Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Regular Session - January 8, 2026

City Council — Thursday, January 8, 2026

BodyClarksville, Tennessee

SessionCity Council

DateThursday, January 8, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Gracious God, how we thank you for this day.

0:03

This is the day that you have made.

0:05

And I surely will rejoice and be glad therein.

0:08

69 years.

0:10

God, I thank you.

0:11

God, right now, we come to lift up Clarksville, Tennessee, in the name of Jesus, God.

0:18

God, we ask that you would look on us today.

0:21

And God give us wisdom to make decisions that you would have for us to make for the greater good of Clarksville, Tennessee, God.

0:30

And God, we ask right now that you would bless the city council right now and bless the mayor, God, not only him, the county mayor, God.

0:38

Bless everybody that represents Clarksville, Tennessee, as a whole, God.

0:44

We just pray right now for understanding, compassion, and love right now in the name of Jesus, God.

0:51

And God, we just bless your name with the highest praise.

0:54

And that is Hallelujah.

0:56

We say thank you in advance for what you're getting ready to do.

0:59

Speak to our hearts and speak to our minds right now.

1:03

We decrease so that you can increase in us.

1:07

In Jesus' great big name, we ask it all.

1:10

And we believe it, we receive it, and in the book of Mark, you said we could have it.

1:14

Amen.

1:25

One

Speaker 2

1:26

nation

Speaker 1

1:26

under

Speaker 2

1:27

God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Speaker 3

1:54

Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Unassigned speaker

1:57

All

Speaker 2

1:57

members are present.

Speaker 3

1:58

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

1:59

We do have a couple of special recognitions.

2:01

Councilman Smith.

2:03

We'll recognize you first in the well for your recognition.

Speaker 4

2:32

Good evening.

2:33

I think that we're filled to capacity.

2:35

That means a good thing.

2:36

Speaker 1

2:37

got some people in here that's coming to hear

Speaker 4

2:40

what we have to say tonight.

2:48

Well, tonight, I will be presenting the 8th of August Emancipation Day Awards.

Unassigned speaker

2:58

Speaker 4

2:59

want to recognize those who are part of the team that work behind the scenes and on the scene to make the 2025, 8th of August, Emancipation Day, a grand celebration to remember at Dixon Park.

3:16

Their help and support made it possible for hundreds of citizens and visitors from out of town to enjoy a free event open to the public, which many African Americans in Tennessee recognize as Freedom

Unassigned speaker

3:32

Day.

Speaker 4

3:33

The first recorded 8th of August celebration was held in Greenville, Tennessee, in 1871.

3:39

Coordinated by Sam Johnson, a freed slave of President Andrew Johnson, who freed his people on August the 8th.

3:50

The 8th of August has been celebrated for 154 years in Tennessee.

3:57

I am reminded of the scripture of Exodus chapter 12.

4:02

When the Lord told the Israelites, he said, remember and celebrate the day that I brought you out of Egypt, the land of slavery.

4:16

We all have experienced suppression in slavery in some shape, form or fashion.

4:23

America, for example, celebrates July the 4th.

4:27

To remember the day that it gained its freedom from Great Britain in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which declared the 13 colonies to be free and independent state.

4:42

This was a pivotal

Unassigned speaker

4:44

moment.

Speaker 4

4:44

So tonight, I will recognize a few recipients of the 8th of August Award who helped to break the chains and to keep the dream of freedom alive.

4:55

As I call your name, if you're here tonight, I'm gonna ask you to come forward.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Now I know the policemen, there were a lot of policemen that were involved in securing the uh the event.

Speaker 4

5:04

However, they couldn't be here because I I asked uh uh Chief Brennan that uh if he would just send one representative and so uh it was several of them, but we're gonna start out with Miss Lee Harpel, if she's here tonight.

5:22

Is she here tonight?

Speaker 1

5:24

Yeah, we may I think they called I

Unassigned speaker

5:27

think

Speaker 4

5:27

yes, and it reads this thus the 8th of August Emancipation Day, chains are broken.

