City of Red Bank Mayor Stefanie Dalton

Earth Day: "Our Power, Our Planet".

Happy Earth Month, neighbors! I’ve been writing about Earth Day for the past couple of years, spending a lot of time talking about reducing waste, composting, recycling, donating, thrifting, cleaning up our community, and more. I’d like to shift focus a little bit this year and talk about the 2025 Earth Day theme of “Our Power, Our Planet,” with an invitation to everyone “to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.” These are lofty goals, to be sure, but if we all do a little bit, it can add up to a lot.

First, let’s talk about some of the ways the City of Red Bank has been working toward these goals. Over the past few years, our Public Works Department has been shifting to LED lighting throughout the city in our parks, facilities, and streetlights we own. We are at around 75% LED lighting throughout the city, with plans to transition the remaining 25% to LED lighting in the next fiscal year (except for the athletic fields, which will have to be part of the Capital Improvement Plan). Not only are these better for the environment because they produce less heat, they’re also more energy efficient and they save taxpayer dollars because they don’t have to be replaced as often as traditional fluorescent bulbs. The City also uses solar powered crosswalk and other safety lighting to help pedestrians transit around the city safely without increasing the demand on our power grid. Another effort the City has made is by transitioning to modern, energy efficient appliances with new HVAC systems, as well as tinted windows at City Hall to reduce heat infiltration which causes higher usage of AC units.

The City has also installed grant-funded EV charging stations at the Red Bank City Park and at the Red Bank Police Department. Shout-out to Dr. Pingen Chen of Tennessee Tech and project manager for Rural Reimagined, a federal grant initiative aimed at establishing EV charging infrastructure in the Appalachian region, for connecting us to this program and getting us these EV charging stations! And in case you missed it, our City Commission recently voted unanimously to purchase two Ford Lightning Pro XL 100% electric vehicle trucks for our Public Works Department. These vehicles will create less pollution when out working on Red Bank roads and will not require costly gasoline to operate, so a win-win all around!

One of the other ways in which the City is really working to reduce our carbon footprint is by prioritizing planning around alternative modes of transportation. The City has been awarded a CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality) improvement grant from TDOT for our “Bicycle Boulevard” project, which will create a dedicated bike/pedestrian path that runs parallel to Dayton Blvd on some secondary roads. The City is also working on plans to expand our sidewalk network, particularly in north Red Bank. When we create options for travel within our city that reduce car dependency, we create an environment that is healthier, less polluted, and more resilient. And in the City’s ongoing effort toward going paperless, we have transitioned to digitized records, an online agenda system for staff and Commissioners, and a revamped website that offers a digital portal for a variety of citizen needs. Decreasing our dependence on paper products saves trees and reduces our supply costs!

Lastly, let’s talk about a few things we can do as individuals to reduce our impact on this earth and protect it for future generations. If you haven’t already, please consider transitioning to LEDs in your home, as well as other energy efficient improvements. You may even qualify for EPB’s Home Uplift Program, which provides up to $10,000.00 in free home energy upgrades to income-qualified customers! And as of right now, USA.gov also has government home repair assistance programs for eligible individuals so check out their website for more information. If you’re able, try reducing your vehicle usage throughout the week. Instead, use a bike, carpool, or ride the bus (which means you won’t have to fight for parking)! And please consider planting native trees, plants, and pollinator gardens to help improve biodiversity, to help reduce the heat island effect, to support pollinators, and to help mitigate stormwater runoff and improve water quality. The Tennessee Environmental Council has a great native tree planting program every year, in addition to helpful information on their website on composting, keeping our streams clean, and more!

Finally, don’t forget to join us at our annual Earth Day citywide cleanup on April 26th from 10am-12:30pm! Cleaning up our city makes it look nice, but it also prevents waste from ending up in our green spaces and in our waterways. And while we are only a city of 12,000+ neighbors, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” [Margaret Mead]. I love changing the world with all of you wonderful neighbors!

