Knoxville City Council Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Knoxville City Council met on March 17, 2026, at 6:11 PM, with all nine members present. Key agenda items included approvals of previous meeting minutes, adoption of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and decisions on several grant resolutions and a special use appeal.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the February 26 workshop and March 3 regular meeting.
• Approved the consent agenda (items 12A–12P, excluding 12Q which was pulled) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11D (CareCuts Special Use Appeal): David Hamilton (appellant attorney) argued the application violated zoning codes regarding parking, pedestrian safety, and proper permits. He expressed concern about increased crime and pedestrian hazards on Clinton Highway. Opponents from the Norwood Homeowners Group and local businesses echoed these concerns.
• Item 12F (Opportunity Youth Grants): Supporters from Two Bikes, The Bottom, and Community Action Committee spoke in favor of funding for youth workforce programs. Matthew Robinson (Turn-Up Knox) requested better notification processes for nonprofits.
• Item 12G (Connect Ministries): Monica Reed and Jen Comiskey spoke in support, highlighting Connect's case management and violence reduction work. No opposition speakers.
• Item 12H (Helen Ross McNabb Therapy): Candice Allen supported the therapy contract; Matthew Robinson expressed concerns about duplicating services and excluding community-based organizations.
• Item 12M (Parks Master Plan): Jean Fitzhugh, Jack Coker, and Carol Evans spoke in favor, praising the thorough public engagement. Vivian Scheipe and Kent Minow spoke in opposition, citing lack of inclusion of Chihuahua Park advocates and insufficient time for council review.
• Public Forum: Vivian Scheipe urged action on temporary emergency shelters for the homeless. Famika Elliott promoted Black Maternal Health Week. Eddie DeBusque praised two KPD officers. Kent Minow criticized the Chihuahua Park Advisory Group selection process.

Discussion Items

• Item 11D – CareCuts Special Use Appeal: Council debated whether the proposed social service provider at 5200 Clinton Highway met special use criteria. Appellants argued it violated zoning for parking (6 spots vs required 20), lacked sidewalks, and would increase crime in an auto-centric area. Appellees (CareCuts) countered they serve a transient population already present, have a bus stop nearby, and that their lease and parking meet requirements. Councilmember Thomas moved to approve the appeal (overturn Planning Commission), but received no second. A motion to deny the appeal passed 8–1, upholding the special use permit.
• Item 12F – Opportunity Youth Grants: Discussion focused on audit findings of the city's grant process. Councilmember Grant raised concerns about lack of transparency and timeliness. Councilmember Adams asked for better notification tools. Vice Mayor Fugit noted the grants were submitted before audit findings and that corrective actions are underway. A workshop on grants is scheduled for April 23. The resolution passed 8–1.
• Item 12G – Connect Ministries Case Management: Council debated duplication of services with existing life coaching contracts. Councilmember Grant argued it was a 'band-aid on a gun wound' and urged better process. Motion to approve passed 6–2–1 (Councilmembers Grant and Lloyd opposed; Councilmember Thomas abstained).
• Item 12H – Helen Ross McNabb Therapy: Concerns raised about funding a full-time therapist position and whether community-based organizations could provide similar services. Councilmember Parker questioned the sole-source process. Motion passed 6–3 (Councilmembers Grant, Parker, and Lloyd opposed).
• Item 12M – Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Lengthy discussion on the plan's lack of inclusion of Chihuahua Park (still under event-space contract) and the selection process for the Chihuahua Park Advisory Group. Mayor Kincannon and staff stated the plan is a framework and that a community-driven process for Chihuahua Park will begin with the advisory group. Councilmember Parker expressed concerns about public trust and rushed process. Councilmember Thomas urged inclusive advisory group. The plan was adopted 8–1 (Councilmember Parker opposed).
• Item 12Q – Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant: KPD Chief Noel explained the grant will fund DNA testing on firearms to solve violent crimes. Councilmember Parker asked for transparency in grant descriptions. Approved unanimously.
• Item 13T – Alley Closure: Councilmember Adams discussed the importance of alleys for pedestrian connectivity but supported this closure given the existing parking lot use and need for student housing. Councilmember Thomas added that alley closures require scrutiny. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• CareCuts Special Use Appeal: Appeal denied (upholding the special use permit) by a vote of 8–1.
• Opportunity Youth Grants: Approved 8–1.
• Connect Ministries Contract: Approved 6–2–1.
• Helen Ross McNabb Therapy Contract: Approved 6–3.
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Approved 8–1.
• Other resolutions (12I, 12J, 12K, 12L, 12N, 12O, 12P, 12Q, 13S, 13T): All approved, mostly unanimously, with some items noted on consent.
• Next Steps: A grants workshop is scheduled for April 23. The Chihuahua Park Advisory Group will hold its first meeting the week of March 24.