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Commissioners discuss parks repairs, drainage complaints and signal/sign projects
Summary
Commissioners heard complaints about dirt dumping behind a residential lot, discussed repair or replacement of Scramble Alley and the high cost of a water park (about $750,000), and received an update that the Montlake/Thrasher Pike signalization project is months from bidding and over a year from construction.
During the April 16 meeting, commissioners and staff addressed multiple operational and infrastructure topics, including drainage and park maintenance concerns.
Resident Norma Coffman complained that dirt dumped from the Waffle House site onto a neighbor’s lot could cause flooding if three houses are built there; Public Works Director Grant said the fill came from the Waffle House site and should be on the property only temporarily and that he would check the situation. Evelyn Penney said the dirt had been leveled in a way that suggested it might remain.
Commissioner Beene raised park items including the rubber mat around the Merry‑Go‑Round (he was told a new mat had been ordered) and asked when Scramble Alley would be removed. Public Works Director Grant said staff had not had time to address removal; City Manager Johnson noted that a water park would be costly (he cited an approximate $750,000 price and said East Ridge paid about $600,000 and Dunlap about $850,000) and that the city needs a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to pursue LPRF grants.
City Manager Johnson updated the board on the Montlake Road and Thrasher Pike signalization project, saying Notices to Proceed have been received but that the city must follow Tennessee Department of Transportation procedures; a pre‑bid conference will occur 21 days after notice and the city is about 60 days from soliciting bids, with visible progress possibly 1½ years away. Public Works Director Grant also confirmed that the recently installed sign at the north ballfield was built by staff and that the Durham Street/Dayton Pike sign is within the City’s height standard (under 35 feet). He warned that mowing season will occupy several staff members.
Commissioner Everett also relayed constituent concerns about local street paving and explained that planned utility work (Northwest Utility) will delay repaving until the utility work is complete; he asked whether patching could be used in the interim without creating more damage. The board did not take formal action on these operational items but directed staff to follow up.
