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Soddy‑Daisy discusses school safety funding and approves MOU with U.S. Secret Service; stop signs and speed readers planned
Summary
Commissioners approved an MOU between the Soddy‑Daisy Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service, authorized several stop‑sign installations and discussed School Resource Officer (SRO) staffing under a governor's program. City staff said initial first‑year SRO start‑up costs are about $158,000 and the grant will not cover those up‑front expenses.
The commission on July 20 approved a memorandum of understanding between the Soddy‑Daisy Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service and took several actions related to traffic and school safety.
City Manager Johnson said Police Chief Sneed had briefed commissioners on the MOU; the commission voted to approve the MOU (motion by Vice‑Mayor Coleman; unanimous).
Capt. Petty outlined plans to install three‑way stop signs at Walker & Guth, Walker & Hickman, and two intersections on Springfield Road to slow increased local traffic after Dayton Pike paving; commissioners approved the stop signs. Capt. Petty also discussed speed readers for school zones; he said installations were delayed by necessary studies but should begin soon.
City Manager Johnson and others discussed pursuing School Resource Officers for Skillern Elementary and Ivy Academy under a governor's program. Johnson said start‑up costs for the first year—including a vehicle and equipment—would be roughly $158,000 and that the grant would not cover those initial expenses; he said local partners such as Ivy Academy's Angie Markum had offered some contribution but that the shortfall remained. Sheriff Garrett will provide training for SROs, Johnson said.
Commissioner Shipley asked about the difference between an SRO and an SSO and stressed the city's duty to seek school safety even if grant availability was uncertain. Staff indicated the matter would return for additional discussion and budgeting as needed.
