Larry Clark, the organizer of the River Rescue that took place in East Ridge last Saturday, came to the city council meeting Thursday night to report the results. There were 87 volunteers that pitched in to help clean up Spring Creek, he said. There were 13 tires that were removed and one shopping cart. A total of 1,620 pounds of trash were cleaned out of the creek. The first River Rescue event was done in 2005. He said that the grand totals for the 31 years since it began show that 493 tires have been pulled from the creek, 54 shopping carts and 33,068 pounds of trash.
He thanked the city and said the clean-up could not take place without its help and cooperation. In a competition to find the “best piece of trash,” A Mickey Mouse doll and Chucky doll that were found were considered, but the winner was a brown leather satchel with a laptop inside.
Community volunteer Mimi Lowry, who was in charge of last weekend’s Pioneer Fest, told the council that she could not have asked for better cooperation with the city to implement the event. The rec department and sanitation department, she said, all contributed to its success. “Your employees are doing a great job,” she told the council.
Other volunteers are putting together “Trunk-or-Treat” at Camp Jordan for Thursday, Oct. 31. The start time will be early, at 3 p.m., partially for visibility since the event involves cars. Churches and schools will be asked to send home flyers so parents will be aware it is taking place. It will be managed by the Parks and Recreation department.
An initiative from Mayor Brian Williams is aimed at stocking the Community Food Pantry. In his absence, Vice Mayor Ester Helton read a letter from the mayor saying that his platform when running for mayor was for improvements not only for economic impact but also for quality of life, and to improve East Ridge in every way possible. At the council meetings from now until the end of the year there will be a food drive at each council meeting where money or food donations will be accepted.
Danny McDowell with the East Ridge Community Food Bank said it was established four and a half years ago. With a monthly budget of $2,800, it now serves 300 families each month that includes feeding approximately 550 children. He said that $10 will buy 20 pounds of food. The food pantry is open on the first and third Wednesdays each month from 2-5 p.m. The Food Pantry can accept monthly, or one-time gifts of money or food. Volunteers to work there are also needed.
The East Ridge Council voted to change meeting times. The regularly scheduled council meetings will now begin at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Items to set the agenda for the following council meeting will now be discussed at the end of the regular meeting as opposed to having a separate agenda meeting.
An amendment was approved on final reading that limits the height of a building in the C-4 Planned Commerce Center District, to 72 feet, or two stories, with a parapet not to exceed 48 inches above the roof deck. This change was made in order to match the requirements in the C-1 and C-2 districts.
Bids were accepted for four new police pursuit sport utility vehicles, for the amount of $132,748. East Ridge advertised for annual bids for street department materials for 2019-2020 and received no bid for concrete block/brick, sand and mortar mix. If these materials are needed during the year, the city will purchase them as needed. Consolidated Pipe and Supply was awarded the bid for various types of drainage pipe.
The next census meeting headed by Council member Aundie Witt will be Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at Local Coffee.
Announcements from City Manager Chris Dorsey include that it is official that Top Golf is on the way to East Ridge. Permits have already been issued and ground should be broken soon. The Shriners Circus is taking place at Camp Jordan this week until Sunday. And, on Friday, Oct. 25, a Stephen King Halloween movie will be shown at the library.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the next “Meet the Mayor” will be at the library at 10 a.m.