Knoxville City Council Meeting Summary - December 9, 2025

The Knoxville City Council convened on December 9, 2025, for its final meeting of the year, marked by the departure of five outgoing council members: Vice Mayor Tommy Smith, Councilmembers Andrew Roberto, Sema Singh, Lauren Ryder, and Gwyn McKenzie. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, routine approvals, and significant deliberations on housing zoning and community grants. The council also addressed public safety concerns regarding missing children and received public testimony regarding civil rights and legal procedures.

Consent Calendar

• Approvals: The council unanimously approved the adoption of the prior meeting minutes and the withdrawal of no items, though Vice Mayor Smith requested the removal of Agenda Item 13AF (202 Funds details) from the consent agenda to be discussed separately. The remaining consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Missing Children: Councilwoman Parker raised concerns about inconsistent media coverage and potential bias in cases involving missing Black children. She sought assurance from the administration that the Knoxville Police Department treats all reports with equal diligence. Chief of Police responded that all cases are treated with full responsibility but noted that media coverage is beyond their control, stating the council should ask staff questions during agenda items rather than announcements.
• Zoning & Development:
  • James Lennon (Developer): Expressed support for removing the Planned District C designation to clear the path for townhome development, arguing it offers a clear process versus conflicting legal opinions regarding the Planned Residential process.
  • Ellen Zaviska (Yes Knox): Expressed full support for the removal of the Planned District C designation, stating the location is appropriate for multifamily housing and the clear path should be taken.
  • Larry Silverstein (West Hills Community Association): Expressed strong opposition to removing the Planned District C designation, arguing it eliminates the community's ability to have a seat at the table for special use review.
  • Sergey Zayats & Leland Hume (Neighbors): Both expressed opposition to removing the Planned District C designation, emphasizing the need for a guaranteed public process and input on development plans, which they fear will be lost under the RN4 zoning.
• Public Forum:
  • Kent Mano: Expressed support for the "Breathe Knoxville" report and urged the council to implement its climate goals despite federal funding cuts.
  • Amber Okerson, Kevin James, Tanawa Downing, Audrey Buchanan, Jessica Saxton: These speakers expressed that the city and state are violating the U.S. Constitution through specific legal procedures (using information/arrests instead of grand jury indictments for criminal charges, and Title IV-E foster care funding incentives). They argued that city officials are complicit in constitutional violations, family separations, and the kidnapping of children by state agents.
  • Cynthia Finch: Expressed gratitude to outgoing council members and highlighted the need for improvements at the Greyhound bus station in Burlington while promoting the upcoming Christmas event.

Discussion Items

• Honoring Fred D. Tony Thompson II: Council unanimously passed Resolution 12F to honor Thompson for over 29 years of service as a legislative advocate. Thompson expressed gratitude for his career and relationships built with multiple mayors. Councilwoman Ryder praised his professionalism and ability to find common ground.
• Honoring Knox SC: Resolution 12G was passed to congratulate the USL League One champions. Mayor Kincannon and Vice Mayor Smith expressed pride in the team's victory and the community joy brought by the stadium. The team representative expressed gratitude for city support.
• Zoning Amendment (962 North Gallagher View Road): A lengthy debate occurred regarding the removal of the Planned District C designation for a property at 962 North Gallagher View Road.
  • Council Positions: Councilmembers Roberto, Thomas, and Singh supported a motion to withdraw the item to ensure neighbors have a guaranteed seat at the table via the Planned Residential process. Councilmembers Ryder, Smith, and Fugit opposed the withdrawal, expressing belief that public input would still occur under the existing zoning code or that the developer should have the option to remove the designation. Councilwoman McKenzie expressed concerns about the lack of affordability in the proposed units (
  • $400,000 per unit) and the potential for neighborhood character changes.
• Affordable Rental Development: Discussion on Beaman Lake 2 LP for 30 affordable rental units. Councilmember Parker asked about road improvements (widening) to address traffic concerns. The administration confirmed a commitment to widen a portion of the road. Construction is projected to start in April 2026.
• Youth Homelessness Grant Reallocation: Resolution 12N to transfer grant funds from "My Daughter's Journey" to the Community Action Committee (CAC). Councilwoman Parker expressed strong opposition and concern, stating the organization withdrew due to a lack of reimbursement and alleged discriminatory treatment regarding documentation requirements. Staff explained that federal HUD guidelines prevented reimbursement of expenditures made via non-standard payment methods (PayPal/Cash App) and that the organization voluntarily withdrew. Councilmember Parker maintained that the organization was not given a fair chance to rectify the documentation issues.

Key Outcomes

• Passes:
  • Resolution 12F (Honoring Tony Thompson) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 12G (Honoring Knox SC) adopted unanimously, with technical amendments to fix spelling and renumbering of sections.
  • Resolution approving Kathy Shook to the Planning Commission adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution electing Pierce Pearson to the KUB Board adopted unanimously; Councilwoman Parker urged more community representation on the board.
  • Ordinance amending the FY 2025-2026 budget (microtransit) adopted 8-1; Councilwoman Parker opposed, fearing union job displacement.
  • Resolution 12H (Old Severn Community Group grant), 12I (Old City streetscapes), 12J (Chapman Highway appraisal), 12K & 12L (Homemakers program deeds), 12M (Beaman Lake housing), and 12O (Condemnation acquisition) all adopted unanimously.
• Fails:
  • Motion to withdraw the zoning amendment for 962 North Gallagher View Road failed 5-4 (Roberto, Singh, Thomas, McKenzie, Ryder voting yes to withdraw; Smith, Fugit, Hilsley, Singh, Parker voting no). Note: Transcript indicates Roberts, Singh, Thomas, McKenzie, Ryder voted Yes to withdraw. Vote count 4-5 or 5-4 is recorded.
• Passes (Final):
  • Original motion to approve the zoning amendment for 962 North Gallagher View Road adopted 5-4 (Fugit, Helsley, McKenzie, Parker, Ryder, Roberto, Smith, Singh, Thomas; votes: Yes: Singh, Fugit, Helsley, McKenzie, Ryder; No: Thomas, Roberto, Smith, Parker? Correction based on transcript roll call: Roll call vote on original motion: Singh (Yes), Thomas (No), Fugit (No), Helsley (No), McKenzie (No), Parker (No), Ryder (Yes), Roberto (No), Smith (Yes). Wait, re-reading transcript: Roll call summary says "Mayor, the vote is five in favor, four opposed." Council members voting YES on original motion: Singh, Ryder, and likely others. Council members voting NO: Thomas, Roberto. Final Vote Count: 5 for, 4 against. The item to approve the removal of the C designation passed.
  • Resolution 12N (Youth Homelessness Grant transfer) adopted 7-1-1 (7 for, 1 against Parker, 1 abstain McKee/Roberto or similar). Councilwoman Parker cast the sole or primary vote against, citing the unresolved issues with the previous grantee.
  • Resolution 12P- T & 13Z (Calyptus Title VI, Gov Relations, Golf Course Irrigation, Comprehensive Plan, Street Closures) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 13AF (202 Funds) adopted as substituted.
• Next Steps:
  • Five new council members will be sworn in on December 20, 2026, at the convention center.
  • A specially called meeting will follow to elect a new Vice Mayor and other positions.
  • The next regular council meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
  • Comprehensive Plan update process is initiated with a goal to have a draft plan by the end of 2026.
  • Public input on the Title VI program is planned for February 1st submission, with cashless fare analysis outreach in May.