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Record of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Regular Session - December 4, 2025

City Council — Thursday, December 4, 2025
BodyClarksville, Tennessee
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, December 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Unassigned speaker

0:44

The

Speaker 1

0:44

December 4th, 2025

Speaker 2

0:46

regular session of the Clarksville City Council is now called to order.

0:49

Pastor Yvette Teal with Great Commission Christian Church will be our chaplain of the day.

0:55

The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councilman Haywood, ladies and gentlemen.

0:58

I invite you to please stand.

0:59

And Pastor Teal.

1:08

It's on.

Speaker 3

1:10

Let us pray, gracious and sovereign God, we thank you for the gift of this day and for the privilege of gathering as one community.

1:18

We lift up the city of Clarksville, every neighborhood, every business, every family, and every citizen who calls this place home.

1:26

Today we pray especially for our mayor, our council members, and every leader entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the city forward.

1:35

Grant them wisdom that is clear, judgment that is sound, and hearts that are attentive to the needs of all people.

1:42

Lord, let the business discussed in this meeting be carried out with decency and order, with integrity, respect, and unity of purpose.

1:51

Allow every conversation, debate, and decision to be rooted in the common goal of advancing the well-being, safety, and flourishing of all who live and work in Clarksville.

2:01

Where there are differencing viewpoints, give grace.

2:05

Where there is uncertainty, give clarity, where there is pressure, give grace, and where there are opportunities, give courage to act boldly and justly.

2:14

Bless the leaders who serve, the staff who support, and the citizens who participate, strengthen our commun commitment to fairness, equity, and collaboration.

2:23

May this meeting reflect our shared desires to build a community that honors every voice and benefits every household.

2:31

We ask for your protection over our city, your guidance and our decisions, and your favor upon all that we to do today.

2:38

It's in your holy name that we pray, a man and amen.

Speaker 2

2:42

Amen.

3:12

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

3:14

We do have a few presentations.

3:15

It's my uh pleasure to introduce Wally Burchett.

3:18

Mr.

3:18

Burchett, if you would please approach, and you're recognized for a special presentation to the council.

Speaker 4

3:24

Yes, it is a special presentation, Mayor.

Unassigned speaker

3:30

This

Speaker 4

3:30

is it's I don't need this.

3:32

You don't need that.

3:32

I don't need the need it any

Speaker 2

3:34

time, I don't think.

3:35

I think they can hear you in New Providence.

3:39

Thank you, thank you very much.

Speaker 4

3:40

All right.

3:41

Good evening, Mayor, City Council.

3:43

Uh tonight I have an announcement and a presentation.

3:47

The announcement is this week, represents the book launch of Historic Clarksville 1784, 2024.

3:58

392 pages covering our colorful and dynamic 240-year history.

4:28

Plus will receive 100% of the net profit.

4:33

Books, I have to throw this in.

4:35

Books are now available at the museum gift shop and other selected outlets for 4995.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

To begin with, the author is our very own Jimmy Settle.

Speaker 4

5:04

Every single element, the research, the writing, the editing, the photography, the graphic design, and yes, the printing was carried out by Clarksville.

5:18

As the elected council members of our beautiful, fabulous city, I know that you joined me in being very proud of this achievement.

5:29

Also, I want to share that due to a donation from a local family, a total of 150 historic Clarksville books will be contributed and distributed throughout the area.

5:42

And let me outline how that will

Unassigned speaker

5:43

be.

Speaker 4

5:44

Multiple copies will be placed in all 55 Montgomery County public and private schools, local and regional public libraries, Austin P State University Library, Nashville State Community College Library, and other institutions of higher learning libraries, Fort Campbell Schools, and soon-to-be open museum will have copies of this, and all Montgomery County assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

6:18

In addition, copies will go to all current Clarksville City Council members, Montgomery County Commissioners, and County School Board members, along with the Tennessee Governor, Tennessee Historical Commission, and the National Library of Congress.

6:38

So tonight, in recognition and appreciation of your public service, I take great pleasure in presenting each of

Unassigned speaker

6:47

you

Speaker 4

6:47

a copy of Historic Clarksville.

6:51

Merry Christmas and God bless

Unassigned speaker

6:53

you.

Speaker 2

7:15

Thank you, Wally, for that kind contribution to our to our city.

7:20

The family that he referenced is the Birchett family that has a long and distinguished public service history in our community.

7:27

And about two months ago, Councilman McLaughlin,

Unassigned speaker

7:31

a

Speaker 2

7:31

month ago, we rededicated the Ewing C.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████████████████████33%
Procedural██████████████████18%
Affordable Housing██████████████████18%
Public Safety█████████9%
Historic Preservation████4%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Transportation Safety███3%
Public Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Regular Session - December 4, 2025

The Clarksville City Council held its regular session on December 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Joe Pitts presided. The meeting included a public hearing on zoning and planning items, a consent agenda, committee reports, and new business. The session concluded at 8:47 PM.

