Randy Bell

The meeting commenced the first session of 2026, following remarks on Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Key discussions included rescheduling the MLK day of service to February 8th and encouraging review of the 2025 audit and traffic safety improvement plans. Commissioners provided updates regarding severe weather preparedness, including reminders to secure homes against potential power outages and freezing rain, and information on the next community food pantry date (February 5th). Other announcements covered new line dancing and tech classes, a blood drive on February 13th, recognition of police dedication, and upcoming Listen and Learn session on February 16th. The City Manager reported on the interim status of the elected judge and legislative liaison activities, noting discussions with Senator Gardner regarding improvements to the State Route 8 tunnel. Furthermore, staff submitted an intent to apply for the FY27 LPRF grant for future park development. The consent agenda, including minutes from December 16, 2025, and a resolution to cancel November 2026 meetings, was approved. New business involved noting the withdrawal from the Small Cities Coalition. The primary action was the resolution authorizing the award of an RFP to Bodin Companies LLC for the sale and development of two city-owned parcels off Goodson Avenue for $41,799, following compliance with Ordinance 21-1188, aiming to return the long-vacant property to the tax roll and support residential infill development.

The meeting featured a midyear fiscal year presentation from the Community Development Department, emphasizing the impactful yet often less tangible work of citizen advisory boards. Discussions highlighted the roles of seven citizen-led bodies: the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals (guiding long-range development and interpreting zoning), the Redbank Cemetery Advisory Board (focusing on stewardship and preservation), the Nonprofit Advisory Board (strengthening social fabric), the Festival Advisory Board (cultivating community spirit), the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (enhancing physical and social well-being), and the Public Art Advisory Board (shaping cultural identity, noting recent achievements like murals and the arts festival). Key actions included the appointment of James Smith to the Festival Advisory Board and the appointment of Matt Portwood, Sunshine Loveless, and Daniel Willis to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Additionally, authorization was sought to amend the contract with HMBB Professional Engineering for the Dayton Boulevard ADA Upgrades project to reflect a revised cost, which is expected to be covered by anticipated NO funding in January.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussions included updates on the interim city court judge and acknowledgments of recent community events, such as the swearing-in ceremony for the interim judge, the Redbank firefighters' annual service awards, and the city's Christmas festival and parade. Public feedback was sought regarding the future park development of the Hixon property and the Godsy Ridge Trail System groundbreaking. Commissioner reports mentioned the passing of a former resident and judge, and congratulations were extended to the fire department. City management provided updates on the health of the elected judge, holiday office closures, and the schedule for the next commission meeting, noting the delay of the FY25 audit presentation. The consent agenda, which included minutes from a previous meeting and acceptance of a grant donation, was approved. Unfinished business involved the second and final reading and approval of ordinances appointing the interim judge, amending the Air Pollution Control Ordinance fees, setting the 2026 general revenue and tax rate, and rezoning two properties on Simpson Avenue. Citizen comments included a musical tribute related to the city's Christmas lights.

The work session presentation covered significant updates regarding the region's mobility ecosystem, including the operation of the incline railway, parking, and downtown shuttle services, and microtransit services. Economic impact figures were presented, showing contributions to the local economy through salaries and revenue generated from visitors. Key operational updates included making transit free for K-12 students, which resulted in a significant increase in student ridership, and efforts to address historical underfunding in transit maintenance and technology investment, focusing on compliance and securing competitive grants (approximately $10 million secured). The Fire Marshal's update detailed initiatives concerning increasing on-duty staffing, improving internal communications via shared platforms, updating stakeholder communication procedures, and focusing on fire safety education programs, especially targeting preschool communities. The Training Division provided an overview of ongoing training activities, including fundamental and advanced tactics, specialized proficiency training, and sending personnel to various industry conferences and classes.

The commission meeting included reports from Commissioners Holmes and Wilkins. Commissioner Holmes discussed the Tennessee Downtowns Community Development Program application process for downtown revitalization, with the application due in January 2026. Commissioner Wilkins provided an update regarding the White Oak Bicycle Co-op's acceptance of bike and lock donations. The City Manager reported on the ongoing absence of elected Judge John Houston and confirmed that coverage by five substitute judges has been arranged until a permanent judge is in place starting December 8th. Key agenda items included a public hearing and approval for the final plat regarding the donation of property, including a historical cemetery, by the Hillpoint Homeowners Association to the city for incorporation into parks and recreation. A public hearing was held concerning Ordinance 25-1295 to establish the general revenue tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026, which involved correcting a previous error in the certified tax rate calculation following a reappraisal year, setting the rate at 1.1306 per $100 of assessed property value, which resulted in an estimated budget shortfall of $762,286 for FY26. Further actions included the approval of ordinance 25-1292, appointing attorney Brian Hos to preside over city court in Judge Houston's absence, and first readings for an ordinance to increase Air Pollution Control fees and an ordinance to rezone property at 2633 Simpson Avenue from R1 residential to RTZ residential townhouse zero lot line to address low housing stock needs.