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Record of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Executive Session Summary – January 6, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, January 6, 2026
BodyClarksville, Tennessee
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, January 6, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:42

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the January 6, 2026 executive session of the Clarksville City Council.

0:49

First item on our agenda is the Planning Commission report.

0:53

Mr.

0:53

Tyndall, please, sir.

0:55

First item under that Planning Commission report is ordinance 40, 2025-26.

1:01

Mr.

1:01

Tyndall, please, sir.

Speaker 2

1:03

Thank you, Mayor.

1:04

Good evening, City Council.

1:05

As you can see, our planning commission meeting was a while ago, and I'll refer to my notes tonight.

1:13

The first request tonight is Planning Commission case Z49 2025.

1:19

This is three parcels.

1:21

Currently zoned R2 and requesting to go to R3.

1:25

It's the application of Jonathan Blick.

1:28

The properties are three separate parcels.

1:31

First fronting on the north frontage of Hickory Grove Boulevard and the south frontage of Elwood Drive.

1:38

And the remaining two parcels are located at 400 Hickory Grove Boulevard and 400 and a half Hickory Grove Boulevard.

1:46

It's a small group of parcels bisected by Hickory Grove Boulevard with a moderate slope and trees.

1:52

This is in Council Ward Number Six.

2:29

R1 to the south across the road.

Unassigned speaker

2:34

So

Speaker 2

2:34

the one parcel is this triangular parcel you're looking at between the intersection of both roads.

Unassigned speaker

2:41

This

Speaker 2

2:41

is Lwood looking back to Hickory Grove.

2:45

Parcels on the

Unassigned speaker

2:46

right.

Unassigned speaker

2:49

And

Speaker 2

2:49

that's looking up towards Elwood.

2:59

Then across the street to the left are the other two parcels.

Unassigned speaker

3:05

That

Speaker 2

3:05

are requested with this zoning.

4:07

Staff does recommend approval.

4:36

Sorry, comprehensive plan as a place appropriate for increased residential density and targeted neighborhood scale commercial investment.

4:44

Increased residential density through infill and redevelopment is most appropriate in areas with well connected street networks, existing infrastructure, and convenient access to goods and services, such as the South Clarksville planning area.

4:57

The planning commission also recommended for approval.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker 1

5:00

Tyndall.

5:01

Councilman Holliman,

Speaker 3

5:02

you're recognized.

5:03

Thank you, Mayor.

5:03

Mr.

5:04

Tyndall, so it's 14 units under R3.

5:06

How many units could they get it at uh R2?

Speaker 2

5:10

Based on that acreage, two acres.

Unassigned speaker

5:14

And

Speaker 2

5:14

we typically say R2.

5:16

Um R2 comes in a little over two units an acre, so six, maybe seven, um, depending on how they divide it up.

5:25

So it's a pretty big, pretty big jump.

5:27

Could be.

5:28

Um they're deep parcels.

5:30

Uh we did not see a plan yet on how they want to do that.

5:34

Um sure the applicant can explain a little better what their yield might be, but we've not seen a final sketch of it.

5:40

Um too small to put too small to put a new public road in, so these would be frontage lots, so that may also cut down on it a little bit.

5:47

Okay,

Speaker 1

5:48

all right, thank you.

5:49

Councilman Smith, you're recognized.

Speaker 4

5:51

Thank you, Mayor.

5:51

Uh thank you, Ms.

5:52

Tendle, for sharing this information.

5:54

My concern is uh were there any oppositions from any of the people that live in that area?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use██████████████████████████████████████38%
Homelessness████████████████████████24%
Affordable Housing██████████10%
Public Engagement████████8%
Public Safety██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Transportation Safety███3%
Procedural███3%
Personnel Matters██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Executive Session Summary – January 6, 2026

The Clarksville City Council held an executive session on January 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting focused on reviewing several zoning ordinances, a resolution for street abandonment, a proposed homeless services property purchase, and other administrative items. No formal votes were taken; items will be considered at the regular meeting on January 8, 2026.

