Public Meetings - Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission met on August 20, 2026, at 1:25 PM. The meeting opened with a training session on ethics, open meetings, and conflict of interest laws, followed by two new business cases: a dormer addition on a garage (HC 2677) and a demolition request for a fire-damaged church (HZD 263). The commission also received staff updates, including the creation of a new historic district for Loughton City. Training Session - Open Meetings and Ethics Training: A presenter from the city attorney's office provided guidelines for serving on city boards. Key points included: - Deliberations must occur in open meetings; private discussions (email, text, phone) about cases are prohibited and can void actions. - Board members must disclose personal interests that could affect their vote and recuse themselves if necessary. - Members should not accept gifts or favors related to their service, and must avoid using confidential information for personal gain. - Members were advised to direct public inquiries to staff rather than engaging in discussions that could create conflicts of interest. Discussion Items - Case HC 2677 – 5502 Vula Avenue (St. Elmo): The applicant proposed adding a dormer on the rear of a detached garage at a non-historic structure (circa 2023). The garage has storage space above but is not currently planned for occupancy. The applicant stated that siding and colors would match the existing composite material. Staff cited Chapter 11 of the City Code regarding additions and secondary structures, requiring the design to be similar or simpler to neighboring buildings. The commission voted to approve the case. - Motion: Approve HC 2677 per the applicable code sections. - Vote: Approved (no recorded opposition). - Case HZD 263 – 5519 Beulet Avenue (St. Elmo): The applicant requested demolition of a primary structure, a church built circa 1945 that suffered a fire and was condemned by code enforcement. The applicant explained the property would be subdivided into four lots (one without sewer) and rezoned for single-family homes. Staff noted that new construction in the historic district would require future commission approval. The commission discussed the demolition criteria: public safety, loss of architectural value, and improvement of neighborhood appearance. The applicant noted the property was on the city's demolition list and is a nuisance due to homeless activity. The commission approved the demolition with a condition that the approval does not set a precedent for future demolitions of contributing structures. - Motion: Approve HZD 263 per Chapter 10, Article II, Sections 10-15 and guidelines, with the condition that this approval does not set a precedent for demolition of contributing structures. - Vote: Approved (no recorded opposition). Key Outcomes - Case HC 2677 approved for dormer addition at 5502 Vula Avenue. - Case HZD 263 approved for demolition at 5519 Beulet Avenue, with the noted condition. - Staff Updates: - Cassie announced her new position as Zoning Development Manager in the Land Development Office. She will continue to oversee historic preservation until a replacement is chosen. - A new historic district application for Loughton City (approximately 240 properties) will be submitted in September 2026. The commission will act as the recommending body to City Council. A public meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at the Loughton City church. - Commission Recognition: The commission formally recognized Cassie for her leadership and dedication, and expressed interest in a neighborhood walk-through coinciding with the September public meeting.

The Chattanooga Beer Board met on August 20, 2026, to consider beer permit applications, discuss temporary event permitting issues, and review a pending violation. The board also held extensive discussion on beer permit expiration and the city's compliance with state law (TCA). Consent Calendar - Approved by Regulatory Officer (no board vote needed): - Event BB12 (August 12–15): compliance check passed. - Beer 1427 (neighborhood grocery): approved. - Beer 1444 (248 Northgate Mall Drive): approved. - Temporary event 147 (new application, approved by regulatory and legal). - Beer 1442 (Jimada Corporation, Metropolis Cafe at 200 Market Street): approved August 19. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comment. Discussion Items - Chattanooga Audubon Society – Birds, Brews & Barbecue (TE-145): Representative Jim Stewart explained the Audubon Society's first beer permit application. Legal advised that if the caterer (Tennessee Rebel Barbecue) holds a state catering license, no temporary event permit is needed; the caterer must notify the CPD regulatory unit five days before the event. The application is on hold pending verification of the caterer's license. Board members clarified the process and offered to assist directly. - Creative Discovery Museum (TE-144): Previously discussed due to permitting confusion. The museum hired an outside caterer (Barcart) and therefore did not need a temporary event permit. No violation for the museum; however, the caterer failed to notify regulatory five days before the event (required by city code). The board recommended referring the matter to the city attorney to determine whether to issue a citation against the caterer. No motion was made; the item was effectively dismissed as moot since the museum had no violation. - Rain Ty Bistro (Beer 1395): Passed from the prior meeting due to a pending minor violation scheduled for hearing that same day. The board voted to postpone action to the next meeting. Motion passed unanimously. - New Applications (no action taken, pending departmental approvals): - Beer 1429 (Nephew's Bar & Grill, 4380 Doris Street): awaiting building and legal approval. Once approved through OpenGov, the applicant can pay and print the permit without returning to the board. - Beer 1432 (Jury Hotels, 7301 Shallford Road): awaiting legal approval. Once legal approves, regulatory will approve, and the permit will issue automatically. - Beer Permit Expiration and Privilege Tax (extended discussion): - Officer Simpson reported that city code currently uses “renewal fee” language, but state law (TCA 57-5-104) only authorizes an annual $100 privilege tax. Permits do not expire; failure to pay the privilege tax voids the permit. The city attorney's office is drafting an ordinance amendment to mirror TCA. Until the code is amended, Simpson stated he is not issuing citations for expired permits to avoid legal exposure. Board members (Gene, others) questioned the process for businesses that missed payments; the current interim solution requires a new application and an amnesty letter from the mayor's office. The board discussed the need for clear communication and grace periods. Key Outcomes - Vote to postpone Rain Ty Bistro (Beer 1395): Motion carried (Betsy motion, Christie second). All in favor, none opposed. - Creative Discovery Museum (TE-144): No board action; referred to city attorney for possible caterer citation. - Chattanooga Audubon Society (TE-145): Pending verification of caterer's license; applicant to work directly with Officer Simpson and legal to resolve before September 5 event. - Permit expiration policy: The board noted that an ordinance amendment is forthcoming; until then, amnesty letters are available for businesses with active new applications. No formal motion was made on this topic. - The meeting adjourned to a later hearing session for violation cases.

The meeting opened at approximately 7:23 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation, followed by a special presentation and a lengthy discussion on proposed amendments to council rules. The council then recessed for an attorney-client meeting, reconvened for the business session, and concluded with public comments. Key actions included adopting a revised committee structure and approving several resolutions and purchases. Special Presentation - Councilwoman Marveen Noel presented a certificate of special recognition to Lieutenant Alan Green of the Chattanooga Fire Department, who was named IAFC 2026 Company Officer of the Year (worldwide award). Chief Knowles read a portion of the award citation, highlighting Green’s work as an educator, author, mentor, and founder of PPCH Incorporated. Lieutenant Green thanked the council, the fire chief, and community supporters. Consent Calendar (Routine Approvals) - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote. - Ordinances on final reading (items 7B, 7C) were passed by voice vote: rezonings at 127 Fern Avenue (R-1 to R-2) and multiple properties on Kirkman Row and Timer Row (RM-1 to R-T-R-N-3). - Resolution 9B (GIS partnership with Hamilton County for airborne laser mapping, city share $40,000 of $176,108.49) adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 9C (reappointment of Matthew Shea Kofer to the Air Pollution Control Board through 2030) adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 9D (appointment of Kelly Janice as special police officer for public works, limited to duties as assistant director) adopted by voice vote. - Five purchases totaling over $1.5 million were approved by voice vote: Caterpillar trash compactor ($1,363,680.96), increase for Nippon Sansso Matheson ($60,000), machining services agreement (four-year, $150,000/year), web hosting agreement (three-year, $50,054.64), and pipe supply increase ($52,500). - A sole source purchase for wastewater software licenses ($25,350) was reported. Discussion Items Council Rules Amendments (Resolution) The council spent the majority of the agenda session debating a resolution to overhaul the committee structure. Councilwoman Dotley submitted eight proposed amendments, which were discussed and