-Mayor Stefanie Dalton

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Ribbon Cutting: New Community Center Playground Bathroom Facility

On March 18, 2025, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to honor the opening of the new bathroom facility at the Community Center. In attendance were Red Bank Mayor Stefanie Dalton, Vice-Mayor Hollie Berry, Commissioner Jamie Fairbanks-Harvey, along with City Manager Martin Granum, Public Works Director Greg Tate, and Facilities Manager Justin Headrick. Also present at the ceremony was Kevin Lloyd of Bolt Builders Inc. who was the general contractor over this project.

In 2021 The Red Bank City Commission approved the construction of a new playground at the Red Bank Community Center. By 2023, it became apparent that public restroom facilities were needed in the playground space.

By 2024 City staff has designed and commissioned a universal restroom facility adjacent to the new playground.

The City of Red Bank would like to thank the Red Bank/Soddy Daisy Charitable Foundation for their contribution of $24,000 in 2021 to help build the playground, as well as a 2024 donation of $45,000 to install new drinking fountains and bottle fillers in public park spaces, which include this facility.

This facility was built with future development of the area in mind and supports family recreation, age-appropriate participation on the playground, use of green-space, and the potential for public art in the form of murals on the exterior walls.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Red Bank Police Urge Residents: Lock Up, Stay Alert, Prevent Theft.

Red Bank Police Department strongly urges residents to follow these steps to keep your belongings safe and reduce the chance of becoming a victim of theft.

ALWAYS lock your doors and take your keys with you, even if you are making a quick trip.
Remove all valuables and don’t leave anything visible in the car that thieves might want to steal.
NEVER leave your car running unattended.
Park in well-lit areas.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

NHTSA Reminds Drivers:

Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.

Red Bank, Tennessee- As part of its efforts to prevent distracted driving and enhance road safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds drivers to prioritize safe road practices and avoid distractions while driving with this clear message: Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.

Distracted driving, which involves cellphone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of driving, is risky driving behavior that endangers everyone on the road, from the distracted driver and other drivers to passengers, pedestrians, and pedal cyclists. According to NHTSA, 15,960 people died and around 1.8 million people were injured in distraction-affected crashes over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022. In 2022 alone, there were 3,308 people killed in traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, 8% of all traffic fatalities that year. An estimated additional 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022.

Though life-threatening, distracted driving can be prevented. Drivers can prioritize safe driving by keeping their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their focus on driving, and by following these steps fer a safe drive:

• If a text message is expected or needs to be sent and can't wait, the driver should pull over and park their car in a safe location before using the phone.

• Ask a passenger to be the "designated texter," and give them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

• Listen to your passengers: If they see you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down.

• Cell phone use is habit-forming. If struggling to not text and drive, drivers can activate their phone's "Do Not Disturb" feature, silence notifications, or put their phone in the trunk, glove box. or back seat of the vehicle until they arrive at their destination.

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous. Break the cycle. Remember: Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward. Help save fives and be an example to others by committing to that message. For

more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaignldistracted-driving.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Register Here!

Celebrating Earth Day:

Join The City of Red Bank, Green Steps and (be)caffeinated as we cleanup various parts of the city for Earth Day on April 26th!

Schedule: 10am- Meet at (be)caffeinated, located at 3601 Dayton Boulevard to get supplies & refreshments. We will disperse in groups to various parts of the city. Please select the location you would like to be assigned to for litter pickup in this signup.

*Please note that the number of volunteers needed at each site are estimates, and that kid-friendly areas are also available. You are welcome to work in areas not listed.

12:30pm- Come back to (be)caffeinated to return supplies and enjoy more refreshments.

We will provide plenty of garbage bags, and limited trash grabbers, reusable gloves, & safety vests- please bring your own if you have these items. We recommend close-toed shoes, long pants, weather appropriate clothing, thermos for coffee, and a refillable water bottle. If you have empty, used bags, such as pet food, cat litter, feed bags, potting soil, etc., please bring them to put trash in.

We look forward to working with you all!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Red Bank Fire Department: Spring Cleaning.

Spring Is Here – Time to Tidy Up the Yard!

As the days get longer and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s clear—spring has arrived! That means it’s time to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and, like most homeowners, tackle some much-needed yard work.

Before you fire up the old lawn mower, don’t forget the essentials: sharpen the blades, check the oil, and clear your yard of any fallen branches or debris left behind by winter storms. But once you’ve gathered all those sticks into a pile, the big question is—what do you do with them?

