(upbeat music) - [Announcer] You are watching highlights of the Chattanooga City Council meeting, a production of WTCI PBS.
(upbeat music) (gravel thuds) - We call our Tuesday, June 20th City Council agenda to order, okay, minutes will stand without objection.
Under final reading, we have under finance item A.
- [Madam Clerk] An ordinance hereafter, also known as the fiscal year 2023/2024 operations budget providing revenue for the fiscal year, beginning July 1st, 2023 and ending June 30th, 2024.
Appropriating same to the payment of expenses of the municipal government.
Fixing the rate of taxation on all taxable property in the city and the time taxes and privileges are due.
How this shall be paid, when this shall be become delinquent.
Taxes and privileges amending Chattanooga City code part two, chapter two, section 267 relative to paid leave for active duty training and to amend Chattanooga City code part two, chapter 31 sections 31, 36, 31, 37, 31, 41 and 31, 43, sections 31, 322 and 31, 354.
- All right, wait, still disabled.
- Let see.
- [Raquetta] All right, council members.
- Ma'am, I'm gonna move for approval, at 330, we made one clerical correction behind this item and I just wanted to remind people of that it's all of record, just a clerical number.
With that, I do move approval.
- Okay, I have a motion and proper second.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
I'm sorry, roll call vote, please.
Yes, a roll call vote, Madam Clerk.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Coonrod?
- [Coonrod] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Noell?
- [Noell] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Burrs?
- [Burrs] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Hester?
- [Hester] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Ledford?
- [Ledford] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Henderson?
- [Henderson] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Vice Chair Hill?
- [Hill] Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Chair Dotley?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Eight yeses.
- Right, motion passes.
Madam Clerk item B.
- [Madam Clerk] In ordinance appropriating, authorizing and allocating funds to the capital improvements budget for the fiscal year 2023 through the 2024.
- Approve approval.
- Second.
- Okay, I have a motion and a proper second.
Any comments or questions?
Madam Clerk, roll call vote please.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Henderson?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Ledford?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Hester?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Burrs?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Noell?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Conrad.
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Vice Chair Hill?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Chair Dotley?
- Yes.
- [Madam Clerk] Eight yeses.
- A motion passes.
If there's no objection from counsel I would like to take item C through I as a group with reading item E, the alternate version, all right.
All right, Madam Clerk, if you could read those.
- [Madam Clerk] Item C, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter 38, zoning ordinance.
So as re-zone property located at 5619 Clark Road from R3 Residential zone temporary zone with conditions to R3 residential zone permanent zone subject to certain conditions.
Item D in ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two, chapter 38, zoning ordinance.
So as to lift and amend conditions from ordinance number 12 703, section four previous case number 2013 004, for an unaddressed property in the 5200 block of Hunter Road.
Item E alternate version, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter 38, zoning ordinance.
So as a rezoned in the unaddressed track the land located in the 6700 block of East Brainer from R1 residential zone to R4 special zone subject to certain conditions.
Item F, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance.
So as a rezone properties located at 907 Arlington Avenue at 911, 915, 919 Taylor Street from R1 residential zone to R3 residential zone subject to certain conditions.
Item G in ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter 38, zoning ordinance.
So as to rezone property located at 1130 East 14th Street from R3 residential zone to UGC urban general commercial zone subject to certain conditions.
Item H, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two, chapter 38, zoning ordinance.
So as a rezone property located at 1108 McCaulay Avenue and an unaddressed track the land located in the 1100 block of Duncan Avenue from M2 light industrial zone in R3 residential zone to UGC, urban general commercial zone and R4 special zone subject to certain conditions.
Item I, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two, chapter 38, zoning ordinance.
So as to rezone property located at 2519 Bailey Avenue from R2 residential zone to UGC urban general commercial zone, zone subject to certain conditions.
- Right, counsel?
- Motion approved.
- Okay, it's been motioned properly.
Second, any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed, motion passes.
And I do apologize, I forgot to acknowledge our mayor, Mayor Kelly here.
He has a few things he would like to say, in regards to the budget.
I apologize, I know I'm quick.
- I'll be quick.
