City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL, TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 2,2019 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Margaret Feierabend on Tuesday, April 2,2019, at7:02 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 Sorah, City Attorney Danielle Kiser, City Recorder Tara Musick, and members of City staff. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Brian Alderman, King University Chaplain, gave the invocation and City Manager Bill Sorah led the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND / OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS : Bristol Arbor Day / Earth Day - Councilwoman Lea Powers read a proclamation designating April 26,2019 as Bristol Arbor Day I Earth Day. Jeremy Stout, Nature Center Manager for Parks and Recreation was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Mr. Stout thanked Council and the City Manager for the proclamation and invited them to the Arbor Day Celebration 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 26th atAvoca Elementary School. Fair Housing Month - Councilman Jack Young read a proclamation designating the month of April 2019 as Fair Housing Month and presented it to Dan Witcher, Chair of the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), Steve Willinger, CDAC member and board member of the Bristol TNA/A Association of Realtors, and committee members Ella Kane and Spence Black. Mr. Witcher and Mr. V/illinger each said a few words thanking Council. National Library Week - Councilman Young rcad a joint proclamation with the City of Bristol, Virginia, designating the week of April 7-13,2019 as National Library Week. Amy Kimani, Executive Director, Bristol Public Library, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Ms. Kimani thanked the Council and both Cities for their support. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week - Vice Mayor Michelle Denise read a proclamation designating Apnl 14-20, 2019 as national Public Safety Telecommunicators 'Week. Crystal Key, Communications Manager for Bristol Tennessee Police Dispatch, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Ms. Key thanked Council for their support and acknowledgement of the dispatchers and the hard work and assistance they provide to the first responders and to their safety.  City Council Meeting April2,20L9 Page 2 of 6 Community Development Week - Councilman Chad Keen read a proclamation designating April22- 26, 2019 as National Community Development 'Week. Mr. Dan Witcher, Chair of the Community Development Advisory Committee, along with other committee members were in attendance to accept the proclamation. Maternal Mental Health Month - Mayor Feierabend read a proclamation designating the month of }l4ay 2019 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Kristina Dulaney, RN, from the Appalachian Perinatal Mental Health Alliance, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. 2020 Census - Councilwoman Powers rcad aproclamation designating April l-7,2019 as Census 2020 Kick-off Week. Peggy Hurley, Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Bristol First Program Award - Charlie Thomas, Patrol Captain of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, was nominated for the Bristol First Award for leadership, efficiency, creativity, and inventiveness in handling complaints and resolving issues. Terrie Talbert, Director of Community Relations, presented the award to Captain Thomas. CaptainThomas said he was proud to be one of the team of City workers and the award was a result of team effort. PRESENTATIONS: 2020 Census - Peggy Hurley, Partnership Specialist with the Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, gave a presentation as part of Census 2020Kick-off Week. Ms. Hurley shared historical information stating the U.S. Constitution mandates a head count every ten years of everyone residing in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. island areas, including citizens and non-citizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and has been conducted every ten years since. The next census will be in2020 and the Bureau is striving to educate everyone about the importance of a census, why it is done, encourage everyone to participate, how the information obtained is used, and the local impact on everyone. The population information will ultimately be presented to the President of the United States and then all information will be released to the local jurisdictions a few months later. The information and population totals determine the number of seats per state in the House of Representatives and help the states redraw their legislative and school districts. The population totals affect funding in the local communities and the data helps decision makers know how the community is changing. There are $675 billion dollars of federal funds allocated to each state every year so an accurate and complete count can have a huge effect on our communities. She encouraged everyone to spread the word that the census survey is easy and safe. It will be online, with an option to submit apaper copy or to complete the survey over the phone, but they encourage everyone to use the online survey as it is more timely and efficient. The Census Bureau is currently hiring persons to help with the survey and Ms. Hurley also encouraged those in attendance to share that information as well. