12/02/25 Chattanooga City Council Meeting
  • Call to Order | Pledge 🇺🇸 | Invocation (~6:20–8:43)
    • Meeting called to order (Dec. 2).
    • Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chairwoman Null.
    • Invocation focused on community, service, and unity during the holiday season.
  • Special Presentation 🎉 (~8:49–11:31)
    • Councilwoman Rakita Dotley (District 4) presented a proclamation honoring Mitchell Williams.
      • Celebrated 100th birthday (Nov. 5, 2025).
      • WWII veteran; longtime St. Elmo resident.
      • Community service and decades working at Food City.
    • Dec. 2 proclaimed “Mitchell Williams Day” in Chattanooga.
  • Approval of Minutes (~12:01–12:12)
    • Motion approved without objection.
  • Agenda Review 🗂️ (~12:18–12:56)
    • Final Reading items grouped as packages (B–D; E–F).
    • First Reading includes wastewater and planning items (discussion deferred to Planning & Zoning).
  • Resolutions — Economic Development | Northgate TIF 💼 (~13:06–46:57)
    • Councilman Davis (District 3) questioned funding for water infrastructure tied to the Northgate Mall/Hixson area TIF.
      • Sharita Allen, Senior Adviser for Economic & Workforce Development, explained:
        • Water lines owned by Hixson Utility District, which will not participate financially.
        • City exploring Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) water infrastructure grant (requires local match).
        • Removing water portion would jeopardize project viability.
    • Discussion included:
      • Limiting use of TIF funds for water unless Council approval is later granted.
      • Possible reduction of incentive cap (approx. $9.2M → $8.7M).
      • Ensuring baseline tax revenues remain protected over the TIF term.
    • Councilman Henderson (District 2) raised:
      • Baseline year implications (2024 vs. 2025).
      • Interest in Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) or special assessments.
    • Staff and TIF counsel outlined BID complexity and future committee review.
    • Consensus: Move forward to preserve 2024 increment; schedule Economic Development Committee briefing (Jan. 13) on BID tools.
    • Chairwoman Hill emphasized community engagement and infrastructure-only risk; supported guidance to IDB on desired redevelopment outcomes.
  • Resolutions — Historic Preservation 🏛️ (~47:17–56:29)
    • Resolution to withdraw Preserve Chattanooga’s landmark application for Wyatt Hall (865 E. 3rd St.) at applicant’s request.
      • Cassie Klein (LDO): Landmark designation ineffective while owned by Hamilton County Schools.
      • Todd Morgan (Preserve Chattanooga): Withdrawal avoids setting unenforceable precedent.
    • Council members expressed concern about long-term preservation of Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences.
      • Discussion of alternative protections (county action, preservation easements).
      • Councilman Clark (District 5) signaled intent to bring a resolution urging preservation discussions with the school board.
  • Other Resolutions & Deferrals (~56:42–57:06)
    • Item D (Economic Development) deferred one week at Councilman Elliott’s request.
  • Purchases (~57:19–58:00)
    • No questions; purchases advanced.
  • Public Works Resolution 🚧 (~58:07–1:01:38)
    • Alton Park Connector Phase I (~$1.6M).
      • Bill Payne, City Engineer: Greenway/sidewalk improvements along W. 33rd St.
      • Separate from stadium construction; part of multi-phase east–west connector.
  • Internal Audit Items 📊 (~1:02:14–1:10:29)
    • Stan Su, City Auditor outlined charter-alignment ordinances/resolution.
      • Updates titles and terminology; aligns audit committee provisions with charter.
    • Council requested future notification when matters are reported to the State Comptroller.
  • Future Considerations 🔮 (~1:11:47–1:12:20)
    • Highlighted acceptance of state funds to acquire Mountain Creek corridor for park use (District 1).
  • Planning & Zoning Committee 🏗️ (~1:12:48–2:02:06)
    • Minutes approved; agenda reviewed.
    • Key cases discussed:
      • 915 Barton Ave.: Rezoning to Neighborhood Commercial with conditions; focus on transition to residential uses.
      • 1300/1335 Mercer St. (Lupton City): Proposed RN-13; likely deferral pending neighborhood discussions.
      • Shallowford Rd. (Stone Creek Consulting): Industrial rezoning concerns; need clarity on uses and impacts.
      • Bonny Oaks Dr.: Industrial use with updated conditions; councilmember seeking more info on noise/impacts.
      • 1309 Chamberlain Ave.: TRN-3 with conditions; active neighborhood engagement ongoing.
    • Zoning text amendments introduced:
      • Indoor-only reception facilities.
      • Standalone drive-through facilities (definitions, standards, and use matrix updates).
