Red Bank commission meeting 01/19

[Deleted]

One of the Greater Metropolitan Red Bank commissioners contacted me to be sure to come to the meeting on Tuesday the 19th at 7 p.m. saying that it should be interesting.



Warkitty, are you available to give the opening prayer?

[ScarlettP]

Oh! Maybe I'll come talk about Crazy Beer Lady.

[Deleted]

With apologies to all humanity, I offer the following report.

The commission meeting was looooo(insert a lot more “o”s)ooong – so long we even had a brief intermission to satisfy biological needs.

The meeting included the PUBLIC HEARING mentioned at the previous meeting to discuss Red Bank’s improvement projects to be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As expected, some people were for it, and some were agin it. A representative from CTi Engineering gave a PowerPoint presentation to illuminate details and locations. To add sidewalks to some areas, parts of some roads including some of Dayton Boulevard will be narrowed. Lyndon Avenue(s) will be changed to one-way streets. The commissioners prefer to call them parkways, and the residents prefer to call them alleys. The residents expressed concerns their property values will go down. Someone noted that several houses in the area are already being improved with such things as siding. The mayor had an interesting comment about that. Although it wasn’t stated in the meeting, my conversation with one involved party during the intermission revealed that a similar project in Alpharetta, GA, had the same citizen concerns expressed at the meeting but that after the project was completed, Alpharetta residents were very happy with the results, saying that the parkways had become part of their daily routine leading to a much more neighborly feeling in the area.

There was mention that Five Guys Burgers and Fries might be interested in setting up shop in Red Bank. I’d love it. Their burgers are great.

I heard something about a driver testing station to be set up above fire hall #2. I’d like to know more about that.

A couple of resolutions were passed to purchase two new semi-automated garbage trucks and to fund said purchase using the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund that offered an interest rate significantly less than local banks.

The commissioners passed a resolution concerning the nasty voting structure of WWTA concerns. It read, “A resolution of the board of commissioners of the city of Red Bank, Tennessee requesting the Hamilton County State Legislation delegates work to revise T.C.A article 68-221-601 et seq. to provide that each governmental entity shall be represented by only one (1) member and that such member shall have a vote equal to the number of WWTA customers in the area represented by such member.

Commissar Commissioner Jeno reported that with her involvement in a neighborhood organization of some type (I apologize for not getting the name right), she has heard from “young professionals” moving into Red Bank because of their delight with our police and fire departments and the city services offered. Do I take that to mean Red Bank is going to become Yuppified like North Chattanooga? Dunno.

The last (finally!) agenda item was discussion of traffic camera contracts. Like one of the commissioners, I didn’t realize the cameras were indeed being used to issue speeding citations (not tickets) as well as right-turn-on-red violations. Live and learn. The way I understand it, the Great State of Tennessee is considering putting a moratorium on new installations of traffic cameras AND ON CONTRACT RENEWALS for existing cameras – EXCEPT SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE IN THE “S” CURVES ON HIXSON PIKE. Czar Dorsey (city mgr) wants to send a letter to the state people saying, in effect, that such a moratorium will adversely affect Red Bank’s safety program. It was moved and seconded to let Dorsey send the letter, but a roll call vote showed four ayes and one nay, the dissenter being upset with the beating that Red Bank takes over traffic cameras in local press and radio. Needless to say, this agenda item took a lot of time and had a lot of discussion. The mayor pointed out the cameras’ fairness in that they busted everyone equally – without preference to political position or employment entities (meaning the cameras busted cops too). Mayorola pointed out that he as well as a judge and some cops have gotten tickets. I wanted SO much to jump up and wave my hand around to holler, “I haven’t gotten a ticket!” Should I feel left out? Nah.

We can’t close the commission meetings without “Citizen Comments”, always the chance for people to prove, uh, to prove, well, you’ve gotta be there. The evening’s discussions started with a peeing match about paint smells. The city’s legal beagle pointed out that the argument would be better presented in a civil case in chancery court in Chattanooga than in Red Bank’s city council given that the business is within compliance of regulations.

