East Ridge council approves YMCA feasibility study, manager extension, road and cybersecurity actions; several items set for Feb. 13

East Ridge City Council on Jan. 23 approved a set of resolutions and administrative items ranging from a YMCA feasibility study at Camp Jordan to a one‑year employment extension for the city manager.

The council voted unanimously on each resolution listed on the meeting agenda, with roll calls recorded for each motion.

YMCA feasibility study (Resolution 3641) The council authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Triangle 2 Solutions to perform a market feasibility study assessing whether a new YMCA facility would be viable at Camp Jordan Park. Baron Hertel, president and CEO of YMCA Metropolitan Chattanooga, and consultant Casey Klein of Triangle 2 Solutions presented the study plan, which the consultant described as an 8–10 week data project that combines at‑least‑400 phone surveys with an online survey and standard market mapping.

Klein described deliverables including projected membership, pricing assumptions, program priorities and fundraising potential; he told the council that for similar projects Triangle 2 uses both phone and online surveys to reach at least 400 valid responses, producing an estimated 95% reliability on the demand estimates. During questions council members asked whether YMCA memberships would be reciprocal (Hertel confirmed members can use other Y branches in the Y’s service area) and about likely amenities. Hertel and Klein said the survey will prioritize which amenities (pools, gymnasiums, pickleball courts, etc.) the community wants most.

Meeting discussion also noted a grant restriction: part of Camp Jordan is LWCF‑converted property, and that…