📅 July 15, 2025 | ⏰ 6:00 PM

1. Opening

• Meeting opened with Pledge of Allegiance and approval of minutes.
• Agenda preview included:
  • Final and first reading ordinances (planning, legal, public works).
  • Purchases and resolutions.
  • Committee reports and public comment.

2. Ordinances – Final Reading (Planning)

Approved as a package (A–D):

• Dallas Rd rezoning (IL → CC).
• Lester Lane: lifted condition #1; limited to residential only, max 7 units/acre, 10-ft buffer with fence.
• Jersey Pike rezoning (RN-16 → TRN-3).
• Zoning Text Amendments: clarified form-based code, corner setbacks in RN zones, medical office parking standards, and minimum river setbacks.

3. Ordinances – First Reading

• Single Stair Ordinance: Amended building code to allow single-exit stairways for certain smaller residential buildings → approved (aimed at “missing middle” housing).
• ROW Abandonment (East Manning St): Denied to preserve pedestrian connectivity.
• ROW Abandonment (Tremont St): Deferred to Aug 5 for further negotiation.
• Rezoning 1614 E. 17th St (District 7): Approved with amended conditions: max 2 stories and 10 units total.
• Voluntary Incentives Program: Adopted to encourage affordable housing.

4. Resolutions

• Hamilton County surplus proceeds: Accepted $68,274; proceeds transferred to Land Bank Authority.
• Brownfield Redevelopment Grant: Authorized application for up to $500,000 (no match).
• Downtown Chattanooga Alliance: Approved $150,000 annual payment (adjusted for prior payments).
• Special Police Officer: Appointed Jeremy Wood, PW Administrator, as unarmed SPO for departmental duties.
• VOCA Grant Extension: Accepted extension + $138,500 increase; total $415,500 for victim services.

5. Purchases

• Wastewater: $900K increase for bypass pumping rentals (total $1.8M).
• Fleet: Year 2 renewal for heavy-duty/recap tires → $415K.
• Solid Waste: New 4-year blanket contract for garbage & recycling containers, up to $500K annually.
• Sole Source: $39,497 SEL training for early learning staff.

6. Community Development Committee

• Interim Administrator Cedric Henson introduced his 90-day plan:
  • Phase 1 (observe/learn): Listen to staff & stakeholders.
  • Phase 2 (validate/clarify): Document practices, begin low-lift improvements.
  • Phase 3 (guide): Light-touch recommendations, standardize best practices.
• Deputy COO Steve & Chief of Staff Kevin Roy explained:
  • DEI-related reorganization underway (ECE functions moving into Community Development; Community Health office relocated from Mayor’s office).
  • Administrator position will be posted within ~30 days, internal + external.
• Council expressed support but cautioned against hiring before budget amendments finalize.

7. Committee Reports & Announcements

• Clark: Reiterated support for Henson and upcoming reorganization plan.
• Dotley: Announced Budget Work Session II (July 22, 9 AM) on first responder pay, CPD/CFD budget dives, property assessor presentation, and pension review.
• Other members: No additional reports.

8. Public Comment

• Jackson Dooley: Promoted grand opening of Bloom Bible Bookstore & Floral Boutique (July 19, 121 Broad St).
• Anna Galay: Praised Budget Session I’s tax structure presentation, urged public to watch recording.
• Monty Bell: Criticized council over judicial misconduct and ouster issues; repeated call for reinstating Chief Murphy.

‍