(upbeat music) - [Narrator] You're watching highlights of the Chattanooga City Council meeting, a production of WTCI, PBS.

(upbeat music) - Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to our Tuesday, January the 5th, City Council meeting.

I now call this meeting to order.

We have no special presentations this afternoon, but I would like to mention that we're being joined by Cub Scout Pack 3030, out of Red Bank with their Pack leader April Hash, this afternoon.

So, welcome and we hope that you see how Government - Welcome.

or City Council works in action.

Now, moving into our order of business for the City Council, we have no ordinances on final reading this afternoon.

I do have a couple of ordinances on first reading.

Madam Clerk if you would, 6A please.

- An ordinance amending Chattanooga City Code part II, Chapter 21, Division 4, sections 21-136, and 21-137, related to overgrowth and abatement.

- Councilman Ledford followed by Councilwoman Berz.

- Thank you, Chairman.

So this is the second piece of legislation that this Council has been very supportive of in relation and response to the tornado that hit the East Brainerd area.

I want to say thank you, I want to say thank you to all the people in our District who brought awareness to the situation.

And by working with them, we were able to find a solution in changing the City Code for the future that would help provide relief in areas that have been devastated already.

I think this is, a good move.

I'm very happy to be able to move for approval.

And I once again, thank this Council for again supporting legislation helping the tornado devastated area in East Brainerd and any of those devastated by our tornado.

Thank you.

- Nine yeses.

- Motion to approve carries.

Thank you, Councilman.

- Thank you.

- Now we move on to Finance.

Madam Clerk if you would, 6B, the Alternate Version 2, please I'm sorry, Alternate Version 2C.

- An ordinance to amend the operations budget Ordinance No.

13558 known as "the Fiscal Year 2020-2021, Operations Budget Ordinance" so as to appropriate $800,000 of additional funding to the Contingency Fund Appropriation, Forgotten Child Fund, the Tivoli and Memorial Auditorium Foundation, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and the Southeast Tennessee Development District, SETDD.

- Councilwoman Berz followed by Councilman Ledford.

- Move approval, Sir.

- Gladly Second.

- Okay, we have a motion to approve with the proper second.

Questions or comments before we vote on this item.

Madam Clerk roll call, please.

- Councilwoman Berz?

- Absolutely, yes.

- Councilman Byrd?

- Yes.

- Councilwoman Coonrod?

- Yes, wait.

The Community Foundation isn't on this.

I thought that was the one.

- Yes it is, yeah.

The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.

- 2C, 2C.

- 2C.

- Ooh okay, I was looking at the first one, my bad.

So yes.

- Councilman Gilbert?

- Yes.

- Councilman Ledford?

- Absolutely.

- Councilman Mitchell?

- Yes.

- Councilman Oglesby?

- Yes.

- Vice Chairman Smith?

- Yes.

- Chairman Henderson?

- Yes.

- Nine yeses.

- Motion carries, nine zero.

Now moving into planning items, under 6C.

Madam Clerk, would you read Alternate Version 2 under 2020-0127?

- Yes.

An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance so as to rezone two properties located in the 100 block of Bush Street from R-1 Residential Zone to E-RA-2 Urban Edge Residential Attached two stories, subject to certain conditions.

- Councilman Ledford?

- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This is in your district, we have had some conditions to this zoning case.

I would like to ask the City Attorney to read those conditions, and if they are to your satisfaction, I will move to approve.

- Yes, sir.

There are three conditions subject to the maximum of six detached single family units.

No more than two curb cuts and the parking to be located at the rear of the single family units and protection of an existing tree as shown on the attached site plan prior to the issue and to the land disturbing permit or any land clearing activities.

The tree drip line will be staked and marked clearly, so as no as I know, land disturbance area.

And we have included the map that shows where that existing tree is with your ordinance.

- That sounds very good to me, Councilman.

- Get it?

Thank you.

- Yap.

Move to approve.

- Second.

- Okay, we have a motion to approve.

Alternate Version 2 with a proper second.

Any questions or comments before we vote?

Mr. Attorney, lemme ask you something.

- Yes Sir.

- This is I guess I probably need to make sure there's is no opposition.

This is the first reading and we probably would need a public hearing if there's opposition correct?

- Yes, we should.

- So I'm gonna ask if the applicant is present.

- Nine yeses.

- So moved.

Thank you, Council.

Now moving into resolutions, Madam Clerk 7A please.

