Chattanooga City Council Meeting

1. Opening Formalities
   • Meeting called to order by Chairwoman Jenny Hill at 3:22 PM.
   • Pledge of Allegiance recited.
   • Minutes from previous meetings approved without objection.
2. Budget Approvals (Final Reading)
   • Ordinance A (Operations Budget FY 2025-2026): Passed unanimously via roll call vote.
   • Ordinance B (Capital Improvements Budget FY 2025-2026): Passed unanimously via roll call vote.
3. Planning Items (Final & First Reading)
   • Item C (Zoning Map Correction): Approved unanimously.
   • Item A (21 W. Bell Ave Rezoning to CNT): Approved; in District 5.
   • Item B (806 Spears Ave Rezoning to RN13): Approved; cited as an example of new zoning tools for affordable housing.
   • Item D (7404 Tina Rd Rezoning to CC): Approved unanimously.
   • Item E (6525 Hunt Dr Rezoning to RN3): Approved unanimously.
   • Item C (1107 Northmore Rd Conditions Lift):
     • Approved after debate (8-1 vote).
     • Tucker Baptist Church sought to lift unit cap (63→79 units) for senior housing; height restriction retained.
     • Opposition cited flooding/traffic concerns and lack of community communication.
     • Council stressed need for better neighborhood engagement.
4. Resolutions
   • Items A-B (Early Learning):
     • A: $90,000 for Head Start flooring approved.
     • B: iPad donation for reading program approved.
   • Item C: $75,000 grant for youth employment approved.
   • Items D-I (ARPA Funds): Deferred to July 8, 2025, for further review.
   • Items J-K (James A. Henry Project):
     • J: $125,000 for operational costs approved (1 abstention).
     • K: $1.5M for construction approved.
   • Items L-R (Department Head Reconfirmations): All approved unanimously, including:
     • Fire Chief Phil Hyman
     • Police Chief John Chambers
     • Public Works Administrator Jeremy Wood
     • Economic Development Administrator Richard Bean (praised for resolving a constituent issue).
5. Purchases
   • 5 purchases approved, including:
     • $113,552.94 for cubicle relocation (questioned by Councilman Clark).
   • 4 sole-source purchases reported (Wastewater/Air Pollution Control).
6. Public Comments
   • Monty Bale: Alleged document theft and misconduct involving city officials.
   • Blake Wright & Edward Hewitt: Criticized police budget "bloat," advocated reallocating funds to fire department.
   • Jayce Maples: Raised concerns about perpetual roadwork delays and poor walkability.
   • Kevin Roy (Administration): Clarified federal LIE HEAP funding is secure for FY2026 despite earlier concerns.
7. Committee Reports
   • Equity & Community Development:
     • Departments presented challenges (e.g., state DEI restrictions, aging community centers).
     • Tony Sammons (retiring) thanked for equity leadership.
   • Public Works: Recognized for clearing 174 storm-downed trees over the weekend.
8. Adjournment
   • Meeting adjourned at 3:36 PM after motion to adjourn.

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