Curbside Brush Pickup

Good news! The City of Red Bank offers curbside brush pickup, making it easy to dispose of your yard debris. Here’s what you need to do:

✔ Place brush neatly by the curb.

✔ Visit the City of Red Bank website.

✔ Navigate to the Citizen Portal → Work Order Requests and follow the instructions.

Burning Brush

If you prefer to burn your brush instead, be aware that you must obtain a burn permit from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau.

Cost: $60.00 (seasonal permit)

Purchase Here: https://apcb.org/

Burning Season: October 1 – April 30

When Is a Burn Permit NOT Required?

A burn permit is not required for recreational fires, such as:

Cooking fires or campfires using charcoal, propane, natural gas, or seasoned firewood.
Fires that are no larger than 3 feet wide by 2 feet high (3’x2’).
Fires that are fully extinguished once your activity is finished.

Conditions for Burning (With a Permit)

If you have a permit, here are the key rules to follow:

Burn only vegetation and untreated wood.
Always check the daily burn status online or by calling after 8:30 a.m. (www.apcb.org).
Notify your local fire department before burning.
Piles must be no larger than 8’ x 8’ x 8’, and material must not exceed 12 inches in diameter.
Fires must be attended at all times, and your permit must be available for inspection.
Burning prohibited items (plastics, household garbage, treated wood, tires, etc.) is strictly forbidden.
Fires must be fully extinguished by the permitted time—no smoldering allowed.

Warning: Failure to comply could result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day.

For more details, check out this burning safety guide.

We hope this information helps make your spring yard cleanup a breeze! Stay safe and enjoy the season.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

City of Red Bank Participates in Alpine Crest's 2nd Annual Career Fair.

On Friday, March 14, 2025, The City of Red Bank participated in the Second Annual Alpine Crest Elementary Career Fair. Participating in the event from the City of Red Bank’s Public Works Department were James Allen-Solid Waste Supervisor, Kate Hackney-Executive Office Manager, Jon Broyles-Solid Waste Driver, Brian Fisher-Storm Water Heavy Equipment Operator, and Caleb Reed-Street Division Laborer I.

Joining Public Works were members of the Red Bank Fire Department-Deputy Chief Eddie Isles as well as members of the Red Bank Police Department which included Executive Office Manager Valarie Cowell, Police Detective Derrick McCoy, Patrol Officer Tracey Montgomery, and Records Coordinator Kristen Andrews

Red Bank staff enjoyed a pleasant morning answering questions from elementary age students about their work and duties with the City of Red Bank. In addition, Alpine Crest staff provided donuts and coffee for all participants as well as the Taste of China food truck for lunch. The City of Red Bank is a huge supporter of local schools and looks forward to supporting such events.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Ready to Roll! Red Bank's Traffic Garden is Nearly Complete!

REGISTER HERE!

Exciting News! The Traffic Garden is Almost Ready! 

A HUGE shoutout to White Oak Bicycle Co-op for making this happen! The Traffic Garden is nearly complete—just waiting on barriers and signage to help everyone navigate and stay safe.  

Mark your calendars!
Ribbon Cutting: April 9th at 5:45 PM 
Location: 4839 Dayton Blvd. Next to B&B Discount.
Bike Rodeo: April 9th at 6:00 PM (Free! But registration is required!)  

At the Bike Rodeo, kids 14 & under can:  
Learn to properly fit a helmet  
Do an **ABC Quick Check** on their bike  
Play fun games to boost bike-handling skills  
Learn the **rules of the road** in a safe, controlled space  

 Important details:  
 Helmets are required (WOBC will provide them if needed!)  
Limited bicycles available—first come, first served!  

