Portland Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting - June 1, 2026

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Portland, Tennessee, met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including zoning changes, annexations, infrastructure projects, a new splash pad, traffic calming policies, and a proposed moratorium on data centers and energy facilities. Multiple votes were taken, all passing unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Ordinances 26-29 (chemicals for FY2027), 26-30 (airport apron expansion contract with TDOT), 26-31 (support for BIL grant), 26-32 (airport apron expansion contract with C&C Contracting), and the minutes of May 18, 2026. All passed unanimously.

Public Hearings

• Ordinance 26-17 (Second Reading) – Rezoning 0 Fowler Ford Road from County-Residential to RS-40 (low density single family residential). Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-37 – Annexation of 1.2 acres at 0 Fowler Ford Road with owner's written consent and adoption of a plan of services. Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Splash Pad Update (Parks & Recreation) – Alderman Woodall reported the splash pad opened 10 days prior. Issues included water pressure causing children to overshoot the slide landing area, and system alarms. Staff is working with the manufacturer and IT to monitor and adjust. No age limits or full-time staff are planned. A proposal for after-hours private rentals ($50 per hour) is being considered. Alderman Jennings noted the splash pad does not replace the old pool, which would have cost $10–15 million.
• Gateview Drive Storm Drainage and Road Installation (Public Works) – Carlton presented plans to address flooding at the apartment complex and provide a secondary school access. Estimated cost $832,000 for drainage, roadbed, and paving ($412,000 for drainage alone). Aldermen expressed concerns about cost and benefit; the project is not a city priority. Discussion to reallocate the $400,000 already budgeted for this project. No vote taken; further external conversations planned.
• Lindsey Kala Circle Bridge Repair (Public Works) – A hole was discovered under the bridge; temporary fill installed. Full replacement estimated at $66,000 with a two-week construction period using a poured-in-place concrete box culvert (10–12 ft opening vs. current 40-inch pipe). Motion to proceed approved unanimously.
• Protocols for Requesting Traffic-Calming Investigations (Public Works) – Discussion on creating a formal policy similar to other cities. Proposed steps include resident petition, traffic data collection, and a 30% cost share from residents or HOA. Aldermen favored simplifying the process, with an annual review cycle and clear criteria (e.g., street length >1000 ft, speed limit ≤30 mph). No vote; staff to refine and present later.
• Data Centers, EV Plants, and Energy Producers (Mayor’s Report) – Mayor Callis proposed a one-year moratorium on requests for such facilities to develop guidelines on buffers, decommissioning bonds, infrastructure capacity, and compliance. No formal action taken; discussion only.
• EPA Consent Order and Jet Vac Truck (Utility Infrastructure) – Discussion on purchasing a second vac truck (estimated $290,000–$300,000) to meet maintenance needs under the EPA consent order. Staff proposed reclassifying a vacant crew lead position as a vac truck operator. Aldermen expressed support but deferred funding decision to budget discussions.

Key Outcomes

• Fowler Ford Road Rezoning and Annexation (Ordinance 26-17, Resolution 26-37) – Approved unanimously.
• Old Westmoreland Road PUD Rezoning (Ordinance 26-34, First Reading) – Approved unanimously. The 27.2-acre site will have 94 lots (min. 5,000 sq ft), 3.5 units/acre, with amenities including playground, pickleball and basketball courts, dog park, and $50,000 park donation. Minimum home sizes: 40% ≥1,100 sq ft, 40% ≥1,400 sq ft, 20% ≥1,800 sq ft.
• Highway 52E Rezoning (Ordinance 26-35, First Reading) – Rezone 609 Highway 52E from RS-40 to GCS (General Commercial Services) – Approved unanimously.
• America 250 Celebration Contribution (Resolution 26-50) – Approved $1,000 to Sumner County's celebration.
• Final Budget Amendment (Ordinance 26-33, First Reading) – Approved unanimously.n- America 250 Resolution (Resolution 26-54) – Approved unanimously honoring the 250th anniversary.
• Oakhill Water System Change Order (Resolution 26-51) – Approved $103,709 in increased costs funded by grant clawbacks.
• Residential Utility Connection Fee Waiver (Resolution 26-53) – Approved to continue existing policy.
• Lindsey Kala Circle Bridge Replacement – Motion to proceed with $66,000 replacement approved unanimously.
• Removal of Ordinance 26-52 (Shaub Road Natural Gas Station Engineering) – Removed from agenda.