Public Meetings - Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Chattanooga City Council held a regular meeting on March 3, 2026, which included a planning and zoning committee session. The council addressed ordinances, resolutions, purchases, and heard public comments on sidewalk safety and charitable accountability. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. - Ordinances on first reading: Item A (speed limit reduction on Graysville Road from 40 to 30 mph) and Item B (annual towing rate increase) were approved. - Public works right-of-way abandonment in District 2 was approved with a condition that no healthy trees larger than six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) be removed from the abandoned alley. - Resolutions: Appointment of Tim Moore to Board of Zoning Appeals; lease with Legal Aid of East Tennessee for $1/year; donation from Miracle League for a video board ($83,000); contract awards for FY26 Citywide Resurfacing ($13.5M) and Birchwood Landfield Gas Flare Replacement ($929,915) were approved. - Purchase requests: Six purchases approved as a package, including a stormwater supply renewal with a negotiated 1.1% increase (vendor initially requested 7%), a risk management increase of $500,000 due to rising claims, and others. Two RFP formats and one sole source purchase (tree distribution program for $29,199) were reported. Public Comments & Testimony - BJ Keepers (retired military, Chattanooga resident) requested that charitable organizations receiving city funds be audited and held accountable for transparency, including annual reports, financial disclosures, and adherence to bylaws. He referenced an unnamed group he said had received city and county funds without proper oversight. - Hopenchi (Oak Grove resident, mother of five) highlighted the lack of sidewalks in her neighborhood, which she said creates safety hazards for families walking to parks and businesses. She referenced successful traffic safety measures in Hoboken, NJ (zero fatalities since 2017) and Helsinki, Finland, and urged the council to adopt a Vision Zero policy. She offered to help organize walk audits. Discussion Items - Risk Management Budget Increase: Councilman Elliott questioned a $500,000 increase for risk management obligations through March 31, 2026, noting that the FY27 budget has not been approved yet. Staff from risk management explained that claims for 2025 were up 14% over 2024, and claim costs for 2024 were up 45% over 2023. Councilwoman Burr requested a future presentation on the department's progress in reducing risk. Greg (Risk Management) outlined initiatives such as checking driver safety records and preventing injuries in wastewater operations. - Agawilla Drive Rezoning (3886 Agawilla Drive, District 5): The applicant requested a rezoning from RN-1 to RN-3 to develop multi-unit residential. Originally proposed 79 units, reduced to 67 after public input. Staff recommended conditions limiting attached units to no more than four per building and preserving a townhome-style form. Neighbors expressed opposition, preferring the current RN-1 designation and citing concerns about traffic and rental properties. Planning commission approved the rezoning with five conditions. - East Third Street Rezoning (1010 East Third Street, District 7): A rezoning was requested to allow a drive-through pharmacy as an accessory use on a site currently zoned CN. Staff recommended the INST zone instead and proposed an ordinance amendment to permit drive-throughs in institutional zones. Councilwoman Noel noted the applicant had not contacted her and required a conversation before she could support the rezoning. The council agreed to move the related ordinance amendments ahead of the rezoning vote on the next agenda to provide certainty for the applicant. - Ordinance Amendments: Three text amendments were discussed: (1) Changing the term "adult use" to "adult-oriented establishment" to align with state law and other city code; (2) Allowing drive-through facilities as an accessory use in the institutional (INST) zone, with standards to prevent standalone commercial pharmacies; (3) Updating notification requirements from 15 to 21 days per state law and clarifying sign posting rules for form-based code and board of zoning appeals cases. - Future Considerations: An MOU with Launch Pad to install a publicly accessible naloxone (naloxone) box at Miller Park was introduced, with a presentation scheduled for March 10, 2026. Key Outcomes - Votes: All ordinances and resolutions on the agenda were approved unanimously. - Planning & Zoning: The Agawilla Drive rezoning will proceed to final reading with staff-recommended conditions (no more than 67 units, no more than four attached units per building). The East Third Street rezoning will be considered after the related ordinance amendments are voted on, pending Councilwoman Noel's district approval. - Future Meetings: Budget working session scheduled for March 31, 2026 (9-11 AM); Planning Commission meeting on March 19, 2026; Homelessness working group to meet monthly; 311 education session to be scheduled; Risk management presentation to be scheduled. - Donation: Volkswagen donated three vehicle shells to the Chattanooga Fire Department for training purposes. - Community Engagement: The Hicks and Pike Road safety improvement survey open through March 6, 2026.

The Chattanooga City Council met on March 3, 2026, to discuss two main agenda items: a presentation from the Family Justice Center about its strategic planning efforts and a proposal from Councilman Elliott to create a Director of Legislative Affairs position for the council. Family Justice Center Presentation The Family Justice Center director and Casey Gwinn, a national leader in the family justice movement, presented on the center’s history and future goals. Gwinn highlighted that Hamilton County saw domestic violence homicides drop from 15 to zero per year in the early 2000s after a collaborative effort, but they rose back to 15 when the grant was not renewed. Currently, the county averages eight to ten domestic violence homicides per year. Chattanooga was selected as a national demonstration site for the Polyvictimization Initiative in 2019. Gwinn noted the center has about 10–14 core partners and stressed the need for it to become the primary hub for all gender-based violence referrals in Hamilton County, stating that law enforcement does not currently make it their first referral. Gwinn recommended the city increase messaging (e.g., via water bills, public TV) and require all new city employees to tour the center, as was done in San Diego. The center’s strategic planning continues on March 4, 2026, focusing on a five-year vision through 2031. Discussion of Director of Legislative Affairs Position Councilman Elliott introduced a revised proposal for a Director of Legislative Affairs, which would provide legislative research, draft ordinances, monitor state/federal actions, and support community engagement. The position would report to council leadership and is intended to strengthen the council’s legislative capacity. The pay grade was adjusted from GS21 to GS17 based on previous concerns, with HR having conducted a competitive pay study. Funding would come from general funds, either through reallocation or new budget allocation, pending budget discussions. Councilman Harvey expressed general support but found the pay high, suggesting a starting salary of $70,000. Councilwoman Henderson advocated for a tighter job description and lower pay, proposing a “policy support specialist” role and exploring expansion of existing staff. Others cautioned against overloading current staff. Councilman Elliott argued that lower pay would attract lower skills, given the high-level work expected. No vote was taken; the item will be revisited at the council’s next strategic planning meeting on March 17, 2026. Key Outcomes No formal votes were taken during this meeting. The Family Justice Center received council support for its strategic planning; next steps involve continued refinement of the strategic plan. The legislative affairs director proposal will be further refined and discussed at the March 17 strategic planning meeting.

The Chattanooga Industrial Development Board (IDB) met on March 2, 2026, to approve a development and tax increment financing (TIF) agreement for the Northgate Mall infrastructure project. The meeting included public comments on TIF policy improvements, staff presentations, board discussion on financial due diligence, and a vote to approve the resolution subject to conditions regarding the developer’s standing with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. New board member David Hudson was introduced. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Helen Burns Sharp, founder of Accountability for Taxpayer Money (ATM), spoke as a citizen and former community development director. She advocated for tighter TIF policies, suggesting that the IDB and city council receive staff reports with answers to key questions earlier in the process. She questioned the appropriate amount of public investment and whether alternative tools (e.g., assessment districts) would be more equitable. She also urged that city council have a clearly defined role in reviewing development agreements before they reach the IDB, noting that council had requested a robust public engagement process for the Northgate project. She emphasized that her comments were “good government questions,” not anti-development. Discussion Items - Northgate Mall Infrastructure Project – Development and Tax Incentive Agreement - Staff Presentation: Winston Brooks, Director of Economic Development, presented the proposed agreement with Hickson Mall LLC (a CBL affiliate) for infrastructure improvements on approximately 71.43 acres at the Northgate site. The project includes replacing private water, sewer, and stormwater systems to meet public standards and facilitate mixed-use redevelopment. Key details: estimated