointments were approved for the East Ridge Housing Board. Vice Mayor Gravitt named Jim Winters, and Councilman Jacky Cagle appointed Kenneth Rogers. Jim Bethune, previously appointed by Councilman Denny Manning, made the request to withdraw because he said that he plans to run for a seat on the city council.
Citizen Mimi Lowry told the council of concerns about the city’s plan to remove a fence along a road at Camp Jordan, which will be replaced with 72 trees. She said that the five-gallon-size plants will take a significant number of years to be large enough to form a barrier. City Manager Miller said he was concerned, too, about vandalism with no fence. Director of Parks and Recreation Stump Martin said the council may need to revisit the issue.
Ms. Lowry also asked the council to think about the campaign sign ordinance. The signs create an eyesore, she said, and suggested designating specific areas where they would be allowed. The matter will be discussed at a later time when all the commissioners are present.
Sgt. Steve Rogers with Axel