City Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon and welcome everybody. I'd like to call to order the May 12th meeting of the Chattanooga City Council and recognize Councilwoman Hill to lead us in our pledge and invocation to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. And again, welcome everyone. Um, just at the beginning here, we'd like to go over kind of how the meeting will flow. Um, to give you all an idea, um, how we operate for anyone who may be new. Um, and just a reminder on the front end to please silence your cell phones so we don't have any u unwanted interruptions during the meeting. Uh we'll start out with a special presentation um today honoring child care providers and then after that we'll look at our minutes from last week's meeting. U after that we'll look at the agenda for tonight's meeting and answer any questions and hear any comments about those items from um the council members. Uh following that, we'll look at our agenda for next week's meeting and do the same answering questions and and hearing any comments on those items from council members. And we'll do the same thing with our future considerations list, which is items that are on our agenda in 3 weeks. So, we look kind of far out, make sure we're well prepared on things. Next, we'll have a um committee meeting of the budget and finance committee to consider an amendment to the fiscal year

2026 budget. Um and that meeting will be chaired by um Councilman Clark. We'll then take a recess and we will need an attorney client meeting during our recess as we often do to meet with our city attorney. Um and when we come back then we will uh vote on all the items on the agenda for tonight. At the very end of the meeting we we always have a period uh where we welcome members of the public who would like to address the council and when the time comes from that I'll invite anyone who's here for that purpose to line up at the podium down front and we'll read some rules and then be happy to hear um in three minute increments each anyone who would like to address the council. Uh so with that I would like to um recognize Councilman Harvey on our child care proclamation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um before I was elected to city council, it was an honor of mine to serve on the uh Head Start and Early Head Start board u Miss Carissa Jones and uh saw firsthand of what they do for the children of our community and it's it's wonderful work. It's great work. It's the Lord's work and so we appreciate everything that they do and we want to take a moment today to recognize them. So, I'm going to invite our administrator of early learning, Kitza Jones, up as we do a proclamation.

Thank you, Councilman Harvey. Um, good afternoon, Chairman Davis, Vice Chairman Elliot, and City Council. We are gathered here today to shine a light on a group of individuals who serve as the backbone of our community's economy and the architects of our children's future. Today we recognize provider appreciation day. Established in 1995, this day is celebrated annually, normally on the Friday before Mother's Day. It serves as a global thank you to the family childare and center-based providers, teachers, and educators who dedicate a tireless amount of time to our youngest citizens. It is vital that we acknowledge the essential workforce these providers represent every day. They offer more than just supervision. They provide care, foundational learning, and stability necessary for lifelong success. Today, we specifically honor the work of their hands, the educators who transform their homes and centers into environments where Chattanooga's children can thrive. Childcare providers are the workforce behind the workforce, and by supporting our children, they allow our city to grow. To lead us in officially honoring these amazing early learning professionals, I am pleased to introduce to you two champions for our city's youth and childcare providers. Jalisa Brumfield, director of the office of early learning, and Iiko Bass, the early learning business navigator. Jalisa and Iiko, the floor is yours to recognize these outstanding individuals. Come on, y'all. Hi. Hi everyone. I'm Jalisa Brunfield and I am the director of early learning and I prepared a speech and it's going to echo a lot of what Cararissa said, but um just want to welcome everybody. Okay. So, it is my absolute honor to welcome you as we pause in this moment to recognize a group of people who are seated over there um who shape the very foundation of our community, our child

care providers. Before the proclamation is proclamation is read, I want to truly reflect on who they are and what they mean to our children, our families, and to our city. Childcare providers are often the first teachers our children ever know. They are the gentle voices that calm first a day tears. They are the patient hands who guide tiny fingers to hold pencils. And they are the warm smiles that make children feel safe, seen, and loved. Long before a child ever walks into a kindergarten classroom, these dedicated professionals who have been nurturing curios these I'm sorry. It is these dedicated professionals who have been nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and planting seeds of lifelong learning. They also make it possible for our working families to thrive. Because of child care providers, parents can go to work each day with the peace of mind knowing that their children are not just being watched, but they're being cared for, they're being loved, and they're being taught and protected. Um, they are the quiet partners behind nurses, um, school teachers, school bus drivers, business owner, essential workers in our community. Without them, our workforce could not function. Um the work that they do is not always seen. It is not always celebrated, but it is always deeply felt. They wipe tears, tie shoes, sing songs, teach manners, and offer comfort. All while building the academic and emotional groundwork that helps children thrives for the rest of their lives. Today, we acknowledge that their work is not just a job. As Cody said, it is a calling. It is a calling that requires patience, heart, resilience, and an and an extraordinary amount of love. So before we hear this proclamation proclamation, let us take a moment to

feel the weight of our gratitude for these remarkable individuals who pour so much of themselves into the lives of little learners and working families. It is now my great pleasure to welcome Iiko Bass, the Office of Early Learning's Business Navigator to read the official childcare provider appreciation proclamation. Thank you.

Thank you, Chalisa. Thank you, Councilman Harvey. And to the council and to the child care providers, would you please stand while I read this proclamation because this is for you? the city of Chattanooga office of the mayor, the office of early learning and the department of early learning proclamation. Whereas this proclamation recognizes the vital role that childcare providers play in supporting families, strengthening our communities, and fostering the healthy development of young children in Chattanooga. And whereas child care professionals serve as educators, caregivers, and role models, creating safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Whereas their dedication not only contributes to early childhood development, but also enable parents and guardians to participate fully in the workforce, supporting economic stability and community well-being. And whereas through patience, compassion, and expertise, child care providers help lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success. And whereas this proclamation honors the commitment, acknowledgements, and challenges they face and expresses deep appreciation for their essential contributions. It calls upon the community to recognize, support, and celebrate child care providers for their meaningful impact they have on children, families, and society as a whole. Now, therefore, I, Mayor Tim Kelly, I've been practicing that all day. I, Mayor Tim Kelly, the mayor of the city of Chattanooga, do hereby proclaim May the 5th, 2026 in appreciation of the

dedication and service of early childhood and child care professionals. In witness thereof, I have unto set my hand and caused this seal of the city of Chattanooga to be affixed this 11th today is the 12th day of November, I'm sorry, 11th day of November, 2025 signed Mayor Tim Kelly. So, thank you. and to the child care providers. We really I want you to know the city of Chattanooga and the Office of Early Learning and the Department of Early Learning, we really and truly value and thank you for everything that you do. Continue laying the foundation for our future. Thank you.

Thank you all for your service to our community. We appreciate you all. Councilman Harvey, before we leave the podium, thank you.

You have a mic. Uh, Captain Harvey, thank you so much for acknowledging these amazing childcare providers and to administrator Jones and to Aiko and Jalisa for all the amazing work they do and uh, helping support these individuals who have stepped forward to what you called as a ministry. I would like to know who they are. um if you could have them either come to the podium or stand where they are and introduce your childc care facility in recognition of that or maybe Io you could do that please if you would say your name your agency and how long you and I take that privilege as the new chair of innovation and education

absolutely thank you so much for do taking the time to introduce your facilities Please. Good afternoon. My name is Naen Fortson. I'm the owner and director of Nades Neighborhood Childcare Development. I have been in business and service for 39 years. Wow. Thank you.

Good afternoon. My name is Wonderland Renee Taylor. I own United Learning Center. I'm the owner and director and I've been in business for 37 years. Thank you. Hello everyone. My name is Gabrielle Barton. I'm the director of Newton Child Development Center and I have been in childcare for 13 years.

Hello everyone. Thanks for having us. This means a lot to us. We have labored. So we really appreciate what you guys have done for us. My name is Katherine Gladen. I'm owner of Tweety's Child Care. I've been in service for 27 years and it is a ministry. Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Denita Strickland. I am the owner and director of Serenity Childcare 1 and 2 located 21101 Ivy Street and 2001 East 3rd Street. I have also been in business for 26 years and it's just not only it's my calling and it's a blessing to be able to serve our children today. Thank you.

