Chairman Henderson opened the meeting on April 8, 2025. Councilman Smith led the pledge and offered an invocation, reflecting on service as a blessing. Minutes approved without objection. Meeting recessed at 3:36 PM for an attorney-client session, reconvened at 6:11 PM.
Special Presentations:
Susie Daly (Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution) presented the Distinguished Citizens Medal to Senior Firefighter Mark Hoffman for his decade-long leadership in the Chattanooga 911 Memorial Stair Climb (honoring 343 fallen 9/11 firefighters) and logistics role with A Soldier’s Journey Home (building homes for wounded veterans). Hoffman accepted with humility, crediting teamwork.
Ordinances on Final Reading:
7A-B (Grouped, Mayor’s Office):
7A: Amends Chattanooga City Code Chapters 3A (off-premise advertising) and 3B (on-premise advertising), refining sign regulations.
7B: Amends Chattanooga City Code Chapter 32 (Tree Ordinance), updating tree policies.
Motion by Councilman Ledford to approve (noting alternate version sponsorship for 7B), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
7C-D (Grouped, Transportation):
7C: Closes unopened right-of-way at 2600 block of Williams Street, subject to conditions.
7D: Closes unopened right-of-way at part of 5500 block of Florida Avenue, subject to conditions.
Motion to approve, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
Ordinances on First Reading:
8A (Planning):
Rezones 4326 Bonnie Oaks Drive and parts of 4314/4320 Bonnie Oaks Drive from RN-16 to CN. Case 2025-000037. Motion by Councilman Hester to defer to April 15, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
8B (Planning):
Rezones 1000 West 19th Street from IH to CCX-12. Case 2025-000044. No opposition. Motion by Councilwoman Dotley to approve (noting District 7 development), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
8C (Planning):
Rezones 5281 Usher Drive from RN-15 to RN-2. Case 2025-000046. Motion by Councilwoman Dotley to defer to April 22 (adjusted from April 29), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
8D (Planning):
Approves corrections to the official zoning map. Motion by Councilman Ledford to approve (covered in prior committee), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
8E (Planning):
Amends Chattanooga City Code Chapter 38 (Zoning Ordinance) to correct references, clarify wording, allow dwellings in CMU-1/CMU-2 zones, and refine conditional use language. Motion by Councilman Ledford to approve (covered in committee), seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
Resolutions:
9A-H (Package, Council Office):
9A: Waives fees for Scenic City Shakespeare in the Park at Greenway Farm Park (May 5 - October 24, 2025).
9B: Reappoints Zelma Lanser to Parks and Outdoors Committee (District 7, Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 13, 2028).
9C: Authorizes $29,618 ARP funds for Friends of Hixson youth programming.
9D: Authorizes $4,000 ARP funds for Bills Youth Association football equipment.
9E: Authorizes $2,000 ARP funds for Girl Scouts Troop 40260 cultural tour.
9F: Allocates $6,000 ARP funds for Community Havens Camp Haven (summer leadership camp).
9H: Reappoints Matt Patterson to Sports Authority (Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 9, 2026).
Motion to approve, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
9I (City Attorney):
Amends Resolution 300075, revising public records policy per Tennessee Code Annotated Section 10-7-504A with updated forms. Motion by Councilman Ledford to approve, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
Purchases:
Approved:
Early Learning: Name change from Speech and Hearing Center to Signal Center (Agreement PA1000341).
Fleet: One-time purchase of 2025 Autocar ACX64 from Stringfellow ($511,532, Sourcewell contract).
Fleet: One-time purchase of two 2025 Autocar ACX64s from Environmental Products Group ($1,065,948, Sourcewell contract).
Fleet: Increases crime scene van equipment contract by $9,400 to $112,400.
Motion to approve, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
Renewal:
Finance: Debt collection services renewal (data breach protection confirmed). Motion to approve, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
RFP:
Human Resources: Seeks Medicare-eligible healthcare plan administration. Motion to approve, seconded, passed with voice vote (no opposition).
Sole Source Reported:
Technology Services: ArcGIS maintenance renewal from Environmental Systems Research Institute ($27,161).
Other Business:
Certificate of Compliance:
Approved for KVAT Food Stores Inc. (Food City #735, 6651 Lee Highway) for wine in grocery store, signed by six council members.
Future Considerations:
April 15 agenda includes deferred items (8A, fire emergency powers ordinance). June 3 targets operating and capital budgets.
Committee Reports:
Councilman Smith (Legislative):
Final report humorously noted chickens remain food, not pets. Offered heartfelt thanks to his wife, colleagues, and staff for 12 years, emphasizing teamwork and integrity.
Councilman Ledford (Planning and Zoning):
Reflected on eight years, thanking his family, Henderson (35-year friendship), and council for trust. Praised the council’s unique efficiency.
Councilman Hester (Parks and Public Works):
Honored to serve, citing scripture on service. Urged love and engagement, proud of UTC ties and National Park City status.
Councilwoman Coonrod:
Entered with “Never Scared” instrumental, shared her journey from prison to council (sparked by summer camp costs). Highlighted struggles, resilience, and unity, ending with a poem, “The Bridge.”
Councilwoman Dotley:
Thanked outgoing members: Smith (strategist), Ledford (educator), Hester (preacher), Coonrod (brave). Noted ongoing service with Hill (scholar) and Henderson (sage).
Vice Chair Hill:
Praised the council’s respect and joy, thanking Coonrod (welcoming), Hester (kindred learner), Smith (wise), and Ledford (standard-setter).
Public Input:
John: Thanked outgoing members, especially Coonrod, for tenacity and inspiring despite lacking “credentials.”
Anthony Gladen (Coonrod’s husband):
Praised Coonrod’s eight-year service, resilience amid personal losses, and dedication to all Chattanooga.
Vince Butler (Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center):
Thanked council for supporting the Captain Larry Taylor exhibit and upcoming Medal of Honor convention, presenting challenge coins.
Grace Crosslet (UTC Social Work Intern):
Requested budget approval for a full-time library social worker to bridge service gaps for housing, medical care, and resources.
Conclusion
Approved sign/tree ordinance updates, right-of-way closures, ARP youth funding ($2,000-$29,618), and purchases ($27,161-$1,065,948). Deferred zoning cases to April 15/22. Outgoing members Smith, Ledford, Hester, and Coonrod gave emotional farewells, reflecting on service, growth, and unity.
