Chattanooga City Council Meeting – March 10, 2026

The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, beginning with a prayer and a brief agenda review. The meeting addressed planning and zoning items, resolutions, purchases, future considerations, and public comments. Key discussions included a proposed free Narcan box at Miller Plaza, an update on Novonics’ exploration of adjacent property, and several deferred or approved rezoning cases.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection.
• Several ordinances under final reading were passed unanimously, including items related to street closures and private property responsibility.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Monty Bell, a homeless journalist, addressed the council, referencing a legal matter and criticizing officials. He was reminded of meeting rules and concluded his time.

Discussion Items

• Narcan Box at Miller Plaza (Future Consideration Item D): Scotty Bowman (Launchpad founder) and Kelly Cruz (clinical director) presented a proposal to place a free Narcan dispenser in Miller Plaza. They cited 174 opioid overdoses in Hamilton County in 2023 and projected 10 boxes of Narcan distributed daily. The box would be repurposed from a newspaper box, stocked by Launchpad staff and residents, with a grant application pending (decision expected May 2026). Council members expressed support, raising questions about labeling (Narcan vs. naloxone), youth access, and outreach. Councilwoman Burst offered to help publicize the initiative.
• Novonics Adjacent Property Exploration: Robert Long (CFO) explained that Novonics is in a 150-day due diligence period to explore a 17.5-acre parcel adjacent to their existing facility at the Bend. He clarified this does not affect the pilot agreement approved for Enterprise South, and any changes would require council approval. Councilman Elliott and others raised concerns about the Bend TIF commitments and the need for proactive communication. The administration noted the disclosure was required by Australian stock exchange rules.
• Agawala Drive Rezoning (Item E, Planning Case 2025-0190): The applicant sought a rezoning from RN16 to RN3 for 67 townhome units at 3886 Agawala Drive. Opposition cited traffic issues, a blind curve, and flooding concerns. The applicant presented an alternative 36-unit plan under existing zoning. Councilman Clark was absent, and a motion to defer to March 24 passed unanimously.
• West Shepherd Road Rezoning (Item F, Planning Case 2025-0189): Approved as amended with conditions: maximum building height 35 feet, 100-foot maximum width per building mass, and a 10-foot landscape buffer along the southern property line. Councilman Burrs noted neighborhood input led to flexibility in unit configuration.
• North Greenwood Avenue Rezoning (Item H): Approved to allow subdivision into two single-family lots, with no ADUs permitted.
• Other Zoning Items: Items D (1300/1335 Mercer Street) withdrawn; items G (East Third Street), I, and J approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Withdrawn: Item D (planning case 2025-0168) withdrawn per applicant request.
• Deferred: Item E (Agawala Drive) deferred to March 24, 2026.
• Approved: Items A, B, C, F, G, H, I, J under first reading; all resolutions (including strategic plan for solid waste, skate park renewals, police camera contract, reappointments, legal services); all purchases, RFPs, and sole source purchase for fire department.
• Amended and Reconsidered: Resolution Item D (police camera system) was reconsidered to correct the total to $1,703,999.79 and approved as amended.
• Settlement Announced: City attorney announced a settlement of $250,000 in the case of Trotter v. City of Chattanooga.
• Future Agenda: A budget working group is set for March 31, 2026, and a presentation on booting ordinances will occur on March 24, 2026.