The East Ridge City Council on Thursday unanimously approved the extension of City Manager Andrew Hyatt’s contract for a second year. He has performed his duties with a sense of accountability during the beginning of growth and development period for the city, said Councilman Marc Gravitt.
A budget amendment was also approved that will include how the Bass Pro Shop project will be financed, including building the new fire hall to replace the one that must be moved for the new shopping area.
The action will incorporate the purchase of some equipment, and increases in insurance premiums as well as correcting an error that was made in the original 2014 budget.
A suitable location for building Fire Station 2 has been found. The move is necessary to make room for Bass Pro Shop. The property is owned by Brown Brothers Construction. It is in the 6900 block of Ringgold Road with an easement off of Scruggs Road. The city will buy three acres for $70,000 each and the owner will donate a fourth acre. Chief Williams said it appears there will be little site preparation needed, but an engineer will be hired to evaluate it before the purchase is final.
Multiple purchases to be used by the fire and police departments were given an OK by the council. The largest acquisition will be a new rescue engine pumper truck to replace a nine-year-old truck that the department has had problems with. The council agreed to a plan that will pre pay 100 percent by July 15, 2015, so it will be in next year’s budget. If ordered now, that is also when the chassis will be complete. By paying it entirety, there will be no interest and no financing cost. The accepted bid is $579,257. Fire Chief Mike Williams said that $20,000 of equipment can be taken from the old truck to use and that truck can be sold.
In-car computers and cameras for police vehicles will be 100 percent funded by a grant from the Department of Transportation’s High Visibility Enforcement grant.
The purchase of a new multi-use truck for the sanitation department was also given approval. It is a demo model with only 2,800 miles and a new truck warranty.
Parks and Recreation Director Stump Martin told the council that the city has a golden opportunity to get playground equipment at a very good price. Game Time, a company owned by an East Ridge resident, “wants to make a difference,” said Mr. Martin. The company will install equipment geared to two different age groups. This playground is worth $100,000 and will be sold to East Ridge for $35,000 with the understanding that the company can use photographs of it in its brochures. It will be installed by Dec. 1.
Contracting advisory services were also agreed upon. Public Financial Management won a bid to provide financial advisory services for the city. And expertise from Thompson Engineering will assist in reviewing the new HVAC system that will be installed at Camp Jordan Arena. The cost of engineering will be included in the 50/50 matching grant of $145,000 from the Department of Environment and Conservation clean energy grant.
Authorization for supplemental bonuses customarily is given in the amount of $600 to fire and police each year. The money comes from the state of Tennessee. The council agreed to advance the money in order to give the bonuses before December, with it being refunded by the state in June.
The city manager was given approval to enter into an agreement with the Electric Power Board for providing additional Internet services at Camp Jordan. This will be used in conjunction with the Christmas light show so cars will have access.
A sponsorship/advertising agreement with Dick’s Sporting Goods for their sponsorship of youth sports programs at Camp Jordan Park was agreed upon.
The bid from Custom Works, a local company, was the choice for providing soccer uniforms for the 2014-2015 indoor soccer season. Mr. Martin expects around 1,500 to participate in the season running from Dec. 1 through Feb. 23. Cost for each uniform will be $4.15.
City Manager Hyatt honored Councilman Denny Manning for serving as the East Ridge chaplain. He said Mr. Manning has comforted many East Ridge citizens and employees with kind words, especially surrounding funerals, and that he always makes sure a funeral procession is escorted by the East Ridge Police.