The Red Bank commission amended an existing ordinance dealing with regulating and carrying firearms at a Tuesday night meeting. City Attorney Arnold Stulce said the Tennessee legislature is constantly addressing issues about the Second Amendment and firearms. It is almost to the point that cities can no longer regulate where they can be carried and where they can be prohibited, he said, adding that there are not many places left. The amendment that was approved on first reading will bring the city into compliance with the state laws about firearms, weapons and missiles.
Another revised ordinance deals with the Red Bank ordinances governing ownership, control and regulation of animals within the city limits. A vote approved changing the provider for animal control from the Humane Educational Society to McKamey Animal Center at a cost of $$69,990 annually. City Manager Tim Thornbury said that McKamey takes care of areas of Chattanooga surrounding Red Bank. Because they are often in and out of Red Bank, they offered services to the city. This ordinance change will also shift licensing of dogs to McKamey instead of owners coming to Red Bank city hall. Licensing can also be done by a veterinarian.
The city’s zoning ordinance was also amended on Tuesday night, and approved in a final vote. In the Light Manufacturing zone, no warehouses or self-storage facilities will be allowed within 1,500 feet of another like facility. Another provision is that a self storage facility cannot be within 50 feet from any residential property.
The commissioners authorized the issuance of interest bearing general obligation capital outlay notes in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000. This will be used to pay for paving, the new city hall building and work that has been done on Ashland Terrace.
A vote approved authorizing an agreement with Johnson, Murphy and Wright to perform an annual audit for the amount of $32,450.
Fire Chief Mark Mathews announced the retirement of Assistant Fire Chief Joe Summers who has worked with the Red Bank Fire Department for 39 years starting in 1980. His dedication and professionalism will be missed, said Chief Mathews.
City Manager Thornbury said that work on the upcoming budget has been completed and it will be presented to the commissioners at the meeting on Tuesday, May 7.
Commissioner Carol Rose reported that she attended the recent planning commission work session where a Rails-to-Trails project is being discussed. It is looking good, she said. There is also a need for a corridor study that would be used for future planning along Dayton Boulevard. She said spring means it is time to plant and she would like to encourage everyone to buy garden items from stores that are in Red Bank.
Commissioner Ruth Jeno gave a reminder to all about the Red Bank Jubilee and Moon Pie Festival, which is on May 4 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This will be the 40th year for the event.