Knoxville City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Knoxville City Council convened on May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM for its regular meeting. The council approved the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget (8-1), passed a smoke-free indoor air ordinance (6-3), and approved a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) for the multi-use stadium area. Several other resolutions and ordinances were adopted, including appointments, contracts, and a zoning appeal.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the May 7th legislative budget hearings and May 12th regular meeting.
• Approved consent agenda (routine items) without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget (Item 10E): Vivian Scheipe (opposed) called for increased wages and benefits for public service workers, arguing the budget fails to value them. Lindsay Uremco (opposed) questioned the use of general fund reserves for recurring costs and raised concerns about financial transparency, citing auditor findings on misstated cash balances.
• Smoke-Free Ordinance (Item 10H): Six speakers addressed the item—three in favor and three opposed. Supporters: Morgan Schmitz (musician, cited health risks to performers and workers), Rev. Charles Lomax (American Heart Association board member, argued for workplace equity), Michael Holtz (cancer survivor, shared personal story and health data). Opponents: James Kirk (cigar smoker, urged compromise and warned of harm to small businesses), Houston Forge (petition signer, called ordinance an attack on working class and personal freedom), Kip Everett (Army veteran, argued it violates 14th Amendment liberty), Tony Ewing (warned of lost clientele and business impact).
• DORA (Item 12AD): Michelle Hummel (Downtown Knoxville Alliance) spoke in favor, citing successful programs in other cities that boost foot traffic and economic activity while maintaining a family-friendly environment.
• Liquor License (Item 12AM): Dignesh Patel (applicant) argued his proposed store meets distance requirements; Jamin Patel (opponent) detailed that the location is only ~150 feet from New Gray Cemetery, violating the city’s 500-foot distance ordinance, and accused the applicant of omitting the cemetery from compliance certification.
• Public Forum: Chris Patterson (retired firefighter) appealed for help with workers’ compensation delays for needed surgery. Famika Elliott (Rudy East Knoxville Collective) and Khalil White (Black Girl Environmentalist Knox Hub) raised concerns about data center expansion, water and energy use, and environmental justice. Lindsay Uremco urged council to enforce distribution of the city’s internal controls manual. Piper Vasalo called for a moratorium on data center construction due to AI-related environmental and social impacts.

Discussion Items

• Item 10E – FY 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance: Mayor Kincannon presented the $2+ million for Knoxville Fire Department renovations and equipment, five new KPD positions, $8 million for affordable housing (including Western Heights and Habitat for Humanity), $2 million for homelessness prevention (with $500,000 for warming centers), $2 million for Chihuahua Park improvements with four new public service employees and a $2 million/year commitment for five years, and $2 million for energy efficiency upgrades. Councilmember Parker questioned the use of unassigned fund balance for recurring costs like the $5 million annual affordable housing commitment. CFO Boyce Evans explained that recurring costs are predictable business expenses; the city uses fund balance only for capital projects, not personnel. Parker sought a policy to distinguish recurring from one-time expenses and stated she could not support the budget without clarity; a motion to postpone was not made. The budget passed 8-1 (Parker opposed).
• Item 10H – Smoke-Free Ordinance (Banning Indoor Smoking in Certain Establishments): Councilmember Helsley, the sponsor, argued that secondhand smoke causes cancer and asthma and that the ordinance protects workers and patrons. She noted that state law exempts cigar bars, retail tobacco stores, and businesses with three or fewer employees. Councilmember Parker requested a workshop to clarify exemptions (e.g., cigar bars vs. lounges, cannabinoid products) and questioned the city’s authority to include grandfather clauses. Councilmember Grant expressed concern about inconsistency with a proposed downtown outdoor alcohol consumption area (DORA), saying both policies should be evaluated together for public health and safety impact; he indicated he might not support the ordinance. Councilmember DeBartelven argued the ban oversteps government authority and harms unique community spaces, citing a business that invested $60,000 in ventilation. After roll call, the ordinance passed 6-3 (Adams, Debartlevon, Grant opposed; Parker, Thomas, Lloyd, Honeycutt, Helsley, and the Mayor in favor).
• Item 12AD – DORA for Multi-Use Stadium: The resolution approved the geographic plan for Boyd Sports to manage alcohol sales and consumption in the plaza area surrounding the stadium during events. Councilmember Grant asked about enforcement and safety; Chief Noel stated public intoxication laws apply and that officers already monitor events. Curtis Harrington (Boyd Sports counsel) explained that private security will be increased as needed, and participating tenants will be subject to strict contracts. Vice Mayor Fugit clarified that alcohol cannot be taken outside the designated zone. Councilmember Thomas questioned why the Market Square DORA did not require council approval; the administration explained it was enabled by separate state legislation and is a pilot. The resolution passed by voice vote.
• Item 12AH – Grounds Maintenance Contract at Shaowe Park: Councilmember Grant opposed awarding the contract to Taylor’s Lawn Service (based in Blount County, outside Knoxville), arguing taxpayer dollars should support local businesses. He acknowledged the city cannot legally give local preference but urged better notification of bid opportunities. CFO Evans noted that the city uses BidNet and holds outreach events. The contract passed by voice vote.
• Item 12AM – Certificate of Compliance for Liquor Store (Concord Liquor & Wine): Councilmember Thomas moved to deny the certificate based on the law department’s finding that the proposed location is less than 500 feet from New Gray Cemetery (an active cemetery classified as a place of public gathering). The applicant’s survey did not mention the cemetery. The motion to deny passed by voice vote.
• Item 11AB – Zoning Variances Appeal (505 Woodlawn Pike): The appellant, Anthony Carter, sought variances for reduced side setback (from 5 ft to 0.16 ft) and increased height (from 18 ft to 21 ft 4 in) for an accessory structure. Neighbors provided letters of support. The Board of Zoning Appeals had denied based on lack of neighbor testimony, which was now provided. Councilmember Adams cited topography as the hardship and moved to approve; motion carried.

Key Outcomes

• Budget (Item 10E) adopted 8-1 (Councilmember Parker dissenting). FY 2026-2027 budget includes raises for all city employees, $2M+ for fire department, five new KPD positions, $8M for affordable housing, $2M for homelessness prevention, $2M for Chihuahua Park, and $2M for energy efficiency.
• Smoke-free ordinance (Item 10H) passed 6-3, banning indoor smoking in most 21+ establishments, effective after a delayed implementation period. Exemptions per state law: cigar bars, retail tobacco/vape stores, businesses with 3 or fewer employees, and private clubs.
• DORA for multi-use stadium (Item 12AD) approved, allowing controlled alcohol sales and consumption in the plaza area during events. Implementation anticipated mid-July 2026.
• Liquor store certificate denied (Item 12AM) due to proximity to New Gray Cemetery; applicant’s survey found non-compliant.
• Zoning variances appeal granted (Item 11AB) for the accessory structure at 505 Woodlawn Pike.
• Items postponed: 11AC (to June 9), 10I (to June 23).
• Appointments confirmed: Courtney Bergmeyer and Kristen Farley to Visit Knoxville Board (9C); Jonathan Weiss Hugo to Golf Course Advisory Committee (9D); Mark Lockhead to Knox County Board of Equalization (9A0, added by motion on emergency basis).