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

(bright music) (gavel bangs) - All right, good evening, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Tuesday, May 17th, city council agenda meeting.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

We do not have a special presentation this evening, so I will go on to our minute approval.

- [Council Member] Second.

- Second.

- We have a motion for a minute approval.

Without objection the minutes will stand.

Madame Clerk, ordinances on final reading.

Will you please read items A through Q?

We're gonna kick this off with a marathon on final reading and we will patiently wait for you.

A through Q, we'll take those as a group.

- [Clerk] Item A: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone property located at 100 West Belle Avenue from C2 convenience commercial zone to UGC urban general commercial zone.

Subject to certain conditions.

Item B: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code, part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone property located at 916 Birmingham Highway from R2 residential zone to N1 manufacturing zone.

Item C: An ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to the lift conditions number one, two, and three from ordinance number 8969 from previous case number 19880168 on property located at 2067 Crescent Club Drive, subject to certain conditions.

Item D: An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone part of the property located at 2067 Crescent Club Drive from 01 office zone to C2 convenience commercial zone.

Item E: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to lift conditions number one through six, eight, and nine of ordinance number 11827 from previous case number 2006-0028 for the property's located at 5867, 5871, and 5893, highway 153.

Item F: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as the reason on property located 6620, 6624, 6628, 6634, 6636, 6640, and 6642 Sand Switch Road from R1 residence zone to RTZ residential townhouse zero lot line zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item G: an ordinance to in Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 Zoning ordinance so as to rezone properties located at 7,002 Hickson Pike and an unaddressed property in the 7,000 block of Hickson Pike from R1 residential zone to R3 residential zone.

Item H: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone properties located at 7432, 7442, and 7446 Mintom Drive from R1 residential zone to RTZ residential townhouse, zero lot lines zone.

Subject to certain conditions.

Item I: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as the reason zone property located at 6238 Bonny Oaks Drive from R2 residential zone to C2 commercial zone to M1 manufacturing zone.

Item J:an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as the rezone on property located at 1733 Reed Avenue from URD2, urban residential detach zone, to URA3, urban residential attached zone.

Item K: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as the rezone properties located at 90910 East Main Street from C2 convenience commercial zone to UGC urban general commercial zone.

Item L: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as the rezone properties located at 1497 and 1521 Riverside Drive from M1 manufacturing zone to C2 convenience commercial zone.

Item M: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 805 Gillespie Road from R1 residential zone to RTZ residential townhouse zero lot line zone subject to certain conditions.

Item N: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone property located at 1801, 1803, 1805, 1807, and 1809 Duncan Avenue from R1 residential zone and R4 special zone to UGC urban general commercial zone subject to certain conditions.

item O: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone properties located at 3725 and 3805 Grace Avenue from R1 residential zone to RTZ residential townhouse zero lot line zone.

Item P: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone properties located at 1619 Dodge Avenue, 1922 South Watkins Street, 2270 East 21st Street, and 1803 and 2111 South Lowler Street from C2 convenience commercial zone to M1 manufacturing zone, to R3 residential zone, to C3 central business zone, subject to certain conditions.

Item Q: an ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to deviate to the maximum building height within the C3 central business zone for the properties located at 2318 East Main Street, 1506 South Lowler Street, 1500 and 1700 South Watkin Street, 1619 Dodge Avenue, and 2513 East 19th Street.

- Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman, Coonrod.

(councilwoman speaks indistinctly) I have a motion to approve.

I do have a second.

Questions, comments before we vote?

All in favor say aye.

- [Council] Aye.

- Opposed?

Motions carry.

Under parks and public works.

Madame Clerk, would you read items R, S, and T, please.

- [Clerk] Yes.

Item R: an ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened alley in the 2100 block of East 26th Street, as detailed on the attached map subject to certain conditions.

Item S: an ordinance closing and abandoning and unopened alley along the 800 block of Doss Avenue in the 2,700 block of Kerpy Avenue, as detailed on the attached map, subject of certain conditions.

Item T: an ordinance closing and abandoning multiple alleyways in the 1800 block of Vance Avenue in the 800 block of South Orchard Knob Avenue, as detailed on the attached map subject to certain conditions.

- [Darrin] Thank you, Madam Clerk.

What is the council's desire?

- [Council Member] Approve.

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

- Second.

- [Darrin] I do hear a second.

Questions and comments before we vote?

All in favors say aye.

- [Council] Aye.

- [Darrin] Opposed?

Motions carry.

Ordinances on first reading under planning six eight, please.

- [Clerk] An ordinance to amend Chattanooga city code part two chapter 38 zoning ordinance so as to rezone property located at 612 North Greenwood Avenue from R1 residential zone to R2 residential zone.