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mayor Feierabend opened the public hearing. Resolution 19-28 - A Resolution Adopting a Community Development Block Grant Action Plan and Approving the Submission of the Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Request CDBG Grant Funding and HOME Funding in20l9-2020  City Council Meeting April2,2019 Page 3 of6 Christina Blevins, Community Development Specialist, presented the one-year draft action plan for the Community Development Block Grant and the Northeast Tennessee - Southwest Virginia HOME Consortium and gave a brief history of the grant and the funds awarded to Bristol. She reviewed the three national objectives, the program, and the funds allocated to each activity. Ms. Blevins then gave a brief history of the HOME program and the funds awarded to Bristol under this program. The HOME program is administered by the City in partnership with the First Tennessee Development District (FTDD). Bristol is responsible for preparing the consolidated plan, the annual action plan, the consolidated annual performance evaluation report (CAPER), all input in IDIS (HUDs communication system), process all the HOME pa5rments, conduct the quarterly board meetings, and hold all the public hearings. FTDD is responsible for administering the projects undertakenby the consortium. The HOME consortium is comprised of seven communities, including the Cities of Bristol, Tennessee, Bristol, Virginia, Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bluff City, and Sullivan and Washington Counties in Tennessee. The draft plan has been released for review and public comment and she listed various locations where the draft plan can be obtained or viewed. They welcome and encourage public comments any time from now until the closing of the comment period May 1, 2019. Ms. Blevins recognized and thanked the current HOME Consortium Chair, Vice Mayor Michelle Denise. Councilman Young asked Ms. Blevins to explain how the recaptured funds are used. Her response was all the recaptured funds go into eligible HOME or CDBG activities and all recaptured program income must be used first before using any entitlement funds. Mayor Feierabend opened the discussion for public comment. There being none, the Mayor closed the public hearing. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: None. APPOINTMENTS: Housing Board - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Housing Board. Mr. Ra)¡mond Hill was unanimously appointed to the Housing Board to serve a term of office ending March 31,2024. Planning Commission - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Planning Commission. Mr. Tekai Shu was unanimously appointed to the Planning Commission to serve an unexpired term of office ending June 30, 2020. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS : A. First Reading of New Ordinances: None B. Adoption of Ordinances (Second Reading): None. C. Resolutions: Resolution 19-28 - A Resolution Adopting a Community Development Block Grant Action Plan and Approving the Submission of the Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Request CDBG Grant Funding and HOME Funding in20l9-2020  City Council Meeting Aprll2,2019 Page 4 of 6 Mayor Feierabend stated this resolution was presented during the public hearing portion earlier on this evening's agenda. As there was no fuither comment, she asked for a motion. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to approve Resolution 19-28 and Councilman Young seconded. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote without further discussion. Resolution 19-29 - A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the \ilater Filtration Plant Motor Control Center Replacement City Manager Sorah explained that a resolution concerning a bid would normally be placed on the Consent Agenda for consideration, but this one involves a significant amount of money and will be paid 100% by federal grant monies. The bid is for replacement of the motor control center at the regional water filtration plant. The plant was built in 1980 and this is part of the original equipment. The motor control center is located in the high service pump building and is critical to the delivery of water to the community. The existing equipment has outlived its design life and replacement parts are becoming very difficult to acquire. The City received three bids, with Hodge Electrical Contractors, Inc., of Piney Flats, Tennessee submitting the low bid in the amount of $702,800.00. Our consulting engineering firm has reviewed the bid as well as the qualifications of the contractor and deemed them to be responsive. The project will be funded 100% by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. As there was no comment, Mayor Feierabend asked for a motion. Councilman Young made a motion to approve the resolution and Councilman Keen seconded. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote without further discussion. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Councilwoman Powers made a motion for approval and Councilman Young seconded the motion. The following items were approved by unanimous Council vote: r Minutes March 5,2019 City Council Meeting r Minutes March 22,2019 City Council Called r Minutes March 26,2019 City Council Work Session r Resolution l9-30 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Tactical Ballistic Vests with Rifle Plates r Resolution 19-31 A Resolution Approving aî Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Emergency Communications District of the City of Bristol, Tennessee r Resolution 19-32 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for Materials for the Cypress Street Stormwater System Upgrade r Resolution 19-33 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Two (2) One-Ton Pickup Trucks  City Council Meeting April2,2019 Page 5 of6 BOARD OF EDUCATION LIASON REPORT: Dr. Gary Lilly, Director of Schools, said today was ACT testing of some type for all high school grades. The juniors took the state-administered ACT test and the freshmen and sophomores took an ACT practice test. The seniors took the ACT WorkKeys test, which leads to the National Career Readiness Certificate, which contributes to Sullivan County being a work ready community. Last week there was industry day and the system sent teachers from the high school to local businesses and