Council aims to make city bike-, animal-friendly

photo Clockwise from back left are Jessie Thornton's United Karate Studio owner Jessie Thornton, General Wymbs, Charles Warthen, Paul Croft and Charles Adams. The men wait to see if the Henley property is discussed during a recent Ringgold Council meeting. They are concerned about the possibility of another apartment complex being built in their neighborhood near Ringgold High School. The Council said the apartment plans were withdrawn in the Planning Commission, but may come up again.

Ringgold officials hope to see more bicycles in use within the city. The City Council plans to follow Councilman Earl Henderson's request and make the city more bicycle-friendly.

"We have a bike rack at Little General Children's Park," said Henderson. "I would like to put one at the Depot, at Ringgold City Hall and at Ringgold Pool. If the city does this then we can become more bike-friendly and encourage businesses to put in bike racks."

He said he would like to see the city install two to three more bike racks.

"Let's say three bike racks," said Vice Mayor Randall Franks, agreeing with Henderson. "We know one should be near the business district. Let's let [City Manager] Dan Wright decide. We will do three, the third will be decided by Dan."

The Council unanimously agreed with Franks and Henderson and approved the three bike racks.

In other business

• Ringgold City Council officially approved to amend its animal ordinance to bring it up to the state level.

"Before, a certain breed of dog could be classified as dangerous. Now we can't say one breed of dog is dangerous," explained Councilman Terry Crawford.

Mayor Joe Barger added that the ordinance continues to protect dogs from being tied up without water or shade.

• Councilman Nick Millwood would like to host a community event complete with inflatables and sprinklers at Lone Mountain retirement community.

"I was hoping to have an event there by the end of August," said Millwood, who often takes his 2-year-old daughter on visits to the community with him, adding that the event would hopefully encourage other parents to bring their toddlers to visit with the elderly citizens. "It's an opportunity for people to fellowship and have a good time."

Henderson questioned why the event should just be for ages 3 and under, as Millwood had proposed. Millwood explained that young children interact best with the elderly. Ultimately, the Council approved his request to host an event at Lone Mountain.

Upcoming Events