The Signal Mountain Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan that the town must have in place by the end of the year is almost complete. Town Manager Boyd Veal credited Special Projects and Compliance Manager Sam Guin for the extensive work that was needed to develop the plan. Mr. Guin told the council that the town’s staff and members from each department, Fire Chief Eric Mitchell, the building inspector, the engineering tech from the public works department and doctorial students from UTC all contributed to the plan.
A study has been done of all of the town’s facilities to determine what changes are needed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some work, such as re-striping parking lots for handicapped parking, has already been done and now meets state requirements. Other standards are still being discussed and researched but should be ready for a vote from the council at the next meeting.
Discussion also took place Monday night about establishing a vehicle replacement fund for the water department. The suggestion was made to move money from the town’s fund balance in order to set up a fund specifically for starting a schedule to replace vehicles. A resolution will be written to establish the fund.
Town Manager Veal told the council that a new vicious dog ordinance will be sent to the council members for their review prior to the next meeting.
Not enough is known at this time to make decisions about the maintenance and management of the sports fields around Signal Mountain Middle/High School, All of the fields are the responsibility of Hamilton County. If an agreement is put in place with Hamilton County, the town may take care of day to day items but the county would still have to do any major work or repairs that are needed, said Mr. Veal. Now a lot of the work is done by parents and volunteers.
At the November council meeting, which fell on Veteran’s Day, the council members each read a portion of a resolution that honored town employees who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The regularly scheduled council meeting that would fall on Dec. 23 has been cancelled. During the holidays, council meetings will be held on Nov. 28, Dec. 9 and Jan. 13.