City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL, TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 5, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jack Young on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 7:00p.m. in the Slater Center Auditorium. ROLLCALL: Present: Mayor Jack Young, Vice Mayor Margaret Feierabend, Councilman Chad Keen, Councilwoman Lea Powers, and Councilwoman Michelle Reuning. Others Present: City Manager William L. Sorah; City Attorney Danielle Kiser, City Recorder Tara Musick; and members of City staff. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Jack Young, gave the invocation and Vice Mayor Feierabend led the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND/OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Bristol Ballet 70 111 Anniversary - Councilwoman Powers read a joint proclamation with Bristol, Virginia recognizing the 70 111 Anniversary of the Bristol Ballet. Ivy Ritchie, Managing Director and Michele Plescia, Artistic Director and Instructor at the Bristol Ballet were in attendance to accept the proclamation. Bristol Tennessee Essential Services - The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services was recognized for receiving the Malcom Baldrige National Award. The award is presented annually to U. S. manufacturing, service, small business, health care, education and nonprofit organizations. BTES is the first utility company to receive the award and is one of five recipients of the 2017 award. PRESENTATIONS: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: None  City Council Meeting December 5, 2017 Page 2 of7 APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: Eddie Mabry, 109 Sunnybrook Drive, wanted to reaffirm his concerns about Intimate Treasures locating at the entrance of the Sunnybrook Subdivision. Faithful Taxpayer, asked that the City Council fund some crime projects that she had requested in writing and asked that they oversee the projects themselves. APPOINTMENTS: None ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 17-6- An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance by Adding a New Section for the Central Business Expansion District (B-2E District) and by Making Other Conforming Changes City Manager Sorah stated that a Fiscal2017 goal of the Community Development and Economic Development staffs was the analysis of the West State commercial corridor. During the September 2017 work session, staff outlined redevelopment strategies for this important commercial corridor. An element of the discussion included the proposal of a new business district known as the Central Business Expansion District (B-2E). The proposed district recognizes the unique character of the existing corridor and its redevelopment obstacles. It acknowledges the historically compact and linear character of the existing corridor and its similarity to the Central Business District. In order to maintain the unique characteristics of the existing development, the B-2E zone eliminates setback requirements, maximizes building height at 70' or six stories, establishes signage requirements similar to the Central Business District, and establishes design standards. Uses permitted in the new zone includes restaurant, retail, office, printing, automobile sales, churches, civic and social organizations, and personal care services. In addition, parking restrictions have been lessened to accommodate the character of the corridor. The Bristol Regional Planning Commission favorably approved the creation of the proposed business district during their November 20th meeting. Ordinance 17-6 will be considered on first reading during the December 5th meeting. If approved, a public hearing and second reading will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve Ordinance 17-6 on first reading, and Councilman Keen seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.  City Council Meeting December 5, 2017 Page 3 of7 Ordinance 17-7 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance to Change Allowed Densities in the R-4 (High Density Multifamily) and B-3 (General Business) and to Add a New Zoning District (R-5 High Density Multifamily) City Manager Sorah stated that the Bristol Regional Planning Commission requested the Community Development staff to evaluate the appropriateness of existing residential densities permitted in multifamily residential and business districts. Staff was requested was to compare density thresholds with those permitted in surrounding jurisdictions. The Planning Commission voted to recommend density changes to three existing districts and the creation of an R-5 District (High Density Multifamily District). During the November 28th City Council work session, staff detailed the recommendations approved by the Planning Commission during their November 20th meeting. A summary of the recommendations is detailed below: • R-3 District (Multifamily) remain at 13 units per acre. • Reduce the density within R-4 District (High Density Multifamily) from 44 units per acre to 20 units per acre. • Increase the minimum lot area per dwelling unit within the R-4 District from 990 square feet to 2,178 square feet. • Create an R-5 District (High Density Multifamily) at 35 units per acre with setbacks referring to the R-M District, 6,000 square feet minimum lot area, 1,244 square feet minimum lot area per dwelling unit, and a height restriction at four stories or forty-five feet. • Remove the reference of the R-3 density within the B-3 District. • Create a new density standard within the b-3 District at 15 units per acre. If Ordinance 17-7 is approved on first reading, a public hearing and second reading will be held on Tuesday, January 2,2018. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve Ordinance 17-7 on first reading, and Councilwoman Reuning seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. B. Adoption of Ordinances (Second Reading): None C. Resolutions: Resolution 17-128- A Resolution Confirming the Appointment of a Student Member to the Parks and Recreation Commission City Manager Sorah stated that the accompanying resolution confirms the appointment of Lance Tudor to serve as a student representative on the Parks and Recreation Commission.  City Council Meeting December 5, 2017 Page 4 of7 The Parks and Recreation Commission is comprised of twelve members with two members to be selected by Tennessee High School staff. Dr. Kim Kirk, Tennessee High School Principal, has recommended Mr. Tudor to serve in this capacity. The appointment of Mr. Tudor will be through the period of May 30, 2019. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve Resolution 17-128, and Councilman Keen seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Resolution 17-129- A Resolution Endorsing the Joint Legislative Policy of the Tri-Cities for the 2018 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly City Manager Sorah stated that the accompanying resolution endorses the Joint Legislative Policy of the Tri-Cities for the 2018 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. The legislative policy has been jointly developed to provide a unified position regarding key legislative initiatives affecting the communities of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. The policy is in final draft form. The 2018 Policy includes fifteen (15) policy objectives grouped into the five subject areas of Urban Growth & Planning, Education, Local Revenue, Public Safety and Transportation as follows: (I) Urban Growth & Planning (a) Deannexation (b) Annexation (c) Planning (II) Education (a) Public Chapter 305 (b) The City of Athens Board of Education v. McMinn County Case (c) PC 901 Mixed Drink Tax (d) Maintenance of Effort for Education (III) Local Revenue (a) Raising or Eliminating the Single-Article Sales Tax Cap (b) Local Option Restaurant Privilege Tax (c) Certified Tax Rate and Tax Increment Financing (d) Utilities (V) Public Safety (a) Pain Clinics  City Council Meeting December 5, 2017 Page 5 of7 (b) Drug Trafficking and DUI Seizures (c) Smoking (VI) Transportation (a) Passenger and Freight Rail Service The presentation of the 2018 Joint Legislative Policy will take place during a visit with our legislative delegation on Monday, January 29th and Tuesday, January 30th. This two-day event will provide opportunity to meet with legislators and visit sessions in both the House and Senate as well as select committee hearings. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve Resolution 17-129, and Councilwoman Reuning seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Resolution 17-130- A Resolution Authorizing Entry into an Agreement for Professional Services with the Walker Collaborative, LLC for Preparation of a Downtown Development Strategy City Manager Sorah stated that a Fiscal 2018 goal for the Economic Development staff is the preparation of a Downtown Development Strategy. This plan will guide our development and redevelopment decisions for the foreseeable future. Staff has requested proposals and interviewed qualified firms to provide the service. Staff is recommending The Walker Collaborative, of Nashville, Tennessee, to perform the research and analysis necessary for the preparation of the Downtown Development Strategy. The firm will develop the plan under a lump sum contract in the amount of $72,790. The project scope will include research of existing data such as development regulations, aerial mapping, previous downtown plans, transportation studies, and demographic and economic data. Their physical analysis will include existing and potential public spaces, pedestrian circulation, building use and utilization, parking access and inventory, loading and unloading spaces, streetscapes, potential infill development, and expansion of the Central Business District. The firm will conduct a market analysis for retail/commercial uses and an existing market condition assessment for housing and offices in Downtown Bristol. In addition, this analysis will consider how the Downtown retail market relates to other retail areas including The Pinnacle commercial area located at Exit 74. Key stakeholders such as Believe in Bristol, Bristol Area Chamber of Commerce, real estate professionals, property and business owners, as well as residents of the Downtown community will be significant partners the plan development stage. It is anticipated the research and plan development will be completed within six months of the authorization to proceed. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to approve Resolution 17-130, and Vice Mayor Feierabend seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.  City Council Meeting December 5, 2017 Page 6 of7 CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Mayor Young had a correction to the November 7, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes correcting the name ofPastor Sam Haynes. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the correction, and Councilwoman Powers seconded the motion. The following items were approved by unanimous Council vote: • Minutes November 7, 2017 City Council Meeting • Minutes November 28, 2017 City Council Work Session • Resolution 17-131 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of a 1-ton Cab and Chassis • Resolution 17-132 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Two Mobile Changeable Message Signs • Resolution 17-133 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of a Full Size Sport Utility Vehicle • Resolution 17-134 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of a Medium Size Sport Utility Vehicle • Resolution 17-135 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of a Police Patrol Vehicles • Resolution 17-136 A Resolution Adopting the Americans with Disability Act ("ADA") Compliance and Self- Certification Letter and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Same BOARD OF EDUCATION LIASON REPORT: Dr. Gary Lilly stated they have been conducting EOC testing at Tennessee High School. He said that they are looking forward to interviewing architects for the new middle school and will be hopefully selecting a firm after New Year's. He went over the various groups that have helped students in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  City Council Meeting December 5, 2017 Page 7 of7 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah asked the City Council to take note of some events coming up: A) Christmas Parade on December 7 B) Annual TML District 1 Meeting on December 12 in Greenville, Tennessee C) City Council Work Session on December 12 D) Employee Longevity Luncheon on December 19 at Steele Park Lodge. He recognized Fire Chief Bob Barnes at his last City Council Meeting. The reception honoring Fire Chief Barnes will be held on December 13 at the Central Fire Station. Assistant Fire Chief Mike Carrier will be serving as Interim Fire Chief during the search for Fire Chief Barnes' replacement. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Keen said that it was an exciting time for our downtown. He said that it will be interesting to see where the new downtown study leads us. Councilwoman Powers stated that she appreciates all the work that the staff does . Vice Mayor Feierabend stated that she had learned a lot at the National League of Cities Conference and appreciated the opportunity. She thanked staff for their work on the "Coffee with the Mayors" event held that morning. She stated that she had attended an event at the Chamber of Commerce on Opioid Addiction and she also attended a meeting at Bristol Promise Networks Alliance. Councilwoman Reuning gave a big "shout out" to the small business community. She said that she wanted everyone to remember people that may have mental health issues during the holiday season. Mayor Young stated that we have some great things to be thankful for and he looks forward to 2018. He encouraged everyone to serve someone during the holidays that doesn't have the same opportunities we have. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and he looks forward to a bright and prosperous 2018 . There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:19p.m. ~t:~ Tara E. Musick, City Recorder