Chairman Henderson opened the meeting, with Councilwoman Noel leading the pledge and invocation. A public hearing on a budget amendment was held, with no speakers.
Ordinances on Final Reading:
Ordinance 7A - Electrical Code Amendment:
Amends Chattanooga City Code, Chapter 14, relating to the electrical code (from February 25 first reading).
Passed with a voice vote (no opposition).
Ordinances on First Reading:
Planning Items:
8A: Rezones part of 6044 Highway 153 from C-C to RN-16 (Case 2025-0033). Motion to approve by Councilman Ledford.
8B: Rezones part of 1100 Lupton Drive from RN-3/C-MU-1 to RN-16 (Case 2025-0022). Approved with one opposition speaker questioning the shift from commercial to residential; applicant clarified it was an owner’s choice for estate lots.
8C: Rezones 3854 Bonnie Oaks Drive from R-1 to TRN-3 (Case 2024-0193). Deferred to April 15, 2025, by Councilman Hester after developer-community talks.
8D: Rezones 425 West 35th Street from IH (formerly M-1) to TRN-3 (Case 2024-0207). Approved despite opposition’s call for more research; applicant absent, but Councilwoman Dotley noted community support.
8E: Rezones 1907 Stuart Street from RN-15/IH to TRN-3 (Case 2025-0017). Deferred to March 18 by Councilwoman Noel.
8F: Rezones 2800 Curtis Street from RN-15 to RN-13 (Case 2025-0020). Deferred to March 18 by Councilwoman Noel due to no developer contact.
8G: Rezones 2401 East Main Street from C-C to C-TMU (Case 2025-0026). Deferred to March 18 by Councilwoman Noel due to no developer contact.
8H: Amends zoning ordinance to add “multi-unit developments” to multi-unit dwelling definitions. Approved after Planning Committee discussion.
All passed or deferred with voice votes (no opposition to motions).
Resolutions:
9A: Allocates $32,670 from ARP funds to Kingdom Partners for youth mission trips. Approved.
9B: Allocates $10,000 from ARP funds to Chattanooga Chamber Foundation (amended from Community Foundation) for HBCU tour. Approved as amended.
9C & 9D (Package):
9C: Declares surplus of Firemen’s Fountain property, conveying it to Hamilton County with reversion clause. Approved.
9D: Amends agreement with Miracle League of Chattanooga for clarified responsibilities. Approved.
9E: Authorizes sale of 182.5 acres in Enterprise South to Neovax Enterprise South LLC, with PILOT agreement. Approved after debate on transparency and federal funding concerns.
9F & 9G (Package):
9F: Confirms Mayor Kelly’s reappointment of John Tucker to Air Pollution Control Board (Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 19, 2028). Approved.
9G: Awards ARP funds ($125,000 to One United Way for 211 services; $50,000 to Building Trades for career center). Approved.
9H: Approves PUD special exceptions permit for 6044 Highway 153 (Case 2025-0033). Approved.
9J: Approves new liquor store permit at 7354 East Brainerd Road. Approved (Chairman Henderson voted no).
All passed with voice votes unless noted.
Purchases:
Approved:
Technology Services: $1,250 increase for reporting seats, new total $19,037.50.
Fleet: $361,236 for two Autocar ACX 64 chassis (Sourcewell contract).
Street Maintenance: 2.9% increase for Big Woody Tree Service, new total $625,000.
Fire: $174,775 for Black Fly Area Monitors (HGAC contract).
Fire: $745 increase for fencing parts, new total $50,900.
Sole Source Reported:
Community Health: $46,246 for radio ads (gun violence/diversity).
Fire: $12,595 for forcible entry door simulator.
Stormwater: $43,575 for mini culvert cleaner trailer.
Passed with voice votes (no opposition).
Other Business:
City Attorney secured seven signatures for Certificate of Compliance for K&C Corp (7354 East Brainerd Road liquor store), confirming code compliance after extended distance verification.
Future Considerations:
None explicitly noted beyond deferred items.
Committee Reports:
Planning and Zoning (Councilman Ledford):
Met March 11 (delayed from March 4 due to election break). Covered first-reading items and Chapter 38 amendment for “multi-unit developments.” Explained Horizontal Property Regime (HPR) as an ownership model influencing zoning needs.
Metrics: 95.9% customer satisfaction (goal 90%); 97% early literacy program satisfaction (goal 95%); 125 subscribers to new literacy newsletter; 168% ROI (conservative estimate), projected 250% by year-end.
Focus Areas:
Family Passes: 13 partners, growing cultural access.
Parking: 40 free spots with EPB at downtown library.
Start Smart: No fines on youth materials; free cards for ages 0-5.
Outreach: Hired coordinator (Catherine); events up 33%, doubled district outreach goal; piloting mobile library.
New Offerings: Adventure Library (camping gear); Discovery Collection (adult literacy); toy library; tutor hours.
Facilities: Eastgate/Northgate libraries past lifespan; $50,000 study for Northgate replacement; East Brainerd (37421) high usage, needs library.
Partnerships: Culture on Four with Ishmael Reed (March 15); 423 Chainbreakers late-night events reduced youth violence; Read and Ride with CARTA (16,000 rides in 8 months).
Council Discussion:
Councilwoman Hill: Praised belonging, asked for adult literacy data, noted 423 Chainbreakers success for Community Development learning.
Councilman Ledford: Thanked for East Brainerd focus, CARTA collaboration.
Councilwoman Coonrod: Excited for bookmobile return, literacy focus.
Councilwoman Dotley: Appreciated past advocacy yielding results.
No other committee reports.
Public Input:
Andrew Jones (Hixson): New resident, raised concerns about Chattanooga’s World Economic Forum “Pioneer City” status, data privacy with smart cameras, and supported Chris Long’s mayoral campaign. Plans to attend every Tuesday.
Conclusion
Approved zoning changes, ARP fund allocations, and a major industrial sale to Neovax with transparency noted. Deferred several planning items for further review. Library report highlighted strong ROI and community-focused innovations, earning council praise.
