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

(upbeat music) - Good afternoon, everyone.

Welcome to the City Council Agenda for Tuesday, July 19th.

We have no special presentations this evening.

I will take a motion on our minutes.

I have a motion to approve the minutes, without objection the minutes will stand.

Ordinances on Final Reading under Economic Development.

Madame Clerk, Item A.

- An ordinance to amend the Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter nine Division one, Sections 92, 94, 95 and 96, relative to the Public Art Commission.

- Item A has been read into the record, have a motion to approve.

Do your second, questions, comments before we vote?

All those in favor, say aye.

Opposed, item carries.

Under Finance, Madam Clerk, Item B please.

- In order to many Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 31, Sewers, Main and Drainage.

Article eight, Stormwater Management, Division seven, Fees, by deleting Section 31, 358 relating to Elderly Low-Income or Disabled Homeowner exemption from fees, which is not currently authorized under Tennessee law.

- Dr. Burrs?

Have a motion to approve or do have a second, questions, comments before we vote?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council People] Aye.

- Opposed?

Item carries.

Madam clerk, under Planning, items on Final Reading.

Items C-M without objection we will take as a package.

If you would read items C-M. - Items C, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to amend Condition number one from Ordinance number 13475, of previous case number 2019-0045.

On part of an unplatted and unaddressed property on Fringe Road.

Item D, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38 Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located at 5117 Gooden Lane, 1326 Mayfield Lane, and an unaddressed property in the 1400 block of Gadd Road, from R1 Residential Zone to R3 Residential Zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item E, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone property located at 1302 Gadd Road from R2 Residential Zone to R3 MD Moderate Density Zone.

Certain conditions.

Item F, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located at 1248, 1259 and 1281 Lester Lane from R2 Residential Zone and C5 Neighborhood Commercial Zone, with conditions to C2 Convenience Commercial Zones, subject to certain conditions.

Item G, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38 Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located at 1413 North Concord Road and 6906, 6931, 6957 and two unaddressed parcels in the 6900 block of Concord Circle from R1 Residential Zone, R3 Residential Zone and R4 Special Zone with conditions to C2 Convenience Commercial Zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item H, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located at 7548 and 7554 Igou Gap Road from R1 Residential Zone to RTZ Residential Townhouse.

Zero Lot Line Zone and R1 Residential Zone.

Subject to certain conditions.

Item I, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located at 1820 and 1830 Gray Road from R1 Residential Zone to RZ Residential Townhouse.

Zero Lot Line Zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item J, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone properties located at 2000 Gunbarrel Road and 7555 Goodwin Road from O1 Office Zone to R1 Residential Zone, R3 Residential Zone, and R4 Special Zone subject to certain conditions.

Item K, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38 zoning ordinance.

So as to rezone property located at 1558 Vance Road, from R2 Residential Zone and C2 Convenience Commercial Zone with conditions to R3 Residential Zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item L, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38 Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone property located at 1126 East 8th Street from URD2 Urban Residential Detach Zone to URA3 Urban Residential Attach Zone.

Item M, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance.

So as to lift Condition number two from Ordinance number 13744 or previous Case number 2021-0162 for 2101 South Watkins Street.

- Madam clerk.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Coonrod followed by Councilman Henderson.

- Yes.

- Second.

- I have a motion to approve with the proper second.

Questions, comments before we vote on these items as a package.

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council People] Aye.

- Opposed?

Items on Final Reading do carry.

Ordinances on First Reading under Planning.

Item A, Madame Clerk.

- An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part II, Chapter 38 Zoning Ordinance.

So as to rezone an unaddressed property in the 7500 block of Standifer Gap Road from R1 Residential Zone to RTZ Residential Townhouse.

Zero Lot Line Zone.

Subject to certain conditions.

- Is the applicant present?

And is there any opposition present?

Didn't expect there would be.

We have a motion to defer that for another two weeks, but I'll need that officially.

- Sir yes Mr.

Chair, this item is in your district and it is my understanding that we would like this item deferred until August 2nd, please.

- Thank you, I do have a motion to defer to August 2nd.

I do have a second, questions, comments before we vote?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council People] Aye.

- Opposed?

A deferral for two weeks on Item A, thank you.

Councilman Smith.

Under Resolutions this evening, Economic Development, Madam Clerk, Item A, please.

- A resolution approving the Economic Impact Plan for the North River Commerce Center Industrial Park Tax Increment Financing Development Area, subject to certain conditions.

- I have Councilman Smith followed by Councilwoman Hill.

- [Smith] Move to approve.

- [Hill] Second.

- I have a motion to approve and a second, questions, comments before we vote?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council People] Aye.

- Opposed?

Motion carries.

