Chattanooga City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025
Chattanooga City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025
The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, addressing a full agenda that included a special recognition, extensive debate on the Northgate Mall TIFF, several rezoning proposals, and routine approvals. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation led by Vice Chairwoman Noel.
Special Presentation
- Councilwoman Dotley presented a proclamation to Mr. Mitchell Williams, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and beloved St. Elmo resident, declaring December 2, 2025 as "Mitchell Williams Day" in Chattanooga.
Consent Calendar (Final Reading)
- Items B, C, and D (street and alley abandonments) were approved as a package.
- Items E and F (zoning ordinance amendments) were approved as a package.
- Planning items E and F (first reading) were approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Prentice Hicks (resident, 4313 Kelly's Ferry Road) addressed the council regarding a building permit at 308 Malock Street. He questioned the requirement for a sprinkler system for a single-family home, citing a 2021 letter from the Land Development Office (LDO) that required sprinklers due to narrow street width. He asked whether the city code allows LDO to impose such a requirement. Council directed Fire Chief Rowe to speak with him after the meeting.
Discussion Items
- Northgate Mall TIFF (Resolutions A, B, C, D – Economic Development)
- Extensive discussion on the Northgate Mall Infrastructure Project Tax Increment Financing (TIFF) package. Senior Advisor Sharita Sherdown and TIFF attorney Mark Mametoff provided details on the $8.9 million infrastructure project, including water lines owned by Hixson Utility District. Councilwoman Burrs proposed amendments: (1) condition approval on no tax increment for water lines unless council later approves, (2) replace $9.2M with $8.7M per third-party review, (3) require base tax amount to increase with city tax rate increases. After debate, the first and third amendments were withdrawn; only the $8.7M amendment passed. The amended resolution (Item A) was approved. Councilman Davis announced he will bring a resolution urging the Industrial Development Board to prioritize community-preferred uses in the development agreement.
- Item B (intergovernmental agreement with IDB) was approved without amendment.
- Item C (lease for X-ray exam area at Well Advanced Center) was approved.
- Item D (lease renewal with Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association) was deferred one week to December 9, 2025.
- Wyatt Hall Historic Landmark Withdrawal (Item E)
- Historic Preservation Planner Cassie Klein explained that the application for local landmark designation for Wyatt Hall (865 East Third Street) was being withdrawn by the applicant (Preserve Chattanooga) due to legal issues regarding city regulation of county school buildings. Todd Morgan, Executive Director of Preserve Chattanooga, confirmed the withdrawal. Councilman Clark expressed concern and voted no as a statement in support of preservation. The resolution to withdraw passed 8-1.
- Purchases – 10 purchase recommendations were approved unanimously.
- Planning & Zoning Committee (chaired by Councilwoman Burrs)
- Reviewed several upcoming rezoning cases:
- 915 Barton Avenue (D0147) – Rezone to CN neighborhood commercial with conditions (approved by Planning Commission, discussed further).
- 1300/1335 Mercer Street (D0168) – Rezone to RN13 for single-family detached; Councilwoman Hill noted community concerns and expected a deferral for up to two months.
- 4115 Shallowford Road (D0165) – Rezone to IL industrial light for warehouse/lay-down yard; Councilman Clark raised concerns about industrial uses near residential areas and schools, requested more information.
- 4272 Bonnie Oaks Drive (D0169) – Rezone to IH with conditions for landscaping storage; Councilman Clark requested more information on noise impacts.
- 1309 Chamberlain Avenue (D0167) – Rezone to TRN3 for four units; Councilman Elliott reported ongoing neighborhood discussions.
- Ordinance amendments introduced: (1) definition of indoor reception facility, (2) standalone drive-through facility definitions/standards, (3) reduction of parking requirements for ADUs under 800 sq ft in form-based code. The parking reduction item was deferred for further staff review.
- Reviewed several upcoming rezoning cases:
Key Outcomes
- Northgate Mall TIFF Resolution A approved as amended (reducing project amount from $9.2M to $8.7M).
