The Signal Mountain Council members were torn over an agenda item to authorize a donation from the city to Signal Mountain Social Services. Each member recognized that the donation was for a worthy cause but also struggled with a decision because the tax dollars that come from citizens are not theirs to spend. Commissioner Charles Poss said that this may be what he wants his tax dollars to go for this time, but the next time the council wants to make a donation may not be, and there needs to be consistency. But, "when the federal government is starving its citizens, local governments are helping to fill the void," he said.
This is a unique situation, said Vice Mayor Clay Crunbliss, and it could be seed money to encourage individuals to give. And there is an urgency for the decision, said Mayor Elizabeth Baker. There are 175 families that are served by Signal Mountain Social Services and more than half of them live in the town limits. If the government reopens, this is still the highest demand time of the year for people who are food insecure, said the vice mayor.
The ordinance passed on a vote of three in favor and two against. The Signal Mountain fire and police departments will also be holding a food drive on Saturday.
One resident during the time for citizen participation in the meeting addressed the council about the donations. Gail Greene said she believed that it would be better for the contributions to come from individuals rather than the government. She suggested partnering with businesses rather than using taxpayer dollars. Several council members said they are making donations individually. But City Manager Matt Justice said he will be making a donation of $2,000 from his salary that can also be considered as coming from the town, passing through him as an individual. That comes with a challenge to residents of Signal Mountain to also make contributions to charities that are helping feed people who customarily rely on government help to buy food each month, he said.
At the last meeting, the council was given a list of trees that had been identified as dangerous or in a problem location in rights of way throughout the town. The lowest bid of $30,000 came from Big Woody's to remove those trees. In the past two weeks the list was shared with the city's tree board and has been trimmed down in scope and cost. With fewer trees to remove, the new price for the contract that was approved Monday night is not to exceed $20,000.
The city will participate in a matching grant program for cyber security with Public Entity Partners (PEP), the city's insuror. The grant is for an amount up to $1,500 which the town will be required to match. Plans are to use the money for an email fire wall, for scam training for employees, and for cyber security.
On the second and final reading, an energy conservation ordinance was passed. It amended the city's municipal code to adopt the 2018 edition of the international energy conservation code regarding construction, for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes and the the 2012 edition of the code for commercial buildings.
And the FEMA Flood Ordinance was passed on the first reading to revise flood maps that will restrict or prohibit development in flood prone area or locations that are erosion hazards. The adoption of this ordinance will help to minimize danger to people and property due to flooding. It will also maintain eligibility for property owners and for the town's participation in the national flood insurance program.
A proclamation was made to honor veterans who are town employees who have supported the principles that are the foundation of preserving our freedom.
Mr. Justice announced that because of the upcoming holiday, city hall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.