Some guy spoke about his liking speed and having been associated with SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and such. His Mayorness finally asked, “Is there a point to this?”, and I do surely agree with that question. In fairness, the citizen dude did point out a Red Bank irritation I can identify with, that being the lack of a right-turn-only lane on northbound Dayton Boulevard at Ashland Terrace. I doubt the city can do anything about that since the First Self-righteous Baptist Church, or whatever it’s called, owns the property where the turn lane should have been placed.

Another citizen (who I can never hear) approached the commissioners about better road markings on Crestview and Bitsy Lane (I think) as well as something about a dip in a road causing motorists to drive poorly to avoid said dip.

There were a couple of others too, but I fell asleep. The adjournment gavel woke me up, so I came straight home (not even checking Crazy Beer Lady’s stash!) and caught hell for staying out so late.

[gridbug]

EXCEPT SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE IN THE “S” CURVES ON HIXSON PIKE

Aw man, those cameras infringe on my right to speed in the S curves. Get rid of them too.

[LimitedRecourse]

"I heard something about a driver testing station to be set up above fire hall #2."

Soooo, the firemen are willing to give up their pool table, poker corner and girlie pics?

[sewmaster]

Thanks Yoda, since you were at the meeting, I have to ask about Commissioner Jeno's comments concerning the traffic cameras? Talk radio and Roy Exum have blasted her big time. Do you think she deserves the negative criticism?

[Deleted]

> Do you think she deserves the negative criticism?

No, a thousand times no.

Exum, et al, can take a flying leap.

How can they argue with a 19% reduction in crashes attributable to the traffic cameras? Just think of the savings in money, hospital visits, and time spent trying to deal with insurance companies and bent vehicles.

It's as though Exumites are in favor of breaking the law and driving dangerously, and we've had way too much of that going on. I am outraged that people like Exum insist like on trying or wanting to do the wrong thing. It is not their right to put me in danger when I tool down the road.

[Scarlet&Gray]

How can they argue with a 19% reduction in crashes

With that kind of data. Why the hell aren't you at the meeting demanding them at all redlights and stop sign's. We need more big brother not less. It's for our own good.

[Warkitty]

That would be fine with me. I'd be for it if proceeds went to widening some of the roads or putting in more sidewalks for pedestrians.

[Deleted]

I'd prefer that people drive in such a manner that they would not incur the need for Big Brother. Bad drivers are bringing this crap on themselves.

[Scarlet&Gray]

Bad drivers are bringing this crap on themselves.

They just drive bad at those intersections?

[ScarlettP]

We don't really need a Right Turn only lane from Dayton Blvd onto Ashland. All we really need is a green Right Turn ARROW while all the people from Ashland are turning Left onto Dayton Blvd. That way, those of us who actually STOP before turning right (and avoid said violations) don't have to worry about impatient Jackasses darting out of the Walgreens when they finally get a turn - whether there is any one turning Right -AFTER their required stop- moving into the intersection.

I would be all for a Protected Green arrow and a NO TURN ON RED sign.

[ScarlettP]

(BTW - Thank you Yoda! I almost fell asleep reading the 'minutes'. Can't imagine sitting on those hard chairs through the full meeting.)

[Deleted]

> Can't imagine sitting on those hard chairs through the full meeting.

Ah, it's not quite so bad when one has sufficient, uh, pneumatic cushioning. Oh, and there are new chairs, but admittedly, Stulce's chair does look more comfortable. Maybe I'll try it next time. Wouldn't that be great? His mayorness could sit right next to me!

I damaged my already questionable credibility with a misstatement in the meeting notes above. The vote was not to allow Dorsey to send his letter to the state. The vote was to extend the camera contract "for 12 years, with 3 year termination periods built in". I stand corrected.

I hope to learn more about the driver testing station at fire hall #2 but have been given the impression it's a long story (much like the long meeting) in the works for a couple years.

I feel the urge to buy a photographic timer like this one - - -



so we could set it for three minutes at the beginning of each citizen's comments in hopes it would encourage people to be prepared and succinct.

Right. [Snort.]

[Deleted]

Here's the text of Dorsey's letter to the state as he read it at the commission meeting.

"January 19, 2009
While I respect our State Representatives, I do not agree with the way that the House of Representatives Transportation Committee is moving forward on its proposed moratorium on renewed traffic camera contracts. My disagreement comes with respect to their proposed moratorium of all new and renewed contracts through July 1, 2012.