Public Comments

  • The scheduled public comment period featured Jennifer Meyer (listed for community concerns), but she was not present.
  • During the Planning Commission Public Hearing, multiple citizens spoke on specific agenda items (see below).

Special Recognition

  • Wally Burchett presented the book "Historic Clarksville 1784–2024" and donated 150 copies to schools, libraries, and other institutions. He was also honored with a plaque for the reopening of Ewing C. Burchett Park.
  • Mayor Pitts read a proclamation celebrating the 240th anniversary of the City of Clarksville.
  • Councilman Zacharias presented lifesaver certificates to Murphy Stanger and Stephanie Prusynski for saving a choking student.
  • Councilman McLaughlin recognized the Gas & Water Department's wastewater and water operations teams for achieving zero violations (wastewater) and a perfect 100 score on a sanitary survey (water).

Planning Commission Public Hearing and Adoption of Zoning

ORDINANCE 38-2025-26 (First Reading) – Legacy Nursery & Landscape zone change from C-4 to C-5

  • Speakers for: Lisa Wiles (neighbor) and David Thompson (applicant). No one spoke against.
  • Discussion: Councilmembers questioned Mr. Thompson about the intended use (garden center vs. nursery), the advice received from city staff, and the implications of C-5 zoning (allowing more intense commercial uses). Councilman Chandler urged approval, citing two years of conflicting guidance from building codes.
  • Procedural note: The council first voted to suspend rules to consider Resolution 35-2025-26 (which would ask the Planning Commission to study definitions for garden center/nursery). That motion passed 11-2, but the subsequent motion to consider Resolution 35 failed 9-4.
  • Vote on Ordinance 38: 9 ayes, 4 nays – passed.

ORDINANCE 43-2025-26 (First Reading) – Citywide electronic message center signage regulations

  • No public comment.
  • Vote: 13-0 – passed.

RESOLUTION 34-2025-26 – Abandonment of portions of Howard Street, Lincoln Drive, and Ernest Shelton Drive (Lincoln Homes Redevelopment)

  • Speakers for: Bishop Calvin Lockett (Housing Authority Board Chair) and Trina Hill (resident commissioner). No one spoke against.
  • Discussion: Supporters stressed the need to avoid delays that could jeopardize $35 million in tax credits and federal deadlines. Councilman McLaughlin expressed concerns about the current interim director and proposed a postponement to January. Councilman Streetman initially supported postponement, then after a recess moved to reconsider the postponement vote.
  • Votes:
    • First motion to postpone: failed 3-10.
    • Motion to reconsider postponement: passed 9-4.
    • Second vote to postpone: passed 11-2, postponing the resolution to the January 8, 2026 regular session.

ORDINANCE 44-2025-26 (First Reading) – Britton Springs Neighborhood Plan

  • Speaker for: Jonathan Blake (investor/developer).
  • Speakers against: David Smith (resident) and Earl “Opie” Mentier (resident).
  • Discussion: Opponents argued the plan would change neighborhood character, force one-way streets, and needed infrastructure fixes before new development.
  • Vote: 2 ayes, 11 nays – failed.

Consent Agenda

  • Approved unanimously (12-0) with one abstention noted (Councilman Holleman on Ordinance 30-2025-26). Items included:
    • Ordinance 21-2025-26 (liquor store compliance procedures)
    • Ordinances 22, 23, 24-2025-26 (property purchases for Habitat for Humanity affordable housing)
    • Ordinance 25-2025-26 (establishing the Clarksville Gas and Water Board)
    • Ordinance 26-2025-26 (land donation for greenway trail)
    • Several zoning changes (Ordinances 29, 30, 32, 33, 34-2025-26)
    • Ordinance 37-2025-26 (rescheduling January 2026 meeting)
    • Resolution 33-2025-26 (appointments to Audit Board and Senior Board)
    • Approval of minutes from November 4 and November 12, 2025.

Finance Committee

  • Ordinance 35-2025-26 (First Reading): Budget amendment for a grant award – passed 12-0.
  • Resolution 30-2025-26: Retirement and donation of K-9 dog “Joker” to Officer George Goodman – passed 12-0.
  • Hotel/Motel Tax report filed for the record.

Gas & Water Committee Report

  • Recognized employee certifications and training achievements.

Neighborhood & Community Services Committee Report

  • 22 households in home rehabilitation; 4 in active construction. Warming shelters open when temperatures drop to 33°F or below.

