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published on 02/10/2004
Official Minutes of January Town Council Meeting
By Town Recorder
The Town Council of the Town of Signal Mountain held a regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Those present were:
Mayor James H Althaus, Vice-Mayor William O. Leonard,
Councilmember Stephen Ruffin, Councillmember Robert E. White II.
Also present:
Town Manager Hershel Dick, Town Recorder Diana Campbell
Town Attorney Phil Noblett.
The Mayor called the meeting to order and Councilmember Ruffin offered the prayer. The Recorder called the roll.
Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2003, regular meeting. Councilmember White seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The Recorder read the caption for the first resolution before the Council “A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING LAMAR RANKIN, WELLS BLAKE, AND BRENDAN OLIN AS THREE APPOINTED MEMBERS TO THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE, PLANNING COMMISSION WHOSE TERMS HAVE CURRENTLY EXPIRED.” Vice-Mayor Leonard noted that a biographical sketch was attached that showed the appointees had impressive qualifications. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the resolution. Councilmember White seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The next item before the Council was “A RESOLUTION EXTENDING TERM OF MEMBERS BILL WILKERSON AND WARREN DROPKIN TO THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN’S DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION FROM JANUARY 1, 2004, UNTIL COMPLETION OF TWO PENDING PROJECTS BEFORE THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION.” The Town Attorney briefly explained the resolution. The Mayor further explained that the next meeting would have been on January 19 and the two pending projects were the construction of a CVS and an addition to Alexian Village. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the resolution. Councilmember White seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The next resolution was “A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN’S RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD.” The Town Attorney briefly explained. This resolution reappointed Gene Ezell and Don Close to the Board. Vice-Mayor Leonard made a motion to approve the resolution. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to second the resolution and it passed unanimously. Vice-Mayor Leonard in response to a citizen’s inquiry explained some of the esponsibilities and functions of the board.
Next the Council considered the resolution “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHIEF LARRY EDDINGS TO APPLY FOR RECOGNITION AS A FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE AND DESIGNATING LARRY EDDINGS AS ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE FOR THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, AS REQUIRED BY T.C.A. § 68-102-108.” The Town Attorney explained that the Town had received an application for a certificate from the State of Tennessee under a new public act in 2003. He further explained that after July 1, 2003, no one could operate a fire department unless they received a certification from the State. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the resolution. Vice-Mayor Leonard seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The next resolution to be considered was “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO PURCHASE ONE (1) 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, POLICE INTERCEPTOR, TENNESSEE STATE BID NUMBER 218, FROM NEIL-SANDLER FORD, IN THE AMOUNT OF TWENTY-TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED NINETY AND 00/100 ($22,290.00) DOLLARS, TO BE USED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN.” The Town Manager informed the Council of the vehicle that would be purchased noting that the Town would be receiving a 2003 price. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the resolution. Vice-Mayor Leonard seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The final resolution presented to the Council was “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH OLIVER BENTON FOR THE PURCHASE OF 2.5 ACRES OF LAND ON SHACKLEFORD RIDGE ROAD, KNOWN AS LOTS 7 AND 8 OF BENTON ESTATES, FOR THE TOWN OF SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 ($45,000.00) DOLLARS, PLUS TITLE AND TAXES.” The Town Attorney briefly explained noting that the deed would need to be approved by the Town Attorney. In the discussion that followed, it was noted that the property was on the right going out Shackleford Ridge Road across the street from the Windtree Subdivision, the property was for a fire substation, and the Town had been designating $50,000 a year for building a fire substation with $400,000 designation accumulated. Councilmember Ruffin made a motion to approve the resolution. Vice-Mayor Leonard seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
During the opportunity for citizens to address the Council, Joe Dumas inquired about the sidewalks. The Town Manager stated that there had been some delays by the State, but the sidewalks should be completed by late spring.
Lou Oliphant gave a report on the Planning Commission’s January 8, 2004, meeting. She stated that there had been much discussion on Article VI, Schedule 4 District Regulations. She explained that the outcome had been that the Town Attorney Phil Noblett, Planning Commission Member Brendan Olin, and Local Planning Office employee Brian Shults would review the Zoning Ordinance in the light of 2004 state laws and possible future annexation. Each section reviewed would be presented to the Planning Commission for approval.
Next the Mayor informed the citizens of the plans by the City of Chattanooga to build an animal shelter on the land where Portland Park was located at the foot of the mountain. He explained that the land had been donated to the City by the cement plant for a park. He noted that he had written Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and had several conversations with Mr. Corker about the shelter. He made an appeal to the citizens to help stop the shelter from being built at that location. He further informed the citizens that the Town had hired an outside attorney explaining the Town Attorney had a conflict of interest since Phil was an Assistant Attorney for the City of Chattanooga. He indicated the grounds might be Indian burial grounds and the cement plant might object. In response to several questions, he stated it would better serve the animals of Chattanooga if their shelter would be placed in a more central location.
During the Council’s opportunity to present new business, Councilmember White informed the citizens of some information on several departments of the Town. He said the Fire Department had made 16 responses for cardiac and trauma during the month of December noting that they do more than just fight fires. He also talked about the Building Inspection Department. He explained that there had been 2,194 inspections in the year 2003 and a total of 360 permits issued. He pointed out that he thought all departments seem to be very efficient.
Councilmember Ruffin said he was glad that the Town’s fire department was getting the official recognition from the State.
Vice Mayor Leonard stated that he had a few comments to follow up on Councilmember White’s remarks about the departments. He explained that the Councilmembers get monthly activity reports on each department, and they follow very closely the work of the departments. He noted that some of the police officers have to go on calls that are very dangerous. He further talked about the work the water department did in working to resolve problems without complaint. He stated that the citizens in the areas that may be annexed would have confidence in the Town’s first class work. He also noted that the Town received back from Blue Cross a refund of $18,453.93. In addition he informed the citizens that the Town had saved the Thrasher School over $11,000 on the cost of the gym.
Mayor Althaus informed the citizens that the Sign Committee had been reconvened to address the Town’s Sign Ordinance. He noted they were an all-volunteer committee headed by Mike St. Charles. In addition to reviewing the Sign Ordinance, he stated they would be reviewing the rules and regulations on the sign board coming up the mountain.
The meeting was adjourned.
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