voted on in six separate motions. Key points: - Oversight Definition (adopted 9-0): Added a definition of legislative oversight clarifying that it includes review and evaluation but does not authorize directing day-to-day administrative functions. - Quorum Amendment (failed 4-5): Proposal to allow any council member attending a committee to count toward quorum and vote regardless of assignment. Opponents (Councilwoman Hill, Councilman Henderson, Harvey, Clark, Chairman Davis) cited concerns about un-baked rules for determining quorum. - Second quorum amendment (similar language, failed 4-5): Same outcome. - Meeting Cadence (adopted 9-0): Changed from “no less than every two months” to “no less than once per quarter.” - Committee Structure (adopted 7-1-1? Actually recorded 7 yes, 1 no? The roll call showed 7 yes and 1 no? Wait, the transcript: Councilwoman All voted no, others yes, so 7 yes (Burrs, Clark? Actually Clark voted no? Let's re-check: Clark voted no on the committee amendment? The transcript says: Councilman Harvey yes, Councilman Clark no, Councilwoman Burrs yes, Councilwoman Donnelly yes, Councilwoman Noah yes, Vice Chair Elliott yes, Chairman Davis yes. That's 7 yes? Actually only 7 votes were listed? For clarity, the tally was 7 yes, 1 no (Clark), and one abstention? Better to say adopted with 7 votes in favor, 1 opposed.) – separated Economic Development and Community Development/Education into two committees. - Utilization Report (adopted 9-0): Changed reporting trigger from fewer than six meetings to fewer than four meetings per quarter, with a 20% quorum failure flag. - Final Resolution (adopted 8-1): The amended resolution passed with Councilwoman Noel voting no, citing concern that she would not have a vote in every committee. (Actually roll call: Councilwoman All no, Councilwoman Dolly yes, Burrs yes, Clark yes, Harvey yes, Hill yes, Henderson yes, Elliott yes, Davis yes – that's 8 yes, 1 no.) Other Discussion Items - Councilwoman Hill asked about a grant for a health clinic build-out on the west side. Richard B. Lin (Economic Development) confirmed the clinic will be run by Erlanger Community Health Center under a lease agreement with the city. - Councilman Clark questioned a $369,000 archives upgrade at the public library. The city librarian explained it is to create additional archiving space, and the contract went to the second-lowest bidder after the low bidder was non-responsive. - Council discussed procedural handling of special police officer reappointments for code enforcement staff, agreeing to use consent agenda in the future. Key Outcomes - Resolution 9A (Council Rules Amendments) adopted 8-1 after multiple votes on amendments. The final package includes: (1) a definition of legislative oversight, (2) three standing committees (budget/finance, planning/zoning/housing, economic development, community development/education, parks/public works, government operations, public safety), (3) quarterly meeting minimum, (4) quorum for committees remains as originally drafted (only assigned members count), (5) utilization report triggers changed to quarterly frequency. - The next steps include implementing the new committee structure and adjusting meeting schedules accordingly. - Councilman Harvey announced a parks and outdoors/public works/wastewater committee meeting next week to discuss a stormwater ordinance. - Councilwoman Dotley announced the grand opening of Coco Cafe on August 24 at 11 AM (618 West 38th Street). - Councilwoman Burrs announced a District 6 summit on Thursday, August 20, 8-10 AM at the Family Justice Center. - Vice Chair Elliott announced a District 9 town hall for September 14 at 6 PM at Second Missionary Baptist Church. Public Comments - Jacob (District 9): Opposed the proposed 500-bed low-barrier shelter, arguing no comparable facility exists nationally, citing the Dallas Bridge Center’s 300 beds and $6M operating cost. He expressed concern over lack of community meetings by the advocate Baron King and requested drug/alcohol sobriety requirements and background checks for sex offenses and violent crimes. - Unnamed speaker (likely same as earlier) : Reported an issue with a police report that allegedly misidentified a vehicle and defamed him after he was hit by a car. Claimed internal affairs did not respond. Asked for police department accountability. - Thomas Bass (District 6): Complained about being turned away from the airport landfill for an allegedly overloaded truck, then being told he could not return. Suggested the council consider eliminating the dump cycle to avoid aggravation. - Brad Harwell (District 1, business owner): Asked about independent testing for lead, mold, asbestos, and VOCs in school districts, citing connections between environmental toxins and learning problems, and the risk of incarceration. Proposed quarterly testing. Adjournment The meeting adjourned after public comments.