5:41

That's what it looks

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning And Land Use███████████████████████████████████████39%

Procedural███████████████████19%

Homelessness█████████████13%

Community Engagement█████████9%

Affordable Housing██████6%

Historic Preservation█████5%

Transportation Safety██2%

Public Engagement██2%

Pending Litigation█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Regular Session - January 8, 2026

The Clarksville City Council met in regular session on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:37 pm in City Council Chambers, 106 Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee. Mayor Joe Pitts presided, and all 13 members of the governing body were present. The agenda included a zoning public hearing (6:21-6:49 pm), seven first-reading zoning ordinances, a street-abandonment resolution, the consent agenda, a homeless-services property purchase ordinance, and new business. The council also honored Councilmember Deanna McLaughlin's final regular session.

Special Recognition

Councilmember Smith presented 8th of August Emancipation Day awards to police officers, staff, volunteers, and donors who supported the 2025 Juneteenth/Emancipation Day celebration at Dixon Park. Mayor Pitts presented Councilmember Deanna McLaughlin (Ward 2) with a framed proclamation recognizing 15 years of council service; her term ends January 10, 2026, and she will serve as Deputy District Director for Congressman Matt Van Epps.

Public Comments & Testimony

The agenda listed a public comment by Jody Isaacs at 5:55 pm regarding Ordinance 45-2025-26; the minutes and transcript do not include those remarks.
During the zoning public hearing, supporters spoke for Ordinance 40 (Jonathan Blick), Ordinance 41 (Richard Garrett), Ordinance 46 (Calvin Ligon and Stanley Ross), Ordinance 49 (Bryce Powers), Ordinance 50 (Christine Black), and Ordinance 51 (Houston Smith).
Chris Wynn and AC Lopez spoke against Ordinance 51, saying a triplex did not fit the surrounding R-1 neighborhood and citing Rossview Elementary's high enrollment.

Planning Commission Public Hearing and Zoning Decisions

ORDINANCE 40-2025-26 (Z-49-2025): application by Jonathan Blick to rezone three parcels near Hickory Grove Blvd/Elwood Dr from R-2 to R-3. Blick proposed 600-800 sq ft homes priced $180,000-$200,000. Councilmember Smith objected to the small size and price; Councilmember Holleman said R-3 did not fit the street and would set a precedent. Failed, 4-9.
ORDINANCE 41-2025-26 (Z-50-2025): application by Fonda Malone to rezone a parcel east of N Whitfield Rd from AG to R-5. Richard Garrett said units replaced formal dining rooms with eat-in kitchen bars to keep rents affordable. Councilmember Smith objected to the lack of dining areas; Councilmembers Chandler and Holleman cited traffic near the roundabout and school. Councilmember Marquis supported the open-concept layout. Failed, 4-8-1 (Smith abstaining).
ORDINANCE 42-2025-26 (Z-51-2025): application by Fonda Malone to rezone the northeast quadrant of the N Whitfield/Needmore roundabout from R-2 to C-2. No one spoke; the applicant asked the council to vote it down, and the site was planned as green space. Failed, 0-13.
ORDINANCE 46-2025-26 (Z-52-2025): application by Ligon Home Builders/Gayla Stewart/Darroll Akins to rezone four tracts at the northern terminus of Bell Rd from AG/R-2 to R-3. Staff recommended disapproval; RPC recommended approval. Applicants said smaller R-3 lots would keep homes affordable and that Bell Rd widening and right-of-way work were underway. Several councilmembers expressed concern about a left-turn lane and conditional zoning; Councilmember Brown said he would follow up before second reading. Passed first reading, 7-6.
ORDINANCE 49-2025-26 (Z-55-2025): application by QP4 to rezone two parcels at the western terminus of Quarry Overlook Wy from R-5 to R-2A. Bryce Powers said the change would reduce a planned 98-unit townhome site to 35 single-family houses. Passed first reading, 12-1 (Shakeenab dissenting).
ORDINANCE 50-2025-26 (Z-56-2025): application by Crest Properties to rezone 12 Concord Dr from R-1 to R-2A. Christine Black, an owner, said the parcel would become part of adjacent single-family R-2A development with a new city street off Concord. Passed first reading, 13-0.
ORDINANCE 51-2025-26 (Z-57-2025): application by CGH Properties to rezone 1182 Rossview Rd from R-1 to R-3. After hearing opposition, applicant Houston Smith asked for referral back to the Regional Planning Commission. Motion to refer passed, 12-1 (Holleman dissenting).
RESOLUTION 34-2025-26: street abandonment of portions of Howard St, Lincoln Dr, and Ernest Shelton Dr for Lincoln Homes redevelopment. Councilmember Marquis offered an amendment: abandonment would begin May 1, 2026; the developer must notify the city of closed financial contracts by June 13, 2026; if not, the abandonment is null and void and the streets revert to the city. Amendment passed 11-2 (Pitts and Smith dissenting); resolution as amended passed 8-5.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda, adopted by one motion, included Ordinance 35-2025-26 (second reading, budget grant amendment), Ordinance 38-2025-26 (second reading, Legacy Nursery zoning C-4 to C-5), Ordinance 43-2025-26 (second reading, electronic message center signage regulations), Resolution 37-2025-26 (appointments to ACT Authority, Designations Committee, Gas & Water Board, and Regional Planning Commission), and adoption of the December 4, 2025 minutes.
Councilmember Holleman pulled Ordinance 43-2025-26 for separate consideration. His amendment to change the maximum five-second transition time between sign images/messages to no less than 20 seconds failed, 2-11. The original ordinance then passed second reading, 13-0.
The clerk's minutes record the consent agenda vote as 12-0, while separately noting that Councilmembers Peters, Streetman, and McLaughlin registered No votes on Ordinance 38 and Councilmember Streetman abstained on Resolution 37.

