City Council - Regular Meeting

All right. Like to call this Bristol Tennessee City Council meeting on September 9th, 2025 to order. Mary Lee, would you call the role? Yes, sir. Turner, yes. Fire Robin, here. Powers, here. anchored here.

All right. Thank you everyone for attending this evening and uh just bear with me as we go through this evening. It's uh been a while uh since I've sit in this position. So uh anyway, there are two opportunities this evening to speak on city business. Uh first, the attendees are invited to speak regarding the two public hearing items tonight. I will announce when these opportunities are open. If your comments relate to the subject of one of those hearings, speak during the public hearing. Second, citizens are welcome to address council uh on any city matter during the public hearing. Um public comment section. Um I will note each time this is um available. We tonight Chief Mike Carrier will lead us in our invocation and Councilwoman Akard will lead us in our pledge of allegiance. If you'll stand.

Let us pray. Our most kind and gracious heavenly father as we come before you tonight, dear God, we do thank you for this beautiful day that you've given us. We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings that you've poured out upon each and every one of us. We thank you Lord for your mercy, for your grace, for your forgiveness. And we thank you, Lord, for the savior that makes that available to us tonight. Dear God, as we come before you, we pray for this city council. We pray for the council that you would be with them as they make decisions to lead this city. We pray, dear God, you would give them your wisdom, your insight as they make decisions for each item on the agenda. We thank you Lord for the opportunity that we have to come before you and these that have gathered in this room and be able to make their voices heard. We thank you Lord for the fact that we do live in a country that affords us that freedom. And we know dear God that freedom didn't come without a price. And we know Lord that there are many down through the years that have made sacrifices to fight for those freedoms. And we know Lord that there are a lot that are standing on the front lines today that are protecting the freedoms that we have. We pray dear God for them. ask for your hand of safety upon them. I pray tonight, Lord, for the responders of this city. We have a great bunch of uh men and women in the police, fire, EMS field, and those that provide the other public services to us. I pray, dear God, that you would just keep your hand of safety upon them and protect them and be with them as they serve us. And again, Lord, tonight we just pray for your presence here in this meeting chamber. And we ask all this in the holy name of Jesus. Amen. Now for the pledge

to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. Next on our agenda is the declaration of the vacant council seat process. Uh I guess Mr. Why will you be leading us on this of uh to fill the seat of uh the east district um that Councilman Mark Hutton held. Um his resignation was effective September the 2nd. Um our charter dict dictates what um how this process go. we have to appoint someone within 30 days and um I guess we'll all have some ideas and what how this process is going to what it's going to look like and how it's going to proceed forward.

Yep. Correct. Mayor, thank you. Um as you stated, Council Member Hutton resigned his position on September 2nd and per the charter, the council has 30 days to fill that position. uh Dr. Hutton had served the east district. So the new council member to be appointed would need to be from that east district as well and then the new appointee would serve the remaining term that Mr. Hutton left. Um and then the elections would take place next year as as they normally would. Uh we did in the council packet provide you a concept a proposed timeline and process to make that appointment if you choose. There is no formal process you have to follow to make that appointment. However, if you choose to go through an application process, we did lay out what that could look like. And that proposed process and timeline would be tonight you would declare the seat vacant, which is already done. And then elect a new vice mayor. Uh that will come up next in the agenda. And then um discuss this this process. Then if you choose to do an application process, you could post that application tomorrow. September 10th. That application then could be open through September 25th. You have your regular work session on September 30th. You could review applications at that point. And if you choose to conduct interviews, you could do so at that time. A lot of this will depend on the number of of people that express an interest. Um, and then immediately following the work session on September 30th, you could hold a called meeting to make that formal appointment at that time. and then on the October 7th regular meeting, you could swear that new city council member in. And that is just a concept. And then I also did send out just a some draft um application materials. Those were the materials that were used to fill the school board seat that was vacated back I believe it was 2017. So they were taken directly from there. We can use all of that or we can

take bits and pieces. That's really up to the council how you choose to do that. Okay. I guess My one question would be for Miss Smith of with I know within the September 30th if we have our called meeting and take a vote then of the swearing in on October 7th of the fact of that not being within the 30 days. Would whoever is voted in on the 30th, then would they go to city hall the next day to be sworn in so that it's within the 30 days or would be be okay on the 7th?

I I think they could be, but you've also I think your action in adopting a resolution stating that this person is the is is probably going to be sufficient. If there's any action that needs to be taken by council between September 30th and October 7th at a special meeting, then you you'd want to swear that person in before they took any action. Okay. So So we'd be okay on the seven. I think you'd be okay. Okay.

Okay. Does anyone on council have any um I like the for me I like the timeline and of it gives everyone I think ample opportunity to put their application in and um as they come in then um I guess we as council of

reaching out to um if there's any other questions that we have or what we would like to ask of the applicants then we can do that on our I mean as far as on our own and own schedule of that's that will be up to the council to decide if you choose to have one-on-one conversations that's acceptable otherwise if you choose to do a group interview those would be public and we would post for that. Okay, you could do that as well.

So, can we leave it open that we definitely want to do do like we do for our regular appointments that we get an application and we call somebody to talk with them a little bit. Um, so if we decided we wanted to interview anybody, do we need to decide that now or can we leave it open um to make a decision later? We could leave it open, but it would have to be posted as part of our public meeting notice. So, we would have to have a decision made before the packets get posted the week prior to the meeting. So a week prior to we could which would be after the deadline of the applications

right at Yes. Right. Okay. Okay. Um I assume we should vote on this process and approve it. Do we Is that the best way to do it? We talked about that it's not required as long as we have very clear direction from councel.