Good evening everyone. My name is Chamille King. I'm the owner and the director of Little Kings and Queen Shaw Development Center and Little Kings and Queens Academy. Uh the address is 5342 Ringo Road and 4141 Ringo Road. Been in business for 29 and a half years. Thank you. Thank you. Hello, my name is Daryl Wheeler. I I first have to say it's an honor to do the job uh because kids are our future.

But I'm executive director, but that's just a title. I work with my sister and my mother and we steward 21st century child development center and learning center on uh Bailey Avenue 20 27 257 Bailey add al so much it is a pleasure it is our honor we should be giving you award thank YOU

okay uh thank you Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Okay. Thank you. We're good. Okay.

All right. Council, can I get a motion on the minutes? A few planning items on first reading tonight. Um, I know that on item B we have an alternate version um which will be red as I understand. Yes. All right. And we do have several lights here. Also on G. Yes. And we'll start with Vice Chairman Elliot.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Item J. I'm going to make a motion this afternoon to defer this one week until May 19th. I still haven't heard from this applicant just yet. Um but yeah, we'll just push that off one week. One week to May 19th. Yes, sir. Okay. Is that all? Yes, sir. Okay. Councilwoman Burs. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um item F uh which is 20260047. Um that one is to be deferred till May 26th. Okay. Thank you.

And I I guess help me out, Mr. City Attorney. I made a a note about that at last week's meeting to defer it. So, should I make the motion again during the meeting? I think I just to clear the record since it's on the agenda tonight. All right. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Councilman Clerk. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I have tonight I'll be making a motion to withdraw item D from Devon King. uh he indicated to myself and Miss Renick that he wishes not to proceed with that. Uh so during our business portion of the meeting, I'll be making a motion to adjourn.

Okay. Okay. Thank you. Up next, we have Councilman Harvey.

Hey, Mr. Chairman. Uh couple of items. I've got items B and C tonight under planning. Uh item B, you are correct. We'll be reading uh some an alternate version and then uh we're also working through a couple of conditions tonight. Uh the applicant is here and I appreciate them being here. Um on item C, I will be making a motion to defer one week. Um today during our budget uh meeting, we had a I had a uh constituent email uh us a significant storm water issue who lives close to the site. And uh so I want to defer that one week while storm water division goes out and takes a look at what we can do to to help uh help that site with some drainage uh before we move forward with uh this ordinance. So okay

uh that's all. So I'll defer that one week to May the 19th. 19th. Okay. Thank you very much. Making quick work of all these. All right. Up next we have Councilwoman No.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Item H under planning um first read uh I am going to defer that for one week. I asked that they reach out to me and they did not. So are they here today? Okay. I'm going to give them one more shot at it. One week and if they don't then I'm I'm not going to defer again. Thank you until May the 19th. Okay. Thank you. And up next we have Councilwoman Dotley.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. For item G, uh 2026-0018, I want to thank Karen for working with me on this one. If you can come up and just read, I'm going to add these uh conditions in today as an amendment to this one. Um yes, these are um conditions that could be added to the CR zone. One, use a vehicle dealership only. two six-foot wooden privacy fence to be constructed along the eastern shared property line with 2800 East 43rd Street tax map number 168 JJ017.

All right. Thank you so much, Karen. And you've also advised them that they need to get a signed permit for their existing sign as well as no parking cars in the rightway. That's correct. We had discussion with him and LDO. Okay, that works. Thank you so much, Karen. I appreciate it. So, I plan to bring those amendments this evening. Are those going to be added as additional conditions as far as the signed permit? Uh, yes, they will. Just wanted to make sure. Yeah, that and the no parking cars in the rightway, which should be just general knowledge, but we'll add it for good measure. All right. Yes. Thank you, so thank you so much. Thank you, Karen. Thank you, Phil. All right. Any other questions on our ordinances on tonight's agenda, council?

All right. Seeing none, we just have one resolution. Any questions on that item? Okay. And then as we look at next week's agenda, there is on the agenda.

Okay. Yes, ma'am. you had brought up u on the agenda right now H case 2026-049. We'll do that after the recess. Okay. Well, someone will speak to you during the recess if that's all right. Ma'am, we're just right now going over amongst the council the items on the agenda for tonight. But you said it was item H on tonight's Well, that is mine. I just asked if anyone was here. Yes. I I had to look it up and while I was looking it up, it got you after. Okay. Thank Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate that. Thanks. Okay.

Um so, council, there is noted on next week's agenda a smart team presentation, but that's going to be rescheduled until after um we've gotten through the budget process. Um, but we will have another proclamation from Councilman Harvey. Um, as well as a public hearing on the amendment that we'll be hearing about tonight. Are there any questions on the ordinances on next week's agenda? We do have several lights here. We'll start with Councilman Harvey.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, just wanted to invite everybody to come out next week. Um, we'll be honoring a 101-year-old World War II veteran. U was a member of General Patton's Third Army and served in France uh during World War II. So, uh, met him at Mission Barbecue in my district and wanted to honor him. Um, it's actually not his birthday, so we'll have to change that on the agenda. Um, his birthday was last month. U, but please come out for that while we honor this this gentleman. Thank you. Okay. And up next, we have Vice Chair Elliot. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Uh, I have a question on next week's item. Um, B. Um, this a park art piece. It's not necessarily about the project. You know, the project, we need to see it get done to fruition. I'm just curious, are we funding this through the general fund or is this grant funded? That funding would be with the brownfield funding. So grant funding. It is grant funding. Yes, sir. Okay. That's all I had a question about. That's it. That's all, Mr. Chairman.

Okay. Any other questions, council, on ordinances or resolutions on next week's agenda? Okay, we would then look at the purchase requests on tonight's agenda. We do have a handful of purchase requests and one soul source purchase. Any questions on those? Okay. And then turning then to future considerations. Any questions on any of the items? Let's see. I have Councilwoman Hill. Thank you. This is under economic development item 1A. Um, this section 108 program sounds really interesting. Um, looking forward to learning more about it. Um, my main question is, is this going to be housing for sale or for rent? The housing would be for rent owned by the housing authority.

So it would continue to be owned by them, right? Okay. Okay. Thank you. That's all, Mr. Chair.

Okay. Any other questions on future considerations, council? Okay. Seeing none, I will at this time yield the chair to Councilman Clark who will chair tonight's meeting of the budget and finance committee. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have the esteemed pleasure of serving as the vice chair of the budget committee because our chair, Councilman Henderson, will be presenting um an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 as a budget ordinance. And so I call this committee meeting to order and uh Council Chairman Henderson uh you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that, Rick. Thank you. There we go. Which one of these buttons do I hit to move forward?

Okay. Getting instructions from the police chief on how to run this show. Thank you, Mr. Chair and Council. Thank you for considering this FY26 budget amendment proposal. I also want to thank uh the administration uh particularly chief of staff Kevin Roy not him here. Okay. Uh Kevin and I have worked very closely uh working through this project. The strategic objective for the critical water access and fire pro uh fire safety precaution. This amendment allocates funds to implement critical water infrastructures that provide safe, reliable, long-term water access for Chattanooga residents affected by failing private wells while protecting public health, mitigating fire risk, supporting economic growth, and strengthening the resilience of the community. Uh what we are presenting this afternoon is a $3.5 million uh budget proposal. The cost of preparation is almost always lower than the cost of emergency. So the proposed budget amendment what what it does and where it goes. So, what we would be um amending the estimated general fund revenue by $3,500,000. We would be increasing uh the FY26 budget by $3.5 million and then appropriating that same amount to the general fund uh capital projects. If you'll look there on the right, uh, it

would go specifically for the Raccoon Mountain Water Service Project. So, where's the money coming from? Well, I'm glad you asked. The money will be coming from use of property, and that's a fancy term for interest on money in the bank. Uh we had projected about $6.7 million. Uh the actual revenue uh that we're projecting is $12.1 million and that leaves excess of about uh $5.3 million. All of the revenue that we're capturing is coming from this line from interest only. Uh no property taxes will be used in the u in this uh amendment. Uh, typically it's not moving. What's happened, Rick? Did you move it? Okay. Uh, typically any reserves, any surplus surplus to the um to the budget or for any particular year would go into our fund balance into unreserve fund balance. Uh so in capturing this reason I put this on the screen is because it uh does not harm the health of our fund balance at all. In fact the uh revised estimated ending fund balance will be 128 uh.9 million and that leaves us at about 32.53% in our unreserved fund balance. And if you'll remember uh just a couple months ago uh we established a fund balance range between 22 and 30%. So our fund balance will still remain even above what our uh uh resolution uh called for.