cost $10.3 million, maximum debt obligation $8.7 million plus interest, reimbursed through TIF and sales tax contributions. The city retains its base property and sales taxes. The agreement incorporates city council’s January 6, 2026 resolution urging community engagement. Design deadline: 15 months from effective date; Phase 1 completion by Dec 31, 2028; overall project by Dec 31, 2031. - Board Discussion: Board members raised several concerns: - The application’s bankruptcy disclosure: Hickson Mall LLC was not the bankrupt entity; parent CBL’s bankruptcy (Chapter 11, closed in 2022) was known and disclosed. - Standing with Tennessee Department of Revenue: A board member noted that the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website listed Hickson Mall LLC as “not in good standing” with the Department of Revenue. The board requested an explanation. Attorney Mark Mamantoff (Asperion Sims) stated that the city’s standard practice is to verify good standing before closing, and the agreement includes representations and warranties that the entity is in good standing. He noted that such issues are often minor filing problems. - Amendment to the Resolution: The board discussed adding conditions. The motion was amended to require notification of why the entity is not in good standing by March 7, 2026, and that the development agreement will not be signed until the good standing issue is resolved. If notification is not provided, the resolution will be reconsidered at the April 2026 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. - Public Comment on the Resolution: City Council member Jeff Davis (District 3, where the project is located) appeared and expressed support for the project, noting cooperation between the city and CBL and CBL’s commitment to attend his quarterly town halls for public engagement. - Annual Compliance Report on TIFs and PILOTs: A board member inquired about the schedule for compliance updates. Staff reported that an annual report on active TIFs and PILOTs is typically presented to the IDB and city council in June, following state reporting deadlines and validation of job creation data. - Update on “The Bend” Project: A board member asked about a substantial change in ownership at “The Bend” and its potential impact on the TIF agreement. Attorney Mamantoff said the city is analyzing a complex ownership structure and cannot yet confirm if a change of control occurred. He indicated the developer is required to provide an update to the board, likely in April or May 2026. The board asked that correspondence on the matter be shared. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution (Northgate TIF Agreement), with amendments: - Correction of typographical errors (date and spelling). - Addition of a condition: “There shall be notification of why Hickson Mall LLC is not in good standing with the state of Tennessee Department of Revenue by March 7, 2026, or this resolution shall be reconsidered by the board at its meeting in April 2026. This development agreement will not be signed until the good standing is resolved with the state of Tennessee Department of Revenue.” - The motion passed unanimously (voice vote, all in favor). - Next Steps: Staff will report on compliance status of TIFs and PILOTs in June 2026. The board will receive an update on “The Bend” project in the coming months.

On March 2, 2026, the Chattanooga City Council convened a working group meeting focused on homelessness. The meeting featured presentations from the Homeless Coalition and the city’s Director of Housing Policy, followed by extensive discussion among council members, staff, and community partners. The conversation centered on the gaps in the homelessness response system, the impact of shifting federal policies, and potential local solutions, including an upcoming announcement about the Airport Inn property. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Lovett (via Zoom, founder of Urban Street Angels in San Diego) shared his expertise on transitional housing for youth and adults, noting that in Southern California nearly 60% of those experiencing homelessness first became homeless between ages 18–21. He offered to assist with recommendations. - Judge Abels (General Sessions Court) reported that his court sees many individuals released from mental health facilities (Moccasin Bend) who are dropped off in Chattanooga and later come into contact with law enforcement. He noted a program that has helped over 100 individuals return to their hometowns in the past year with low recidivism. - Stephen Hollow (Director of Operations, Hubble Establishment) highlighted that the Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Continuum of Care performs in the 90th percentile nationally for time from housing to placement and the 80th percentile for preventing returns to homelessness. He advocated for increased funding and partnership. - Ms. Hershey (community member) expressed frustration that a planned cleanup of the Harbor Freight encampment (with dumpster provided by the city) turned into a removal, destroying donated supplies. She called for better communication and collaboration with community groups already serving the homeless. Discussion Items - Homeless Coalition Presentation (McKenzie): - The coordinated entry system uses a universal housing assessment and a “by name list” to track individuals experiencing homelessness. Over 1,000 people are homeless across the 11-county region on any given night. - A two-bedroom fair market rent requires a job paying $27.42/hour, but 76% of local jobs pay less. Three full-time minimum wage jobs are needed to avoid being rent-burdened. 72% of households on the by name list report a disabling condition. - Gaps: 800 emergency shelter beds, 100 rapid rehousing beds, 300 permanent supportive housing beds. - Federal policy changes (e.g., moving away from “Housing First”) will reduce funding for permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing, requiring more local investment in prevention and diversion. - City Housing Policy Update (Megan Miles): - The city launched a $1 million Eviction Prevention Fund (in partnership with the Homeless Coalition, OSH, and Legal Aid of East Tennessee) providing shallow rental assistance, case management, and legal aid. This was funded via a budget amendment by Councilman Davis. - The city is also working on housing supply through a pilot program incentivizing affordable units and competing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. - Council Discussion on Gaps and Solutions: - Councilman Elliott asked about the gap in emergency shelter beds (800) and the number of existing beds (224). He noted that federal policy changes have reduced the ability to use Section 8 vouchers, making the housing pipeline more constrained. - Councilman Henderson emphasized the need for community buy-in and suggested churches could be partners, noting that “government is not good at a lot of stuff” and should support private-led efforts. - Councilman Clark highlighted the correlation between youth homelessness and adult chronic homelessness, advocating for focusing on the 1,600 students identified as homeless by Hamilton County Schools (using the McKinney-Vento definition). - Councilman Davis expressed concern about the accuracy of the by-name list, stating that actual numbers may be higher. He requested a list of current city ordinances related to homelessness and panhandling. - Councilman Harvey shared a story from Washington, D.C., to underscore the urgency of the issue and called for a solutions-oriented approach. - Councilwoman Burr (or Councilman? – unclear) raised the issue of the Airport Inn property, which the city owns. Kevin (city official) said the city is close to making a public announcement about a “productive use” directly related to homelessness, likely a privately funded transitional housing model, with an operational funding request to come before the council. - Councilman Henderson (again) urged that the working group become action-oriented, requesting a living document of policy and funding recommendations rather than repeated presentations. Key Outcomes - Working Group Commitment: Council members agreed to continue meeting monthly, with a focus on policy recommendations, funding strategies, and actionable solutions. Councilman Davis requested that future meetings be workshops with substance, not just presentations. - Upcoming Announcement: The city is finalizing plans for the Airport Inn property, which will involve a private operator and require a city/county operational funding partnership. The announcement is expected soon. - Data and Communication: The administration will share data on 311 complaints, encampment removals, and the by-name list with council members. Better communication between departments and council districts was emphasized. - Housing Wins: The Homeless Coalition reported that 144 children enrolled in Hamilton County Schools have been housed in the last seven months through a pilot program, despite the freeze on vouchers. - Council Requests: Councilman Elliott requested a list of current city ordinances related to homelessness and panhandling. Councilman Davis asked for data on complaints in his district regarding the Harbor Freight encampment.

The Chattanooga City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, Black History Month remarks, and approval of minutes. The council addressed street closures, appointments, an interlocal agreement, multiple purchases, and heard public comments on accessibility, housing, and neighborhood concerns. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the previous meeting were approved without objection. - Two final reading ordinances (7A and 7B) closing unopened rights-of-way (4200 block of Bonnie Oaks Drive and 400 block of Maplewood Avenue) were approved as a package. - Two resolutions (A and B) confirming Mayor Kelly's appointments (Richard Sledge to the Passenger Vehicle for Hire Board; Donna Shepherd to the Tree Commission) were approved as a package. - Resolution C authorizing an interlocal agreement with Collegedale regarding boundary adjustment and de-annexation of property at 8883 Old Lee Highway was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Unidentified speaker: Reported a severe traffic accident at an intersection lacking warning lights, which injured his handicapped wife. He urged the council to install warning lights. - Melanie Norwood (owner of Amma Safe Haven): Requested assistance housing her 42 residents; she had turned away over 40 people in two weeks due to lack of funds. She was referred to Chief of Staff Kevin Roig. - Josh Branham (Governmental Affairs Director, Greater Chattanooga Realtors): Announced a community scholarship fund for graduating seniors in Hamilton, Sequatchie, Catoosa, Walker, and Dade counties. Applications are due March 1, 2026. Since 2022, the program has awarded nearly $53,000, and this year five recipients can receive up to $4,000 each for college or trade school. - Olivia Batson (District 8): Advocated for better sidewalk accessibility and curb cuts, particularly near UTC campus and East MLK Boulevard, noting difficulties for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Councilman Harvey invited her to collaborate on accessibility policy. - Shirley Moon (District 9, Ridgedale): Introduced herself as an 82-year-old homeowner and voter, and stated she would submit a letter about issues in her neighborhood. Discussion Items - Black History Month Remarks: Councilman Elliott thanked members who wore black history attire and honored black women pioneers (e.g., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Kamala Harris) for their resilience and sacrifice. - Pond Program Presentation: Maria Price (Assistant City Engineer) presented the Single Family Residential Pond Program. Approximately 200 of the city’s 1,600 stormwater ponds are on single-family parcels, placing an unfair burden on homeowners. Repairs can cost $10,000–$50,000. The program will bring ponds into functional compliance through city-funded work, after which homeowners handle general maintenance (mowing, inspections). Councilman Elliott asked about liability; Price noted that homeowners sign a temporary construction permission form and an inspection and maintenance agreement. - Purchases: Four purchases were approved: 1. Wastewater: new blanket agreement for video inspection services (4 years, up to $750,000 annually; vendors: Amtec Surveying, Dukes Root Control, Performance Contracting, Red Zone Robotics). 2. Technology Services: extension to agreement with KCI Technologies through November 2, 2026 (no additional funds). 3. Traffic Operations: new blanket agreement for traffic signal parts installation and maintenance (4 years, up to $400,000 annually). 4. Parks and Outdoors: increase of $48,132 for power to lot fixtures at Champions Club tennis courts (new total $1,141,842). - Future Legislation: Councilman Elliott announced a resolution to be introduced March 10, 2026, requesting Public Works create a strategic plan to address citywide litter, potentially using stormwater funds or dedicated staff. Councilman Clark noted current litter cleanup by Public Works but acknowledged the need for more resources. - Certificate of Compliance: The City Attorney presented a revised certificate for retail food store wine license for Speedway 42185 (4886 Bonnie Oaks Drive), previously rejected by TABC due to form issues. The council approved the revised certificate. Key Outcomes - Minutes and all consent items (street closures, appointments, interlocal agreement) approved unanimously. - Four purchases approved as recommended. - Certificate of compliance for Speedway wine license approved. - Council recessed for attorney-client meeting at approximately 3:45 PM and reconvened at 4:15 PM. - Next council meeting scheduled for March 10, 2026 (first reading items expected); Homeless Working Group meeting on March 2, 2026.

Meeting called to order at 13:55. The board addressed several beer permit applications, renewals, and violations. Key actions included denial of a new permit due to background check inconsistencies, deferral of two applications, and approval of a late renewal under extenuating circumstances. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 5, 2026): Unanimously approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comment on Portal Issues: A speaker (affiliated with the denied Cabanas application) addressed the board, stating that the online renewal portal had caused problems for multiple applicants. He noted that he had served beer without a permit for a year and was closed for six months, but acknowledged the board's distinction regarding proactive compliance. He requested consideration of a TBI background check for the Cabanas case, but the permit had already been denied. The board clarified that a new application would be required. - Second Public Comment: A second individual approached the podium but was directed to the upcoming hearing portion of the meeting; no remarks were made. Discussion Items - Deferred Application (Unnamed, Event in Late March): The board deferred an application to the next meeting due to unresolved legal and zoning issues. Motion passed unanimously (8-0). - Cabanas Night Club and Event Center (Beer 1378 – New Permit): The applicant, Mr. Serrano, sought a new beer permit after operating without one since December 2024. Sergeant Cowan reported multiple inconsistencies in the FBI background check, including conflicting Social Security numbers, a non-existent Georgia ID, and differing race and citizenship listings. The applicant explained a past identity theft issue and a new Social Security number. Board members expressed concerns about reliability and credibility. A motion to deny the permit passed 6-2 (Zach and chair voting no; Christy, Brooke, Veronica, JW, Reginald, Betsy voting yes). The permit was denied, but the applicant may reapply. - Lemongrass Tie (Application): Held by building department; deferred to next meeting unanimously. - The Dream – 30-Day Suspension and $1,000 Fine: The board reviewed the hearing officer's recommendation from January 15, 2026. The fine had not been paid. Discussion centered on notification methods: the order was mailed via regular mail on February 9, but the board questioned whether the 7-day payment window had started. The board noted that the suspension period begins at the meeting. The city attorney's office is implementing certified mail and email notification for future orders. No action taken; informational only. - Crust Pizza (Ragibsinan Mungan – Renewal Request): The permit expired December 31, 2025. The applicant stated he tried to renew online but encountered system issues, and a family death delayed action. He stopped selling beer on January 1. The board noted problems with the online portal. A motion to allow renewal within 30 days passed 6-0-1 (JW abstained; Christy, Brooke, Veronica, Reginald, Betsy, chair voting yes). The applicant was advised to work with the treasurer's office to complete payment. Key Outcomes - Denied: Cabanas Night Club and Event Center (Beer 1378) – new permit denied (6-2). Applicant may reapply. - Deferred: Unnamed application (legal/zoning issues) – moved to next meeting. Lemongrass Tie – deferred to next meeting. - Approved: Crust Pizza – renewal allowed within 30 days (6-0-1). - Notification Process: The board directed the city attorney's office to use certified mail and email for all future orders and citations, effective immediately.

The Chattanooga City Council convened on February 17, 2026, at approximately 8:25 PM. The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, approval of minutes, and consideration of numerous planning items, ordinances, resolutions, and purchases. Notable actions included denying a rezoning for a multi-unit development at 2003 Wilcox Boulevard and denying a special exception permit for a liquor store at 4107 Dodds Avenue. The council also approved amended council rules, a land acquisition for a new park in District 4, and various other items. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: Approved without objection. - Planning Items B–G (Package): Approved without objection. These included rezoning of properties at 1815–1829 Jenkins Road, 8476 East Brainerd Road, 4412 Dodds Avenue, 1810 South Kelly Street, and amendments to flood hazard definitions and the Board of Appeals. - First Reading Ordinances: Approved as a package without objection. - 8A: Closing a portion of unopened right-of-way in the 4200 block of Bonnie O's Drive. - 8B: Closing an unopened right-of-way in the 400 block of Maplewood Avenue. Public Comments & Testimony - John Wasselowski (District 9): Expressed concern about the city's consent decree fines for sewer overflows (from 2019–2023) and urged the council to eliminate mandatory parking minimums to reduce impermeable surfaces and stormwater runoff. He praised current public works leadership for recent progress but argued that parking mandates contribute to flooding and infrastructure strain. - Joshua David Capellish (VFW Chaplain): Advocated for the unsheltered population, calling for more resources to