Conduct policy set for youth sports
RED BAY — City leaders have adopted new behavior standards for youth sports, approving a policy that outlines how coaches, parents and spectators are expected to act at games.
The policy, previously reviewed during a work session, sets expectations for conduct at youth sporting events and establishes a process for handling inappropriate behavior.
Minor offenses will draw a verbal warning, while serious violations can lead to immediate removal from facilities. Enforcement will come through referees and city staff rather than volunteer board members with police available if needed.
Parks and Recreation Director Dean Hubbard said the goal is to prevent disputes and provide consistency when problems arise.
Signs outlining the rules will be posted in gyms, and at least one parent or guardian will acknowledge the policy during future online registrations.
Hubbard said his personnel also reviewed school system guidelines to ensure consistency since many city games are played in school facilities.
In other business: Police Chief Janna Jackson reported she met with representatives from AMIC, who recommended installing fire detectors in the city jail.
Jackson said she spoke with Fire Chief Bud Strickland about the suggestion and wanted to confirm the council’s approval before moving forward. The council agreed to proceed with the recommendation to improve safety in the facility.
Parks and Recreation Director Hubbard reported registration for the upcoming youth basketball season has been completed with about 100 players signed up across all age groups. He said the number of teams fluctuates from year to year. Volleyball teams, he added, are preparing for their tournament next week in Belmont, and participation and skill levels have continued to improve.
The council discussed a proposal from Ten Acre Field Church of God, as well as the posting of a vacancy on the senior citizens board following the term of Evelyn Davis.
The position is a sixyear staggered term with a new expiration date of Oct. 1, 2031.
The position of Roman Lynch on the city’s youth basketball board remains posted. That role carries a three-year term with a new expiration date of March 31, 2026.
Councilmember Brad Bolton asked the city tp advertise upcoming vacancies on social media with applications due before the council’s first meeting in November.
The council reappointed Allen Bostick to the Joint Venture Board. Officials noted that only two members from Red Bay serve on the board.
The council also accepted the resignation of street department employee Justin Comby, whose last day was scheduled for Oct. 17.
Councilmembers also discussed the city’s vape tax revenue. The city earmarked those funds for the Red Bay Police Department. Jackson said the money will help meet department needs.
The meeting concluded with several council members and department heads offering remarks to Mayor Charlene Fancher, whose term is ending after nine years.
Those present thanked Fancher for her service and leadership, recalling projects completed during her tenure and expressing appreciation for her dedication to the city.
Fancher reflected on her time in office, noting she has served the city for 26 years in multiple capacities, including nine as mayor.
She said being the first woman to hold the position was an honor and a challenge. She thanked city employees and councilmembers for their teamwork and commitment to progress.
“I’ve said it so many times, and I’ll say it one last time,” she told those in attendance. “A mayor is only as good as her team. Success was achieved through hard work, teamwork, commitment and respect from a wonderful group of city employees.”
Fancher said she looks forward to spending more time with her family and thanked the community for its support.
Mayor-elect Mike Shewbart will take office Nov. 3.
An inauguration ceremony for the incoming mayor and council will take place that evening at 6 p.m. at Red Bay City Hall, followed by the organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
