Commissioners briefed on interlocal agreement with Chattanooga to jointly manage Stringer's Ridge

Mister Grama, a city staff member, presented a resolution (Res. No. 25‑1852) authorizing the City of Red Bank to enter an interlocal agreement with the City of Chattanooga for joint management, maintenance and improvement of the Stringer's Ridge trail system. "Stringer's Ridge is an amazing natural and recreational resource that serves both the Red Bank and Chattanooga communities," Grama said, summarizing the proposed agreement.

Grama said the agreement formalizes communication and coordination, sets expectations for maintenance and event coordination, and permits either city to partner with third‑party organizations for joint projects or emergency responses. He emphasized the agreement "does not commit Red Bank to any specific dollar amounts" and that each city remains responsible for maintenance within its boundaries. Grama noted the agreement will speed joint responses for larger emergencies such as the fires earlier this year.

A commissioner added that Red Bank had submitted a letter of commitment for the project diabetes grant and that the grant funds will be used for work on Stringer's Ridge; Grama confirmed the interlocal will help allocate those funds across the trail system. Commissioners and staff described the agreement as a collaboration framework; several commissioners and a parks advisory board representative praised the cooperation.

The resolution was presented on the work session consent agenda; no formal commission vote occurred at the work session. Staff said the item will appear on the consent agenda for the regular commission meeting for formal consideration.