Knoxville City Council Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Knoxville City Council met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular meeting. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, withdrawal of three agenda items, a consent agenda, the mayor's report highlighting public safety achievements and the upcoming comprehensive plan update, approval of several contracts and ordinances, and public forum with two speakers.

Consent Calendar

• Approvals of the minutes from the March 26 workshop and March 31 meeting were approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda, comprising routine items, was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matthew Rock asked about the city's snow plan for the next winter, expressing concern about school closures.
• Patty Thomas (113 South Van Gilder Street) formally raised concerns about city-owned trees adjacent to her property causing structural damage to her home (foundation, driveway, retaining walls, plumbing). She stated she had made numerous complaints over 10–15 years without resolution and requested accountability and a long-term plan. The mayor noted that she is working through a formal process with the city's risk department.

Discussion Items

• Withdrawal of Items 10C, 10D, 10E: At the applicant's request, these items were withdrawn. Councilman Thomas commented that the process had been flawed from the beginning because the applicant failed to reach out to affected constituents, as recommended by planning staff. He hoped for better procedures in the future.
• Mayor's Report: Mayor reported zero homicides in Knoxville so far in 2026, an 82% drop in non-fatal shootings, and overall violent crime reductions significantly exceeding national averages. She thanked the council, police department, and community partners. She also announced the "What's Next Knoxville" comprehensive plan update, with the first public listening sessions on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at various locations. She invited council to help promote attendance.
• Committee and Council Reports: Councilmember Grant announced an audit committee meeting on April 15 at 3 p.m. Councilmember Adams noted a student shadowing her and promoted a South Knoxville cleanup on April 18 and Tree Fest on April 24. Councilmember Parker announced "Casual Talks with City Council" on April 29 from 5:30–7 p.m. at Ola Southern Cuisine. Councilmember Honeycutt thanked city staff for the marathon and promoted local events including the Beard and History Fair and West Hills Spring Celebration. Councilmember De Barde Laban announced a council workshop on the grant process on April 23 at 6 p.m.
• Agenda Items 12F–13M: The council unanimously approved a series of resolutions and an ordinance, including:
  • 12F: Pavement marking contract (Volunteer Highway Supply Co., up to $250,000).
  • 12G and 12H: Street lighting and high mast maintenance (Edison Electric, up to $1,450,000; Progression Electric, up to $200,000).
  • 12I: Amendment to Whalley Construction contract for Old City streetscapes phase two (increase of $51,307.25 to a total of $672,940.35). Councilmember Grant inquired about change order caps; city staff indicated there is no formal cap but a goal of under 10%.
  • 12J: Gymnasium basketball goals at 12 community centers (Bonnets Inc., up to $416,184.21).
  • 12K and 12L: On-call electrical repair services (Edison Electric, up to $150,000; Three Phase Power, up to $50,000).
  • 13M: Ordinance amending Chapter 7.5 of the city code (approved without discussion).

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items (12F through 13M) were approved unanimously.
• Items 10C, 10D, and 10E were withdrawn.
• The council acknowledged the mayor's public safety report and the comprehensive plan update.
• Public forum comments were noted; the city will continue working with Patty Thomas through the risk department process.
• The meeting adjourned without objection after public forum.