Clarksville City Council Regular Session - March 5, 2026

The Clarksville City Council held a regular session on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting opened with a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and special proclamations. The bulk of the session was the Planning Commission Public Hearing covering 11 zoning cases, followed by the Consent Agenda, Finance Committee items, and committee department reports. Mayor Joe Pitts presided.

Special Recognition

• Proclamation presented to the Clarksville Jeep Crew for volunteer efforts during the January ice storm: 59 volunteers, 8 dispatchers, 36 active drivers, 1,293 volunteer hours, 325+ vehicle recoveries, and 150+ assisted vehicles/rides.
• Proclamation presented to Roger Green declaring March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the need for early screening at age 45.

Public Comments & Testimony (during Planning Commission Public Hearing)

• Ordinance 47 (Z-53-2025, 1911 Old Russellville Pike, R1 to R2A): Larry Rocconi (attorney) and Chris Blackwell (developer) spoke in favor. Rocconi stated the property owners were first on the land, flooding began after surrounding development, and a private hydrology report identified drainage solutions costing over $209,000, to be paid by the developer. Blackwell showed photos of a clogged city pipe under the railroad and committed to helping fix it. Mark Remini and Jim Knoll (residents) spoke against, citing flooding since 2001, traffic concerns on Old Russellville Pike, and school overcrowding (Rossview Elementary at 120% capacity). Remini stated, "We are not looking for a magic wand to fix this, just to keep it from becoming worse." Knoll argued the rezoning benefits only the property owner while shifting costs to neighbors. Council voted 7-6 to pass first reading.
• Ordinance 57 (Z-3-2026, 2610 Ashland City Rd, R1 to R5): Applicant John Mark Holleman spoke in favor, stating the small tract is part of a subdivision that wasn't rezoned earlier. No opposition. Council voted 9-4 to pass.
• Ordinance 59 (Z-4-2026, 2075 N Ford St, M2 to R2A): Applicant Terrence Burney spoke in favor, planning to tear down a dilapidated house and build two single-family homes. Joy Welker (neighbor) spoke against for the third consecutive year, concerned about increased traffic on a small cul-de-sac and compatibility. Council voted 11-2 to pass.
• Ordinance 62 (Z-7-2026, 3341 & 3351 Pembroke Rd, R1 to R5): Larry Rocconi and Chris Blackwell spoke in favor, proposing 46-47 small rental homes (600-800 sq ft, $600-$800/month rent) to address affordable housing needs, noting a city housing needs assessment showing a 15,000-unit shortage. No opposition speakers. Council voted 10-3 to pass first reading.
• Ordinance 56 (Z-8-2026, 1018 Swift Dr, O-1 to R2A): Applicant Bryce Powers spoke in favor, having purchased the property and proposing eight single-family homes with a single access point instead of the previously approved commercial use. No opposition. Council voted 12-1 to pass.
• All other zoning items (Ordinances 39, 54, 60, 63 and Resolutions 43, 44) had no public speakers and passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 45 (First Reading, Homeless Support Services Property Purchase): Postponed from January 8. Councilman Streetman moved approval, then immediately moved to postpone indefinitely. Councilwoman Lovato clarified Urban Ministries withdrew from the partnership but not due to finding an alternate location. The motion to postpone passed 11-0-1 (Councilwoman Lovato abstained).
• Ordinance 55 (First Reading, Greenway Land Donation): Accepting donated property from Aspire Clarksville for Greenway development near Ringgold Road. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 47 (RPC Platting Authority): Authorized the Regional Planning Commission to exercise platting per TCA 13-3-402. Passed 10-1 (Councilwoman Lovato opposed).

Committee Reports

• Neighborhood & Community Services (Chairman Shakeenab): Provided 164 residents emergency utility assistance after the ice storm (100 one-time subsidies). Announced a $150,000 grant to establish a Financial Empowerment Center offering free one-on-one financial coaching. Recognized Program Director Clarissa Tucker for leading the grant application.
• Parks & Recreation (Chairman Zacharias): Upcoming events: Boots, Beats & Bites (March 14, 7-10 PM), Parents Night Out Nerf Wars (March 20, 6-8:30 PM for ages 6-12), Depot Days (March 21, 10 AM-3 PM). Listed multiple job openings including aquatics, athletics, and maintenance positions.
• Public Safety (Chairman Lovato): Building & Codes: 1,838 inspections, 236 new code enforcement cases, 11 abatement orders, $181,852.82 revenue. Police: warnings about scammers impersonating CPD; Spring Fest at Summit Heights (March 17, 12-3 PM); STACK class for teens (March 14, 8 AM-12 PM). Fire & Rescue: 30 new firefighters starting academy March 23; new rescue truck at Station 3; promotions including Chief Chris Ireland to Assistant Chief of Maintenance.
• Transportation-Streets-Garage (Chairman Smith): CTS fixed route ridership: 36,043 (6,736 seniors free); paratransit: 4,350; total: 40,393. City garage: 442 work orders; fuel prices (unleaded up 3.3% to $2.18/gal, diesel up 9.8% to $2.67/gal).

Key Outcomes

• All 11 zoning cases on the public hearing passed first reading (several with split votes).
• Ordinance 45 (homeless support property) was indefinitely postponed.
• Ordinance 55 (greenway land donation) passed first reading.
• Resolution 47 (RPC platting authority) adopted.
• Consent Agenda adopted unanimously: Ordinance 52 (building code updates), Resolution 45 (wine sale certificate for West Fork Market), Resolution 46 (ACT Authority and Audit Board appointments), and February 5 meeting minutes.
• Council members reminded of the annual ethics survey deadline (March 6 at 4:30 PM).