Okay. I guess a couple things. One is it will be advertised through social media and whatever else other ways to make sure our citizens know um and with the application so people know how to apply or where to find the application. Um and then the other is to be sure that we get copies of the applications as quickly as possible when they come in. So that gives us enough time to talk to people. We know everybody's got crazy schedules these days. So if we can get those um within 24, 30 hours, whatever as possible to be able to talk to people, talk with people.

Just to be clear, you would vote on the replacement. You would you would hold a formal vote and adopt a resolution on whoever's appointed to the replacement, but voting on the process doesn't seem necessary. That would be after the after work session on the meeting 30th. They' have the work session and then we would have the call meeting.

Yeah. Like I said, I think gives everyone enough time to get their applications in. who's interested and uh gives us time to go through the applications and because I guess everything's I guess there's the background check that you'll have to do on that side and making sure that the residency is within the district. So right, our staff will go through all of the the qualifications that are required and ensure that the applicants meet the necessary qualifications and then the least forward on this. Okay,

one question I do have. I know I did hear back from just one person on the m application materials about résumés. Does council want resumes to be required as part of the application packet or would you prefer just to go with the list of questions that were for me? I'll leave that up to the whoever the candidate is that's applying and if they choose to send it in or not. Okay. We'll have our formal list of questions that we would expect them to complete and then anything beyond that is optional. Is that what we're saying?

And were there any other questions that you did or did not in in the ones that were sent out? Were those okay? I think of those questions. I mean, I'll probably have some of my own, but of that I can forward out as the applications come in of whatever, you know, what what other questions I may have. Is that right?

Good. because I think it's of you know of all of this of I guess I feel like of going through this process and giving everyone the opportunity to put their name in the hat and to you know look at everybody and this I know we haven't done this process in the past of it's been appointing right someone but I like this process better of the application like what we'd have for any other board or

um seat within the city. So I'm good with the timeline as long as all of that will as far as what we have to do of the timeline I think it's it's fine. I'm good with it. Anyone else have any That's pretty clear. Okay.

All right. Next, we have with the resignation uh the charter states that the officer office of mayor uh shall become vacant. The vice mayor shall become mayor for the remainder of the unexpired term and another council member shall be selected to serve as vice mayor. Therefore, tonight we must select a vice mayor to serve the remainder of the term uh which will end with the election of a replacement at the January 26th regular meeting. Um yes. Do I have a nomination for vice mayor? I'd like to nominate Councilwoman Powers for that position. Okay, we have a motion. Do we have a second?

Second. We have a motion and a second. Are there any other nominations for vice mayor? Can we ask if she'll accept the nomination? I'm filling a term until January 1st. So, yes, I'm good with that. Okay. Mary Lee, will you call the role? Yes, sir. Turner? Yes. Fire Robin? Yes. Powers? Yes. Akard? Yes. Okay. And thank you. And also, I guess I'll add happy birthday. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Yes. One more time. Thank you. Okay. Do we have any additions to tonight's agenda?

No, there are. Okay. We have two proclamations tonight. Uh the first one is on child's uh passenger safety week. Uh buckle up for life. Councilwoman Fire Robbin will read the pro proclamation and Samuel Jones uh the child passenger safety program coordinator for Appalachin Promise along with fire chief Mike Carrier and police major Terry Johnson will accept the proclamation.

Great. Whereas children are our future and is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to keep Americans children safe. And whereas car seats are required by law for children traveling in motor vehicles. And whereas research analyzed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shows that in the US only one in four car seats, child car seats are properly installed. And whereas research shows when installed and used correctly, child safety seats decrease the risk for injury and crashes by 71 to 82% for children when compared with seat belt use alone. And whereas research shows booster seat use can reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% for children ages four to eight. And whereas parents and guardians must make sure that children aged 13 and under always ride in the back seat buckled up pro and properly installed child safety seats and a rearfacing child seat should never be placed in the front seat of a mo motor vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag. And whereas Tennessee and Virginia child restraint laws require that all children aged eight and younger be buckled in a car seat or booster. And whereas the cities of Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia encourage parents and caregivers to implement best practices for traveling safely with children. And whereas children riding in the right seat for their age and size can be accomplished by a car seat inspection that ensures the safety of a child while traveling. And whereas the cities of Bristol, Tennessee, and Virginia are committed to working closely with our partners and safety advocates such as Buckle Up Appalachia to make choices that will keep children alive and safe. Therefore,

be it resolved that the mayors of Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia do hereby proclaim of September 21 through 27, 2025 a as child passenger safety week in Bristol and the day of September 27th as chip check Saturday. We encourage all citizens to help reduce injuries and tragic loss of life by buckle buckling up themselves and their children every trip, every time. Thank you for uh this proclamation for as many years as we've done this. Um, we had recently changed the name of our program at Appalachic Promise Alliance from Buckle Up for Life to Buckle Up Appalachia to better reflect a regional identity. Um, we are glad here to be with our partners from the fire department and police department. Um and that's pretty much um we do at uh Appalachic Promise Alliance we do we can do virtual currency checks. Also I am certified internationally in two countries Australia and uh the United Kingdom which means I'm familiar with European seats if anybody is traveling out of the country and needs that

knowledge. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, mayor and council, for the proclamation for child safety week. And I just want to say, you know, that we have a car seat technicians that are certified in the police department and fire department here. And I want to say thank you to them because u went through that myself and that's 40 hours of training to become certified as a car seat installer. and they take it very seriously and you know we are uh available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we have some car seat technicians on each shift so they can drop by a fire station. We can get those car seats installed properly and you heard in the statistics that she read 71 to 82% I believe it was better chance of reducing injuries in an accident with a properly installed car seat. And I think that's the key to it is properly installed. And that's what we do. We install those, but not only do we install them, we train the parents, grandparents, whatever it may be, how to take that car seat out and reinstall it theirelves. And we actually let them do that so that they know if they move it from one vehicle to the other, they're getting it in properly. And so again, uh, thank you, council, and mayor. And thank you to all of our men and women, police, fire department, and those at Sam's Appalachian. uh buckle up that uh took the time to become certified and take it so seriously to make sure that our children are transported safely. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Next, we have a proclamation for suicide prevention awareness month and Councilwoman Powers will read the proclamation. And I believe is it Sherry Feathers is here from the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and will accept the proclamation.