Finance Committee

ORDINANCE 45-2025-26 (first reading): would authorize the Mayor to negotiate and purchase real property to expand homeless support services in partnership with Clarksville-area Urban Ministries and The Well (Trenton Crossing Church of Christ). Councilmember Streetman spoke in favor of a day shelter/emergency shelter with case management; Councilmember Smith and others supported postponement to answer public concerns about location. Motion to postpone to the March 5, 2026 regular session passed, 8-4-1 (Lovato abstaining because she sits on the Urban Ministries board).
RESOLUTION 36-2025-26: proposed by Councilmember Chandler to request a Regional Planning Commission study of zoning amendments affecting the same parcel. The sponsor pulled the item; motion to postpone indefinitely passed, 13-0.

Department Reports

Neighborhood & Community Services: 19 households in intake/site review for home rehabilitation; 3 in active/pre-construction. Rental assistance program had 35 vacancies; program eligibility expanded to low-income households with appraisals up to $300,000. Financial Empowerment Center grant application due by end of January. Warming shelters remain open when overnight temperatures drop below 32 degrees.
Parks & Recreation: Kaleido Kids inclusive classes offered in January at Crow Recreation Center; Polar Bear Plunge scheduled February 7, 11 am-12 pm at New Providence Pool; hiring for multiple positions; info at ClarksvilleParksRec.com.
Public Safety: Building and codes reported 2,298 construction inspections, 11 new code enforcement cases, 29 abatement work orders, and about $171,000 in revenue. CPD announced a Citizens Police Academy starting March 3 (apply by February 24). CFR reported 16 recruits graduating January 23, upgraded dive/search capability using a local grant, and a new pumper engine for Station 5 serving Booth Hill.
Transportation-Streets-Garage: CTS carried 39,921 riders in December, including 35,658 fixed-route riders and 7,556 seniors riding free; Pearl Transit carried 4,263 riders. City garage completed 300 work orders with $41,343 in parts. Unleaded fuel price fell 3% to $1.93 per gallon; diesel fell 22% to $2.21 per gallon. No street department report was provided.

New Business

RESOLUTION 38-2025-26: approving Mark Riggins as General Manager of the Clarksville Gas & Water Department. Passed, 13-0.
RESOLUTION 39-2025-26: authorizing an interlocal agreement between the City of Clarksville and the Pennyrile Regional Energy Agency (PREA). Passed, 13-0.

