The Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday approved a contract with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for a $882,740 Homeland Security grant that will fund equipment, training and supplies for first responders.
In other action:
n Commissioners approved a $313,400 purchase of a new ambulance and a remounted ambulance from Custom Truck and Body Works. In the meeting agenda notes, the county reports it received two bids for the trucks, but one did not meet the specifications.
n Commissioners approved paying AT&T and Chattanooga Gas Co. for relocation and reconnection of telecommunications and gas lines at Enterprise South industrial park. The AT&T line interferes with a new bridge pier at the park and needed to be moved, and the company has agreed to relocate it for $22,149. The gas line is in the path of railroad construction at the industrial park, and relocating it will cost $338,000.
RIVERPARK RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD
The Tennessee Riverpark received a national award for planning and design at the American Trails Symposium, according to a news release from Mayor Claude Ramsey’s office. More than 600 people attended the Tuesday awards banquet.
Ramsey accepted the award and said via news release, “This award reinforces Hamilton County’s commitment to be America’s best community to live, work and play. The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department has long understood the importance of long-range planning to create a healthy recreational environment. Our Riverwalk, the Enterprise South Nature Park, Chester Frost Park and our various recreation facilities throughout Hamilton County are a testament to our continuing efforts to showcase the beauty of our natural environment. I thank American Trails for this honor on behalf of all our Hamilton County employees who work every day to make us a better community.”
GLASSCOCK BLASTS INCUMBENTS
Former Red Bank Mayor Joe Glasscock lost his re-election bid by 10 votes, but he never demanded a recount.
Was it his faith in poll workers to get the count right? His belief that ballot-reading machines are flawless?
No on both counts.
“Given the fact that both incumbents [Vice Mayor Greg Jones and Commissioner Floy Pierce] were re-elected, I’m happy I wasn’t,” he said. “That’s why I didn’t push.”
Both aggressive advocates for those in the Red Bank Police Department who wanted ex-chief Larry Sneed disciplined or fired, Jones and Pierce clashed with Glasscock, a political veteran who considers Sneed a friend. The tension fueled a rowdy campaign season.
“I don’t view things the way Joe does,” Pierce said. “I worked with him as much as he allowed me to. I tried very hard.”
John Roberts took Glasscock’s spot as a commissioner.
“I’m sad that Joe feels that way, but I think it’s time for new leadership and a new start in Red Bank, and I’m thrilled with the way things turned out,” Jones said.
uhmmm … unanimous?
Councilman Jack Benson repeatedly asked Department of Public Works officials during the City Council’s Public Works Committee meeting two weeks ago if an improvement project at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club was the highest priority.
“If this is your highest priority, I think everyone on this council would vote for this,” Benson said, pointing toward City Engineer Bill Payne.
Benson hesitated for a second, then looked at Councilwoman Deborah Scott.
“Well … maybe not everyone,” he said.
Scott and Councilman Russell Gilbert voted against funding improvements at the country club.
Reece fined for helping voters
Georgia state Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo, agreed to pay a fine from the State Elections Board after a complaint was filed against her in the 2006 election.
The Chattooga County legislator agreed to a $2,500 fine and public reprimand for assisting five disabled Chattooga County voters with their absentee ballots. State law allows assistance for physically disabled or illiterate voters, but Reece failed to sign the required affidavit.
Reece waived her right to a hearing and told the Rome News-Tribune she had made mistakes, and the hearing would have been a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Mullis on Deal transition team
Georgia Gov.-elect Nathan Deal appointed state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, to serve on his transition team as Deal takes over the state’s top post. The 26-member panel will advise Deal on policy and budget matters and assist the governor in hiring the members of his staff.
Deal called Mullis a “trusted adviser” and “dear friend.”
Mullis said he is proud to be one of two legislators on the panel.
Staff writers Dan Whisenhunt, Chris Carroll, Andy Johns and Cliff Hightower contributed to this report.
Dan Whisenhunt can be reached at 423-757-6481 or dwhisenhunt@timesfreepress.com. Chris Carroll can be reached at 423-757-6610 or ccarroll@timesfreepress.com. Andy Johns can be reached at 423-757-6324 or ajohns@timesfreepress.com. Cliff Hightower can be reached at 423-757-6480 or chightower@timesfreepress.com.