(bright upbeat music) - [Announcer] You're watching highlights of the Chattanooga City Council meeting.

A production of WTCI PBS.

(bright upbeat music) - Good afternoon, everyone.

Welcome to Tuesday, April 19th, city council agenda session.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair.

We do have a special presentation, Councilwoman Coonrod, good evening.

- Good evening, and thank you, Chair.

And I first wanna say that Judge Russell Bean, he could not be here today, he had a prior engagement.

but he has been my mentor for over the past 14 years, and has guided me through having a second chance.

So, he was the first person who began to pull into me once I was released from federal prison.

And today, we're here to celebrate Second Chance Month.

April has been considered an awareness for Second Chance Month.

So again, it's been 14 years for me, and I celebrate reentry every day.

So, whereas every person is endowed with human dignity, and value, and redemption, and second chances are American values.

An estimated 70 million Americans have a criminal record, with more than 30,000 individuals incarcerated, and 76,000 individuals on probation and parole in Tennessee.

And whereas, individuals returning from prison, and those who have otherwise completed their sentences after committing a crime face significant barriers, also known as collateral consequences.

And whereas, it is also vital that we address both the root causes of crime, and the underlying needs of returning citizens, using resources devoted to prevention, diversion, reentry, trauma-informed care, culturally specific services, and social support.

Due to legal and regulatory restrictions, these individuals struggle to access employment, housing, voting, education, business licensing and other basic opportunities.

And by supporting people who are committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society, we help reduce recidivism and build safer communities.

And whereas the council of state governments report that the number of legal collateral consequences of a criminal conviction exceeds 44,000, with 960 consequences specific to Tennessee, and more than 1000 collateral consequences affecting the high school and higher education of youth in America.

And whereas, these barriers can contribute to recidivism, which increases victimization and decreases public safety, and the stigma and legal barriers associated with a criminal record result in lost human capital and lost economic output for the United States.

And whereas, the designation of April as Second Chance Month contributes to increased public awareness about the reentry needs of returning citizens and opportunities for individuals, employers, congregations and communities to extend a second chance.

Now, therefore, I, Demetrius Coonrod, Councilwoman of the Chatanooga City Council, do hereby proclaim April, 2022, and ongoing, as Second Chance Month.

Thank you.

- Thank you, Councilwoman.

(council clapping) Thank you for your leadership and example.

We'll now move on with our agenda for this evening.

I do need approval for our minutes.

Seeing no objections to the minutes, they will stand.

Madam Clerk, we will begin on final reading of ordinances under planning.

If you would please read as a group, items A through L. - [Madam Clerk] Item A.

In ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code, part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to amend condition number one, and lift condition number two of ordinance number 13607, or previous case number 2020, 0098, from property located at 6340 Middle Valley Road, and two unaddressed properties located in the 6,300 block of Middle Valley Road, subject to certain conditions.

Item B, in ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code, part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance.

So as the rezone of properties located at 5246, 5250, 5258, and an unaddressed property in the 5,200 block of Old Hixson Pike from R-2 residential zone to R-3 residential zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item C, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 6814 Hixson Pike, from R-1 residential zone to R-3 residential zone.

Item D, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone properties located at 1216 and 1236, Lester Lane, 1220 East Reiner Road, and two unaddressed parcels of the 1200 block of East Reiner Road for R-2 residential zone, and C-5 neighborhood commercial zone to C-2 convenience commercial zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item E, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to lift certain conditions of ordinance number 10939, from previous case number 1999 0192, on property located at 4408 Shelborne Drive.

Item F, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2626 Cowart Street from R-3 residential zone, and C-3 central business zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item G, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 4012 West Avenue from R-3 residential zone, to R-4 special zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item H, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone properties located at 1401 Slayton Avenue, 737 and 745 East Main Street, and an unaddressed property located in the 700 block of East Main Street, from C-2 convenience/commercial zone to UGC Urban General Commercial 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 3415 Montview Drive, from R-1 residential zone to R-2 residential zone.

