Volunteers sign up for city cleanup; Keep Soddy‑Daisy Beautiful wins approval for Oct. 15 5K; RPA urges land‑use plan update

During citizen participation on April 21, Jim Stewart of Keep Soddy‑Daisy Beautiful told the board that more than 400 volunteers have signed up to pick up litter; he invited commissioners to Daisy Elementary on April 22 and asked the board to approve a 5K road race scheduled for Oct. 15 at North Park. Commissioner Coleman asked whether a rain date had been set; Stewart said not at this time. The commission gave consensus approval for the Oct. 15 date.

Stewart said he and Cind Sanden planned to pursue two grant opportunities and asked the city’s permission to apply; Mayor Nunley said he would write an approval letter if needed. The minutes note that further information on grants would be supplied at the second meeting in May.

Pam Glaser of the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) announced the RTP 2050 Regional Transportation Plan meetings running April 26–May 5, and specifically an April 27 session at the DRC Building in Chattanooga; she said some virtual meetings will also be offered. Glaser said Soddy‑Daisy’s current land‑use plan has expired and that RPA funds could be used to complete an update; she described a timeline that includes requests for proposals in May and potential contracts in August if the city chooses to participate. City Manager Johnson said he would attend the regional meeting.

Separately, Commissioner Coleman reported that Public Works has begun work on tennis courts at Veterans Park and that Steve Grant thanked William Hedgecoth for paving the courts. City Manager Johnson noted rock had been placed on the new Depot Street parking lot. Commissioner Everett acknowledged the Soddy‑Daisy softball tournament and Kelsey Nunley’s appreciation for city assistance.

The board did not take formal votes on the planning update or grants at this meeting; the items were advanced by consensus or noted for follow‑up.