Let's talk about return on investment. Uh typically when we spend money in the city, we don't see a lot of return on investment. However, in this case, uh we we will be receiving an estimated rebate to the city from Tennessee American Water Company of around $1 million. Uh Tennessee American cannot expand their uh service area on the backs of the rateayers uh for Tennessee American. But what they can do is once the infrastructure is in place as residents come online they can rebate uh for each person that comes online. I've received this number from Tennessee American uh this $1 million and they estimate actually they uh they say they feel like this is a conservative number that we would receive uh right around a million dollars in rebate. the number on the right. I spoke with the uh property assessor and asked him to do a little research into what would be the economic impact if we extended water into this area. and they estimate an additional $500,000 worth of property tax revenue per year uh if we extend this uh water into the Raccoon Mountain Estates area. Uh now this would obviously ramp up over time but my guess is somewhere between 10 and 12 years would be the actual return on investment which would not be unlike what we just did at uh Northgate for the the tiff at Northgate Mall.

So, annexation. This property, if you notice the picture to the left, the circle, uh, was annexed in three different periods. Um, 2003, 1995, and 1972. I think the largest portion of this area that we're talking about was annexed by the city in 1972. This is just a little bit larger graph of that same that same area. This slide was a a one pager that we had put together I guess back maybe last year sometime when we were actually um presenting this to the state to try to see if they had any lingering ARPA funds that we could maybe tap into. But Raccoon Mountains estate is a community of 27 parcels at the top of Raccoon Mountain. Homes in this neighborhood experiencing varying degrees of water scarcity due to dried, intermittent or otherwise underperforming wells which are the primary primary water source at top of the mountain. Uh the proposed solution is connecting to a uh Tennessee American water man on Elder Mountain Road and installing a 6-in ductal iron pop along the TVA access road. U in in researching this we our first um estimate or first thought was we would have to run water up the mountain. uh we were able to talk to uh TVA and get access through their property which cut the uh cost of the uh project in half. So if we were not able to access

the TVA property uh this project would have been double the amount. We've done quite a bit of research engineering already uh for the property. This is the project overview and this line shows um where the the water line would would actually run. Um obviously the objective is to bring public water to service Raccoon Mountain residents who are currently dependent on unreliable uh private wells. Key partners in this uh the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee American Water, and the uh Tennessee Valley Authority, TVA. Uh if you'll notice down here at the bottom, the funding uh of course funding was a limiting factor. $4.5 million was needed to fully fund the project. The city has provided or through in our uh capital budget right now we have uh $1.2 million. So that's the reason we're only asking for 3.5. Uh this is some of the uh engineering work that has been done by uh Croy uh engineering firm and this basically uh is where we got our cost estimates from. Here's a breakdown of of all of the costs totaling uh $4.3 million. some more leg work that we've done. We had to uh submit a request for the use of TVA uh commercial property. Basically, we filled out an application. Uh we had to do a NEPA study. Uh through that NEPA study, we identified um endangered plant species. And so, uh, we laid out a 100 foot wide, um,

path, uh, which we only needed 50 ft, but this gave us some maneuverability around some of the endangered, uh, species. And this is just some more of the path and some of the markings. So what we've what we've done is identified and we've isolated all the endangered plants and species that are in this area. So timeline actions needed and next steps if passed. Basically we've gone as far as we can go. Uh TVA said we need to know that you have funding in place before we ne before we do these next items right here. Establish fair market value on the easement. easement transfers, reimburseable agreement from TVA, and then we do need uh an easement agreement in place. Once we have all of those items, all of our uh easement agreements in place, then we uh can begin tree cutting and clearing. And that can only be done from November the 1st until March the 15th. With that in place, uh, spring of 2027, we could actually begin construction. And TV, uh, Tennessee American estimates the construction, uh, time would be about one year. council. I'm convinced that a future council in a decade from now will be glad that we took this $3.5 million from interest surplus and addressed a problem now so that they won't have to later.

So tonight, when you get ready to brush your teeth, and go to bed. As you turn on that faucet and you watch that water flow out, I want you to think about 74 year old Chattanooga resident Bill Haley who has to travel down to John A. Patton Community Center and spend one hour filling up his water tank from a metered hydrant. Then he has to haul it back to his house, transfer it into another holding tank just so that he can turn on his faucet and brush his teeth before he goes to bed tonight. Any questions? Thank you, Councilman Henderson. And I will yield to the board for questions. It looks like we have in quue councilwoman Oh, let's see. Council

just hit. Okay. I'm sorry. Uh, Councilman Harvey, you have the floor for questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Councilman Henderson. U Yeah, I think this is something that the the resident city of Chattanooga residents on Rak Raccoon Mountain uh desperately need. My question is, have you reached out to the county for any help? uh from their end since these folks are also county residents um and they can help with some utilities as well. So I wanted to see if that was an option if that's something they've expressed interest in.

Uh they have not expressed interest in. We have uh we've really tried state, federal, local levels to try to get any help that we could. Uh it looks like it's going to be all on the backs of the of the city to provide water for these people. Okay. All right. Yeah. I mean, just curious. Uh again, these folks are not only city residents, but they're county residents, and um it's something I think the county could help us with, but um that's another conversation for another time. Um Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Harvey. Up next, we have Councilwoman Hill.

Thank you. Um, Councilman Henderson, I'm um I appreciate the level of work that you've done on this and the way you've just carried this um and and sought out um all the different options and gotten the details together. First question, um there's 27 parcels or 27 homes it sounds like built in this unserved area right now. When were when was the most recent one built? Were they all built before 76? I can't I I can't answer that question. I don't have the history of when the homes were built up there.

Um, and are the home values depressed or lower than would be expected because of their lack of municipal water? Yes. Okay. And I believe I'm correct in saying that um when most most of the assessments went up in the city, their homes did not go up in assessment uh this past year. Okay.

There are some also in that 500 $500,000 increase in revenue. There are some developable lots up there as well. And so a lot of that uh 500,000 is coming from undeveloped lots because at this point in time people know that whales are failing and so they don't they're not willing to take a chance on going up there and having all water. So there is there is some future development and that's the reason I I I sort of label this as an economic development uh potential as well.

Okay. Okay. Well, you read my mind on that. With regard to um buildable lots, uh what is this zone? Does it is it RN175? I believe that is correct. Yes. Um and will they remain on septic or will they be on sew? They for the time being they they will be on septic tank and that'll be another discussion uh to bring sewer at some point later. at at this point in time, the critical need is the water because the wells are failing. So, we have

So, we started out with about uh one or two wells that had dried up and now I think we're up to four uh just in the last year.

