May 1, 2023

Interview with Mayor, Animal Control Board, and More

GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS

• I will be interviewing Mayor Kelly to look back on his first two years in office and to look forward at his plans for the next two years. If there are any general topics you would like me to cover, please just respond to this email. Patreon supporters can submit specific questions directly. You can become a support at patreon.com/chattcivics.
• I neglected to report that the city council is likely going to reactivate the Animal Control Board. The city discussed this issue during their April 18 strategic planning meeting. You can watch the discussion here.
• On May 9 the city council will vote on new STVR regulations.

APRIL 25 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Agenda Session recording can be found here.

The Business Session recording can be found here.

• The council approved the closure of two sewer easements.
• The council approved the reallocation of ~$1.4M from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development that was set aside for the acquisition and conversion of a hotel to a homeless shelter. The grant will be reallocated to Community Development Block Grants.
• The council approved a ~$79k increase to a contract with AstroTurf to replace the turf in Jim Frost stadium. The increase is due to needed subgrade remediation.
• The council approved two Public Works contracts (see agenda for full details).
• The council approved 2 routine purchases, a $325k purchase of remote monitoring services for wastewater systems.
• The council approved the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for onsite pharmacy services.
• The council was informed about one sole source purchase of 12 grinder pumps from Water and Waste Equipment Inc. for ~$25k.
• Several citizens addressed the council. You can watch the full comments here.

[The meeting minutes can be found here.](https://chattanooga.gov/city-council/agendasminutes-by-date/9-city-council/3814-minutes-20230

MAY 2 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on the closure of a sewer easement (final reading).
• The council will vote to exclude 481 Shurlock Road from the Brainerd Road Fire District (first reading).
• The council will vote on the distribution of American Rescue Plan Funds:
  • ~$10k to the Department of Public Works for security lighting at the John A. Patton Community Center.
  • $15k to Chattanooga Unit for free dental care for veterans.
  • ~$8k to Word Empowerment Church for affordable childcare.
  • $18k to the Chattanooga Public library for library lockers at the Eastdale Community Center.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Nathaniel Doss to the Shallowford Region Community Advisory Committee for District 9.
• The council will vote to relinquish the city’s partial claim on 7700 Basswood Dr to Hamilton County.
• The council will vote to authorize $20k in block grants to the Chattanooga Community Housing Organization for food replacement for low and moderate income individuals.

MAY 9 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote to exclude 481 Shurlock Road from the Brainerd Road Fire District (final reading).
• The council will vote on several rezoning cases, including:
  • A request to rezone 7707 Lee Highway from C-2 to UGC for the conversion of a hotel into an apartment. This case saw significant opposition at planning commission.
  • A request to rezone 7717 Lee Highway from C-2 to UGC for the conversion of a hotel into an apartment. This case saw significant opposition at planning commission.
  • A request to rezone 1013 South Greenwod Avenue from R-1 to UGC for the construction of a 6 unit apartment.
• The council will vote on new STVR regulations. You can read the proposed legislation here.
• The council will vote on the distribution of American Rescue Plan Funds:
  • $15k to the East Brainerd Youth Association for the renovation of facilities.
  • $40k to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation for improvements to Ben Miller Park.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Samantha Lunn to the Animal Control Board.
• The council will vote to authorize a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program for the Kordsa manufacturing facility.
• The council will vote to accept ~$3.2M in Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment PArtnership Act funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• The council will vote to apply for a ~$4.7M grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the completion of phase 3 of the Alton Park Connector project. If awarded the city will match up to $4M.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Doug Pell as a special unarmed police officer for Public Works inspections.