Chattanooga City Council Agenda Meeting - October 14, 2025
Chattanooga City Council Agenda Meeting - October 14, 2025
The Chattanooga City Council held an agenda meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at approximately 5:57 PM. The meeting began with a moment of silence honoring two community figures: Benny Ray Adkins (a retired Lieutenant Colonel and veteran) and Lehman Pierce (a former council member). The primary focus was a lengthy discussion regarding a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Northgate area, along with routine agenda items and committee reports.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting was moved and seconded, passed by voice vote with no opposition.
Discussion Items
- Northgate TIF Resolution (Item 9C): Councilman Davis introduced a resolution stating intent to consider an economic impact plan authorizing a tax increment incentive for the Northgate project. He emphasized that the vote would allow the process to continue through the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and its Application Review Committee. Councilman Henderson raised concerns about the lack of written details, county participation ($1.5 million), and the legality of including sales tax revenues. Sheree Dallan, Senior Advisor for Economic Development, explained the three-body process (IDB → City Council → IDB Application Review Committee) and noted the project could start January 1, 2027. Attorney Betsy Knotts confirmed the legal basis for using sales tax under Tennessee Code Section 7-53-315, citing precedents in Memphis and Galloway. Councilman Clark questioned equity, noting that the Northgate site already had ongoing development while other districts (e.g., Highway 58) lacked similar TIF support. Councilman Davis and Ms. Dallan responded that the current infrastructure limited high-value development and that the TIF would fund upgrades to restore the site's highest and best use. Councilwoman Burris sought clarity on financial commitments, learning the city would be obligated for up to $9 million over 20 years if the county does not participate. Councilman Elliott supported continuing the process to gather more information before a final vote. The council did not vote on the resolution during this meeting, but Councilman Davis stated his intent to make a motion to approve when it comes up for a vote. Ms. Dallan outlined the next steps: Application Review Committee on October 20, public hearing on November 3, and council vote on December 2.
- Committee Meeting Reports: Councilwoman Dolly requested a Budget Committee meeting the following week to discuss a research proposal on budget projections and physical health assessment by Dr. Acuff. Councilman Clark announced he would commission a performance evaluation document for the Department of Community Development.
Key Outcomes
- The meeting concluded without a vote on the Northgate TIF resolution; the discussion will continue through the IDB process, with a council vote anticipated on December 2, 2025.
- A Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for the week of October 20 to review the research proposal.
- Councilman Clark will initiate a performance review of the Community Development Department.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone. I now call this agenda meeting of the Chattanooga City Council, Tuesday, October the fourteenth, twenty twenty-five to order. Thank you for being with us. Whether you are here in person or joining online. Thank you, Councilman Henderson. You want to hit my luck for me? Oh, yes. Thank you, ma'am. This evening I wanted to uh recognize and remember a true patriot that passed away on Friday. Benny Ray Adkins, which many of you may know, uh passed away on Friday. Ray was uh was a dear friend, uh devoted military man and man. In fact, he served our country uh in the U.S. Army and the reserves and retired uh with the rank of lieutenant colonel after 36 years of service. Um he earned the veteran of the year award in 2017. Uh he was honored with the hometown patriot award in 2018, uh, and he was honored by the Tennessee General Assembly with the Ray Adkins Interchange out in Lookout Valley at X at Exit 174. Uh he served on a couple of boards here in the city, served on the IDB board. Uh he also served on BOZA, uh, which he was at the October 1st meeting this of this month. Uh he was uh really one of the most faithful uh committee uh members that we have ever seen. Uh and I just wanted to honor him uh this afternoon if with a moment of silence. If you would uh let's just bow our heads and and remember uh Ray Atkins for just a moment thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Councillor Henderson. Um also while we're doing that, I think this would be a good spot to also uh recognize that we also lost Lehman Pierce on Saturday councilman here for the city. How many times did he serve? Um not quite sure. I think maybe two. At least two. Yeah, at least two. Um a great advocate for our uh community and city as a whole. So if we will um remember him in a um moment of silence. All right, thank you. Okay, so we have no special presentation today. Uh so let's council family. You have received the minutes from the last meeting. Uh, are there any corrections? If so, please hit your light. Councilman Henderson, is that your light still on from the last? Okay, all right, thanks. Okay, seeing none, may I have a motion on the approval of the minutes? No. Okay, I have a motion of proper second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. The minutes are approved as submitted. Let's take a look at today's agenda. We have ordinances on the final reading, none ordinances on the first reading. We have public works, wastewater. Have any questions or come in? Please hit the light. Councilwoman McBurris.
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