Okay. So, we have 27 homes that have been annexed as early as 1976 that other city services they receive are garbage, fire, police, but the fire issue is a problem. Right. Uh well, and so and I talked to Chief Nolles about this and I wanted to understand completely. Um they do receive fire service. The only water that they would be able to bring is what they what they bring on their trucks. So they have tankers that they can bring. But what what this does, it really slows the process down. And and he was explaining to me that they actually can create what he calls a shuttle. Like if if I understood him to right understood him right, they they put out a big uh swimming pool and then they they just start dumping water into it, but they have to shuttle the water,

you know, from the bottom of the mountain up to the top of the mountain, which obviously takes time and and a fire every second counts. So, uh, you know, I feel like it, um, it poses some potential public safety hazard not only to the residents but to the firefighters themselves. Okay. Okay. That's all I have right now, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Hill. Um, up next we have Councilwoman Dolly.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. Thank you so much, uh, Councilwoman Henderson for your presentation. And I know before I got on this was something you had been working on for had been working on had been talking about for a while at the water and everything before I got on council that is uh well when I first got on. So I did have a few questions now we have more information. So uh the first one is about the failing private whales. Um so they've had wealth the entire time they were up there. And so most of them when the constituents moved up they were aware of these whales. Correct. whenever they bought their house. When they bought their house. Okay. So, or built what? Okay. Whenever they built or bought the home and did they ever anticipate a water line coming up?

I can't answer that question. I understand. All right. And then in regards to the fire risk, um you said it slows down the service. The what? The fire. Uh I think one of the points was mitigating fire risk. Uh but the fire department can service them now. They Yes. And they do they do service them. They they have to bring the water with them. There is obviously no hydrants up on the top of that mountain that they can hook to to get water. They would have to obviously shuttle the water back and forth from bottom of the mountain to the top. Okay. And then uh you did mention it was 27 h is it 27 houses or

it's 27 parcels? Parcels. Oh, okay. Not uh and not all of those parcels have That's where the developed uh part comes from. Yeah. Okay. So, do you know how many actual houses it is right now? I think it's a total of 12 houses and 15 vacant parcels. Thank you. And then um now usually in many cases we hear from residents about their needs and things like that about a variety of things as you well know. Now in this case we hadn't I don't know if anybody else has but we haven't heard from any residents. Um, were any of them planning to come to the public hearing or anything to express their We've got some here tonight. Good. Okay.

Uh, we've got three, I guess, uh, here tonight and and I feel like they will be here at the public hearing to let their voice be heard as well. Okay. And then speaking to the Well, I come back later with the about the rebate. And then at the moment, you said only the city is really carrying this, the state or no other government entity is. That's correct. Yeah. It's all city money. Oh, do you know any reason why they wouldn't want to support their constituents because we are county and Tennessee. You'll have to ask them. Tennessee residents as well. Um and then I have two more questions. So, what would happen if we didn't run this line?

If we don't run the line, uh my guess is that whales will continue to fail. Mhm. Residents will continue to either have to haul water or I guess sell their property for whatever they can get in get out of it. Um and and my guess is that property values will begin to devalue instead of increase in value. Okay.

So I really like I said I see this as an opportunity for economic development by running this line. Uh and and we're like I said, we're using sur surplus dollars to do it off of interest uh income. Uh no property taxes are being used. Uh but it does have a great upside potential for for development. And like I said, it's not unlike what we did at Northgate uh with that tiff. We're obviously putting uh several dollars into that infrastructure uh in anticipation for new revenue coming into the city. So, this would in this would increase the value of our of our assets uh by by running this line. And I see it not only as a really as a public service to citizens of Chattanooga, but as an economic uh opportunity, economic development opportunity.

Okay. And then once we run the if I'm going to say once I can't say what the vote is say once if we run the line. If we run the line um does it then turn back turn over to the Tennessee American Water Company or how does that who does the long-term maintenance? So the Tennessee American would then uh we would turn that back over to Tennessee American for to maintain. Okay. And then finally my last question is about future development. So I know we have the 27 lots. We have 12 houses, 15 vacant parcels. Is there opportunity for additional development on the site? I mean, up in on Reco Mountain.

Yeah. Well, I mean, obviously the the uh vacant lots that are there is future development, but I think there's I think it's around 100 acres uh in total. I I believe that's what I read. Now, now I may be telling you something that I don't know, but um I have read a lot of material and information through the course of this project and and this is something that I think you might have mentioned this something that we have I guess for the last at least five years

uh tried to really dig into and address. And so this is not uh this is not something that has just come on, you know, that that we're just all of a sudden starting to address. Like I said, uh two different budget cycles we have placed money into capital uh for engineering for, you know, whatever. Uh at one point we thought we might be able to go ahead and start clearing trees, but TVA said we need to know that you have all your funding in place before you can come up and clear trees. My concern is if we don't do it now that all the work that we've done with TVA uh may go away

and if that happens then we're forced to look at running water from the bottom up the mountain which like I said doubles the cost of the project. Okay. All right. Well, that is it. Thank you so much Councilman Henderson and I know it took a lot so thank you. I appreciate I'd appreciate your support on this, too. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, thank you, Councilwoman Dotley. Um, uh, Councilwoman Newell, you have the floor. No, I'm so sorry. I read that wrong. Excuse me. I know my colors is green for Councilwoman Birds. My apologies. Uh, it

Thank you. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, Councilwoman Henderson, I think Councilwoman Dotley asked most of my questions, but I want to go back to the the $500,000 that you mentioned in property taxes. Is that is that at its fullest capacity if it could be fully developed? What is that? Tell me what that number is based on. That would be based on um well number one the increase in value to the homes that are currently there and then building out those other lots just the other 20. So based on 27 15 total lots the current ones plus the 15. Yeah.

Okay. And then to tack on to what she was asking about um future potential development because because of the the amount of the investment, you know, you hope that it leads to more than just 27 properties. So, have you talked to any developers or what the potential really could be long term and what that scope could look like? because I think looking forward we want to say that $3.5 million went towards or I would like to say that $3.5 million went towards a 100 houses and what that would equate to in property taxes. So the long-term value

well so let me let me phrase it this way. Let me ask you not to get caught up on the number of homes. Sometimes we want to focus on the cost

rather than the return. And I think and I think I have um shown that there is a return on this investment maybe 10 to 12 year return but I believe there is a return on investment. Not only is there a return on investment, but we have improved the lives of these residents that their wells are failing. This is a public health issue and so I think we have to take it in a broader scope and and not just focus. Yes, I understand we all have to be concerned about the cost, but I would look at it as an investment, not just a cost. Sometimes when we make investments, yeah, there's an upfront cost and I think that's what the way that we have to address this is is we're making an investment into the lives of residents of Chattanooga.

Yeah. No, I I like the word investment because I think that's one of the ways I want to look at it is what's the long-term um return on the investment. So, a couple other things that you said u we will get a rebate of a million dollars. Is that a million off of the 4.5 total? That's correct. Okay. And then um

that's where I came up with the kind of roughly 10 to 12 years on getting this paid off is once we knock that down to the 3.5 uh then the then as these developments kick in and we start getting that return that $500,000 a year then then we start seeing a basically a 10 to 12 year I think payout on that. And then help me understand when you you said the interest was on the the fun the money is coming from interest not from property taxes. Is that uh interest on our surplus or interest on our property taxes that have been collected over where's Weston here? Come here.

Yes, Justin. Yeah. Help me out. There we go. Thanks. Yeah. So, it's it's general interest on all general fund dollars kind of regardless. So, whatever the amount is is that's in the account, this is total. So, that could be surplus plus That's right. plus income. Correct. Okay. I think that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you both. Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh thank you, uh Chairwoman Burs. Uh my apologies, madam. Uh, Councilwoman, you have the floor.

Thank you. Um, thank you, Councilman Henderson. Pretty much have hit all my questions. You and Council Councilwoman Birds and Councilwoman Doley. Um, who owns the property now? Uh, I would have to go back and look. There is I mean, so there's several owners of the property. There's there's Who are they? Who are they? Who are the I have to I can I can get you a list if if you need to if you need to know who they are. I I think I do have a list of all the property owners out there. Okay. And you don't have any idea who any of them are right now.

