David Benham

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the confirmation of a quorum. Key discussion centered on Item 2.1, a request to rezone property located at 1801 and 1803 Nicholas Drive from RS20 low-density residential single family to CS commercial services to allow for the construction of a bank. Staff recommended denial of the request, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive growth plan, which designates the area for medium-density residential transition, and concerns regarding negative impacts on neighborhood character and precedent setting. Several residents voiced opposition to the rezoning, citing concerns about increased traffic, property devaluation, and safety issues, while proponents argued that a bank would be a low-impact commercial use compared to other possibilities. Prior to new business, a public comment period was held where residents addressed the commission regarding the proposed rezoning and existing drainage/flooding concerns near Lake Guilford.

The meeting commenced with recognition of an outgoing board member, Jerry Converse. Following confirmation that no public comment was made, the Treasurer's Report for January 2026 was accepted, noting account balances and fiscal year fuel revenue, with a non-commercial hangar rental increase scheduled for March 1. The Airport Manager's Report detailed 2,554 flight operations and fuel sales for January, alongside plans for staff attendance at a Tennessee Aviation Conference. A significant discussion addressed the impact of a twelve-day ice storm starting January 25, which severely impacted runway usability, although fuel sales continued via helicopter traffic. Discussions commenced with TDOT officials regarding an updated Airport Layout Plan, which will not include a previously planned runway extension requiring property acquisition. Other operational items included confirming the car show date for April 25, planning for new hangar site preparation to restart in March, and clarifying the refundable deposit and non-refundable administrative fee for the hangar waiting list. The deadline for submitting the 2026-2027 airport budget to local government bodies was noted as April 1.

The key discussions and actions involved the approval of the minutes from the January 8, 2026, regular meeting. A significant portion of the meeting focused on Old Business item 2.1 concerning the appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), which was ultimately deferred pending clarification from the city attorney regarding an at-large position. New Business included the discussion and approval to rezone property at 411 Memorial Boulevard from Commercial Services (CS) to Core Commercial (CC) to address infrastructure and access constraints and align with surrounding development patterns. Another major item was the approval of amendments to the zoning ordinance (Section 11-1202) to clarify and simplify the reconstruction of non-complying buildings, allowing rebuilding on the same foundation location provided non-conformity is not increased. The Community Development Director's report noted the cancellation of February and March BZA meetings, an anticipated long March Planning Commission agenda, and ongoing research into zoning amendments related to traffic study requirements, parking lot design standards, consumer finance company regulations, and sign ordinance updates. Fee evaluation for development review and permit fees was also noted as underway.

The board addressed multiple ordinances and administrative items. Key discussions included the second and final reading of an ordinance rezoning acreage on Black Patch Drive for a Planned Unit Development and amending the Summit View development plan. Another item involved the first reading of an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2026 annual budget for the city, primarily related to grant proceeds and insurance recoveries. The board also discussed the first reading of an ordinance amending regulations for parades and special events, introducing new requirements for notice periods, mandatory crowd safety measures (including barriers for downtown events), and labor costs for barrier setup/removal for private events. Furthermore, a recommendation from the traffic committee regarding the removal of the traffic signal at 8th Avenue and Willow Street, resulting in a four-way stop, was presented for discussion, though no immediate vote was taken. Administrative matters included an adjustment to retail electric rates due to wholesale fuel cost changes from the Tennessee Valley Authority, an adjustment to monthly gas rates, and a memorandum regarding debt obligation bonds for Fire Station Number Three, for which no action was required.

The meeting involved the call to order and approval of the previous minutes. The public hearing segment addressed two main items. The first was a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a senior group home at 3210 John L. Patterson Street, which staff recommended for denial due to the property not meeting the minimum required lot area standard of 14,000 square feet (the parcel is 8,100 square feet). The second public hearing concerned six variances related to the construction of a marquee and projecting sign for the redevelopment of the historic Capitol Theater at 718 South Main Street. The variances sought approval to exceed maximum signage area, approve specific marquee and projecting sign sizes, allow particular illumination types, permit overhang into the street right-of-way, and use LED marquee style perimeter lighting. Staff recommended approval for these six variances, citing historic preservation and downtown revitalization goals, while noting the signage would not impact the roadway. In new business, the Board voted to deny the request for the senior group home. Discussion proceeded on the signage variances for the theater.