- A resolution authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into a Lease Agreement with Diagnostic Radiology Consultants P.A.

in substantially the form attached to lease 173 square feet for an X-ray examination area, at the City of Chattanooga Welladvantage Center, with rent in the amount of $250 per month for a term of three years with the option to renew for one additional term of two years.

Nine yeses.

- Motion to approve carries.

Moving on now to 7B please.

- A resolution authorizing City Finance Officer to execute a professional services contract with Henderson Hutcherson and McCullough, PLLC relating to external audit services for a term of three years.

For year one in the amount of $128,500.

Year two in the amount of $131,070.

Year three in the amount of $133,690 and subject to annual renewals in year four in the amount of $136,360.

And an annual renewal in year five in the amount of $137,720.

- Yes.

- Nine yeses.

- Motion carries.

Now moving on to 7C please.

- A resolution authorizing the Chief Human Resources Officer to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Diagnostic Radiology Consultants, P.A.

to provide diagnostic imaging services for city employees, retirees and their dependents at the City of Chattanooga Welladvantage Center for three year term beginning January 1 2021, with an option to renew for a two year term.

Nine yeses.

- Motion carries.

Now move into Public Works and Transportation with no objection from the Council.

Madam Clerk, would you take items 7D, E and F together and we'll vote on those as a package?

- Yes.

Item D, a resolution authorizing administrator for the Department of Public Works to approve change orders number one final for Haren Construction Company Inc. relative to contact number W16021201, MB WWTP recycle pump stations and drains system upgrade and non-consent decree project for a decreased amount of $142,772.93 to release the remaining contingency amount of $148,000 for a revised contract amount of $1,339,227.07.

Item E, a resolution authorizing administrator for the Department of Public Works to approve change order number two final for Haren Construction Company Inc a battle in Tennessee relative to contract number w15009201 MB WWTPTV control room upgrades for an increased amount and $97,437.31 to release the remaining contingency amount of $2,562.69 for a revised contract amount of $1,877,683.06.

Item F, a resolution authorizing payment to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, TDOT, for the City of Chattanooga share of an agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company relative to the contract number T19005001, for professional services associated with the Lake Resort Drive Project in the amount of $299,158.90 with a contingency amount of $29,015.89 for a total amount of $319,174.79.

- Mr.

Chair, I just want to say before we vote, I think we need to point out the work that has been done by Vice Chairman Smith in his District of Lake Resort Drive alone.

He has been absolutely relentless, in repairs of that road, the resurfacing, he has been 100% focused on that road, since he's been in office.

It has been a daunting task, and I just want to say congratulations Councilman for staying with that.

I know that people of your District are extremely pleased, and what a vital vital avenue that is moving about in your district, so congratulations.

- Thank you, sir.

I appreciate that.

- Well said Councilman.

Thank you for your support.

- Nine yeses.

- Motion to approve items D, E and F does carry.

Alright, we now move into Purchases Council, if you would pull up your purchases for this afternoon as Vice Chair brings in Mr. Sammons.

- We have a few purchases this evening for your approval.

First, starting with the Waste Resource Division of Public Works.

We have CCTV parts and repair services being awarded to CUES Incorporated.

It's an increase of $10,000 for a total amount of $50,000 annually.

Next, we have from the Waste Resource Division of Public Works.

We have two Remote Supervisory Vista Underground Distribution Switchgear 15.5 kV Model 422, being awarded to Inline Electric Supply in the amount of $250,000.

Next, we have from the City Wide Services Division of Public Works, the purchase of uniform pants, shorts and caps for Public Works being awarded to Cintas Corporation and to see uniforms and equipment incorporated for an estimated annual cost of $35,000.

Also, from City Wide Services Division of Public Works we have grinding of wood brush leaf materials and removal services.

And the amount, excuse me, it is awarded to Ottawa Clearing and Grinding for an estimated annual cost of $30,024.62.

I'd like to make note that this was an outstanding invoice of our prior vendor.

And this is to pay that invoice out, the total amount of the spin exceeded the $25,000 threshold.

That's why it is coming back to Council for approval.

Next we have from the Fleet Division of Public Works, the purchase of tires of various sizes, being awarded to Best One Tire of Chattanooga for an amount of $11,717.95.

Also from Fleet division, the purchase of repairs for various city vehicles awarded to Lee-Smith for $11,712.72.

And also for bodywork for various city vehicles for Fleet Division of Public Works, awarded to Maaco Auto Painting and Collision Center in the amount of $10,692.93.

I would like to also note that each of these items exceeded the contract amount and we're in the process of finalizing the bid preparation for each of those items.