Item J, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone properties located at 2500 and 2502 Bailey Avenue from RTZ.

Residents of town has zero lot lines on to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item K, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone properties located at 1304, 1308, and 1312 Greenwood Road, from R-1 residential zone to R-2 residential zone.

And Item L, an ordinance amending Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance article five, zoning regulations, division 14, UGC Urban General Commercial Zone and article nine, landscaping provisions, section 38595, screening requirements to amend the landscaping provisions related to the UGC Urban General Commercial Zone.

- [Chair] All right, take a breath, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman Coonrod, I do have a motion for approval.

I do hear a second.

Questions, comments?

All in favor, say aye.

Opposed?

Motion carries.

Thank you.

We will now move on to Parks and Public Works.

Public Works, Item M, please, Madam Clerk?

- [Madam Clerk] An ordinance closing an abandoned and sanitary sewer easement, located in the 1500 block of Poe Street, tax map number 146PG011, as detailed on the attached map.

- [Chair] Thank you.

Councilwoman Noel, this is in your district.

What's your pleasure?

- [Councilwoman Noel] Vote to approve.

Second.

- [Chair] I do have a motion to approve, with a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- [Chair] Opposed?

Hearing no objections, motion carries.

Madam Clerk, we're moving on to ordinances.

Under first reading, we have two planning items.

Will you please read Item 6-A?

- [Madam Clerk] An ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance.

So as to rezone three unaddressed properties in the 1200 block of North Holtzclaw Avenue, from R-4 special zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone, subject to certain conditions.

- [Chair] Is the applicant present?

I do see you, Mr. Fidatti.

Is there any opposition present?

Councilwoman Noel?

- [Councilwoman Noel] Move to approve.

Second.

- [Chair] We do have a motion to approve.

It has been seconded.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say aye.

Opposed?

Seeing none, motion carries.

Madam Clerk, Item 6-B?

- [Madam Clerk] An ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two, chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 1501 East 18th street, from R-2 residential zone to RTZ residential townhouse zero lot lines zone, subject to certain conditions.

- [Chair] Is the applicant present?

I do have an applicant.

Is any opposition present?

Councilwoman Noel?

I have an applicant with no opposition.

What is your desire?

- [Councilwoman Noel] I'm willing to approve.

- [Chair] We do have a motion to approve.

- [Councilwoman Noel] Second.

- [Chair] It has a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- [Chair] Opposed?

Motion carries.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Now, moving into resolutions under economic development, will you please read items A through E?

We will take those as a group.

- Yes.

Item A, a resolution confirming the surplus and quitclaim conveyance to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, insubstantially the form attached, the interest of city of Chattanooga has in six parcels, identified as X-map number 148AA005 on Quintus Loop Road, tax map number 148HP039 at 1800 West Polymer Drive, tax map number 148PA015.01 on Hancock Road, tax map number 148PA015 on Hancock road, tax map number 148PA016 at 5940 Hancock Road and tax map number 157EA001 on Jubilee Drive.

Item B, a resolution authorized the Mayor his designee to enter into an office lease with H-S-O-P-S-N-F LLC, and substantially the form attached, for the use of 100 square feet of office space, and a portion of the Family Justice Center, located at 5705 Uptain Road, identified as tax map number 157MA012, for a term of one year with annual rent in the amount of $1,100.

Item C, a resolution authorizing the Mayor, his designee, to enter into a seventh amendment to lease agreement with East Nooga LLC, and substantially the form attached for senior activity meeting space and a portion of Eastgate Town Center at 5,600 Brainerd Road, for an additional term of one year for the amount of $7,477.53 per month, for a total annual amount of $89,730.36.

Item D, a resolution authorizing the Mayor, his designee, to enter into a license agreement with FourJ's Ducks LLC and substantially the form attached, for the term of two years with the option to renew for one additional term of two years for access to a specific location at Ross's Landing Ramp to provide access to the Tennessee River at the monthly license fee of $300.

