🇺🇸 1. Call to Order | Pledge & Invocation (4:15)

Council Vice Chair Raquetta Dotley called the meeting to order.
Invocation & Pledge: Led by Councilman Henderson.
🕊️ Moments of Silence held for:

• Lt. Col. (Ret.) Benny Ray “Ray” Atkins, longtime civic leader and veteran.
• Former Councilman Leman Pierce, remembered for community advocacy.

📝 2. Approval of Minutes (7:52)

Minutes of the previous session approved unanimously.

⚙️ 3. Agenda Overview (8:27)

• No ordinances on final reading.
• First Readings began with Public Works/Wastewater and Planning items.
• Councilwoman Burris introduced Jack McAfee (Chattanooga Airport Authority) to present on an upcoming airport park project.

🏗️ 4. Economic Development Discussion – Northgate Mall TIF Proposal (9:32–40:00)

Main item: Resolution of intent to consider an Economic Impact Plan for revitalizing Northgate Mall via Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Key speakers:

• Councilman Davis: Motioned to advance the resolution to keep discussion active.
• Sharita Allen (Sr. Advisor for Economic Development): Explained process, timeline, and structure of city TIF policy.
• City Attorney & outside counsel (Betsy Knots): Clarified sales tax inclusion legality (per Tenn. Code §7-53-315).

Highlights:

• Estimated $9M, 20-year TIF district for infrastructure.
• Construction projected to start Jan. 1, 2027.
• County participation (~$1.5M) still uncertain but not required for city to proceed.
• City-only portion ~$3.5M in property tax increment.
• Application Review Committee (7 members) to review details Oct. 20; public hearing Nov. 3; final vote projected Dec. 2.

Council Dialogue:

• Henderson, Burris, Clark, and Bryce raised concerns about financial transparency, county role, and equity in TIF use.
• Clark: Supported intent “begrudgingly,” emphasizing need for equitable investment across all districts (esp. Hwy 58).
• Elliott: Supported continuing discussion, noting importance of clarity for taxpayers.
  ✅ Resolution passed to proceed to the review phase.

✈️ 5. Planning & Zoning Actions (22:00–33:00)

Final Readings Passed Unanimously:

• 8A: Abandonment – Rose Circle ROW (Dist. 1)
• 8B–8C: Abandonment – Sewer Easements (East 3rd St., Vine St.)
• 8D: Lift PUD conditions – Magnolia Leaf Ln. (Dist. 4)
• 8E: Rezoning – 5749 Lavell Field Loop → Open Space Zone (Airport project)
  • ✈️ Airport “Observation Park” presentation by Jack McAfee: $1.2 M BlueCross Healthy Places grant; includes viewing deck, pavilion, playgrounds, WWII memorial relocation, and static aircraft exhibit (target completion Summer 2026).
• 8F: Lee Hwy rezoning deferred 60 days.
• 8G: 7406 Tiner Rd rezoning → Commercial Corridor approved.
• 8H: 2008 E. 14th St rezoning → Neighborhood Commercial denied.
• 8I: Short-Term Vacation Rental overlay expansion (Dist. 5) approved.
• 8J: Amendments to Form-Based Code & buffer yard planting approved.

🧑‍💼 6. Appointments & Resolutions (34:00–40:00)

TIF Application Review Committee:
✅ Appointed: Greg Taylor (D3), Daisy Madison (D9), Dave Hudson, Susan Gilmore (alt.), Christa Mariano.

Boards & Commissions:
✅ Reappointments:

• Carl Henderson – Housing Authority (2025–2030)
• Benjamin Moore – Tree Commission (2025–2029)
• Grace Buy, Hudson, Gilmore, Mariano – various TIF & Tree positions.

🚛 7. Public Works & Infrastructure (39:52–43:51)

✅ Compost & Recycling Initiatives:

• 9K: Compost MOU with New Terra Compost LLC – $210K (TDEC grant match) → Approved 6–1
• 9L: Glass recycling pilot (Hill City Ventures) – $45K → Approved 6–1

✅ Pavement Restoration:

• Contract w/ Donaldson Construction – $645,841 → Approved.

✅ Planning Items:

• Mercer St. PUD Amendment – Approved.
• Magnolia Leaf Ln. PUD Abandonment – Approved.
• 1813 Old Wauhatchie Pike PUD Amendment – Approved.

💰 8. Purchases & Contracts (44:05)

Approved:

• Wastewater: 4-yr emulsion polymers contract ($1.53 M); boiler replacement (+ $200 K).
• Technology Services (Sole Source):
  • Lightcast data software ($44 K).
  • Office Furniture Works furnishings ($46,877).

🧩 9. Committee Reports (46:10)

• Community Development Committee (Clark):
  • Requested department-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by end of Q4 (Dec 2025).
• Budget Committee (Dotley):
  • Meeting next week re: budget projections & fiscal health (proposal by Henderson).
• Other Committees: No additional reports.

🗣️ 10. Public Comments (48:00–57:00)

1. Alexander Mandillo (District 2): Raised health/safety issues from alleged toxic mold exposure in Chattanooga housing; urged Council oversight of local housing safety.
2. Hope N. (District 7): Advocated for more affordable grocery stores & public transit access; described walking experiment revealing city food deserts.
3. David Tulis (Media/Resident): Spoke on legality of traffic stops, urging adoption of administrative remedies under Tennessee law to protect police safety and citizens’ rights.

🔚 11. Adjournment (57:17)

Meeting adjourned with unanimous consent.

🧭 Notable Mentions

• Northgate TIF and Airport Park Project were focal points.
• Equity in economic development raised multiple times.
• New environmental initiatives for composting & glass recycling approved.
• Next key hearings:
  • Oct 20 – TIF Application Review Committee (public).
  • Nov 3 – TIF Public Hearing.
  • Dec 2 – Final Council vote.

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