Well, good evening.
I just wanna take a minute to thank you.
It's a privilege to be here and have this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the one Chattanooga plan and your ongoing collaboration as we all work together to help Chattanooga live up to its full potential.
The budget you just approved does precisely that.
Last year we set a course to implement the one Chattanooga plan, a set of principles and strategies that we now know work.
When you look at some of the key metrics from nearly 50,000 potholes that have been filled or the 275 additional early learning seats in the works or the 2,000 Chattanoogans that have been housed or the countless workforce development initiatives and apprenticeship programs we've launched, it is clear that our work is working and that momentum is on our side.
The big rocks are now moving and that would not be happening without your support.
So thank you, thank you, thank you.
Staff thanks you, Vicky, our CFO, thanks you, Ryan, our COO particularly thanks you.
He was sweating bullets.
So with this year's budgets we're building on our momentum and doubling down on the things that we know matter most to Chattanoogans.
We're continuing to prioritize public safety.
With nearly half this budget dedicated to our Police and Fire Departments we're fulfilling our commitment to invest $40 million over four years for paving and are prioritizing improvements to the roads and bridges our residents use every day.
We're investing nearly $3 million in our parks and are committed to preserving and creating more than 400 affordable housing units to help ensure that everyone can have a place to call home.
And we're continuing to reform city government to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used to deliver the kind of responsive and effective government that Chattanoogans deserve.
As you well know, the budget process is long and the product you have just approved represents countless hours of work from hundreds of dedicated public servants from across the city, most notably you.
So to Chairwoman Dotley, vice Chairwoman Hill, budget and finance chair, Carol Burrs and the whole city council, thank you so much for your partnership through this process.
Lastly, I just wanna zoom out a minute and consider the magnitude of just two of the strategic opportunities that are currently under consideration of this body.
The one west side Tiff, which has the potential to completely transform downtown, create thousands of jobs and help address the affordable housing crisis.
And of course the parks and outdoors plan that you saw today that Scott Martin presented which would cement our key competitive advantage in place and give new meaning and weight to our old moniker of the scenic city.
These are generational opportunities and clear indications that momentum is on our side, but they will only help, they won't happen rather without your help and your approval.
So thank you again for your partnership and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Chattanooga the best city in America, thank you.
- All right, thank you, Mayor Kelly.
(audience applauds) Thank you so much Mayor Kelly, onto ordinances on first reading, Madam Clerk, you can read item A.
- [Madam Clerk] An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter four, which chapter is known as the Chattanooga Air Pollution Control Ordinance by providing for incorporation by reference of certain federal regulations and for certain housekeeping provisions.
- Right, counsel.
- Motion approved.
- Second.
- Have a motion and a proper second.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- Aye.
- All opposed?
Motion passes.
Madam Clerk, item B.
- [Madam Clerk] An ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened right of way in the 2500 block of Chamberlain Avenue is detailed on the attached maps subject to certain conditions.
- Right.
- Motion approved.
- Motion approve, was there a second?
- Yes.
- Okay, the motion and properly second, any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed?
Motion passes.
Madam Clerk, without any objection from counsel we will take items A through I as a group.
- Okay, item A, a resolution confirming the appointment of Sheriff Ford to the Lookout Valley Region Community Advisory Committee for district one with the term beginning June 21st, 2023 and ending on June 20th, 2025.
Item B, a resolution authorized Amira, his designee to enter into a beneficiary memorandum of agreement for an amount not to exceed $10,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act, Coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to the Lighthouse Collective for the support of the Lighthouse Scholars Initiative which provides opportunities for middle school aged youth to strengthen their math and reading abilities and to learn life skills including health and nutrition, emotional regulation, entrepreneurship and the importance of community service.
Item C, a resolution authorized in the city of Chattanooga Police Department to accept an award of $17,200 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds for the purchase and use of a DJI Matisse 30T 2WB 37 batteries and other additional required equipment for operation.
Item D, a resolution authorize the City Chattanooga Police Department to accept an award of $8,000 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds for the purposes of 10 fuses core public safety devices for distribution of businesses within the city of Chattanooga District Two.