Item E, a resolution authorizing the Mayor, his designee, to enter into a donation agreement with Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise Inc., and substantially the form attached for the donation of 2514 East 17th street further identified as tax map number 156FB017 for the purpose of constructing and maintaining affordable housing for a period of 10 years from the day of the first occupancy with the quitclaim conveyors subject to a reversionary provision and to authorize the execution of all documents required for completion of the transaction.

- Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Dr. Burrs, followed by Councilman Coonrod?

(indistinct) - [Dr. Burrs] Approval.

- Thank you.

- [Coonrod] Chair, I had my light on because I wanted to see if we could separate B 'cause I'm not.

- [Chair] Item B?

- [Coonrod] Yes.

- [Chair] You'd like to vote on that as a separate item?

- [Coonrod] Yeah.

I mean, C, yes.

I wanted to vote on that as a separate item.

- [Chair] I'm sorry, B or C?

- C. - [Chair] Item C?

- [Councilwoman Noel] I withdraw my motion.

- Motion has been withdrawn.

These have been read into the record.

Can we take all of the items read into the record, minus item C and we'll vote on that separately?

What we are voting on right now is all of the items that were read minus item C. Chair will entertain a motion.

(indistinct) Thank you.

I do have a motion.

- [Woman] Second.

- I do hear a second.

This is voting on items A through E, minus item C. Questions, comments?

All right.

All those in favor?

- [Council Members] Aye.

- Opposed?

All right.

Motion carries to approve the items read minus C. Madam clerk, item C was read into the record so Chair will entertain a motion on item C. - [Woman] Motion to approve.

- I do hear a motion to approve.

- [Council Member] Second.

- I do hear a second.

Questions, comments?

- [Madam Clerk] Can we have a roll?

- Councilwoman Coonrod.

Roll call vote.

Madam clerk, questions, comments?

Roll call vote, please.

- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Coonrod.

Councilwoman Noel.

- [Councilwoman Noel] Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Boris.

- [Councilwoman Boris] Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Hester.

- [Councilman Hester] Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Smith.

- [Councilman Smith] Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Councilwoman Hill.

- [Councilwoman Hill Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Councilman Henderson.

- [Councilman Henderson] Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Vice-chair Dotley.

- [Vice-chair Dotley] Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] Chairman Ledford.

- Yes.

- [Madam Clerk] That's a yes, yes.

- All right.

Motion carries.

Thank you, Councilwoman Coonrod.

Under finance, Madam clerk, item F please.

- [Madam Clerk] A resolution authorized and payment to the Southeast Tennessee Development District for 2022 assessment dues in the amount of $38,030.79 and the regional tourism initiative and the amount of $5,000 for an amount not to exceed $43,030.79.

- [Chair] Thank you, Madam clerk.

Dr. Burrs (indistinct) - [Council Member] No, it's... (indistinct) - Thank you.

I do hear a motion to approve.

We do have a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- Opposed?

Motion carries.

Madam Clerk, under IT item G, please.

- [Madam Clerk] A resolution authorizing chief information officer to renew a service agreement between the city of Chattanooga and Novo Global for traffic interfraction, detection and enforcement programs for a one year term per resolution number 30129.

- Councilwoman Coonrod.

- [Coonrod] Thank you, Chair.

We gonna get the requested information at this time, or did it get sent out in the email?

- [Chair] Yes, Ma'am.

I think the chief is coming right now to give us a.

- That's right, yes.

So I collected a little bit more information on this.

And so we do have two speeding cameras.

And by state law, we are only allowed to have them on S-curves.

They are only able to issue a $50 citation.

It is a civil citation, it is not a criminal one.

It will not add points to your driver's license.

It's possible that they could impact your credit record for example, but the $50 citation is not like a speeding ticket.

It's a little different.

That said, we are also looking at the possibility of adding them right outside the Macaulay tunnels, where there has been significant number of wrecks.

And our traffic folks do believe that adding a speed camera there would increase public safety.

