City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL, TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 1,2019 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Margaret Feierabend on Tuesday, October 1,2019, at7:00 P.M. in the Slater Center Auditorium. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Margaret Feierabend, Vice Mayor Mahlon Luttrell, Councilman Chad Keen, Councilwoman Lea Powers, and Councilman Vince Turner. Others Present: City Manager William Sorah, City Attorney Danielle Smith, City Recorder Tara Musick, and members of City staff. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Fire Chief, Mike Carrier gave the invocation and Assistant Fire Chief David McGlamery led the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND / OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Fire Prevention 'Week - Councilman Vince Turner read a proclamation designating October 6-12,2019 as Fire Prevention Week. Assistant Fire Chief David McGlamery was in attendance to accept the proclamation. He talked about the privilege of being able to go into the schools and work with children. They were able to speak to about 7,000 adults and children last year through public education events in schools, businesses, and other organizations in the area. While public education is something they do 'Week all year, Fire Prevention is an opportunity for the public to come to the fire station, meet the frremen, see the equipment, and partake in various activities. He thanked the Council for their support of the events. National Community Planning Month - Vice Mayor Mahlon Luttrell rcadaproclamation designating the month of October 2019 as Community Planning Month. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, accepted the proclamation. Ms. Young expressed appreciation for the Council, City Manager Bill Sorah, and staff for recognizing the hard work, expertise, and dedication of the planning division as well as the Planning Commission and all the hard work they do to help make Bristol a better community. Imagine a Day \ilithout \ilater - Councilwoman Lea Powers read a proclamation designating October 23,2019 to Imagine a Day Without Water. Mark Quickel,'Water Plant Superintendent, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. He expressed his appreciation to Council and City Manager Sorah for recognizing the hard work of the water plant and distribution system in working together to provide quality water to the community. Adverse Childhood Experiences Awareness Month - Mayor Feierabend read the joint proclamation with Bristol, Virginia designating October 2019 as Adverse Childhood Awareness Month. Melissa Roberts from Bristol's Promise, Becky Haas from Ballad Health, Jill Stott from the Tennessee Regional  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page2 of Il Commission on Youth, Lisa Coffer from United IV'ay, and Dr. Annett Tudor from Bristol Tennessee City School System were in attendance to receive the proclamation. Ms. Haas thanked Council and Mayor Feierabend for support of Adverse Childhood Experiences Awareness Month. People are beginning to understand the science that proves childhood adverse experiences are a significant risk factor for children to become part of the many of the challenges that every community faces such as prison overcrowding, drug abuse / addiction, and homelessness as they gro\ / up. Ballad Health and the other organizations represented here this evening along with many other groups are trying to provide intervention for children to help them grow up to become resilient adults. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting - Mayor Margaret Feierabend presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Offrcers Association forthe fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 to Tara Musick, Director of Finance. This is the sixteenth consecutive year the City of Bristol, Tennessee has received this award. Ms. Musick explained the process necessary to be eligible to receive this award including additional information and documents beyond the required normal financial information. The certificate represents transparency in government and an effort to inform citizens. She thanked the finance staff for their hard work, the cooperation of all the other City departments, and the support of the City Manager and City Council. Bristol First Program Award - Anne Dunham, Digital Media and Communications Manager, presented the September Bristol First Award to Mr. V/es Ritchie, Mr. Ronnie Mutter, and Mr. Tyler Tester. They were nominated by Mr. Nick Fleenor. He was getting into his car one evening in August while his wife strapped their child into the seat in the back of the car. V/hile driving down the road they heard an odd noise, but did not realize until later that it was her cell phone falling off the car. She had placed it on the roof of the car while strapping their toddler into the child safety seat. They were upset at the loss, not only because of the expense and inconvenience of replacement, but because the phone contained videos and pictures of her best friend who was a young woman recently killed by a drunk driver. Mr. Fleenor later returned to the areaand searched several hours in the dark to find the cell phone but to no avail. The next morning, they called the City and spoke with Public Services Manager Wes Ritchie and explained the situation. He in turn called those working in the area and asked them to keep an eye out for the phone. Ronnie Mutter and Tyler Tester both stopped mowing immediately and searched the roadway. The phone was found a short time later crushed beyond repair, but with the memory card intact. In the nomination submitted by Mr. Fleenor he said to some a lost phone is a trivial thing, but these men took the matter seriously and showed great empathy for the situation. The Fleenors expressed appreciation