[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6573564,"mediaKeyId","3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89","parentId",3175847,"title","Council to consider resolution on Engine 2 after fire department reports major engine damage","audioSeconds",3308,"startMs",3075000,"endMs",6383000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89&start=3075&end=6383","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89/thumbnail_3075000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6573564/Signal-Mountain/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Council-to-consider-resolution-on-Engine-2-after-fire-department-reports-major-engine-damage","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573564-2dc0613b435b0ece95c258783d4dae50/orig.mp4?Expires=1775358478&Signature=mXhPW~bt2-eJeuMopJIaC~cfo2G0llju8ESAzz3MsgeRZvrcqzW0ZTT3Y7lunnI18ERlo1ZDfoQSdT2hbNzH-e0l2GRzsJVpbTRyl4ZZdjIiMTlepyfI7QoiVIX6UbeaQTG-~B7GbPaToCEzksbPW1GlAS~3lMidXkXi3FWbX7dD2Dyt9IAKeLKRz8WJTRui7-atf614kap4iNTfWDxUAAjDmRqzQiGAK51zTuA6CNc-lvFndFKL2w8ayKdnNM2xM8nQVw7TOHxKVcst~xEvhRK98IFGSlzHyq4js0694BNTskLpilHe1GC-IAO3luTJE42i4oLFW2ilBzg3U9hGcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Signal Mountain, TN","date","2025-04-28T00:00:00Z","article","Signal Mountain's Fire Department reported that Engine 2 suffered severe internal engine damage and that a local vendor recommended an engine replacement.

At the April 28, 2025, work session the chief described teardown findings of damaged cylinder walls and a head-gasket failure; the vendor's quoted estimate for engine replacement in the transcript was 'just a little over $42,000.' The chief and staff noted additional outstanding repairs to the vehicle (lighting package, DEF/emissions components and other items) that could increase total rehabilitation costs substantially.

Council and staff discussed options including repairing the engine to return the unit to reserve status, selling the vehicle after repair, or purchasing a replacement apparatus. Council and the chief said the department currently has a backup apparatus in service (identified as an older 1997 quint/pumper) but expressed concern that using an older vehicle can limit maneuverability in tight streets and that the department's insurance/ISO rating depends on equipment availability.

Staff reported that repairing the engine and addressing some punch-list items could yield several more years of useful service (estimates in discussion ranged to five or more years) and that repaired apparatus often have resale value for smaller volunteer departments. The chief noted that LED lighting modules on the affected vehicle are obsolete because the original lighting supplier is no longer in business, which adds to replacement costs.

Town staff said they will place a draft resolution for engine replacement/repair on the next regular council meeting agenda and that, if necessary, a special called meeting could be scheduled to authorize repair more quickly. The draft resolution would seek authorization for an expenditure of 'no more than' the vendor's quoted estimate plus an incidental allowance (staff said they added about $2,500 to the quote when drafting the resolution). Staff and the chief emphasized the need to restore a reserve apparatus to maintain response capability.

No purchase was authorized at the work session. Council members said they supported moving a resolution to the upcoming regular meeting and were open to a special called meeting to act sooner if calendars permitted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Work Session Monday, April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The fire department reported severe engine damage to Engine 2 and presented an estimated engine replacement cost; staff will present a formal resolution for council consideration at the regular session (or possibly a special called meeting) to authorize repairs or replacement and bridge-response arrangements in the interim.","taxTitle","Signal Mountain, Hamilton County, Tennessee","taxId",56299,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573571,"Resident-led push for inclusive 'Dahlia' playground draws council support and fundraising plans",862,2690000,3552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89&start=2690&end=3552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89/thumbnail_2690000.jpg","/articles/6573571/Signal-Mountain/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Resident-led-push-for-inclusive-Dahlia-playground-draws-council-support-and-fundraising-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573571-09cb5785ba0538713b3ce851b630b36e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775358478&Signature=dwi4QuXxdr2MMn~c9CYImIJBkJbboncgQseJUKHnAqwL0Q1EDFCgqqTtYOICGoxLWe6aIn9t4KRr7WmkFdIUgx5l-lX2rTk8nemgs4PfPEM9HE9EVN8xJh~PtFWhnNHDeVHD6fcEYyALBmkbk9tPlyg~q3Uah4gWESfn2gYn96NO2pLEOPsNdhLXbhiMCbAp2b6KMuypq00hFCjTEiVf30tJ19NgA0ptJWhKRibsEiH2uOSmgpYDmMCtuXIjLln71qGsfNYAxkfIDOYCnxdClhuBivGFatZ1Vjav2Ys1SCb0miTFFIVp6LKs~YbcCyTJqpJPIysryHkFbkSiXxETxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Signal Mountain resident and parent outlined plans on April 28, 2025, to build an inclusive playground—so-called the Dahlia Playground—at Althouse Park that would be designed for children and adults of all abilities.

