City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL, TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 8, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jack Young on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.rn. in the Slater Center Auditorium. ROLL CALL: 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 Councilwoman Powers led the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND/OR CHANGES: City Manager Sorah stated that Chief Wade has a presentation after the Proclamation portion of the agenda. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: National Police Week and Peace Officer's Memorial Day- Councilman Keen read a proclamation designating May 13 - 19, 2018 as National Police Week and May 15, 2018 as Peace Officer's Memorial Day in Bristol, Tennessee. Major Matt Austin accepted the proclamation. Economic Development Week- Councilwoman Reuning read a proclamation designating May 7 - 12, 2018 as Economic Development Week. Torn Anderson, Economic Development Director accepted the proclamation. National Emergency Medical Services Week- Vice Mayor Feierabend read a proclamation designating the week of May 20 -26, 2018 as National EMS Week. Captain David McGlarnery, accepted the proclamation. National Public Works Week - Mayor Young read a proclamation designating May 20 - 26, 2018 as Public Works Week. Tim Beavers, Public Works Director, accepted the proclamation.  City Council Meeting May 8, 2018 Page 2 of 8 Recognition - Blaine Wade, Police Chief, recognized Sgt. Matthew Cousins for receiving the 2017 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from the National Rifle Association at their annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. PRESENTATIONS: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mayor Young opened the Public Hearing. Ordinance 18-6 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Bristol, Tennessee by designating Certain Property as B-2E (Central Business Expansion) (West State Street Corridor from Volunteer to Eighteenth Street) City Manager Sorah stated that the City's Zoning Ordinance was amended to reflect a new business district known as B-2E. The district was developed to enhance redevelopment opportunities along the West State Street corridor from the Volunteer Parkway to 13th Street. 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 District 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 district 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 gave favorable recommendation to amend the Zoning Map to reflect the boundaries of the new district during their March 19th meeting. Community Development Memorandum 18-13 details the issue. Cherith Marshall, Senior Planner, presented the amendment to the City Council. Mayor Young closed the Public Hearings. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: Diane Whitaker, 1628 6th Street Ext., voiced her concern that she wasn't being protected by the City Council.  City Council Meeting May 8, 2018 Page 3 of 8 APPOINTMENTS: None ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 18-7 - An Ordinance to Adopt a Budget and Appropriate Funds for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 City Manager Sorah stated that Ordinance 18-7 is considered on first reading for formal adoption of the Fiscal 2019 Budget and Appropriations ordinance for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018. The Fiscal 2019 Budget totals $106,812,821. This reflects an increase of $502,739 or .05% from the Fiscal 2018 Budget. In addition, Ordinance 18-7 establishes the property tax levy at the current rate of $2.1612 per $100 of assessed value. The proposed budget maintains the current solid waste fees, stormwater fees, and water and sanitary sewer rates. The municipal government portion of the budget stands at $58,377,260, a decrease of $2,089,546 or 3 .5% from the Fiscal 2018 Budget. The proposed budget focuses on the key themes of economic development, education, and infrastructure. The budget continues all city programs and services as in the past while making strategic capital investments to meet the future needs of the community. Major projects include the reconstruction of East Cedar Street, major improvements at the water filtration and wastewater treatment plants, and the resurfacing of approximately fourteen lane miles of roadway. Key partnerships include the development of Tri- Cities Airport's Aerospace Park, site development at Bristol Business Park, and improvements at Partnership Park II. The proposed budget includes a modest wage adjustment of 1.3% for city employees. The school system portion of the budget totals $48,435,561, an increase of $2,5 92,285. This increase is primarily attributable to the $4,250,000 of funds in the School Capital Facilities Fund. This fund accounts for the disbursement of proceeds from the Sullivan County school construction bonds and will be available for property acquisition and design of the new middle school. The municipal government portion of the Fiscal 2019 Budget remains unchanged from that presented to City Council during the April 24th work session. Vice Mayor Feierabend stated that she is voting for the FY 2019 budget, but would like to see the tax rate reconsidered.  