provide safe, dry, warm places to sleep. He also emphasized the importance of following legal immigration processes and cooperating with ICE to free up housing for black communities. He quoted Theodore Roosevelt on resource conservation. Discussion Items - Rezoning for 2003 Wilcox Boulevard (Avondale): Councilwoman Noel stated intention to deny due to community opposition from a neighborhood association meeting. The applicant, representing Chattanooga Development, proposed a four-story condominium development on a former church site. Council members expressed frustration over the property's blight since 2016 and lack of community engagement. The council voted to deny the rezoning. - Special Exception Permit for Liquor Store at 4107 Dodds Avenue (JK of America Corp., dba Big Papa Quick Mart): Councilwoman Dotley presented crime statistics showing 265 index crimes and 3,468 calls for service within a half-mile radius, including 51 drug offenses, 29 aggravated assaults, and 9 weapon offenses. She argued the permit would not promote public health, safety, or welfare. The applicant highlighted 20 years of business on Dodds Avenue and low crime at his store. Councilman Clark noted smelling marijuana in the store. The council denied the permit. - Council Rules of Operation Amendment: Councilwoman Dotley offered an amendment to align the chairperson pro tem selection process with Section 8.3 of the city charter, replacing ambiguous language. The amendment passed, and the resolution was approved as amended. - Economic Development Resolutions (B, C, D): Approved as a package. - Resolution B: Acquisition of 14–15 acres at 1816 Gray Road for $1,350,000 (with matching grants from TDEC and city capital budget) for a new park in District 4. - Resolution C: Purchase of 6954 Robinson Drive for $40,000. - Resolution D: Agreement with Signal Centers for $94,000 to support TANF-eligible parents with internships and training. - Public Works Items (F, G, H): Approved. - F: Gymnasium renovations at Hickson Community Center for $100,344. - G: Public-private partnership for Station Street alleyway expansion (reimbursement up to $200,000). - H: Payment of $727,000 to EPA for sanitary sewer overflow penalties (2019–2023 consent decree). - Purchases: Four purchases approved. - 1: Lighting system for Carver Center ball field ($250,678). - 2: Third-year renewal for grounds maintenance ($292,718). - 3: Blanket agreement for park signs ($60,000 annual). - 4: Sole source purchase of cone valves for wastewater ($56,880). - Motion to Reconsider Zoning Case 2025-0151 (Highland Park): Councilman Elliott moved to reconsider a previously denied project to allow the community and developer time to negotiate. The council approved reconsideration, setting March 10, 2026 as the date for further discussion. Key Outcomes - Denied: Rezoning for 2003 Wilcox Boulevard (motion to deny passed). - Denied: Special exception permit for liquor store at 4107 Dodds Avenue (motion to deny passed). - Approved: Council rules resolution as amended. - Approved: All consent calendar items (minutes, planning package, first reading ordinances). - Approved: Economic development resolutions B, C, D. - Approved: Public works items F, G, H. - Approved: All four purchases. - Approved: Motion to reconsider zoning case 2025-0151 (scheduled for March 10, 2026).

The Chattanooga City Council met on February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included approval of the previous minutes, presentations from two community partners (United Way of Greater Chattanooga and La Paz Chattanooga), and discussion of upcoming calendar and board appointments. No public comments were taken. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection following a motion and second. Discussion Items - United Way of Greater Chattanooga (Abby Garrison): Garrison provided a mid-year update on 211 services and the stormwater fee assistance program. Key points: - United Way’s 211 call center responded to over 57,000 calls in the past year across a 15-county footprint, with the majority from Hamilton County/Chattanooga. - Through privately funded emergency assistance, over $800,000 in direct aid was distributed to individuals for rent, utilities, etc. (with a lifetime cap of $3,000 per person and a $1,200 annual cap for rent). - The city provides $168,000 annually for 211 operations (salaries, software), not for direct assistance. The county provided $100,000 in the most recent year (previously $170,000; goal to return to $170,000 match). - During the federal SNAP benefits crisis, 211 saw a 50% increase in calls. United Way deployed $150,000 to food pantries. - Stormwater fee assistance program served over 2,100 households last year using city funds administered by United Way. - Questions from council addressed: data on repeat callers, connection to job training, the distinction between operational vs. direct assistance funding, and the role of United Way as a last-resort funder. - La Paz Chattanooga (Stacey Johnson): Johnson reported on services for the Latino community, funded by the city over the past 3.5 years. Key points: - Served over 7,000 residents through bilingual case management; received 150+ hotline calls/walk-ins; eliminated over $1 million in