Chattanooga City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Chattanooga City Council convened on February 17, 2026, at approximately 8:25 PM. The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, approval of minutes, and consideration of numerous planning items, ordinances, resolutions, and purchases. Notable actions included denying a rezoning for a multi-unit development at 2003 Wilcox Boulevard and denying a special exception permit for a liquor store at 4107 Dodds Avenue. The council also approved amended council rules, a land acquisition for a new park in District 4, and various other items.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved without objection.
• Planning Items B–G (Package): Approved without objection. These included rezoning of properties at 1815–1829 Jenkins Road, 8476 East Brainerd Road, 4412 Dodds Avenue, 1810 South Kelly Street, and amendments to flood hazard definitions and the Board of Appeals.
• First Reading Ordinances: Approved as a package without objection.
  • 8A: Closing a portion of unopened right-of-way in the 4200 block of Bonnie O's Drive.
  • 8B: Closing an unopened right-of-way in the 400 block of Maplewood Avenue.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Wasselowski (District 9): Expressed concern about the city's consent decree fines for sewer overflows (from 2019–2023) and urged the council to eliminate mandatory parking minimums to reduce impermeable surfaces and stormwater runoff. He praised current public works leadership for recent progress but argued that parking mandates contribute to flooding and infrastructure strain.
• Joshua David Capellish (VFW Chaplain): Advocated for the unsheltered population, calling for more resources to provide safe, dry, warm places to sleep. He also emphasized the importance of following legal immigration processes and cooperating with ICE to free up housing for black communities. He quoted Theodore Roosevelt on resource conservation.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning for 2003 Wilcox Boulevard (Avondale): Councilwoman Noel stated intention to deny due to community opposition from a neighborhood association meeting. The applicant, representing Chattanooga Development, proposed a four-story condominium development on a former church site. Council members expressed frustration over the property's blight since 2016 and lack of community engagement. The council voted to deny the rezoning.
• Special Exception Permit for Liquor Store at 4107 Dodds Avenue (JK of America Corp., dba Big Papa Quick Mart): Councilwoman Dotley presented crime statistics showing 265 index crimes and 3,468 calls for service within a half-mile radius, including 51 drug offenses, 29 aggravated assaults, and 9 weapon offenses. She argued the permit would not promote public health, safety, or welfare. The applicant highlighted 20 years of business on Dodds Avenue and low crime at his store. Councilman Clark noted smelling marijuana in the store. The council denied the permit.
• Council Rules of Operation Amendment: Councilwoman Dotley offered an amendment to align the chairperson pro tem selection process with Section 8.3 of the city charter, replacing ambiguous language. The amendment passed, and the resolution was approved as amended.
• Economic Development Resolutions (B, C, D): Approved as a package.
  • Resolution B: Acquisition of 14–15 acres at 1816 Gray Road for $1,350,000 (with matching grants from TDEC and city capital budget) for a new park in District 4.
  • Resolution C: Purchase of 6954 Robinson Drive for $40,000.
  • Resolution D: Agreement with Signal Centers for $94,000 to support TANF-eligible parents with internships and training.
• Public Works Items (F, G, H): Approved.
  • F: Gymnasium renovations at Hickson Community Center for $100,344.
  • G: Public-private partnership for Station Street alleyway expansion (reimbursement up to $200,000).
  • H: Payment of $727,000 to EPA for sanitary sewer overflow penalties (2019–2023 consent decree).
• Purchases: Four purchases approved.
  • 1: Lighting system for Carver Center ball field ($250,678).
  • 2: Third-year renewal for grounds maintenance ($292,718).
  • 3: Blanket agreement for park signs ($60,000 annual).
  • 4: Sole source purchase of cone valves for wastewater ($56,880).
• Motion to Reconsider Zoning Case 2025-0151 (Highland Park): Councilman Elliott moved to reconsider a previously denied project to allow the community and developer time to negotiate. The council approved reconsideration, setting March 10, 2026 as the date for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Denied: Rezoning for 2003 Wilcox Boulevard (motion to deny passed).
• Denied: Special exception permit for liquor store at 4107 Dodds Avenue (motion to deny passed).
• Approved: Council rules resolution as amended.
• Approved: All consent calendar items (minutes, planning package, first reading ordinances).
• Approved: Economic development resolutions B, C, D.
• Approved: Public works items F, G, H.
• Approved: All four purchases.
• Approved: Motion to reconsider zoning case 2025-0151 (scheduled for March 10, 2026).