The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Councilman Hester, focusing on unity for Chattanooga under Mayor Kelly's vision. There were no special presentations. The minutes were approved without objection, and the council proceeded to review the agenda, highlighting ordinances under final reading and first reading, including a notable update on a billboard ordinance by Chris Anderson. He proposed amendments to adjust minimum distances in specific zones to protect areas like Brainerd Road and Hixson Pike from limiting commercial development. This amendment requires resetting the first reading to the following week.

Under resolutions, the council considered various items from different offices, including human resources and the mayor's office, with a focus on partnerships, economic development, and community health initiatives. Purchases and future considerations were discussed, with attention to aligning the CARTA budget with community needs and strategic imperatives for improving Chattanooga's mobility ecosystem.

Charles Frazier, CARTA's new CEO, presented a vision for a comprehensive mobility plan, emphasizing the need for innovative tools, diversified vehicle fleets, and integrating services to support economic development and a thriving community. He outlined strategic imperatives for CARTA, including establishing a reputation as a trusted service organization, demonstrating value as a community partner, outlining robust funding strategies, and right-sizing the budget to prioritize quality service while preparing for growth.

The meeting closed with discussions on the importance of innovation, partnerships, and a focus on making public transportation more accessible and efficient for Chattanooga's residents, particularly addressing the challenges faced by women and single parents in accessing the job market.

The council then went into a recess for an attorney-client meeting expected to last about 20 minutes.

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