- Resolution B (intergovernmental agreement with IDB) approved.
- Resolution C (X-ray lease) approved.
- Resolution D (Missionary Ridge lease) deferred to December 9, 2025.
- Resolution E (withdrawal of Wyatt Hall historic landmark application) approved (8-1).
- Resolutions F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M (parks, public works, wastewater) all approved.
- Purchases approved as recommended.
- First Reading Items: Item B (Murray Hills Drive) withdrawn by applicant; Item C (Curtis Street) deferred to January 6, 2026; Item D (Wilcox Boulevard) deferred to February 3, 2026.
- Committee Reports: Public Safety committee meeting scheduled for January 6, 2026; Economic Development committee meeting on January 13, 2026 to discuss Business Improvement Districts; Community Development committee to discuss Eastgate senior center relocation in January; Legislative committee next week to discuss carriage horse ordinance and air pollution control board changes.
- Certificates of Compliance approved for four establishments (BJ's Wholesale Club, three Cancus locations).
- Donation: Councilwoman Dotley noted a $500 donation from St. Elmo Chili Cookoff to Fire Station 14, which required council acknowledgment.
Public Comments & Testimony (continued)
- No other public speakers.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning. Good good morning. Good afternoon, everybody. Today is Tuesday, December 2nd, and I would like to call our Chattanooga City Council meeting to order. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is getting in the spirit for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and uh Christmas coming up. It's an exciting time of year. Um, to get us started, I'd like to invite Vice Chairwoman Noel to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. Pledge of allegiance to the heart of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice. Dear Heavenly Father, as we gather in this season of reflection, gratitude, and hope, allow us to take a moment to acknowledge the blessings and the responsibilities placed before us. May this holiday season remind us of the power of community, of neighbors looking out for one another, and of compassion offered freely. Grant us wisdom tonight as we make decisions that shape the future of our city. Help us leave with fairness, humility, and a spirit of unity. Serve every resident with dignity and respect. We ask for peace for those facing hardship. I often say that the struggle is real. We ask that you bless our mayor Tim Kelly, who we know the role that he traveled is not easy. In this season, in this season, Lord of giving. Thank you very much. We have a special, special presentation today. I invite Councilwoman Dotley to the podium. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Thank you for the great prayer, Madam Vice Chair. Today we have a special presentation for Mr. Mitchell Williams. Is he here? I see him over there. Hey, Mr. Williams, thank you for trucking all down here for us. This is one of my amazing Saint Elmo residents. So this is his proclamation. Chattanooga City Council Proclamation, whereas the City of Chattanooga proudly recognizes and honors citizens who have made outstanding contributions through their service, character, and example. And whereas Mr. Mitchell Williams, a beloved resident of the Saint Elmo community, celebrated his 100th birthday on November 5th, 2025. And whereas Mr. Williams answered the call to serve his country with courage and distinction as a member of the United States Armed Forces during World War II, stationed in allution is I could be saying it wrong, where his dedication and sacrifice helps secure the freedoms we cherish today. And whereas following his military service, Mr. Williams continues to serve his community through hard work, integrity, and kindness, spending many years employed at Food City, where his friendly spirit and familiar presence became a cherished part of the neighborhood. And whereas to this day, Mr. Williams continues to embody the values of perseverance, community, and joy, faithfully keeping his daily routine, greeting neighbors from his front porch, sharing stories of Chattanooga's history, and offering words of wisdom and warmth to all who pass by. And whereas his life is a living testament to the strength of character, humility, and service that define the very best of Chattanooga citizens. Now therefore be it be claimed, proclaimed. And encourage all citizens to join and celebrating his remarkable life, his service to our nation, and his lasting impact on the St. Elmo community. Today is Mitchell Williams Day. So y'all give him a round of applause. Thank you so much. Thank you all. Thank you all so much. He celebrated a hundred years, and that's a long time to be around. We appreciate his service.
openpublica.com