Good afternoon, everybody.

I'd like to call to order the April twenty first meeting of the Chattanooga City Council.

As we get started, I'd like to call upon Councilwoman Noel, the leader center pledge of allegiance and invocation.

And third book they are for our people in our community.

We played, compassion, and good stewardship.

Guy, every board, every vote, and every action.

These words be asked in my name.

Amen.

Amen.

Thank you.

As we get started today, just wanted to remind everyone to silence your phones if you have them on you.

And for those who haven't joined us for a meeting before, I'll just kind of go through the flow of the meeting so that everyone will know.

What we'll do first is go through if we had any special presentations.

We'll look at our minutes from our last meeting and approve those.

Then from there, we'll go through and look at this week's agenda and answer any questions or comments that council members might have about items up for a vote today during our business portion of the meeting.

We'll then look at next week's proposed agenda items and kind of do the same thing, answer any questions or hear any concerns there.

Next, we'll look at purchasing items that are on the agenda for tonight.

And we do have a handful of purchase requests and sole source purchases to look at.

After that point, we if we had any um committee uh meetings uh on the agenda, we would have those uh at that point in the meeting.

We don't have any today.

Um, and so we will recess for a brief period of time during our recess.

Sometimes we have an attorney client meeting with the city attorney.

We do not have one today, so I imagine our recess will be relatively short.

Um, and so with that, council.

If we would look at this week's uh this week's agenda, starting with the ordinances on final reading.

Are there any questions about ordinances on final reading?

All right, seeing none.

Do have some ordinances on first reading.

Any questions on those vice chair Elliott?

You're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

For item B under planning.

I'm going to defer this for one more week.

Just want to give you a heads up on that.

Okay, that's 8B.

Yes, sir.

Okay.

Okay.

Any other questions on ordinances on first reading read tonight?

That's key, but okay.

Moving on to resolutions.

We do have a few resolutions of different varieties on the agenda tonight.

Any questions about those councilwoman Dodley?

Yes, for item number, I'm so sorry.

E under.

I'm sorry, sorry, I thought it was a first read ordinance.

I apologize on the parts and public works for the own street parking.

Okay.

Okay, that should be for next week, so I'll just defer it to next week for item number E.

And that is for uh parking for the South Sack Coward Neighborhood parking district.

And so I do have an alternate version uh that has some additional language that has been submitted to our city attorney.

Uh so I did want to read those conditions out loud.

Uh, so we'll so everybody's aware, and just for a little context for those who uh well, we dealt with this a little bit last year, but just for a little more context, Clark and we've been on city council that uh South Carrot Place uh wanted to have the restricted parking, the same as an adjacent neighborhood with Fort Negley.

Um, due to some turnover in the neighborhood and things like that, they were not able to get the signatures, but now they have more home ownership there, and so a lot of the neighbor, not of the property owners signed the form, and they were able to get enough signatures to uh apply for this parking permit, the parking permit, which would uh just have permitted parking the same as their adjacent neighborhood.

So these are the conditions that we have um worked on uh in the last because you have the addition, the original one, which has had maybe one line on it.

So we have some additional conditions here that'll be shared, and um again into alternate versions.

I wanted to read those out loud.

Um the conditions are about we've been working with Battle Academy.

We met with school administration, our school board representative was there, county commission representative Carter, uh neighborhood representation, and it was a very uh very productive meeting, as well as their PTA president.

Uh, we have battle academy parking tags, uh, battle academy will provide hand tags to parents, teachers, and staff for Chattanooga parking authority identification purposes, and these are all been an alternate version.

I may have a few tweaks next week.

The second one under that section, validity period, hang tag shall be valid between the hours of 6 a.m.

and 6 p.m.

unless otherwise authorized for approved school-related events or programming to include summer reach, school age, child care, and other school-related events.

Uh also time of year, hang tags shall be valid only during the official school year, and while on campus services and programs are in session to include summer each, school age, child care, and other school-related events, these tags shall not be valid outside of these periods unless explicit explicitly authorized after hours and special event notifications for after-hour uh events or programming required parking accommodations, battle academy shall notify the Chattanooga parking authority, director of parking facilities or their designee at the beginning of the school year for recurring events or no less than 48 hours in advance of any uh individual event or program.