City Council Meeting April 3, 2018 Page 4 of 8 Councilwoman Powers stated that the budget will provide needed services but will not provide the growth that is needed or allow the city to flourish. Councilman Keen made a motion to approve the ordinance, and Vice Mayor Feierabend seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance 18-8 - An Ordinance to Amend the Appropriation of Funds and Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 City Manager Sorah stated that Ordinance 18-8 amends the Fiscal 2018 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Grant Fund, School Federal Projects Fund, School Capital Facilities Fund, and Capital Equipment Fund. The amendments reflect increased expenditures related to additional grant funding or revenues from other governing agencies. In addition, the Capital Equipment Fund is increased to address higher than anticipated costs for public safety equipment. The School Capital Facilities Fund is increased to address anticipated property acquisition costs associated with the new middle school. Increase Revised Appropriation Grant Fund $318,911 $ 450,000 School Capital Project Fund $150,157 $2,353,785 School Capital Facilities Fund $500,000 $1,500,000 Capital Equipment Fund $42,000 $1,625,000 As in years past, this amendment is necessary as a "house-keeping" measure to ensure compliance with legal requirements for municipal budgets. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve the ordinance, and Councilwoman Powers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. B. Adoption of Ordinances (Second Reading): Cherith Marshall, reviewed this ordinance during the Public Hearing section of the agenda. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve the ordinance on second reading, and Councilman Keen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.  City Council Meeting May 8, 2018 Page 5 of 8 C. Resolutions: Resolution 18-35 - A Resolution Approving the Acceptance of a Donation of Real Property to be Added to Steele Creek Park City Manager Sorah stated that staff was approached by representatives of Mr. F.J. Lovett, Jr. regarding the potential donation of fifty-two acres of property to the City for the purpose of expanding Steele Creek Park. The property is located adjacent to Steele Creek Park on Rock Farm Road in Sullivan County. Staff has toured the property and found it desirable for assimilation into the park boundary. The wooded tract is consistent with the natural acreage within the park and suitable for passive recreation pursuits such as hiking and outdoor education. In addition, the property contains a log cabin reported to have been built in the 1770' s and a natural wetlands which may provide a learning environment for observing species not previously believed to inhabit the park. This generous donation by Mr. Lovett will enhance the experience and natural resources of Steele Creek Park. As with the balance of property located within Steele Creek Park, the deed will contain a restrictive covenant limiting the use of the property to that of a public park. The City Council presented Mr. Lovett with a plaque as a thank you for his generous donation to Steele Creek Park. Councilman Keen made a motion to approve the resolution, and Vice Mayor seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Resolution 18-36 - A Resolution Authorizing Entry into a Contract of Sale and Road Maintenance Agreement City Manager Sorah stated that Resolution 18-36 authorizes the City to enter into an agreement with American National University, Corolla Management Corporation and Pinnacle Partners Tennessee, LLC addressing several elements necessary for the extension of Pinnacle Parkway. As Council may recall, last year a cost share agreement with Pinnacle Partners Tennessee, LLC was approved allowing for the extension of Pinnacle Parkway to serve properties located south of the US 11 -W/Pinnacle Parkway intersection. The roadway extension is necessary to efficiently access the new Fire Station #5 and future commercial development on the southwest corner of the intersection. In order for the roadway extension to align properly with existing traffic signalization, it was necessary to acquire two parcels owned by Corolla Management Corporation, the site of National College. Parcel A contains an area of 0.029 acres (1,259 square feet) and Parcel B contains an area of 0.019 acres (820 square feet) collectively the parcels have a market based appraisal of $21,000. There has been much discussion over the past months negotiating a satisfactory resolution of the property acquisition and conditions of the roadway construction. This agreement settles the issue  City Council Meeting May 8, 2018 Page 6 of 8 to the satisfaction of all parties. The agreement commits the City to