Chairman Henderson opened the meeting. Councilwoman Coonrod led the pledge and invocation, praying for wisdom, justice, and strength for Councilman Hester amid challenges. No special presentations were scheduled.
Ordinances on Final Reading:
Ordinances 7A-D (Grouped):
7A: Rezones part of 6044 Highway 153 from C-C to RN-16.
7B: Rezones parts of 1100 Lupton Drive from RN-3/C-MU-1 to RN-16.
7C: Rezones 425 West 35th Street from M-1 to TRN-3.
7D: Amends zoning ordinance to add “multi-unit developments” to multi-unit dwelling definitions.
Motion to approve by Councilman Ledford, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
Ordinances on First Reading:
Finance:
8A: Amends FY 2024-2025 budget, appropriating $67,546.48 (2019/2023 taxes) and $203,461.12 (2021/2022 delinquent taxes) from Humane Educational Society, totaling $271,200 after payment. Passed with roll call vote (9-0).
Parks and Public Works (Transportation):
8B: Closes unopened right-of-way at 700 block of Woodland Avenue. Deferred to April 1 by Vice Chair Hill for conservation easement consideration.
8C: Closes unopened right-of-way at 2600 block of William Street, subject to conditions (utility easements). Deferred to April 1 by Councilwoman Dotley.
8D: Closes unopened right-of-way at 5500 block of Florida Avenue, subject to conditions. Deferred to April 1 by Councilwoman Dotley.
Planning:
8E: Rezones 1907 Stuart Street from RN-15/IH to TRN-3 (Case 2025-000017). Approved by Councilwoman Noel after applicant discussion (previously deferred).
8F: Rezones 2800 Curtis Street from RN-15 to RN-13 (Case 2025-000020). Approved by Councilwoman Noel with applicant present, no opposition.
8G: Rezones 2401 East Main Street from C-C to C-TMU (Case 2025-000026). Approved by Councilwoman Noel, no applicant or opposition present.
Resolutions:
9A-C (Package):
9A: Authorizes MOU with Chattanooga 2.0, Housing Authority, Homeless Coalition, and Schools for in-school homelessness initiative ($75,000, FY26 budget).
9B: Authorizes Equity and Community Engagement to apply for AARP grant ($25,000) for digital literacy for older adults.
9C: Confirms Mayor’s reappointment of Trevor Axley to Beer Board (Jan 31, 2025 - Jan 29, 2027).
Approved with voice vote (no opposition).
9D-G (Package, Public Works/Parks/Transportation):
9D: Authorizes Public Works to enter preliminary engineering agreement with Norfolk Southern for South Broad ballpark crossings ($67,583, up to $500,000 from Sports Authority funds).
9E: Appoints Samuel Manning as armed special police officer for Public Works (code enforcement).
9F: Appoints Timothy Gooden as unarmed special police officer for Public Works (code enforcement).
9G: Authorizes amendment with Kimley Horn for transit signal prioritization on Brainerd Road/Lee Highway ($437,000).
Approved with voice vote (no opposition).
Purchases:
Approved:
Parks & Recreation: 2-year renewal with City Green, 2% increase, $154,000 annual spend.
Parks & Outdoors: 2-year renewal with Excellent Lawn Care, 10% increase, $247,500 annual spend.
Fleet: $50,000 spending limit increase with Trucks and Trailers, new total $240,000 annually.
Fleet: One-time purchase of two Autocar cabin chassis, $1,401,316.
No renewals, RFPs, emergencies, or sole sources reported.
Passed with voice vote (no opposition). Councilman Ledford noted price increases (e.g., 19% for K Cabota) are moderating compared to prior years (25-35%).
Other Business:
Discussed next week’s resolution (9B) to award outgoing council members city-issued devices. City Attorney Noblett addressed ethics (no special favors) and data retention (Google Vault for public records, personal data removal). Council debated continuity benefits vs. access logistics.
Future Considerations:
Next week’s agenda includes device resolution and ordinances moving to final reading. Deferred items (8B-D) due April 1.
Committee Reports:
Parks and Public Works (Councilman Hester):
Met March 18. Reviewed deferred abandonments (8B-D) for residential expansion, with wording adjusted for existing vegetation (Councilwoman Dotley). Discussed resolutions (9D-G). No Parks & Outdoors presentation occurred (expected activity guide absent). National Park City peer review completed, with positive feedback anticipated.
Other Reports:
Councilwoman Coonrod: Celebrated community programs (Bronze Excellence, family support).
Councilman Ledford: Noted final Planning and Zoning meeting April 1.
Councilwoman Noel: No report.
Councilwoman Dotley: No report.
Councilman Smith: No report.
Councilwoman Berz: No report.
Vice Chair Hill: No report.
Public Input:
Mr. Bell: Attempted to speak first but was barred (30-day suspension per City Attorney letter). Refused to sit, requested discussion with attorney, and was escorted out by police after agreeing to step outside with Mr. Freeman.
Josh Brandham (Greater Chattanooga Realtors): Shared February housing data: 49 days on market (stabilizing), median sales price $330,000 (10% increase), rising inventory. Praised CE Homes’ work and recognized a young attendee, Mr. Jackson.
Andrew Jones (Hixson): Corrected prior week’s focus to globalism and World Economic Forum’s “smart city” agenda. Urged transparency, opposed data collection, citing Fourth Amendment. Vice Chair Hill clarified public comment isn’t dialogue, encouraged district engagement.