Notification shall be made through an established communication channel designated by the Chattanooga Parking Authority or CPA.

The citations appeals process.

Um, any individual displaying a valid battle academy hand tag who receives a parking citation during the school year or while attending on campus services programs must directly contact the Chinook Parking Authority, uh Chattanooga director of parking and facilities or designee to initiate the appeals process.

Battle Academy shall not be responsible for administering or adjudicating parking citations.

Parking citations issue for violations unrelated to permitted parking under the section, including but not limited to illegal parking shall not be eligible for dismissal or appeal based on possession of a battle academy hang tag, and then I'll also be looking at some of a few additional things in which Carter would um have like a standard I've panded out that they can give to the school, you know, the school can have and just give to a parent if they you know uh get a ticket, and then also a yearly check-in, but that's gonna happen anyway because each year the tags change, so they'll be giving it to Carter each year for identification purposes.

So, this is the alternate version that we'll be added, include the streets don't change, uh, but this part will be added.

So it's been sent to our city attorney.

I may have an additional amendment next week.

Uh, but other than that, that's what I have.

So I wanted to make you all aware.

So I'll be deferring this to next week, and then we'll have an alternate version for you all.

I think it's on next week.

Is it next week?

Am I looking at the wrong one?

Oh, I apologize.

Okay, I was so excited to talk about it.

Oh, okay.

Yeah.

Okay, thank you so much, Mr.

Chair.

Okay.

And councilwoman Hill.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chair, I do have um a question about items for this week, but um, as councilwoman Dotley has brought up the um Southside Coward Street neighborhood parking district.

May ask her a question about that.

Sure.

Um, Councilwoman Dotley, I have um gotten um pretty compelling um email of concern from um a business owner in that area.

Um I'm sure that you have also received that.

Is there any um further consideration for um for the hours of this protected parking for Southside Coward to only be in the evening, so that businesses around that area?

This particular individual is uh orthodontist, for example.

Um, and you were saying how detrimental it could be for all of the parking to be reserved between Battle Academy families and the folks who live in this area.

So if you could just fill us in on those conversations, yes.

So I did respond back to Dr.

Prentice advising him that you know I understand the concern and they are valid considerations.

Uh, this is a matter the community has been working on through several for several years.

At this stage, it is important that we bring this process to a conclusion one way or the other because we have been going on round and round, and this is not gonna be something we're gonna stick with another four years.

We just whatever the outcome is next week, it's the outcome.

Like we don't, I'm not going back and forth about it again.

Uh after weighing the range of impacts and feedback we received, as um, he noted in the email that you received as well.

Uh parking pressures in the main street and south side area are real as a frequent visitor, and this is me responding to him.

I'll just read you what I told him.

Uh-huh.

And I started to send it out to everybody, but I was like, uh, you know, as a frequent visitor to the corridor myself, I experienced those same constraints and have paid for parking on numerous occasions.

Uh, this is a common condition of a growing and active downtown court, not just in Chattanooga, but in cities across the country, and it requires us to make thoughtful and sometimes difficult policy decisions about how limited space is managed.

Uh, the ordinance will be brought forward for a vote at the city council meeting on the 28th, and I I advised him you are absolutely welcome to continue sharing your opposition and perspective as part of the public process, and I encourage you to remain engaged.

So that's that's pretty much where we are because like I say, this has been going on for years, and so it just needs at this point, it just needs a conclusion, and whatever that this council decides is what it decides.

Okay, so thank you.

That's what that's what I mean.

Thank you for that.

I guess I'll just I'll watch my email to see if we hear from any other business owners, and that that would be.

I'm sure we will.

Oh god, my vote.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Um, so uh chairman, I noticed that we've got a couple of resolutions that are in district three um for tonight's vote.

We've got um we've got a fee waiver and a sports authority assignment.

Um is it your desire to and then we also have a public works item.

Would you like us to make a movement um in favor of those items?

Yes, thank you.

Um, yeah, and on those items um just to speak briefly about them.

The fee waiver for the use of the Greenway Farm by Scenic City Shakespeare just to make counsel aware.

I'm using some of my uh district discretionary funds to help that group cover the cost of that deposit because that's something given their small budget that was a little overwhelming for them.

