Chattanooga City Council Regular Meeting - November 4, 2025

The City Council met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 20:25 UTC. The meeting included approval of routine consent items, updates on the Northgate TIF, neighborhood corridor plans, a downtown storefront program, and several zoning cases. The council also received public comments on Enterprise South Nature Park, homelessness, and wages.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution A (unanimous): Authorized a commemorative name sign renaming Canon Avenue to Lehman Pierce Avenue in honor of the late Lehman Pierce.
• Resolutions B–E (unanimous, package): Approved three Head Start lease renewals with Hamilton County Schools (Avenue, Cedar Hill, Daisy programs) through December 31, 2026, and authorized quitclaim deeds for properties sold in delinquent tax sales.
• Resolutions F–G (unanimous, package): Approved IT contracts – a three-year sole-source agreement with Thompson Reuters for law enforcement software ($225,000 total) and a five-year renewal with Vector Solutions for fire department training software ($400,000 total).
• Resolution H (unanimous): Confirmed the mayor's appointment of Robin Derryberry to the Carter Street Corporation Board (term November 5, 2025 – November 4, 2029).
• Resolution I (unanimous): Authorized advertising a public hearing for December 9, 2025, on the de-annexation of a Chick-fil-A property at 8883 Ole Highway.
• Resolutions J–L (unanimous, package): Parks and outdoors items – grant applications for Every Kid Outdoor program ($200,000) and a youth sports mini-pitch ($100,000 in-kind plus $20,000 activation), and a rental fee waiver for the Zach Mercivey Foundation's 5K run (November 15, 2025, with $1,000 deposit).
• Resolutions M–R (unanimous, package): Public works items – memorandum of agreement and cost-sharing for at-grade crossing changes for a mixed-use development at Manufacturers Road, change order for Chattanooga Skate Park ($1,272,642 increase), and appointments of special police officers (unarmed) for code enforcement.
• Resolution S (unanimous): Awarded a contract to Dugan & Meyers for the 23rd Street Pump Station improvements ($12,742,400 total including contingency).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hadrian Turner (co-founder, Save Enterprise South Nature Park): Urged the council to oppose any land swap or development at Enterprise South Nature Park, citing a petition with over 9,000 signatures. He emphasized the park's ecological value, the popularity of the Atlas Trail, and the importance of preserving the protected deed restriction. He noted that other legal mechanisms could protect McDonald Farm without sacrificing the nature park.
• Anna Galladay (District 8 resident): Highlighted a 12% increase in homelessness in the Southeast Tennessee region since January 2025 and shelter capacity at only 22% of need. She called on the city to develop a plan for supportive housing and to address the gap between street homelessness and transitional housing. She also urged the council to contact state legislators to abolish the grocery tax and to raise the city's minimum wage to $25/hour ("drive for 25"), arguing the current rate of $16+/hour is not a living wage.
• Additional speaker (SEIU representative): Expressed solidarity with UAW workers at Volkswagen and criticized Mayor Kelly's neutrality. Demanded the city raise its minimum wage to $25/hour and abolish the grocery tax.

Discussion Items

• General Obligation Bonds (Weston Porter, CFO): Presented two resolutions for a $40 million bond issuance to cover capital projects approved in FY2025 and FY2026 budgets. The initial resolution satisfies a 20-day public notice requirement. Councilman Elliott asked about the city's debt-to-income ratio (~5-6%) and bond ratings – Fitch downgraded to AA+ in 2024 due to criteria changes, Moody's remains AAA. The city will meet with rating agencies in December.
• Parks Interlocal Agreement with Red Bank: Councilman Clark asked about a resolution to enter into an interlocal agreement for shared stewardship of Stringer's Ridge trails. Parks staff confirmed no financial exchange – each city maintains its own side.
• Northgate Mall TIF Update (Sharita Allen, Senior Advisor for Economic Development): Reported that the Industrial Development Board unanimously approved the economic impact plan and authorized submission to the city council. A "but for" analysis confirmed the project needs incentives but is speculative because it is infrastructure-only. An economic development committee meeting is set for November 18 to discuss the sales tax agreement; council vote is expected December 2.
• Neighborhood Corridors Plan (Sharita Allen): Presented an update on the $1.3 million business development program and $585,000 from CNE returned to the city for small business development. The plan is in the assessment phase, using GIS data to analyze 12 corridors (e.g., Highway 58, Glass Street). Steps include stakeholder meetings, internal coordination for infrastructure improvements, and later direct assistance to entrepreneurs. Council discussion focused on defining the use of CNE funds, working groups, and inclusion of grocery stores in corridor revitalization. Councilman Clark requested adding a corridor at Shallowford Road/Industrial area.
• River City Storefront Program (Sarah Madsen, River City Company): Introduced the "Scenic Storefronts" building improvement program – a 1:1 matching reimbursable grant (up to a set maximum) for property or business owners downtown for interior/exterior improvements. River City will provide technical assistance and manage administration. The program is funded through city budget allocation. Council questions addressed whether the grant truly helps tenants (since it reimburses half after work is complete) and whether rent subsidies were considered. Councilman Clark urged exploring access for minority entrepreneurs and affordable leasing pilots. Councilwoman Burrs asked for historical success metrics from prior facade programs.
• Planning and Zoning Cases (Karen Rennick, staff):
  • 2802 Curtis Street (District 9): Applicant requested TRN3 zone for a second duplex (four total units). Staff and planning commission recommended TRN2 (attached buildings only). Applicant was not present; councilwoman Dotley expressed opposition to two separate duplexes. Discussion deferred to November 18.
  • Wilcox Site Multi-Unit Project (District 8): Opposition expressed over demolition and asbestos concerns. Planning commission recommended a condition of 4 stories/50 feet. Councilwoman Burrs stated she would not support unless she sees detailed plans and follow-through.
  • Southern Spear Site, 1305 Anderson Avenue (District 9): Request to lift 2019 conditions (townhouse-only, 35-foot height limit). Staff found compatible; no opposition. Councilman Elliott wanted assurances of development and asked for a meeting with the applicant before moving forward.
• Floodplain Ordinance Updates (Ken Martin, floodplain coordinator; Darian Gilkenson, assistant director LDO): Presented required FEMA updates to comply with new flood maps effective November 28. The new ordinance includes 35 additional definitions and changes to flood zone descriptions. Staff also proposed adding recreational uses to floodways (not required by FEMA) to align with National Park City status. Councilman Clark commended the team. Councilwoman Hill requested clearer language. Councilman Elliott asked about flood insurance – while not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. The ordinance will come for a vote on November 18.
• Future Considerations and Announcements:
  • Councilman Elliott announced two resolutions for the November 18 meeting: (1) pause water shutoffs for sewer fees until SNAP benefits are restored, and (2) encourage EPB to explore protections for residents.
  • Councilwoman Davis announced a presentation on the city delegation's trip to China at the November 18 meeting.
  • Council confirmed no meetings on November 11 (Veterans Day), November 25, December 23, and December 30.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items (Resolutions A through S) passed unanimously without objection.
• The council will hold an economic development committee meeting on November 18 to discuss the Northgate TIF sales tax agreement, and the floodplain ordinance will be voted on that same date.
• Zoning cases for Curtis Street, Wilcox, and Southern Spear will be heard on November 18; council members requested further discussions with applicants.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 21:10 UTC.