Meeting called to order at 6:21 PM by Chairman Henderson. Cell phones silenced. New council members welcomed. Councilman Harvey led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave an invocation citing Matthew 6:33, praying for divine guidance (6:37 PM). Minutes approved without objection (15:17 PM).
Special Presentations:
Mayor Tim Kelly: Presented a proclamation for Arts Week (April 21-26, 2025), highlighting the arts’ $200,000,000 economic impact, 3,000+ jobs, and role in tourism, creativity, and community vibrancy. Urged participation in events across all nine districts (8:01 PM).
James McKisick (Arts Build President): Thanked the council and mayor for supporting Arts Week, emphasizing the nonprofit arts sector’s role in quality of life, jobs, and innovation. Noted the city’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy and the threat of national arts funding cuts, underscoring local investment’s importance. Invited council to Arts Week events (10:59 PM).
Ordinances on Final Reading:
7A-C (Planning, Grouped):
7A: Rezones 1000 West 19th Street from IH to CCX-12 (Case 2025-000044).
7B: Approves zoning map corrections (three properties, but amended to strike Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home at 6623 Lee Highway, INST to RN-3, deferred four weeks to May 13, 2025, at applicant’s request).
7C: Amends Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 14137) to correct references, clarify wording, allow dwellings in CMU-1/CMU-2 zones, and refine conditional use language.
Motion to approve 7A and 7C (1:42:46), seconded, passed unanimously. Motion to approve 7B (1:44:16), amended to strike section three (1:46:35), passed unanimously (1:47:13).
Ordinances on First Reading:
8A (Economic Development):
Amends City Code Chapter 11, Section 11-456, defining “qualified small business.” Motion to approve (1:47:53), seconded, passed unanimously (1:48:11).
8B (Transportation):
Closes unopened right-of-way in 700 block of Woodland Avenue (MR-2025-00001). Motion to defer to April 22 (1:49:04), seconded, passed unanimously (1:49:16).
8C (Planning):
Rezones 4281 Webb Road from RN-16 to RN-15 (Case 2025-000043). Motion to defer to April 29 (1:50:03), seconded, passed unanimously (1:50:10).
8D (Planning):
Rezones 3854 Bonnie Oaks Drive from R-1 to TRN-3 (Case 2024-0193). Motion to table (1:50:48), seconded, passed unanimously (1:51:06).
8E (Planning):
Rezones 4326/4314/4320 Bonnie Oaks Drive from RN-16 to CN (Case 2025-000037). Motion to defer to April 29 (1:51:32), seconded, passed unanimously (1:51:38).
8F (Planning):
Rezones 1500 East 14th Street from RN-15 to TRN-3. Motion to defer to April 29 (1:52:05), seconded, passed unanimously (1:52:22).
Resolutions:
9A-D (Grouped):
9A (Economic Development): Authorizes premises use agreement with Lookout Valley Recreational Association for athletic fields/buildings at 370 Warren Place (Feb 1, 2025–June 30, 2029, $1 annual fee).
9B (Mayor’s Office): Confirms Mayor Kelly’s appointment of Cassie Courtney to Historic Zoning Commission (April 16, 2025–April 15, 2030).
9C (Public Works): Amends Resolution 31738, specifying Change Order #2 with Alfred Benes and Co. for Shallowford Road widening (Airport Road to Jersey Pike, T-15-024-101), increasing by $472,520 to $1,797,746.
9D (Police): Authorizes police chief to sign vouchers/requisitions for Chattanooga Police Department.
Motion to approve (1:54:01), seconded, passed unanimously (1:54:12).
Purchases:
Approved:
Technology Services: Fingerprint capture system for police ($81,733, sole source, Foster and Freeman).
Fleet: Ford F-550 for fire department ($83,450, Ford of Dalton, best bid).
Public Works: 4-year renewal with Tennessee Valley Ice, 12% increase, $61,000 annually.
Public Works: 4-year blanket contract for electrical services (traffic operations), $675,000 annually, NAVCO Electric Co.
Wastewater: Increase by $250,000 for equipment replacement, $385,000 total.
Fire: 3-year renewal with Citizens Martin, 13% increase plus $170,000 for boots, $260,000 annually.
Public Works: 3-year renewal with Vulcan, 3% increase, $83,000 annually.
Motion to approve (1:57:07), seconded, passed unanimously (1:57:13).
RFP:
Stormwater: Easement acquisition/site assessment for stream restoration. Motion to approve (1:57:30), seconded, passed unanimously (1:57:36).
Sole Source Reported:
Technology Services: Magnetic Gray Keystone license.
Fleet: Three Luba Python AutoCAR ACX-64 lube kits.
Fleet: Portable retrieve offshoot trailer.
Committee Reports:
Parks and Public Works (Henderson):
Recognized Women in Public Works Committee (organized October 2024, 75 members, led by Kim Strong). Promotes inclusivity in a male-dominated field, featured in state magazines, served as inauguration volunteers. Covered agenda items for this week and next (1:58:29).
Chair: Councilwoman Jenny Hill nominated (1:37:55), seconded, elected unanimously (1:38:37). Hill pledged productivity and fun; Noel expressed enthusiasm for teamwork (1:39:14).
Parks and Public Works Committee:
Chaired by Henderson (no chair assigned). Introduced Women in Public Works Committee (35:00). Jeremy Wood highlighted its 75 members (admin assistants to directors), inclusivity goals, and statewide model status. Mandy Green spoke at their March 12, 2025, meeting (50 attendees).
Recess: 20-minute attorney-client session (34:07). Reconvened at 5:00 PM (1:36:15).
Future Considerations:
Budget (Elliot): Requested timeline for budget discussions, emphasizing new council members’ understanding of departmental priorities, funds (general, wastewater, sewer), and district representation. Deputy Chief of Staff Kevin Roy outlined meetings with the budget chair post-officer elections, followed by one-on-one council sessions and public education sessions (target dates to be shared, June deadline) (29:28).
Bonds (Elliot): Inquired about item B (bond issuance), bond rating, and debt obligation. Deputy CFO Weston Porter confirmed AAA rating (Moody’s), ongoing debt limit analysis with PFM, and bonds within capacity. Projects being finalized, details to follow (31:37).
April 22 agenda includes first readings from this week as final readings, plus fire emergency powers ordinance (20:49).
Public Input:
Monty Bell: Homeless journalist, raised concerns about a March 11, 2025, document prohibiting his compensation for alleged fraud in the 11th Judicial District Court. Questioned open records requests and former Chair Henderson’s legal authority. Presented February 25, 2025, photos alleging a crime (2:00:09).
Boston Tennessee: Complained about an unlicensed transportation company using his EIN, causing financial losses ($150,000-$200,000). Noted a lawsuit filed in circuit court, potentially escalating to federal court, urging the city to stop the operator. Elliot confirmed ongoing investigation with attorney’s office and police (2:03:36).
Freddy Brooks: Retired firefighter, thanked council for supporting the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters’ youth retreats (ages 11-16). Four retreats held, including March 2025 at Construction Career Center. Requested help identifying youth for July 6-12, 2025, retreat at Buggery Washington State Park, emphasizing leadership and mentorship (2:06:18).