Um but going forward, I do hope to have a conversation with the administration about the deposit amounts because I'm sure as we've all seen, they're they're pretty high, and and for smaller groups such as the Scenic City Group, um, kind of defeats the purpose of waiving the fees if they still have to come out up front with that deposit amount.

So I'm hoping to have uh for us to have a conversation about that that structure at some point.

Um then on the appointment for Marcus Williams to the sports authority.

Yes, I would appreciate a motion approving that and the public works item.

Um this is very exciting for any Hickson folks that might be in the room or watching.

This is a first step towards hopefully eliminating the railroad crossing on Hamill Road, which if you've been out that way, right or live out that way, as I live less than a mile from it.

Um what I'm told it's not only one of the worst railroad crossings in the state but in the nation in terms of the amount of time that the trains will block Hamill Road out that way, and uh the hospital is right there memorial or common spirit now.

It is uh the hospital is right there.

So this is uh very encouraging.

So I would very much appreciate a motion to approve that.

Okay, thank you, Mr.

Chair.

That's all.

Yes, before we go any further, I realize I failed to make um a request on the minutes.

So could I get a motion on the minutes?

All right, thank you.

The minutes from our last meeting will stand as published.

Uh do we have any other questions about resolutions for this week?

Okay.

Looking at um next week's agenda items.

Do have some items on final read.

Any questions on ordinances on final read for next week, and then several ordinances on first reading.

Any questions on those okay.

Don't see any on the board.

Um resolutions for next week.

Um, the first one listed there, the economic development resolution about the um community development block grant funds.

I do believe uh, I think I saw Sandra Gober here with us today.

Um if if you wouldn't mind, ma'am, to come to the podium and just provide us with a little bit of detail about the use of those funds.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Um the the uh resolution again that covers the um receipt and disbursement of the community development block grant and the home investment partnership act funding from the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Uh the every year the City of Chattanooga receives the funding from HUD.

We receive uh notification around this time in regards to amount that we anticipate that we will be receiving.

We begin the process in preparation to receive the funds.

Usually in October, November.

We release a request for applications and we vet the applications.

The applications are vetted against a five-year consolidated plan that has uh been created, and the eligible activities or eligible applicants are based on meeting a goal or objective that has been outlined in that plan.

Each grant, the community development block grant and the home investment partnership fund.

They each carry their own unique requirements.

The home funds, we can only use those for housing.

The community development block grant, those funds are a little bit more flexible.

We can use it for housing infrastructure, a very uh variety of eligible activities, but no matter what we do at the end of the day, the funding or the activity itself, as we're awarding the funds, it they have to adhere to or meet the requirements or criteria that have been established by HUD, as well as address a priority or a goal objective that we have outlined in that consolidated plan.

We anticipate it receiving one point five in CDBG and a little over 700,000 in home.

We with the home, we do not do a request for proposals for the home funds.

We those funds are made available through a year-round uh ongoing application.

The CDBG funds, we do a request for applications, and again with that process, it starts in October.

We uh vet the applications the applications are made available in this year.

We made them available January, they would do back in February.

We vetted the applications, and based on the requests, based on the type of activity that the applicant was asking for, uh, as well as other criteria, the criteria the uh capacity experience of the organization that was requesting the funding, as well as the amount that they were requesting and what they were requesting it for.

Uh, and based on that, and again, as well as the um criteria, federal requirements and the eligibility of the activity and the amount that they were requesting internally.

We uh made the decisions on the uh recommendations for funding.

Okay.

Council, are there any questions about the CDBG grant funds?

Okay.

Well, thank you very much.

Any other questions about any other resolutions for next week, council?

Okay.

Do you have a handful of purchase requests and sole source purchases?

Any questions?

Councilwoman Hill, I think you're still, yeah, you're still active.

So the first item wire public work.

We have someone from the administration that can let us know how many new chairs.

Sure.

Good afternoon, counsel, Kevin Roy, Chief of Staff.

Nobody knows the answer right now.

I will find out and circle back if you don't know how many chairs.

Okay.

Thanks.

Any other purchasing related questions?

All right.

And if you would council take a look at uh future considerations.

There's not a whole lot on there.

Any questions on future considerations?

Okay.

Well, that takes us through everything in our agenda session this afternoon.

