Dispelling rumors and misinformation were prime concerns during the East Ridge City Council meeting Thursday night.

Chief among questionable claims concerned the future of McBrien Elementary School if it closes and that two men attempting to open a Christian-oriented club have a history of police complaints.

“False, absolutely untrue,” is how East Ridge Safety Director Eddie Phillips responded to when told of a rumor being circulated in the city that the school will be closed and converted into a jail or prison.

Chuck Mehan, a member of Pioneers for Progress Community Development and active in the Reenergize East Ridge campaign, said such rumors seem outlandish but require a response.

“Probably half-a-dozen business people e-mailed me asking about it,” he said. “People that have not attended the education meetings have no idea about the situation.”

The Hamilton County School System is committed to building a replacement for East Ridge Elementary School, located on John Ross Road near the intersection of Ringgold Road and Belvoir Avenue. The possibility has been raised that a supersize elementary would be built to accommodate those now enrolled at East Ridge and McBrien elementaries.

The PTAs of both schools oppose consolidation and public meetings are scheduled May 19 at East Ridge and May 20 at McBrien to discuss the issue.

“I’ll be at both,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams, who was recently hired to serve as East Ridge city manager.

If the school system decides to close McBrien Elementary, the building and property revert to the city, Mr. Mehan said.

“The city needs to respond to this rumor,” he said. “If only for the fact that a lie, in 24 hours, becomes the truth.”

Commissioners also decided to postpone action on an ordinance that would allow the former billiard hall to operate as a concert hall, not because of rumors but because they wanted some restrictions added to the proposed law.

“We need something in place so that if there are problems, we have a means to address them,” Vice Mayor Jerry Petty said.

Matthew Holland and Casey Whitaker intend to operate a “Christian-oriented teen club” at 5716 Ringgold Road in Spring Creek Plaza.

“We see this as a meeting area for churches to reach kids and kids to reach churches,” Mr. Holland said.

Claims that the club’s organizers have had problems with local authorities have been found baseless, Chief Philllips said.

“There have been false alarm calls to the police and fraudulent fliers have been distributed,” he said. “We haven’t seen evidence of any of the things someone has alleged.”