9/9/25 Chattanooga City Council Meeting

Chattanooga City Council Meeting – Sept 9, 2025

1. Call to Order 🇺🇸 | 4:32

  • Meeting opened by Chairwoman Hill.
  • Pledge & invocation led by Councilman Clark.

2. Announcements 👶 | 6:12

  • Birth of Charlotte Anna Harvey (daughter of Councilman Harvey & wife) on Aug 29.
  • First “council baby” noted; applause & congratulations shared.

3. Minutes Approval | 5:58

  • Previous minutes approved without objection.

4. Budget – Final Reading 💰 | 7:27–13:06, 2:04:19–2:08:23

  • Discussion of $40M tax increase revenue and line-item availability.
  • Concerns from Councilwoman Hill citing recent local layoffs (BlueCross, Astec, Walker Chemical, Miller Industries, VW furloughs, TVA buyouts).
  • Hill: Council must ensure fiscal responsibility, questioned $6.9M reserve for unfilled jobs.
  • Ordinance A (FY25–26 operating budget, taxation, sworn employees, pay plans): Passed 5–2 (Davis & Hill opposed).
  • Ordinance B (FY25–26 capital budget, +$13.35M allocation): Passed unanimously.

5. Planning & Zoning 🏗 | 13:06–2:17:26

  • District 4 zoning case deferred 2 weeks (to Sept 23).
  • Multiple rezonings approved (Mentor Dr, Mountain View Rd, Long/William/27th, Bailey Ave, E. 14th properties).
  • Townhouse massing ordinance (Item G):
    • Amended: max 8 attached units (12 for pre-2024 zonings).
    • Added crematorium use & parking standards.
    • Passed as amended.

6. Resolutions 📄 | 14:23–2:23:52

  • Appointments: Lindia Matthysse & Nan to Community Advisory Committee.
  • VW/UAW worker support resolution (C): Deferred 3 weeks (to Sept 30).
  • Flood recovery permit fee waiver (D): Deferred 1 week (to Sept 16); modeled after 2020 tornado waivers. Covers residential modification fees, with discussion of reimbursements and possible commercial inclusion.
  • Early Head Start contract: Approved ($184,487).
  • City Treasurer appointment: Jared Brock confirmed.
  • Legal/lobbying services contracts: 17 firms approved.
  • Public Works change order (Police Service Center fitness) & Orange Grove extension: Approved.
  • Liquor store permit (Shallowford Rd): Approved (Councilman Davis opposed).
  • Family Justice Center DOJ grant application: Approved (up to $500K).

7. Purchasing 📊 | 19:30–2:29:42

  • Council pressed for clearer explanations of technology services $200K increase (CityWorks software, managed services, labor costs).
  • Calls for improved transparency:
    • Breakdowns by fund, cost center, budgeted vs remaining balance.
    • Suggestion to revive open data platforms for public visibility.
  • Purchases approved:
    • CityWorks upgrades ($119,900 + $35K).
    • InTech cabling ($125K).
    • Meridian Archer trailers ($242,581).
    • Knuckleboom trucks ($521,559).
    • Brewer Media outreach contract ($50K).
    • Risk mgmt license expansion ($4,140).
  • Sole-source reports: Grinder pumps ($24,260), Ballistic ID renewal ($25,545).

8. DEI Compliance Changes 🏛 | 35:00–52:17

  • Presentation on dismantling Dept. of Equity & Community Engagement (required by TN law).
  • Changes:
    • Community engagement to Community Development.
    • Neighborhood services to Constituent Services.
    • Office of New Chattanoogans created (focus on remote workers).
    • Equity Board → Community Engagement Board.
  • Discussion:
    • Supportive but critical comments from Councilmembers Clark, Elliot, Dotley, Hill.
    • Concerns about eliminating Office of New Americans and impact on Latino/immigrant communities.
    • Council stressed commitment to One Chattanooga Plan values despite state mandates.

9. Community Development Committee 🏫 | 53:39–1:13:53

  • Presentation by Interim Administrator Cedric Henson:
    • 12 capital projects across community centers ($3M; $1M funded, $2M unfunded).
    • Notable: Hixson auditorium renovation (unfunded), East Lake parking expansion, Carver restrooms/kitchen completed.
    • Deferred maintenance backlog: $4M, 132 tasks (roofing, fire safety, HVAC, electrical).
  • Council praised Cedric’s responsiveness & leadership; some urged strategic review of underused centers.

10. Committee Reports | 2:30:48

  • Community Development, Affordable Housing (pilot policy), Planning Commission (5-hr case) updates.
  • Food City opening on Hwy 58 praised as anchor project.

11. Legal Update ⚖ | 2:34:39

  • Case settled: Tiana Perry et al v. Officer Batterson & City for $180,000.

12. Public Comments 🎤 | 2:35:01–2:55:16

  • Michael Whitfield (Dist 4): Supported tax freeze expansion; requested retroactive to 2024 (state law prevents).
  • Patrick Kate (Labor Council): Clarified no prior budget position; urged support for VW/UAW resolution.
  • Volkswagen workers (Ky Holski, Michael Bramley): Shared injury & unsafe workplace stories; called for union support.
  • Corey Evette (Dist 5): Critiqued late meeting start/recess, urged digital participation options, suggested revenue reforms (vacant land tax).
  • Monty Bell: Extended remarks, song; removed after violating rules.
  • Evina Caye (Dist 8): Supported UAW resolution; objected to eliminating Office of New Americans.

13. Adjournment | 2:53:16

  • Meeting adjourned after extended public comment.

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