If there are no other questions or comments, um no attorney client meeting, right?

No attorney client meeting.

So we will recess until four thirty.

You're welcome.

All right, Council, we're back in session here.

Um, one thing I wanted to note for the record next week, uh, we do have a couple of committee meetings.

We have the affordable housing committee and also uh the legislative committee will meet uh next week during our agenda session.

Madam Clerk, if you would please read items seven A through D as a package.

So as to resonate properties located in the one hundred block of Russell Avenue on the eight hundred block of Single Mountain Row from RN one seven point five residential neighborhood zone and CNT neighborhood transition commercial zone to C C commercial corridor zone.

Item B and ordinance of abandoning a residential plan unit development for properties located in the sixty eight hundred block of Bayou Court, sixty-nine oh eight to three Cathedral Court, sixty seven hundred block of DC Lane Drive, sixty eight hundred French quarter court, seventeen hundred and eighteen hundred blocks of Jackson Square Drive and sixty seven hundred block of Pollyanna Lane.

Item C in ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38 Zone Ordinance.

So as to live conditions number 4 and 5 and amend conditions 1 through 6 from ordinance number 14243, a previous case number, 2025 0086 on property located at 1107 North Moore Road, subject certain conditions.

Item D, an ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38 zoning warnings.

So it's to rezone property located at 3404 7th Avenue from RN2 Residential Neighborhood Zone to TRN1 traditional residential neighborhood zone.

We do have a motion and a proper second.

Any questions or comments about these items?

All in favor?

Any opposed?

Items 7A through D pass on final reading.

Uh Madam Clerk, if you would read item 8A, please.

An ordinance closing and abandoning the former belt railway right away in the 200 block of North Orchid Knob Avenue deeded to the city in 1993, but denying the closure and abandonment of the alley as detailed on the attached maps.

Second.

Council, we do have a motion and a second.

Are there any questions or concerns about this item?

All in favor?

Any opposed?

Item 8A passes on first reading.

Um 8B, please, Madam Clerk.

In ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code Part 2, Chapter 38 zoning ordinance, so it's the rezone two unaddressed properties in the 1,000 block of Shallow Fort Road from RN16 residential neighborhood zone neighborhood zone to TRN2 traditional residential neighborhood zone sub to certain conditions.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I like to move to defer this from one week until April 28th.

One week.

Any questions or comments?

All in favor, aye.

Any opposed.

That will be deferred.

One week till April 28th.

Madam Clerk, if you would read items 9A and B as a package, please.

Item A.

Your resolution authorizing the waiver apart rental fees for a total of 38 days in the amount of $9,500 with a deposit of $9,500 at Greenway Farms Snipe Cabin for Scenic City Shakespeare rehearsals and performances on the following days.

420, 421, 422, 423 from 7 p.m.

to 930 p.m.

426, 427, 428, 429, 430 from 4 p.m.

to 930 p.m.

51, 52, 58, 59, 515, 516, 522, 523, 529, 530, from 4 p.m.

to 730 p.m.

921, 922, 923, 924 from 4 p.m.

to 930 p.m.

927, 928, 929, 930 from 4 p.m.

to 930 p.m.

102, 103, 109, 1010, 1016, 1017, 1023, 1024, 1025, 8250, 1030, 1031 from 400 from 4.

Sorry, from 4 p.m.

to 930 p.m.

A total of 38 days at 250 per day rentals, rental equals 9500 rental fees waived with a 250 dollar per day deposit of 9500 due prior to the first event date with signed license agreement attached.

Item B a resolution confirming the reappointment of Marcus Williams to the Sports Authority of the City of Chattanooga for district three with a term beginning on June 17, 2026, and then on June 16, 2032.

Do have a motion and a second council.

Any questions or comments about these items?

All in favor?

Any opposed items pass.

Um is Mr.

Williams happened to be here by any chance.

All right.

Well, thank you for your service, sir, on the sports authority board.

Um, madam clerk, if you would read item nine C, please.

Now resolution authorizing the administrator for the Department of Economic Development to enter into a contract for sale and purchase with Fairway LLC and substantially the former tax for the acquisition of approximately 4.27 acres at 1,009 Reeds Lake Roll identified as tax map number 108 DA 002.06 for the purchase price of $900,000 and to execute all documents necessary to consummate the transaction with closing expenses not to exceed $6,000 for a total transactional amount not to exceed $96,000.