And so these are being paid outside of that.

And the total spin also exceeds the base amount and has to come to Council for approval.

Last we have from the Fleet Division of Public Works, is the purchase of decals for police vehicles being awarded to Volunteer Service Company at an estimated annual cost of $48,950.

And that concludes the new purchases for this evening.

- Well, thank you Mr. Sammons.

What is the pleasure of the Council?

- Move for approval is seconded.

- Okay, I do hear a motion on the floor to approve of the proper second.

Questions or comments before we vote.

Madam Clerk roll call please.

- Councilman Oglesby?

- Yes.

- Councilman Mitchell?

- Yes.

- Councilman Ledford?

- Yes.

- Councilman Gilbert?

- Yes.

- Councilwoman Coonrod?

- Yes.

- Councilman Byrd?

- Yes.

- Councilwoman Berz?

- Yes.

- Vice Chairman Smith?

- Yes.

- Chairman Henderson?

- Yes.

- Nine yeses.

- So moved.

Thank you Mr. Sammons.

- Thank you and you have a good evening.

- Mr. Vice Chair, you can excuse our guest please.

Moving on now to other business as listed below.

Mr. Attorney, is this an item that you need to bring to us?

- Yes, sir.

I was wanting to make sure at least I had on your agenda here this evening, some discussion at this point in time as well about you are going to adjourn and have a special session, you need to make sure you do that on the record, at some portion of our discussion here this evening.

But lemme get back to my version of the ordinance here.

Lemme get my agenda back up here.

I lost it.

Aah, here we go.

This is simply a donation that I requested to be brought to the council's attention here, because it's a donation from a private party BASF.

And they were donating $1,000 check to the police department for specific civilian training here that was offered by Sergeant O'Brien and wanted to make sure at least the Council expressed the appreciation to BASF for that donation.

So that was the reason I was bringing it up on the agenda for other business.

- All right.

Any questions or concerns concerning this item that's been brought before us?

I'm seeing none, Mr. Attorney, Thank you, sir.

- Yes.

And as you referred to earlier, we did vote earlier this afternoon to have to go into session tomorrow, Wednesday at 5.00p.m.

to address our budget amendment item, which we will need to this afternoon, recess our meeting so that we can conduct our business tomorrow at five.

Is that sufficient notice, Mr. Attorney, - I believe so.

That is occurring during a public meeting, and you cannot by your Charter under Section 11.2, pass any ordinance that can't be valid if it's passed on first and final reading on the same day.

So that's the reason that in the past there has been an adjournment to be able to consider items that are important that needed to go out fairly quickly.

Okay, now you made the statement with an adjournment.

So are you saying we need to adjourn and then recess?

- Just recess, come back tomorrow.

- I wanted to make sure that we were correct on that.

- Yes Sir.

- So we will recess this afternoon, and then we will call the meeting back to order at 5.00p.m.

Wednesday.

- Yes Sir.

The only prohibition there is in the Charter is that you can't pass an ordinance on two readings on the same day.

- Thank you.

- Yes, Sir.

- Okay, now we go to our committee reports.

I will just take them as I see them on the screen.

Councilwoman Berz.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

We did have a Budget and Finance Committee Meeting today.

We covered the items that we've since, voted on on today's agenda, and also officially sent our plan of work to administration to be included in consideration for budgetary purposes.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

- Thank you, Councilman Gilbert.

- No report, Sir.

- Councilman Mitchell.

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

We will have a Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting next Tuesday following Agenda session.

Thank you.

- Very well.

Vice Chair Smith.

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Earlier today, this Council voted to cancel our March 2nd City Council meeting as that is Election Day and everybody up here is on the ballot and wished to be in their districts that day working with their constituents.

So just to make that announcement, the City Council did vote to cancel the March 2nd City Council meeting.

No further report.

- Thank you Sir.

Also, Vice Chair Smith, you weren't with us during strategic planning, but we do want to in legislative committee have an overview or review panhandling ordinance.

So if you could schedule that, sir, to be placed in your Committee.

- Happy to Sir, was there a particular time frame desired, as early as next week or a few weeks out?

- I would say to give us, next week I think it's pretty full.

So let's do week after next two weeks.

- Sounds good.

- Okay, thank you.

- Madam Clerk, would you make sure to make a note of that please?

- Yes.

- Thank you, ma'am.

- Councilman Oglesby.

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Next week on January the 12th, we will have an Economic and Community Development Committee meeting where we will have an update on the Fascino Aim Center Residential Project located in District eight.

