January 29 City Council Update
GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS
I recently released an interview with Red Bank Mayor Hollie Berry, providing a brief civic overview of the city of Red Bank. This is the first of what I hope will be several episodes dedicated to some of our smaller neighboring municipalities. Search for “Chattanooga Civics” on your favorite podcast app to listen.
The city council will be holding a work session at 1pm on Tuesday, January 30 in the city council conference room to discuss proposed changes to the city zoning code. The work session will be open to the public and may also be streamed on the city council YouTube page.
The city council will be voting on ~$1.7M in HOME grant funds and two Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs related to the creation of 50 affordable housing units.
JANUARY 23 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Work Session on Skates and Skateboard Regulations recording can be found here.
The council discussed a proposed ordinance which would decriminalize skating, skateboarding, and other forms of alternative transportation in the downtown area. The council tabled the discussion.
The Agenda Session recording can be found here.
The council heard a presentation about two Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) requests to help fund affordable housing projects at 1805 S Lyerly St and 2461 E 18th St. The Lyerly development will provide 16 affordable units and the 18th St development will provide 34 affordable units. The applications are being made by Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprises (CNE).
Under a PILOT program a developer deeds a piece of property to the city and leases it back at a fixed rate. Because the city does not pay property taxes on its own property it may lease the property back to the developer at a lower rate, and the savings are used to subsidize affordable housing or job creation.
The Business Session recording can be found here.
The council approved an amendment to the Administrative Hearing Officer ordinance, adjusting the Levy of Civil Penalties (final reading).
The council approved a number of rezoning requests (final reading).
The council approved a request to abandon unopened right-of-way on Chickamauga Ave and Pennsylvania Ave (final reading).
The council approved amendments to the fees for city facility rentals (first reading).
The council will vote on a number of rezoning requests (first reading) including:
Deferring a request to rezone 5116, 5120, and 5134 Highway 58 from C-5 to C-2 until January 30.
Deferring a request to rezone 608 and 614 Central Ave from R-3 to UGC until February 20.
The council approved a ten year agreement with the State of Tennessee to maintain the area beneath Olgiati Bridge for bus and handicap parking at no cost to the public.
The council approved a number of lease agreements and grants.
A vote to hold a public hearing on February 20 regarding the deannexation of 4615, 4703, and 4713 Mountain Creek Road, as requested by the owner, failed for lack of votes. Councilwoman Hill motioned to approve the hearing. Councilwoman Hill voted yes, Councilmembers Henderson, Smith, Ledford, Hester, Berz, Noel, and Dotley voted no, and Councilwoman Coonord abstained. Under state law this deannexation will proceed with or without a public hearing.
The council will vote on the appointment of Paula Wilkes, Sharon Law, and Berton Whitaker to the Library Board of Directors.
The council confirmed the appointment of Paul McGinnis, Susan Dailey, Dough Dailey, and Mark Stolpmann to the Board of Plumbing Examiners.
The council confirmed the appointment of Thomas Snow to the Metropolitan Airport Authority.
The council accepted a donation of a floating dock from the Chattanooga Tourism Company for use in events.
The council approved a number of Public Works and Wastewater contracts.
The council approved 10 routine purchases, including a $3M purchase of Technology Services from Carahsoft Technology Corporation.
The council was informed of one soul source purchase, $48.5k in Requisition Workflow Redesign from AST Corporation.
The council was informed of new debt obligations. On December 19, 2023, EPB issued ~$112M in revenue bonds with an interest rate of ~3.96% and a maturity date of September 1, 2043.
Four citizens addressed the council. One citizen represented the Great Chattanooga Area Association of Realtors and presented the Annual Housing Market Report. Three citizens spoke on topics related to pedestrian safety. You can watch the full comments here.
The meeting minutes can be found here.
JANUARY 30 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.
The council will vote on amendments to the fees for city facility rentals (final reading).
The council will vote on a request to rezone 2804, 2806, and 2810 South Hickory St and 1700 E 28th St from R-1 to O-1 (final reading).
The council will vote on an amendment to the city electrical and gas inspection codes (first reading).
The council will vote on a request to rezone 5116, 5120, and 5134 Highway 58 from C-5 to C-2 (first reading).
The council will vote on a number of lease agreements, grants, and donations.
The council will vote on one Public Works contract.
FEBRUARY 6 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.
The council will vote on an amendment to the city electrical and gas inspection codes (final reading).
The council will vote on a request to rezone 5116, 5120, and 5134 Highway 58 from C-5 to C-2 (final reading).
The council will vote on 4 economic development resolutions to provide ~$1.7M in HOME grant funds and to approve two PILOT programs for the creation of 50 new affordable housing units.
The council will vote to authorize Johnston & Associates to act on the city's behalf for directing care for injury on duty claims.
The council will vote on the appointment of Javais Majid as Chief Financial Officer.
The council will vote on the appointment of Sandra Koss to the Air Pollution Control Board.