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(gavel banging) - Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to our Tuesday, February the 1st City Council Agenda.

I now call this meeting to order.

Our Pledge of Allegiance and invocation this afternoon will be given by Councilman Ledford.

- Thank you, Chairman.

Everyone please stand.

Place the flag ready and repeat after me.

- [All] I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

- We'll begin, Mr.

Chair.

- Thank you, sir.

Alright, we have no special presentations this afternoon.

Could I have a motion on the minutes, please?

- [Smith] Move to approve.

- [Hester] Second.

- We have a motion on the minutes to approve with a proper second.

Any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

Motion carries.

We do not have any ordinances on final reading this afternoon.

We do have one on first reading.

Madam Clerk, if you would, let's read 6A please.

- An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to lift conditions of #11B and #11C from Ordinance No.

13110 of previous Case No.

2016-0060, from the properties located in the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Elam Lane, and the 2300 through 2500 blocks of Gunbarrel Road, 2321 Lifestyle Way, and 7344 McCutcheon Road.

- Councilman Ledford.

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

As we covered in our 3:30 session, we're still working on some language conditions and interpretation.

So I'd like to defer this to February 22nd.

- February the 22nd, alright.

Do I have a second?

- Second.

- We have a motion on the floor to defer until February the 22nd with a proper second.

Any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

Motion to defer does carry.

Now, Madam Clerk, if there are no objections from this Council, would you take 7A, B, and C together as a package, please.

- Item A.

A resolution authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into a Non-Profit Lease Standard Form Agreement with the Forgotten Child Fund, Inc., in substantially the form attached, to lease approximately 19,516 sq.

ft. of warehouse space at 1815 E. Main Street, identified as Tax Map No.

156B-D-009, for the three (3) month term of February 1, 2022, through April 30, 2022, for the rent of $1 per term, with the option to renew for three (3) additional terms of three (3) months each.

Item B.

A resolution authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into a Non-Profit Lease Standard Form Agreement with the Forgotten Child Fund, Inc., in substantially the form attached, to lease approximately 1,142 sq.

ft. of office space at 1715 E. Main Street, identified as Tax Map No.

156B-D-011, for the three (3) month term of February 1, 2022, through April 30, 2022, for the rent of $1 per term, with the option to renew for three (3) additional terms of three (3) months each.

Item C. A resolution to amend Resolution No.

30619 to authorize the Mayor or his designee to enter into a Donation Agreement, in substantially the form attached, with the A.I.M.

Center, Inc., for the development of affordable housing on the property located at 1815 E. Main Street, identified as Tax Parcel No.

156B-D-009, and to execute all documents necessary to complete the transaction.

- Councilwoman Berz.

- [Berz] Move approval.

- [Smith] Second.

- We have a motion on the floor to approve item 7A, B, and C with a proper second.

Are there any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

So ordered.

Madam Clerk, now we'll move down to Family Justice Center and the Police.

With no objections, let's take D and E together please.

- Item D. A resolution authorizing the Family Justice Center to apply for, and if awarded, accept a grant for an amount not to exceed $160,000.00 to support the services provided to victims living within Hamilton County, for a grant period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

Item E. A resolution authorizing the Chief of the Chattanooga Police Department to enter into a contract with Safeware, in substantially the form attached and approved by the Office of the City Attorney, for a Nomad Mobile Command Vehicle, with an original vehicle purchase price of $342,000.00 based upon OMNIA Contract #4400008468 from Lead Agency Fairfax County, VA, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, less a $20,000.00 trade-in credit of an International 4700, with an expected delivery of 310 calendar days after receipt of order, for a final total of $322,000.00.

- Councilwoman Berz.

- [Berz] Move approval.

- [Dotley] Second.

- Alright.

We have a motion on the floor to approve items D and E with a proper second.

Are there any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- All opposed, "No."

So moved.

7F please.

- A resolution authorizing the waiver of park rental fees for Friends of the Festival in support of Riverfront Nights for the dates of July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20, and August 27, 2022, in the amount of $18,000.00.

- Councilwoman Dotley.

- [Dotley] Move to approve.

- Councilman Ledford.

- [Ledford] Second.

- Alright.

We have a motion on the floor to approve item 7F with a proper second.

Questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

So moved.

7G please.