Here's two of them right here. There. There's two right there. Billy and then um Michael. And And um you own just one lot there or two lots? We own one. You own one lot and you own one lot. Okay. So, I'm curious as to who own the other lot. Okay. I can get I've got a list.

Okay. Um and my next question is um 3.5 million. You said don't focus in on the number of houses that it will be servicing. And I got a little problem with that because 3.5 million to serve what? 12 homes. That's there right now. That's there now. Okay. And you have 15 that's parcels, right? There be 15 parcels that can be built on.

Okay. Because that 3.5 could serve hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people in a lot of different areas in a lot of different ways uh here in the city. that. And my next question is when they moved up there, um, and for lack of a better term, off the grid for me, then they knew what they were getting into when they bought that property that they had well water. Correct. They they knew they would be living on wellwater. Okay,

that's correct. Okay, that's that was so it was something that they probably wanted to do and not have to deal with bills in the city. So, they are aware now they're going to have a water bill, right? Sewage bill. What about sewage? Uh, right now there's not sewage up there. Okay. No, no sewer lines. Okay. So, who owns the vacant lots? You just You say you don't know who? I can get you that list.

Okay. Um, let me see. She got that for me. She got that. So, um, to to pick it back on on Councilwoman Dotley, uh, usually I have found since I've been on council, if there is an issue that, um, constituents have, they text, they email, they come before us and they make it known. the only person you brought the two here today and then the other gentleman that you showed on the picture just three has have they also reached out to Tennessee American water and say hey we need some help with this has that ever been done

so that was our first avenue was Tennessee American so so so we go back I mean

really and truly this goes back to not long after I was elected in 2013. I mean, like I've probably been dealing with this since about 2015. That's when they first started coming. Then as we started working with and I will say uh the the ball really got rolling downhill uh under Mayor Kelly uh he appointed uh Ryan Ewalt as sort of the lead person on this and and then Ryan started canvasing uh that whole area to find out you know who who had whales that were working whose whales were failing. uh there's some folks up there that are having to uh capture rainwater. Uh so he started doing and when Ryan left uh uh chief of staff Roy sort of picked up that ball in that point person and started kind of running point with uh TVA with uh Tennessee American with with getting Croy uh engineering involved. So everybody up there knew that that things were happening. They I mean in fact the day that um the day that we thought about coming across the TVA property we had a meeting and I don't I don't remember who all was in that meeting. I know Ryan Ewalt was there. We had u several people from the mayor's administration there. We met with the neighbors up there at that point in time. Pretty much walked all of that area. walked down to the end in a culde-sac uh where there was a service road and somebody mentioned why can't we come across that service road come across TVA property uh it looks like it would be a lot cheaper and so that's when we began looking into bringing that water across the TVA so so

these residents have known for a good six seven years that we were working on this for them So, you know, it it wasn't that I guess they felt like they needed to come down and and kind of plead to the council. Number one, we had to figure out where the money was coming from. Number two, we had to do a lot of engineering work. We had to figure out what the cost of the project was going to be. We had a we sort of had a hip pocket idea of what it might cost uh from early meetings just from uh PE from folks from uh Tennessee American. So, so it it's not like that they have not been engaged and I probably talk to them on a weekly or monthly basis, most of them up there just to kind of give them an update of of how things are going. Uh, and they and they will they will be here for the uh public hearing. They'll turn out for the public hearing.

Okay. So, so my next um it's not a question, it's actually a concern. Um, you're asking for 3.5 and I think you have some in preserve. So, it's going to be a total of what? Over 5 million. 4.5. 4.5 million. Well, so I'd have to go back and look and see what I've already forgotten how much we had in set aside. We got 1.2. We got 1.2 2 set aside. We're asking for 3.5. So that'd give us 4.7,

but the estimated cost is 4.5. Any money that we didn't need would obviously roll back into U capital fund. Okay. Could be re could be reallocated. And this is funding that's coming from our last year budget, right? From FY26. Yeah. F26 that um you were not in support of for the tax increase, right? But now you come before us now asking to have use of that money that you did not support. Yes, ma'am. Okay. So, that's where I got a problem. Yeah, you're understanding that, right? Yeah. That's where I got a problem. Okay. Okay. I understand that concern.

All right. Okay. And then I one other thing uh Mr. Chair, one other thing I want to say. Um I did just a tad bit of research, but I'm going to make sure I'm going to go back and fact check myself again. And it's my understanding the PR family owns the property up there. They own some property. Yes, ma'am. And I I will I'll get you a list. Okay. Okay. I'll get you a list of all the property owners up there. Okay. So, let me say this. if they own some of the property, why are not they not putting money in to this? Because they definitely would benefit being that they're own. Uh they have agreed to put money into it. They have agreed to put money into it.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you for that. Okay. Thank you. Uh Mr. Chair, thank you, Councilwoman Noel. Uh Vice Chairman Elliot, you have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um Councilman, I want to say this. I want to thank you one for being a strong advocate for your district. Thank you. Um

and also being creative with how you're trying to figure out how to solve a very difficult problem. It's gone on for a while. While my next comparison is nowhere near it's apples and oranges, but this makes me think of parts of my district. Like I have Missionary Ridge and if you have all seven miles and if you've been on that ridge, North and South Crest roads look like it has been through a a a war altercation, right? You better have some good shocks on your car.

And you know, it's government can be tricky sometimes, but I often times pe tell people don't let folks tell you government doesn't have enough money. We pay for what we want to pay for. And I truly believe you're doing a a great service for your your your community. And let's do it now while the costs are cheaper because we're going to blink and it's going to be more expensive. I would agree.

And we have an obligation to all of our residents. And I want our council to keep this in the back of our mind cuz we have other very difficult conversations and issues we have to tackle. Yeah, this is one, but I see some of our friends here today who have been advocating for a low barrier shelter to help our unhoused community. And so, uh, as we look to tackle difficult problems, let's keep that in mind cuz there's ways we can find way different avenues to solve these problems. And so I appreciate you for being creative with this one because otherwise these extra funds would have went back to our fund balance which is in a healthy position. Yes.

Um so I I can support this with a piece of mind to know we have met the obligations of a minimum of 17% of our budget uh for the state control and the state and we have a well padded uh uh safety net is at the end of the day. Now, I will encourage all of us not to not start using this as a a a jar to just start jumping in, right? But for some of those more difficult conversations, and I say that for myself, although I want my North and South Crest roads paved, I know it's going to cost at minimum of $15 million to get that taken care of over the years to keep that historic as aspect of it. But this is a righteous cause

to dig into it cuz otherwise it would have just gone to already pretty padded slush fund. So let's support these residents to show up for Chad. So thank you, sir. Thank you for your support, Councilman Elliott. I do appreciate that. Yes, sir. Thank you, Vice Chairman Elliott. Um there are no more lights uh Councilman Henderson, but I would like to make a couple uh points of my own and ask you one final question if that's okay. Are there any more lights from the board?

Gotcha. I really I want to point out a couple. Are there some more lights? What are we doing? Clear the queue. There we go. Um, a couple points I want to reiterate in this process is to kind of piggy back what Councilman Elliott said that one when Raccoon Mountain was annexed and I I think it was 72 or 76, I'm not really sure.

So, there's there was three different annexations of of this property. So, and and to be honest, I've been Phil and I have been trying to figure out what portions were uh were when u and I'm going to the reason why because I saw 72, I saw 67, I saw a multiple years, and I don't know when most of the residents purchased their homes and that's fine. Um the point I want to bring to that historically when cities have annexed properties, it has been for revenue opportunity. We don't annex dirt just because we intend for the dirt to make us money. we annex and and correct me if I'm wrong on this because I want to I want to hit home on the economic development aspect of this as to why I'm supporting it because I want to piggy back something he said but I just want to make sure that we understand that when we annex it is with the anticipation that there will be some property revenue opportunities. Is that correct?

