March 20, 2023

Proposed Climate Action Plan, Changes to Term Limits/Election Cycles Fails, and More

GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS

• On March 14 the city council made no motion on an amendment changing the time of elections and adding term limits for city council (first reading). With no motion the legislation failed.
• On March 14 the city council withdrew 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. Councilman Henderson indicated the legislation needs more work before being brought to a vote.
• On March 21 the city council will hold a public hearing regarding the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan. You can read the proposed plan here.

MARCH 14 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Agenda Session recording can be found here.

• The council heard a presentation from the Workforce Development department.
• The council discussed changes to the open-container legislation governing Station Street. Proposals included closing Station Street to thru-traffic during peak business hours and requiring businesses to provide private security during peak hours. The council will continue to draft legislation on this subject.

The Business Session recording can be found here.

• The council held a public hearing regarding the annexation of 5619 Clark Road at the request of the property owner.
• The council made no motion on an amendment changing the time of elections and adding term limits for city council (first reading). With no motion the legislation failed.
• The council withdrew 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. Councilman Henderson indicated the legislation needs more work before being brought to a vote.
• The council voted on a number of rezoning cases, including:
  • deferring a request to rezone 7368, 7376, 7384, and 7390 Old Cleveland Pike to R-T/Z.
  • withdrawing a request to rezone 5103 Central Avenue to UGC for the construction of multi-family housing. RPA staff recommended denial, Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. The case had significant neighborhood opposition at Planning Commission.
  • withdrawing a request to rezone 1414 East 49th Street to R-2 for the construction of a duplex. RPA staff and Planning Commission both recommended denial.
• The council confirmed the appointment of Linda Kirk, De’Jha Billingsley, and Neda Long to the South Region Community Advisory Committee.
• The council adopted a resolution “consenting to the execution and delivery by the Industrial Development Board of the City of Chattanooga of certain documents providing for the release of a portion of Debt Service Reserve Account monies of the Industrial Development Board in connection with the Industrial Development Board’s Chattanooga Lease Rental Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2018A (tax-exempt) and Chattanooga Lease Rental Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2018C (taxable); directing the Trustee for such bonds to enter into certain documents in connection therewith and authorizing certain actions related thereto.
• The council adopted the scope of services related to the annexation of 5619 Clark Road at the request of the property owner.
• The council adopted two Public Works contracts (see miunutes for full details).
• The council approved 8 routine purchases, including a ~$1.4M purchase of traffic sign sheeting for CDOT.
• The council was notified of one emergency purchase of $180k for cleanup of illegally dumped 55 gallon drums.
• Several citizens addressed the council, including an update from the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition 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-2023

MARCH 21 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will hold a public hearing regarding the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan. You can read the proposed plan here.
• The council will vote on a number of rezoning cases.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Adam Cowen to the Shallowford Region Community Advisory Committee.
• The council will vote on two grant applications.
• The council will vote on the appointment of Beverly Bell to the Form Based Code Committee.
• The council will vote on a $1.2M contract with Planning Next for new city area plans.

MARCH 28 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Proposed Meeting Agenda can be found here.

• The council will vote on an update to the noise ordinance (first reading).
• The council will vote on a request to rezone 7368, 7376, 7384, and 7390 Old Cleveland Pike to R-T/Z (first reading). This request was deferred from March 14.
• The council will vote on a number of Economic Development agreements (see agenda for full details).
• The council will vote on the adoption of the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan. You can read the proposed plan here.
• The council will vote on a $500k contract for manhole adjustments.
• The council will vote on an amendment to the Environmental and Economic Infrastructure Improvements Plan.