I thought you was gonna call on me for you.

We do have a motion and a proper second.

Any questions or comments?

All in favor?

Uh any opposed.

Well item passes.

Um if you would, madam clerk read items E and F as a package, please.

I'm sorry, item D first.

A resolution authorizing an annual spend limit increase for the existing first due blanket contract PA 100422 for the fire department's record management application to cover the open data base connector ODBC service API additional expense for years four and five not to exceed $5100 per year and yes, and we'll increase the total five-year blanket, an additional ten thousand two hundred dollars for a new total amount of six hundred forty-six thousand four hundred eleven dollars and twelve cents.

Do I have a motion and a proper second on this item?

Any questions or comments?

All in favor, any opposed item D passes, and now if you would please read items E and F as a package.

Item E.

A resolution officially renaming DuPont Park as Alan Ledford Park to honor the profound lifelong legacy of a native Chattanoogan who dedicated his life to the arts, the ministership of our youth, and the selfless service of both people and animals.

Item A offer resolution away the $300 custom program fee for the partnership for families, children, and adults program, camp house program to allow Camp Hope to bring up to 40 at-risk youth and family members to a custom program with outdoor Chattanooga on May 30th, 2026 at no cost with funds to be collected for outdoor Chattanooga's custom events.

Do we have a motion and a proper second?

Any questions or comments?

Oh C's should be good.

I'm good.

Um in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed?

And these items pass.

Um are there any family members or friends of Alan Ledford here by chance?

Okay.

I'm going to be sure to recognize them if they were.

Um and Madam Clerk, if you would please read item G.

A resolution authorizing the administrator for the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Kim Lee Horn and Associates Inc.

to develop a 30% design and preliminary engineering plans, including uh NEPA documentation in full compliance with the federal railroad administration for the elimination of the Act Grade Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing on Helmoro for an amount not to exceed $1,618,750.

Good approved.

Do I have a motion or a proper second?

Any questions or comments?

All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed.

Item passes.

All right.

And we'll take a look now at purchases.

Good evening, council.

We have five purchases recommended for approval this evening.

The first one is with public works.

This is a one-time purchase for 67 office chairs for the development resource center in the amount of 71,028 and 93 cents.

The award will go to NOI Chattanooga and CBI Workplace Solutions as the best bids.

Number two is with wastewater.

It's a new agreement for cleanup sewer backup services.

This will be a four-year agreement with an annual limit of $325,000.

The alert the award will go to Disaster Disaster Master as the best bid.

Item number three is with wastewater.

They're requesting a one-year extension to agreement PA 100203 for wet weather polymer through June 20, 2027 with Polydyne.

There will be no increase to the annual amount limit.

Number four is with technology services.

This is a new agreement for integrated ballistic identification system.

This will be a three-year agreement with an amount limit of 164,567.

For the full term of the agreement.

This award will go to LEDs on our on leads online as a sole source.

And item number five is with public works.

This is a one-time purchase and installation of bleachers at Tyner Community Center.

This purchase from bleachers and seats will be in the amount of $57,326.97 cents utilizing the source wall contract.

Um I will just note council for the record we did get information during the break that there are 67 chairs being purchased under the first purchasing item.

I know that was a question during the agenda session.

All right.

Um all in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed.

We also have four source sole source purchases to report this evening.

Uh the first is with wastewater.

This is a sole source purchase for a portable bubbler flow meter system from Teledyne ISCO in the amount of $35,000 and 60 cents.

The second is with wastewater.

This is a sole source purchase for the hatch compliance certification program for one year from Hatch Company in the amount of $21,730.

The third is with technology services.

This is for the annual renewal of the city's Geographic Information System, GIS, with ESRI in the amount of $30,178 as a sole source.

And item number four is with technology services.

This is a sole source purchase from the VTSCADA software application builder from Trihydroll in the amount of $30,652.

Thank you, Weston.

We'll go around the dais here and get committee reports.

We'll start with Councilman Henderson.

And Councilwoman Hill.

I am going to be taking over the chairmanship of the economic development committee.

