Tyler Howell Joins Red Bank Commission; Ruth Jeno Selected As Vice Mayor

Changes were made to the Red Bank Commission at the Tuesday night meeting due to the recent, unexpected death of Vice Mayor Terry Pope. A new council member, Tyler Howell, filled the vacancy on the five-member board and Commissioner Ruth Jeno was chosen and sworn in to take the Vice Mayor’s seat. Terry Pope was “Mr. Red Bank,” said the new vice mayor, and she said she hopes to continue to do what he did for the city.

 

Commissioner Howell, who is also Red Bank’s representative to the WWTA, acknowledged Terry Pope’s legacy and the impact he had on Red Bank.

Commissioner Howell said he is excited about the future of Red Bank, which he said is now experiencing a renaissance. New homes are being built and businesses are locating in the city creating a new source of revenue. The city continues to increase and improve infrastructure and schools continue to improve, he said.  He said that his decision making will be based on continued growth.

 

Road improvements have been made over the last several years and Tuesday night, the commissioners passed a resolution approving a quote from Brown Brothers, Inc. to make repairs and pave a portion of High Point Drive, just off Memorial Drive along Dawn School. Over time, an old sewer line that was  buried there has cracked and created hazards requiring the repairs and repaving, said City Manager Tim Thornbury. The cost approved for this work is not to exceed $13,845.

 

Authorization was also given for the city to participate in the TML Risk Management Pool Safety Partners “Driver’s Safety” matching grant program. This is a grant for $2,000 that the city will match totaling $4,000, and will be used for the purchase of GPS locating devices.

 

On second reading, the city manager was given the ability to directly authorize acquisitions through the state LESO (Law Enforcement Support Office) program for use in law enforcement, without first being approved by the commissioners. Items that become available are bought quickly and this ordinance will expedite the city’s ability to buy equipment. Items bought will be reported to the commissioners.

 

Changes to Red Bank’s ordinance regarding abandoned and/or discarded vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, watercraft and trailers was also given final approved at the commission meeting. The revisions are aimed at cleaning up property.

 

Mayor Eddie Pierce said the city is helping to get the Red Bank Food Pantry started. A community BBQ benefiting the Food Pantry will be at Red Bank Park on Sept. 4, from 5-8 p.m. Bluegrass music will be provided by “Barefoot Nelly.” Entry is by a donation of canned goods or a financial contribution. The mayor also reported that all Red Bank schools have now achieved up to a Level-5.  

 

Vice Mayor Jeno said that over 50 people showed up for a blanket-making party held at the Red Bank Community Center to benefit two organizations, Lana’s Love, helping children who have caner and Stacy’s Scoliosis Society. She said that 65 blankets have been completed that will be given to children with these illnesses.

 

Commissioner Carol Rose gave a reminder of the alumni tailgating party that will be held at the Red Bank-Signal Mountain football game this Friday night. At this event, she said people will be welcome to walk through the school and can visit with old friends before the game.

 

City Manager Thornbury announce that the community swimming pool has been closed for the season.

 

The owner of the Sunny Express at 3200 Redding Road came before the Red Bank board of commissioners acting as the city’s beer board, for a violation of selling beer to a minor. This is the first violation that has been found in Red Bank in three and a half years, said City Attorney Arnold Stulce. On July 26, Red Bank police officers along with representatives from the Hamilton County Coalition, an organization dedicated to alcohol and drug rehab, did compliance checks at every convenience store in the city, by sending an underage buyer in the stores to purchase a beer. All stores except Sunny Express refused to make a sale after checking the buyer’s ID. That store also has a point of sale cash register which asks for a date before completing the sale. The clerk, however, bypassed the cash register’s prompts and made the sale anyway. She told the store’s owner Sunny Patel, she made a mistake. She no longer is employed at there. The store was given the choice between a five-day suspension of the beer license from Sept. 16-20, or the option of paying a $500 fine.