Red Bank Loosens Restrictions For Planned Unit Developments

  • Wednesday, October 19, 2016
  • Gail Perry
Commissioner Rick Causer with Kevin Banis
Commissioner Rick Causer with Kevin Banis
photo by Gail Perry

A public hearing was held Tuesday night at the Red Bank Commission meeting regarding amending the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance. City Attorney Arnold Stulce said that because of Red Bank’s steep, hilly terrain, there is not a lot of developable land left. The commission, which is attempting to promote the city and provide PUD housing, has been handicapped by some of the rules that were originally created to benefit the city of Red Bank, he said.

 

Developments must first be presented to the planning commission, which makes a recommendation to the board of commissioners about a building project. The commissioners can either affirm or reject the recommendation, and they make the final decision. The proposed ordinance amendment would allow varying from some of the rules, especially when the problem with the application is due to topography. It is also specified that the problem cannot be created by the developer in order to find a variance. The amendments that were passed apply only to PUDs.

 

It was noted that the planning commission, under the existing ordinance, cannot go outside of the written provisions and that the amendment would give the planning commission as well as the commissioners some flexibility and discretionary authority. The planning commission made the recommendation to reject the amendments, but the commissioners passed them on first reading. Mayor John Roberts told a representative from the planning board that before the final vote at the next commission meeting, he would meet with members of that board to get their detailed opinions.

 

At a second public hearing, discussions were about rezoning property located at 4708 Dayton Blvd. from C-1 Commercial to L-1 Light Manufacturing. A company that makes tomahawks and cutlery is moving from the business incubator in downtown Chattanooga into Red Bank after Mayor Roberts said he recruited the business for the past several years. The planning commission gave its approval for the zoning change with conditions that restrict use of the building to only cutlery manufacturing. If that business moves, the zoning would revert to C-1. A vote to rezone the property passed on first reading. The products are designed for the special military forces and are also sold for active outdoor use, said owner Richard Carmack.

 

Final approval was given to update many city codes including building and all of the various regulatory codes, most dealing with safe building issues. The amendments that were adopted are consistent with the surrounding cities, which helps when builders work in multiple locations, it was stated.

 

A final vote also adopted the provisions of the international fire code, and the international property maintenance code, which the mayor said would help the codes enforcement department to move forward. The definition of beer was required to be revised to match the state’s definition. This was done because of the popularity of craft beers and their increased alcohol level, which has gone up to eight percent.

 

Red Bank has applied for and received several grants, including one from the state of Tennessee's office of criminal justice program. This 100 percent grant is designated for the purchase of mobile radios for the police department. Another, which is a 100 percent grant, will also be going to the police department. It is the GHSO “Distracted Driving Reduction Program,” totaling $14,996.50, and will be used to pay overtime for police and some equipment. The grant is intended to make the streets safe. A gift of $300 from an individual was added to the budget and will be used to fund the backpacks for children program run by the Red Bank Police.

 

Approval was given to apply for participation in a Tennessee Municipal League risk management pool property conservation grant, which is a grant of $2,500 that would require the city to match the amount. If received. the money would help conserve city-owned property through TML insurance 

 

The city’s personnel policy was adopted last year and on Tuesday night the commissioners approved adding conditions to it that will clarify provisions, especially related to the city’s drug policy. The amendment gives notice that random drug testing will be done primarily for those with safety positions or who operate equipment or have a commercial driver’s license. Other employees can be tested if there is reasonable concern. The policy changes also enhance employee information protection in ways such as not making personnel files available unless there is a legitimate request.

 

The commissioners acting as the city’s beer board approved an off-premise beer permit for a convenience store that is relocating at 3603 Dayton Blvd. and the mayor signed a certificate of compliance for the business.

 

City Manager Randall Smith said that during the school’s fall break, the public works department repaired an area on Morrison Springs Road where a natural spring had opened under the road. A sidewalk is under construction now at Kids Corner Park to make the park handicapped accessible.

 

Commissioner Rick Causer presented certificates of appreciation for the service of two Red Bank citizens, whom he appointed during the past four years. Kevin Banis has served on the city’s planning commission from 2013 until the present, and Beverly Causer has been a member and chairman of the variance board and board of appeals. The commissioners passed resolutions to show appreciation for these citizens’ time and service in support of Red Bank.

Commissioner Causer and Beverly Causer
Commissioner Causer and Beverly Causer
photo by Gail Perry
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