Residents push for parade rules and announce local events as commissioners discuss roads and storm damage

Several residents used the public‑comment portion of the Feb. 1 meeting to announce community events and press the Board of Commissioners for clearer rules on the annual Christmas parade.

Amanda Suttles, representing the Soddy‑Daisy High School Band Boosters, announced the U.S. Navy Band will perform at Soddy‑Daisy High School on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. She said admission is free but tickets are required and "they can be purchased at SDHSBand.org." When Commissioner Jackie Penney asked about ticket limits, Suttles said she was not certain but "believes 300."

Jim Stewart of Emerald Bay Drive announced the third annual Arbor Day event scheduled for March 2 at approximately 9 a.m. in Veteran’s Park. He said the event is co‑sponsored by the City and Keep Soddy‑Daisy Beautiful, flowering trees will be planted, and anyone wishing to dedicate a tree may purchase one for $100; city staff will assist with placement.

Robert Cothran, speaking for the Vietnam Veterans organization that runs the city’s Christmas Parade, urged the board to adopt rules and a fee for parade entries after reporting what he described as an uneven pattern of donations last year: "This past year there was an issue concerning horses in the parade and whether bags would be required or not," he said, and cited 109 applications but only 43 donations. Cothran said some car clubs with multiple entries contributed little or nothing while individual donors contributed $100–$150. Commissioner Shipley said he "agrees with Mr. Cothran 100 percent," and Mayor Everett thanked Cothran for his work and said the commission would discuss options at the next workshop.

On infrastructure concerns, City Manager Johnson and Public Works Director Grant reported on storm damage and road repair. Johnson said operations are "as usual except for the snow and ice" and that Public Works had done a good job on pothole patching on Daisy Dallas Road. Grant noted that when power lines are involved the Electric Power Board cuts fallen trees but may leave debris at the roadside and asked residents to report unremoved debris so staff can follow up. Commissioner Keith said Facebook has many complaints about roadside trash on Daisy Dallas and Dallas Hollow Roads and asked about county assistance for cleanup; Grant said the county had previously provided prisoner crews but action has been inconsistent.

Mayor Everett said a single‑wide mobile home on his street had been issued a Notice of Condemnation and that the 120‑day period had expired; Grant said he will check on next steps. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.