Item E, a resolution authorized the city of Chattanooga Police Department to accept an award OF $20,000 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds to support the creation of a designated LGBTQ plus liaison within the Chattanooga Police Department through providing access to training, continued education opportunities and resources for peer and community engagement.
Item F, a resolution authorized city of Chattanooga to allocate $40,000 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local physical recovery funds to First Baptist Care to serve as the fiduciary agent for the ControL Lead program which offers trauma focused mental health and mindfulness youth initiatives.
Item G, a resolution to authorize city of Chattanooga to allocate $10,000 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga.
African American Museum for the sport of their community development initiative center around connecting the community to arts and cultural opportunities.
Item H, a resolution authorizing city of Chattanooga to allocate $20,000 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds for the new Monumental Baptist Church for the purposes of making facilities upgrades which will allow the organization to expand their wraparound services to area, youth and families.
Item I, a resolution authorized an administrator for the Department of Early Learning to accept an award of $100,000 from the American Rescue Plan at Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds for the establishment of a school resource center at Tyner Academy and other facilities, equipment upgrades at Barer Academy a fine arts, best issue about Elementary and Tyner Academy.
- Thank you so much Madam Clerk.
Madam Vice Chair Hill, followed by Councilman Henderson.
- I move to approve.
- Councilman Henderson.
- Second.
- All right, we have a motion and a proper second.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed, motion passes.
Councilman Henderson.
- [Henderson] I just did want to recognize the fact that we had Mrs. Ford in the audience with us this afternoon I'd like to thank her for service to this city.
- Yes, thank you.
(audience applauds) So All right, under Economic development, item J.
- [Madam Clerk] A resolution stating the intent of the Chattanooga City councilors to consider economic impact Plan authorizing the tax increment incentive to support a multi-use development identified as the one Westside Bin Project.
Which development will contain eligible projects for purposes of applicable law.
- Oh, Councilwoman Burrs and followed by Councilwoman... Councilwoman McCoon, well, you hit your light.
Did you wanna hit it again?
Okay, we'll do Councilwoman Burrs followed by councilwoman-- - Motion approval.
- All right, say, second.
We got a motion and a proper second.
Any comments or questions?
Alright, Councilman Henderson.
- Chief?
- [Chief] Yes, sir.
- [Henderson] Just one more time before we vote, I want it on the record that this impact study would include impact on our budget.
- You have put it on the record, I have recorded it.
It will be in the economic impact plan.
- [Henderson] Then I'll vote for it.
- All right, thank you, sir.
- All right, any other comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed.
Motion passes.
Item K. - [Madam Clerk] A resolution authorizing acceptance of 228,000, 546,000.45 from Hamilton County as the city's portion from the March, 2023, Hamilton County Surplus property sale with $227,049.51 applied at the city's portion.
$708.97 applied to the city attorney's fees and $787.97 applied to city treasury costs.
- All right, counsel.
- Motion approve.
- Has been motion and properly seconded.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed, motion passes.
Item L. - [Madam Clerk] A resolution authorizing office of the city attorney to engage the following firms for legal and lobbying services.
Chambers, Bonner and Stell PC, Gear Haber Peters, Elliot and Cannon PLLC, Brack, O' Donaldson, Luther Anderson PLLP, Miller and Martin PLLC, Tidwell and Associates PC, Janie Varnell with Davis and Hass PC, Evans Harrison and Hackett PLLC.
Bass Berry and Sims, Butler Snow LLP.
Hush Blackwell, Katon Mutton, Rosenman LLP.
Adam Sowasca with McGuire Woods, Waller Lanston Dorrs and Davis LLP Brian Kopit of the title, Guarantee and Trust Company of Chattanooga, Bradley Aron, Bolt Cummings LLP, Raphers Holmes and Peters LLC, Formerly Bull Braiser LLC.
Brights Share Consulting to and Trechin and White PC, Bridge Public Affairs Jones title Insurance Agency Inc. And Emmanuel Colson with the Paragon Crime Corporation with the period of July 1st, 2023 through June 30th, 2024.
- Right, Counsel?
- Move to approve.