Planning Commission Report – Zoning Ordinances (First Reading)

  • Ordinance 40-2025-26 (Z-49-2025): Jonathan Blick requested a zone change from R-2 to R-3 on three parcels near Hickory Grove Blvd and Elwood Dr. RPC recommended approval. Council discussion noted the potential increase from ~7 units to 14 units. Councilwoman Smith inquired about opposition (none) and infrastructure requirements (sidewalks, emergency access). No decision made.

  • Ordinance 41-2025-26 (Z-50-2025): Fonda Malone requested a zone change from AG to R-5 on 1.23 acres near N Whitfield Rd. Applicant stated intent to build affordable housing (35 townhome units combined with adjacent parcel). RPC recommended approval. Councilwoman Smith raised school capacity concerns (Glen Ellen at 106%). Councilman Chandler questioned traffic access. No decision.

  • Ordinance 42-2025-26 (Z-51-2025): Fonda Malone requested a zone change from R-2 to C-2 on 0.29 acres at the N Whitfield/Needmore roundabout. Applicant plans small commercial retail. RPC recommended approval. Several council members expressed concerns about opening floodgates for commercial zoning, traffic safety, and compatibility with nearby residential. Councilman Brown, Councilwoman McLaughlin, and Councilman Lovato indicated opposition. No decision.

  • Ordinance 46-2025-26 (Z-52-2025): Ligon Home Builders et al. requested a zone change from AG/R-2 to R-3 on 14.7 acres at Bell Rd terminus. Planning staff recommended disapproval; planning commission recommended approval. Councilman Chandler expressed concerns about overburdening Needmore Rd and cumulative impact of multiple rezonings (estimated 110 units). Councilman stated he would vote no on all three related cases. No decision.

  • Ordinance 49-2025-26 (Z-55-2025): QP4 requested a downzone from R-5 to R-2A on 12.96 acres at Quarry Overlook Wy. RPC recommended approval. Councilman Brown asked about quarry safety; staff noted geotechnical review will be required. Historical yield reduced from ~140 townhomes to ~58 single-family homes. No decision.

  • Ordinance 50-2025-26 (Z-56-2025): Crest Properties requested a zone change from R-1 to R-2A on 0.21 acres at 12 Concord Dr to add one lot to a subdivision. RPC recommended approval. Council discussion confirmed road access and subdivision plan. No decision.

  • Ordinance 51-2025-26 (Z-57-2025): CGH Properties requested a zone change from R-1 to R-3 on 0.55 acres at 1182 Rossview Rd for a triplex. RPC recommended approval. Councilman Streetman cited resident opposition from Wards 10 and 11; concern about introducing R-3 to the area. No decision.

Resolution 34-2025-26 – Street Abandonment for Lincoln Homes Redevelopment

  • A resolution to abandon portions of Howard St, Lincoln Dr, and Ernest Shelton Dr as part of the Lincoln Homes redevelopment. Councilman Marquis stated an amendment is coming and asked to allow a contractor to speak (not permitted as it was not a public hearing). Councilwoman Smith urged approval, citing $35 million in grant funds and resident need. Councilwoman McLaughlin and Councilman Marquis opposed, citing lack of information and procedural concerns at the Housing Authority. Councilman Chandler noted past abandonments for other projects. No decision.

Consent Agenda

  • Items read by the Clerk: Ordinance 35-2025-26 (budget amendment), Ordinance 38-2025-26 (zoning case Z-38-2025), Ordinance 43-2025-26 (electronic message center signage), Resolution 37-2025-26 (appointments), and adoption of December 4, 2025 minutes. No items removed. Approved by consensus.

Finance Committee Report

  • Ordinance 45-2025-26 (First Reading): Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to negotiate purchase of 224 Union Street (The Well) for homeless support services in partnership with Clarksville Area Urban Ministries. Cost: $750,000 from CDBG funds plus ~$250,000 improvements. Director Michelle Alston presented: the property will provide expanded case management, extreme weather sheltering, food, showers, laundry, and a code of conduct. Several council members expressed concerns: Councilwoman Smith questioned location in a residential area and lack of operational details; Councilman Holliman argued it could increase homeless population; Councilman Chandler suggested postponing for more public input; Councilman Brown wanted lease renewal clauses. Supporters (Councilman Streetman) emphasized it addresses an existing problem without new property tax dollars. The Finance Committee had recommended approval. No vote; will be considered Thursday.