not only for what these employees did for them, but also for what they do to help keep the roadways safe and looking good. Homeland Security Award - Police Major Tim Eads explained on September 1lth, Ms. Jessica Donihe, 911 Communications Dispatcher, was presented the State of Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security First Responder Award for her actions during a 911 call in March 2018. Each year, First Responders from the eleven Homeland Security Districts are nominated by their peers and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security choose the recipients. Ms. Donihe was one of only twenty- four recipients this year. She received the award for her life saving actions when a young lady called 911 in March 2018. V/hen Ms. Donihe answered the call, she could tell something was wrong when the caller was unable to communicate with her. V/hen the call was disconnected she continued to call the number back until she was able to triangulate the area the call was coming from. She was then able to direct offrcers to that area where they found the caller who had decided to take her own life that night. The young lady had second thoughts and the more she struggled with the cord around her neck, the tighter it became. Officers were able to cut the cord loose and she was transported to the hospital and  City Council Meeting October I,2019 Page3ofll treated for her injuries. Ms. Donihe's ability to think on her feet and her decisive actions played a crucial role in saving the life of the young lady. Jessica Donihe accepted the award and said she was honored to receive the award not just for herself, but on behalf of all the first responders who work hard to keep not only the citizens safe but the other first responders as well, such as police and fire personnel. She expressed her appreciation for the award but emphasized the goal of the first responders is not to receive awards, but to serve their community. PRESENTATIONS: Twin City Reads lt's Bristol Bøby - Ms. Kay V/ard, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Bristol Tennessee City Schools shared this book that pays tribute to the community, to the musical heritage, and to the hope of the future of the community-the children. This project helps demonstrate our community is committed to ensuring our children have the best possible opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives which begins with a life-long journey of reading. Ms. Ward thanked all the persons and organizations that contributed time, talents, and support in helping to bring this project to fruition. A corresponding dance called 'The Bristol Baby Bounce', was choreographed by Theatre Bristol. Books will be provided free of charge to all babies born at Bristol Regional Medical Center, estimated at 1,200 annually, and will also be available for sale at partner locations such as Bristol Motor Speedway, United V/ay of Bristol, Believe In Bristol, Chamber of Commerce, and the gift shop at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Research shows learning and becoming a strong reader begins at birth. Language, knowledge, and curiosity, the cornerstones of reading success, should be cultivated from infancy and in every setting. Information about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will be included when the books are distributed to encourage continued reading as well as family involvement. 2020 Census - Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, provided an update about the upcoming census discussing the timeline and operational aspects. In partnership with Bristol, Virginia, a Complete Count Committee has been formed with membership representing a broad group of people from various organizations. The goal of this committee is to get the information out to the public and emphasize the seriousness of the census. The census is required by the Constitution to be performed every ten years meaning it is a civic duty to take the census. The results are important in redrawing and changing legislative boundaries. One of the most important elements of the census is it determines a lot of funding. In Fiscal Y ear 2016 in Tennessee, over $ 1 7 billion were allocated to the state through 5 5 federal spending programs which were all determined with formulas based on census data. The committee selected a name for their effort which is Bristol Counts, with the tag line "'We count people because people count." The Census Bureau is actively recruiting people to help with the census. If anyone is interested more information is available at www.2020census.sov/jobs and the rate for this area is $13.50 per hour and 58 cents per mile. Councilwoman Powers asked if census reporting could be done on-line. Ms. Young replied this is the first census where people will be able to file electronically, mail it in, or call in to file. Mayor Feierabend acknowledged students from a goveflrment class at Tennessee High School and thanked them for their attendance. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Feierabend opened the Public Hearing.  