Madam Clerk, under Finance, Item D, please.

- A resolution to amend Resolution number 28348, a resolution authorizing Administrators and Directors of the of the City of Chattanooga to apply for and, if awarded accept grants under $25,000, to accept grants under $50,000, only if the do not require matching funds and do not place operational obligations on the city.

And those grants awarded will be reported to the City Council not less than on a quarterly basis.

- Dr. Burrs.

Have a motion to approve, I do hear a second, questions, comments before we vote?

All those in favor, say aye.

- [Council People] Aye.

- Opposed?

Item carries.

Purchases, this evening.

Mr. Goldberg, are you presenting?

I believe we have 12 items and two emergency purchases to report.

- Yes sir, 12 purchases.

First one is, excuse me.

From the Street Maintenance Division and Public Works.

Renewal of a contract from Masonry Materials for local pickup.

It was approved by Council on June 28th, 2022.

Since this time, TT Wilson Company has received additional price increases from their supplier.

We are requesting an increase of $5,250 for a new annual amount not to exceed $40,250.

Next, from the Fleet Management Division.

Request to increase the amount for Bulk Fuel Delivered to golf courses and the Birchwood Landfill by $30,000.

The increase is due to increased fuel prices and the new annual amount through September 26th, 2022 is not to exceed $160,000.

The next four purchases are also from Fleet.

These are only requests to extend contracts.

No additional funds are being requested at this time.

Two month extension of the contract with CMI equipment sales for Peterson Knuckleboom Labor OEM Parts and Service.

Three month extension of contract Aaron's Auto Glass for auto glass replacement.

Three month extension of contract with Best One Tire for tires for small and light duty vehicles.

Three month extension of contract with Highland Tire and Auto for tires for small and light duty vehicles.

The combined annual amount for these four contracts remains at $85,000.

Next, also from Fleet, we have a request for a three month extension of the contract with East Ridge Fast Lube also for tires for small and light duty vehicles.

The request also includes an increase of $19,500 for a new annual amount not to exceed $169,500.

Next, from Early learning, We have a new blanket contract for floor stripping, floor waxing and carpet cleaning.

Three bids were received.

The award goes to CBS Management LLC.

I don't think it's CBS.

I think that's a typo.

This will be a 4-year contract with the annual amount not to exceed $52,000.

Next, from Technology Services.

New blanket contract for purchase of software subscription for Watson DMV incident inquiry and crash reporting.

Including maintenance and support, this is a sole source procurement from DataDriven.

This will be a 3-year agreement with an annual amount not to exceed $58,861.50.

Next from the Wastewater Division of Public Works.

We have a request to increase blanket contract with Carbon Activated Corp for Odor, sorry, for Odor Control Filter Media.

The original estimate included a specific scope for filter changes.

However, it has been determined that it is necessary to expand the scope and change additional filters for an increase of $400,000 in a new annual amount, not to exceed $500,000.

Next from Transportation Division.

We have a request to increase the contract with Tennessee Guardrail, Inc. For Guardrail Repair and Installation.

This is a request to increase the contract by $25,000 through October, 2022.

And finally, from finance, we have a new blanket contract with Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, for Economic and Workforce Development Services in the Black community using the Urban League model, including access to proprietary tools and resources developed by Urban League.

This is a sole source procurement.

This will be a 4-year contract with an annual amount not to exceed $150,000.

- Thank you, Mr. Goldberg.

You've heard tonight's purchases.

I have a motion to approve and for those who's joining us, not used to the purchasing process, we did receive these earlier in the week and had an opportunity to ask questions of staff, and again, at 3:30 this afternoon in a public meeting.

I do have a motion to approve.

I have a second and questions or comments on purchases for this evening?

All in favor, say aye.

- [Council People] Aye.

- Opposed?

Purchases are approved.

Mr. Goldberg?

- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We also have two emergency purchases to report.

On July 8th, 2022, the Department of Public Works initiated two emergency purchases to respond to storm damage at the 12th Street facility.

Tri-State Roofing Contractors was contracted to repair approximately 7,420 square feet of roofing surface.

The amount of the emergency purchase is not to exceed $100,000.

Second, SERVPRO of Chattanooga was contracted for water extraction, drying and cleanup services, including seven days of dehumidifiers, blowers, desiccants, and a generator.

The amount of the emergency purchase is not to exceed 90,000.

- Thank you.

Emergency purchases, just for note, do not require a council approval, just notification.

So, thank you very much.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

Committee Reports.

Councilwoman Coonrod, you wanna hit your light?

I know you've got a big report this afternoon.

- Thank you, Chair.

And Chair, also, before I begin to give my report, I wanna give respect and reverence to my brothers and sisters of the nation of Islam, As-Salaam-Alaikum!