- Is the applicant present?

I do have an applicant.

Is there any opposition present?

Councilwoman Knowel, I have an applicant with no opposition if you'll hit your light.

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I spoke with several neighbors on the 600 block of Greenwood.

And also I see that even though it was recommended for approval by the planning commission, but denied by the staff and due to the fact that the residents was in opposition of it, as well as the denial of the staff due to the fact that it is not in compliance with the historic river to rich plan.

So Mr.

Chair, I make a motion to deny.

- I have a motion to deny with a second.

Questions, comments before we vote?

All in favor for a motion to deny, say, aye.

Opposed?

Motion to deny carries.

Madame clerk, under public works transportation item B, please.

- [Clerk] An ordinance closing and abandoning an opened right away in the 200 block of Delawana Terrace as detailed on the attached map, subject to certain conditions.

(attendee speaks indistinctly) - [Darrin] I do have a motion to approve.

- Second.

- I do hear a second.

Questions and comments before we vote?

All in favor say aye.

- Aye.

- [Darrin] Opposed?

Motion carries.

Madame Clerk, resolutions under council office, will you please read A and B?

- [Clerk] Item A: a resolution confirming the reappointment of Ryan Keen to the sports authority board for district four with the term expiration of May 17th, 2028.

Item B: a resolution confirming the reappointment of Gordon Parker to the industrial development board for district four with a term expiration of May 17th, 2028.

- [Darrin] Dr. Burs.

Have a motion to approve.

I do hear a second.

Questions, comments before we vote?

All in favor say aye.

- Aye.

- [Darrin] Opposed?

Motions carry.

Under economic development, Madame Clerk, item C please.

- [Clerk] Item C: a resolution of intent that one, the Proposed Access Role LLC tax increment finance and redevelopment project, AKA the north river commerce center tax increment financing project, will provide necessary improvements to public infrastructure that the city of Chattanooga the city wants to incur within the proposed time for the project, but does not currently plan to effect in the short term until its existing capital improvements plan, and two, the city council will consider an economic impact plan prepared and submitted by the city of Chattanooga industrial development board with aid from the city of Chattanooga's department of economic development with respect to the project in accordance with the city's tax increment financing policy and procedures.

- Councilwoman Hill, followed by Councilman Smith.

- [Councilewoman Hill] Move to approve.

- We do have a motion to approve.

- [Councilman] Second.

- I do have a second.

Questions comments?

- [Councilman] Chair, if I may?

- You may.

- [Councilman] I'd like to also move to amend (indistinct) - You have a motion to amend.

- And amend as follows: this will be added to the very end of the resolution language, and property located at 4,500 access road identified as tax parcel number 119HA003.01 will be excluded from the project area, plan area, and overall boundaries of the proposed tax increment financing district of the economic impact plan reference herein.

That is form of a motion, sir.

- [Councilwoman] Second, - [Darrin] I do have a motion for an amendment with a second, all in favor of the amendment say aye.

- [Council] Aye.

- Opposed?

Amendment carries.

- [Councilman] Move to approve the amendment.

- We have a motion to approve as amended.

- Second.

- I have a second.

Questions, comments?

All those in favor say aye.

- [Council] Aye.

- Opposed?

Motion carries as amended.

Under public works, thank you, sir.

Items, D E F and G, Madam Clerk, please.

- [Clerk] Item- Thank you.

Item D: a resolution authorized by the administrator for the department of public works to award contract number W18013201 South Chickabagra Creek two through four interceptive sewer rehab project and consent to (indistinct) project to SAK construction LLC of Ofala Missouri in the amount of $22,971,186.95 with a contingency in the amount of $1,148,600 for a total amount of $24,119,786.95.

Item E: a resolution authorizing the administrator for the department of public works to award contract number C17017201 would recycle new facility to Integrated Properties, LLC, of Chattanooga Tennessee in the amount of $1,657,383.65 with a contingency in the amount of $82,850 for a total amount of $1,739,963.65.

Item F: a resolution authorizing the administrator for the department of public works to enter into a public private partnership agreement with Reflection Writing Arboretum a nature center for the management and further development of the growing resilient neighborhood program for one year in the amount of $20,000.

Item G: a resolution authorizing administrator for the department of public works to enter into a public private partnership agreement with Waterways for Continued Management for the development and expansion of the rain smart yards, formally My Tennessee and adopt a waterway storm water program for three years for an annual amount of $30,000.

- Councilman Hester.

- [Councilman Hester] Move to approve.

- I do have a motion to approve with a second.

Questions, comments before we vote?

All in favor say aye.