I think that would be a fair statement. Yes, sir. And so would that be fair to say that this is an economic development opportunity that once we put in this very crucial infrastructure that the rest of us Chattanooga and by the way thank you Chattanooga and we refer to your to Raccoon Mountain as if y'all are a separate city or not. Uh but we thank you for being here but this is similar to other infrastructure projects that other council people have seen in their district from sink holes to sidewalks to pavement that is that comes well under 3.5 million. Is that correct? Yeah. and and I feel like I've demonstrated that this has an economic impact uh return on on investment. Correct. By by putting this infrastructure in.

And I also want to stress in another question and you've always heard me say to kind of piggyback chairman Elliot's point, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Meaning, if my district had a water deficit and I serve in a predominantly African-American district, this would not only be a water crisis, but this will also be an equity socioeconomic crisis. And I support this because we we've seen those crisis nationally in other cities like Flint, Michigan, where they did not have water infrastructure. Is that correct? Yeah. Yeah. And so what's good for the G was good for the goose is good for the gander. So I also want to bring home another point that you that has come up on the DIS is that the well is running dry. Is that correct?

That is correct. And right now we don't see a lot of public outcry because some of you are here. But when the well runs dry, right, that's when we'll see property owners who are Chattanooga who pay property tax then will come and request that as a municipal requirement for for us to say, "Hey, our wells are dry. Give us water." So would you say that this is a preemptive move to make sure that when the wheels do run dry that doing this proactive well measure will actually and and that's the reason I put this on my first slide the cost of preparation is almost always lower than the cost of an emergency.

Uh that's the reason I put that on there is for that very reason. And as as far as the as a public health strategist, I also want to tell you the residents that well water is not safe. We are seeing whale waters with diseases such as legionnaires. It's just not a good public health. Um I know you moved up there when there was well water, but as a citizen of Chattanooga, we want you to enjoy the amenities that we all enjoy, and that is clean, healthy water that doesn't have legionnaires in it. I support this one because we need you all on the same system even with sewer than the rest of us. Uh last but not least, what do you say to your critics, Councilman Henderson, who say that these people moved up there knowing that there was no water, municipal water infrastructure, and they knew what they were getting into. What do you say to those? This is my last question.

Well, you know, we put laws in place to protect people and and and we do that because in in many times we get into things that we don't fully understand the full implications of things.

Um I understand I I think if this were easy, we would have probably done this long time ago. I I get it. This is a this is a difficult decision that each one of you all have to make. Uh and and I get that there's you know there's a there's a healthy debate to be had about whether this is the right thing to do. What I have what I have noticed since I've and experienced since I've been on this council, there's been a lot of decisions made by previous councils that we've had to deal with now cleaning up the mess. you know, clean up on aisle 15. Um, and and that's the reason I made the comment about I believe that a council a decade from now will be glad that we made this tough choice of capturing this $3.5 million of surplus and fix the problem because this is a problem. and and and I'll just be why this city thought it would be a good idea to annex an area that had wellwater that that would have to be a question for the people that did it. I I just I can't really comprehend that.

I understand that. But we're left with dealing with a problem now. We're deal we're left with dealing with what kind of health crisis could we be facing if all of their wells come dry. Okay. All right. Councilman Henderson, do you have anything else? I think that's it, sir. And thank thank you for understanding and seeing the broader picture. My pleasure, sir. of this project. Okay. With that in mind, I think we are now for recess. We do need an attorney client meeting. Yes. So, we'll recess until 5:20. We will recess until 5:20.

We are back in session. Madame clerk, if you would please read item 7 A. An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, chapter 38 zone ordinance so as to reszone properties located at 134 138 and an unadressed property in the 100 block of Lynchberg Street from RN2 residential neighborhood zone to TRN1 traditional residential neighborhood zone subject to certain conditions. Second. Council, we have a motion to approve properly seconded. Are there any questions or comments on this item? All in favor?

Any opposed? And this ordinance passes on second and final reading. Madame clerk, item 8A, please. An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38, zoning ordinance so as to reszone property located at 401 Treemont Street from RN15 residential neighborhood zone to RN13 residential neighborhood zone. And this is planning item 2026-000051. Is the applicant present? Okay. Is there any opposition present? Councilwoman Hill. I move to approve.

All right. We do have a motion with a proper second. Are there any questions or comments on this item, council? All in favor? Any opposed? And this item passes on first reading. Item 8B, please.

An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38, zoning ordinance so as to resone parts properties located at 7810 and 7816 Shallow Road and parts of properties located at 2237 and 2241 Jenkins Roads from RN2 residential neighborhood zone to CC commercial corridor zone for part of the site subject to certain conditions. And this is planning item 2026-000034. Is the applicant present? Okay. Is there any opposition present? Don't see any. Councilman Harvey.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. U we have some logistical things to work through on this one um language wise, but first before we do that, I want to make a few comments. Um this has been a tricky one for me. Uh we uh have had a neighborhood meeting about this and and gone back and forth with many constituents over it uh and understanding their concerns. Um but also measuring what's best for uh this part of district 4 in the city of Chattanooga. Um ultimately I think we've got a good deal here uh with the proposed use. Um the applicant has agreed uh to make some significant infrastructure improvements and um I I don't think we would get that uh with with anyone else with another applicant um just based on how this site uh is u someone could go in tomorrow and u and develop it in the commercial part and we may not get any sort of input or any sort of infrastructure improvements. Um, so I appreciate them uh being willing to make these improvements. They've also reconfigured their site um to uh be a little bit uh more of a better neighbor to uh the neighboring Drake Forest. Um so they they've actually moved um a car wash, their proposed car wash inside of the existing commercial corridor. Um in addition to that uh was after some conversations with um the HOA president there of Drake Forest um and and then in a meeting with Karen Renick in uh doing plan Hamilton Hamilton plant Chattanooga. We are in Hamilton County uh plan Chattanooga. Uh we were able to put some protections on um the existing residential zoned property that will be between that is between Drake Forest and this commercial piece of property. So I want the the folks at Drake Forest to know that we have some protections there

to pro protect them from encroachment as they have uh expressed their concern over that. Um so again I think ultimately this is a good compromise. U so uh our applicant here Wiggles has um has has been a good partner in uh in being willing to make these uh improvements and these um compromises. So, thank you for listening to uh the constituents and ultimately I think this is a good thing um a good project for our community. U with that said um there will be an alternate version uh and I'll ask Karen Renick to come up. She's going to read some conditions into the record. Uh first let me read um the alternate version and what that should read is under section two will be animal care facilities with outdoor areas, hotels, live entertainment, secondary uses and nightclubs are prohibited. Car wash buildings and vacuum areas are prohibited within 50 ft of the shared property line with 2338 Grider Way. Tax map number 149J-E-12.

Is that not the first condition? I I had that as number one. Oh, you did? Okay. All right. Just want to make sure that was that was on there. Okay. We changed the current condition to add those requirements here about the um car wash buildings and vacuum areas on there. So, it's now part of one.

Okay. Very good. Very good. Uh with that said, Karen, if you don't mind reading the uh infrastructure conditions into the record for us, please. Yes. Add an eastbound right turn bypass lane on Shallford Road. Road road with an acceleration lane on Jenkins Road. Widen Shalifford Road to accommodate the right turn bypass lane. Widen Jenkins Road to accommodate the acceleration lane. Install stop signs the unsalized site access points on both Shaifford Road and Jenin. Jenkins Road and all of that unless otherwise directed by public works transportation in their review of the traffic study um or as needed to accommodate access to the joining property. And so that is for that portion of the pro only that portion of the property being reszoned. And I can um send that both to the clerk and to the um city attorney's office.