That's all I have.

- Thank you sir.

Councilman Ledford.

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Planning and Zoning Committee did meet today, we covered all items on our agenda and we had a very spirited conversation regarding the steep slope, vegetation component update references, and we are going to make some progress on that and look forward to talking about that again very, very soon.

- Councilman Byrd.

- No report, Chair.

- Councilwoman Coonrod.

- Thank you Chair.

You know YFD we're always in the business of helping people.

So we're still paying people rent, paying your utilities, so if you need assistance with that, give us a call 423 - 643 - 6434 or you can email us at lahib@chattanooga.gov or csbg@chattanooga.gov and also Chair if you don't mind, I want to take the opportunity to thank each of you for attending the GARE training on racial equity, just us taking a deep dive to further understanding, and although that was the first series, I hope that we will continue to learn more about it.

And then also, the mask mandate ends in 10 days.

This is not the responsibility of our City Mayor or our City Council people.

That's under the County.

Contact your County Mayor and your County Commissioners.

And at last you know, I gotta drop it out here, Chair.

Georgia, go vote.

- What?

- We depending on you, we depending on you.

(laughs) - Oh, let's keep it to committee reports, Councilwoman.

(council people laugh) - All right.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Wednesday, January the 6th Special Agenda Session of the City Council.

I do now call this meeting back to order.

Tonight as we pledge allegiance as one Nation, may we be mindful that one of the things that make us a great nation is the peaceful transfer of power.

And what is happening in our Nation's capital tonight is just wrong and cannot be tolerated.

- As the days in our nation are becoming increasingly dark, I pray the lighter your love, Heavenly Father, will shine down on the hearts and minds of its citizens and know that all this can be accomplished together for the betterment of your Kingdom.

Father may peace begin to rain down on our Nation and protect us from those who seek to harm us.

Father, Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, I ask all these in the name of your son Jesus Christ, amen.

- Amen.

- Thank you, Councilman.

We now move into the order of business for your City Council meeting tonight.

We have one ordinance on the final reading.

Madam Clerk, if you would, would you please read 3A under Finance.

- An ordinance to amend the Operations Budget Ordinance No.

13558 known as, "the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Operations Budget Ordinance" so as to appropriate $800,000 of additional funding to the Contingency Fund Appropriation, Forgotten Child Fund, Tivoli and Memorial Auditorium Foundation, Bessie Smith cultural Center, the Community Foundation of greater Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee Development District, SETDD.

- Councilwoman Berz followed by Councilman Ledford.

- Move approval, Sir.

- Second.

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

Questions or comments before we vote.

Councilman Ledford is that a new hand?

- No, it's just my mouse pad.

- All right, guys.

Very well.

Madam clerk.

Roll Call, please.

- Councilman Oglesby?

- Yes.

- Councilman Ledford ?

- Yes.

- Councilman Gilbert.

- Yes.

- Councilman Byrd?

- Yes.

- Councilwoman Berz?

- Yes.

- Vice Chairman Smith.

- Yes.

- Chairman Henderson.

- Yes.

- They're seven yeses.

- Motion carries seven zero.

All right, before we move to the next item on our agenda, recognition of persons wishing to address the Council, I did receive an email from Councilwoman Berz, our Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee asking for a committee meeting next Tuesday, which would be the 12th to present to the council the results of the public input for the meetings that they've had relative to the budget and the BFOs and if they're for any reason, no objections from the Council, Madam Clerk, I would like to add that as the third committee meeting for next Wednesday, next Tuesday after Public Works and ECV.

- Yes, I'll add that.

- Councilwoman Berz, anything to add to that?

- No, sir.

It's a very good report.

It deals with a lot of your district information.

And I wanted you to have first look at it before it went public or on the website.

So thank you very much-- - Okay.

for allowing it.

- Absolutely.

Okay, now we do move to next on our agenda, the recognition of persons wishing to address the council.

Last year Smith, do we have anyone that has registered to speak this afternoon?

- No, sir.

We do not.

- We don't have anyone registered.

I see no hands.

What is the pleasure of the Council at this time?

- Move to adjourn.

- I move we adjourn.

- So moved.

We're adjourned.

We will see you next Tuesday.

- Have a good week everybody.

- Thanks a lot, everybody.

- Bye, bye.

- God bless y'all.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] You've been watching highlights of the Chattanooga City Council Meeting.

A production of WTCI PBS (upbeat music) For a copy of this program, please call 423.702.7800 (theme music)