October 24, 2023

CSAS Histroic Landmark, Police Advisory Review Committee Changes, and More

OCTOBER 17 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Strategic Planning Session recording can be found here.

• The council heard a presentation about the proposed designation of Wyatt Hall (CSAS) as a Local Historic Landmark. Cornerstones, the local historic preservation nonprofit, has requested the designation, with support for over 7,000 alumni of CSAS. Hamilton County Department of Education, the owner of the building, has not been responsive to requests to discuss the designation. The Historic Zoning Commission has recommended that the city council adopt the designation. City council has the authority to adopt the designation without consent from the property owner, but several council members expressed concerns about doing so.
• The council discussed the proposed changes to bring the Police Advisory Review Committee (PARC) ordinance into compliance with state law. New state law limits PARC to 7 members, to be appointed by the mayor, as opposed to the previous city ordinance, which allowed each city council member to appoint a representative, for a total of 9 members. The council also discussed the possibility of fighting the states preemption of PARC policy.
• Councilwoman Noel suggested the council explore the possibility of hiring a chief of staff to help with research, questions, and organization.

The Agenda Session recording can be found here.

• The council discussed upcoming zoning cases.
• The council discussed an upcoming grant application for smart corridors in Chattanooga. City COO Ryan Ewalt explained that the goal is to connect emergency vehicles and school buses to the traffic signal system to allow for live interaction and faster emergency response times and shorter bus routes.
• The council heard a presentation from the Parks and Outdoors Department regarding the proposed plan for Montague Park. The plan is ambitious and I recommend watching the whole presentation. You can also read more about the plan here.

The Business Session recording can be found here.

• The council voted on a number of rezoning cases, including approving a request to create a new downtown zone allowing buildings up to 20 stories in height.
• The council approved amendments to the Police Advisory Review Committee Ordinance to bring the body into compliance with new state law. Councilwomen Berz and Hill voted “no”.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Caroline Baker to the Animal Control Board.
• The council approved a number of grant applications and awards, legal agreements, and lease agreements (see agenda for details).
• The council approved 3 routine purchases, including a ~$1.1M contract for security guard services from SEI, Inc.
• The council was notified of 1 emergency purchase of $35k in retaining wall products from Bradley Tank & Pipe, Inc.

The meeting minutes can be found here.

OCTOBER 24 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda is not currently available. This summary is based on the last publicly available copy.

• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Melody Shekari to the Industrial Development Board.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Gina Reviere to the Community Advisory Committee.
• The council will vote on a number of economic development and public works agreements.