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page4of1l Ordinance 19-8 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 216 (Billboard and Sign Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance City Manager Bill Sorah said this item will be considered later in the evening on second reading. Ordinance l9-8 authorizes a text amendment to the regulations governing electronic message boards. Currently, electronic message boards are only allowed in B-3 (General Business) and PBD (Planned Business District) zones. The Planning Commission recommended expanding the zones for electronic message boards to include B-2 (Central Business District), B-2E (Central Business District Expansion), M-l (Light Industrial/Business), M-2 (General Industrial), and M-3 (Heavy Industrial) zoning districts. They proposed no change to the ordinance language prohibiting electronic message boards in residential districts. In addition, issues such as sign size, location and animation were addressed in the proposed amendments. The Planning Commission considered and made their recommendation on August 15th and Council approved the ordinance on first reading last month. City Manager Sorah requested Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, to give further details. Ms. Young explained the ordinance updates and clarifies some definitions. It expands the use of electronic message boards into different zones as City Manager Sorah previously stated. Also, currently message boards are just allowed as free-standing signs, but this ordinance allows them as a free-standing or a wall sign. The ordinance clearly prohibits animation and off-premise advertising and clarifies that signage pertaining to regional entertainment facilities / billboards are addressed in other sections of the ordinance. There was no public comment on this item Ordinance l9-9 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 404 (B-2F, District - Central Business Expansion) of the ZoningOrdinance City Manager Bill Sorah stated this item is similar to Ordinance 19-8, will be considered later in the evening on second reading, and amends the permitted uses in the newly created B-2E (Central Business Expansion) District. As Council is aware, the B-2E District was created in 2018 to facilitate redevelopment opportunity along the West State Street corridor. This area was originally zoned B-3 and had setback and parking requirements that were not conducive with the character of that commercial corridor. The intent was the new district would lessen set-back and parking requirements and would remove impediments to the redevelopment of the corridor. V/hile the new B-2E District regulations lessened certain requirements for redevelopment, there were concerns voiced as to the allowed uses within the new district. As a result of those concerns, the Planning Commission spent considerable time during the past year reviewing and discussing modifications to the permitted usages. Ms. Cherith Young presented further details. Ms. Young stated this item came out of the Planning Commission meeting on August 15th where they recommended unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to Council. Key elements of this ordinance includes correction of any errors found; additional / different language for the purpose of clarity; and the addition a definition for artisan technical production and allows permitted uses under 10,000 square feet. If it is over 10,000 square feet it is processed as a special use permit which would be approved by the Planning Commission. The definition produced for artisan technical production will allow small scale facilities related to craft industries such as food, apparel, shoes, and light technical type manufacturing. City Council particularly requested in 2018 that daycares be specifically added to the permitted use list, hence, this ordinance adds them to the list along with dry-cleaners. The amendment entirely eliminates mini-warehouses and selÊstorage units in the B-28 District.  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page5ofll One additional change of this proposed amendment was since the intent was to encourage redevelopment by utilizing what already exists such as build up on the streets, there are no setback requirements, it lessens landscaping requirements, and lessens parking requirements. Another change is the current ordinance does not mandate building at the setback line, it is allowed but not mandated. This amendment addresses if the developer chooses to build back away from the setback line there would be additional landscaping requirements. However, that is exempt if the developer chooses to build up to the property line. Ordinance l9-9 was approved on first reading September 3,2019. Mayor Feierabend closed the public hearing portion of the meeting. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: Barry Mann, 825 Hill Street, was present for the Hill Street ordinance and decided to wait until that item was addressed on the agenda. APPOINTMENTS: None ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 19-10 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 213 (Off Street Parking) of the Zoning Ordinance City Manager Sorah said this item is a zoning text amendment relating to parking regulations for educational facilities and was discussed during the work session last month. As staff was reviewing the plans of the new middle school, it was determined that the City's parking requirements for educational facilities did not distinguish parking requirements for elementary and middle schools versus high school and higher education facilities. This lack of distinction between educational facilities places an overly burdensome parking requirement on an elementary school or middle school where the need for student parking does not exist. Staff has researched parking requirements for educational facilities in other communities and proposed new standards that are more appropriate to the parking demand of the facility. The Bristol Regional Planning Commission considered this matter during their September 16th meeting and unanimously forwarded a favorable recommendation to City Council. If Ordinance 19-10 is approved on first reading, a public hearing and second reading will be scheduled for the November 5th meeting of Council. Ms. Cherith Young presented further details stating this issue came to light while reviewing the site plan for the new middle school. The current zoning text covers educational facilities for students beginning with kindergarten through high schools, technical schools, colleges and all educational uses. Staff researched how this is addressed by other communities and put together the proposed ordinance that 'right sizes' regulations based on the type of educational facility. For elementary, middle, high school, and university, it prepares a parking ratio based on the number of employees and the number of students. The ratio for an elementary and middle school would have one space per employee and staff and one space for twenty-five students. For a university, business school, or trade school, it requires one space for each employee and staff plus one space for every three students. Staff feels this is a better calculation  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page6of11 for educational uses and the Planning Commission voted 9-0 to send a favorable recommendation to Council. Councilman Turner stated that all schools were currently within guidelines and no facility needed to be grandfathered in. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to approve the ordinance and Councilman Turner seconded. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance 19-11 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Bristol, Tennessee by Designating Certain Property as B-1,4. (Limited Business / Institutional) 841 and 843 Hill Street City Manager Sorah explained this ordinance proposes to rezone two parcels of property located at84l and 843 Hill Street. The properties are currently zoned as R-E (Established Residential). The properties are owned by Wallace Properties Management Group, LLC, and the owner desires to have the properties rezoned as B-14 (Limited Business/Institutional). If approved, the owneÍ intends to demolish the existing buildings for the purpose of expanding the inventory parking area of the dealership. The Bristol Regional Planning Commission reviewed the request during their September 16th meeting and, by a vote of 7-2, forwarded a favorable recommendation. This matter was discussed at the September 24th Cíty Council work session. If Ordinance 19-11 is approved on first reading, a public hearing and second reading will be scheduled for the November 5th meeting of Council. Ms. Cherith Young stated the applicant for this request was Wallace Properties Management Group, LLC, and the addresses are 841 and 843 Hill Street. The request is to have the properties rezoned from R-E (Established Residential) to B-14 (Limited Business/Institutional). The size of the two parcels together is 0.34 acres. Ms. Young showed maps of the current zoning in the areaand pictures of the street view of the properties. The allowed uses of R-E are single-family and duplex residential uses and some uses by special use permit such as buildings housing public or private utilities or equipment necessary to service the City, churches, daycare centers, philanthropic institutions, and clubs such as private golf, swimming, tennis and similar sports clubs. B-14 allows some expanded business uses / services that better compliment the neighborhood than B-3 (General Business). B-14 will allow the same single-family and duplex residences, some limited retail trade, limited offices, full service restaurants, personal services such as laundry service, dry-cleaning, parking lots, and temporary long- term sales such as Christmas tree sales lots, and things that are agricultural related that are seasonal. Historically, these parcels have been used residentially as they have been part of an R-E neighborhood. There is an adjacent B-14 zone andB-3 zoning is to the north ofthe property. The Planning Commission and staff looked at the adjacent zones and felt that a B-14 District will serve as an appropriate 'step down' zone from a residential area to a heavily commercially zoned area at the car lot, also owned by the requestor, and the Volunteer Parkway. Any future commercial development that would occur here would require site plan approval and would be required to meet all the standards of the zoning ordinance. The Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map are utilized any time there is arczoning. The Future Land Use Map shows the property would be developed primarily as commercial and is in transition. Public Notice was posted and letters were mailed to the adjacent property owners. To date there has been contact with two individuals. There was one caller who expressed curiosity. They had no objections but had some questions and live in the 800 block of Hill Street. An email (available on BoardDocs) was  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page7of1l received from the residents at the corner of 9th Street and Hill Street and stated their opposition to the rezoning request. Ms. Young againmentioned that the Planning Commission voted 7-2 duringtheir September meeting to forward a favorable recommendation. Vice Mayor Luttrell clarified that no one is living in the homes and that regardless of the outcome of the rezoning request the owner plans to tear down the current structures. Ms. Young said yes, that is her understanding; however, appropriate permits would be required before any demolition could occur. Councilwoman Powers asked if the existing sidewalk would remain or would the rezoning / repurposing allow removal of the existing sidewalk. Tim Beavers, Director of Development Services, replied the sidewalk is in the right-of-way (R-O-W) and therefore, they would not be able to develop that part. Also, anyone that developed those properties would have landscaping requirements along the R-O-W which would provide additional landscaping behind the sidewalk. Councilman Vince Turner said it appeared there is no other R-O-W or entrance from the Hill Street so access would have to be through the alley. Mr. Beavers said currently there is no access, but any development of the property would have to meet the access standards. In general, the standards say for any commercial development access has to be as far away from the intersection as possible. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to approve the ordinance and Councilman Turner seconded. Councilwoman Powers then made a request to hear from the public prior to any further Council discussion. Barry Mann, 825 Hill Street, stated he is not against the progress and feels it will help clean up their neighborhood. His biggest concern is the alley as that is the lifeline to the driveways for the residents. V/ill both ends of the alley be kept open or will one end be closed? Mayor Feierabend said the alley is a public R-O-V/ and will remain open unless the City takes official action to close it, and closing this alley was not part of the request. As there was no further discussion or questions from the public, Council discussion continued with Councilwoman Powers stating she has been familiar with the Wallace Automotive entity for many years. They have always been good community servants and stewards and she believes they will do a great job in expanding their business. The sidewalk remaining intact and the alley remaining open at this point is a positive and this request has her full support. Councilman Turner agreed with her comments and continued by saying the landscaping requirements of buffers will be good for the area. Mayor Feierabend said she had grappled with this somewhat as the community needs available housing that is affordable for the citizenry so changing this area to a type of business zone concerns her even though the proposed rezoning still allows for housing. There are instances where B-1A allows the neighborhood to have services close to home, although this particular use does not quite meet that description. However, overall mixed use is good practice and at this point she will support this ordinance. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance 19-12 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the Code of Ordinances by Creating a Dual Permit for On-Premises and Off-Premises Sales of Beer City Manager Sorah gave an overview stating staff recently received a request from Cascade Draft House to consider amending the City's Beer Ordinance to allow for the sale of beer both on and off premises.  City Council Meeting October I,20I9 Page8of11 The establishment currently has a permit for on-premises beer consumption only. The City's Beer Ordinance currently provides for permits to be issued for on-premises consumption at restaurants, taverns, hotels and motels, and community theaters (Paramount Center for the Arts). OfÊpremises permits may be issued for the sale of beer at establishments such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and similar establishments. The proposed revision to the Beer Ordinance would allow craft beer retailers to possess a dual permit allowing for on-premises consumption as well as the sale of sealed containers such as cans, bottles, and growlers for off-premises consumption. The proposed amendment was discussed at the September 24th work session. If Ordinance I9-I2 is approved on first reading, the item will be placed on the November 5th Agenda for consideration on second reading. Unlike the zoning ordinances, it would not require a public hearing. He then requested City Attorney Danielle Smith review the details of the request. Ms. Smith said this is result of a request from a local business interested in being able to take advantage of both an on-premises and off-premises permit at the same time. Under the current ordinance that is not permitted as the on-premises permit is only available to restaurants, taverns, hotels and motels, and community theaters and the ofÊpremises permit only goes to grocery stores, convenience stores, and similar establishments. In looking at ordinances from other cities it appears other Tennessee localities do allow for a dual permit. As drafted, the new ordinance would be limited to craft beer retailers, which is defined in the ordinance as an entity whose primary business is the retail sale of craft beer, defined as beer manufactured by breweries with an annual production of six million barrels or less, and less than 25%o of the brewery is owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. This focuses on true craft beers that are manufactured by smaller breweries. This definition of craft beer is one that is used by the Brewer's Association and is one used by several other cities as well. A dual permit would limit the sales to sealed containers such as cans and bottles, and would allow for sales in growlers, which are larger refillable containers, but would limit those sales to two growlers per person. This is a maximum of 128 ounces of beer which is approximately the same as buying a couple of six-packs. This ordinance also cleans up a couple of beer ordinance issues as well for which she will be glad to provide further details if desired. Vice Mayor Luttrell made a motion to approve the ordinance and Councilman Keen seconded. As there was no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. B. Adoption of Ordinances (Second Reading): Ordinance 19-8 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 216 (Biltboard and Sign Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance This item was summarized during the Public Hearing portion earlier on this Agenda. As there was no further discussion, Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve Ordinance 19-8 and Councilman Turner seconded. There was no further discussion, a roll call vote was taken, and the ordinance passed unanimously on second reading. Ordinance 19-9 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 404 (B.