After months of searching, the East Ridge Fire Department may have a new home for Fire Hall No. 2, and it’s within walking distance from the old hall.

During its regularly scheduled meeting, the City Council approved the purchase of two parcels at 1408 and 1410 St. Thomas Avenue, about a block from the old fire hall.

The city had to relocate the fire hall to make room for development of the Bass Pro Shops on Camp Jordan Parkway. Officials had looked at numerous sites over the past six months, including at least two parcels on Ringgold Road, records show.

The property, with a price of $145,000, is being purchased from Nathaniel Robinette and Synergy Properties, officials said. The sale could be finalized within 30 days, pending environmental reports.

The council also instructed city staff to prepare a proposed ordinance to limit the number of “payday lenders” in the city. This follows the actions of Chattanooga’s adoption of an ordinance regulating “clusters” of these types of businesses.

East Ridge officials said any proposed ordinance that the city prepares would not apply to the existing “payday” lenders in the city, it would only pertain to ones in the future. The discussion centered around distances between, lot line to lot line or actual feet. This will be brought back at the next meeting, officials said. It is unclear how many “payday lenders” currently operate in East Ridge.

Council also approved a Community Service program driven by the Court. Judge Cris Helton described how it works from the court side – those given community service will have five days to report to the city employee administering the program and to serve their community service.

The council will hold a special called meeting on March 19 to consider updating the city’s sign ordinance.