Their proposed legislation would alter the way Red Bank currently conducts its Public Safety Programs and initiatives. Our contract expires in January 2011 and we would have to make fundamental changes to our Public Safety policies and procedures in order to accommodate more traffic enforcement along our major arteries.

The call volume in Red Bank has been increasing over the past several years and fewer officers in the residential and business areas could have an impact on police services provided.

If the legislature wants a moratorium on new camera contracts, that’s fine. However, the City of Red Bank has had a traffic camera enforcement program since January 2006, and the abandonment of that program for a minimum of 18 months while the legislature undertakes a study of the program is not a viable alternative for Red Bank, as I stated above.

I demonstrated at our last meeting just how much revenue Red Bank received last year, which was not much. Red Bank netted just over $32,000 last year out of a $5,000,000 budget. Our court fines went down over $83,000 due to our automated enforcement methods, whereby fewer drivers had to come to court for an appearance, which also resulted in less fines and court costs.

Also, Red Bank had a 19% reduction in accidents since the inception of this program and the amount of officer time needed to work these has been greatly reduced.

A fundamental change in traffic enforcement policies will put an undue burden on this city and my job is to administer this city and do what I think is in the best interest of all of its citizens.

If the time comes that the legislature decides to make fundamental changes to the traffic camera programs across the entire state, then we will consider our options at that time. Until then, I believe that local governments should be able to utilize existing police methods which are still available to other police departments across this great state.

Christopher J. Dorsey
City Manager"

[Police Moderator]

so we could set it for three minutes at the beginning of each citizen's comments in hopes it would encourage people to be prepared and succinct.

It be so much more of a valuable tool if we hooked a Taser up to the speakers (And the Commissioners) that fires if they are still talking after 3 minutes. And then Scarlett would only have to stay awake for the entire 33 minute Commission meeting

[joedog]

Jan 21, 2010 17:48:57 GMT -5 @yodanbr2 said:

Here's the text of Dorsey's letter to the state as he read it at the commission meeting.

"January 19, 2009
While I respect our State Representatives, I do not agree with the way that the House of Representatives Transportation Committee is moving forward on its proposed moratorium on renewed traffic camera contracts. My disagreement comes with respect to their proposed moratorium of all new and renewed contracts through July 1, 2012.

Their proposed legislation would alter the way Red Bank currently conducts its Public Safety Programs and initiatives. Our contract expires in January 2011 and we would have to make fundamental changes to our Public Safety policies and procedures in order to accommodate more traffic enforcement along our major arteries.

The call volume in Red Bank has been increasing over the past several years and fewer officers in the residential and business areas could have an impact on police services provided.

If the legislature wants a moratorium on new camera contracts, that’s fine. However, the City of Red Bank has had a traffic camera enforcement program since January 2006, and the abandonment of that program for a minimum of 18 months while the legislature undertakes a study of the program is not a viable alternative for Red Bank, as I stated above.

I demonstrated at our last meeting just how much revenue Red Bank received last year, which was not much. Red Bank netted just over $32,000 last year out of a $5,000,000 budget. Our court fines went down over $83,000 due to our automated enforcement methods, whereby fewer drivers had to come to court for an appearance, which also resulted in less fines and court costs.

Also, Red Bank had a 19% reduction in accidents since the inception of this program and the amount of officer time needed to work these has been greatly reduced.

A fundamental change in traffic enforcement policies will put an undue burden on this city and my job is to administer this city and do what I think is in the best interest of all of its citizens.

If the time comes that the legislature decides to make fundamental changes to the traffic camera programs across the entire state, then we will consider our options at that time. Until then, I believe that local governments should be able to utilize existing police methods which are still available to other police departments across this great state.

Christopher J. Dorsey
City Manager"

Since RB said screw you and got a 12 year deal with the rapists I mean camera company anyways. The state should ban ALL use of them effective immediately until they conduct the study and let RB deal with the breach of contract problem.

[ScarlettP]

LOL Actually, I remember the good old days when the meetings were MUCH shorter. I even went to one where they pledged the flag and all that good stuff. Thanked the Boy Scouts for doing it. Called the roll. Announced that there was no Old business. No New business. No Citizens wanted to complain about anything. We all went home in less than 15 minutes.

When the meeting started dragging out to an hour and a half or more, I quit going.