- A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to execute a federal U.S. Communities Contract #4400008468 with Safeware to assist local communities in procurement of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Equipment and Related Services and leverage this contract to install a system of Automated High Water Road Closures at Flood Prone Streets within the City, for an amount of $256,357.19.

- Councilman Ledford.

- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I believe this is the item we covered at 3:30 that the administration would like to withdraw.

- That's correct.

- That is in the form of a motion, sir.

- We have a motion on the floor to withdraw item 7G with a proper second.

Are there any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

So ordered.

Moving now to 7H.

- A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to authorize On-Call Blanket Contract(s) for On-Call Design and Plan Production Services, Contract No.

S-20-004-100, for year two (2) of a five (5) year term, with the following firms: (1) WK Dickson; (2) Volkert; (3) Barge Design; (4) S&ME; (5) RK&K; (6) Geosyntec; (7) CTI; (8) Croy; (9) Chazen/LaBella Associates; (10) Brown & Caldwell; and (11) Arcadis, that each consultant qualified for, the renewal of the five (5), one (1) year blanket contracts for professional services estimated at $250,000.00 total annually, for all eleven (11) professional firms for use by all departments.

- What is the pleasure of the Council?

- [Smith] Move approval.

- [Berz] Second.

- We have a motion on the floor to approve item 7H with a proper second.

Are there any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

The motion to approve does carry.

Moving now to purchases.

Mr. Goldberg, you want to come present those to the Council, please sir?

- Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman.

We have nine purchases this evening.

The first is from the Fleet Management Division of Public Works.

This is first contract renewal for batteries and battery supplies.

Batteries Plus submitted a 3% price increase for certain line items.

The annual amount is 190,000.

The second item is from Fleet Management Division of Public Works.

This is the first contract renewal for batteries and battery supplies.

MHC Kenworth-Chattanooga dba Tennessee Kenworth LLC submitted a price increase of 15% for certain line items.

The annual amount is $100,000.

The third item from Fleet Management as well is a contract increase with Maaco Collision Center & Auto Painting for paint and body repair on light duty vehicles.

This increase is due to unexpected usage of this contract for collision repair and painting.

Contract renews March 1st, 2022.

The amount of the increase is $60,000 for a total estimated annual spend of $220,000.

Fourth item from Fleet Management as well.

Contract increase with MHC Kenworth-Chattanooga dba Tennessee Kenworth LLC for paint and body repair on light duty vehicles.

This increase is due to unexpected usage of this contract for collision repair and painting.

Contract renews March 1st, 2022.

The amount of the increase is $10,000 for a total estimated annual spend of 41,500.

Fifth item is from Public Works.

This is the purchase of one (1) Caterpillar D6 Bulldozer from Stowers Machinery Corporation.

This purchase utilizes Sourcewell contract #032119 and the amount is $477,761.55.

Item six from Public Works.

Purchase of one (1) Kubota D1105 RTV-X1100CWL-H from Kubota of Chattanooga.

This purchase utilizes Sourcewell contract #031121, and the amount is $19268.94.

Another department has previously purchased the same equipment from the same vendor and this purchase will bring the total spend to $37,741.26, which is why it's coming to Council.

Item seven.

Facilities division of Public Works.

New blanket contract for elevator and lift inspection, maintenance, testing and repair services.

Three bids were received and the award goes to United Elevator Services, LLC., as the best bid meeting specifications.

This will be a four (4) year contract with an annual amount not to exceed $140,000.00.

Item eight.

Fire Department/Mobile Communications.

Two (2) new blanket contracts for radio tower inspection, maintenance, and repair services.

Three bids were received and the awards will go to Midland Communications, LLC and Untied Tower Company LLC, as the best bid meeting specifications.

These will be a four (4) year contracts with the combined annual amount not to exceed $75,000.00.

And finally, with the Head Start Division of Early Learning.

First contract renewal with Institutional Wholesale Co., Inc for food items and cleaning products.

The renewal reflects the 5% price increase previously approved by City Council on November 16th, 2021 with an annual amount not to exceed $157,500.00.

- Council, you've heard this evening's request for purchases.

What's your pleasure?

- Move approval.

- Second.

- We have a motion on the floor to approve with a proper second.

Are there any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

So ordered.

- Alright, Mr. Chairman.

We also have an RFP Format for Council approval.