Thank you. Whereas suicide is a tremendous form of suffering and one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and community can experience with more than 1,200 lives lost in Tennessee each year and an estimated 25 attempted suicides for each actual suicide death. And whereas suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in Tennessee, the third leading cause of death among young and young adults ages 10 to 24, as well as the fourth leading cause of death uh in adults ages 35 to 45 and the eighth leading cause of death for adults ages 45 to 54, excuse me. Whereas understanding the risk of suicide can be reduced through awareness, education, and treatment. And whereas suicide prevention has been declared a state priority by Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee legislature. And whereas 988 suicide and crisis lifeline provides 247 free and confidential support for people in distress prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals in the United States. And whereas the Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council has been appointed to coordinate the implementation of the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention. And whereas the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, also known as TPN, is a grassroots collaboration of Tennessans and organizations working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in our state. And whereas the organization TSPN encourages all Tennessian to become trained and play a role in suicide prevention to support a greater quality of life. And whereas everyone can play a role in suicide prevention by learning and sharing the risk and warning signs, decreasing the stigma as a mean to promote help seeking by talking about

suicide using safe messaging and sharing the available resources. And whereas we encourage all Tennessans to take the time to inquire as to the well-being of their family, friends, and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, a handshake, hug, or even a smile may go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer. Therefore, be it resolved that the mayor of Bristol, Tennessee, hereby proclaims September 2025 as suicide prevention awareness month, and we urge all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and compassion around all people affected by this tragedy. The ninth day of September, 2025.

Thank you. On behalf of ESPN, I just want to quickly say thank you for helping us spread the word that suicide is preventable and help and hope is available. A couple of years ago, as you stated, we implemented in across the nation the 988 line for uh people can call, chat, or text. We know younger people prefer to chat and text. So, we see hundreds and hundreds of kids that are reaching out. Um, so we want you all to help us uh in your everyday life to let people know that if they're struggling with thoughts of depression or thoughts of suicide or they just need a moment that they need that they need someone to talk to, they can just pick up the phone and call 988 and someone will be there to talk to them. And I like to tell people you can share your name because they ask you a lot of questions for national data, but you don't have to share your name. You can remain totally totally anonymous. just call and and just know that help's always there and always available. Thank you.

Thank you. [Applause] Mayor, can I take uh just a second of privilege to first off for prep preparing this agenda? There's people behind the scenes who do this and for proclamation. Is this okay? for proclamations. Um, we really appreciate having those, but they also do take time to prepare and get them in good shape. So, we really appreciate our staff who does that. Um, and the other just as we talk about the um the suicide prevention awareness month. I know today I spoke with a EMS person from Southwest Virginia and they have seen an uptick an uh increase of suicides. and just want to thank all the helpers that um try to help people and also who have a lot that they experience themselves in helping people. So, just wanted to thank all our first responders and our counselors and everybody else. So, thank you.

Thanks. Okay. Next, we have no presentations and the board of education report. Dr. Tud.

Oh. Good evening everyone. Um, just a few things for you this evening. Excited to share that we inducted our second class into the athletic hall of fame this past Sunday. We had three teams, three coaches, one special contributor, and 19 individual athletes who were inducted from Tennessee High School and Slater High School into this second class um, for the Hall of Fame. We also added, if you haven't been into Viking Hall lately, we have a a display for an athletic hall of fame area and so we added a new banner for this second class to that area. So, it was really a special afternoon celebrating those folks in our community. Um, thank you for recognizing suicide prevention awareness week. We've also recently heard those statistics that there's been a bit of an uptick. Um, as you know, mental health is a priority for us in our school system. Last meeting I told you about our newest therapy dog. This meeting I wanted to tell you her name is Dolly and she goes to training soon and I actually was at Viking Academy this week and saw Jingle actually just yesterday and saw her in action. So truly um every little bit of our supports help in our our students and even those dogs make an impact on helping to kind of deescalate situations. And just so you're aware and the community is aware, we have that number on the back of our student ID. So every student at Tennessee High School who wears their ID has that suicide prevention number so they have that accessible for themselves or for others if they find themselves in a situation where they want to help their friends. Um also excited to report the return of VT week coming up very soon. That's uh been a tradition since 1911. However, we haven't played Virginia High School in football since 2019. So for the past five years, we've had a bit of a hiatus. But um just wanted to make you aware that there are a couple of events leading up to that football game. On

Sunday, September 14th at 3 pm, there's going to be a community pep rally in Cumberland Par Cumberland Square Park on the Bristol, Virginia side. And then from 5 to 7 the night of the football game in the Food City Uclid Avenue parking lot, there's going to be a a a tailgate prior to the game. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at Gene Malcolm Stadium. So, it's hosted on the Virginia side. this year, but we'll have them back on the Tennessee side next year. But we're just super excited. If you happen to catch the tire flip down State Street and thought that was a great community rallying event, I hopefully you're going to be involved in this as well and and see our two sides of the state lines come together in in celebration of the VT week. We're excited that that's back. And then just a reminder, the 73rd annual Music in the Castle is October 4th. I don't think I'll see you again until that. So until after that event, but 73rd annual coming up. That's all I have unless you have questions for me.

