DAYTON, Tenn. – A long-discussed welding school for Rhea County appears to be in reach, Dayton Mayor Bob Vincent said.
At this week’s meeting of the Dayton City Council, Vincent said he and representatives of Chattanooga State Community College, the Southeast Tennessee Development District, Rhea County and Suburban Manufacturing met recently to discuss the project, which several months ago appeared to be stalled because of lack of a suitable building.
“The only thing left (to arrange) is a lease, but it looks like it can happen very quickly,” the mayor said, but he did not specify the building being considered.
He said that, once approved, the welding program would be administered by Chattanooga State, and the classes would be open to anyone in the region, not just Rhea County residents.
At the meeting, the council also set a public hearing on Jan. 3, 2011, to receive comments on a proposed ordinance concerning sales of liquor as a result of a referendum in November.
City Attorney Susan Arnold said the ordinance, as well as proposed changes to other city ordinances related to sale of beer and collection of fees, would have to be changed to conform to state regulations because of the voters’ decision to allow liquor sales in the city.
Arnold said that, as a result of the changes, the hours for sale of beer would be extended and some sales on Sundays — now prohibited — would be permitted.
Tom Davis is based in Dayton. Contact him at tsdavis@volstate.net