- Second.
- All right, I got a motion and a proper second.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
All opposed.
Motion passes, Item M. - [Madam Clerk] A resolution authorizing the administrative for the Department of Public Works Award contract number P22002201.
Chattanooga Police Department RT area alteration for the base bid plus alternate two to TU Parts Construction Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee in the amount of $109,800 with a contingency in the amount of $30,000 for a total amount of $139,800.
- All right, counsel?
- Move to approve.
- Second.
- Okay, it's been a motion and proper second.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed, motion passes.
We've now come to our purchases.
- Good evening counsel.
We have nine purchases recommended for approval.
The first is from the Wastewater Department.
This is a three month extension on an existing contract with Matheson Tri-Gas and Air Gas for liquid oxygen to allow the department to enter the need to requisition for re-competition.
This will be an increase of $80,000 for a total estimated annual spend of $230,000.
Next, also from Wastewater.
This is another three month extension on an existing contract with Industrial Welding Supply Co. for industrial gases and welding supplies to allow the department to enter the needed requisition for re-competition.
No money will be added to this contract and the estimated annual spend will remain at $60,000.
From the Fleet Management division of Public Works, This is a one-time purchase of six Bond Olympian Pro plus ODB Jet Back for use by the Street Maintenance Division and the water quality divisions of public works from Jet Back Equipment Company LLC for a total of $729,810.
This purchase will utilize source well contract number 093021-GEP.
Also from the Fleet Management Division of Public Works, this is a one-time purchase of two 2025 Auto Car ACX64 with Heel 26 Cubic Yard dura pack Python CNG Side loading body for use by the Street Maintenance Division and waste division of Public Works from Stringfellow Inc. for a total of $966,000.
This purchase will utilize source code contract number 09129-THC.
Next from Street Maintenance Division of Public Works, this will be two new blanket contracts for traffic safety materials for purchase.
This will be a four year agreement not to exceed $81,000 per year.
12 bids were requested and two bids were returned.
The awards will go to Safety Products for 34,000 and Safety Zone Specialists for 47,000 as the best bids for the city of Chattanooga.
From the facilities Division of Public Works is the new blanket contract for pool chemicals.
This will be a four year agreement not to exceed $80,000 per year.
Five bids were requested and one was returned.
The invitation was re-advertised and resulted in no additional bids.
The award will go to Daco Compan.
Next from Wastewater, we have another three month extension on existing contract with Mintech Resources Inc. For Lime Kiln Dust to allow the department to ensure the needed requisition for re-competition.
This will be an increase of $200,000 for a new total annual estimated spend of $775,000.
Next from the Department of Early Learning, this is a new blanket contract for dry goods frozen goods and cleaning products for Headstart centers.
This will be a four year agreement not to exceed $500,000 per year.
The award will go to Institutional Wholesale Company Inc. And last from the Department of Technology Services.
This is a one-time purchase for a software for a pilot program to detect rail traffic at two intersections from train folk court for a total of $143,400, and this is a sole source purchase.
- [Raquetta] All right, Councilwoman Burrs?
- [Burrs] Motion approval.
- Second.
- [Raquetta] Okay, motion and properly second.
Any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- [Raquetta] All opposed, motion passes.
- We are also requesting approval to issue 1RFP.
Not approve any awards at this time, the Department of Technology Services would like to issue an RFP to obtain a 311 customer relationship management software.
There are in-depth considerations for costs and other aspects associated with the service, and the competitive sealed proposal method permits us to compare different solutions to determine which is most advantageous to the city of Chattanooga - Okay, Councilwoman Burrs?
- Approve.
- Yes, motion properly second, any comments or questions?
All in favor?
- [All] Aye.
- All opposed?
Motion passes.
Thank you so much, Brooke.
Then we come to committee reports, Councilman Konrad.
Councilwoman Noell.
- [Noell] No report.
Councilwoman Burrs.
- Yes, ma'am, pass both the operational and the capital budget.
- [Raquetta] All right.
- Congratulations team, thank you, ma'am.
- Thank you, Councilman Henderson.
(indistinct) All right, thank you, thank you so much.
Councilman Ledford.
