Founders Fest date finalized

By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
Following the recommendation of Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Stockton, the Red Bay City Council has set the date for this year's Founders Fest for Sept. 16.
"Plans are underway for this year's festival," said Stockton, adding that holding Founders Fest the third weekend in September would prevent the festival from conflicting with other regional events taking place around that time. Stockton addressed the council's regular scheduled meeting on Monday night.
Last year's Founders Fest was held in October.
In a related move, council members voted no on the question of whether festival vendors should collect sales tax on their wares.
Founders Fest is an annual celebration of Red Bay's founding in 1907. The event is centered around old-fashioned, family activities, including rides and games for children. Festival highlights include a car show, food vendors, arts and crafts, and live music.
Tammy Jeffreys asked the council to consider amending the city's non-smoking ordinance. Jeffreys pointed out the health benefits of banning smoking in retail stores, restaurants, and healthcare and childcare facilities, noting that some local businesses were already smoke-free.
Red Bay's current non-smoking ordinance, which was adopted last year, bans smoking in municipal buildings and vehicles only.
The council heard a request from Red Bay Fire Chief Bud Strickland for members to look into the possibility of a reserve unit for the fire department made up of high-school age youths who wish to participate. He noted this would be a training unit, and would not put participants in any danger. Strickland also reported that the city's fire engines had been serviced and were in satisfactory condition.
Red Bay Housing Authority Executive Director Johnnie Weatherford presented a plan to the council that would allow for the construction of a new storm shelter for Housing Authority residents. The plan called for the city to pay the Housing Authority for the land on which the shelter is to be built by continuing to give Housing Authority youth free passes to the the city's water park. The trade-off was approved by the council.
In other news, the council: