Oak Ridge, City of - Electric Dept

The key discussion topics for the meeting included officer reports, the Executive Assistant's report for February 2026, and committee reports. New business focused significantly on authorizing the Chairman or Vice-Chair to execute access agreements with Orano concerning Self-Sufficiency Parcel 2 (SSP-2) for due diligence efforts. Further resolutions authorized agreements with the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding SSP-2 for environmental reviews and a fiber optic line easement. The Board also approved resolutions related to a Quitclaim Deed transfer of SSP-2 from DOE, updates on the Area 7 Project including an InvestPrep grant extension and easement preparation expenses, approving a Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) transaction and a Nuclear Energy Program Grant for R-50, LLC, and authorizing the sale of specific land parcels in Horizon Center Industrial Park for Project Reindeer. Additionally, the Board accepted the revised City of Oak Ridge Property Tax Incentive Program Policies and Procedures. The meeting concluded with the election of IDB Officers for 2026.

The meeting began with a proclamation recognizing Jean Lantrip for ten years of service as Chair of the Oak Ridge Housing Authority. The consent agenda included several contract awards for mowing and trimming services across various parks and industrial parks, as well as approval for applying for a Tennessee Rescue Squad Grant for swift water rescue equipment. The consent agenda also approved amending a resolution to authorize five years of support and maintenance for traffic controllers. During the public hearing segment, an ordinance proposing amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding nightclubs, dance clubs, taverns, clubs (private), and lodges—specifically removing prohibitions on outdoor activities and distance requirements—was referred back to the Planning Commission. A related ordinance concerning alcoholic beverages distance requirements was deferred. Subsequently, several ordinances were adopted on final reading, which amended the Zoning Ordinance by rezoning approximately 146 acres from Industrial categories to IND-3, Industrial; rezoning approximately 56.99 acres from FIR to IND-2; changing a 11.59-acre parcel from IND-2 to B-2; ratifying several previous zoning ordinances that did not meet the 21-day notice timeframe; and rezoning parcels in the Manhattan District Overlay and Horizon Center Industrial Park. Resolutions approved during the resolutions segment included awarding contracts for converting tennis courts to pickleball courts, aquatic design services for the outdoor pool, installation of new advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) water meters, and as-needed repair contracts for Kohler generators used in water and wastewater systems. Additionally, an agreement for legal services related to utility agreements and policies for a property tax incentive program were approved.

The regular meeting included several actions taken by the council. Key items involved numerous elections and appointments to various city and county boards, including the Anderson County Board of Equalization, the Convention and Visitors' Bureau/Explore Oak Ridge Board of Directors, and several advisory boards. The consent agenda included the approval of the December 15, 2025, regular meeting minutes, authorization for the purchase renewal of SMARTWORKS MDM software, and an agreement for consulting services to assess emergency response needs for nuclear fuel storage. A resolution amending the goals and bylaws of the Oak Ridge Land Bank Corporation was also approved after separate discussion. The council conducted a first reading of several ordinances related to ratifying previous zoning amendments and rezoning specific parcels of land. Additionally, an ordinance addressing compensatory time in the city's personnel plan was adopted on final reading. Resolutions were approved authorizing an agreement for emergency management consulting services, accepting a proposal from the Tennessee Department of Transportation for road construction, authorizing the purchase of fifteen vehicles, and engaging a firm to develop a revenue and expense projection model for energy sector development projects. The 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda was amended and adopted.

The Regular Meeting agenda for the Industrial Development Board (IDB) covered several significant items. Key discussions involved the approval of the deed transfer for the SSP-2 Parcel from DOE to the IDB for the Orano Project, which included public comment regarding creating a conservation easement on the property. New business also addressed the Horizon Center, Area 7 Project, including authorizing the Chairman to sign an amendment to the InvestPrep Grant Contract to extend the draw period, and approving professional services expenses for construction easements. Furthermore, the Board considered a Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) transaction for the Mainstreet Lofts development and reviewed a new PILOT policy to be presented to City Council. The Board also authorized the Chairman to negotiate land sales for IDB-owned property at Horizon Center Industrial Park. Finally, the election of IDB Officers for 2026 was scheduled.

This Annual Action Plan for the City of Oak Ridge outlines strategies for the 2022 program year, utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to address local needs. The plan focuses on improving infrastructure and services in Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) areas, specifically through projects such as sidewalk replacement and accessibility upgrades, and the HVAC replacement at the Scarboro Community Center. These initiatives aim to enhance public facilities, promote mobility, and improve the quality of life for residents, aligning with CDBG national objectives to benefit LMI individuals and prevent slum conditions.