October 24, 2022

October 24, 2022 - Homelessness, Westside Evolves, and More

GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS

• The Mayor’s office gave a press release regarding expanded efforts to address homelessness in Chattanooga. Efforts include the previously announced $100M affordable housing initiative, an upcoming zoning overhaul to improve housing supply, eviction prevention and diversion initiatives, and more. You can download the PDF here.
• The Neighborhood Services Division is hosting a “Walk and Talk” in the Woodmore neighborhood on Saturday, October 22, at 10am, beginning at 4588 Midland Pike. Several community representatives will be present to address concerns and discuss outcomes.

OCTOBER 18 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The meeting recording can be found here.
The meeting minutes can be found here.

• On October 18 the city council:

  • voted on a number of rezoning ordinances (see the minutes for full details).
  • approved a resolution to apply for a HUD Lead Hazard Control grant.
  • approved a resolution to amend the Debt Management Policy to allow for certain federal and state loan programs.
  • approved an amended resolution to issue up to ~$186M in sewer revenue bonds to fund repairs and expansions of the city sewer system.
  • approved the appointment of Reginald Washington to the Beer and Wrecker Board.
  • approved the appointment of Corri Bischer to the Head Start Governing Board.
  • approved the appointment of Marion Quarles, Michael Webb, and Paul Norman Judd to the Board of Plumbing Examiners.
  • approved the appointment of Marion Quarles, Paul Norman Judd, and Darren Moten to the Board of Gas Examiners.
  • approved the appointment of Marvin Brewster to the Board of Electrical Examiners
  • approved the appointment of Larry Daniels to the Board of Mechanical Examiners
  • the council also approved 15 routine purchases, including an increase of $400k for the city asphalt budget, $400k for library e-book services, and $400k for library streaming services.

• two citizens addressed the council, one to address excessive noise from a bar, and one to speak about traffic solutions. You can view the full comments here.

OCTOBER 25 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The meeting agenda can be found here.

• On October 25 the city council will:
  • host a public hearing for the Westside Evolves Plan. This is a plan to redevelop the existing westside public housing complexes into a mixed income development with no loss in subsidized units. You can learn more about the plan here.](https://www.westsideevolves.com/)
  • vote to authorize a number of leases and property transfers (see the agenda for full details).
  • vote to amend the Tax Increment Financing Policies and Procedures. There are two versions on the agenda. The first version can be found here. The second version can be found here. A presentation explaining both versions in detail can be found here.
  • vote to authorize a number of IT contracts (see the agenda for full details).
  • vote to confirm the reappointment of Marvin Brewster to the Board of Electrical Examiners.
  • vote to authorize a grant application for $200k for architectural improvements to the Outdoor Chattanooga Building.
  • vote to authorize a number of Public Works contracts (see the agenda for full details).

NOVEMBER 1 CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The proposed meeting agenda can be found here.

• On November 1 the city council will:
  • vote to authorize a number of leases and property transfers (see the agenda for full details).
  • vote to authorize the acceptance of $500k in American Rescue Plan Funding for a home repair program administered by the Neighborhood Services Division.
  • vote to authorize the acceptance of a ~$4.6M grant for the “Integrated Smart Electric Grid and Transportation System Management” project.
  • vote to authorize a ~$232k contract with RaganSmith (disclosure: I am employed by RaganSmith) for design services for the Chattanooga Skatepark.
  • vote to adopt the Westside Evolves plan as a roadmap for future land use decisions in the effected area.