Lisa Chapman-Fowler

The council held a public hearing and approved ordinance 727-25 to allow duplexes in two-family residential structures as a conditional use in R2 medium density residential districts, with requirements for privacy barriers. The council also approved on first reading ordinance 735-26, adopting the 2027 fiscal year operating budget. Additional agenda items included the approval of a volunteer fire equipment and training grant for fire gear, and discussions regarding the purchase of a used 2019 Pierce Saber fire engine and a second used fire engine to replace aging equipment.

The meeting agenda included consideration of the current agenda and the minutes from the February 10, 2026 meeting. New business involved consideration of suspending the reading of multiple ordinances (727-25 through 734-26). Key items included the first reading of Ordinance 727-25 regarding duplexes/two-family residential structures as a conditional use in the R-2 District. Furthermore, the council addressed the second and final readings of several ordinances adopting the 2024 Editions of the International Residential Code, Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code. The council also considered approval for the MG Group/Strategic Vision for FY26 audit services, acceptance of the 2026 VFEAT grant, and a request to nominate the White Plains Historic Home as a state historic site. The City Administrator's report mentioned the UC Quilt Festival.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda and minutes. A motion was passed to suspend the reading of Resolution 374-25 and Ordinance 727-25. Item four involved the consideration and approval of Resolution 374-25, which establishes an annual budget adoption and monitoring policy outlining fiscal fitness procedures throughout the year. Item five was the second and final reading of Ordinance 727-25, concerning the allowance of duplexes and two-family residential structures as conditional or permitted uses in R1 and R2 districts, respectively. After public comment, the council voted to table this ordinance and return it to the planning committee for further discussion on alternative concepts. Department matters included notification of closure for Martin Luther King Day, with regular trash service unaffected. Council members expressed appreciation for staff efforts related to tracking individuals and handling sensitive matters.

The council meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and minutes. Discussions in New Business heavily featured the consideration of several ordinances (728-26 through 734-26) on their first reading, all related to adopting the 2024 editions of various International Codes (Residential, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, and Fire Code), necessitating subsequent second readings for final approval. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Resolution 376-26 regarding applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for park improvements, including a proposal to increase the required local match commitment beyond the initial 10% to improve scoring chances. Furthermore, the council considered approving up to $12,000 in matching funds for a grant related to the White Plains House. Alternatives for the White Plains House included pursuing designation as a State Historic Site with the Tennessee Historical Commission, which involves long-term commitment regarding operational costs and major repairs, or proceeding with local repair efforts or selling the property.

The meeting included the consideration of the agenda and the minutes of the previous council meeting. New business involved the consideration of suspending the reading of Resolution 374-25 and Ordinance 727-25. Further discussions included the approval of Resolution 374-25 regarding an annual budget adoption and monitoring policy, and the second and final reading of Ordinance 727-25 concerning duplexes/two family residential structures as a conditional or permitted use in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, respectively, along with establishing supplementary regulations. The agenda also allocated time for public comment on Ordinance 727-25 and included a City Administrator's Report.