Irson Horton

The meeting addressed roll call (with one member absent), approval of previous minutes, and recognition of visitors and employees. Unfinished business included the results of surplus property bids, with discussions on accepting the highest bids for four parcels and separately addressing the donation of the Rescue Squad property, which was approved. New business involved the reappointment of two members to the Historic Zoning Commission. A major discussion point was Ordinance Number 1664 concerning attendance requirements for board member compensation, where the board decided to draft an amendment to include medical and immediate family caregiver excused absence clauses, potentially referencing FMLA language. The board also reviewed the baseline results from the 2023 Public Trust Survey, noting the low response rate and the goal to increase engagement. Further agenda items covered the successful acquisition of a $5,000 Storybook Trails Grant to install reading panels around the Milner Center track, utilizing ARP funding for professional services (approving Civil Site Design Group for engineering and MRW Environmental for environmental consulting for two projects), and approving a contract for the annual audit by the firm of Dining and Cain. Resolutions were passed to accept a bid for overlaying city streets, affirm a tentative contract for Edwin McCain, and approve the ARP funding contracts. Finally, the board held the second and final reading of Ordinance Number 2024-1 to amend multiple chapters of the zoning code.

A public hearing was held to discuss the potential application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Information was provided regarding the purpose of the meeting and the grant process, including eligible activities such as Public Health and Safety, Community Infrastructure, Community Revitalization, and Water & Sewer line/system rehabilitation. Maximum funding available is up to $420,000 for non-construction projects and up to $1,000,000 for construction projects. Key objectives discussed include ensuring that at least 51% of a target area benefits low to moderate income residents, or achieving blight elimination/health improvement. It was noted that CDBG funding requires a local match, typically around 11%. The City expressed interest in continuing sewer rehabilitation work with a new phase near Riverfront, Grundy Street, Van Buren Street, and Bluff Street.

The Special Called meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals focused on reviewing a variance request for property located at 100 Ross Avenue, identified as Tax Map 068C, Group F, Parcel 039.00. The request concerned setback reductions and lot coverage. Following input from the Community Development Director regarding fire safety and driveway access, the Board unanimously voted to approve the variance request.

The agenda for the Regular Session included consideration of prior minutes, recognition of visitors and employees, and communications, specifically a request for the donation of a lot for flag displays during Child Abuse Awareness Month. New business involved the consideration of two resolutions: Resolution No. 2025-13 to accept a purchase order for Cloudpermit Software for Community Development, and Resolution No. 2025-14 requesting an exemption for plan review and inspections. The session also included the second and final reading of three ordinances: Ordinance No. 2025-03 to declare 109 Magness Drive surplus property, Ordinance No. 2025-04 to amend Personnel Rules and Regulations, and Ordinance No. 2025-05 to amend the Tourism and Marketing Department Municipal Code.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed the proposed amendment to Resolution 2025-11, which concerns the charitable donations/nonprofit appropriation policy. Key discussion points included structuring the policy to only release funds if the General Fund is structurally balanced, withholding fund releases until receipts are provided for purchases, and delaying fund releases until tax monies are received. The committee also discussed tier amounts and the suggestion to postpone nonprofit discussions until after the budget is set to prioritize departmental matters. No formal motions were made.