We're requesting approval to issue an RFP, not approval to awarding contracts at this time.

The RFP would be for Parks and Recreation Management Software and Services.

There are numerous software applications available, both off-the-shelf and custom applications.

The Parks and Outdoors Department would like to consolidate multiple existing software applications and find a single solution that meets the needs of the department and enhances services for residents.

A competitive RFP is necessary to evaluate the various solutions available.

We are requesting approval to issue this RFP.

- Councilman Ledford.

- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I move to approve the RFP.

- Second.

- Alright.

We have motion on the floor to approve tonight's RFP with a proper second.

Were there any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

So moved.

Thank you.

- [Goldberg] Thank you.

- That takes us now to committee reports.

Councilwoman Hill.

- Nothing to report.

- Councilman Ledford.

- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Planning and Zoning did meet today where we covered all items on our agenda and also a presentation by Camiros on the Zoning Code Analysis.

Thank you.

- Alright.

Thank you.

Councilman Hester.

- No report.

- Councilwoman Berz.

- No report.

- Vice-Chair Smith.

- No report, Mr.

Chair.

- Councilwoman Dotley.

- No report.

- Councilwoman Coonrod.

- Thank you, Chair.

Economic Development had a report today of ARP funds.

I'm saying it wrong, but the funding for homeless people.

- I can't think of the- - [Chair] The ARP funds?

- Okay.

So I said it right.

The ARP funds, yeah.

- Alright.

Thank you, ma'am.

- That's it.

- Alright.

That concludes our agenda to this point.

Now we come to other business.

We do have a nomination this afternoon of Andrea Smith to the Health, Education, and Housing Facility.

Councilman Hester.

- I'm nominating Andrea Smith for Health, Education and Housing Board.

She's qualified.

She's very committed to the cause.

Thank you.

- Alright.

That is in the form of a motion?

- Second.

- Yes.

- Okay.

We have a motion on the floor to accept the nomination.

Any questions or comments before we vote?

All in favor, "Aye."

- [All] Aye.

- Any opposed, "No."

So moved.

Alright.

And we have one appointment and it is a District 8 appointment.

In the absence of Councilman Byrd, Madam Clerk, I will read the appointment of Lee Brock to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

And speaking of Councilman Byrd, we did receive a letter of resignation this morning and I have submitted that letter to the Clerk, and I'm gonna ask that she read that letter of resignation into the minutes at this time.

- "To the Constituents of District 8 and the City Council of Chattanooga; With great gratitude and also no small degree of sadness, I hereby submit my resignation as District 8 Chattanooga City Councilman, effective upon City Council confirmation of my appointment by Mayor Kelly to the position of City Court Clerk.

In order to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, I will refrain from casting any votes until my appointment is decided upon by the City Council.

These are exciting times in our city with many good changes and unprecedented growth.

Since my initial election as councilman, I have worked to add my own contributions to the legacy of the great and diverse District 8.

I'm proud of the impact we made through community cleanups as well as the ongoing distribution of food, clothing, and toys to those in need.

And, of course, I am forever grateful for the reconstruction of the Avondale Community Center, where we are actively strengthening our community through outreach and programming.

There is so much that we as a community have accomplished together, and it gives me hope with certainty that our district, along with the other eight districts, stand on firm footing with a bright future.

It has been an honor to serve in this role and I look forward to continued service of our residents and business through this new appointment.

Sincerely, Anthony Byrd."

- And Madam Attorney, if you would have us a resolution confirming Councilman Byrd to the City Court Clerk position on our two-week agenda, next week on the 8th, to be voted on on the 15th.

Okay?

And I guess at the same time, we will also need a resolution on the 15th after we vote on the confirmation to declare that seat vacant and to direct the Hamilton County Election Commission to place that seat on the ballot for the the August County General Election.

Thank you, ma'am.

Alright.

Concluding all items on our agenda this afternoon, we come to the time that we recognize persons wishing to address the Council this afternoon.

By a show of hands, is there anyone that would like to address the Council this afternoon?

Okay, thank you.

Alright.

Madam Attorney, if you would please read our rules to address the Council.

And if you'd like to, go ahead and make your way to the podium and you can begin after Madam Attorney completes.

- If you'd like to address the Council, please line up at the podium here and wait to be recognized by the Chairman.

