March 11, 2024

March 11 City Council Update

MARCH 5 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Strategic Planning Meeting recording can be found here.

• The council heard a presentation from Regional Planning Agency Executive Director Dan Reuter discussing projected growth and planning initiatives over the next several years. A recent study indicated the Chattanooga area could see as many as 60,000 jobs in the next 20 years, which would bring a need for approximately 46,000 additional homes. The presentation included information about where the demands for jobs and homes will be highest, and proposing key areas where Chattanooga already has infrastructure in place and should focus on increasing density.
• The council discussed a proposal from councilwoman Marvene Noel (D8) to add a director of Legislative Affairs and a director of Constituent Services to the city council staff. No action was scheduled on this item.

The Agenda Session recording can be found here.

• The council heard a report from City COO Ryan Ewalt discussing the proposed changes to Frazier Avenue. The complete study of Frazier Avenue, as well as a survey, can be found here.
• The council heard additional presentations form Public Works, as well as a number of presentations on various rezoning requests.

The Business Session recording can be found here.

• The council adopted amendments to the section of city code governing the Beer Board (first reading).
• The council adopted amendments to the section of city code governing the Wrecker Board (first reading).
• The council adopted amendments to the section of city code governing the construction of streets and sidewalks (first reading).
• The council confirmed the appointment of Sean T. Stallings to the Head Start Governing Board.
• The council voted on a number of agreements and grants (see minutes for full details).
• The council approved 3 routine purchases, including a $250k increase in Elevator and Lift Inspection and Maintenance contracts from United Elevator Services, LLC.
• The council approved the issuance of one Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking consultants to develop a Citywide Recreation Program Plan.
• The council was notified of one sole source purchase, a ~$44k rental of wastewater treatment equipment from Duperon Corporation.
• Five citizens addressed the council, primarily speaking in support of Option “B” of the Frazier Ave redesign. You can watch the full comments here.

The meeting minutes can be found here.

MARCH 12 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on amendments to the section of city code governing the Beer Board (final reading).
• The council will vote on amendments to the section of city code governing the Wrecker Board (final reading).
• The council will vote on a number of amendments to the section of city code governing the construction of streets and sidewalks (final reading).
• The council will vote on a number of rezoning requests (first reading).
• The council will vote on the approval of a ~$134k Tennessee Housing Development Agency grant for re-housing activities.
• The council will vote on the renewal of an auditing contract with Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC for an annual amount of ~$136k.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Sydney Smith and Ryan Kopet to the Chattanooga Public Art Commission.
• The council will vote on a number of agreements with various organizations to address health disparities in Chattanooga. These agreements include ~$256k to the AIM Center, ~$278k to Scenic City Wellness, $175k to Medicos Mission Fund, ~$20k to First Baptist Cares, and ~$13k to Align Wellness.
• The council will vote on a special exceptions permit for a new liquor store at 5506 Hixson Pike.
• The council will vote on a special exceptions permit for a planned unit development at 6107 Hixson Pike.
• The council will vote on a number of public works and wastewater contracts.
• The council will vote on the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Industrial Development Board for the construction of the Class A Power Project.

MARCH 19 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on a number of rezoning requests (first reading).
• The council will vote on a new fee schedule for city parks and facilities (first reading).
• The council will vote on the appointment of Alan Richelson and Scott McColpin to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• The council will vote on the grant of $3M in HOME Investment Partnership Program Funds to assist in the development of a 166-unit affordable housing project. Full disclosure, I am the civil engineer for this project.
• The council will vote on a contract for the construction of a new fire training tower.
• The council will vote on amendments to the Employee Information Guide.
• The council will vote on a number of grants and contracts (see agenda for details).
• The council will vote on the appointment of Rob Ellis to the Air Pollution Control Board.