- [Audience] As-Salaam.

- And we had a report today, Jermaine, he talked about the stadium that's gonna be over here.

That's coming in on the Southside of Chattanooga.

So we're really excited about that.

It was a continuation from last week.

We also have a scheduled Economic Development for August the 16th, where we'll talk about workforce development.

And, just to let you all know that the Construction Career Center is scheduled to open October the 17th, at the old Mary Anne Garber site.

And we're gonna have an enrollment day for adults only, at the All-Good Coffee Shop, Tuesday, July the 26th from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m. We're all excited about this trade school opening.

And pass that information on so we can get people in the community registered and enrolled to attend.

Thank you.

- Thank you and Councilwoman thank you for your leadership this afternoon in Committee.

You had a great session and we gained a lot of information.

We're able to ask a lot of important questions.

We are now at the point in our meeting where recognitions of persons wishing to address the council.

I'm assuming that we have a few wishing to address the council.

So if you would, please, begin to line up at the podium as best you can.

- Marie Mott, District eight.

Chairman and City Council, I stand before you today with community members in unison, as we demand an immediate halt to the mayor's ARP Plans, which I feel, and we often feel, are not in the best interest of the Black community.

When NAACP and Unity Group members began to ask questions last year, the following, which were what plans do you have to properly allocate the $40 million, the city of Chattanooga has already received from the American Rescue Plans.

How will you ensure these funds will be equitably distributed to the local Black community?

How have the City Council representatives engaged the underserved members of our community?

What actions have you taken to gather data to assess the needs of our communities?

If you have not begun this process, what is your timeline to get this accomplished?

Since our original inquiries, there have been no public education or input sessions to properly inform the community or gain consensus on a plan based on our own needs.

Before a proper process existed this council was already voting to spend money.

Let's be clear, Executive Order 13985, from President Joe Biden states this money is to advance racial equity and support for underserved communities.

So imagine the frustration of seeing the same charities grab money, double dipping, and council members going as far to commit clear ethical violations.

Imagine the anger of watching representatives award themselves or family members federal dollars should they vote or fail to resign from boards before accepting such funds.

This is unacceptable!

And the Black business owners, non-profits and community deserves better.

We ask for a moratorium on this vote until such a time as we can ascertain the granting of these funds is in full compliance of the ARP guidelines and other legal statutes that may be applicable.

And I will end with Dr. King, "We have moved from an era of civil rights to an era of human rights, an era where we are called upon to raise certain basic questions about the whole of society.

We have been reformed in a movement, but after Selma and Voting Rights Bill, we must move into a new era, which must be an era of revolution.

We must recognize that we can't solve our problem now until there is a radical redistribution of economic and political power."

SCLC staff in a 1967 meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was a radical Christian and called for redistribution of wealth and power to the Black community in our society.

Thank you.

- I'm brother Kevin Mohamed.

Some of you know me well, some, I may be a stranger to, but in three minutes we cannot address the 30 plus years of work that we've done in this community.

That'd be about six seconds for every year.

We want to talk about 1990, Gene Roberts, John Kinsey, Bob Corker, Ron Littlefield, Andy Berke.

And now Tim Kelly.

We can start off with the City Council that we've been serving in the community with.

S. Daniel Thomas and William Cotton and Mabel Hurley.

We can talk about all the programs that we've done all day and all night, but if the City Council, all of a sudden doesn't have the will to present the mayor's proposal of the ARP, we move backwards.

It's no perfect plan.

We heard Marie Mott.

We heard everybody else in this audience talk.

There's no perfect plan that anyone can present to this council that everyone will be pleased with.

And we have heard the chatter, even from members of this council, with the proposal from the mayor to grant the community Haven $1 million, we know about that, do not allow what disagreements that you may have with the person of Kevin Mohamed stand in the way of the community benefiting from the work that the community Haven does.

We reform lives.

We started out with nothing.

We have been on the front line for 30 plus years.

We have helped Hardy Elementary School turnaround.

We fought against police brutality whether it's John Everett Henderson or Montreal Collins, we have established a beach head in Alton Park where we help to transform lives on Fagan Street and Dart where no one else will go.

We have a program that we want to talk about violence reduction.

But who's willing to actually put boots on the ground and go into the worst neighborhoods in our community and risk our lives to do that.

The city council approved the mayor's budget of $350 million of expenditures.

145 million of those dollars went to public safety.

The $1 million that he's talking about giving to the community to Haven is 0.006% of the budget that the public safety committee gets.

$1 million is not adequate to properly address what's happening in our community, but it is a start.

And we're willing to take that chance and let the mayor know it's not enough.