And the S-curve is because of the elevation changes.

You literally cannot see in some cases, the road as you're exiting.

And so if you're moving too fast, it would really endanger a lot of people's lives.

So that's the current situation as we stand.

This contract is actually part of a three-year contract, and this is the conclusion of it.

And it services all of the active cameras.

- [Chair] Very good.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Coonrod.

- [Coonrod] Motion to approve.

- [Chair] I do have a motion to approve.

Councilwoman Coonrod, I hear a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- Opposed?

Hearing none, motion carries.

Thank you, Chief.

Madam Clerk, under legal item H, please.

- [Madam Clerk] A resolution to amend resolution number 30843, authorizing the Office of the City Attorney to engage the various law firms listed below for legal services, in general allegation matters, corporate, transactional, intellectual property and administrative matters, labor and employment matters, planning and zoning matters, and government relations matters for the period through June 30, 2022.

- Thank you, Madam clerk.

Dr. Burrs.

- [Dr. Burrs] Approval.

- I do have a motion to approve.

- [Dr. Burrs] Second.

- I hear a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- Opposed?

Hearing none, motion carries.

Thank you.

All right.

If you'll take out your purchases, who's coming tonight for purchases, Chief.

- [Chief] I stand in for Brent this evening.

- [Chair] Where is Mr. Goldberg?

- [Chief] He's MIA.

- [Chair] Apparently.

All right.

- [Chief] Send him a note.

- [Chair] Okay.

- So this evening we have six purchases recommended for approval in your packet.

I just wanna make sure you do have six purchases.

So first we citywide services division public works, purchase of one Multiquip RX1575, Trench roller with Yanmar diesel engine and remote control.

This purchase utilizes source weld contract.

041719-MTQ.

The vendor is Mid-South Equipment Company and the amount is 31,000.

Next is ITCPD.

New four-year source blanket contract for software and hardware maintenance for two scanners that are already in service.

The vendors, Leica Geosystems and the amount is 33,910 per year for a total cost not to exceed $135,640 over four years.

Next is Parks maintenance division, parks and outdoors.

Purchase of a two Kubota RTVs.

This purchase uses a source well contract 031121-SG.

The vendor is Kubota of Chattanooga and the amount is $57,997.96.

Next is parks and maintenance division, parks and outdoors.

This is the second and final renewal of a contract for chemicals for golf courses in city parks.

Regal Chemical Company submitted a price increase of 14% of the time of the renewal.

With an annual amount not to exceed $40,000.

CPD, purchase of one Ford Explorer with tow package for investigations.

This purchase utilizes the state of Tennessee contract.

SWC 20972318.

The vendor is Lonnie Cobb LLC, and the amount is $30,000 and $51.

Next is community development.

A new contract for management of the sanction 12th street, homeless encampment.

Only one bid was received.

The solicitation was readvertised and yielded no additional bids.

The award goes to help right here with an amount of out to exceed $163,700.

- [Chair] Thank you, Chief.

On that item at 3:30, we did ask for.

So little more information will be forthcoming, I believe.

As it unfolds.

- Absolutely.

And so we are gonna come back to this council with more information as we get closer to the sanctioned encampment opening up.

We will be able to bring you information on eligibility, the services provided, the requirements that will be as part of the camp.

I wanna underscore that the RFP that you received this afternoon, is a starting place for the conversation with our partners that we're proposing for your approval today.

And Help Right Here is a grassroots community organization that has a real heart for the work.

We're excited to be able to work with them.

And we think it'll really help.

And be able to provide a safe sanitary and ordered condition for folks who are obviously lacking a home and don't have a place to stay.

- [Chair] Very good.

Thanks for that explanation and follow up, Chief.

Thank you, I do have a motion for approval.

- [Council Member] Second.

- [Chair] I do hear a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor, say, aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- [Chair] The opposed?

Thank you.

Motion carries.

And Chief, we have one RFP tonight.

- We do.