- [Ledford] No report ma'am.
- Councilman Hester.
- [Hester] No report.
- Madam Vice Chair Hill.
- [Hill] No report.
- All right, now we come to the time for persons wishing to address the council and our city attorney will read the rules.
- Sure, at the end of every council business meeting the chair will recognize members of the public who wish to address the council, here's your rules.
Each speaker wishing to address the council can only be recognized at the microphone up front provided for that purpose.
Can't have more than three minutes to speak and you can address the council only upon matters within their legislative and quasi-judicial authority and not on matters which are not under their authority or regulated by other governmental bodies or agencies.
Don't engage in any vulgar or obscene language nor use of board to personally attack or personally denigrate others and address the counsel as a whole and not make comments directed towards individual counsel members.
And lastly, do not engage in disorderly conduct or disrupting a public meeting which is prohibited under Tennessee law.
And someone commits an offense like that if the person substantially obstructs or interferes with a meeting by physical action or verbal utterance with the intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting or gathering.
- Hello?
- [Raquetta] Hello - I'm Rachel Campbell.
I'm in Councilman Smith's district, Murray Hills.
My name is Rachel Campbell.
I am a resident of Chattanooga.
I've been here for 27 years and I'm exceptionally proud to be a resident of Chattanooga today.
It's not often that as a citizen of Chattanooga, Tennessee I have the opportunity to do something to support the citizens of another country.
A country that's fighting for its autonomy, its democracy, its very existence.
And so I'm very excited to be able to do that now.
Mayor Kelly has established a new working group to rally resident support for, I'm gonna butcher this name, but just bear with me.
Trust DeAnnets Ukraine.
Did I get it right?
I hope so.
This city has survived 31 days of Russian occupation and war.
The effects of that destruction are long lasting and devastating.
This partnership will help support those rebuilding efforts.
Ukraine is a democracy, much like the United States.
It's currently being destroyed by the whims of a brutal dictator.
And we watch as city and town are being raised to the ground, but the Ukrainian people are strong and show us every day what the meaning of bravery and resolution to their cause and their country looks like.
Frankly, Americans can take a page of their book when it comes to unity and patriotism.
And now Mayor Kelly has committed our city to help in the restoration of this city in Ukraine, in line with the Sister City programs that we are already a part of.
I support his partnership and I hope every member of this council will as well as my fellow citizens.
Additionally, no city tax dollars are being spent in support of this partnership.
And I hope the residents of this Ukrainian city can look towards Chattanooga and its people and feel the support devotion and love that we send them.
I thank this administration for giving me the opportunity to support the citizens of this city and I commend Mayor Kelly for his compassion, commitment and continued vision for a one Chattanooga, thank you.
- [Raquetta] Thank you.
- Councilman.
- I'm so sorry, go ahead, Council Ledford.
Yes, go ahead.
- So let me, if I may, Madam Chair, several of the support for Ukraine has come tonight.
And I feel it's because it may be on the heels of questioning the actual contract that we have before us.
First of all, there is no mention of Sister City in this contract.
I think Sister City programs are wonderful.
It's not in here.
That's my question.
So for those of you, no, I'm just looking around the room.
I think they're wonderful.
I support them 100%.
When we were told about this, we were not told this was and I contacted Sister Cities today.
This is not a Sister City program.
So I don't know what effort is being here tonight in result to asking questions about the contract.
But I will be sharing those questions because this contract is, does have questions that I think need to be asked before rushing to a final solution.
So those of you here are under the impression that this is a Sister city participation, it's not.
- [Speaker] Thank you.
- And Jermaine, if I'm wrong, please tell me I am totally wrong and I will apologize immediately.
But I see nothing that says this is a Sister City program or have been told that.
- You are correct, this is not a Sister City.
The city of Chattanooga has relationships in the forms of Sister Cities, friendship cities, strong cities network.
And so we have a variety of relationships with cities around the world under different diplomatic arrangements.
But you are right, this is not a Sister City.
(upbeat music) - [Announcer] You've been watching highlights of the Chattanooga City Council meeting, a production of WTCI, PBS.
(upbeat music)