If you would state your name and limit your comments to within the purview of the authority of this Board and we will have IT set the timer for three minutes.

Thank you.

- Alright, Mr.

IT, could you give us three minutes on the clock please?

Alright.

You may begin.

- Marie Mott, District 8.

It's Black History Month, I'm really excited to be here.

"I have the nerve to walk my own way, however hard, in my search for reality, rather than climb upon the rattling wagon of wishful illusions."

Zora Neale Hurston.

You should definitely, since it's Black History Month, I'm gonna recommend "Barracoon," which talks about the last slave that was brought to America after slavery actually ended.

But I wanted to talk about today, considering it's Black History Month, and we've had an unprecedented conversation about displacement of African-American residents in my district, as well as all across the city, it's important to talk about mitigation of harm, recognition of what is happening, not only to African-Americans, but our homeless that have made their way and people who are concerned about our homeless coming here.

I wanna give a solution that is not going to tax the taxpayers, but it's gonna be something that should happen with development as a solution to be able to create housing for people here in the city.

I ran with this with City Council and it was a commercial linkage fee.

As a matter of fact, Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest city in America that has a commercial linkage fee, that developers pay $8 per square foot for a commercial project into an affordable housing fund.

And catch this family, from 1986 to 2000, they generated $45 million.

That ain't no small to change.

So imagine if they took that money and they made 5,000 affordable units?

That could take care of all of our homeless and start taking care of people in our community, can it not?

What about Arlington, Virginia?

They did the exact same thing a $1.77 per square foot.

And between 2013 and 2016, they raised $14 million in revenue.

There's nothing wrong with development but developers have to give back into the community, right?

They should be able to do that.

And how do we build out if we're tearing down housing projects because of we don't have the federal funding?

We have to find creative ways to get to a solution.

So this is a way.

We're just asking them to take a small portion of their project, put that into an affordable housing fund that doesn't bootstrap the taxpayer, but has the people who are already making revenue giving back to the community and building up the infrastructure.

Doesn't that make sense?

So that's give and take.

That's what business is supposed to be about.

It's not one-sided, right?

It's give and take.

So we're not asking for nothing for free because they're winning.

They're winning, obviously, cuz we're developing.

We're just asking that they give a small portion of a project back to the very communities that they're coming in so we don't displace people, and at the same time, for the people who are on the streets, we start putting them in the housing.

And if cities are doing this across the nation, what's Chattanooga's problem?

We need to catch up and do some new things.

This is a new time.

Councilman Byrd, I thank him for, if I could just say that, going overtime, please.

I wanna thank Councilman Byrd because he was the only Councilperson who actually met with us when we had protest demands.

The only person that actually sat down and listened to us as young people.

I wanna thank him in his absence that he took a firm decision to not be partial when he could have and cast the votes, that's honor.

And so I wanna thank him for his leadership and I'm excited that the seat is open.

I'll see y'all next week.

Thank y'all.

- Janice Gooden, District 8.

I really hadn't planned on coming down here.

I was looking at the 3:30 session virtually and there are a couple of topics that I've really been following, so I just felt compelled to come down here and make a few comments.

The first one, I've been following the process with homelessness.

I participated in the public meetings that were held on the 6th and the 24th and I was happy to see some of the questions that were asked today because they're the same questions that I've been asking.

So I appreciate that.

Now, the other topic is zoning.

I've been following Planning Commission meetings, I've been following all of the zoning cases and I was really interested to see that presentation, but I'm wondering, is it gonna be posted on the website for the public to review?

Will we have a chance to- - [Smith] You can have the talk.

- Thank you.

To have some input, you know, before you make any decision?

So I'm really pleased to see that.

- Thank you.

Councilman, I don't think that's one thing we talked about is posting the presentation online but I'm, I believe that's something we can do, Joda?

- Absolutely.

I do wanna make one thing clear, which is that Camiros' recommendations are recommendations, right?

They're not a prescriptive set of things, and I do want to be be very clear about that for the public.

So we will find a way to get that to our website and people can review them, but keep in mind that this body has to go and adopt those changes or any changes that are made to our code.

- Thank you.

Alright.

Anyone else that would like to address the Council this afternoon?

Council, I'm not seeing any other hands.

What's the pleasure of the Council?

- [Smith] Move to adjourn.

- So moved.

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