Presenter Miss (Ms.) Harmon described her daughter, Dalia, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair or mobility aids, and said current play surfaces and site topography limit access. '\"Our dream is to create a space for all ages and abilities,\" she said, describing a nature-inspired design with sensory features, social-play elements and accessible surfacing.

Harmon said the project team has raised about $200,000 toward a $900,000 goal (about 22% funded) and planned a public fundraising kickoff. She identified grant applications already submitted or contemplated, including T-Mobile hometown grants, the Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and an earlier effort to apply to the Department for the Aging and Disability (the presenter said a prior round was unavailable). Harmon said renderings were provided by PlayCore and that the nonprofit Hope Included will run the project and handle fundraising and accounting.

The proposed location is Althouse Park, which the presenter said is centrally located and already hosts tennis, pickleball and other activities. The plan includes repurposing existing playground equipment (moving it to Timberlinks) so multiple town parks can benefit. Harmon asked the town to partner on the project and for citizens to spread the word; she provided fundraising links on hopeincluded.org and social media and said donations already are being accepted via Venmo, PayPal and Eventbrite.

Council members voiced broad support. Councilmember Apopka and others said they were eager to partner, noting that the town would assume long-term maintenance once the facility is built and that community fundraising and volunteer involvement would be appropriate. Harmon said PlayCore's materials indicated typical life expectancies for equipment of 15 to 20 years and pour-in-place rubber surfacing of roughly 8 to 12 years depending on maintenance; she said the project team plans ongoing fundraising to support upkeep.

No formal action or funding commitment was made at the work session. Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate with the presenter and nonprofit on next steps and public outreach.","A Signal Mountain resident proposed the Dahlia inclusive playground, seeking to build an all-abilities play area at Althouse Park. The project aims to raise $900,000; organizers reported $200,000 raised (22%) and outlined grant and fundraising strategies. Council members expressed support and discussed town partnership and ongoing maintenance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573576,"Council hears ClearGov demo as staff begins comparison shopping for budget software",1826,2006000,3832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89&start=2006&end=3832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89/thumbnail_2006000.jpg","/articles/6573576/Signal-Mountain/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Council-hears-ClearGov-demo-as-staff-begins-comparison-shopping-for-budget-software","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573576-f648fbd0f78dbd3b0ac6d4532e26d0b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775358478&Signature=iy7jVFQU3htAo35sV01lHpVnXiAJymnhTjinmDrZ4kOOiRrFRG9737DgkUBMvy2Yjv6Y0IltZBvUfsiF6MOe6SoGLCDifPyx0uHwHEo2H6XrKh3TMLWGa1eG9HEMi7pocVNvZoX4xRB1xW3rbLihzC3MdDTCtHsGDGmSd~ecWy9p4-vfjCXLHEIofHEKE73wbH96YMPX-QT0V6xCdhGNksSVDDVx91LY~lVmWiQnlMNF0Yb2P32l-o5vIE04qoprJRg9~ZrC6lkIUI8zqNhwgGRcmVRlDdN6LFRj6VibOCSWc-GlmIiJF2BmtU4AhYM1gwG~HOnEYuE91ZY0pTCmlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","ClearGov, a budget and transparency software vendor, gave a product demonstration at the Signal Mountain Town Council work session on April 28, 2025, and councilmembers asked questions about cost, data security and timing for implementation.

Ryan, ClearGov's presenter, told the council the company focuses on small- and mid-sized local governments and offers a back-office budgeting workspace, scenario-running tools, strategic-plan tracking and a public-facing online budget book that replaces static PDF budget documents. He said ClearGov integrates with common municipal accounting systems via scheduled import/export rather than live direct access.

Council members asked about price, security and how the product would interact with the town's Edmunds accounting system. Ryan said pricing is straightforward, that onboarding can include as much historical data as the town desires (he mentioned no practical limit before ~25 years), and that ClearGov receives data through exports rather than a live link; the company uses major cloud providers and built-in import controls to reduce cyber risk.