And prior, while I was chair, we set up a lunch and learn for next week where we will be touring the bend.

The IDB has also been invited, as has the members of the administration.

Okay.

I believe it's at 11 30.

We have an we have an invitation.

Okay.

Look, let's see.

11 30 to 1.

Next Tuesday, the 28th.

Okay.

That's all.

Thank you, sir.

All right.

Councilman Harvey.

No report.

Councilman Clark.

No report.

Councilwoman Noel.

No report, but I would like to say thank you to the Attendale Community Demon before their annual second annual uh father daughter dance.

Uh it was a real real big that.

So we're grateful for that.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And Councilwoman Dotley.

Yes.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

We will have a uh Affordable Housing Committee meeting next week.

Okay, then we will have a housing committee.

Meeting next week.

And I do want to uh just extend a thank you uh to Weston uh for the work that we've done together uh as uh chair of budget last year uh is some of our uh accomplished accomplishments and things like that.

So just thank you, West for making it an enjoyable experience for such a new person.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Welcome.

And Vice Chair Elliott.

Uh thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Next week we will have a legislative committee meeting to hear Council Malharvey's landscape award as proposal.

All right.

Well, we have reached that portion of the meeting where we're happy to hear from members of the public who would like to address the council.

So, yeah, if you would just line up at the podium there while our uh city attorney reads the rules.

Sure.

At the end of each council business meeting, the chair will recognize members of the public who wish to address the council, and here's your rules.

Each speaker wishing to address the council can only be recognized at the microphone up front for that purpose.

No more, uh no person can have more than three minutes to speak.

And you can address the council only upon matters within their legislative and quite side judicial authority and not on matters which are not under their authority or regulated by other governmental bodies or agencies.

Do not engage in any vulgar or obscene language nor use the floor to personally attack or personally denigrate others and address the council as a whole and not make comments directed towards individual council members.

Lastly, do not engage in disorderly conduct or disrupting a public meeting, which is prohibited by Tennessee law.

When someone commits that offense, if a person substantially obstructs or interferes with the meeting by physical action or verbal utterance with the intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting or gathering.

Having stated those rules, please go ahead, ma'am, and state your name and your district if you would.

Thank you, Missy Crutchfield Highland Park.

I uh was not able to attend the committee meeting today that was focused on the unhoused homelessness and finding solutions.

I understand that this went very well, and I just want to thank you all so much.

It is time that we dealt with this issue.

It's time that we found solutions together and funds for a low barrier shelter.

So thank you so much.

I represent a group that's less than three months old called Unbroken Coalition, and we form to be able to do sort of a connect the dots to bring nonprofits together, especially some of the new nonprofits or young people who are just fueled with passion, but maybe not so much funds or volunteers, don't know how to, you know, maybe get that growing.

And so we're introducing folks together.

We've got a Facebook page that's almost 300 people now.

Would invite you to join our page uh page group.

The group is it's private, just come on in and uh we'll let you in.

We need you, we're grateful for you.

Um, I also want to share in the last few seconds that I have a not so happy fact about this issue because recently with our group and with the first meeting, we had 50 people.

We have got the it's the time, and people are gathering together.

People are not gonna let the school away, they're not gonna stop standing up for this issue.

But we found out recently, and again, this was something that I didn't know, but when you think about it, of course, this is happening.

And so every community, every demographic, you're gonna have not so wonderful things happen.

So within the homeless um unsheltered community, this is gonna happen right.

But what we didn't know, what we learned because some of the nonprofits they are getting stories and testimonies from women and children is that members of the housed community, the affluent, the house community are coming in after dark, way after dark, and violating some of these women and children.

So I don't have to go anymore.

You know where this is going.

So it is our responsibility with the most vulnerable, with the vote voiceless to stand up for this issue, to stand up for these human beings and show real commitment, real command compassion, and real humanity.

So we want to work with you.

I'm excited about working on this committee that you're forming.

I know councilman uh Clark was saying, you know, we got to get this done soon.

I might my councilman uh Ron Elliott, I just spoke with you both at the East Chattanooga Block Party.

It was wonderful.

And um, so I'm just I'm thankful.

I'm so thankful for you.