Have questions? Reach out to Jgrabe@redbanktn.gov 
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Thank You to Our Platinum, Gold, and Silver Sponsors for Making the 2025 Jubilee Possible.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Investing in Our Community: An Update on Public Works Capital Projects

The City of Red Bank has been experiencing a transformation over the last ten years. Much attention has recently been paid to endeavors to develop an updated Comprehensive Plan, a Small Area Study for the Former Red Bank Middle School site, a Parks Needs Assessment, Transportation Alternatives, along with many less noticeable efforts. As with any aspect of life, change is often difficult and lengthy. Our community continues to grow and advance, and with that growth comes the need for strategic investments in public infrastructure. Public Works Capital Projects are essential for maintaining and improving our roads, utilities, parks, and public facilities. These projects ensure that residents enjoy safe, efficient, and sustainable services for years to come.

With these thoughts in mind, I would like to share a list of projects and planning efforts currently underway in the City of Red Bank that will have a profound impact on the daily lives of residents and visitors alike:

TDOT Cap Project Planning Effort Updates

Future Developments:

We are in the planning stages for several upcoming projects, including additional roadway expansions, stormwater management initiatives, and the integration of smart technologies in our infrastructure. These initiatives are designed to meet the needs of our growing population while prioritizing environmental sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

City Funded/Grant Funded Projects/Planning Efforts & updates

Community Involvement:

We encourage residents and community members to stay informed and get involved. Updates are provided to the City Commission throughout the year during commission work sessions and regular commission meetings. These meetings take place on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our community’s infrastructure. If you are unable to attend these meetings in person you can find them on our website www.redbanktn.gov to stay informed of what is happening in our community. Commission work sessions and regular meetings are broadcast over the City of Red Bank YouTube channel for the public to view. That link is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYka0R8HcctOOdE0iuueHoQ and select the LIVE option near the top of the page. Other public meetings and public forums may be held, as needed and from time to time, to gather input and provide updates on project progress. These meetings will be announced ahead of time at commission meetings and through our social media efforts.

Conclusion:

Investing in Public Works Capital Projects is an investment in our community’s future. We appreciate your patience and support as we work to enhance the infrastructure that serves us all. Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for being part of our growing, thriving community!

Greg Tate

Public Works Director

www.redbanktn.gov

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Decoration Day: Honoring Red Bank Cemetery

This is a day for families to gather to eat, remember, honor the memories of their ancestors, while also doing regular maintenance to head stones and surrounding areas. We encourage residents and families to come out and enjoy this day.

The Red Bank HS JROTC will do the presentation of colors and the National Anthem accompanied by the RBHS Band.

Carnations will be available to lay on each gravestone.

* April 26, 2025. 10AM- 1PM

*4005 Oakland Terrace, Red Bank 37415

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Join our Red Bank Police Officers at Food City (3901 Dayton Blvd) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00am-2:00pm for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Feel free to bring your unused or expired medications. Take back events aim to provide a safe, convenient, and ecologically responsible method of prescription medication disposal while also focusing on prevention and education.
The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
* Saturday, April 26, 2025
* 10am-2pm
* 3901 Dayton Blvd. (Food City)

*No liquids or syringes.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Food Truck Friday is Back!!!

Join us April 11th and April 25th for live music, delicious food, and fun!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Spring Family Series: Stories, Puppets, and Music

This much-anticipated, FREE family event combines live music, narration of a children's book, puppetry, and a FREE book for every family in attendance! Plus, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will be on-site to help families register for this amazing program.

We’re bringing this experience to three different locations around Chattanooga:

Friday, April 4 – Glenwood Community Center, 4:30 PM
Saturday, April 5 – Chattanooga Library (Downtown), 3:00 PM
Sunday, April 6 – Red Bank Community Center, 3:00 PM

Free tickets: https://chattanoogasymphony.org/events/elmer-the-patchwork-elephant-2025-04-06-300-pm/seats/

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Red Bank Non-Profit Highlight.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Mission

Saving animals. Helping people.

The Vision

Create a culture of compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals throughout our communities.

Services

Adopt a Pet
Lost and Found Pets
Rehome a Pet
Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
Spay and Neuter
Community Cat Program
Animal Protection
City Licenses
Pets for Life Chattanooga
End of Life Care
Pet Food Pantry
Wildlife Resources

Get Involved

Volunteer
Foster
Rescue Partners
Special Events

The MAC Gala is McKamey’s largest and one of the best fundraisers in town! This black-tie event raises critically needed funding to support the life-saving work of MAC. The event includes: