City of Knoxville

The virtual public meeting provided an overview of the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project, highlighting the project's purpose to improve travel time reliability and regional connectivity. Key discussion topics included the project delivery method using public-private partnerships, an analysis of two design alternatives, the current status of environmental studies and the NEPA process, and anticipated noise and visual impact assessments. The meeting also addressed potential benefits for transit integration, including free access for public buses, and provided instructions for the public to submit feedback during the open comment period.

The meeting focused on the I-40/I-75 West Knoxville Corridor Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study. Key discussion topics included the project overview, study area boundaries, and the planning and environmental linkages process. The presentation covered the role of the program management consultant and the project consultant, the importance of stakeholder input, and the statutory requirements for adopting planning products into the subsequent NEPA process. The group discussed the evaluation of preliminary alternatives, fatal flaw analysis, and future technical working group meetings.

The committee reviewed updates on employee insurance policy renewals, specifically noting the selection of Cigna for health, dental, and vision coverage. Discussions included the FY 2027 Personnel Program, which features a 3.5% salary increase for employees and adjustments to staffing levels. Additionally, the committee reviewed the proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget, detailing projected revenues, operating expenses, and the budget's anticipated impact on net income and debt service coverage.

The Board reviewed the President's report regarding passenger records and staff training initiatives. Committee actions included the approval of the revised FY 2027 Airport Capital Improvement Program, the FY 2027 Operating Budget, and the FY 2027 Personnel Program. The Board appointed a Nominating Committee to fill a vacant Secretary position and passed Resolution No. 26-04 to repeal and update commercial ground transportation rules. Approval was granted for several professional services agreements, including consulting for parking and ground transportation, program management for the Terminal Area Development Program, an extension for general engineering consulting, rental car facility programming, sewer lift station repairs, and design services for the Security Screening Checkpoint expansion. Furthermore, the Board authorized participation in the TSA's Capabilities Acceptance Process and adjusted purchasing authority limits for related equipment acquisitions. A public forum discussion also took place regarding general aviation airport interests in Oak Ridge.

The board meeting covered several operational and financial items. The President and financial staff presented reports on airport activities and capital improvements. Specific actions included authorizing lease modifications at Knoxville Downtown Island Airport, adopting a resolution to reimburse capital expenditures through bond or debt issuance, accepting a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation for a parking garage expansion, and approving the purchase of network and phone equipment. The Board also reviewed and unanimously approved five new air service incentive packages for Southwest Airlines for nonstop routes to Baltimore/Washington, Dallas Love Field, Nashville, Orlando, and Denver.