Amen. Thank you. Okay. Next, we have two public hearings tonight. The first one is ordinance 25-17, an ordinance to clarify provisions of chapter 13 sign regulations uh non-permanent signs. Uh, this public hearing is now open and Sheriff Young will present.

Thank you, Mayor Turner. Good evening, everyone. Um, tonight I'm here for the public hearing for an ordinance to amend the new sign ordinance. Um, that ordinance was adopted, the new sign ordinance was adopted earlier this year and becomes effective October 1. Um, as staff prepared for the education materials that we're going to send out, um, to our business community, uh, we realized a couple of little clarifying edits that should be made. Um, so fortunately, we've we've had the time um to to to get those edits ironed out and um, get them in line for the October 1st um, roll out of the signed ordinance. Um the first reading of this ordinance was approved on August 12th and the m the edits are fairly minor um in in the substance of the edits um on the screen and I know these are terribly hard to see um on this screen but are in your packets but um the yellow highlights are adding clarifying language to the overall sign height allowed for post signs. Uh we did uh leave two two edits out. So in our first round uh we we left those out. We're adding them back in here. Um on the screen on the left side of the screen, those same yellow edits are also to reflect the clarifying language for the height of post signs. And then on the right side, uh you'll see some language in red. And what this is doing is clarifying that a multi-tenant center can't have a post sign per tenant. So, it adds some clarifying language to um stipulate that post signs are allowed on a per parcel basis. Uh when dealing with a multi-tenant center, keep that sign cluttered. Uh just to a minimum of post signs per parcel, not per tenant. That I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address council on this? Seeing none, this public hearing is closed. Next, we have ordinance 25-18, ordinance designating the zoning of property newly annexed into the city of Bristol, Tennessee as M2. Um, this public hearing is now open and sheriff will present again.

Thank you again, Mayor. Um tonight we're here for the for the public hearing and second reading later on in the agenda of the ordinance to assign the zoning for the parcel uh recently annexed into the city. Um this is parcel um that is owned by the city of Bristol for the purposes of BTS. It's approximately 85 acres in size and prior to annexation it was zoned A1 which is a general agricultural estate residential district in Sullivan County. uh the plan of services that was recommended for approval by the planning commission and then approved by city council at the August meeting, excuse me. Um proposed that the zoning assignment of this parcel would be M2, which is the city's general industrial district. Um that ordinance did pass on first reading. So tonight is the public hearing and second reading of that ordinance. Uh the future land use map does identify this area for lowdensity residential. So that's what's shown on the future land use map. Um since presenting this for the August city council meeting, just a couple of things that are happening or um have happened since that date. Um the city council I'm sorry, the city planning commission continues to discuss amendments to the M2 zone. Uh we discussed that again during the last planning commission meeting in August. Um and I know that there is intention to edit some of the uses that are allowed in the M2 zone. Also, you'll see later on in the agenda, uh coming out of that discussion is a recommendation for a moratorum on data centers and that would be um across the city. Uh that's coming out of that M2 discussion. So, that is on the agenda later on um tonight. also um have met with and other staff members with the city have met with some of the adjacent property owners um adjacent to this

annexation site. Uh we talked through the M2 um zoning changes that might be on the horizon. And then we also talked through the site plan application process and what goes into that um once a user for this site is identified and what they will be expected and what they will have to comply with um as they develop the site that I'm happy to answer any questions.

Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address council on this matter? Okay, if you we'll just come to the podium and state your name. I'm sorry I can't see Renee Gaskins and I am an adjacent property owner. Um, one of my concerns has been you can't really tell from the maps because you're focused on the property that's going to be industrialized. So, I printed off we printed off a a proper tax map. And as you can see, there's hundreds of homes adjacent to this property. That's why we are so concerned. And I appreciate a couple of you talked about, you know, perhaps giving it more consideration. And I think that maybe you haven't had enough visual confirmation of all the homes that are here. And there's also subdivisions here and subdivisions here. I'm sorry. Um this property here, if you can see it, that is what was left of the farmer's property when this property was taken. So, yes, his home is there, but that that was his farm that was left. But the rest of this, there's hundreds of people that are going to be harmed by this. And I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the um direct adverse effect this will have on all of these people. I mean, these are homes here, too. And this is a you know, this subdivision goes all the way down here. This resoning of an industrial takes no consideration for the fact that you're putting it next to an entire

subdivision and with hundreds of people's lives. Nor does your setback require anything different for a residential property. If you have multiple industrial properties here, it is fine if you have a 30-foot setback. But if you are going to put it next to residences and this is farmland here where they're still farming and still have cows, they their livestock is still going to be contaminated. So that is what I was hoping by bringing this so you could see the effect that you're not seeing on the overhead. Um, I think it would be reasonable to ask that this not be zoned M2. That that is an unreasonable designation for a property that is that close to so many homes and certainly close to my home. My next door neighbor has a child with serious respiratory illness that had been on a respirator for the first two years of his life. He will be affected by it. to to place an M2 industrial designation here is to knowingly place us in harm's way. Your options would be not make it M2. If you're you can make it a business district if you're intent on putting a business in there. You could even do M1 and not do as much harm as your proposal currently will cause. You can today, I assume, make a motion for variances that will grant us a reasonable setback and a reasonable buffer. 30 ft. It's not reasonable. You can't put build an industrial site 30t from our homes. It's just not reasonable. The other thing that's not reasonable is a buffer of

