Meeting called to order at 4:59 by Chairwoman Hill. Councilman Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance (5:05). Pastor Marcelus Barnes of Gracepoint Church gave the invocation, praying for wisdom and unity (5:39). Minutes approved unanimously (8:50).
Councilman Burrs announced the passing of two city employees: Chris Johnson (Public Works, 1 year) and Richard West (Parks and Recreation, 26 years, active in youth/community). Requested and observed a moment of silence (7:34–8:39).
Special Presentations:
None.
Ordinances on Final Reading:
7A: None specified in transcript (9:03 mentions one ordinance, but details not provided).
Ordinances on First Reading:
8A (Economic Development):
Amends City Code, Chapter 11, Section 11-456, defining “qualified small business.” Motion to approve (1:05:18), seconded, passed unanimously (1:05:24).
8B (Fire):
Amends City Code, Chapter 16, adding Sections 16-30 to 16-34, relating to Chattanooga Fire Department’s emergency powers. Motion to approve (1:05:47), seconded, passed unanimously (1:06:00).
8C (Transportation):
Closes/abandons unopened right-of-way in 700 block of Willing Avenue (MR-2025-000001, alternate version 2), subject to conditions (conservation easement for tree canopy preservation). Motion to approve (1:06:22), seconded, passed unanimously (1:07:20).
8D (Planning):
Rezones 7210 Noah Reed Road from RN-16/C-NT to RN-13, subject to conditions (max 18 units, rear parking, 10-ft landscape buffer, sidewalks, lighting to avoid glare). Motion to amend by adding lighting condition (1:08:56), seconded, amendment passed unanimously (1:09:24). Motion to approve as amended (1:09:33), seconded, passed unanimously (1:11:11).
8E (Planning):
Rezones 5281 Usher Drive from RN-15 to RN-2. Motion to approve (1:12:16), seconded, passed unanimously (1:12:22).
Resolutions:
9A-B (Economic Development, Grouped):
9A: Authorizes donation agreement with Habitat for Humanity for three properties (2211, 2117, 2113 Davenport Street, Tax Maps 136E-G-020, 025, 027) for affordable housing, including quitclaim conveyance.
9B: Authorizes Mayor’s designee to award CDBG-DR funds: $511,000 to Habitat for Humanity for affordable homeownership homes, $70,000 to Chattanooga Community Housing Development Organization for roof replacements (low/moderate-income households), and $140,031 for grant administration.
Motion to approve (1:14:21), seconded, passed unanimously (1:14:32).
9C-D (Public Works, Grouped):
9C: Authorizes commemorative street signs on West 38th Street (Central Avenue to Alton Park Boulevard) as “Mrs. Irma R. Choice Commemorative Street.”
9D: Authorizes 4-year on-call blanket contract (E-25-000-2301) for geo-environmental consulting, materials testing, and environmental services with five firms (ECS Southeast LLC, HDR Engineering Inc., LaBella Associates PC, S&ME Inc., Terracon Consultants Inc.), $2,250,000 annually.
Motion to approve (1:16:02), seconded, passed unanimously (1:16:09).
9E-G (Police, Grouped):
9E: Appoints Jacob Russ as special commission police officer (armed) for McKamey Animal Services (animal protection officer duties).
9F: Appoints Justin Beckwith as special commission police officer (unarmed) for McKamey Animal Services (animal protection officer duties).
9G: Appoints Brooklyn Blonsky as special commission police officer (unarmed) for McKamey Animal Services (animal protection officer duties).
Motion to approve (1:17:23), seconded, passed unanimously (1:17:37).
Purchases:
Rescind Approval:
Finance: Rescinds final renewal (approved April 8, 2025) for debt collection services to Nationwide Recovery Services. Motion to rescind (1:18:21), seconded, passed unanimously (1:18:41).
No New Purchases:
Noted as a rare occurrence (1:17:55).
Committee Reports:
Affordable Housing (Dotley): Scheduled meeting next week to review 5-year consolidated plan and CDBG funds (1:19:15).
Parks and Public Works (Davis): Canceled next week’s meeting; future meetings on an as-needed basis (1:19:41).
Economic Development (Elliot): No report (1:19:10).
Planning (Burrs): No report (1:19:26).
Public Safety (Henderson): No report (1:19:32).
Fire (Harvey): No report (1:20:07).
Transportation (Clark): No report (1:20:13).
Vice Chair (Noel): No report (1:20:13).
Other Business:
Agenda Discussion:
Reviewed April 29 agenda: transportation (speed limits on Cherokee Boulevard), planning ordinances, and resolutions (economic development, mayor’s office, public works, transportation). Clarified transit signal prioritization and right-of-way acquisition services ($437,000 change order for engineering analysis, no purchase) (14:49–16:51).
Future considerations: Dotley requested affordable housing committee meeting for economic development items (A, B) on April 29 (17:13). Clark inquired about 5-year housing/community investment plan (190 pages); Richard Behm to provide link and discuss at next week’s committee meeting (25:00–27:45).
Recognition of Henderson:
Vice Chair Noel thanked former Chair Henderson for leading during the election year, calling him a “ram in the thicket” and mentor for managing council duties effectively (22:14–24:15).
Public Input:
Josh Brandom (Greater Chattanooga Realtors): Shared March 2024 market data: median sales price $324,000 (-0.3% from 2024), closed sales down 30%, new inventory up 11%. Thanked council for attending fair housing event and congratulated Ms. Haymon on THDA Director’s Award (1:21:39).
Constituent Issue (Clark): Represented Ms. Thompson’s concern (unspecified), offered to discuss with staff post-meeting as she declined to speak (1:23:24).