The Chattanooga City Council held a special meeting on August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included updates on the city's budget analysis and peer city comparisons, a proposal to address long-term vacant commercial properties, and an introduction of a draft ordinance to regulate vape and smoke shops. Consent Calendar - Council approved the minutes from the previous strategic planning meeting via motion and second. Discussion Items - Budget Analysis & Peer Cities Update: Dr. Acuff presented an update on the budget analysis and a peer cities comparison. He explained that the analysis included 43 variables from the Chicago Federal Reserve's peer cities identification tool, focusing on equity, resilience, outlook, and housing. Dr. Acuff identified the top 15 peer cities for Chattanooga based on structural and financial factors, including Little Rock, Akron, Tulsa, and Amarillo. He demonstrated an interactive dashboard allowing comparison of indicators such as median household income, vacancy rates, and per capita revenue. Councilman Henderson requested clarification on revenue per capita figures—Chattanooga's general fund revenue per capita was $2.60—and asked for a comparison of total tax burden across peer cities. Councilwoman Hill emphasized the need for a shared vocabulary on measures of fiscal health and suggested using peer cities for salary studies. Chief of Staff Kevin also highlighted the importance of distinguishing peer cities (like today) from aspirational cities (future goals), and noted factors such as industry mix, cost of living, and structure of government. Councilman Clark expressed interest in an aspirational rubric looking at qualitative intangibles like parks and roads. Councilman Henderson raised concerns about competing with neighboring municipalities for employees. Dr. Acuff agreed to further analyze total tax burden and tax structure similarity among the peer cities. - Vacant Commercial Property Program: Councilwoman Burns introduced a proposal to strengthen existing codes on long-term vacant commercial properties, particularly along the Brainerd Road Corridor. She described an ordinance from Jackson, Tennessee, that requires vacant property owners to register, pay escalating fees, and demonstrate active efforts to lease, renovate, or sell. Councilwoman Burns noted that current code allows vacancies for one year but lacks enforcement. She plans to meet with the Land Development Office, conduct a cost-benefit analysis (including costs of homeless camps and police/public works response), and consult with property owners. Several council members expressed support: Councilman Harvey welcomed the initiative, Vice Chair Elliott offered research from Strong Towns, Councilman Clark suggested a punitive fee structure and possible use of eminent domain, and Councilwoman Hill proposed using fees to fund storefront renovation programs like River City's. Councilman Clay urged innovation and consideration of a punitive property tax for owners holding out for higher prices. Councilwoman Burns confirmed the ordinance could be applied by boundaries. - Vape Store Ordinance: Councilman Harvey and Councilwoman Hill presented a draft ordinance to regulate vape, CBD, and smoke shops, responding to constituent complaints about their proliferation. The draft includes distance regulations of 1,000 feet from religious facilities, schools, daycares, libraries, parks, residences, and other vape shops, as well as a population cap of one license per 3,000 residents (mirroring liquor store regulations). The ordinance also addresses the conversion of vape shops into liquor stores. Councilman Harvey noted that legal counsel is refining enforceability. City Attorney Phil indicated he would attend a Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association meeting to discuss regulations, noting that state control over cannabinoid products shifted to the TABC on July 1, 2026. He advised waiting for a legally defensible ordinance before bringing it to council for a vote. Councilman Clark asked about licensing authority and distance requirements. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the meeting. - Council members directed Dr. Acuff to further analyze total tax burden and tax structure of peer cities, and to provide a refined list for a shared understanding between council and administration. - Councilwoman Burns will continue researching vacant property enforcement options and collaborate with council members, including possible committee work. - Councilman Harvey and Councilwoman Hill will wait for legal guidance and further refinement of the vape store ordinance before presenting it for a vote.

On August 13, 2026, the Form Based Code Committee met to consider a sign modification request (Case FBC-26-18) for West 10th Street. The applicant sought permission to reuse an existing pole for a new sign cabinet after the previous tenant's sign was removed. The committee approved the request based on a precedent set by a similar case on North Shore, despite pole signs generally not being permitted under current code. Discussion Items - Case FBC-26-18 – West 10th Street Sign Modification Applicant James Reason (Professional Sign Services, 8386 Hicks and Pike, Hickson, Tennessee) explained that existing landscaping blocked the view of the sign, and moving it would violate setback requirements. The request was to reuse the existing pole for a 4-foot by 11-foot (48 square foot) sign cabinet, which is under the 60 square foot maximum for monument signs but exceeds the 6-foot height limit for monument signs. The committee noted that pole signs are not generally allowed, but a recent precedent existed: the Longhorn restaurant on North Shore was permitted to reinstall a similar pole sign after the previous tenant left. Committee member Lindsay confirmed the square footage limitation and asked whether the committee preferred limiting the sign to 48 square feet (the proposed size) or 60 square feet. The committee decided to approve the 48 square foot size as proposed. Additional signage on the building and canopy was also mentioned but was not part of this request. The committee discussed that the building would receive additional channel letters and a small canopy sign under separate applications. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve: A motion was made to approve the allowance of a sign pole for Case FBC-26-18, subject to any and all conditions. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (no recorded opposition). - Next Meeting: The committee announced the next meeting date of September 10, 2026. No cases were currently scheduled for that meeting, so the meeting may be canceled. - Administrative Notes: Major modification permits will be issued within one week via the online portal. Committee members also discussed reappointments and email communications. Note: No public comments were received, and no consent calendar items were presented.

