Ringgold City Councilman Randall FranksRINGGOLD, Ga. - The tornado that tore through Ringgold more than nine months ago made its presence felt again Monday night, as City Council voted to postpone improvements at a popular city recreational complex because of flooding caused by creeks clogged by storm-felled trees.
The Ringgold City Council wants to make upgrades at the Ringgold Recreational Complex on Emberson Street, such as building a gazebo.
"We just have a lot of hopes to make some improvements," said Councilman Randall Franks.
But an expert mapped the risk of flooding from Chickamauga Creek, and the map showed the most intense flood flow, called a flood way, runs right through the spot where the gazebo was planned.
"There's no way we can put it as it's planned," said Mayor Joe Barger.
Barger, who's served for about 40 years as a Ringgold elected official, said that tornado-felled trees that clog creeks are contributing to the flooding.
"If we can get these [creeks] cleaned more, there's a good chance we can have the flooding down in this area," Barger said, making a motion "to delay this until at least we can get some of the creeks cleared."
The council voted unanimously to postpone the improvements.
Contact staff writer Tim Omarzu at tomarzu@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6651.