only 20 feet. That's that's just not a reasonable consideration. And I'm sure if you were if you were residing here, you would want a bigger buffer and a bigger setback if this even went through. The the buffer should be the buffer itself should be at least 50 ft. And we wouldn't want to see if you're going to put M2 industrial there. We wouldn't want to see more than a 100 foot setback or less than a 100 foot setback. And and you can consider I know you're still considering to change M2 designation. There's some seriously dangerous businesses that are permitted by an M2 designation. Uh, you know, flammable liquids, liquids and gases under pressure which can be combustible, combustible material. Is that right? Um, I don't want to see any petroleum products stored there like I see and I don't want to see a chemical factory there. one one release has probably endangered us for the rest of our lives. Like I said, and I also do have to point out, I know you're doing a proposing a two-year moratorum on the the Bitcoin and the data mining, but our our um our city will not we don't even have the resources to support that and that will destroy any nearby property. And and and lastly, I'm just going to point out that with this proposal, not only are you directly placing us in harm's way, but you're going to immediately create a substantial reduction in the property values that we have. I mean, immediately our values will go down. And if we had wanted to sell them,

that ship has sailed. So, thank you.

Is there anyone else? Hi, my name is Tracy Crawford and I live also in an adjoining property um Springfield acres, 387 Springfield or Beachwood Circle. Um to add to what she said, um I'm having a hard time understanding why if there's no proposed development, there's no business that's actually shown interest in the site, which we've been told over and over by multiple entities, city, county, even the company itself, BTES, um we don't have any plans, nothing definitive. Why go all the way out to M2 um when like she said you know that there's a potential for harm there for for the properties that are adjoining and adjacent. And another point is in cities in the state of Tennessee and I'll go to Knoxville which is the one of the closest um they don't even have recommendations for B for for buffers for M2 and R1 that are adjacent. They don't they don't even they as a matter of fact this is what they say in their industrial zone and their general description is the zone that provides areas in which principal use of land is for manufacturing assembling fabrication warehousing other uses heavy impacts other uses which have a heavy impacts and adverse effects on surrounding property. These uses do not depend primarily on frequent personal visits of customers or clients but usually require good accessibility to major rail, air street or transportation routes. Such uses are not properly associated with nor compatible with residential,

institutional and retail commercial uses. I mean this is Knoxville. Um they they and their their minimum setback for light industrial which is like warehousing and u you know storage, packaging, wholesaling, distribution, their minimum setback is 50 feet and and you're proposing 20 to 25 feet which is less than three car lengths. Um the Sullivan County ordinances are more stringent and more strict than yours than what you're allotting. I mean they're they're heavy manufacturing their M2 district. They require at least 50 feet and and it goes into much much detail. I I'll read it if I need to, but I think you could probably research it. Um much more detail about what's allowed and what's not allowed. and that setback can't h you can't have any gravel roads or parking lots or cars or anything like that. Um the other thing and again even Solomon County you know doesn't uh recommend residential and M2 zoning together. Uh other countries have minimums of like a 100 meters between any type of industrial and and and their their buffering is forestation like heavy forestation not just two rows of trees offset. So I just I just have a hard time understanding why if you don't already have something in mind that needs an M2 zoning why you would go all the way to M2. why you would not zone it for something less obtrusive or or intrusive I should say to to the surrounding properties and then if something comes along that may need an M2 then we can all discuss that but you know it's it's just I don't we don't

understand it and and we don't want it and I I got 118 signatures I only did it for three days I probably could have gotten 300 if I'd gone for a week nobody there wants it so I just wanted you to be aware of that. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak on this? Seeing none, this public hearing is closed. Uh, next we have the appearance of citizens. It provides an opportunity for the public to address city council on any matter of city business. A response is not likely to be made at this time. In most cases, neither council nor the city manager will be prepared to effectively respond to your concern, but the city manager will look into the matter and report back to city council or as appropriate have staff meet with you in an effort to satisfy your concern. Uh comments are limited to three minutes uh per individual and are not transferable. Uh groups are encouraged to select a spokesperson. Um I have been provided a list here. First is Michael Thomas. Yes, sir. My name is Michael Thomas. I live at 1300 Holly Court. I'm addressing a matter of taxpayers money being wasted and have proof on the paper there of a alleyways disposable. Had been not occupied for 60 years. I've maintained my part of it for 40 and now

they want to open it up and it's went through court. The judge said that it had been abandoned by the city and he sees no reason to open it up. There's it's a oneway both ends are dead ends on it and there's trees bigger than you can reach a room. I just don't understand why we keep going through this process and we've been lied to. As the homeowners, we were supposed to have a meeting before the last court date. We never did. And there's five other properties that are adjacent to me that have the same problem, but I was the only one contacted with this problem. And Mr. Robbie Green lives behind me, has been there for 60some years, and he'll tell you he's never been in alleyway. And I'm prepared to go back to court, which we have a date for. And I have also people coming this time that I never had the opportunity before. And I would like y'all to look into the misuse of a taxpayers money.

Thanks, sir. Thank you.

Next, we have Jim Jordan. My name, excuse me, my name is Jim Jordan. Uh, I live at 232 Colony Drive, which is in the West District of Bristol, Tennessee. Uh, Mayor Turner, members of City Council. One of your most important functions as the elected representatives of the citizens of Bristol, Tennessee, is to oversee and manage the city's budget. I got an appreciation for the time and work you invest as I sat through uh an all-day budget session a few years ago. uh in the opinion of many taxpayers of Bristol, Tennessee, you aired in your approval and funding of the FY26 budget. By raising our property tax by a m minimum of 21% on top of 13% last year, you increase the financial burden on many taxpayers, especially those on a fixed income and those with uh lower income working households. There were too many projects and items um which exceeded your budget projections and your priorities were not in order. Now there is still time to correct your mistake and rescend this before the tax statements go out next month. I appeal to you on behalf of these taxpayers to take this courageous and compassionate action by using the fund

balance if necessary. However, if you do not agree that this is in the best interest and is the will of the citizens and taxpayers of Bristol, Tennessee, who elected you to your office, then please pass a resolution under the property tax freeze act for those who qualify according to its provisions. This would help those 65 and older who live at the property they own and have an adjusted income of less than 44,650 for 2025 or 43,560 for 2024 and thank you for your consideration and action now before our property taxes come due. Thank you.

