Knoxville City Council Regular Meeting - March 20, 2026

The Knoxville City Council met on March 20, 2026, at 6:11 p.m. with all nine members present. The meeting included approval of minutes, a commemorative resolution for Honor Air Knoxville, a contested appeal regarding a social service provider, multiple grant agreements, adoption of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and public forum.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the February 26 workshop and March 3 regular meeting were approved.
• Item 12Q was removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration; the remaining consent items were approved en bloc.
• Numerous routine resolutions were approved without discussion: excess liability insurance (12I, $772,192), Knoxville Urban Wilderness Gateway Park contract amendment (12J, increase of $19,821), Vision Zero Action Plan consulting (12K, $158,596), Tazewell Pike/Beverly Road intersection design (12L, $153,240), monument installation at Fort Dickerson Gateway Park (12N), maintenance contract with KMF3 Services LLC (12O, $72,550), and cemetery maintenance agreement with Carmichael’s Lawn Care (12P, $26,945).

Honor Air Knoxville Resolution (Item 12B)

• Council adopted a resolution expressing gratitude to Honor Air Knoxville for serving over 4,700 East Tennessee veterans since 2007. The 38th and final flight is scheduled for April 8, 2026. The resolution passed unanimously by acclamation. Councilmembers and attendees expressed appreciation; representatives from Honor Air accepted the recognition.

Care Cuts Special Use Appeal (Item 11D)

• Appellants David Hamilton (Norwood Homeowners Group), Humberto Rodriguez, Morris Chasseau, and Jason Sorrell appealed the Planning Commission’s approval of a special use permit for Care Cuts, a social service provider, at 5200 Clinton Highway (CH1 district). Appellants argued the site lacks sidewalks and crosswalks, has only six parking spaces, and that a certificate of occupancy was improperly issued. Appellees (Care Cuts) stated the facility serves up to 28 people per day on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, does not operate overnight, and provides IDs, laundry, clothing, and referrals. Supporters noted the existing homeless population in the area and the need for services. Council debated the six special use criteria; Councilmember Thomas moved to approve the appeal but lacked a second. A motion to deny the appeal carried (vote tally not specified, but carried).

Opportunity Youth Program Grants (Item 12F)

• Resolution to award up to $213,499 in grants to 13 community-based organizations for youth programming. Speakers in favor included representatives from Two Bikes, The Bottom, and Community Action Committee. One speaker (Matthew Robinson) requested better notification for nonprofits. Council debated past audit findings and transparency in grant processes. The motion to approve passed 8–1 (Councilmember Grant opposed).

Connect Ministries Agreement (Item 12G)

• Resolution to authorize up to $186,100 for Connect Ministries to provide case management and wraparound services for individuals at high risk for involvement in violence. Speakers in favor included Jen Comiskey and Monica Reid. Councilmember Grant raised concerns about duplication of services with existing life coaches. The motion to approve passed on roll call: 6 in favor, 2 opposed (Grant, Lloyd), 1 abstention (Thomas).

Helen Ross McNabb Center Agreement (Item 12H)

• Resolution to authorize up to $121,000 for individual and group cognitive behavioral therapy for high-risk individuals. Speakers included Candice Allen (in favor) and Matthew Robinson (concerns about process and duplication). Council debated whether funding should go to community-based providers already in the targeted neighborhoods. The motion to approve passed 6–3 (Councilmembers Grant, Lloyd, and Parker opposed).

Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Item 12M)

• Resolution to adopt the 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (224 pages) as prepared by Perez Planning and Design. Multiple speakers supported the plan, citing thorough community engagement; some opposed it, citing insufficient time for review and lack of explicit inclusion of Chihuahua Park. Council discussed the process for Chihuahua Park, including the formation of a Community Advisory Group and future management by Parks and Recreation. The motion to approve passed 8–1 (Councilmember Parker opposed). The mayor confirmed that Chihuahua Park will transition to Parks and Recreation management in 2026, subject to budget approval.

Safe Neighborhoods Grant (Item 12Q)

• Resolution to apply for a $47,608 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant from the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs (no local match) for DNA testing on firearms. Councilmember Parker questioned the description of equipment and supplies; staff clarified the funds will be used for rapid DNA testing. Approved.

Alley Closure Ordinance (Item 13T)

• First reading of an ordinance to close an unnamed alley near 1900 Forest Avenue to allow development. Councilmember Adams expressed general concern about alley closures but supported this one due to current use as a parking lot and housing needs. The ordinance passed on first reading; a second reading will follow.

Public Forum

• Vivian Scheipe urged the council to reinstate a resolution for temporary emergency shelters for the unhoused.
• Famika Elliott announced the inaugural Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17, 2026) and requested support.
• Kent Minau criticized the selection of the Chihuahua Park Advisory Group, urging inclusion of community advocates from the Save Chihuahua Park movement.
• Eddie DeBusque commended KPD Officers Ken Cannon and Eubanks for their professionalism in handling found property.

Key Outcomes

• Care Cuts Appeal: Denied; special use permit upheld.
• Opportunity Youth Grants: Approved 8–1.
• Connect Ministries Contract: Approved 6–2–1.
• Helen Ross McNabb Contract: Approved 6–3.
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Adopted 8–1.
• Safe Neighborhoods Grant: Approved.
• Alley Closure: Advanced to second reading.
• Meeting adjourned without objection.