Chattanooga City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 20:22 UTC (local time). The meeting included discussions and votes on multiple agenda items, including a deannexation request, amendments to horse-drawn carriage regulations, zoning changes, a park master plan update, and various routine approvals. The council also heard public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection.
• Items 7C through 7I (planning items) were approved as a package: zoning ordinance amendments for properties at Ravenia Lane, Barton Avenue, Higgs and Pike, Shallowford Road, Hilltop Drive, Chamberlain Avenue, and a special exceptions permit for a reception facility and drive-through use.
• Audit committee and whistleblower ordinance amendments (items 7A and 7B) were approved.
• Resolutions for economic development (Tennessee River Soccer premises use agreement), revisions to the employee information guide, parks and outdoors (Mountain Creek quarry purchase funds, DCA payment), and public works change orders (summit of software concession stands ventilation, Walked-in building ACM abatement) were approved.
• Five purchases recommended by the purchasing division were approved: security guard services (Collins Protective Services), fire hose (sole source), wastewater renewal (NABCO), fire renewal (Siddins Martin Emergency Group), and Tennessee One Call fee.
• Three RFP format determinations were approved: economic development (Tubman site developer), technology services (pension administration software), and wastewater (thermal drying services).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anna Galloday (District 8) expressed disappointment that the city ended its contract with Orange Grove for recycling employment, which employed people with disabilities. She requested that the city consider reinstating the contract. She also raised safety concerns about the Main Street railroad underpass (between Slayton and Madison Street), noting that many lights are non-functional, creating a dark and dangerous corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. She asked for repairs and maintenance.

Discussion Items

• Deannexation Request (Item A): The city attorney recommended denial because a boundary adjustment with the town of Collegedale is being pursued to avoid leaving the property (Chick-fil-A at 8883 Olee Highway) unincorporated. The applicant and Collegedale representatives were not present. The council voted to deny.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ordinance (Item B): Councilman Henderson introduced an amendment to Chapter 35, Article 6 of the city code. Christopher McKnight from the city attorney's office detailed provisions: adding a "geriatric horse" definition (age 20+), requiring semi-annual vet exams, restricting work for horses with chronic conditions affecting cardiac/respiratory/musculoskeletal systems, lowering temperature limits (max 90°F, min 30°F), limiting speed to a walk, and requiring identification (silver stripe on bridle). For pregnant mares, work is prohibited after 180 days of gestation and for 180 days after foaling; they receive the same protections as geriatric horses. Hoof care must include farrier inspections every 30 days. Councilman Burrs asked about the trigger; Councilman Henderson stated a carriage company owner requested updates, and there were no abuse accusations. Councilman Clark noted proactive measures to avoid issues seen in other cities. The ordinance was approved.
• Planning Items – Bonnie Oaks Rezoning (Item E): The applicant (Mike Price, MAP Engineers, representing Groundscapes) requested rezoning of 4272 Bonnie Oaks Drive from RN16 and CC to IH (heavy industrial) with conditions. The site has been used as a construction laydown yard for over 20 years. Conditions include limited hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.), allowed uses limited to outdoor storage of landscaping/construction materials, and place of worship. Opposition from Jeanette Starzik (Waterhaven HOA president) requested a deferral due to lack of community awareness and concerns about future uses like an asphalt plant. Councilman Clark supported approval, noting that impacted neighborhoods (Cherokee Woods, Hillcrest Heights, Galen Heights) had been engaged. Councilwoman Hill entertained a motion to approve first reading, which passed with one nay.
• Special Exceptions Permit – Liquor Store (Planning Item A & B): Councilman Clark raised concerns about the proximity of a proposed liquor store at 4850 Highway 58, Suite 130, to Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts. He questioned whether the distance measurement should be from the leasehold line (rear door) or the parking lot. Legal guidance was requested, and the item was placed on future considerations for January 6, 2026.
• Carver Park Master Plan Update: April Firth (Parks Administrator) presented the master plan for George Washington Carver Park, funded by a REACH grant. Four options were outlined: Option 1 ($10M) basic revitalization; Option 2 ($15M) adds sports fields; Option 3 ($22M) adds multi-use fields, golf practice zone; Option 4 ($26M) adds aquatic facility. Community priorities include shade, gathering spaces, multi-use pathways, and play areas. The lowest priority was sports courts. Lights at Jim Cotton ball field will be installed in early 2026 using deferred maintenance funds.

Key Outcomes

• Deannexation (Item A): Denied.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ordinance (Item B): Approved.
• Lee Highway Rezoning (Item C): Deferred to January 20, 2026.
• Henderson Avenue Rezoning (Item D): Denied.
• Bonnie Oaks Rezoning (Item E): Approved on first reading (one nay).
• Planning items C-I and other consent items: Approved.
• All resolutions and purchase items: Approved.
• RFP format determinations: Approved.
• Public comment: Recorded; maintenance requests noted.
• Next Meeting: The council will be on hiatus through January 5, 2026, and will reconvene on January 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.