Thank you. All right. Is there anyone else that would like to address council? Okay, seeing none, we will go on to appointments. We have one appointment this evening uh to the library board and we have one candidate, Timothy Baker. Would anyone like to speak on behalf of Mr. Baker?

Um, I can say he's part of uh he's active with library activities. he's part of a group and u moving into uh putting his time where his uh interests are. So I'm so sorry. Were you timing this? That's at the end. Danielle. Okay. We the mayor.

Councilwoman Akard has Timothy Baker. Councilwoman Fire Robin has Timothy Baker. Councilwoman Powers has Timothy Baker. Vice Mayor Powers now. And Mayor Turner has Timothy Baker. All right. Next, we have three ordinances on the first reading tonight. Ordinance 25-9 to amend the zoning map of Bristol Sea by designating certain property as M2308 Glenwood Road. Miss Young will present.

Thank you again. Um tonight we're here for the first reading of a ordinance to reszone property located on Glenwood Road. Um it's almost two acres in size and the resoning application request was submitted by Turnkey Foundation Pre-Cast Inc. Um the current zoning on the site is R2 which is a single family and duplex residential zone and the parcel's right here. Um adjacent zoning in the area is B3, R1A and R2. Um the applicant's request is to reszone to M2. There is no M2 in that uh area. there is no uh industrial use identified in the nearby area on the future land use map. Uh we presented this application to the planning commission during their meeting in August. Um and the vote from the planning commission was unanimous uh to send an unfavorable request to the city council on this request. Happy to answer any questions um or go into detail about any of those points.

Is there any questions? Is there a motion to take action on ordinance 25-9?

So, it's a good idea for us to if we to vote it down versus Excuse me. L die for lack of a motion. Yes. Yes. It'd be better to take an action, right? Do I have a motion? Seeing none, this will die for lack of a motion. Is that what?

No, I motion that to um Well, we can do it two ways. I think we I we can either motion to approve and I want to vote it down. So either motion to approve and vote it down or a motion to not take to a motion to accept the recommendation of the planning commission. I'll second that. That sound okay? That sound okay? So it's a motion to accept the negative recommendation of the planning commission. Looking at Daniel, are we good to that work? So we have a motion and a second. Any discussion, Mary Lee? Turner,

yes. Fire Robin, yes. Powers, yes. Akard, yes. Okay. Next, we have ordinance 25-20, an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorum on establishment of data centers. Sean,

thank you again. Um, so I alluded to this earlier, uh, but in the planning comm planning commission discussion, uh, to amend the M2 zoning ordinance, uh, the planning commission, uh, discussed data centers, um, and ultimately felt that it was, um, appropriate to send a recommendation to city council to enact a moratorum, um, on data centers, uh, for for a period of at least two years um to allow um, for staff and the planning commission to to research and to look at um, the the impacts and the things that go along with data centers. Um the planning commission did vote on this uh during their August meeting and what is included in your package uh is an ordinance uh to enact that moratorum and the moratorum references a data center definition which is on the screen um and basically covers any of the um uh uses that would fall under a general data center uh definition and we will continue to work on and revise and look at that definition as we go forward. um with looking at data centers in general.

Okay. Is there any questions for Miss Young? Do I have a motion to take action on 25-21? I'll move to approve this motion. I'll second this resolution. Excuse me. Ordinance. We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion?

I will say this. Um in regard to the moratorum we addressed it with and discussed a variety of uh years as far as a time period to to do a moratorum. Uh it was suggested that we do the two-year to allow staff to take a look at this realizing that technology is moving so quickly and where will we be in two years. That doesn't mean that the moratorum would necessarily end in two years. It can certainly be extended beyond the two years. Uh and and to be reasonable in that expectation. This is by no means saying that at the end of two years the moratorum would go away and that data centers would be fully embraced. It is to give our staff time uh to uh research and explore the technology and so that we can again make a best decision moving forward. There's

nothing else. Mary Turner, yes. Fire Robin, yes. Powers, yes. Akard, yes. All right. Next, we have ordinance 25-17, which we have two on second reading tonight, uh, to clarify the provisions of chapter 13, the sign regulations. Uh, Miss Young, mayor, ordinance 25-21. Oh, sorry. But Sherith is up there anyway. I'm ready either way. You've got I think you have a few more. So, uh, next is ordinance 25-21 to amend chapter 38, health and sanitation section 38-2, operation of junkyards.

Thank you, Mayor Turner. So, this uh this ordinance will amend chapter 38 of the city code of ordinances. Um, the planning commission has discussed this for some uh time for at some length. uh the desire to improve the uh aesthetics and character of the city in terms of having um junk and debris and wrecked vehicles um in uh you know on our commercial corridors. Um we do have a section in the code already that talks about junkyards. So this just expands that um with some definitions and then also adds some requirements for fencing or a buffer of sort with hedges um that would enclose such areas um that might be filled with junk or wrecked vehicles. Um the ordinance also stipulates um that the that junk and debris cannot be stored on city sidewalks or in the city right away. So what is on the screen now is just a comparison of the existing regulation and then the proposed. So you can see that the proposed uh regulation uh leng lengthens uh with uh specific de definitions that will give staff the ability to u enforce some of these things more clearly um and then adds those uh stipulations for fencing and buffering.