We are gonna push this up, we are gonna win, and Chattanooga will send a message that we not only have beautiful parks and Park City, but we are a city of compassion and humanity.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello, my name is Emily Byland.

I am uh resident of District 7, and I am currently the PTA president of Battle Academy, and I want to talk to you about the proposed South Cowart neighborhood permit parking situation.

Um the proposed ordinance is something that will be a major burden to Battle Academy.

It is not what we discussed during our September 8th meeting.

It is not what we were we had the impression was going to be the proposed ordinance to make sure you understand the situation.

Battle Academy is a Title I school.

That means that we receive federal funding because we have a certain percentage of students that are considered low income.

Forty-one percent of our students are eligible for SNAP.

That means that we have a large percentage of students who have a very diverse family situation.

Most of our students get to the building because they are driven.

We only have two buses.

We are a zoned magnet school.

That means a small percentage of our school is zoned, and it's in the area.

We have kids on the west side, we have kids that are that live off Broad Street, but then we also have kids from all over the county.

We only have two buses, so that means the majority of our students are brought to school by a vehicle.

Most of those vehicles go through the car line.

A good percentage of them, however, do park on the street and walk their children into the building because our parking lot only has 46 spots.

That does not even cover the 70 plus staff that are there every day or the 90 plus adults that are there on a regular basis.

Putting parking permits on the streets around battle will impact kids getting into the building.

It will impact people volunteering at the building.

It will impact learning for these students, regardless of their income status.

One thing that I want to make very clear that I don't believe has been considered is our car line is already very long.

We almost already cross Main Street.

Sometimes it does.

The teachers work very, very hard to make sure it doesn't, but sometimes they're not in control of what other people do.

If the parking permits are implemented, it will make the car lane longer because people will not park and take their kids into school.

That will cross Main Street.

That will impact station one's response time for emergency services.

And I don't think anybody wants that.

We don't.

This is something that we do not think is a good idea for the community.

And as members of the community, we want you to know what our views are on this.

So thank you for listening.

We ask that you vote no because we don't think anybody wants to be seen as the ones that are keeping children from learning.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Good job, Emily.

You could have some of my time to reinforce the point.

My name's uh good evening, Council.

My name's Robert Work.

I'm the owner of Honeyseed, and I'm also talking about the parking in that district.

Um my first comment is when I'm out on the street, which I am every day, Monday to Friday, 8 30 to 9 30, 10 o'clock, there is plenty of available parking.

I'm not telling you it doesn't get tight at times, but on Long Street as an example, there is available parking.

You might have to go down a little bit towards from 17th Street towards the EMS station, but there is without question, more often than not, available parking.

So I don't not sure how this is gonna help anybody.

Uh in fact, I think it's gonna do the reverse.

Um I also like to um bring up that when the development, 1705 Market Street, uh did redid their parking.

The city of Chattanooga requested that they um this was to take 40 spaces, turn it into 60, and the city of Chattanooga has that to do that, you had to have the parking lot available to the public.

So a private business has to have their parking available to the public, but the public cannot park on the street.

Something seems off with that, and um, but that that is a directive of the city of Chattanooga.

I'd also say that this will materially affect local businesses.

The city of Chattanooga, I know, and the community of Chattanooga supports local businesses.

This is not gonna help in any way, shape, or form.

And I would say, in a material way, this will make a very negative difference.

We cannot afford to have parking taken away.

And I reiterate that there is available parking, so it's not at the issue that uh at the level that is being brought to this council.

Um and just to echo on Emily's point of unintended consequences, certainly hurting local businesses would be an unintended consequence, it's not something that you seek to do.

But same with I've witnessed regularly, because I'm right next door.

The um the car lane is already very tough to navigate around.

And I have seen what Emily is talking about in terms of going past Main Street.

So if this will uh make that in any way worse, it'll be a severe negative and uh negative um and undetended consequence.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good afternoon, Council.

I'm John Stevens.

I'm a resident of District 7 and on the neighborhood association of South Side Cower Place.

Um we we worked on this for the last couple years, mainly because so many people in our neighborhood who support local businesses and certainly want to support the school, have had challenges with places to park in front of their homes.

Um we want to make sure we're flexible.

We're we've worked very hard with the school with with the local community develop this to be fair to the businesses, encourage them, but also create opportunity for an urban neighborhood to for people to have parking close or safely close and connected to their property.

