(upbeat music) - You're watching highlights of the Chattanooga city council meeting.

A production of WTCI PBS.

- Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to our Tuesday, April the 6th city council meeting.

I now call this meeting to order.

Our implication tonight will also be our scripture reading from Matthew chapter 6 verse number 9, after this manner, therefore pray our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our debts.

As we forgive our debtors, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

All right, counsel, at this time we come to special presentations.

I want to recognize a council person that this is going to be their last in-person meeting with us tonight.

Councilman Jerry Mitchell has served on this council for two terms.

He has a wealth of institutional knowledge that we're going to be losing.

And this is a jewel that I hate to see go, but Councilman I appreciate your service to this city, your dedication to this council, and I wish you well in whatever you decide to do in your next venture in life Sir, you have certainly been a blessing to me on this council.

And I've leaned on some of your wisdom and your knowledge of how this city works and I'm gonna miss that.

Any other councilpersons that would a lot to - I have one comment share.

Actually I probably have a few.

Can I go?

Do you care?

Okay.

Council Mitchell and then several of us, others, Mr.

Chair, all came on this council at the same time and there were seven of us new at the time.

And I think we all leaned on each other for for a great many things.

But most of all, I think the majority of us leaned on Jerry and he has, he's always been there for anything that we needed, even if it was a disagreement.

And, and I very much appreciated that in every way because it wasn't an opposition.

His disagreements and agreements were, were always cordial.

They were always kind, they were always straight forward.

It's it's definitely going to be hard being up here without Jerry with us.

And he's been sitting next to me since I've been sitting this dialysis and he's he's definitely going to be missed.

And I will just say that I'm not only being thankful and blessed that that he's been with us for eight years but also thankful that he let us talk him into running last time where we'd only had him for four.

So with that Councilman I'm, I appreciate the friendship.

I appreciate the mentorship, the leadership and everything that you've provided sitting next to me up here over the last eight years, you will you'll definitely be missed.

- Councilman Gilbert.

- Oh I can share counsel Mitchell.

I've been knowing you for a long time.

I mean, before you became Councilman and ever since I've been knowing you you have always been for the underdog.

You have always been for people that needs help.

You always stood for them.

I remember one meeting, he was so angry that you could have broke everybody's face in that room because we were going to a another direction but he will always be able for people for people that need help.

And I appreciate that.

I admired that about you.

We all be gone, but I probably I hope of staying in touch, stay in touch with you.

And you have a lovely wife.

You've been blessed to have a blessed blessed woman, but again, you have helped me out a lot of times before I became Councilman for us it's the historical football field that we still have wasn't for you It wouldn't be there.

And I appreciate that.

So I know you do great wherever you're going to do - Kessler Mitchell.

Any, Any words you'd like to depart us with?

- Well, just very briefly, I'm, I'm so blessed to have met every one of you up here and I'm more blessed even to have been able to serve the, all the people of Chattanooga it's it's, it's just a wonderful community born and raised here, tried to leave back in the eighties.

I'm glad I stayed, but the privilege it has been making the friendships that I've made up here and trying to earn the trust of everyone up here has has been a, a great experience for me.

And I'm sure that you all do well without me, but if you're not, I'll probably try to let you know about it.

- I'm sure you will.

So anyway, yeah, as expected anyway with that I'll say peace.

Thank you.

- Thank thank you, sir, for your dedication service.

all right with that.

We will pursue to our proclamation of second chance month and that was sponsored by Councilwoman Dimitris Coonrod who was unable to be with us this afternoon.

She is in Nashville as far as what I understand testified before the Senate judiciary committee own justice reform in.

And I think this is an appropriate time for her to be doing that.

And this proclamation as second chance month.

Whereas every person is endowed with human dignity and value redemption.

And second chances are American values.

Whereas an estimated 70 million Americans have a criminal record individuals running returning from prison, and those who have paid their debt after committing a crime face significant barriers also known as collateral consequences.

Whereas individuals with a criminal history often struggled to find housing, employment or education regained voting rights, volunteer in their community and pay for significant debt that arises as a result of their conviction and incarceration.

The stigma and legal barriers are associated with a criminal record result in lost human capital and lost economic output for the city of Chattanooga.

Whereas youth face more than 1000 collateral consequences affecting their high school and higher education.

These barriers can contribute to recidivism which increases victimization and decreases public safety.

