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Soddy-Daisy commissioners approve personnel policy updates, hire firm to set up Industrial Development Board and OK police lighting
Summary
At a regularly scheduled April 2 meeting, the Soddy-Daisy Board of Commissioners unanimously approved revisions to the city’s personnel policy, authorized an engagement contract with Bass, Berry & Sims PLC to form an Industrial Development Board and approved $20,001.82 for police vehicle lighting; officials also noted the new courtroom’s completion and community events.
The Soddy-Daisy Board of Commissioners on April 2 unanimously approved a package of personnel-policy amendments, authorized an engagement contract to help form an Industrial Development Board and approved lighting kits for two new patrol vehicles, city officials said.
City Manager Burt Johnson said the city hired its first human-resources manager in September 2025 (Chip Harris) and that the proposed personnel-policy changes add consistent rules for all employees, create a progressive-discipline process, introduce a sick-leave policy to be monitored by department heads, and add tuition reimbursement and other revisions. "This is quite a policy," Mayor Coleman said. Vice‑Mayor Penney asked whether moonlighting rules would be made department-specific; Johnson replied that they would.
The Board adopted the personnel-policy amendments by unanimous vote after Commissioner Everett moved to approve and Vice‑Mayor Penney seconded. The action was recorded as Resolution No. 2025–2026 No. 2.
The commissioners also authorized City Manager Johnson to sign an engagement contract with Bass, Berry & Sims PLC to assist in establishing an Industrial Development Board. Johnson said the firm (and attorney Mark Mamantov, whom City Attorney Elliott endorsed) would help the city transfer city-owned property to the board for eventual sale as part of redevelopment steps; the engagement fee was stated as $3,500. Vice‑Mayor Penney moved to approve the contract; Commissioner Everett seconded and the vote was unanimous.
On procurement, the Board approved $20,001.82 to purchase lighting kits for two new patrol vehicles. Commissioner Keith asked whether three bids were solicited; staff said the vendor (Truckers Lighthouse Inc.) is on the State Contract and the purchase is budgeted. Commissioner Keith moved to approve; Vice‑Mayor Penney seconded and the vote was unanimous.
City Manager Johnson told the Board the new courtroom in the Justice Center had been completed the afternoon of April 2 and proposed a ribbon-cutting in about two weeks, thanking Public Works Director Steve Grant for overseeing the construction. Vice‑Mayor Penney noted that opening day for the Kids Club drew more than 600 registrants and asked drivers to be cautious near the park; Commissioner Everett and Commissioner Keith also praised the volunteers and Public Works staff.
Commissioner Beene raised community complaints about dust from the Rogers Group's takeover of the P & S cement plant, saying the dust has produced a morning "fog" and that "the dust is too heavy," and asked that the Board have the matter addressed; no formal action on the complaint was recorded.
City Manager Johnson announced that tax-assistance was available for individuals at the Senior Center (but not businesses) and reminded the public of a budget workshop scheduled for April 14 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
(Reporting based on the April 2, 2026 meeting minutes and agenda items presented to the Soddy-Daisy Board of Commissioners.)
