Robert L. Vance

The commission addressed various business items, including the approval of a trolley service contract, the reappointment of members to the Recreation Board, and granting permission for the use of the Gatlinburg Community Center. Key policy actions included the adoption of an updated internal control policy and a mutual law enforcement assistance agreement with the National Park Service. Financial items consisted of approving a FEMA grant contract for road repairs following Hurricane Helene and an amendment to a grant contract with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. Additionally, the commission held first readings on two zoning ordinances to reclassify specific parcels and approved a property exchange agreement with Gatlinburg Airport 108 LLC to facilitate sidewalk expansion.

The meeting included a presentation from the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding first-quarter marketing statistics, social media impressions, and upcoming events. The City Manager announced a Tennessee Department of Transportation resurfacing project for the downtown Parkway and confirmed the upcoming installation of floral baskets. The commission held public hearings and approved ordinances to rezone parcels at 217 Sycamore Lane and Baskin Creek Road. Appointments were confirmed for the Anna Porter Public Library Board. Additionally, the commission approved an updated procurement policy, an audit contract with Crossland PLLC, and a grant application agreement for a pedestrian safety study. The Beer Board meeting followed, which included the approval of several on/off-premise beer permits for local establishments.

The City Commission held a workshop to review a pedestrian safety study conducted by CDM Smith. The discussion focused on a proposal to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow along the parkway by replacing midblock pedestrian crossings with eight new signalized crosswalks, resulting in a total of 13 traffic signals. The plan includes installing decorative fencing to prevent jaywalking, widening crosswalks, and leveraging federal 'Safe Streets for All' grant funding for the projected $6 million construction cost. Potential timelines for project implementation and the benefits of the proposed signal synchronization were also reviewed.

The City Commission meeting included the opening pledge and prayer, and confirmation of a quorum despite one Commissioner's absence. Key discussions covered the second reading and approval of Ordinance number 2649 concerning the annual appropriation for the fiscal year 2025-2026. New business involved approving an amendment to a construction contract for the water treatment plant expansion project to reflect a name change of the construction manager from Dugan and Meyers to Baker Water LLC. The Commission also adopted Resolution number 1039 regarding the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (CPACER) program after a public hearing, and approved Resolution number 1040 establishing an early retirement incentive program retroactive to January 1, 2026. Furthermore, contracts for services were approved for the Gatlinburg Community Police Department (GCOP) organization and the Gatlinburg Firefighters Association (GFA) organization. Unscheduled items included congratulations for the Gatlinburg Pitman Junior High School girls basketball team's state championship win and the high school swimmers' state championship, along with recognition for the police and fire departments' work.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the January 13, 2026, regular meeting, and a report from the Gallatin Convention and Visitors Bureau (GCVB) regarding its fourth-quarter performance, noting decreased website visitation but increased engagement through the Gatlinburg gap, strong social media reach, positive public relations coverage in various markets, and significant future bookings for the convention center. The Police Department received its sixth consecutive accreditation award, a first for an agency in Tennessee. Additionally, two officers/detectives, Josh Cole and Cindy Myers, were recognized by the East Tennessee Elder Justice Coalition for their outstanding service in investigating an investment scam targeting an older adult. Employee recognition followed for Philip Gentilli.