7/1/25 Chattanooga City Council Meeting

Chattanooga City Council Meeting – July 1, 2025

4:11 | Call to Order & 🇺🇸 Pledge/Invocation

  • Meeting opened.
  • Councilman Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.
  • Minutes approved without objection.

4:46 | Agenda Review

  • Final Reading: One ordinance (see Business Meeting below).
  • First Reading:
    • City Attorney Amendment – clarified authority of the Code Official, moved under Public Works instead of Equity & Community Development (presented by Phil Noblett).
  • Deferrals: Items B & C (right-of-way abandonments) deferred to July 15 for potential public walkways.
  • Planning: Councilman Clark announced applicant requested withdrawal; he will move to accept later.
  • Wastewater: One District 8 item – no discussion.

8:16 | Purchases & Questions

  • Ford F-450 ($122K): Extensive questioning on justification.
    • Trucks house sewer camera systems; heavy duty required.
    • Concern purchase was out-of-state (Dalton, GA).
    • Clarification on bidding: restricted to qualified applicants.
    • Vehicles expected to last 6–7 years; policy requires new vehicles (no used).
  • Traffic Signal Systems ($644K, DTS grant): Not for Cummins Hwy/Broad Street; that project pending supply chain equipment (to arrive in 3–4 weeks). This purchase tied to a $9M federal ATCMTD grant.
  • Enterprise Car Rental Contract: Expected renewal; would rebid if closed.

16:05 | Other Business

  • Certificate of Compliance: One item for QuickTrip wine/grocery (District 6).
  • Budget Work Sessions Announced (First Responder Pay) – Councilwoman Dotley:
    • July 15, 22, 29 (all at 9:00 AM).
    • Public Hearing: Aug 19.
    • 1st Read: Aug 26.
    • 2nd Read: Sept 9.
  • ARPA allocations: Final unallocated/interest amounts to be assigned next week.

23:49 | Certificate of Compliance Process Discussion

  • Councilman Clark raised concerns about short notice to review applications with communities.
  • City Attorney confirmed: applications originate either from Beer Board or Treasurer’s Office, depending on type (wine vs. liquor).
  • Staff directed to improve early notification to councilmembers.

30:48 | Legislative Committee (Vice Chair Dotley presiding)

  1. Single Stair Ordinance
    • Fiscal note confirmed: cost-neutral by Fire Department & LDO.
    • Council supportive; will be placed on agenda July 15.
  2. Urban Chickens Ordinance (Councilman Henderson)
    • Proposal: Up to 8 laying hens, no roosters, must be enclosed in rear yard w/ predator-proof hen house.
    • Enforcement by LDO & McKamey Animal Center.
    • Discussion Highlights:
      • Sunset review in 1 year.
      • Strike conflicting municipal court fine language; enforcement solely by Administrative Hearing Officer (up to $500 fine).
      • Chickens already present illegally in many districts.
      • Councilmembers divided: some excited, others cautious due to complaints (esp. District 8).
      • McKamey anticipates increased caseload but supportive.
    • Set for July 22 agenda after amendments & fiscal note.

1:15:15 | Planning & Zoning Committee (Chairwoman Burris presiding)

  • Case 2025-0091 (District 2, Dallas Rd): From Industrial to CC for mixed-income apartments (~169 units). Conditions requested: no hotels, no drive-thrus, no auto repair, no outdoor animal facilities. Community outreach ongoing.
  • Case 2025-0093 (District 4): Lift condition from warehouses to townhomes (52 units). Buffer required for neighbor. Approved with conditions.
  • Case 2025-0087 (District 5, Jersey Pike): Townhomes expansion, similar to nearby developments. Supported.
  • Case 2025-0090 (District 8): Rezoning for 10 townhomes. Approved with condition for 10-ft buffer fence. Some resident concerns about density.
  • Case 2025-0088 (District 9): Applicant nonresponsive; Councilman Elliott opposed until community engagement occurs.
  • Text Amendments (housekeeping):
    • Allow existing downtown buildings to renovate without new window requirements.
    • Adjust corner setbacks in RN-13 & RN-15 (discussion: Chairwoman Hill cautious about 5-ft side corner setbacks). Staff will revisit.
    • Clarify Tennessee River floodway building limits (max 5 stories/60 ft).
    • Medical office parking exemption from 200% cap.
  • VIP Program (Voluntary Incentives for Affordable Housing) – Megan Miles presented.
    • Offers density/parking/height bonuses for projects reserving 10% units at ≤80% AMI.
    • Units deed restricted, compliance checked annually.
    • Affordability term revised from 99 years to 30 years per new state law.
    • Codification amendment pending.

2:33:53 | Business Meeting (Voting)

  • Ordinances Passed:
    • Zoning map corrections.
    • City Code amendment (Code Official authority moved to Public Works).
    • Sewer easement abandonment on Oak Street.
  • Deferrals (to July 15): Two right-of-way abandonments (East Manning St, Timmons St).
  • Withdrawal Accepted: Liquor store special exceptions permit (Highway 58).
  • Resolution Passed: Hickory Valley Road Bridge repair ($592K).
  • Purchases Approved: 5 items, including Ford F-450 ($122K) and traffic system integration ($644K).
  • RFP Approved: New library integrated system.

2:40:31 | Committee Reports

  • Community Development: Next meeting moved to July 15.
  • Budget (Dotley): Reminder of July sessions (see above).
  • Planning & Zoning (Burris): Reviewed all cases & VIP.
  • Legislative (Vice Chair Null): Urban Chickens July 22; Single Stair July 15.

2:42:46 | Certificates of Compliance

  • QuickTrip #7141 (District 6): Approved for wine & grocery sales.
  • Highway 58 application: Withdrawn.

2:44:30 | Public Comments

  • Monty Bell ("Homeless Journalist"): Critical remarks about council, mentioned “ouster removal procedure” for officials.

Mentions of Interest

  • Miller Park: Ongoing support contract with Downtown Chattanooga Alliance for maintenance/safety.
  • First Responder Pay: Three July budget sessions.
  • Skate Park Brownfield Grant ($500K): To remediate foundry sand.

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