Soddy‑Daisy commissioners back Parkridge ER, approve equipment purchases and donate surplus engine to Kentucky

The Soddy‑Daisy Board of Commissioners on Aug. 18 unanimously approved a resolution supporting Parkridge Hospital’s application for a Certificate of Need to build a $16 million free‑standing emergency room near Harrison Lane and Highway 27, and cleared a slate of equipment purchases, grants and a donation to out‑of‑state flood relief.

Thomas Ozburn, president and CEO of Parkridge Hospital, told commissioners the proposed 24/7 emergency department would include 12 emergency beds, board‑certified physicians on duty around the clock, trauma rooms, full‑service imaging and a helipad for Life Force. "This should assist with EMS calls," Ozburn said, adding the region receives “20,000 plus EMS calls” and that the facility could reduce transport time and save lives. He estimated construction would take about eight months and said Parkridge is coordinating with other area hospitals, including Erlanger. The board voted to support the hospital’s CON request; the resolution passed unanimously (1st: Commissioner Shipley; 2nd: Commissioner Coleman).

The health‑care vote came after a public hearing and first reading of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance (Article IV, Section 1503, subsections 15 and 16 for R‑T/Z district regulations). There was no public opposition at the hearing; Vice‑Mayor Cothran moved and Commissioner Coleman seconded the motion on first reading, which passed unanimously.

In routine business, the commission approved a series of purchases and funding items. City Manager Johnson said a previously approved dump truck purchase required a change order because the cost of the dump bed increased; the new total is $113,196.04 (budgeted $108,000). Commissioner Coleman moved to approve the change order; Commissioner Shipley seconded and the vote was unanimous.

The board accepted the low bid for laptops for patrol vehicles at $19,800 (budgeted $25,000) and approved purchase of Mobile CAD software with an upfront cost of $30,745 and an annual maintenance cost of $5,500 subject to a 5% escalator; Vice‑Mayor Cothran moved to approve both items and both passed unanimously. Commissioners also approved a copier/scanner purchase for the court clerk for $11,128; City Manager Johnson said $20,000 had been budgeted for court software being built by Hamilton County and that the projected software cost of $14,000 would leave funds available to cover the copier.

The city reported receipt of an $8,000 Senior Center Grant to replace flooring and gutters, paint the building, install LED lighting and update computers and Wi‑Fi; City Manager Johnson thanked state lawmakers for their assistance.

Fire Chief Dusty Morgan requested approval to donate a surplus 1989 engine to the Fletcher Fire & Rescue Station in Kentucky, which lost equipment in recent flooding. Vice‑Mayor Cothran moved to donate the engine and Commissioner Coleman seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioners later agreed the recipients must pick up the engine to avoid creating city delivery liability and to confirm insurance coverage.

Public comment included an announcement from Curtis Cecil about an Elevation Celebration at Veterans Park planned for Aug. 20, and a request from teacher Cindy Varner for the city to consider restriping an existing court to create multiple pickleball courts; Public Works Director Steve Grant was asked to check repainting costs and usage history. Police Chief Mike Sneed introduced three new officers — Eddie Richmond, Odas Smith and Sam Chisholm — who completed a 12‑week academy and received certificates; Sneed said they will ride with senior officers and be cleared for independent duty in roughly seven weeks.

Public Works Director Steve Grant reported dissatisfaction with paving performed by contractors hired by WWTA on Dayton Pike; Grant said he was told a change order was submitted to WWTA but not accepted and that the contractor would correct the work. City Manager Johnson and Grant said they are reviewing amendments to city standards and contracting specifications to prevent similar problems in the future; City Attorney Elliott recommended codifying bonding and preconstruction requirements.

Commissioner Shipley raised whether Northwest Utility paid for repairs to the northbound lane on Dayton Pike; Grant said the company agreed to pay labor and the city covered the remaining $19,300. Shipley suggested requiring cash bonds for future projects. Shipley also asked whether officers could put unauthorized migrants back on buses if they are dropped off in the city; Chief Sneed and City Attorney Elliott said the city lacks authority to do so absent federal direction and said officers would seek shelter alternatives in Chattanooga.

The meeting concluded with introductions of commission candidates Marcus Keith and Derek Kukura and adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Recorder Burt Johnson recorded the adjournment.

Votes at a glance: zoning ordinance first reading — motion passed unanimously (1st Vice‑Mayor Cothran; 2nd Commissioner Coleman); resolution supporting Parkridge ER (1st Commissioner Shipley; 2nd Commissioner Coleman) — unanimous; dump truck change order (1st Commissioner Coleman; 2nd Commissioner Shipley) — unanimous; laptops (1st Vice‑Mayor Cothran; 2nd Commissioner Coleman) — unanimous; Mobile CAD purchase (1st Vice‑Mayor Cothran; 2nd Commissioner Shipley) — unanimous; copier/scanner (1st Commissioner Shipley; 2nd Vice‑Mayor Cothran) — unanimous; donation of engine to Fletcher Fire & Rescue (1st Vice‑Mayor Cothran; 2nd Commissioner Coleman) — unanimous.