Mayor and Council Member Comments

Councilmembers paid tribute to Councilmember McLaughlin, who delivered farewell remarks. She noted her 160th town hall meeting, work on neighborhood protection, crosswalks, the Restoring Clarksville Initiative, parks, and flood response, and thanked Ward 2 residents and colleagues.

Key Outcomes

Zoning first readings passed: Ordinance 49 (12-1), Ordinance 50 (13-0), Ordinance 46 (7-6); failed: Ordinance 40 (4-9), Ordinance 41 (4-8-1), Ordinance 42 (0-13); Ordinance 51 referred back to the Regional Planning Commission (12-1).
Resolution 34-2025-26 passed as amended (8-5) for Lincoln Homes street abandonment with a May 1, 2026 deferred abandonment and a June 13, 2026 closing-proof deadline.
Consent agenda adopted 12-0; Ordinance 43-2025-26 passed second reading 13-0 after its proposed amendment failed.
Ordinance 45-2025-26 postponed to March 5, 2026; Resolution 36-2025-26 postponed indefinitely.
Resolutions 38-2025-26 and 39-2025-26 passed unanimously (13-0).
Note: the minutes refer to the adopted Lincoln Homes resolution as RESOLUTION 35-2025-26 as amended in one place; the agenda and remaining minutes identify it as Resolution 34-2025-26, an apparent clerical discrepancy.

Meeting Transcript

Gracious God, how we thank you for this day. This is the day that you have made. And I surely will rejoice and be glad therein. 69 years. God, I thank you. God, right now, we come to lift up Clarksville, Tennessee, in the name of Jesus, God. God, we ask that you would look on us today. And God give us wisdom to make decisions that you would have for us to make for the greater good of Clarksville, Tennessee, God. And God, we ask right now that you would bless the city council right now and bless the mayor, God, not only him, the county mayor, God. Bless everybody that represents Clarksville, Tennessee, as a whole, God. We just pray right now for understanding, compassion, and love right now in the name of Jesus, God. And God, we just bless your name with the highest praise. And that is Hallelujah. We say thank you in advance for what you're getting ready to do. Speak to our hearts and speak to our minds right now. We decrease so that you can increase in us. In Jesus' great big name, we ask it all. And we believe it, we receive it, and in the book of Mark, you said we could have it. Amen. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. All members are present. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We do have a couple of special recognitions. Councilman Smith. We'll recognize you first in the well for your recognition. Good evening. I think that we're filled to capacity. That means a good thing. We got some people in here that's coming to hear what we have to say tonight. Well, tonight, I will be presenting the 8th of August Emancipation Day Awards. I want to recognize those who are part of the team that work behind the scenes and on the scene to make the 2025, 8th of August, Emancipation Day, a grand celebration to remember at Dixon Park. Their help and support made it possible for hundreds of citizens and visitors from out of town to enjoy a free event open to the public, which many African Americans in Tennessee recognize as Freedom Day. The first recorded 8th of August celebration was held in Greenville, Tennessee, in 1871. Coordinated by Sam Johnson, a freed slave of President Andrew Johnson, who freed his people on August the 8th. The 8th of August has been celebrated for 154 years in Tennessee. I am reminded of the scripture of Exodus chapter 12. When the Lord told the Israelites, he said, remember and celebrate the day that I brought you out of Egypt, the land of slavery. We all have experienced suppression in slavery in some shape, form or fashion. America, for example, celebrates July the 4th. To remember the day that it gained its freedom from Great Britain in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which declared the 13 colonies to be free and independent state. This was a pivotal

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Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Regular Session - January 8, 2026

City Council — Thursday, January 8, 2026

BodyClarksville, Tennessee

SessionCity Council

DateThursday, January 8, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Gracious God, how we thank you for this day.

0:03

This is the day that you have made.

0:05

And I surely will rejoice and be glad therein.

0:08

69 years.

0:10

God, I thank you.

0:11

God, right now, we come to lift up Clarksville, Tennessee, in the name of Jesus, God.

0:18

God, we ask that you would look on us today.

0:21

And God give us wisdom to make decisions that you would have for us to make for the greater good of Clarksville, Tennessee, God.

