Summary of the Sports Authority of the City of Chattanooga Annual Meeting (June 11, 2025)

The annual meeting of the Sports Authority of Chattanooga was held on June 11, 2025, with a quorum present and the meeting properly publicized. The agenda included electing officers, approving past meeting minutes, addressing public comments, and discussing updates on the new stadium and related developments.

1. Election of Officers:
   • The current officers (Chair, Vice Chair Marcus, Secretary-Treasurer Mr. Lockheart) were unanimously re-elected as a group following a motion and second, with no discussion or opposition.
2. Approval of Minutes:
   • June 26, 2024, Annual Meeting: The minutes were reviewed, deemed complete, and approved unanimously after a motion and second, with light-hearted banter about low pay and longevity bonuses.
   • January 2025 Special Meeting: Focused on an update from Emily at River City regarding the stadium and downtown development. Approved unanimously despite one member’s absence, confirmed via attendee records.
3. Public Comments:
   • No public comments were made, with a humorous note about Richard’s quietness.
4. Other Business:
   • New Stadium Update:
     • Construction is underway, with structural steel in place, targeting completion and opening in June 2026, though it’s unclear if the baseball season will start there.
     • The project is on schedule, with Bill Payne (city engineer) involved. A future update from Payne was proposed, potentially including a site visit.
   • Existing Stadium and Land:
     • River City has a first right of refusal on the property for $200, as per the lease agreement, but a legal issue arose due to a change in the lease terms. Originally, the Sports Authority could decide whether to keep the stadium or clear the land upon the franchise’s departure, but the updated lease references “stadium equipment” instead, complicating River City’s financial planning.
     • River City is likely to accept the property “as is,” including the stadium, which may require demolition. The metal in the stadium has value, but cleanup responsibilities are unclear. If River City declines, the Sports Authority would retain the stadium, potentially repurposing it (e.g., as a high school athletic field).
   • Development Plans:
     • River City, with input from the Urban Design Studio, has conceptual schematics for a mixed-use development on Hawk Hill, including commercial, residential (apartments/condos), recreational, and open space (e.g., a small park).
     • A Request for Information (RFI) was issued to developers, receiving responses. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is planned for early to mid-fall 2025, potentially influenced by a $15 million state grant and other funding sources.
     • The development is projected to generate significant tax revenue (property and sales taxes), with estimates suggesting a $2 billion economic impact. This aligns with broader downtown revitalization efforts (e.g., Bend, West Side, Broad Street, Main Street).
   • Future Actions:
     • The Sports Authority will be kept updated on River City’s plans, potentially via an educational session or meeting before the RFP issuance. Emily offered to present schematics with Eric to inform the board.
     • Official action will be required to approve or reject River City’s proposal and transfer property possession once the current stadium is vacated.
     • The new stadium is debt-free, with no $115 million bond issuance required. However, disputes may arise over what constitutes “equipment” to be removed by the franchise.
   • Additional Notes:
     • The board discussed the acreage of Hawk Hill (estimated at 6-10 acres), noting that building on the slope maximizes space for multi-level structures with parking and park areas.
     • Richard was appointed to liaise with the county sports department, and an update will be provided at the next meeting.
     • Broader housing concerns were raised, noting that downtown developments focus on high-end apartments/condos ($1,700-$2,000+/month), unaffordable for low-to-moderate-income residents ($25,000-$40,000/year). This contrasts with the need for affordable housing.
5. Adjournment:
   • The meeting adjourned unanimously after a motion and second, with a humorous mention of lunch that wasn’t provided.

Next Steps:

• Arrange a status update from Bill Payne on the new stadium, possibly with a site visit.
• Coordinate with Emily and Eric for an informational session on the RFP and schematics.
• Confirm Richard’s report on county sports department coordination.
• Monitor River City’s decision on the existing stadium and prepare for official action on property transfer.

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