So we have one RFP format recommended for approval, and we are requesting simply the approval to issue this RFP, not approval to award any contracts at this time.

This RFP is for audio-visual systems, goods and services.

There are multiple solutions available that include licensed electricians in certification in Crestron products.

Competence and approach to the scope of work is in this case more important than price.

And this would include, for example, some of the equipment that you all use today, as well as other audio-visual systems that the city uses.

- [Chair] Thank you, Chief.

- [Council Member] Move to approve recommendation.

- [Chair] I do he your a recommendation and motion for approval with a second.

Questions, comments?

All in favor, say aye.

- [Council Members] Aye.

- [Chair] Opposed?

Hearing none, motion carries.

We will now move on to committee reports, which were assigned at 3:30 today.

So I don't fault anyone if it's... Councilman Henderson though, we did have an Ad Hoc meeting today.

I would love for you to kick us off, please.

- Thank you, sir.

I'd be happy to.

I do not have anything to report from public safety, but we did have an Ad Hoc STVR committee meeting today.

It was determined that we would have four focus group input sessions.

The dates and times will be as followed.

All the times will begin at six o'clock, take place at the DRC in room 1A.

On May, the ninth will be at economic development and tourism focus group.

May the 11th will be homeowners associations and residents.

May the 16th, short-term vacation rental owners, developers, investors and builders.

May the 18th, is affordable housing and renters.

And did I give the 18th twice, Madam clerk?

May the 16th, if I did.

So we have May the 16th and May the 18th.

- [Madam Clerk] Yes.

- Okay.

And those will be four focus groups.

Here again, the public is invited to each of these input sessions.

We'll just be taken specifically the focus group of that group.

So door C, room 1A, beginning at six o'clock on those following dates.

Thank you, sir.

- [Chair] Thank you, Councilman and the committee for hosting that meeting today, it was a great kickoff.

Very well attended.

I might add.

And all this information, Madam Clerk, will be on our website.

- [Madam Clerk] Yes I can.

- So that you can follow those of you interested in following our STVR progress.

We'll be able to have that fully available for your attendance if you wish.

All right, we have now come to the part of our agenda this evening, where we will recognize persons wishing to address the council.

If anyone want to address the council this evening?

Okay.

I have one.

You wish to address the council?

All right.

If you were to give just a minute, we'll have the attorney read our rules for addressing the council and you can proceed.

If I can get three minutes on the clock, Mr.

IT.

- We ask that you stand only at this podium and you've been recognized.

Please limit your comments to those that are within the legislative and quasi-judicial authority of this body.

And you'll have three minutes.

Thank you.

- Thank you, ma'am.

You may go ahead.

- My name is Amanda Lopez.

I was here a few weeks ago about the traffic on Market Street, especially by the aquarium.

And somebody's done something wonderful because on Saturday and Sunday nights, one Saturday night, I thought I could hear a leaf drop.

It is so quiet in here.

And I really appreciate.

I imagine it's the police that have slowed the traffic down.

And I appreciate that so much.

The reason it took me so long to get back to thank you is I had a pretty serious accident and lost a lot of my teeth.

And so I had to recuperate a little bit from that.

But I did appreciate you all listening to me and not just listening, but taking action.

It's very good to know.

A lot of people said, it won't do any good, well, guess what?

The were wrong, 'cause it did do some good.

And I thank you for that.

Thank you for your time in this matter.

- Oh, thank you for coming down and our prayers for your speedy recovery, ma'am.

Thank you.

Anyone else wishing to address the council this evening?

Council, I'm seeing no one else would like to address us.

I have a motion to adjourn.

We are adjourned.

(bright upbeat music) - [Announcer] You've been watching highlights of the Chattanooga city council meeting.

A production of WTCI PBS.

(bright upbeat music) Get on-demand access to even more of the shows you love with WTCI Passport.

An exclusive benefit for members of WTCI PBS.

Watch your favorite shows in passport on the PBS Video app.

Download it today.