0:30

And God, we ask right now that you would bless the city council right now and bless the mayor, God, not only him, the county mayor, God.

0:38

Bless everybody that represents Clarksville, Tennessee, as a whole, God.

0:44

We just pray right now for understanding, compassion, and love right now in the name of Jesus, God.

0:51

And God, we just bless your name with the highest praise.

0:54

And that is Hallelujah.

0:56

We say thank you in advance for what you're getting ready to do.

0:59

Speak to our hearts and speak to our minds right now.

1:03

We decrease so that you can increase in us.

1:07

In Jesus' great big name, we ask it all.

1:10

And we believe it, we receive it, and in the book of Mark, you said we could have it.

1:14

Amen.

1:25

One

Speaker 2

1:26

nation

Speaker 1

1:26

under

Speaker 2

1:27

God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Speaker 3

1:54

Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Unassigned speaker

1:57

All

Speaker 2

1:57

members are present.

Speaker 3

1:58

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

1:59

We do have a couple of special recognitions.

2:01

Councilman Smith.

2:03

We'll recognize you first in the well for your recognition.

Speaker 4

2:32

Good evening.

2:33

I think that we're filled to capacity.

2:35

That means a good thing.

2:36

Speaker 1

2:37

got some people in here that's coming to hear

Speaker 4

2:40

what we have to say tonight.

2:48

Well, tonight, I will be presenting the 8th of August Emancipation Day Awards.

Unassigned speaker

2:58

Speaker 4

2:59

want to recognize those who are part of the team that work behind the scenes and on the scene to make the 2025, 8th of August, Emancipation Day, a grand celebration to remember at Dixon Park.

3:16

Their help and support made it possible for hundreds of citizens and visitors from out of town to enjoy a free event open to the public, which many African Americans in Tennessee recognize as Freedom

Unassigned speaker

3:32

Day.

Speaker 4

3:33

The first recorded 8th of August celebration was held in Greenville, Tennessee, in 1871.

3:39

Coordinated by Sam Johnson, a freed slave of President Andrew Johnson, who freed his people on August the 8th.

3:50

The 8th of August has been celebrated for 154 years in Tennessee.

3:57

I am reminded of the scripture of Exodus chapter 12.

4:02

When the Lord told the Israelites, he said, remember and celebrate the day that I brought you out of Egypt, the land of slavery.

4:16

We all have experienced suppression in slavery in some shape, form or fashion.

4:23

America, for example, celebrates July the 4th.

4:27

4:42

This was a pivotal

Unassigned speaker

4:44

moment.

Speaker 4

4:44

So tonight, I will recognize a few recipients of the 8th of August Award who helped to break the chains and to keep the dream of freedom alive.

4:55

As I call your name, if you're here tonight, I'm gonna ask you to come forward.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Now I know the policemen, there were a lot of policemen that were involved in securing the uh the event.

Speaker 4

5:04

5:22

Is she here tonight?

Speaker 1

5:24

Yeah, we may I think they called I

Unassigned speaker

5:27

think

Speaker 4

5:27

yes, and it reads this thus the 8th of August Emancipation Day, chains are broken.

5:41

That's what it looks

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning And Land Use███████████████████████████████████████39%

Procedural███████████████████19%

Homelessness█████████████13%

Community Engagement█████████9%

Affordable Housing██████6%

Historic Preservation█████5%

Transportation Safety██2%

Public Engagement██2%

Pending Litigation█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Clarksville City Council Regular Session - January 8, 2026

Special Recognition

Councilmember Smith presented 8th of August Emancipation Day awards to police officers, staff, volunteers, and donors who supported the 2025 Juneteenth/Emancipation Day celebration at Dixon Park. Mayor Pitts presented Councilmember Deanna McLaughlin (Ward 2) with a framed proclamation recognizing 15 years of council service; her term ends January 10, 2026, and she will serve as Deputy District Director for Congressman Matt Van Epps.

