Portland Board of Mayor and Aldermen Regular Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Portland City Hall. The meeting included approvals, reports, and discussions on water utility employee severance, a rezoning request, and infrastructure project timelines. Mayor Mike Callis presided.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the October 19, 2026 City Council meeting.

Communications

• Alderman Brian Woodall announced upcoming community events: Talk of the Town taping at Big Sky Farm on November 5 (1:00 PM), the annual Harvest Craft Festival at Richland Gym on November 14 (9:00 AM–4:00 PM), and the Veterans Breakfast at First Baptist Church on November 11 (8:00 AM).
• Mayor Callis reminded residents of Election Day on November 3, polls open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
• Mayor Callis noted the passing of Robertson County Mayor Billy Bogle.
• Mayor Callis encouraged participation in the America 250 time capsule project, with items accepted at City Hall or the Chamber through November.
• Mayor Callis reported receipt of a grant for building generator work, applied for in January 2025.
• Mayor Callis displayed satellite imagery showing progress on the northern leg of the bypass.
• Mayor Callis outlined next steps for sewer infrastructure: complete 2026 point repair and DMA Street project, continue accepting utility availability requests, adopt initial flat maintenance fee based on ERU model, continue smoke testing and flow monitoring, complete sanitary sewer valuation survey for EPA, and apply for SRF loan grant program (application window November 17–January). He directed residents to the city website for information and alerts.

Finance – Resolution 26-86: Water Department Employee Severance

• Alderman Vince Ellis presented a resolution to approve severance for water department employees who might transfer to White House Utility District. The package included Christmas bonuses ($9,800 total), vacation time, and a $1,500 severance per employee ($22,500 total).
• Alderman Charles Cole opposed the Christmas bonus and severance, calling them unnecessary ratepayer expenses, especially for employees who have not yet earned the year’s leave or a bonus paid months early. He moved to amend the resolution to only apply to employees with over one year of seniority, which would have disqualified two of the 15 employees.
• The amendment was seconded but failed after discussion in which Alderman Drew Jennings argued it was not cost‑saving and could hurt morale.
• A subsequent proposal to prorate the bonuses based on transfer month was withdrawn after staff explained that vacation leave is awarded in full on January 1 and cannot be prorated systematically.
• The original resolution passed with one dissenting vote (Alderman Cole).

WHUD (White House Utility District) Update

• Vice‑Mayor Megann Thompson reported no further communication since the board’s last meeting. A letter had been sent by White House’s legal counsel and received the day of the prior meeting; Portland’s board responded with its decision, but no reply has been received.
• Alderman Drew Jennings requested that staff ask for confirmation of White House’s next board meeting (their website indicates quarterly meetings, with December being the potential next date). Staff will follow up.

Legislative – Resolution 26-87: America 250th Anniversary

• The board adopted a resolution honoring the principles and ideals of the United States as part of the 250th anniversary celebration. Passed unanimously.

Community Development & Parks & Recreation

• Vice‑Mayor Thompson noted that staff member Sherry attended the Southeastern Conference in Atlanta and reported productive conversations.
• Parks and Recreation staff reported a successful Trunk‑or‑Treat event at Resident Park with large crowds, smooth flow, and good weather. Recent paving and striping at the park were praised.

Planning & Codes – Ordinances

Ordinance 26-52 (First Reading) – Rezoning 111 Strawberry Street

• A request to rezone the property from General Commercial Services (GCS) to R7.5 (Medium Density Residential) was presented. The property was originally rezoned to GCS in 2009 as part of a broader commercial overlay consideration for the Liberty Park area.
• Alderman Mike Hall questioned the zoning of adjacent lots and expressed concern about potential duplex development on the street. He asked about amending the zone to restrict single‑family use; staff suggested a voluntary deed restriction before second reading.
• The project representative stated that the lot is tight and plans for single‑family or duplex are not yet determined.
• The first reading passed with one abstention.

Ordinance 26-53 (First Reading) – Community Facility Activities in Industrial Districts

• The board considered an amendment to remove certain community facility conditional uses from IR (Industrial Residential) zoning districts. The Planning Commission had voted 9‑0 in favor of the removals. First reading passed.

Utility Infrastructure – Change Order for Sewer Project

• Alderman Charles Cole presented Resolution 26-86 (second item with same number) to approve Change Order No. 2 for the 2025 Sewer Improvements (Richland Park Sewer) Project, extending substantial and final completion dates by 60 days.
• Staff explained the delay was due to TDEC approval wait time and a supply hold on water main relocation materials that the city ordered.
• Alderman Mike Hall asked about penalty clauses; staff confirmed that unlike the splash pad project, no clawback was included.
• The change order was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-86 (Severance) passed (6‑1, with Alderman Cole dissenting).
• Resolution 26-87 (America 250) passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-52 (Strawberry Street rezoning) passed first reading (with one abstention).
• Ordinance 26-53 (Industrial district uses) passed first reading.
• Resolution 26-86 (Change Order No. 2) passed unanimously.
• Staff will request confirmation of the White House Utility District board meeting schedule.
• A cost estimate for Liberty Street improvements is expected to be presented at the December meeting.