So again, we want to be super flexible in this.

We want to work with the school.

We live in the South Side because we want to support businesses and be part of a vibrant neighborhood.

But the neighborhood association, the reason it has a number of signatures to get it to the council is we think it's really important part of the quality of life for the South Side.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Jonathan Easter, uh District 9.

A little bit about myself introduction.

Uh my name's Jonathan Easter, Nuga Taxi, Cab Company owner.

Uh been involved in the taxi business for about 15, roughly 15 years now.

Um was approved for a taxi company for Nouga Taxi in 2017.

Um since 2017, I've been in pursuit for a request for rate increases for the taxi industry here in Chattanooga.

Um again, it's been about 15 years roughly.

I think we're going into 16 years since we've had our last rate increase, which was 50 cents to the pickup fee, and uh 30 cents a minute to the 40 cents a minute.

So it's been 15 years since we got that.

I believe that's great, Mr.

Anderson probably correct me on that.

But uh basically appealing to I guess follow-through with what's been going on in the request because it's been going through the PBH board.

I know they've since over some recommendations over the last number of years that this should probably be discussed or considered.

Um, but not only considering those things, but you also consider you know market standards in comparison.

We're the last uh Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, all are at a standard, they're all charging about the same rate, maybe a variance of a couple cents.

Um so we're we're at the bottom of the list on that.

Um the inflation, of course, that's a big topic last 15 years, been a huge increase.

Um, which affects everything.

When gas goes up, it just doesn't affect the pump.

It affects the tires, it affects the rubber that's on the parts of the car, affects everything.

People's livelihoods, insurance costs go up.

Commercial insurance for uh livery services is sky high, and it just goes up year over year over year.

That's not based on an individual company.

Most commercial insurance is based on a market total trend.

You call one day progressive and get a price, and the other day you get another price.

So it's all depending on how many accidents are happening throughout the the nation.

But uh, what we're looking for is similar to the towing, basically a one-time reset, getting us to the market standards, adding a mechanism in the in the uh ordinance similar to towing allow for consideration every year based on annual inflation rate.

Um we do have support from the private vehicle for higher board.

We do have some support from the mayor's office now, and we do have the support of all the taxi cab company owners wanting this, and really it's just at a point.

I think we've gotten to the point where it's it somebody's got to take it up for us to push it forward, and we'd appreciate the consideration.

Um, it's a small market um in Chattanooga, and we'd like to keep it alive.

And uh we are very quickly, I don't have a lot of time, but we are setting new standards for the taxi industry in Chattanooga.

Chris, can you add some color to this?

Um I I was under the assumption that this was somewhere in the works.

And I think Chairman Davis just corrected me and said I was wrong.

Uh we yeah, not like Tablets.

I mean, we adjust to telling.

Yeah, we're just telling I was wrong.

I I was wrong.

Why are we with this one?

There's not currently a bill drafted for this.

Uh the administration's not opposed to a reasonable increase.

Uh city council sets the maximum rates, not the administration, uh, but we're we're happy to work and support on whatever you would like.

Okay, I'll do this.

I'll pick this up because I thought it was already in the works.

I'll I'll pick it up because Jonathan and I have sat down and talked about this together.

So I don't I don't mind.

This is something I do support.

And so I'll Jonathan, I'll pick this up and I'll bring it before my colleagues and we'll go from there.

My mistakes, I just thought it was in the works so well.

So councilman, I'd be happy to meet with you about it next week.

Okay, that's work.

That's fine.

We'll find some time.

Okay.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

You're welcome.

Janice Gooden from the Great District 8.

I didn't really prepare any remarks, but I did want to comment about the meeting this morning.

I was a little late and I didn't actually get in the room.

Although uh I know he motioned for me to come in but uh I really expected it to be in the larger room so I just took my time and getting here.

But I really appreciate um you bringing this back because sometimes things are started people leave people um you know things get tabled and we don't get back to it.

So I think it's really valuable that we refocus and I I plan to be a part of it but I think I'll just put some comments in writing and maybe send you an email but I appreciate it.

Yes ma'am thank you is there anyone else that would like to address the council all right council I don't see anybody and I know we've all right motion and second all in favor we are adjourned