Is there any questions for Miss Young? Do I have a motion? Motion to approve ordinance 2521. Uh is there a second? Second. Have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Mary Lee. Turner. Yes. Farroin. Yes. Powers. Yes. Akard. Yes.

All right. Now we have two ordinances on second reading tonight. uh ordinance of clarifying provisions of chapter 13 sign regulations. Uh Miss Young presented during the public hearing this evening. Uh does anyone have any questions for Miss Young? Is there a motion to approve ordinance 25-17? Motion to approve. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second.

Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Um, I just hope as we're putting some of our signed regulations, it's October 1st, that they go into effect and um, hope we're doing some communication. I know we've had some different meetings with different people, etc. So, but I have talked about it at work session, etc. There's a proliferation of yard sign type signs all over our particularly I travel volunteer parkway a lot and there are a ton of them and I think people see one there and they add theirs there. Many of them are in the right of way so they're not even on commercial property they're on the right ofway property which sometimes can block sight as well as be unsightly anyway. So, I'm hoping that that will um help us to be able to communicate what the laws are to everyone. So, it's not just um some people who are following the rules and some are not. So, hopefully we can um some of that can be helpful as we move forward and the communication about it.

Mary Lee Turner, yes. Fire Robin, yes. Powers, yes. ARD, yes. All right. Next, we have ordinance 25-18 designating the zoning of property newly annexed into the city of Bristol, Tennessee as M2 uh general industrial district BTS property. U this was also presented during the public hearing. Uh does anyone have any questions for Miss Young? Do we have a motion for ordinance 25-18? Motion to approve. We have a motion to approve. Do we have a second on ordinance 25-18?

Second. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion?

I would um like to say that we've taken your comments and your thoughts very seriously. I have spoken with um Clayton Dal who's here tonight with BTEES. Um I think something that comes into play here. I understand the setbacks, but the topography of this particular piece of land is very steep and uh there I believe that there would be uh an even greater setback potentially. I don't I can't confirm that. I know that uh in looking at any type of site there has to be the consideration especially with it being as steep as it is of uh retention. Uh also in talking uh with uh Mr. There was uh the suggestion that you had mentioned forestation that with it being with the topography being at the height that it is that there would could be the uh not forestation as we know it from a European sense but that there could be uh substantial buffering there using trees and then uh it could potentially be that uh any parking area associated ated with this business could be along that area. Uh I have seen a conceptual drawing not of any particular business but of what could potentially be there and it's set back as far as uh the building itself of whatever may be uh would be such that it would not be as uh

visually impacting as if we just looked at the setbacks as they are on a flat piece of land, the buffering being what it is and not with the height of the topography. Uh not considering the need for retention or some type of ponding. Um so that is why I I will support this but it has been after a lot of discussion after uh hearing what you have said realizing your concerns but at the same time uh considering that BTE and and uh the CEO of BTEES uh works very hard to be a good community partner and to do this right if and when the time comes to do anything. Mr. Dao, would you like to say anything or are we good?

Is there any other discussion? Um I'll discuss um just uh I'm torn on this and I am very pleased with the response of the planning commission and um feel like maybe there's a little bit extra mile to go if this does go into effect. I also appreciate that when this was part of Sullivan County, it could have been a lot of different things that um probably most of the things in an M2 or beyond um it could have have um gone in that direction, but I'm going to not support it at this time, but advocate for more changes and um things with our planning commission. And um I do agree that BTS try strives to be a great neighbor um for all of us for everything that they do. Um and hope that um that can work out well. I also understand in industrial development having a pad ready site means you don't have anybody who's specifically looking. But if you're pad ready, that's very attractive for um industrial groups to be able to determine to come here. Uh some of y'all are probably aware that we get all the time and we probably should have a little report or lesson from Tom Anderson regularly and I know um people are here from the industrial development board to we get a lot of pressure. Why don't we recruit the jobs that are industrial and pay more? And we do all the time and are successful a lot of the time. They don't get the publicity. People don't remember that different um expansions of businesses or new businesses come in that really do grow

our community and provide some good jobs. Um so that part of it's important as well to be able to do that. But um at this point being We're not quite where I would like to see us, so I'm going to vote no. Ma'am, Mary Lee, Turner, yes. Fire Robin, no. Powers, yes. Akard, yes.

Okay. Next, we have three resolutions for consideration and action tonight. First is resolution 25-153 of setting public hearings on the proposed annexation of territory into the city of Bristol uh by owner consent and on the related plan of services Shaun Hunt 140 Sweet Knobs Trail. Miss Young will present on this item also.

Thank you again. Um so we have received an application for annexation um from Mr. Sha Hunt. It's for a parcel that's located at 140 Sweet Knobs Trail, which is identified here on the screen. Property is currently zoned A1, General Agricultural District in Sullivan County. It's about six acres in size. And if the annexation um is successful, the Hunts uh plan to subdivide the parcel into two and build a home on each parcel. Um tonight, the purpose of the resolution is just to set the public hearings. uh staff has um started our work to uh do some research on the property to map the property and we've prepared a draft plan of services that we will be taking to the planning commission um for a public hearing in September next week. Um the plan of services uh sets forth all of the services uh that will be um provided by the city. Everything most everything will be available upon annexation. Um the hunts will be required to extend sewer to the property but it is located nearby. Um also the plan of services currently as drafted identifies excuse me the property as to be zoned B3. So that would be contiguous with the B3 zoning um that's in the area. But tonight purpose is just to set public hearings. We'll be going to the planning commission to talk about uh plan of services and then come back to council uh for future approvals. Okay. Do I have a motion to approve 25-153?

