Soddy‑Daisy approves safety equipment and fleet purchases, accepts Homeland Security grant

The Soddy‑Daisy Board of Commissioners on July 18 unanimously approved a package of equipment and vehicle purchases aimed at public safety and fleet renewal.

City Manager Burt Johnson asked the commission to approve payment to Vigilant Solutions for installation of license‑plate reader cameras. Johnson said the city received a Homeland Security grant for $43,059.54 and that the invoice before the board is $27,493.20 to have the LPR units installed at several intersections. Mayor Everett said the cameras “have been a good tool for police departments in apprehending those with warrants” and “can assist law enforcement with finding children that are abducted as well as missing persons.” The motion to pay the Vigilant invoice passed unanimously (motion by Commissioner Keith; second Commissioner Shipley).

The board approved a purchase order to Chrysler Dodge for three Dodge Durango SUVs at State Contract pricing totaling $125,082.00; Johnson said the vehicles were budgeted and that State Contract pricing obviates a separate local bid. Vice‑Mayor Coleman asked whether lighting packages were included; Johnson said they were not. That motion passed unanimously (motion by Vice‑Mayor Coleman; second Commissioner Penney).

Commissioners also approved placing eleven decommissioned city vehicles on the Compass auction website for surplus sale, after City Manager Johnson said some units were high‑mileage or not running (motion by Commissioner Shipley; second Vice‑Mayor Coleman).

The board authorized purchase of solar school‑zone lights for Sequoyah Road at a cost of $10,768.00 to be paid from speed‑zone camera ticket receipts (motion by Commissioner Keith; second Vice‑Mayor Coleman). Johnson said the current lights are older and need replacement.

Fire Chief Dusty Morgan requested and received approval to buy a Pierce Custom Enforcer pumper for $1,032,687.00. City Manager Johnson said the new pumper will match two engines ordered in July 2022 and that build time is typically about 36 months, with expected delivery in January 2025. Vice‑Mayor Coleman noted the price represents an increase of roughly $300,000 since July 2022 and that the quoted price expires at midnight the following day. The pumper purchase was approved unanimously (motion by Vice‑Mayor Coleman; second Commissioner Shipley).

Chief Morgan also requested three portable radios from Motorola Solutions at a budgeted cost of $28,409.01; the commission approved that purchase (motion by Commissioner Keith; second Commissioner Penney).