  • Resolution 36-2025-26: Resolution requesting RPC to study amendments to zoning reapplication rules (Wallace Read rule). Sponsor Councilman Chandler wants to prohibit reapplication within 12 months after a council denial unless sponsor was on prevailing side. Finance Committee voted disapproval. RPC Director Tyndall explained current rule allows reapplication by 3/4 council vote, which has been used rarely (7 attempts, 3 approved, 2 succeeded). Councilman Streetman supported keeping current rule as a safety valve. No decision.

Public Safety Committee – EMR Standards Update

  • Chief Freddie Montgomery presented an internal plan to make Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification a minimum standard for all fire suppression personnel. Currently ~60% can provide medical services. Plan will raise pay for 84 personnel below EMR level, with no new money in current budget. Cost for first phase: under $181,000. Full implementation by January 1, 2027. No decision needed (informational).

New Business

  • Resolution 38-2025-26: Approving appointment of Mark Riggins as General Manager of Clarksville Gas & Water Department. Following creation of Gas & Water Board, this resolution formalizes the appointment. No opposition expressed. Will be considered Thursday.
  • Resolution 39-2025-26: Authorizing interlocal agreement with Pennyrile Regional Energy Agency (PREA) for a natural gas pipeline from Cadiz, KY to Clarksville. GM Riggins explained the partnership will provide redundancy for natural gas supply. PREA will build from Cadiz to state line; Clarksville will connect from state line to existing infrastructure. Agreement required for financing. No decision.

Public Comments

  • Dwight Eversaw (Dog Hill resident, 30 years): Opposed the Well purchase, citing existing services (Centerstone, Buffalo Valley, Judy's Hope) already concentrated downtown. Questioned effectiveness of current programs (example of homeless man sleeping in common area for 2 years). Suggested finding a location outside the residential area.
  • Joyce Weirick (neighbor of The Well, 81 years): Strongly opposed expansion, describing cleanliness and safety issues (used needles, condoms, a stabbing, and a knife incident on New Year's Eve). Said the area is the oldest residential neighborhood in Clarksville and should not host such services. Urged council not to approve.

Council Member Comments

  • No additional comments made. Mayor Pitts adjourned the meeting, noting the next regular meeting is Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the January 6, 2026 executive session of the Clarksville City Council. First item on our agenda is the Planning Commission report. Mr. Tyndall, please, sir. First item under that Planning Commission report is ordinance 40, 2025-26. Mr. Tyndall, please, sir. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, City Council. As you can see, our planning commission meeting was a while ago, and I'll refer to my notes tonight. The first request tonight is Planning Commission case Z49 2025. This is three parcels. Currently zoned R2 and requesting to go to R3. It's the application of Jonathan Blick. The properties are three separate parcels. First fronting on the north frontage of Hickory Grove Boulevard and the south frontage of Elwood Drive. And the remaining two parcels are located at 400 Hickory Grove Boulevard and 400 and a half Hickory Grove Boulevard. It's a small group of parcels bisected by Hickory Grove Boulevard with a moderate slope and trees. This is in Council Ward Number Six. R1 to the south across the road. So the one parcel is this triangular parcel you're looking at between the intersection of both roads. This is Lwood looking back to Hickory Grove. Parcels on the right. And that's looking up towards Elwood. Then across the street to the left are the other two parcels. That are requested with this zoning. Staff does recommend approval. Sorry, comprehensive plan as a place appropriate for increased residential density and targeted neighborhood scale commercial investment. Increased residential density through infill and redevelopment is most appropriate in areas with well connected street networks, existing infrastructure, and convenient access to goods and services, such as the South Clarksville planning area. The planning commission also recommended for approval. Thank you, Mr. Tyndall. Councilman Holliman, you're recognized. Thank you, Mayor. Mr. Tyndall, so it's 14 units under R3. How many units could they get it at uh R2? Based on that acreage, two acres. And we typically say R2. Um R2 comes in a little over two units an acre, so six, maybe seven, um, depending on how they divide it up. So it's a pretty big, pretty big jump. Could be. Um they're deep parcels.

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