Very good. Thank you. Um, I'd also like to attach the site plan um to this and fill it. Sorry, Mr. Attorney, I believe you have a copy of that. If you don't, I'll make sure you do. Yes. Not yet, but we'll get it. Okay. Yes. All right. Yeah, we want to attach the site plan as well. Um, with that said, I um let's see. Do we need to make an amendment here? Yes. Okay. U I make a motion to make an amendment to item B. Make a motion to approve. Make a motion to approve. Second. Okay. Okay, we do have a motion and a proper second to get the item on the floor. Motion to amend with details with the u

conditions that were read into the record by Karen Renick in the attached site plan. Second. Okay, we do have a motion and proper second on the motion to amend. Any questions or comments on the motion to amend, council? Oh yes, Councilwoman Bur. Yep. I'm so impressed with all that you came up with because I heard this at the planning commission and I knew that there was a way to work it out. So, thank you, Councilman Harvey. Are you Are we approving the alternate version with the additional conditions? That's correct. Okay. Thank you. That's I just wanted to verify that. Yes. Thank you. Okay. All right. So, all in favor? I I

Any opposed? All right. So, it has been amended. Motion to approve as amended. Second. Okay. We do have a motion, a proper second to approve this item as amended. Any further questions or comments, council? All in favor? I. Any opposed? And the item passes on first reading. Item 8 C please madam clerk

an ordinance to amend chatt code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to reszone properties located at 1812 1816 and 1818 Ferris road together with properties located at 7301 and 7309 crane road from RN16 residential neighborhood zone to insital zone subject certain conditions. All right. And this is planning item 2026-000040. Councilman Harvey.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I want to make a motion to defer this one week to uh next week on May the 19th. Um, this is due to a constituent uh reaching out today with uh some major storm water concerns. um Erlanger's uh guy is here and I believe he's connected with Jeremy and Jeremy's team is already on it um to make sure that we address the storm water concerns that this constituent have. The constituent is in favor of the project. However, just wanted to make sure we had a a good plan to make sure her home doesn't flood again and is a fair point. So, uh we're working on that and want to defer a week, please. Motion to defer. Second.

All right, council. Have a motion properly seconded to defer this item until May 19th. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I. Any opposed? And this item will be deferred until May 19th. Item 8, please. An ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to reszone property located at 3115 Dwight Street from RN16 residential neighborhood zone to RN15 residential neighborhood zone. Motion to withdraw.

Okay, council. We do have a a motion to withdraw. Um and just for the record, this is planning item 2026-0033. That is correct. Is the applicant here by chance? Is there any opposition here by chance? Okay. And so you've made a motion to withdraw this item. Yes. Properly seconded. Any questions or comments? Council. All in favor? I. Any opposed? And this item is withdrawn. Item 8E. Please.

An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Co. Part two, chapter 38, zoning ordinance so as to reszone property located at 2153 West Shepard Road from RN2 residential neighborhood zone to TRN3 traditional residential neighborhood zone subject to certain conditions. And this is planning item 2026-0045. Is the applicant present? Okay. Is there any opposition present? Don't see any. And council members, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to make a motion to approve with conditions. Second. Okay, we have a motion properly seconded to add some conditions for this.

It's with the stated conditions. So, I want to take the version that has the conditions on it. Okay. Not the staff version or the applicant's version. Okay. Yep. All right. We do have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments, council? All in favor? I. Any opposed? And this item passes on first reading. Item 8F, please.

An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, chapter 38, zoning ordinance. So as the reason parts of properties is located at 6210, 6212, 6214, 6216, and 6218 Vance Road from RN16 residential neighborhood zone, IH industrial heavy zone and IIL industrial light zone to RN16 residential neighborhood zone and IIL industrial light zone subject to certain conditions. All right. And this is planning item 2026- 0047. M applicant present. Is there any opposition present? I think you had a motion on this one, Councilwoman.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to make a motion to defer until May 26th. The community has a meeting on the 21st with the applicant and we'll u hear this the following Tuesday. So motion to defer until May 26th, please. Did I hear a second down there? Yes. Motion properly seconded to defer this item until May 26. Any questions or comments, council? All in favor? I. Any opposed?

This item will be deferred until May 26th. Item 8G, please. An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38, zoning ordinance so as to reszone property located at 4,300 Dodge Avenue from RN2 residential neighbor neighborhood zone to CR regional commercial zone. And this is planning item 2026-000018. Is the applicant present? There any opposition present? Councilwoman Dotley, you're recognized.

Uh thank you so much, Mr. Chair. Uh this is the one I mentioned earlier that I'll be adding the four conditions on. Um and I will read those back into the record for this one. Uh but first um move to approve. Second. I do have a motion probably seconded.

And I would like to motion I would like to add the conditions in as an amendment please. Um the four conditions are um it to be it is to be used as a dealership only. There will be a six-foot wooden privacy fence to be constructed along the eastern uh shared property line with 200 East 43rd Street, text meth 168 JJ017. And then um they will also get a sign permit for their existing sign. And there's no parking cars, no parking in the right of way. And I state those as u a motion and I believe for the record it was 2800 East 43rd Street. That is correct. Yes. Thank you, Pet. Okay. Were those all the conditions?

Those are all the conditions, Mr. Chair. And that's in the form of a motion. Second. All right. Council, we do have a motion properly seconded um to amend this item with the conditions read into the record. Any questions or comments? All in favor of the amendment? I Any opposed? Okay. And the amendment passes. Okay. I like to move as amended. Second. All right. We do have a motion properly seconded to approve this item as amended. Any further questions or comments, council? All in favor? Any opposed? This item passes on first reading. Thank you.

Item 8H, please. Madam clerk, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as resone property located at 1128 East 13th Street from RN3 residential neighborhood zone to TRN1 traditional residential neighborhood zone subject to certain conditions. And this is planning item 2026-0049. Is the applicant present? And is there any opposition present? Councilwoman Dole, will you recognize?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am going to make a motion to defer this. I had said one week earlier, but after speaking with the young lady, we're going to defer for two weeks. May the 22 26 26. Second. Right. Council, we do have a motion properly seconded to defer this item until May 26. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Any opposed? And this item will be deferred until May 26th. Item 8 I, please.

An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, chapter 38, zoning ordinance so as to reszone property located at 1508 East 13th Street from RN15 residential neighborhood zones or TRN3 traditional residential neighborhood zones subject to certain conditions. And this is planning item 2026-000039. Is the applicant present? Okay. Is there any opposition present? And Vice Chair Elliot, you're recognized.

Um, I'm going to first motion to approve. And I would like to motion to amend by putting the site plan in the ordinance. Okay. As a condition. Yes. Okay. So, we have a motion on the table and a motion to amend um by adding the site plan um as conditions. Um are there any questions or comments about the proposed amendment? Council, all in favor of the amendment? I. Any opposed? All right. Move to approve this visit. Second.

All right. We have a motion properly seconded to approve as amended. Sorry, we dropped a pin. Oh yeah, looks like you broke the table there. No, they're all um any question any further questions or comments, council? All in favor? I. Any opposed?

Item passes as amendment as amended on first reading. Item 8J, please. An ordinance to amend Chattanova city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to reszone property located at 1601 Dodge Avenue from RN2 residential neighborhood zone to TR3 traditional residential neighborhood zone subject to certain conditions and this is planning item 2026-0046 is applicant present okay is there any opposition present and you want to be you're still active.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh I was able to speak to the applicant prior to so I'm going to change my course of action. I am going to motion to approve. And I would now like to motion to amend with the condition of putting the site plan in the ordinance. Thank you. Okay. Um council, we do have a motion properly seconded. Um, any questions or comments? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Okay. And amendment is approved. Motion to approve. As amended.

Yeah. As amended, excuse me. Yes. Second. All right. Motion properly seconded to approve as amended. Any further questions or comments, council? All in favor? I. Any opposed? And this item passes on first reading. Congratulations.

