Travis Bishop

The meeting commenced with roll call, noting that Hawkins County, Churchill, and Mount Carmel representatives were absent, and Michael Thompson served as the proxy for Morris Baker. The board first addressed adding the election of the Vice Chair to the agenda, which passed via majority vote, to be conducted after the approval of previous minutes. Following public comment, the board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 13th, 2025 meeting. The main discussion centered on the kickoff of the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) update. The presentation provided an overview of the process, key planning steps, and schedule, emphasizing that the LRTP establishes the long-term framework for transportation investment through the 2050 horizon year across multimodal aspects, including roadways, technology, and public transit. Key steps involve setting goals and objectives, assessing needs and opportunities using travel demand modeling to test scenarios, project evaluation based on performance measures and fiscal constraints, and continuous public and stakeholder engagement. The discussion detailed the comparison of the current Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) boundary with the previous plan, and the coordination required for updating the Tri City travel demand model. Safety analysis, focusing on crash severity data from June 2020 to June 2025, was presented as an initial step in identifying priorities. The evaluation process involves screening projects against 20 measures tied to goals like livability, sustainability, and prosperity, and determining a fiscally constrained project list against projected revenues. The engagement plan includes a forthcoming project website, existing condition surveys, preference surveys, and stakeholder meetings on topics like safety and housing. The overall schedule aims for plan adoption in May 2027, with goals and objectives adoption occurring early in the process.

The board meeting commenced with a pledge led by Cub Scout Troop 49 and an invocation. A key focus was the proclamation recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which included discussions on local statistics and the work of the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking East Tennessee. Citizens addressed the board regarding concerns over the proposed demolition of the peewee football field for a school construction project, questioning prior decision-making processes. Another public hearing addressed the amendment to zoning ordinances concerning residential foundation requirements, proposing an update to industry standards (from 4-inch to 6-inch masonry underpinning). The final major agenda item involved a public hearing and consideration for amending the zoning ordinance to regulate data center and cryptocurrency mining land uses, focusing on appropriate locations, special exception criteria, and mandatory buffer zones (500 feet) from residential areas.

The meeting included the passage of an ordinance, which was followed by consideration of a general fund budget ordinance for fiscal year 2026. This involved an increase in funding allocated to Petworks by approximately $150,000 for operating expenditures, bringing the total allocation to $550,000, consistent with the previous year's adjustment. The need for a called meeting on Friday, March 6, was discussed to expedite the second reading and finalize items required from Petworks. Subsequent business included the approval of a zoning ordinance amendment for property on Brooft Chapel Road and an ordinance adjustment for various funds in fiscal year 2026. The consent agenda involved approving a resolution to accept a donation from Ballot Health for a reset room at John Adams Elementary School and approving the mayor's signature for the purchase of Clear Gov budgeting software. Discussions in the communications section covered the cancellation of March 2nd and 3rd meetings due to the Tennessee Municipal League legislative conference, scheduling a budget work session for March 6th, and future regular meetings on March 16th/17th. Board members also commented on the positive results from the MEView task force, the strong performance of the METRO hotels, the need to support the Petworks animal shelter with donations, and recent reports regarding family and community well-being statistics in Sullivan County and Kingsport schools achieving a high-achieving district status.

The meeting commenced with an invocation, followed by the roll call confirming all seven board members were present. Key agenda items included a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month, with discussions about its historical significance and the importance of black history as American history. The board heard public comments, including a representative from Graceoint Fellowship detailing their "love your city week" and their intention to donate $1,000 to the public transportation fund to support mobilizing citizens. The session involved several legislative actions, including the first reading and subsequent final adoption of an ordinance to amend zoning regulations for data centers and cryptocurrency mining, following a positive recommendation from the planning commission. A public hearing was held and closed regarding an ordinance to rezone property along Braftoft Chapel Road from M1 light manufacturing to PD Plan Development District. Budget adjustment ordinances for fiscal year 2026 were reviewed and passed on final reading, incorporating several donations, including funds for Fire Station 3 and the transit fund. Finally, an ordinance amending residential foundation requirements was adopted on second and final reading.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer invocation. Key agenda items included a public hearing and consideration for rezoning a property on Eaststone Drive from agricultural to highway-oriented business district, which received a positive recommendation from the planning commission following discussions regarding traffic and heavy equipment access. An ordinance for budget adjustments across various funds for fiscal year 2026 was approved. The board also authorized the purchase of two 2026 Ford Maverick vehicles for fleet replacement in street maintenance and the wastewater plant, and approved an extension to the agreement with Rafelis for customer information software implementation. Additionally, a resolution was awarded to GRC Civil Services, Inc. for the irrigation pump system replacement rebid at the Cattails at Medivview Golf Course. Items approved under the consent agenda included an amendment to a contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for a bicycle pedestrian bridge project and the renewal of the Voya stop-loss contract for 2026. Communications covered recent exciting developments in downtown Kingsport, including progress on the Dobins Taylor warehouse boutique hotel project and the purchase and remodeling of the former JC Penney building.