On timing, John and Matt (town staff handling finance and administration) told the council that the town is late in the current budget cycle to use the system as the primary build tool this year, but could pilot a budget book and strategic-plan components this summer and aim for fuller use during next year's budget process. ClearGov recommended a pilot using last year's budget book to learn the system and then roll into a full launch.

Council member Myles Jorgensen and others asked about update cadence for web-facing figures. Ryan said governments typically control when updates are exported (monthly or quarterly closes are common); most clients prefer periodic controlled uploads rather than fully automatic live pushes.

No purchase decision was made. Town staff said they will continue to compare vendors and their costs; councilmembers asked staff to return with additional vendor options and cost comparisons before any contract is brought forward. ClearGov provided a sample proposal and said the vendor recommended a three-year contract option with an annual increase clause; town staff said non-budgeting of the service in a subsequent fiscal year would terminate the contract.","ClearGov presented its budget and transparency software to the Signal Mountain Town Council. Staff said the product could sit atop the town's existing accounting system; councilmembers asked about cost, security, onboarding timelines and data cadence. Staff will continue vendor comparisons and due diligence.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573582,"Signal Mountain council reviews update to town's energy conservation code",1529,491000,2020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89&start=491&end=2020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3175847-e7b95253315b00159ac269e548ec2f89/thumbnail_491000.jpg","/articles/6573582/Signal-Mountain/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Signal-Mountain-council-reviews-update-to-towns-energy-conservation-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573582-73f8838a056e290c4de27ac58ea2a489/orig.mp4?Expires=1775358478&Signature=lD4GrlcgFYlDmE814sIoI-lLMsQgMgsZyBjPKqhl4dUnAiCoPUr5JoyDnBozPQRjtfqecapywUiXVwjW1zVwW6eJ57AnFwgTWsJrCVwqqSBL3pFI2r58N6GHOX-9714vcdfcG40~jANfizWNvadT3vZG8qCwoXxMwp5OSdcPONNaid6d-cRLhrURU93D9XXRon~tGMoUNULrlGkWok2uyXgVQNxcjT-ECfF80pVpRQa8YZb6pW0qjtXVLchWSV-yt4ItKjVYpe3Q3xpel3Tr3rZQadowxSlBgorxjh9q0-0aU7ZLsRN-vaTmm5WITOzHXR8ly7FtWZ1LbPJGzRyDXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Signal Mountain's Town Council spent a portion of its April 28, 2025, work session discussing an update to the town's energy conservation code that would change which reference materials the town's building and codes department enforces.

The proposal would update the code book's referenced materials from older editions to the 2018 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Town staff said the update responds to a recent audit that flagged older references in the town's code book.

Council members raised practical questions about enforcement, noting that some IECC provisions require testing or equipment the town's inspectors may not possess. Council member Andrew Garner asked whether the town could enforce particular technical requirements and whether state or county requirements would override local provisions. Building and codes staff were identified in the discussion as 'Chuck' and 'Brian'; councilmembers said staff will clarify which provisions the town currently enforces and which are primarily enforced by the county or state.

Vice Mayor Craig Columbus said municipalities sometimes align wording with county or regional requirements so enforcement and expectations are consistent across jurisdictions. Council member Myles Jorgensen and others pressed for a clearer explanation of which IECC sections the town actively inspects and enforces, and whether adoption of a newer edition would create obligations the town could not meet.

Town staff and council agreed to follow up with the building and codes department for a line-by-line explanation of the proposed changes and to return with a summarized memo describing what the town would be obliged to enforce, what the county or state enforces, and any equipment or training gaps.

Mayor Elizabeth Baker and other council members noted the audit recommendation to adopt the 2018 IECC, and staff reported that Hamilton County and the state have adopted the 2018 level. Staff said that unless the ordinance adopts the 2018 edition, local inspectors may lack municipal authority to enforce that edition.

No official vote was taken at the work session. Councilmembers asked staff to gather details from Chuck and Brian and to provide a clearer enforcement plan and cost/impact analysis at a future meeting.

","Council members discussed updating the town's energy conservation code references to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, questions about enforcement and inspector capacity, and a planned follow-up with building and codes staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council to consider resolution on Engine 2 after fire department reports major engine damage

Resident-led push for inclusive 'Dahlia' playground draws council support and fundraising plans

Council hears ClearGov demo as staff begins comparison shopping for budget software

Signal Mountain council reviews update to town's energy conservation code