Public Comments & Testimony

The agenda listed a public comment by Jody Isaacs at 5:55 pm regarding Ordinance 45-2025-26; the minutes and transcript do not include those remarks.
During the zoning public hearing, supporters spoke for Ordinance 40 (Jonathan Blick), Ordinance 41 (Richard Garrett), Ordinance 46 (Calvin Ligon and Stanley Ross), Ordinance 49 (Bryce Powers), Ordinance 50 (Christine Black), and Ordinance 51 (Houston Smith).
Chris Wynn and AC Lopez spoke against Ordinance 51, saying a triplex did not fit the surrounding R-1 neighborhood and citing Rossview Elementary's high enrollment.

Planning Commission Public Hearing and Zoning Decisions

ORDINANCE 40-2025-26 (Z-49-2025): application by Jonathan Blick to rezone three parcels near Hickory Grove Blvd/Elwood Dr from R-2 to R-3. Blick proposed 600-800 sq ft homes priced $180,000-$200,000. Councilmember Smith objected to the small size and price; Councilmember Holleman said R-3 did not fit the street and would set a precedent. Failed, 4-9.
ORDINANCE 41-2025-26 (Z-50-2025): application by Fonda Malone to rezone a parcel east of N Whitfield Rd from AG to R-5. Richard Garrett said units replaced formal dining rooms with eat-in kitchen bars to keep rents affordable. Councilmember Smith objected to the lack of dining areas; Councilmembers Chandler and Holleman cited traffic near the roundabout and school. Councilmember Marquis supported the open-concept layout. Failed, 4-8-1 (Smith abstaining).
ORDINANCE 42-2025-26 (Z-51-2025): application by Fonda Malone to rezone the northeast quadrant of the N Whitfield/Needmore roundabout from R-2 to C-2. No one spoke; the applicant asked the council to vote it down, and the site was planned as green space. Failed, 0-13.
ORDINANCE 46-2025-26 (Z-52-2025): application by Ligon Home Builders/Gayla Stewart/Darroll Akins to rezone four tracts at the northern terminus of Bell Rd from AG/R-2 to R-3. Staff recommended disapproval; RPC recommended approval. Applicants said smaller R-3 lots would keep homes affordable and that Bell Rd widening and right-of-way work were underway. Several councilmembers expressed concern about a left-turn lane and conditional zoning; Councilmember Brown said he would follow up before second reading. Passed first reading, 7-6.
ORDINANCE 49-2025-26 (Z-55-2025): application by QP4 to rezone two parcels at the western terminus of Quarry Overlook Wy from R-5 to R-2A. Bryce Powers said the change would reduce a planned 98-unit townhome site to 35 single-family houses. Passed first reading, 12-1 (Shakeenab dissenting).
ORDINANCE 50-2025-26 (Z-56-2025): application by Crest Properties to rezone 12 Concord Dr from R-1 to R-2A. Christine Black, an owner, said the parcel would become part of adjacent single-family R-2A development with a new city street off Concord. Passed first reading, 13-0.
ORDINANCE 51-2025-26 (Z-57-2025): application by CGH Properties to rezone 1182 Rossview Rd from R-1 to R-3. After hearing opposition, applicant Houston Smith asked for referral back to the Regional Planning Commission. Motion to refer passed, 12-1 (Holleman dissenting).
RESOLUTION 34-2025-26: street abandonment of portions of Howard St, Lincoln Dr, and Ernest Shelton Dr for Lincoln Homes redevelopment. Councilmember Marquis offered an amendment: abandonment would begin May 1, 2026; the developer must notify the city of closed financial contracts by June 13, 2026; if not, the abandonment is null and void and the streets revert to the city. Amendment passed 11-2 (Pitts and Smith dissenting); resolution as amended passed 8-5.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda, adopted by one motion, included Ordinance 35-2025-26 (second reading, budget grant amendment), Ordinance 38-2025-26 (second reading, Legacy Nursery zoning C-4 to C-5), Ordinance 43-2025-26 (second reading, electronic message center signage regulations), Resolution 37-2025-26 (appointments to ACT Authority, Designations Committee, Gas & Water Board, and Regional Planning Commission), and adoption of the December 4, 2025 minutes.
Councilmember Holleman pulled Ordinance 43-2025-26 for separate consideration. His amendment to change the maximum five-second transition time between sign images/messages to no less than 20 seconds failed, 2-11. The original ordinance then passed second reading, 13-0.
The clerk's minutes record the consent agenda vote as 12-0, while separately noting that Councilmembers Peters, Streetman, and McLaughlin registered No votes on Ordinance 38 and Councilmember Streetman abstained on Resolution 37.

