Derek Graham

The board accepted a donation from the Red Bank Soddy-Daisy Charitable Foundation for a bridge project. New business included the approval of a Kubota mower purchase and the authorization to surplus and auction small items from the police department. Members discussed ongoing infrastructure projects including park improvements, parking, and building renovations. Appointments were finalized for the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The meeting commenced with recognitions, including presenting a Certificate of Achievement to a Girl Scout for earning the Bronze Award through a community service project, and honoring the 10U Softball All-Stars team for their National Championship victory. Key new business items included the request for approval to surplus and donate three Motorola consoles to HC 911. The Commission also addressed the signing of a Cell Tower Lease with Hamilton County for a tower on Sneed Road, which is expected to eliminate radio dead spots and has an associated annual cost partially offset by the discontinuation of the Everbridge notification service. Approval was also sought and granted for electronically signing the annual audit contract. Discussions regarding community engagement involved reviewing applications for the Events Committee and soliciting recommendations for committee members. Furthermore, issues concerning illegal 4-wheeling activity on Igou Ferry Road and Vine Street were discussed, with direction given to police the area regularly. The Planning Commission approved site plans for two new businesses: Waffle House and Access Pharmacy. Finally, the City Attorney provided an update indicating the City can likely impose a lien on properties where owners fail to pay fines or clean up their premises. Parks and recreation matters included planning for the upcoming ball season, addressing field conditioning needs, and discussing the high cost associated with lighting for field 6.

Key discussions during the meeting included the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 12, which amends the Air Pollution Control Ordinance by increasing permit and certificate fees. Approval was sought for a contract with Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, contingent upon the satisfactory removal or modification of an indemnity clause that conflicts with State Law. The Board unanimously approved an Electric Power Board (EPB) invoice for power installation at a new building, which exceeded the City Manager's spending limit. Citizen participation involved inquiries about a Spring Cleaning initiative and the revision of the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. Other topics covered included addressing dilapidated trailers through condemnation or legal action, plans for removing Scramble Alley and extending Veterans Park playground, significant water runoff issues potentially caused by beaver dams, and updates on the new municipal building completion timeline. Commendations were made to the Police and Public Works Departments for their services, particularly during recent inclement weather and handling a major fire incident. Finally, the Board discussed non-compliance by individuals fined by the Administrative Hearing Officer.

Old business included the withdrawal of an ordinance concerning the rezoning of land located at 7849 Dayton Pike. Under new business, a public hearing and first reading were held for an ordinance amending the municipal code to increase air pollution control permit and certificate fees. The Board confirmed Max Lowe as the City's representative on the Hamilton County WWTA Board, replacing Vice-Mayor Penney. Approval was granted to surplus and auction three items: a 360 Crime Scene Camera, a 1996 Ford F Series Bucket Truck, and a John Deer 1200 Bunker Rake/Ballfield Machine. The Board approved the purchase of furniture for the Justice Center for $53,855.98, which was significantly under projection. Purchases of a used 2023 Ford F-150 detective vehicle for $38,542.00 (from the drug fund) and a 2025 Ford F150 for Public Works up to $50,080.00 were also approved. Discussions included planning for future Public Works projects, addressing city-wide litter and garbage concerns, and recognizing the U10 Softball Team for their 2025 championship wins. The successful outcome of the Keeping Kids Warm Coat Drive was also noted.

The board conducted the second and final reading of an ordinance amending the Soddy-Daisy Municipal Code regarding increased permit and certificate fees for air pollution control. New business included requesting approval for a contract with Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, contingent upon the removal or modification of an indemnity clause deemed legally unacceptable by the City Attorney. Approval was also granted for an Electric Power Board (EPB) invoice totaling $40,549.77 for utility work on a new building. During citizen participation, residents inquired about a Spring Clean Up Day, revisions to the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, the removal of Scramble Alley, and significant water overflow issues caused by beaver dams, which the Public Works Director noted were difficult to access. Commissioners discussed condemning partially torn-down trailers, future investment in a fire truck wash bay, and the enforcement of fines imposed by the Administrative Hearing Officer for property clean-up non-compliance. The Board also received updates on the new building completion schedule and commended the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments for their recent efforts, including handling a large fire incident.