I'll make a motion to approve 251 153. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Mary Lee Turner. Yes. F Robroin. Yes. Powers. Yes. AR. Yes.

All right. Next we have resolution 25-154 adjusting the municipal court cost and our city attorney Danielle Smith will present. Thank you mayor. Uh currently the city is require is required to remit a dollar to the state treasurer for every court case that's heard in Bristol's municipal court. Um the city's court costs of 5225 helped cover that dollar that we are required to remit. Um on July 5th that dollar was raised to $2. And so staff's proposals would be that we raise the municipal court cost from 5225 to include that extra dollar. We're actually going from 5225 to 5350 because at 5325 we have an uneven we don't end in a dollar, right?

And people have a tendency to overpay. And so we're asking for it to be 5350. Which one added to um other costs makes this added to the state litigation fee makes the total cost $81. People write their check for $81. It's a lot less likely to be an overpayment that we have to hunt down and refund for 25, right? For 25 cents. So Okay. Is there any questions anyone has? Miss Smith. Do I have a motion to approve 25-154? Motion to approve. Motion. Do we have a second? Second. Motion and a second. Any further discussion?

I I see Holly back there nodding that it'll help our finance department. So, Mary Lee, Turner, yes. Fire Robin, yes. Powers, yes. Akre, yes. All right. Next we have resolution 25-155 granting Bristol City Schools Board of Education request for extension on 511 to 515 Melrose Street.

Mayor and council at the August 12th council meeting uh you had approved resolution 25-86 which offered the property on Melrose Street um to transfer that to the to the schools at no cost. One of the conditions of that resolution was that the school board of education must notify the city of its intent to accept that ownership of the property by August 29th. On August 29th, Dr. Tutor sent an email on behalf of the board of education request an extension to that timeline to September 30th of this year. So, resolution 25-155 that's in your packet does grant the board of education's extension request as it's been as the September 30th date.

Okay. All right. Any questions? Motion to approve. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Mary Lee Turner? Yes. Fire Robin? Yes. Powers? Yes. Akard? Yes. All right. Next, we have the consent agenda. All right. Thank you. A little smaller this

much much shorter this time. Um, so we have the minutes of the August 7th city council called work session, the minutes of the August 12th city council meeting, the minutes of the o August 26th city council work session, a resolution 25-156 awarding a bid for the purchase of bulk highway salt. Resolution 25-157 authorizing the purchase of a pickup truck for parks and recreation under the state contract. Approval of resolution 25-158 authorizing the purchase of an aerator uh from from Smith Turf through Sourcewell. Approval of resolution 25-159 amending the fiscical year 26 budget by the city of Bristol, Tennessee. And that's our water fund um water works fund. And then approval of resolution 25-160 authorizing the purchase of a John Deere zeroturn mo mower under the source well contract. Would any member of council like any item removed from the consent agenda? Do I have a motion?

Motion to approve. Second. Have a motion and a second. Mary Lee. Turner. Yes. Fire Robbins. Yes. Powers. Yes. Akard. Yes. Right. Next we have our city manager report.

Thank you. Just a number of um events going on. So, we are all of our staff are gearing up for the races at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend and then we turn right around and do Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival the following weekend. Um, as part of Rhythm and Roots, our park and rack department will be doing a kids day at Anderson Park on September 20th. Uh, we have Citizens Police Academy starting on Tuesday, September 30th, and that runs through December 9th. You can still register for that. We'll have transit day on October 10th. We will have um Wreck and Roll which begins at Roosterfront Park. It starts on October 11th. It runs Monday to Thursday through October from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. It's games, snacks, activities, crafts, and items like that for the kids. Uh we have adult and student university hopefully beginning in October. More details to come on those. I know it's a busy time of year and and our staff have been working on trying to get that all finalized. Uh Halloween at Still Creek Park will be held on October 18th at 5. We have pumpkin palooa on October 25th and that will be before um Monster Mash which is also on October 25th and that is all um along with the parade downtown. Um I think that's it. Gets us through the holiday up to the holiday. Anyways, a

lot going on. All right. Next, uh, city council comments. Would like to would you like to

um Kelly covered a whole lot. So, and we thank everybody involved with all the events. And just a note, the Halloween parade has gotten, so it's getting close to being uh as big as our Christmas parade for people's interest in coming out. So, um, look forward to to that. Um the 250th birthday of our country uh committee is going with Solen County and Kingsport um and um the county and Bluff City. So, we'll be trying to figure out and challenge everybody who's part of any kind of civic group or club or whatever that wants to um look at is already planning or wants to plan something to celebrate our 250th birthday to um tune check in so we can begin to advertise those as they begin to happen. Uh just a a note on the communiversity, we really appreciate that. That's a lot of work by staff. Uh it's been a while since we did the adult one and we it's we really need to have it. It's a great opportunity for our citizens to um see behind the scenes and meet our staff and see what goes into a lot of the different services and a lot of the roles that the city plays. So encourage y'all to participate in that. You're nodding your head. Yes. Yeah. Not to mention we have a police academy as well. And I think the sign up just finished with it's probably started and fire academy. So encourage people to take advantage of those opportunities to learn more. And the other is just to note that um we have a lot of pretty big decisions that we have to make and ones that we're making. Some of them big for the moment and some of them big for the

future. Uh so just want to acknowledge that it's a lot and um to thank everybody involved with that including our citizen input and um everybody who's working hard to make Bristol the best place to live. So thank you. I'll just say thank you Clayton and April for attending this evening and we have Commissioner Slaggel with us also. So, thank you all for coming out and uh if there's nothing else, we're journ