Ben Hicks

Key discussions included an update from the City Administrator regarding FEMA and insurance claims for the police department building, noting the need for arbitration and an engineering study. It was reported that the city's audit would be late for the third consecutive year due to delays from Newport Utilities. The rules were suspended to adjust the agenda order. New business involved the approval of Resolution #2026-01, which changes the City Charter to add the mayor and an alderman back to the Newport Utilities Board, increasing its size to seven members. Resolution #2026-02 was approved to name an alley between Main Street and Broadway. Resolution #2026-03 was passed, authorizing Newport Utilities to apply for Economic Development Administration Disaster Recovery Funding. The board approved revisions to the Downtown Revitalization Project Overview, including changes to developers for Main Street buildings and adding the First Baptist Church project. Authorization was given for Parks & Rec to submit an Intent to Apply for the 2026 Outdoor Recreation Public Grant. A support letter for Newport Utilities' Tennessee Grid Resilience Grant application was approved. The board also approved drafting a letter from City Council to the Newport Utilities Board detailing citizen complaints. Cocke County EMA Director Joe Esway presented on Mission 183, and Alderman Hansel raised concerns about truck zoning enforcement in the Jones Circle area and the quality of roadway restoration after Newport Utilities work. Bids were approved for a new work truck ($47,377.40), a used tractor package ($13,000), and a utility vehicle ($12,000.86) for Parks & Rec. Re-appointments to the Newport Housing Authority Board and Police Civil Service Board were noted.

The Board of Zoning Appeals considered a variance request concerning 576 Woodlawn, specifically a ten-foot rear setback variance required for splitting the lot into three legal-sized lots with two intended structures. The board unanimously approved the variance request.

The Newport Board of Zoning Appeals convened to discuss several variance requests and planning-related items. A variance request for a wheelchair ramp at 543 Jones Circle was approved. A variance request at 576 Woodlawn was denied. The Newport Regional Planning Commission meeting included discussions and actions regarding a Plan of Service for Kenny Patel at West Highway 25/70, a replat of 1018, 1020, and 1022 Cosby Highway, and subdivisions at 500 Buckingham Drive and 576 Woodlawn. Additionally, the commission addressed ordinances to zone 1220 Golf Course Road and Tucson Road, a mural at 119 McSween Avenue, and a rezone request Off Cosby Highway.

The Newport Board of Zoning Appeals convened to discuss a high-rise sign variance request for RaceTrac, which was approved due to established hardship related to tree blockage of signage visibility from the interstate. The Newport Regional Planning Commission meeting involved a discussion and approval of a conceptual site plan for a mixed-use project by Kenny Patel outside city limits, including residential and retail spaces with potential annexation into the city. The board also reviewed and considered amending the municipal code to strengthen property maintenance codes and discussed a proposed landscaping ordinance for future review.

The Newport Board of Zoning Appeals convened its regular monthly meeting, followed by the Newport Regional Planning Commission. Discussions included a subdivision request from Michael McCarter for a small housing development on Morrell Springs Road, which was approved. The board also reviewed the plan of service for Golf Course Road and Tucson Road, noting no action was needed as it was previously approved. Inspection fees for the City of Newport were reviewed, with plans to revisit the topic next month. Additionally, the 2025-26 Annual Work Program Agreement between ETDD and the Newport Planning Commission was presented and approved.