-28 District - Central Business Expansion) of the Zoning Ordinance This item was summarized during the Public Hearing portion earlier on this Agenda. As there was no further discussion, Councilman Turner motioned to approve Ordinance l9-9 and Councilwoman Powers  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page9ofl1 seconded. There was no further discussion, a roll call vote was taken, and the ordinance passed unanimously on second reading. C. Resolutions: None CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Councilman Keen made a motion for approval and Vice Mayor Luttrell seconded the motion. The following items were approved by unanimous Council roll call vote: I Minutes September 3,2019 City Council Meeting r Minutes September 24,2019 City Council Work Session r Resolution 19-97 A Resolution Authorizing Entry into an Engineering Services Agreement for Biosolids Dewatering and Grit Removal Systems r Resolution 19-98 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Bar Screen Materials r Resolution 19-99 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Guardrail Materials ¡ Resolution 19-100 A Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Public Entity o'Driver Partners Safety" Matching Grant Program r Resolution 19-101 A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Highway Safety Grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON REPORT: Dr. Annette Tudor, Interim Director of Schools, spoke about welcoming the new superintendent to Bristol soon as Dr. Sisk will be here in about one month. She followed up with October events pertaining to ACEs Awareness Month. The school system has been working to enhance opportunities for students who have e perienced trauma. Dr. Christian is writing a guest editorial this month and a program assistant from Avoca Elementary School will serve on the panel discussion next week to be able to describe the programs and services the system has been able to establish in some of the schools. They are working on a joint resolution with Bristol Virginia Public Schools recognizing these resources. Tennessee invited schools districts to apply for recognition for CTE Pathway Programs. The criteria was based on three elements: high quality college and career advisement; rigorous early post-secondary and work-based learning opportunities; and seamless vertical alignment between K-12 post-secondary programs and career opportunities. Tennessee High School was recognized for their CTE program in health sciences. There were well over 400 applications in the state makingit a highly competitive process. More information will be released by the office of the governor later this month or early in November.  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page 10 of I I The 68th Annual Music in the Castle is this coming Saturday beginning at 10:45 A.M. Sullivan County is in need of approximately 127 more mentors for the Class of 2020 of Tennessee Promise. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can apply at tnachieves.org. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah reminded Council of several dates for the month. o October 3'd - Transit Customer Appreciation Day, 1 1:304.M. - 1:00 P.M. at Downtown Transit Center o October 3'd - Called City Council Meeting, 5:30 P.M. in the Annex Conference Room, to discuss the proposed development agreement with A.G. Commercial for the former Bristol Products site o October 10th - Annual Boards and Commission Reception, 5:30 P.M. in the Bruton Smith Building at Bristol Motor Speedway o October lTrh - Annual Historic Preservations Awards Ceremony, 6:00 P.M. in the Bristol Renaissance Center at 636 Shelby Street o October 29th - City Council Work Session, 11:00 A.M. in the Annex Conference Room o October 30th - City Council Retreat, 8:00 A.M. in the Annex Conference Room He congratulated Jon Luttrell on his appointment as the new director of Community Relations. Mr. Luttrell has been with the City since 2016 serving as Public Relations Specialist until September of 2018 when he moved to the Department of Economic Development as Business Development Specialist. He then congratulated staff specifically Public Vy'orks, Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, and Terry Napier for a very successful Rhythm and Roots Festival. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Keen thanked Mr. Tyler Tester, Mr. Ronnie Mutter, and Mr. Wes Ritchie for their hard work for the City. Councilwoman Powers mentioned new businesses and upcoming events in the downtown area such as Bristol Business and Brew October 22"d; PUSH Film Festival October 12th; Pepper Festival October 19th; Annual Pumpkin Palooza and Comic Book Festival October 26th; Christmas Open House Downtown November 25th; Small Business Saturday November 30th; Tree Lighting December 2"d; and the Christmas Parade December 5th. She shared an email and discussed the Ken Burns documentary and its impact on local tourism and expressed her excitement for the community. She encouraged everyone to become a Friend of Steele Creek Park Nature Center to support and promote the exhibits and events. She also talked about the success of the Rhythm and Roots Festival and of the Super Raffle in support of the Bristol Country Music Museum. Mayor Feierabend acknowledged various members of the audience. She continued with mentioning the need for rain and for everyone to be aware of fire danger as the entire state of Tennessee is currently under a no burn ban notice. Amy Kimani, Executive Director of the Bristol Public Library, has taken a position as Director of the Holston River Regional Library System. As such, the search for a new director here has begun. The role of this board has changed over the past several years becoming more community involved. The Mayor attended a sustainable fuels expo in Knoxville where light rail was discussed and a lot of information was shared. She then spoke about ACEs and that this region is a leader in the addressing the needs of the children of the community through various programs.  City Council Meeting October 1,2019 Page 11 ofll There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m f7¿. Mai {ar efreierabend, Mayor TaraB. Musick, City Recorder