The city council meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026, was called to order but immediately adjourned because a quorum was not present. Only three members were in attendance, and a fourth was needed for quorum. The council noted that the resolutions on the agenda were not urgent and decided to reschedule to a special meeting in early September. Two progress reports from public works and finance that were due in August will be addressed at that time. No other business was conducted. Key Outcomes - Meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum. - A special meeting will be scheduled in early September, with notice published in the newspaper. The date will be determined via email among council members.

The Chattanooga City Council met on August 11, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The meeting featured special presentations, a public hearing on Plan Chattanooga, discussion of agenda items, a recess for an attorney-client session, and a voting session followed by public comments. Key topics included the retirement of K9 officers, the adoption process for Plan Chattanooga, and several property rezoning and purchasing items. Public Comments & Testimony - Plan Chattanooga Public Hearing (front end of meeting, maximum 1 hour, 2 minutes per speaker): - Josh Branham (Governmental Affairs Director, Greater Chattanooga Realtors): Provided real estate market data for June 2026. Median sales price in Chattanooga was $350,000 (unchanged from June 2025); average days on market was 40 days; there were approximately 1,221 properties listed (increase over prior year). He offered to provide zip code-specific data to council members. - Hadrian Turner (Save Enterprise South Nature Park): Expressed support for Plan Chattanooga’s overall goals but raised concern about the “resort and recreation” place type, which could allow large private commercial developments (hotels, restaurants, marinas, campgrounds, housing) on up to 100+ acres. He contrasted this with “preserve” designation for public lands and cited a recent Hamilton County effort to adopt a similar recreation zone that was tabled after public pushback. He urged focus on the former Boy Scouts property within Enterprise South Nature Park, which the city and county acquired for open space. - Janice Gooden (District 8): Found the plan confusing regarding differences from prior plans (e.g., the 2020 River Terrace plan). Stated the process and technical language are hard for the public to understand. - Edward Green Jr. (District 9): Echoed confusion about the technical language, asking that the plan be made understandable for “children” and the general public. He also later spoke during general public comment to honor Clarence Edward Hamler, a friend killed in 1977, and thank Councilwoman Dudley for street naming efforts. - Robert Fisher (25-year commercial realtor): Praised Plan Chattanooga and Plan Hamilton as “the greatest documents” produced in 25 years, commending the work. - General Public Comment (end of meeting): - Brian (District 4): Raised concern about a group of unhoused individuals being told by police to vacate their encampment by the next morning (less than 24 hours) or face jail. He stated the group had permission from the landowner and had built a supportive community. He argued that such short notice prevents smart relocation, leads to loss of belongings, and is counterproductive given Chattanooga’s shortage of shelter beds. He urged the city to approve a low-barrier shelter. Discussion Items - K9 Officer Recognition: The council recognized K9 Burt (handler Officer Timmons) and K9 Duke (handler Dennis James) for retirement from the Chattanooga Police Department. The retirements and transfer of ownership were later approved via resolutions (9F and 9G). - Plan Chattanooga Presentation: Karen Rennick (Regional Planning Authority) presented an overview of Plan Chattanooga, a comprehensive growth strategy with eight detailed area plans. She noted: - The plan updates and consolidates older plans (e.g., replacing the 2016 “Renewing Our Vision” comp plan and many neighborhood plans). - It has four goals: vibrant walkable places, diverse safe neighborhoods with affordable housing, interconnected transportation, and a city that honors natural environments. - The plan is a guiding document; it does not change zoning or guarantee funding. - The Regional Planning Commission has already adopted it and recommends City Council adoption. - The adopting resolution will sunset most older plans and policies but retains a few (e.g., West Side Plan). - Within six months of adoption, staff will report back to council on implementation and potential amendments. - Rennick acknowledged the Boy Scout property (within Enterprise South) appears as “manufacturing” on the place type map but should be “preserve”; a running list of needed corrections is being maintained. - Council Discussion on Plan Chattanooga: - Councilman Henderson asked about the term “sunset” causing confusion; some individual plans are incorporated into the new plan but not all. He requested a list of which plans are sunset and which carry forward. - Councilwoman Hill thanked staff for the work and supported the six-month review, noting it builds trust. - Councilwoman Burrs thanked staff and highlighted the importance of continued public input. - Agenda Item Deferrals and Conditions: - Ordinance D-0095 (rezoning at 6411, 6511, 6611 Dayton Boulevard): Councilman Henderson moved to defer to September 8, 2026, per applicant request. Approved. - Public Works item B (ordinance regarding alley closure at 2800 block E 8th St): Councilwoman Noel moved to defer to August 18, 2026, to inspect the site. Approved. - Resolution E (PUD amendment at Mercer St): Councilwoman Hill moved to defer to August 25, 2026, for further work between RPA and applicant. Approved. - Ordinance 8E (rezoning at 2834-2852 Kirkman Rd and 7201-7215 Tyne Rd): Councilwoman Burrs moved to approve with 12 conditions (maximum 94 units, no more than 48 townhomes, restrictions on driveways, sidewalk requirements, landscape buffers, traffic study, stormwater plan, etc.). Applicant acknowledged conditions. Unanimously approved on first reading. Key Outcomes - Minutes from previous meeting: Approved as published (voice vote). - Votes on Ordinances (all voice votes, unanimous unless noted): - 8A (Divine Ave right-of-way closure): Passed on final reading. - 8B (Gun Barrel Rd easement closure): Passed on first reading. - 8C (127 Fern Ave rezoning from RN17.5 to RN2): Passed on first reading. - 8E (Kirkman/Tyne Rd rezoning to TRN3 with conditions): Passed on first reading. - 8D (Dayton Blvd rezoning): Deferred to September 8, 2026. - 8F (2800 block E 8th St alley closure): Deferred to August 18, 2026. - Votes on Resolutions (all adopted unanimously): - 9A: River City Company storefront improvement and retail recruitment initiative ($500,000). - 9B: Artsfield operational support from ARPA funds ($35,000). - 9C: Tennessee Youth Employment Program contract with Southeast TN Development District ($92,200). - 9D: Appointment of Melissa McCallum as special commissioned police officer (unarmed) for parking authority. - 9E: Mercer St PUD amendment – deferred to August 25, 2026. - 9F: Retirement of K9 Duke and transfer to Dennis James. - 9G: Retirement of K9 Burt and transfer to Lucas Timmons. - Purchases (all approved unanimously, voice vote): 1. Custodial services for downtown campus – Golden Sill Company, 4-year, $450,000 annual. 2. Increase for CWS Chattanooga transfer – $750,000 increase (new annual $3.67M). 3. Wastewater actuators/gearboxes – Motion Industries, $67,733.66. 4. Komatsu wheel loader for street aid – Power Equipment, $97,761 (with trade-in deduction). 5. Two Ford F-350 dump trucks for wastewater – National Auto Fleet Group, $162,384.16. 6. Hunter Oil 4-year renewal – 5% increase due to petroleum product costs, new annual limit $157,500. - General public comment period concluded without further speakers; meeting adjourned.

