9/16/25 Chattanooga City Council Meeting

Chattanooga City Council Meeting – Sept 16, 2025

1. Call to Order 🇺🇸 | 5:32

  • Meeting opened by Chairwoman Hill.
  • Pledge & invocation led by Councilwoman Burrs.

2. Public Hearing – DEI Dept. Dismantling 🏛 | 6:06–9:00

  • Public hearing on budget ordinance changes related to dismantling the Department of Equity & Community Engagement (per TN law).
  • Rules read by City Attorney.
  • No citizens spoke. Hearing closed.

3. Minutes Approval | 9:17

  • Minutes approved without objection.

4. Ordinances – First Reading 📜 | 10:00–16:28

  • Questions from Councilman Henderson on funding shifts after eliminating Chief Equity Officer position (vacancy savings; follow-up promised).
  • Discussion of discrepancies (~$145K) between budget worksheets and amended ordinance; clarified as due to post-print adjustments.
  • Councilman Elliot confirmed no job losses from consolidation, except unfilled Chief Equity Officer.
  • Former Councilman Leford present in support.

5. Resolutions – Flood Permit Fee Waiver 🌊 | 17:03–17:36

  • Councilwoman Burrs moved to approve Alternate Version 4: waives residential modification permit fees & allows priority for green grant funding for flood-affected properties (Aug 12, 2025 storm).
  • Applies for 9 months (until May 12, 2026).
  • Passed unanimously.

6. Agenda Review – Planning & Resolutions 🏗 | 18:05–20:21

  • District 4 rezoning case deferred (same one from Sept 9).
  • Wastewater resolution (Item G) withdrawn for rebidding due to cost overruns.
  • Future consideration: Northgate Mall TIF presentation scheduled Sept 30 (Economic Development Committee).

7. Senior Tax Freeze Expansion 👵 | 20:47–24:58

  • Council discussed aligning local senior tax freeze income limits with state’s COLA adjustments (now $61K+).
  • Resolution to be added Sept 23 agenda.
  • Added request for annual reporting of income limits to Council.

8. Budget Transparency Update 💰 | 25:10–25:45

  • Councilman Elliot announced administration will soon add cost center balances & funding sources to agendas for greater transparency.

9. Affordable Housing Committee 🏘 | 26:21–46:08

  • Presentation of Affordable Housing PILOT for 702 Manufacturers Road (District 1).
    • 278 total units; 42 affordable (15%).
    • Mix: 32 units at 60% AMI (studios $1,000, 1BR $1,075, 2BR $1,290); 10 units at 80% AMI.
    • 15-year term; estimated $416K tax abatement (69%).
    • Developer: Atlantic Companies (first Chattanooga project).
    • Paper Mill Rd redevelopment included.
  • Council discussion:
    • Henderson: stressed need for service impact tool to weigh development vs. city resources.
    • Hill: praised inclusion of 60% AMI units, called project a “real win” for everyday Chattanoogans.
    • Harvey: asked about tenant application process; affirmed equal treatment and 3rd-party management.
    • Clark: reframed as “opportunity housing,” praised mixed-income model.
  • Scheduled for final Council vote Sept 30 (two-week agenda).

10. Ordinances – Final Reading 📘 | 1:36:22–1:40:40

  • Multiple rezonings approved:
    • 6401 Mountain View Rd → Institutional.
    • Long/Williams/27th → CCX-9 Commercial Mixed-Use.
    • 2518 Bailey Ave → CNT Neighborhood Transition Commercial.
    • 2306 E. 14th St → TRN-2 Traditional Residential.
    • 2312 E. 14th St → TRN-2 Traditional Residential.
    • Form-based code amendments: crematorium use/parking, nonconformities, townhouse massing.
  • All passed unanimously.

11. Ordinances – First Reading (Mayor’s Office) 🏛 | 1:40:46–1:43:49

  • Repealing Article 12, amending Articles 16 & 31 to comply with new TN laws (PC494 & PC458). Passed 9–0.
  • FY25–26 operating budget amendment (reallocation for dismantled DEI Dept.). Passed 8–1 (Henderson opposed).

12. Resolutions 📄 | 1:43:56–1:45:25

  • Flood permit fee waiver (Alt V.4) – Passed.
  • Mayor’s restructuring confirmation (DEI compliance, dept. consolidation) – Passed.

13. Purchases 💵 | 1:45:37–1:47:09

  • Approved:
    • Fleet – Ford vehicles ($3.1M).
    • Fire – Motorola contract extension (no new funds).
    • Fleet – Komatsu loader ($29K).
    • Wastewater – 2 Anklow pumps ($272K).
    • Tech Services – drone ($226K).

14. Committee Reports | 1:47:17–1:48:10

  • Dotley: Budget Committee public hearing & Affordable Housing pilot.
  • Elliot: TIF presentation set for Sept 30.
  • Others: no reports.

15. Public Comments 🎤 | 1:48:16–1:50:38

  • Only speaker: Councilman Harvey (as citizen) – urged Chattanoogans to remember Sept 12, 2001 spirit of unity after recent tragedies (school shooting, Charlie Kirk assassination, 9/11 anniversary).

16. Adjournment | 1:50:50

  • Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

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