The East Ridge City Council amended the city’s beer ordinance Thursday night during its last regularly scheduled meeting of 2015.
On second reading, the council adopted a change that would strike a provision that residences could not be within 250 feet of where beer is sold. In recent months several businesses along the commercial corridor had to appear before council requesting variances to sell beer because under the current ordinance houses behind the businesses were within the 250-foot limit.
A representative of Friends of East Ridge Animal Services appeared before the council with a petition signed by 1,200 people requesting the city upgrade its facilities to care for homeless animals. The group believes the current building, which is behind Parkridge East and prone to flooding issues, is inadequate for the no-kill shelter.
The council once-again tabled the effort to make potentially sweeping changes to its sign ordinance. Last month the council had a workshop in which it discussed proposed changes to the ordinance which some people, including Mayor Brent Lambert, have characterized as unfriendly toward businesses.
The board discussed going forward to advertise for the position of City Manager. Andrew Hyatt resigned as City Manager at the end of June. The position has been filled on an interim basis by Fire Chief Mike Williams.
Aside from the qualifications for the position as outlined by the City Charter _ a college degree and three years of supervisory experience in a government job _ the board would like to hire a person with a background in economic development, city planning and finance. The position will be advertised through the end of January 2016.
Winners of the annual Christmas Parade, where the ERHS football team served as Grand Marshals, were announced at the meeting. First place in the non-education category went to Camping World of Chattanooga RV. Chattanooga Lacrosse Team took second, and Fellowship Baptist Church won third place. In the Education category, Cub Scout Pack 3062 won first place and a $300 prize. Belvoir Christian Academy was runner-up and received $200. Cub Scout Pack 3007 took third with its $100 prize.