Whereas April 21st, 2012 is the anniversary of the death of Charles Chuck Colson who used his second chance following his incarceration for a Watergate related crime to found prison fellowship the nation's largest outreach to prisoners and their families, whereas a robust coalition of businesses, congregations and other organizations across the country has collaborated or I'm sorry.

It has celebrated second chance month since April, 2017 through prayer walks.

Second chance, Sunday services briefings social media campaigns, advocacy press second chance five case and other events and activities.

Whereas the designation of April as second chance month would contribute to increased public awareness about the need for closure for those who have paid their debt and opportunities for individuals, employers, congregations and communities to extend second chances.

Whereas Senate resolution one 29, the hundred 15th Congress designates April, 2017 and every year after as second chance month to honor the work of communities government, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations congregations employers, and individuals to remove unnecessary legal and societal barriers that it calls on the people of the United States to observe second chance month through actions and programs that promote awareness of collateral consequences and provide closure for individuals who have paid their debts.

Now therefore Demetrius Coonrod council woman do hereby proclaim, April, 2021, and ongoing as second chance month in the city of Chattanooga.

Now moving to ordinances on final reading that Madam clerk under planning, would you please read five, eight please - An ordinance So I'm in Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance.

So as the reasonable properties located in the 7,000 block of shallow for rope and 2301 Rivendale lane for R1 residential zone and RTC residential townhouses or light lines zone to RTC residential townhouses or light lines zone for the entire state subject to certain conditions.

- Councilmen Ledford - Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I'm going to make a motion to move this back to first reading with an alternate version.

Number 4 the reason is I discovered some language that referenced a in the original application this past week which I had the city attorney clean up removing those parcels that are no longer part of the application.

I have notified the applicant.

I have notified opposition in this case of this new alternate number 4 that conditions I might note have not changed at all.

These are the conditions that the applicant and the homeowners associations have agreed upon.

This is just cleaning up some clerical language that referenced an old parcel.

Mr. Attorney.

we have all of our ducks in a row.

- Yes, sir.

And the caption of this ordinance based upon alternate version number 4 now States an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part 2 chapter 38 zoning ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located in the 7,000 block of shallow forgrove in 2301 Rivendale lane for our one residential zone and Arteezy residential townhouse zero lot lines zone, two R TZ, residential townhouse zone for a portion of the site and 0 1 office zone for a portion of the site as shown on the attached map.

- Very good.

And that map is this map.

- Yes, sir.

And it is attached that I moved for approval on alternate version number four second.

- Okay.

We have a motion on the floor to approve alternate version number four which we'll take it back to first reading with a proper second any questions or comments before we vote.

And while we are still on zoom, I'm going to ask that the clerk, we do a roll call vote for each vote.

Madam clerk - Councilwoman Barris - Yes - Councilman Byrd - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman LeFort - Yes - Councilman Mitchell - Yes - Councilman Olgesbess - Yes - Vice chairman Smith - Yes - Chairman Henderson.

- Yes.

- Eight yeses - So moved.

Now we move on to five B please.

- And Norton is a mini Chattanooga city Copart to chapter 31 by adding a new section 31 three 24.3 vegetative planting requirements when Steve slow.

So disturbed, a new session 31 three 24.4 steep slopes, vegetation policy and planting requirements that a new section 31 three 24.5 incentives for preservation of existing trees.

- Councilmen Ledford - Thank you, Mr. Chairman moved to approve alternate version 4 6 - Okay.

We have a motion on the floor for alternate version four with a proper second questions or comments before we vote.

Madam clerk, roll call please.

- Councilman Olgesbee - Yes - Councilman Mitchell.

- Yes - Councilman Ledford - Yes.

- Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Burr Yes.

- Councilwoman Burr - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith - Yes.

- Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight yeses - Motion carries eight zero.

Now Madam clerk, five C please.

- An ordinance amending Chattanooga city code are two chapter 31 article eight, division eight, section 31 three 65 here in procedure judicial review to provide the authority for the stormwater regulations board to prohibit the issuance of additional land disturbance permits after notice and hearing by the storm water regulations bore when civil penalties are not paid to the city of Chattanooga.

- Councilman Gilbert, is that an active hand, sir?

Yeah but I thought Mr. Mitchell is going to go first.

- Are you yielding?

Yes, sir.

- Move to approve - Second - All right.

We have a motion on the floor to approve item five at sea with a proper second questions or comments before we vote.

Madam clerk, roll call please.

- Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Councilmen Burr - Yes - Councilman Gilbert.