But we are willing to partner with Chief Murphy, we're willing to partner with the mayor to make a difference in our community.

Don't vote no because of me, vote yes because of the community.

Thank you.

(audience applauding) - A lot has been said, but what has been concerning amongst the chatter is that every time, and I'm really appreciative that our mayor, Mayor Kelly, that he chose to make a decision to invest in Black communities, black organizations.

We've not had that before as many have stood before us and said, and what has just been really disturbing or rocked my boat is that no one said anything about the white organizations who does minimal in our communities.

It's only focused on which black organizations are receiving funds and why are those organizations receiving funds?

But no one mentioned any of the others or what would be the impact of what they're doing?

No one.

We attack each other and we do it to ourselves every time.

As brother Kevin Mohamed stated, it's not perfect.

No, everybody didn't get included in it.

But the better way to address is how can we partner?

How can we collaborate together?

How can we move the needle of what's happening in our Black communities together?

Nobody talked about that.

Some was inclusive.

Now, one thing that I know about re-entry, 'Cause every day since 2008, I've been re-entering.

Today, I re-entered.

Each one of you all re-entered the moment you wake up and you put your feet on the ground.

That's a re-entry moment.

So it's not isolated to just think it's once somebody come outside of prison.

As a young lady speak every time she's standing at the podium.

She's re-entering it looking for housing.

She's homeless.

It's not just about prison.

Your mind is re-entering.

The way that we live is re-entering, every single day.

So I got a different perspective of it to say that there is no re-entry programs funded, everything that everybody that receives some money dealing with re-entry in some kinda way.

We sleep on the nation of Islam.

But when you research them and check them out, they got the number one violence deterrent program in the nation, in the world.

Not just that, look at they re-entry programs, the recidivism rate, we can go on and on and on.

Now I'm not a Muslim, but I'm supportive of everything that they do.

Why?

Because it impact my community.

Everybody here can benefit from them.

We didn't just say today let's give Kevin Mohamed some money.

We been championing for that.

Been championing for it.

Corey and I just, sitting here in the red shirt, we, for those that don't know, we're the ones who been bringing NACA before NACA was even discovered to even come to Chattanooga, to make sure people have access to home ownership.

I don't do that because I sit on council.

I done it before I became council members, period.

We've been working with Chris Anderson.

We finally got the ADU pass.

We've been working and talking about these container homes and container homes.

This didn't just start.

We didn't go on Facebook and say, oh, we wanna take whatever somebody is saying.

And finally apply it.

We been working on this stuff for years.

I love when my constituents show up at City Council.

We're not perfect.

You don't have to have a degree, or none of that to serve on Council.

All you gotta be is a caring member and connect with your community and serve.

Everybody in that audience is leaders.

I suggest you guys start working with your council people, you come up here, you bash us and you talk about us and you sometimes give out misinformation instead of getting the right information to pass on to the next person.

Why we continue to be so far behind as Black people, the same stuff that you just saw, we beat us down even before we get a chance, we don't even feel like that we worthy enough to get the change as Reginald Yembert just stated.

We not even willing to work with each other to help build our community.

But at the end of the day is that it is gotta be a time where we gotta be supportive of each other.

Anybody that live in district nine, if it's, we need to work together to move the needle in our communities.

Not just mine, but everybody else district too, everybody fighting for the same thing.

Everybody wanna thrive.

But if we keep the conversation about how we gonna keep Black people with the poverty mindset, limited growth, and just to keep us in poverty, that's a problem.

That's a problem.

What we doing?

And just for the record, since it's done been said on Facebook with the call outs and all of that, I know when I need to remove myself from a vote, let's just be clear.

Check my voting history since 2017, I'm not afraid to do that.

And the members that's here on council, we do the same.

So before you call yourself trying to check somebody, make sure you get the right information to check us with.

That's all I'm asking.

Brother Kevin Mohamed I'm glad our mayor invested in you.

When we talk about re-entry you doing it and been doing it.

Reginald Yembert we had to beg him to apply for funding.

That man been out here grinding and working with them kids since he exit the prison system, those are people who we need to recognize.

'cause they out here doing it.

The ones that's holding their head down, being silent and still doing it.

Those are people who I wanna work with and not to mention, 'cause I never once say that I'm not replaceable, the seat's supposed to be replaceable.

So if anybody wanna run for district nine, I welcome you to.

I welcome you to because we gotta make sure that we, wherever as far as I can take the torch, I want you to lead it past what I can take you to.

And that's what it's about.

So that's all I gotta say, Chairman, but in order for us to move forward, we gotta work together.

Thank you.

- I appreciate, thank you Councilwoman.

I will adjourn this meeting at this point.

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