Parks & Recreation Committee Report

  • Director Jennifer Laterno earned Certified Park and Recreation Executive certification. Upcoming Christmas events announced.

Public Safety Committee Report

  • Building & Codes: 3,114 inspections, $342,000+ revenue.
  • Police: “Shop with a Cop” helped 120 children. Retirements and promotions noted.
  • Fire: Dive team grant ($30,000) and new personnel.

Transportation/Streets/Garage Committee Report

  • Fixed route bus ridership: 37,000 (including 7,372 seniors); paratransit: 4,157 riders. Garage completed 276 work orders; fuel prices: unleaded $1.99/gal, diesel $2.84/gal.

New Business

  • Resolution 32-2025-26: Appointments to the Clarksville Gas & Water Board. Councilman Smith opposed, arguing a five-member board is insufficient. Passed 10-1-1 (Councilman McLaughlin abstained).
  • Resolution 35-2025-26 (garden center definitions) was earlier considered and failed on the motion to consider.

Mayor and Council Member Comments

  • Councilman Brown praised the fire department’s dive team for a successful vehicle recovery.
  • Councilman Smith urged more crosswalks near schools and pedestrian safety improvements.
  • Councilman McLaughlin wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Key Outcomes

  • Passed: Ordinance 38 (Legacy Nursery zone change, first reading); Ordinance 43 (signage regulations); Ordinance 35 (budget amendment); Resolution 30 (K-9 retirement); Resolution 32 (Gas & Water Board appointments); entire Consent Agenda.
  • Failed: Ordinance 44 (Britton Springs plan). Motion to consider Resolution 35 failed.
  • Postponed: Resolution 34 (Lincoln Homes street abandonment) to January 8, 2026.
  • No action needed: Committee reports were informational.

Meeting Transcript

The December 4th, 2025 regular session of the Clarksville City Council is now called to order. Pastor Yvette Teal with Great Commission Christian Church will be our chaplain of the day. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councilman Haywood, ladies and gentlemen. I invite you to please stand. And Pastor Teal. It's on. Let us pray, gracious and sovereign God, we thank you for the gift of this day and for the privilege of gathering as one community. We lift up the city of Clarksville, every neighborhood, every business, every family, and every citizen who calls this place home. Today we pray especially for our mayor, our council members, and every leader entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the city forward. Grant them wisdom that is clear, judgment that is sound, and hearts that are attentive to the needs of all people. Lord, let the business discussed in this meeting be carried out with decency and order, with integrity, respect, and unity of purpose. Allow every conversation, debate, and decision to be rooted in the common goal of advancing the well-being, safety, and flourishing of all who live and work in Clarksville. Where there are differencing viewpoints, give grace. Where there is uncertainty, give clarity, where there is pressure, give grace, and where there are opportunities, give courage to act boldly and justly. Bless the leaders who serve, the staff who support, and the citizens who participate, strengthen our commun commitment to fairness, equity, and collaboration. May this meeting reflect our shared desires to build a community that honors every voice and benefits every household. We ask for your protection over our city, your guidance and our decisions, and your favor upon all that we to do today. It's in your holy name that we pray, a man and amen. Amen. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We do have a few presentations. It's my uh pleasure to introduce Wally Burchett. Mr. Burchett, if you would please approach, and you're recognized for a special presentation to the council. Yes, it is a special presentation, Mayor. This is it's I don't need this. You don't need that. I don't need the need it any time, I don't think. I think they can hear you in New Providence. Thank you, thank you very much. All right. Good evening, Mayor, City Council. Uh tonight I have an announcement and a presentation. The announcement is this week, represents the book launch of Historic Clarksville 1784, 2024. 392 pages covering our colorful and dynamic 240-year history. Plus will receive 100% of the net profit. Books, I have to throw this in. Books are now available at the museum gift shop and other selected outlets for 4995. To begin with, the author is our very own Jimmy Settle. Every single element, the research, the writing, the editing, the photography, the graphic design, and yes, the printing was carried out by Clarksville. As the elected council members of our beautiful, fabulous city, I know that you joined me in being very proud of this achievement. Also, I want to share that due to a donation from a local family, a total of 150 historic Clarksville books will be contributed and distributed throughout the area. And let me outline how that will be. Multiple copies will be placed in all 55 Montgomery County public and private schools, local and regional public libraries, Austin P State University Library, Nashville State Community College Library, and other institutions of higher learning libraries, Fort Campbell Schools, and soon-to-be open museum will have copies of this, and all Montgomery County assisted living facilities and nursing homes. In addition, copies will go to all current Clarksville City Council members, Montgomery County Commissioners, and County School Board members, along with the Tennessee Governor, Tennessee Historical Commission, and the National Library of Congress.

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