medical debt; provided 4,000+ meals; conducted 100+ outreach events. - Latino students now make up 21.7% of Hamilton County Schools; concentrated at Eastside Elementary, Clifton Hills, East Lake, and expanding. - Workforce programming: 4,000 hours of English classes, 130 participants in digital literacy, 30 first-generation college students in leadership program, 3 business cohorts graduated, 70+ small businesses assisted through business navigation. - Due to national rhetoric, La Paz has seen increased fear and requests for emergency planning (power of attorney, passport clinics, know-your-rights sessions). About 25 families locally affected by detainment/deportation, plus over 20 families identified by school social workers. - La Paz seeks continued city partnership to sustain stabilization services and expand workforce pathways. Emphasized need for language access in city infrastructure and inclusion in strategic planning (One Chattanooga plan). - Other Discussion: Council discussed calendar items including: moving the April 14 meeting date for the Lookouts stadium opening day (April 14, 2026); a lunch and learn private tour of the stadium on February 24, 2026 at 11:30 AM; a presentation from the Family Justice Center at the March 3 strategic planning session; and a vacancy on the Animal Control Board (districts 4, 5, and 7) – board not currently meeting. - Councilman Burns requested a procedure for sign-in with topic for speakers; that will be discussed at the strategic planning session on February 17. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken beyond approval of minutes. - The council acknowledged the reports from United Way and La Paz without formal action. - The meeting date of April 14, 2026 (Tuesday) may be rescheduled to allow attendance at the Lookouts stadium opening day; further discussion deferred. - Future agenda items: Family Justice Center strategic planning presentation (March 3), council policy procession discussion (March 3), and council strategic planning session (February 17).

The Health, Education, Housing Facilities Board of the City of Chattanooga met on February 16, 2026, with a quorum present. The board approved previous meeting minutes, conducted a TEFRA public hearing for a multifamily housing bond issuance, voted on a resolution authorizing bonds for One West Side Phase 3B, approved an eviction prevention fund contract, and received updates on other projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of November 17, 2025 meeting minutes: Approved unanimously (all ayes, no opposition). Public Comments & Testimony - Janice Vidden expressed support for continued eviction prevention funding, noting its origins during COVID and the ongoing need. She thanked the board for continuing the funding. Discussion Items - TEFRA Hearing for One West Side Phase 3B: A public hearing required for the issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds not exceeding $12 million. The project will provide 104 units of low- and moderate-income housing at 1300 Boynton Drive. Jim Crowley of Columbia Residential presented the phase, part of the West Side redevelopment (7 total phases). The "twinning" structure combines 9% and 4% tax credits to maximize public dollars. This phase will be built after relocation of College Hill Courts residents. The board later voted on a resolution authorizing the bond issuance. - Resolution for One West Side Phase 3B Bonds: Motion made and seconded to approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds not exceeding $12 million. Vote: All ayes, passed unanimously. - Eviction Prevention Fund: Resolution authorizing a $1 million fund administered by the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition. Megan from the City Policy Office explained the fund uses a "shallow but flexible" model with wraparound services (Legal Aid of East Tennessee, housing counseling, case management). Discussion: Board members noted the importance of wraparound services, requested a follow-up report after six months, clarified that the city holds the funds (not the board), and adjusted contract dates to span February to January or March to February. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Other Business: - Site plan review for NFC (National HealthCare) at Standifer Place – information only, likely involving renovation/expansion. - Report on debt obligations: One West Side Phase 2B ($20 million bond) and Eastwood Manor ($2,946 note and $15 million multifamily note) – filed with the state comptroller. - Discussion of future projects: Possible bond issuances for Standifer Place, Walk to Campus, and Atlantic Companies. Next meeting set for March 16, 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of November 17, 2025 (unanimous). - Approved resolution authorizing up to $12 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for One West Side Phase 3B (unanimous). - Approved resolution authorizing contract with Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition for administration of $1 million eviction prevention fund (unanimous). Contract dates and signature party to be corrected before execution. - Received information on site plan and debt reporting; noted upcoming projects for March 2026 meeting.