- Aye.

- Opposed?

Motions carry.

We now move to purchases.

Mr. Goldberg, are you presenting this evening?

- Yes sir, thank you.

We have 10 purchases recommended for approval this evening.

The first is waste resources division in public works request for increase on contract free emulsion and polymer in the amount of 600,000.

This increase is needed due to production being doubled during a basin clean out as well as additional operational days.

The vendor Polydyne Inc and the revised annual amount is not to exceed 1,600,000.

Waste resources division contract renewal for ladder climbing safety equipment Roll Aid Industrial Supply Inc submitted a 30% price increase due to the global demand of steel with the annual amount not to exceed 25,000.

Also with waste resources division contract renewal for PVC pipe and fittings Consolidated Pipe and Supply submitted a 65% price increase due to supply chain issues and a resin shortage with the annual amount not to exceed 30,000.

Fourth from public works, second and final renewal of contract for propane service at the landfill.

Suburban Propane submitted a 51% price increase due to high global demand and low global supply with the annual amount not to exceed 175,000.

Fifth, fleet management division new blanket contract for annual equipment safety test and inspections.

Two bids were received and the award goes to American Test center as the best bid meeting specifications.

The low bidder did not bid correctly for the specifications.

This will be a four year contract with an annual amount not to exceed 65,000.

Sixth, citywide services new blanket contract for emulsified asphalt.

One bid was received.

The solicitation was readvertised and did not yield any additional bids.

The award goes to Hudson Materials Company as the best bid meeting specifications.

This will be a four year contract with an annual amount not to exceed 200,000.

Seventh, city planning new contract for consulting services related to zoning code phase two scope update the Chattanooga zoning code.

This is a sole source procurement to continue with phase two of the scope.

The vendor is Cameros LTD and the annual amount is not to exceed 204,000.

Eighth, from parks and outdoors request to increase contract for playground and outdoor fitness equipment in the amount of 505,000 in order to make additional playground improvements throughout the city using surplus funds.

The vendor is Game Time, Inc. and the revised annual amount is not to exceed 605,000.

From the fire department, we have a new blanket contract for firefighters' leather boots, three bids were received and the award goes to Emergency Vehicle Specialist as the best bid meeting specifications.

This will be a four year contract with an amount not to exceed, sorry, annual amount not to exceed 90,000.

And finally, from the fleet management division, we have a request for a one month extension of contract for Highal Om Parts and Service.

This will extend the contract through June 30th, 2022, and give the department more time to update specifications and rebid.

The vendor is Stringfellow inc and the annual amount is not to exceed 65,000.

- Thank you.

Council, you've heard tonight's purchases.

(council member speaks indistinctly) Do have a motion to approve with a second.

Questions, comments before we vote?

All in favor say aye.

- Aye.

- Opposed?

Thank you, Mr. Goldberg.

And we two have two emergency purchases or one emergency purchase and an update to an emergency purchase.

- Yes, sir.

So first on April 29th, 2022 public works contracted HEPACO for emergency remediation related to cleanup and disposal of 22 illegally dumped 55 gallon drums.

This emergency purchase was reported to the city council on May 3rd, 2022 with an amount of 100,000.

The cost of cleanup is higher than originally estimated total cost to date total $126,850.38 and the total cost is now estimated not to exceed 175,000.

- [Darrin] Brent, not to get any hopes up, is there any chance of reimbursement?

- Not likely.

- No?

Not from EPA or?

- Probably not.

- [Darrin] Thought I had to ask.

All right, thank you.

- And then we have a new emergency purchase to report to council.

On May 9th, 2022 public works bypassed normal procurement procedures and completed an emergency purchase to replace two gear boxes for the fine screens and the wastewater influent pump station.

The emergency purchase was completed in order to maintain critical operations and mitigate costly sewer system overflows.

The vendor was Brazelco Inc. And the amount for two gear boxes was $14,050.

- [Darrin] All right, thank you.

And we have no RFPs this evening.

- Thank you.

- [Darrin] Thank you, sir.

Now we'll move on to committee reports.

Councilwoman Coonrod.

(member speaks indistinctly) Councilwoman Knowel?

(member speaks indistinctly) Dr. Burs?

- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

The budget process started today with education sessions for the council and it will continue next week.

Thank you.

- Thank you.

Madam vice chair.

- No report.

- Councilman Hill?

- No report.

- Councilman Smith.

- No report, Mr.

Chair.

- Councilman Hester?

- [Councilman Hester] We met today, we'll meet again in two weeks.

- Thank you, sir, for that report.

We are now ready to recognize persons wishing to address the council this evening.