Finance Committee

ORDINANCE 45-2025-26 (first reading): would authorize the Mayor to negotiate and purchase real property to expand homeless support services in partnership with Clarksville-area Urban Ministries and The Well (Trenton Crossing Church of Christ). Councilmember Streetman spoke in favor of a day shelter/emergency shelter with case management; Councilmember Smith and others supported postponement to answer public concerns about location. Motion to postpone to the March 5, 2026 regular session passed, 8-4-1 (Lovato abstaining because she sits on the Urban Ministries board).
RESOLUTION 36-2025-26: proposed by Councilmember Chandler to request a Regional Planning Commission study of zoning amendments affecting the same parcel. The sponsor pulled the item; motion to postpone indefinitely passed, 13-0.

Department Reports

Neighborhood & Community Services: 19 households in intake/site review for home rehabilitation; 3 in active/pre-construction. Rental assistance program had 35 vacancies; program eligibility expanded to low-income households with appraisals up to $300,000. Financial Empowerment Center grant application due by end of January. Warming shelters remain open when overnight temperatures drop below 32 degrees.
Parks & Recreation: Kaleido Kids inclusive classes offered in January at Crow Recreation Center; Polar Bear Plunge scheduled February 7, 11 am-12 pm at New Providence Pool; hiring for multiple positions; info at ClarksvilleParksRec.com.
Public Safety: Building and codes reported 2,298 construction inspections, 11 new code enforcement cases, 29 abatement work orders, and about $171,000 in revenue. CPD announced a Citizens Police Academy starting March 3 (apply by February 24). CFR reported 16 recruits graduating January 23, upgraded dive/search capability using a local grant, and a new pumper engine for Station 5 serving Booth Hill.
Transportation-Streets-Garage: CTS carried 39,921 riders in December, including 35,658 fixed-route riders and 7,556 seniors riding free; Pearl Transit carried 4,263 riders. City garage completed 300 work orders with $41,343 in parts. Unleaded fuel price fell 3% to $1.93 per gallon; diesel fell 22% to $2.21 per gallon. No street department report was provided.

New Business

RESOLUTION 38-2025-26: approving Mark Riggins as General Manager of the Clarksville Gas & Water Department. Passed, 13-0.
RESOLUTION 39-2025-26: authorizing an interlocal agreement between the City of Clarksville and the Pennyrile Regional Energy Agency (PREA). Passed, 13-0.

Mayor and Council Member Comments

Councilmembers paid tribute to Councilmember McLaughlin, who delivered farewell remarks. She noted her 160th town hall meeting, work on neighborhood protection, crosswalks, the Restoring Clarksville Initiative, parks, and flood response, and thanked Ward 2 residents and colleagues.

Key Outcomes

Zoning first readings passed: Ordinance 49 (12-1), Ordinance 50 (13-0), Ordinance 46 (7-6); failed: Ordinance 40 (4-9), Ordinance 41 (4-8-1), Ordinance 42 (0-13); Ordinance 51 referred back to the Regional Planning Commission (12-1).
Resolution 34-2025-26 passed as amended (8-5) for Lincoln Homes street abandonment with a May 1, 2026 deferred abandonment and a June 13, 2026 closing-proof deadline.
Consent agenda adopted 12-0; Ordinance 43-2025-26 passed second reading 13-0 after its proposed amendment failed.
Ordinance 45-2025-26 postponed to March 5, 2026; Resolution 36-2025-26 postponed indefinitely.
Resolutions 38-2025-26 and 39-2025-26 passed unanimously (13-0).
Note: the minutes refer to the adopted Lincoln Homes resolution as RESOLUTION 35-2025-26 as amended in one place; the agenda and remaining minutes identify it as Resolution 34-2025-26, an apparent clerical discrepancy.

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