- Yes Councilman Ledford - Yes Councilman Mitchell.

- Yes Councilman Oglesbee.

- Yes Vice Chairman Smith - Yes Chairman Henderson.

- Yes - Eight yeses - So moved.

Now we move into ordinances on first reading under public works and transportation.

I believe we'll take these one at a time because of the nature.

Madam clerk, 6A, please.

- An ordinance is closing and abandoned and a portion of the alley in the 1300 block of Spears Avenue as detailed on the attached map.

- That is in my district.

And it is recommended for denial.

We heard earlier from Mr. Bailey.

There was some opposition from some residents, Councilman Mitchell - Second.

- Okay.

We'll have a motion to deny with a proper second questions or comments before we vote.

Roll call Madam clerk - Councilman Oglesbee - Yes - Councilman Mitchell - Yes - Councilman Ledford - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Burr - Yes - Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith.

- Yes Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight yeses.

- Motion to deny is approved.

Then we move to six B please.

An ordinance is closing and abandoning an unopened alley and the 200 block of West 25th street as detailed on the attached map.

- Mrs.

Chair, I'd say my district and then had some conversation with the developer and he wants to have more time to discuss the matter with some citizens in the neighborhoods.

So I moved to defer this item for 30 days until May 4th.

- Okay.

We have, what was the date on that, sir?

- May 4th - Of motion on the floor to defer until May 4th.

We'll have proper second questions or comments before we vote.

If not roll call please.

- Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Councilman Bur - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Ledford - Yes - Councilman Mitchell - Yes - Councilman Oglesbee - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith - Yes - Chairman Henderson.

- Yes - Eight yeses - Motion to defer carries eight to zero.

Now Madam clerk, six C please.

- An ordinance is closing and abandoning multiple rights away.

The 4700 through 4800 block of an unnamed alley 200 block of Chestnut street in 4700 through 4800 blocks of Highland Avenue as detailed on the attached map.

Subject to certain conditions - Councilman Oglebees - we move to approval second.

- Okay.

We'll have a motion on the floor to approve item six C with a proper second questions or comments before we vote.

Roll call please.

- Councilman Oglesbess.

- Yes.

- Councilman Mitchell.

- Yes - Councilmen Ledford - Yes - Councilman Gilbert.

- Yes.

- Councilman Burr - Yes - Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith.

- Yes.

- Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight yeses.

- So I moved moving now to six D please - an ordinance amending Chattanooga city code part two to chapter two, section two, five, five, four competitive sealed proposals - Councilman Ledford, followed by Councilwoman Burrs - Thank you, Mr.

Chair, just for the record.

This ordinance allows us to finally come into alignment in the use of competitive bids.

And I think it's very important.

This is a recommendation that was handed down or reviewed by M Tas, along with the city attorney.

And I think it's a very good move for us in creating transparency and a process in alignment with TCA.

With that, I move to approve second.

- Councilwoman Burrs - Second Alright.

We have a motion on the floor to approve with a proper second questions or comments before we vote.

Madam clerk, roll call please.

- Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Councilman Burr - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Ledford - Yes - Councilman Mitchell - Yes - Councilman Oglesbee - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith - Yes - Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight yeses - Motion to approve carries eight zero.

Now we move into resolutions.

Madam clerk.

If there are no objections from the council I'd like to take economic community development human resources and information technology as a package, A, B, C, D and E please.

- Yes.

Item A a resolution authorizing the administrator for the department of economic and community development to renew the independent contractor services standard form agreement with C B R E Inc for real estate services for one year with the option to renew for one additional one year term item B a resolution authorizing the chief human resources officer to renew an agreement with blue cross blue shield of Tennessee to vie health plan administration services to active and retired employees at their approximate cost of $1,270,000 per year for the final renewal option beginning July 1, 2021 item C a resolution authorizing the chief human resources officer to ammend blanket purchase order number five four five seven, eight, eight.

So as to extend contract without source staffing LLC for temporary employment services for eight months from October 1 2020 through May 31 2021 item D a resolution authorizing the chief human resources officer to enter into an agreement with Russ Blakeley and associates, LLC, for benefit advisory and open enrollment services and to serve as the agent of record for all benefit options that no calls for a three-year term with two one year renewal options beginning July 1, 2021 and item E resolution authorizing a spend limit increase from the existing blanket contract with AST for OMC as hosting and management managed services purchase order number five three seven four eight zero to cover services for the remainder of current fiscal year, June 30, 2021 or contract amount of $3,$344,509.62 for an increase of $85,000 for a total contract amount, a $3,429,509.62 cents.