industries to leam what goes on there as well as a refresher as to what the students need to have when they enter the workforce. Dr. Lilly thanked all those who participated in this project, including the police and fire departments who also welcomed the teacher visits. Also last week, numerous seniors and mentors gathered for Tennessee Promise. This is a program that allows students to go a community college or TCAT center absolutely free of charge for two years. Next week, the schools will be participating in Career Quest at the ETSU Mini-Dome where students will be able to see demonstrations and learn about career sectors there. The school administration is helping students stay focused on what comes after high school, which is good for the students and for the community. Mayor Feierabend recognized several members in attendance at the Council meeting, including the candidates for the upcoming election for two seats on City Council. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah began by commenting on the announcements over the last couple of weeks concerning the Bristol Motor Speedway and the fall2020 schedule adjustment. The adjustment will allow the track to participate in the play-off chase and one of the elimination races. As a result of this schedule change, the date for the 2020 Rhythm and Roots Festival was changed to a week earlier. The combination of both changes presents a great opportunity for tourists and visitors to come to our area for a week-long period of activities. City Manager Sorah stated the spring race is this weekend with qualifying for the Food City 500 and Food City Race Night on Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway, on Saturday the Alsco 300 Xfinity Series Race followed by the Zombie Auto 150 K&N Series, and on Sunday the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Race Series. Tuesday, April 23'd at 10 a.m. in the Nature Center Classroom will be the day-long Council work session focusing on the Fiscal 2020 Budget. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Powers continued the conversation on the schedule change of the 2020 fall race to September 19th. The Rhythm and Roots Festival weekend is now scheduled for September 13-15, 2020, the weekend before the race, and she expressed her enthusiasm for the two huge events. However, she also expressed her concem for the events being back to back and noted it will take a lot of lift from the community and encouraged people to volunteer to help with both of these events. Believe in Bristol has a lot of activities planned including Border Bash and the July 4th Celebration and they need lots of volunteers. Councilwoman Powers expressed her appreciation for Community  City Council Meeting April2,2019 Page 6 of6 Relations and their work in partnership with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services in advertising we are a 10 gigabyte community which is important in economic development, our school system, and recruitment. She was excited about the Trail Study and mentioned that eventuallypeople will be able to walk or bike from Downtown to Bristol Motor Speedway, and also be able to canoe or kayak parts of Beaver Creek. Lastly, Councilwoman Powers talked about workout trainers at Slater Center and that for a nominal fee they are available to work with individuals and help them define a personalized health plan. Swimming is another way to benefit our community from saving lives of children to socialization for seniors and a way to lose weight for a healthier community. She said she wanted to plant the seed for a new community senior center and hope it will come to fruition in the future and include an aquatic center. Councilman Young referenced the WorkKeys ACT Dr. Lilly mentioned in his report as being one aspect of how education ties into the workforce. WorkKeys specifically helps to quantitate certain skills and abilities for our students and in tum can help both our economic development team as well as those who are looking for skilled labor to identify if those skills are present in our community and at what level. Our area work shed encompasses people who are within a one-hour drive and all of these components are important to business and industry looking at the potential of locating in our area. Councilman Keen continued that topic by stating being a work force ready community is huge and that is what potential employers coming to the area are looking for. The Hiring Expo is coming up April 25Th. He commended the departments of Community Relations and Economic Development for their work for that event as well as the upcoming Small Business Festival May 9th-1lth. Councilman Keen expressed the excitement of the two large back-to-back events in September 2020 as well as the racing events this weekend and expressed his appreciation for the large numbers of people, employees and volunteers-including members of the boards and commissions, it takes working together to put on these events. Have a good time this race week. Mayor Feierabend stated the school system held an arts fest to showcase the talents of the students and encourage them in these endeavors. The Bristol Sign has been receiving a lot of attention lately and restoration work is akeady in progress. The County Music Mural also needs some work. A new brewery opened in Downtown this week. She mentioned the Ken Bums documentary and how extraordinary and important that is for Bristol to be recognized as the Birthplace of Country Music as well as being the first stop on their tour. The Mayor expressed her appreciation for all the volunteers who have worked with past events and encouraged them and others to volunteer for the upcoming events. She thanked everyone for their attendance and participation in City govemment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m. %tu*)?*r,^¿ Marþaret$eierabend, Mayor Tara E. Musick, City Recorder