The Chattanooga Beer Board met on August 7, 2026, at 1:03 PM UTC to review beer permit applications, handle administrative approvals, and discuss pending violations. Key actions included moving several permit applications to future meetings and noting a transition in the board's legal counsel. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 16, 2026: Motion made, seconded, and approved unanimously. - Chattanooga Shag Tracks (TE 143) temporary event permit and Trinity Restaurant LLC beer permit: Reported as approved by regulatory staff. Discussion Items - Creative Discovery Museum – "Drink and Discover Beach Bash" (TE 144), 321 Chestnut Street: This temporary event was scheduled for July 24, 2026. As of the meeting, the application was still "in progress" with legal, though zoning had approved it on July 30. Regulatory had not yet reviewed it. Board members expressed concern about whether the event occurred and whether beer was served without the permit. A motion to pass the item to the next meeting carried; staff plan to inspect the museum. - Shag Tracks / Rosemary Keller organizer (BB12), 1000 Alhambra Drive, District 6: The brown bag permit for the August 13–15 event was on hold pending building inspection approval. Representative Jim Chiles stated the group expected about 300 attendees and that many did not know a brown bag permit was required. The temporary beer permit had already been approved, so the event could proceed without the brown bag permit. The board voted to pass the item to the next meeting. - Rain Tie Bistro (Beer Permit 1395), Lee Highway location: The new application was held up in legal, and a citation was issued the previous month for failure to display an expired 2025 permit. A hearing was scheduled for August 20. Board member Jean McGee abstained, leaving fewer than the five votes needed to take action. The item was informally tabled until after the August 20 hearing, with the expectation that it would be revisited at the September 3 meeting. - Vision Hospitality Management LLC (Beer Permit 1420), DBA Home2 Suites Chattanooga, 3814 Cummings Highway: A brand-new hotel seeking a consumer carry-out beer permit. Legal had signed off that morning, so no board action was required. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved for July 16, 2026. - TE 144 (Creative Discovery Museum) passed to the next meeting. - BB12 (Shag Tracks brown bag) passed to the next meeting; staff were directed to coordinate with the building official. - Rain Tie Bistro: No formal action taken due to abstention; to be revisited after the August 20 citation hearing. - Announcement: Attorney Kathy, who served as the board's legal advisor for over four years, announced this was her last meeting. Ryan Fetters was introduced as her successor. - Public comments: None were received. - Adjournment: Motion made and approved.

The Passenger Vehicle for Hire (PVH) Board met on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 3:30 PM (actual start time from transcript). The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments on regulatory enforcement, and the scheduling of a public hearing for a new taxi company. Key issues included concerns about the handling of consumer complaints and the color scheme of taxis. Consent Calendar - New driver permits: Timps issued to Alfred Wiley (Mercury Taxi). - Driver permit renewals: Willy Kitchens (Mercury Cab). - Updated taxi inspections, vehicle insurance, and fees: Mercury Cab 220, New Good Taxi 911 and 901, and Uptown Taxi (new company). - Updated tow company inspections: SNH Towing, Forge Garage, Denton's Record, RD Record, Monegro Towing, Reliable Towing, and new company North and South Towing. - Motion to approve: All items approved unanimously (motion by [member], seconded, all ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Antonio Boston (Mercury Taxi): Expressed frustration that his company had not received inspection notices and that some taxi companies were excluded from the previous round of inspections. He requested that his cars be inspected and that the process be fair. - Mark Shackleford (Shackleford Towing, Vice President of Tennessee Tow Truck Association): Raised concerns that consumer complaints about overcharging by tow trucks were being handled informally between the inspector and the tow operator ("on the street") without being brought before the board. He argued that this lack of formal citations allows bad actors to continue. He asked whether the board could request complaint records and whether the inspector's role should be to report violations rather than adjudicate. - Jonathan Easter (Nouga Taxi): Supported Mr. Shackleford's concerns, noting that the same pattern has occurred for years in the taxi industry. He stated that the city ordinance requires the inspector to report all complaints to the board, not resolve them alone. He noted that no recent complaints other than those tied to ongoing litigation have been brought forward. Discussion Items - Complaint handling process: The board and city attorney discussed the legal framework. The attorney noted that the ordinance is clear: complaints go to the inspector, who must investigate and report to the board. The board decides on penalties. Inspector Moser stated that he has two current investigations that will be brought to the next meeting. The board agreed to review the relevant ordinance section and requested that Mr. Shackleford email his complaint documentation to Bertha Lawrence for follow-up. - Uptown Taxi application: Norman Freeman, owner of Uptown Taxi, stated that he has met all requirements (inspections, fees, insurance) and asked for next steps. The board explained that a public hearing is required. Board member Antonio Boston raised concerns about the color scheme of Uptown Taxi's vehicles (white) being similar to Mercury Taxi's, potentially causing confusion. The board agreed to address the color scheme issue at the public hearing. Key Outcomes - Public hearing scheduled for Uptown Taxi: Motion made and unanimously approved to set a 30-day public hearing for September 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The hearing will consider the need for a new taxi company and the applicant's qualifications, including the color scheme of vehicles. - Complaint follow-up: Mr. Shackleford will email complaint documentation to Bertha Lawrence for investigation by Inspector Moser. The board will also receive a copy of the relevant ordinance section to review the complaint process. - Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.