If you would like to address the council this evening, please make your way down to the podium.

And while we do that, Madam Attorney, would you please read our engagement rules?

- Each person wishing to address the council shall be recognized only at this microphone provided for that purpose.

You may address the council only upon matters within the legislative and quasi-judicial authority of the council.

And each speaker is limited to three minutes of speaking time, unless additional permission for time is provided by the city council.

Thank you.

- [Darrin] Thank you.

Good evening, Ms. Mott.

- Good evening, Marie Mott district eight.

Every democracy depends on a threshold of the level of trust among its citizens and in its key institutions of government, business, and civil society.

Currently, however, the United States falls short of that ideal.

According to "More in Common", 80% of Americans in 1960 had confidence that their government would do what is right for them.

As of right now, that is 30%.

63% of Americans believe you can't be too careful with dealing with people.

37% of Americans agree that they can even trust people.

And 74% believe that we can't even trust the people around us.

10% of Americans say that they feel their strongest sense of belonging in their local communities.

22% only feeling belonging in their faith group and 34% having no feeling that they belong in community at all.

64% of Americans feel as if they're treated with dignity.

70% of white Americans feel that they are treated with dignity in their community.

50% of African Americans feel that they are treated with dignity in their community.

And 47% of Asian Americans feel as if they are treated with dignity in their community.

Without a baseline of trust in key institutions and each other, we cannot solve collective problems or advanced changes that benefit all sectors of our society.

In high trust societies, people are able to organize quickly, initiate action, and sacrifice for the common good.

High trust societies also have lower economic inequality, and growing economies, lower rates of corruption, and a more civically engaged population.

Distrust, on the other hand, leads to political extremism and an unwillingness to engage in society.

I want to thank professor Julia Mensen at Harvard Kennedy's School for having a discussion around group think, which I'll talk about next week, I don't think y'all ready for that one, (laughs) and having a discussion about how do we build trust and receptiveness, even if we have differences in ideology and opinion, and how leaders, such as I and 60 other young people from around the world, could be change agents in our nations, in our communities, and in our country.

And I want to share with this dias as well as every leader that is responsible for the city of Chattanooga, that public trust is lower than it has ever been in American history and part of that is a leadership problem.

And so I encourage you look at "More in Common" because we have more in common than we think, that's actually a website, and look at the publication of distrust, and look at the findings of what you can do as leaders in our community to increase public and civic engagement and trust so that we can solve collective problems, lower inequality, and have a better future for those in the community.

These are the ideas that I learned at Harvard.

Thank you very much.

(timer beeps) - Thank you, Ms. Mott.

- Pretty simple.

- Evening, sir.

- My name's Mike Sedman and I've spoke to the city attorney already about this issue.

I live across from the Chattanooga Tank Wash and they allow their parking lot to be, what I think, is an overnight truck rest stop.

They're just sitting out there, they're allowing it, I think trucks are coming in that I'm not sure if they're affiliated with the tank wash or not, but I can't sleep at night.

Like Sunday night was really bad.

It sounds like a garbage truck down there running, city garbage truck.

(laughs) And I've got statements from the neighbors two houses down.

And it's not night, but it's like Russian roulette, you never know which night's gonna be the one where the antique Kenworth comes in there (sighs) and you can't sleep.

So I've had the police come and they said, it's too far of a distance to comply with the ordinance that way.

But it's not just the sound, the sound's bad, but it's the length of time.

All night long is no good.

All day long is no good.

30 minutes is about all it takes for them to do what they really need to do.

And anything longer than that, they're either down there watching movies or sleeping in.

And I've asked 'em to put signs up on the parking lot to require them to have a 30 minute limit on their idle or APU.

And they don't have any kind of sign like that down there on the parking lot.

They say they do in the office, but they used to have a little bitty sign on the gate but the gate's wide open too, night and day now.

They used to close it, we've been there 16 years, they used to close the gate at night but that's not been that way for a while.

One of 'em tore through the gate and they never did close it back.

So anyway, I'm asking for the ordinance to be tweaked, or whatever wording they need to do to cover this situation.

It's a natural amphitheater there too.

We're in a hollow and the sound just runs right up the hill.

(timer beeps) (laughs) And that's about all I gotta say anyway.

- [Darrin] Thank you, sir.

- But when can I get a response though?

That's my question.

- [Darrin] If you'd like, the city attorney can respond, as you have already started a process with city attorney's office, that would be the proper response.

- [Mike] Okay, thank you, thank you very much.

- [Darrin] Thank you, sir.

Anyone else wishing to address the council this evening?

Council, I am seeing no one.

What is your wish?

I do have a motion to adjourn and we are adjourned.

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