June 12, 2023

First Budget Vote on Tuesday, One Westside Plan, and More

GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS

• The city council will hold the first vote on the FY23-24 city budget on June 13 and the final vote on June 20. You can view the proposed budget at budget.chattanooga.gov.
• The city unveiled the One Westside plan, a joint plan of support for the Bend and the Westside Evolves. You can read more about the plan here. The council vote on the initiation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) process on June 20. If it passes the plan will proceed to the Industrial Development Board for review. Disclosure: I am the civil engineer on the project.
• The city is breaking ground on a new Shallowford Road Fire Station. You can read more about it here.
• The city is extending community center hours for the summer. All Centers are open Monday-Friday, 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM & Saturdays 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

JUNE 6 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Agenda Session recording can be found here.

The Business Session recording can be found here.

• The council held a public hearing regarding the proposed FY23-24 budget. You can view the proposed budget at budget.chattanooga.gov.
  • 4 SEIU members spoke in favor of the proposed inclusion of a step pay plan in the budget.
  • 2 Firefighter Association members spoke in favor of the new equipment and firefighter positions in the proposed budget.
• The council approved an amendment to the section of city code regarding abatement of liens (first reading).
• The council voted on a number of rezoning cases (first reading).
• The council voted on two Right Of Way abandonment requests (first reading)
• The council confirmed the appointment of Nadia Kain to the Industrial Development Board.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Gertha Lee-Sharp to the South Region Community Advisory Committee.
• The council confirmed the appointments of Daisy Madison and Brett Smalley to the Sports Authority Board.
• The council approved the lease of space in the Family Justice Center to Hamilton County Mental Health Court for $1/year for 4 years.
• The council approved new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policies and Procedures.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Michale Mallen as the Administrative Hearing Officer.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Nicole Heyman to the Chattanooga Housing Authority board.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Deacon Hicks Armor as chairman of the Carter Street Corporation.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Ronald Parson to the Passenger Vehicle for Hire Board.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Brooklyn Lucas and Amanda Wagner to the Community Advisory Committee, Region 1.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Mark Heinzer as the Administrator for the Wastewater Department.
• The council adopted the Mountain Creek Corridor Study.
• The council authorized a grant application for a $25M Safe Streets for All grant.
• The council authorized a grant application for a $15M Urban and Community Forestry Grant.
• The council authorized a $200k agreement with Rhea and Bradley counties for biosolid sludge disposal.
• The council approved 4 routine purchases, including a $500k purchase of sidewalk grinding services from We Fix Sidewalks.
• The council approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for dental insurance.
• The council was notified of one emergency purchase, ~$77k for biohazard cleanup on Veterans Bridge from ServPro.
• One citizen addressed the council. You can watch the full comments here.

The meeting minutes can be found here.

JUNE 13 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on an amendment to the section of city code regarding abatement of liens (final reading).
• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases (final reading).
• The council will vote on two Right Of Way abandonment requests (final reading)
• The council will vote on the FY23-24 proposed city budget (first reading). You can view the budget at budget.chattanooga.gov.
• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases (first reading).
• The council will vote on a number of leases and property transfers (see agenda for details).
• The council will vote on the appointment of Declan Mangan-Lamb to the Community Advisory Committee - Region 3.
• The council will vote on a Cost Savings Incentive Program Policy to grant bonuses to city employees who come up with significant innovations for the improvement of city government.
• The council will vote on a number of Public Works contracts (see agenda for details).

JUNE 20 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on the FY23-24 proposed city budget (final reading). You can view the budget at budget.chattanooga.gov.
• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases (final reading).
• The council will vote on the appointment of Sherrie Ford to the Lookout Valley Region Community Advisory Committee.
• The council will vote on the distribution of American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds:
  • $10k to the Lighthouse Collective for middle-school educational services.
  • ~$25k to the Chattanooga Police Department for equipment.
  • $20k to the Chattanooga Police Department for the creation of an LGBTQ+ liaison.
  • $40k to First Baptist Cares for mental health programs.
  • $10k to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center for community development programming.
  • $20k to New Monumental Baptist Church for wrap-around programming facilities.
  • $100l for the establishment of a school resource center at Tyner Academy.
• The council will vote on an intent to proceed with a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program with Urban Story Ventures in support of the One Westside Project. Disclosure, I am the civil engineer on the project. If this vote passes the TIF will proceed to the Industrial Development Board for review. You can read more about the plan here.
• The council will vote to accept ~$229k as the city’s share in surplus property sale from Hamilton County.
• The council will vote on the adoption of the Parks and Outdoors Plan.