February 27, 2023

Library Quarterly Report, STVR Regulations, and More

GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS

• At this month’s Strategy Meeting the council heard the Chattanooga Library Quarterly Report.
• On February 28 the council will vote on new STVR regulations. You can read the full proposal here.
• On february 28 the council will vote on an amendment to the C-2 zoning regulations.The effect of the change would be to allow existing hotels in C-2 areas to convert all rooms to permanent apartments without the need for a zoning change or hearing. You can read the full proposal here.

FEBRUARY 21 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The monthly Strategy Meeting recording can be found here.

• The council heard the Chattanooga Library quarterly report:
  • The library is on track to meet its budget despite increases in material costs.
  • Circulation is increasing and is on track to reach 1.2M circulations this year.
  • Library programing attendance is back to pre-COVID levels.
  • The library is expanding access to all Hamilton County public school students and teachers.
  • The library is considering a “locker delivery” system, where a patron could pick up materials 24/7 and from a location other than a library branch (a community center, for example).
  • The library is taking applications for a new Executive Director.
• The council discussed the proposed Short Term Vacation Rental ordinance.
  • The council is planning to vote on the same version of the legislation previously presented at the February 28 Business Session.
• The council discussed a proposal to change city election cycles and term limits. The legislation will continue to move through legislative committee.
• The council discussed an amendment to C-2 zoning regulations. The effect of the change would be to allow existing hotels in C-2 areas to convert all rooms to permanent apartments without the need for a zoning change or hearing. The council discussed adjusting this proposal to make such a conversion subject to a Special Exceptions Permit.
• The council discussed legislation subjecting temporary executive branch appointments to city council approval. This legislation, if passed by city council, would then be subject to a referendum.

The Agenda Session recording can be found here.

The Business Session recording can be found here.

• The council approved an adjustment the duties of the Administrative Hearing Officer to include litter and overgrowth violations and violations of Short Term Vacation Rental Regulations (final reading).
• The council voted on a number of rezoning cases (final reading).
• The council confirmed the appointment of Phillip Noblet as City Attorney.
• The council adopted new Rules of Operation for the Chattanooga City Council. You can read the proposed rules here.
• The council approved the waiver, release, and termination of reversionary interests and reconveyance rights with Erlanger Hospital.
• The council confirmed the appointments of Alexis Kennedy, Chausie Neal, Christie Morris, Christopher Cooper, Donald Sanderfur, George Ricks, Janice Gooden, Jillian Sanderfur, Kevin Scott, Ma’Cia Rudolph, Micah Chapman, Molly Anderson, Shiloh McCulley, Terryl James, and Tom Hirsch to Community Advisory Committees.
• The council approved various Parks and Outdoors, Planning, and Public Works agreements (see agenda for full details).
• The council approved 5 routine purchases, including a ~$150k purchase of pumps for city wastewater services.
• Several citizens addressed the council. The majority of those commenting were speaking in support of Esai Navarro, the former head of the Office of New Americans who was recently fired. Other comments included the need for increased pedestrian and cyclist safety measures at various locations throughout the city. You can watch the full comments here.

The meeting minutes can be found here.

FEBRUARY 28 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases (see agenda for full details).
• The council will vote on new STVR regulations (first reading). You can read the full proposal here.
• The council will vote on an amendment to the C-2 zoning regulations (first reading).The effect of the change would be to allow existing hotels in C-2 areas to convert all rooms to permanent apartments without the need for a zoning change or hearing. You can read the full proposal here.
• The council will vote on the appointment of J.T. McDaniel to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• The council will vote whether or not to send a letter to Governor Bill Lee in response to the Statement from President Biden on marijuana reform. You can read the full letter here.
• The council will vote on a number of lease agreements and public works contracts (see agenda for full details).

MARCH 7 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on new STVR regulations (final reading). You can read the full proposal here.
• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases.
• The council will vote on an amendment to the C-2 zoning regulations (final reading).The effect of the change would be to allow existing hotels in C-2 areas to convert all rooms to permanent apartments without the need for a zoning change or hearing. You can read the full proposal here.
• The council will vote on the appointments of Jackie Simpson, Jon Jon Wesolowski, Quintin Howard, and Matt Adams to Community Advisory Committees.
• The council will vote on the partial forgiveness of wage overpayment to city employees due to bookkeeping discrepancies.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Richard Beeland as Administrator for the Department of Economic Development.