  • Adjournment / Transition
    • Business meeting transitioned fully into Planning & Zoning proceedings
    1. Form-Based Code Parking / ADU Incentives Discussion (~2:02:14)
      • Staff overview: ADUs up to 800 sq ft allowed citywide; no minimum on-site parking requirement for ADUs
        • In form-based code areas, units under 800 sq ft currently may still require parking depending on zone
      • Planning Commission (Oct–Nov) recommended reducing required parking to zero for units <800 sq ft in certain multi-unit form-based zones
      • Staff flagged technical concerns related to horizontal property regimes (HPR)
        • Requested additional time to verify language and avoid unintended consequences
        • Follow-up email promised prior to next council meeting; no action recommended next week
      • Karen (Planning staff)
        • Intent: incentivize smaller, potentially more affordable units downtown
        • Proposed follow-up review after 6–12 months to assess effectiveness
      • Councilwoman Dotley (District 7)
        • Expressed concern about constrained parking downtown
        • Requested further one-on-one discussion before supporting changes
      • Additional council comments
        • Interest in more information due to limited council review role in form-based code projects
        • Consensus to defer action on this portion of the resolution
    2. Planning Commission Reminders / Recess (~2:09:00)
      • Council reminded of Planning Commission applications scheduled for Dec. 8
      • Encouraged review by district
      • Meeting recessed at ~2:09:39 for attorney-client session
    3. Business Meeting — Final Readings (~2:50:47)
      • Ordinance A: Junk and secondhand dealers definitions
        • Approved
      • Ordinances B–D (package): Street, rail, and alley abandonments
        • Approved
      • Planning Ordinances E–F (package)
        • Zoning ordinance clarifications; ADUs permitted in CN/C/ENT zones; flood and nonconformity updates
        • Approved (one dissenting vote)
    4. Ordinances — First Reading (~2:53:25)
      • Item A: Sanitary sewer and easement abandonment (Volkswagen Dr.)
        • Approved
      • Item B: Rezoning 3916–3926 Murray Hills Dr. (RN16 → IMU)
        • Withdrawn at applicant request
      • Item C: Rezoning 2802 Curtis St. (RN15 → TRN2)
        • Deferred to Jan. 6, 2026
      • Item D: Rezoning 2003 Wilcox Blvd. (RN15 → TRN3)
        • Deferred to Feb. 3, 2026
    5. Resolutions — Economic Development / Northgate Mall (~2:57:27)
      • Item A: Economic Impact Plan (EIP) for Northgate Mall Infrastructure Project
        • Extensive discussion on proposed amendments
        • Key issues debated:
          • Use of tax increment for water line infrastructure
          • Adjustment of project amount from $9.2M to $8.7M
          • Property tax base escalation concerns
      • Amendments process:
        • Multiple amendments proposed, withdrawn, and restructured
        • Final amendment adopted:
          • Section 7 revised to reduce EIP amount from $9.2M to $8.7M (per independent review)
      • Vote: Approved as amended
      • Item B: Intergovernmental Financial Assistance Agreement with Industrial Development Board
        • Approved without amendment
    6. Additional Resolutions (~3:29:02)
      • Item C: Lease for X-ray space at WellAdvantage Center
        • Approved
      • Item D: Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association lease renewal
        • Deferred one week (to Dec. 9)
      • Item E: Withdrawal of historic landmark application (865 E. 3rd St.)
        • Approved; one dissenting vote citing preservation concerns
      • Items F–G (package)
        • Interlocal agreement with Red Bank for Stringer’s Ridge
        • Creative placemaking grant for City Stages
        • Approved
      • Items H–J (Public Works package)
        • Alton Park Connector Phase 1 contract
        • Special police officer appointments (Public Works)
        • Approved
      • Items K–M (Wastewater package)
        • Linear generator systems agreement
        • Sewer installation blanket renewals and contract increases
        • Approved
    7. Purchases (~3:39:50)
      • Ten purchasing items presented, including:
        • Facilities, Parks, Wastewater, Risk Management, Fire, Traffic Operations
        • Multiple contract renewals with cost increases due to labor/materials
      • All purchases approved
    8. Committee Reports (~3:43:15)
      • Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled Jan. 6 (Fire Dept. update)
      • Economic Development Committee meeting Jan. 13
      • Community Development updates:
        • Senior center relocation back to Eastgate Town Center announced
        • Street repaving updates (Wilcox Blvd., Washington Hills)
    9. Certificates of Compliance / Donations (~3:48:51)
      • Certificates approved for four retail establishments (wine/grocery)
        • BJ’s Wholesale Club (Northgate)
        • Multiple convenience stores in District 8
      • Donation noted:
        • $500 raised by St. Elmo Chili Cook-Off for Fire Station 14
    10. Public Comments (~3:51:07)

    • Apprentice Hicks
      • Raised concern about building permit conditions on Matlock St.
      • Questioned requirement for residential sprinkler systems due to narrow street access
    1. Adjournment (~3:55:47)

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