purchase the required parcels, including any claim of damages, for a sum of $50,000. In addition, it sets forth the requirements for Pinnacle Partners Tennessee as it relates to the construction of the new access road to National College, owned by American National University. The construction of the access road is the sole financial responsibility of Pinnacle Partners Tennessee. It is expected that the construction of the access road will commence within thirty days of the execution of the agreement. The agreement also addresses a signage allowance of $12,500 to be provided by Pinnacle Partners to American National University for the replacement and relocation of existing signage. The agreement has been executed by Corolla Management Corporation, American National University and Pinnacle Partners Tennessee. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to approve the resolution, and Vice Mayor Feierabend seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Resolution 18-38 - A Resolution Approving an Agreement for Ambulance Billing and Collection Services Councilwoman Powers requested that Resolution 18-38 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to consider Resolution 18-38, seconded by Councilwoman Powers. Councilwoman Powers asked staff to research whether credit cards could be accepted by Intermedix for ambulance services. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to postpone Resolution 18-38 until staff can research the credit card matter and bring it before the City Council, seconded by Councilwoman Powers. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Vice Mayor Feierabend made a motion to approve the consent agenda, Mayor Young seconded the motion. The following items were approved by unanimous Council vote: • Minutes April 3, 2018 City Council Meeting • Minutes April 24, 2018 City Council Work Session  City Council Meeting May 8, 2018 Page 7 of 8 • Resolution 18-37 A Resolution Approving an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Emergency Communications District of the City of Bristol, Tennessee • Resolution 18-39 A Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for Transit Capital Assistance • Resolution 18-40 A Resolution Approving a Contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for the Maintenance of State Highways • Resolution 18-41 A Resolution Approving the Acceptance of Real Property from the Industrial Development Board of the City of Bristol, Tennessee BOARD OF EDUCATION LIASON REPORT: Dr. Gary Lilly stated that the General Purpose Budget for FY18 was $40,639,559 and the General Purpose Budget for FY19 is $39,787,392. He stated that the FY19 budget reflects some grants that they will not be receiving. He stated that state testing is winding down. He announced that it was National Teacher's Appreciation Week and Bristol is blessed with quality teachers. Class Night will Friday, May 11. The Senior Walk will be held on Monday, May 14. Online school will be graduating on Friday, May 18 and Tennessee High School's graduation will be held on May 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sarah thanked Tom Anderson, Christina Blevins, and Terrie Talbert for their work on the Small Business Festival. He stated that the Hiring Expo will be held May 24th at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He reminded City Council that the Bristol Exchange meetings will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 6:00 p.m., in the Slater Cafeteria, and Tuesday, May 29, 6:00 p.m. in the Frank Winston Auditorium at Tennessee High School. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Powers encouraged everyone to go the elementary schools for the Senior Walk.  City Council Meeting May 8, 2018 Page 8 of 8 Vice Mayor Feierabend announced that Human Resources will be hosting a workshop at the Slater Center helping people with resumes. She said that Reading Buddies is finishing up for the year and encouraged everyone to become a "Reading Buddy". The Friends of Steele Creek will be having a meeting on Saturday, May 12, at 1:00 pm. She encouraged everyone to come out and join in. Farmer's Market will be open on Saturday, May 19. The first Border Dash will be on May 19. The Holy Friendship meetings will be on May 18 and 19. Councilman Keen stated that he appreciates the Planning Department and the Planning Commission for the work they did on the B-2E zoning. He spoke about the assaults on police officers and said that he appreciates all that the police and EMS officers do. He said that networking in small business is very important and he thanked all those who worked on the Small Business Festival. Mayor Young stated that the City's website has a place for vendor registration for small business owners. He encouraged small business owners to take advantage and register because the City may use your services. He thanked everyone for their encouragement during his recent campaign. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. ~~~ Tara E. Musick, City Recorder