City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL, TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 6, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Margaret Feierabend on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Slater Center Auditorium. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Margaret Feierabend, Vice Mayor Michelle Denise, Councilman Chad Keen, Councilwoman Lea Powers, and Councilman Jack Young. 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: Dr. David Welch, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church and Secretary of the School Board, gave the invocation. Terry Napier, Director of Parks and Recreation, led the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND/OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Small Business Saturday - Councilwoman Lea Powers read a proclamation designating November 24, 2018 as Small Business Saturday. Ken Monyak, President of the Believe In Bristol Board of Directors, and Emily Champagne, Believe In Bristol Committee Member, were in attendance to accept the proclamation. Tennessee Recreation & Parks Association Award - Terry Napier, Director of Parks and Recreation, announced that the Tennessee Recreation & Parks Association (TRP A) selected the "Steele Creek Explorer" as the recipient of their Four Star Public Relations Award. This TRP A award is presented annually to the agency significantly impacting the public's awareness and recognition of public parks, recreation, and leisure services programs through marketing and public relations. The "Steele Creek Explorer" is a collaboration of Parks and Recreation and Community Relations. It is a nature themed BTN-TV educational program staring Jeremy Stout, Manager of the Steele Creek Park Nature Center and the City's Naturalist and Arborist. Brennan Dye, Senior Media Production Specialist for Community Relations, videos, edits, and produces the program. Jeremy Stout and Brennan Dye were in attendance to accept the award. Bristol First Program Award - A group of First Responders from the Fire Department were nominated for the Bristol First Award by Ms. Candy Foster-Roark. Ms. Foster-Roark was touched by the professional and compassionate care given by these gentlemen to her and her young son when, after recently receiving his driver's license, he had a slight mishap involving their vehicle and their home when his foot slipped off the brake. She was impressed by the kindness and  City Council Meeting November 6, 2018 Page 2 of 7 professionalism exhibited by these men as they responded to this somewhat unusual request for assistance. Terrie Talbert, Director Community Relations, presented individual awards to Firefighter/EMT Chad Taylor, Firefighter/EMT Trey Clark, Lieutenant David Peters, Lieutenant Nathan Johnson, and Battalion Chief Alan Howard in recognition of their professionalism and compassion in their efforts to help make Bristol a better place to live. PRESENTATIONS: Community Visioning - Beth Rhinehart, Bristol Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, introduced Alex Pearlstein and Ranada Robinson of Market Street Services. They presented the Bristol 2040 process, which is a consensus-based visionary plan for the future of the region, to Council and others in attendance. Mr. Pearlstein explained that Market Street Services is based in Atlanta. They have been in business for over 21 years and have worked in 165 communities across 34 states. They are working with Bristol, Tennessee - Virginia to facilitate a comprehensive visioning process. He presented an overview stating the public input portion of the process began today by working with a steering committee comprised of 20 public and private leaders from both Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. Market Street Services will meet with the steering committee again tomorrow to introduce the process, which begins with a research base, incorporating the input, thinking about strategic opportunities, and then ultimately finalizing an implementation plan. In addition to doing research, Market Street Services will also be conducting one-on-one interviews with top leaders and focus groups including young professionals, business, government, economic development, faith-based community, community development, and various neighborhoods. The first research piece is a competitive assessment of the Bristol Area, which is defined as Sullivan County, Tennessee; Bristol, Tennessee; Bristol, Virginia; and Washington County, Virginia, in tenns of a place to live, work, and do business. This community's trends will be examined in relation to benchmark areas in other parts of the Eastern U.S., as well as at the state level and nationally. Market Street Services will then look at industry-specific target sectors where the Bristol area has the talent base, areas where investment makes sense, and jobs that export goods or services outside of the community, and look at them in the context of the Tri-Cities Region to see how those pieces fit in the broader regional scope. The final research piece is to look at how the Bristol Area markets itself for economic development, tourism, and talent. This information is used to build a strategic plan that identifies what the vision of this community in 2040 means in terms of tactical steps necessary, and how do we achieve it. How should implementation be sequenced and what resources are available or needed to help achieve the vision. Councilwoman Lea Powers asked Mr. Pearlstein when they anticipate the project to be complete. He said they have a target of summer to have the strategy approved, then will work with the steering committee on the finalizing the implementation plan. Councilwoman Powers said she asked Beth Rhinehart yesterday if she, as a tri-chair of this steering committee, would provide an update to the Council at the Work Sessions on a bi-monthly basis. Mayor Feierabend commented she participated in the Ignite effort of 1999 and noted the visioning process has changed significantly, with more research and more professionalism than in the  City Council Meeting November 6, 2018 Page 3 of 7 previous project. She feels the Ignite process and the outcome were extremely beneficial to the community, and is very excited about Bristol 2040. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: Craig Widner, of 26-1/2 61h Street (a loft), spoke about the need for dedicated parking spaces downtown. He owns his own business and often works from home. Recently, due to his work responsibilities he was unable to feed the meter which resulted in parking tickets totaling approximately $32 to park at his own home for one day. He has asked Police Officers for a residential parking pass and was told they were available years ago, but that is no longer an option. Mr. Widner requests the City consider making parking passes available to those citizens who are downtown business owners and/or residents of downtown lofts and apartments, especially those on 6th Street as the majority of others in the downtown area have additional parking options. He thoroughly enjoys loft living in downtown Bristol, with the exception of the parking issue. Trevor Leonard, of 32 6th Street and co-owner of the Hemp Cove, requests the City consider dedicated parking for businesses and citizens on 61h Street. He said there are spaces available, but the three-hour time limit is his concern as it requires business owners, employees, and customers to move their vehicles which interrupts their work / shopping activities and is an inconvenience. APPOINTMENTS: Board of Code Appeals - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Board of Code Appeals. Mr. Steven Willinger was unanimously appointed to the Board of Code Appeals to serve a tenn of office ending June 30, 2023. Community Development Advisory Committee - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Community Development Advisory Committee. Mr. Steven Willinger was unanimously appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee to serve an unexpired term of office ending April 30, 2019. Health and Educational Facilities Board - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Health and Educational Facilities Board. Mr. Eddie George was unanimously appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Board to serve a tenn of office ending June 30, 2023 . ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: None B. Adoption of Ordinances (Second Reading): None  City Council Meeting November 6, 2018 Page 4 of 7 C. Resolutions: Resolution 18-97 - A Resolution Approving the Acquisition of Real Properties for Middle School Construction City Manager Sorah stated this resolution authorizes the acquisition of two additional properties which are necessary for the construction of the new middle school. During the October meeting of the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education (BOE), approval was granted for the acquisition of the two properties. The purchase price for these properties were successfully negotiated with the property owners by an agent working on behalf of the BOE. The BOE has operational responsibility for all property designated for the purpose of public education, however, ownership of that property is titled to the City. The two properties are located at 920 Oakland Drive, with a purchase price of $69,350.00, and 823 Tremont Avenue, with a purchase price of $63,000.00. Councilwoman Powers made a motion in support of Resolution 18-97 and Councilman Jack Young seconded. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Councilman Young made a motion for approval and Councilman Chad Keen seconded the motion. The following items were approved by unanimous Council vote: • Minutes October 2, 2018 City Council Meeting • Minutes October 23, 2018 City Council Work Session • Resolution 18-98 A Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for the Utilization of Federal Highway Administration Planning Funds for the Bristol Metropolitan Planning Organization • Resolution 18-99 A Resolution Authorizing Participation in the TML Risk Management Pool "Driver Safety" Matching Grant Program • Resolution 18-100 A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Software Support for GIS • Resolution 18-101 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Fire Department Administrative Vehicle • Resolution 18-102 A Resolution Authorizing Entry into an Agreement for Employee Benefit Plan Consulting Services • Resolution 18-103 A Resolution Authorizing Entry into a Contract with a Supplemental Benefits Consultant  City Council Meeting November 6, 2018 Page 5 of 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION LIASON REPORT: Dr. David Welch, Secretary of the BOE, expressed his thanks to the Council for their assistance in securing the additional properties necessary for the construction of the new middle school. The acquisition of two more properties is all that remains to complete this phase of the project and progress is being made toward securing those properties. He also expressed thanks to the Police Department for their efforts in keeping the schools and students safe on this Election Day. Several of the district school administrators are participating in some of the focus groups for the Community Visioning presented earlier this evening. The BOE is also in the process ofreviewing their five-year strategic plan, which should align very closely with the Bristol 2040 Plan. The school system recently offered a career fair for middle school students to help them make wise educational choices in preparation for their college and career future. On behalf of Dr. Lilly, Dr. Welch expressed thanks for the support of community partners involved with the career fair. In addition, this past week Avoca Elementary School and the Tennessee On-Line Public School were both recognized with the Department of Education's highest award, a Rewards School, which is the highest distinction that can be currently earned in the state's accountability model. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah mentioned a few dates of importance for the month of November: • Thursday, November 3th 11 :00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Community Development will hold their annual listening and training session for the development community. This is an opportunity for developers, contractors, and design professionals to meet with City staff and give feedback which will assist the City in learning how to help the development community be successful here. As part of this, the City's residential incentive package will be discussed and BTES representatives will be there to discuss their residential incentive package as well. • Saturday, November 10th 10:00 A.M. is the Annual Veterans Day Parade • Thursday, November 15th 11 :00 A.M. Washington County, Virginia, along with all the local governments involved, will be making an announcement at the Bruton Smith Building at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Mayor Feierabend will comment on this in her closing remarks. • Monday, November 19th 5:50 - 8:30 P.M. is the Annual Downtown Christmas Open House • Monday, November 261h 6:30 P.M. is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Cumberland Square • Thursday, December 6th at Noon is a joint meeting at the Nature Center with the BOE, Sullivan County Commissioners, and City Council • Thursday, December 6th is the Annual Christmas Parade • Tuesday, December 11th 8:00 A.M. is Coffee with the Mayors at the Bristol Hotel with the downtown merchants, downtown residents, and property owners Mayor Feierabend noted that due to when the actual Veteran's Day Holiday falls this year, the traditional Veteran's Day Ceremony will take place in the War Memorial Park after the Veteran's Day Parade.  City Council Meeting November 6, 2018 Page 6 of 7 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Powers talked about how to move forward in such a fast paced world. In this age of technology, what do we take with us and what things can we lay down and leave behind. She feels this is an important consideration as the community begins the season of working with the Visioning project and the schools review their five-year plan. We need to stop and think about what we have and what things we can leave behind, for example sarcasm, negative attitudes, and closed minds, as we move forward and interact as a community. She congratulated Dr. Gary Lilly for being named TS SAA School System Administrator of the Year for the State of Tennessee. She commended the Tennessee High Football Team for moving forward to the next level in the State Playoffs. Councilman Young stated during this month of Thanksgiving, he is thankful for his faith and his family. Councilman Keen mentioned people who spend the holidays alone and encouraged everyone to invite others they may know in that situation to join their gathering. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Vice Mayor Michelle Denise voiced her appreciation of the efforts of those involved with the community development and education projects currently in progress. She shared information about ACT Work Ready Communities. It links work force development to education; it aligns with the economic development needs of communities, regions, and states; and it matches individuals to jobs based on skill levels. Our schools participation in the ACT Work Ready Communities helps business and industry know exactly what foundational skills they need for a productive workforce. It helps individuals understand what skills are required by employers and how to prepare themselves for success. Policymakers measure the skills gap and educators close the skills gap. The results from last year's testing in which Tennessee High School Seniors participated are now available. There were 37 bronze, 43 silver, 48 gold, 36 platinum scores from Tennessee High School. She thanked BTES for paying the cost of the testing for the Tennessee High students and is appreciative of the investment and what it means for the students and the community. Mayor Feierabend mentioned the Tennessee Eastman Quality Forum will be Thursday. The Birthplace of Country Music (BMC) is hosting a Smithsonian exhibit "For All the World to See" about the struggle for Civil Rights, and BCM has put together a series of events around this exhibit. Fiddler on the Roof will be presented by Theatre Bristol at the Paramount for the next two weekends. Next week, a panel will be at Meadowview in Kingsport to discuss the book Dreamland, which tells the history of how we came to today's opioid epidemic. The author will be there and have a panel discussion with people from this region. The Bristol Public Library is regrouping the Friends of the Library, which has been inactive for several years, and will be meeting on November 12th at 6:30 P.M. Mayor Feierabend discussed passenger rail service to the area and the article recently published on the topic. Mayor Feierabend gave additional information on the announcement to be made by Washington County, Virginia at the Bruton Smith Building scheduled for November 15th_ The USDA plans to relocate outside of the Washington, D.C. area and Washington County, Virginia is suggesting the old Alpha Natural Resources building as a possibility. The City of Bristol Tennessee is sending a letter in support of this endeavor.  City Council Meeting November 6, 2018 Page 7 of7 Mayor Feierabend mentioned the Little Library Program and gave names to contact if anyone is interested in sponsoring one at their business, neighborhood, or home. Councilwoman Powers gave additional information on the project and talked about how well used the Little Library is that was installed at her business. The Mayor ended her comments by mentioning how pleased she was with the early voting response and her confidence in the security of our voting machines. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 11 p.m. ~£~ Tara E. Musick, CityRecorder