Okay. Item 8K, please, Madame Clerk. An ordinance amending Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38, the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance as adopted by ordinance number 14137 on July 23, 2024. Article 8, special purpose zones section 3829 institutional zone and article 9 uses section 3843 accessory use standards B. Accessory dwelling units to add a graphic rendering. Council, we have a motion properly seconded to approve this item. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Any opposed?

This item passes on first reading. Item 9A, please. Madam clerk, a resolution authorizing an annual spend limit of $90,000 for the existing Vector Solutions target learning solutions compliance training platform blanket contract PA1000841. currently being used by the fire department and wastewater treatment facility to increase the citywide annual spend limit of $155,000 per year for a total 5-year contract agreement amount of $750,000 and the increase will allow DTS to expand the platform for all 24 city departments. Move to approve. Second.

Council, we do have a motion properly seconded to approve this resolution. Are there any questions or comments? All in favor? I. Any opposed? And the resolution passes. And now we are to purchases. Weston, turn it over to you. Good evening, council.

We have five purchases recommended for approval this evening. The first one is with public works. This is a one-time purchase to cover past, due, and future invoices through June 2026 for long-term vehicle leases for the fleet management division. This purchase from Enterprise FM Trust will be in the amount of $221,50. Number two is with public arts. Uh this is a new agreement for Main Street Artwork Removal, Storage, Refurbishment, Reinstallation, or Dassess Deassession. Uh, this will be a 4-year agreement with an annual amount limit of $90,000. The award will go to Duncan Sculpture and Services and Garage Bounds as the best bids. Item number three is with public works. This is a one-time purchase for tree maintenance and river in on Riverfront Parkway in Market Street for the forestry division of public works in the amount of $112,693. The award will go to Treeworks as the best bid. Item number four is a one-time purchase of lighting system for the John A. Patton Community Center ballfields. This purchase will be in the amount of $269,917 utilizing source contract. Item number five is with public works. This is they're requesting an increase of $11,34354 purchase order PUR156832. This contract was originally awarded to Supreme Restaurant and approved by council on September 23, 2025 in the amount of $141,7955 for the purchase and installation of kitchen equipment at the John A. Henry Head Start Complex. This increase is necessary to cover the installation cost of the walk-in cooler and freezer, bringing the new total cost to $153,139.

to approve. Second. Do have a motion properly seconded. Council, any questions or comments on the purchases? All in favor? I. Any opposed? And the purchases are approved. And we have one sole source purchase to report this evening. It's for technology services. This is a sole source purchase of social media management software by Meltwater News US, Inc. for the amount of $30,867.

Okay. Thank you, Weston. We'll go around the dis now for committee reports. We'll start with Councilman Henderson. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We did have the first of our budget session hearings uh this morning uh from 10 to about 2:30 and we will return next week for another round of budget sessions. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Hill. No report. Councilman Harvey, no report. Councilman Clark, no report. Councilwoman Null. No. Councilwoman Dotley.

Yes. Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. As the affordable housing chair, uh I did want to announce that uh the city of Chattanooga's affordable housing pallet has been named the winner of the 2026 Ivory Prize for housing affordability and policy. So just kudos to our housing team. They do an amazing job and to be nationally recognized is uh I'm excited to be the chair. So that is it. So thank you, Mr. Chair. All right. Yes. Councilwoman Burs, I report. Vice Chair Elliott.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I first want to start off by uh recognizing and thanking uh CPD Officer Rogers for his bravery. Bravery that we saw recently. We saw this. I saw this video yesterday. I didn't know anything about it, but he selflessly uh found himself fighting in a houseire to get u a family and small children out. So, um I want to thank all of our first responders. Uh it's me, it's stories like this that go unknown and untold. Uh and I just want to say we see you and we thank you for constantly putting your lives on the line for Chattanooga every day. So, uh, Chief, I know you probably sitting back there like, "Well, we run through fires every day." But we No, but we I I just want to give a special shout out for our first responders for going above and beyond. A couple other things I want to acknowledge. I saw a really cool video a couple weeks ago, and I want to give out shout out to the mayor's office and Dylan Rivera in the mayor's office. If you haven't seen, they have this thing called Synic City soundtrack, uh, where they are bringing local DJs onto some of our Carter buses to kind of highlight, uh, some of these routes and just kind of bringing some fun energy to city services. You know, city doesn't always have to be so boring and blah. So, I appreciate Dylan and the rest of the mayor's office for being creative about how we highlight the most some of the things that we take for granted. They also did something last year I want to highlight too. It's called Beats and Books. They also partnered with Dynamo for this and they were able to pull in local uh hiphop and R&B artists to kind of read and perform books that was performed on like Power 94 and they were uh able to uh give hundreds of books away to young kids. And so I think Dylan worked out on that

one as well. So thank you guys for all your work and to make Chhatt a special place. And that's it. Okay,

we're now to that portion of the meeting where we're happy to hear from members of the public who might want to address us. And if you're here for that purpose, if you would please just line up at the podium down front while our attorney reads the rules. At the end of each council business meeting, the chair will recognize members of the public who wish to address the council. And here's your rules. Each speaker wishing to address the council can only be recognized at the microphone up front provided for that purpose. Can't have more than three minutes to speak and you can address the council only upon matters within their legislative and quaile judicial authority and not on matters which are not under their authority and are regulated by other governmental bodies or agencies. Do not engage in vulgar or obscene language, nor use the floor to personally attack or personally denigrate others and address the council as a whole and not make comments directed towards individual council members. And lastly, do not engage in disorderly conduct or disrupting a public meeting, which is prohibited by Tennessee law, and someone commits that offense if a person substantially obstructs or interferes with the meeting by physical action or verbal utterance with the intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting or gathering. Having stated those rules, please go ahead, sir, and give your name and district, please.

My name is Joshua David Capellish. I represent unsheltered citizens in the community district zero or My name is Joshua David Palish. I'm an advocate for unsheltered citizens in this community. What brings me here today is hope and love and an unwavering determination to bring light to problems that seem to go persist like a bad infection. While not deadly at first, signs of sickness do not fade with time. They get worse. Our bodies physically and politically can survive an infection, but over time antibodies are depleted and we need medicine. Our homeless veterans are not a plague on society, but are the antibodies that have become weakened over time, fighting foreign invaders from terminal illness and attacks. So what is the name of the infection that causes so much sickness? It is the human disease of greed. Greed is never satisfied like a virus. Every property deeded to a developer has is one less place for a family to own. If the investors buy up all the property, how can anyone realize the American dream of home ownership, especially for our black communities? We need to create permanent plans to protect black communities defined by the people that live in them now and by those who have lived there longer than the trees they planted so many years ago. to to quote Supreme Court Justice John Marshall's words, excuse me, John Marshall Harlland's words, in view of the Constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior dominant ruling class of citizens. There is no cast here. Our constitution is colorblind and neither knows nor tolerates class among citizens. The humblest is the pure pure of the most powerful. The quote Theodore Roosevelt and trust 1902. The persons who find it to their immense pecuniary benefit to destroy the forest by lumbering. They are to blame for the thus sacrificing the future of the nation as a whole to their own self-interests of the moment.

But heavier blame attaches to the people at large for permitting such action. Facts verse fiction legal jurisdiction and divisions. Secret public missions omissions and decisions. We so good at word smith and what's there left to believe in? Build it back brick by brick, brick, stick by stick to prevent a white prick of a needle casting deep into your refrain. There's something deeper here than real estate market prices, its family roots and American tradition. Its community, its unity. Get along and be strong. White can't get whiter. It can only get darker. Black can't get blacker. Can only get brighter. Using a public office as a private development platform bulldoz bulldozes the very efficacy of government. It is to serve all people publicly not privately. The proof is in actions not words. We put quickly become secondass citizens in our own community and country thanks to greedy private developers. This has the feels of a well I'll leave that. Um we can never brush aside democracy. God bless you.

Thank you. All right. Council, it appears we've completed all the business before us today. Multiple journ. All in favor? We are adjourned.