Ringgold council approves tornado memorial, appoints new vice mayor

“I would like to nominate Randall,” Black said in a work session prior the regularly scheduled meeting. “He’s very capable and willing, and I think he’d be a great choice.” That thought was also shared by council member Terry Crawford, who has served as the vice mayor for the past two-plus years. “I agree that Randall would make us a good one,” Crawford said. The council unanimously agreed to the nomination, and therefore Franks will serve as vice mayor until January 2014. “I’m very appreciative of the nomination, and am very thankful,” Franks said. In addition to his new post, Franks also approached the council about erecting a memorial within the city to commemorate the April 27 tornado that devastated the city. “I believe that a memorial recognizing that day, what the city endured, and those who lost their lives would be great for the city,” Franks said. “We could perhaps have a historical plaque or narrative tablet similar to those that we already have in town. I also think it is important that he have the names of those who lost their lives on the plaque. In essence, it may give the city a little bit of closure and act as a nice historical piece so people could read and learn about what we went through.” The memorial, which was approved unanimously, will be introduced with a special dedication ceremony to take place on Friday, April 27, on the one-year anniversary of the tornado. The following items on the Jan. 9 meeting agenda were approved unanimously: · The final reading of city ordinance 2012-0109, C-3 downtown building material. · The purchase of a “Gator” tractor from Homestead Lawn & Tractor Co. in Cleveland, Tenn., at the cost of $8,702. · An 18-inch architectural alteration to the floor plans of the second floor renovation of city hall. · An advertisement commitment to Trains magazine promoting the 150th anniversary celebration of the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. · The application for a GMA safety grant. · The new figures for the debris removal cost in the wake of the April 27 tornado. The city will only have to pay $220,924 of the initial $5.6 million cost. · Changes to the city’s dig policy. · The cancellation of the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 23. The next regularly scheduled Ringgold City Council meeting will take place at city hall at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, with a work session to be held beforehand at 6 p.m. Read more: CatWalkChatt