- All right, Councilman Gilbert followed by Councilwoman Burrs all right.

We have a motion on the floor to approve items.

Seven, A, B, C, D, and E with a proper second.

Any questions or comments before we vote?

Madam clerk, roll call please.

- Councilman Oglebees - Yes - Council Mitchell - Yes Councilman Ledford - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Burr - Yes - Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith - Yes - Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight yeses.

- Motion carries eight zero.

Now Madam clerk moving into public works and transportation.

I'd like to bundle F G and H if there's no objection from the council item - Item F, a resolution authorizing the administrator for the department of public works or will contract number W 1 nine zero one four two zero one Lupton drive chronic overflow elimination project to Talla construction Inc Rossville, Georgia for a contract amount of $1,482,559.80 with a contingency amount of $150,000 for an amount not to exceed 1,630,559.80 Item G a resolution authorizing the recommendation of the administrator for the department of public works for the street name, change of the unopened 700 block of Chestnut line to the 700 block of Middleton line in the North shore Heights subdivision item eight the resolution authorizing the administrator for the department of public works to execute all necessary documents under the U S department of agriculture natural resource conservation service in our CS emergency watershed protection program relative to the storm draining damage from the February 6, 2019 storms at or near Arbor Creek way, authorizes authorizing a increase of the city's 25% share from an amount of $300,000 to $352,000.

- Councilman Mitchell.

Okay.

We have a motion on the floor to approve items seven F, G and H with a proper second.

Any questions or comments before we vote?

Madam clerk, roll call - Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Councilman Burr - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Ledford - Yes - Councilman Mitchell - Yes - Councilman Oglesbee - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith - Yes - Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight Yeses - So moved All right.

Counsel, if you would pull out your purchases for this afternoon, Ms. Sullivan, it's my understanding that Ms. Haley is going to present.

- Yes.

- Madam clerk, would you bring in Ms. Vicky?

Hey, is that okay, Mr. Vice chair.

- All right.

Good Evening - Good Evening, Ms. Haley - We have four purchases for your consideration.

The first is public works.

It's compactor for Birchwood landfill it's to South stout hours, cat of Chattanooga in the amount of $930,012.08.

Next is the police department investigation vehicle to M B of Murphysboro Nissan, LLC, Murphysboro Tennessee $28,950.

The next is the waste resources division of public works, air vacuum relief, valve services awarded to Keefe plumbing and heating company Inc of Chattanooga and the amount of $200,000.

And lastly, Chattanooga department of transportation traffic cabinet replacement, awarded to temple Inc of Decatur, Alabama, and the amount of $78,608.

That's concludes the purchases.

- We will vote on these one, two, three, four items.

What's the pleasure of the council Okay.

We have a motion on the floor to approve tonights purchases with a proper second questions or comments before we vote.

Roll call Madam clerk - Councilman Oglesbee - Yes - Councilman Mitchell - Yes - Councilman Ledford - Yes - Councilman Gilbert - Yes - Councilman Burr - Yes - Councilwoman Burrs - Yes - Vice Chairman Smith - Yes - Chairman Henderson - Yes - Eight yeses - So moved Ms. Haley.

We do have some emergency purchases that you need to report.

- Yes, sir.

We do.

We have four emergency purchases under the mayor's emergency declaration.

The first, just for COVID testing to Clinica Medicosts purchase order five, six Oh eight, three six for $60,000.

The second COVID testing to Chattanooga cares, Inc. Purchase order number five, six, seven, eight four one for $30,000.

The third one COVID testing and vaccine distribution to Lifespring community health purchase order number five six Oh eight four two in the amount of $30,264.

And the fourth one is hotels and food for emergency relocation of patent tower residences.

This emergency purchase request is for an amount not to exceed $202,000.

It's utilizing the current red cross vendors to ensure continuity of services and minimal disruption for the displaced residents.

There are multiple vendors for the housing.

The list is provided on your report and the food provider is Cracker barrel.

- Right?

Any questions about our emergency purchases this afternoon?

All right.

I'm seeing no hands.

Thank you very much, Ms. Haley.

- Thank you - Mr. Vice chair, you can excuse our guests.

- You've been watching highlights of the Chattanooga city council meeting a production of WTC - For a copy of this program, please call 423-702-7800