City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL, TENNESSEE CALLED JOINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 15,2019 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol, Tennessee Called Joint City Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Margaret Feierabend on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at 12:15 p.m. in the Ewell L. Easley Conference Room of the Municipal Annex Building. City of Bristol, Virginia Mayor Neal Osborne called the meeting to order at 12:16 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Margaret Feierabend, Vice-Mayor Mahlon Luttrell, Councilman Chad Keen, and Councilwoman Lea Powers. Others Present: City Manager William L. Sorah; City Attorney Danielle Smith, City Recorder Tara Musick; and members of City staff. Also present were City of Bristol, Virginia City Manager Randy Eads and members of City of Bristol, Virginia staff. The City of Bristol, Virginia City Clerk called roll. Present were Mayor Neal Osborne, Vice- Mayor Bill Hartley, and Councilman Anthony Farnum. City Manager Bill Sorah introduced members of City staff present. City Manager Randy Eads introduced members of City of Bristol, Virginia staff present. Mayor Feierabend introduced members of the audience, including members of local non-profit organizations. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: A. Multi-Year Funding for Non-Profit Organizations: City Manager Sorah introduced the first item which was the reliability of nonprofit funding from year to year. This issue had been raised during a Discover Bristol meeting. Councilman Keen discussed Discover Bristol's request for a memorandum of understanding and how the annual appropriation agreement is written. City Manager Eads said it is important for entities in regards to long-term planning, but everyone should be aware of the City of Bristol, Virginia' s financial position.  Called Joint City Council Meeting October I5,20I9 Page2 of 4 Councilwoman Powers spoke of non-profits being economic drivers versus non-economic drivers. She distributed information regarding the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the economic impact of the Ken Burn's documentary. She also discussed the economic impact of the Paramount Theatre and the development of a funding formula for how the economic drivers are funded. Mayor Osborne agreed that a plan is needed that could be adjusted based upon changes in each City. Vice-Mayor Bill Hartley disclosed that he works at the Paramount Theatre for full disclosure. He discussed looking at financial statements and developing a plan based upon a formula that would determine the amount of funding. Councilwoman Powers mentioned that population should be considered. Councilman Keen mentioned that return on investment should also be considered as a method of determination. Representatives from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the Chamber of Commerce discussed the various tracking methods that they have in place to determine tourism decisions based off of website hits, booking reservations, etc. Bristol Chamber of Commerce President Beth Rhinehart stated that larger entities typically have such software and that smaller nonprofits apply funding to advertising or operations. Councilman Keen stated that the information provided might be worth a one-time investment. Vice-Mayor Hartley discussed how conversion studies exist that might already be accessible. Mayor Feierabend summarized that she sees an interest in multiyear funding, determining a formula to be used, looking at returns on investments, and determining how we can economically incentivize nonprofits. Councilwoman Powers asked if sales tax could be returned. City Manager Eads said that sales tax abatements are not necessarily a good way to go since that amusement tax and meals tax are such a large part of their budget. They are currently using those taxes to fund City operations. Councilwoman Powers discussed that the City of Bristol, Tennessee had placed several quality of life projects on hold also. City Manager Sorah discussed how the City had incentivized the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and they did not make their goal. Mayor Feierabend mentioned that evaluations could be done like the United Way. She discussed various ways to ensure that they are good stewards of the funds. She requested the city managers to review now based upon the discussion. City Manager Sorah reminded Council that funds would need to be appropriated annually each year.  Called Joint City Council Meeting October 15,2019 Page 3 of4 Councilwoman Powers asked that a funding formula also be included in the review by management. Councilman Keen said that this could hold up the hiring process for Discover Bristol. Mayor Osborne said that he also felt that the formula could be reviewed by staff. Vice-Mayor Hartley stated that nonprofits are looking for certainty. Vice-Mayor Luttrell inquired about how far in advance that non-profits are planning out. Paramount Theatre Executive Director Miles Marek said that they are operating on a steep growth curve with a 3o/o margin and no endowment or operational reserve. Nonprofits for the arts rely on contributions. He said that they currently are planning a few weeks or months ahead. Ms. Rhinehart said that they would like to plan for three years. She emphasized that strategy drives the budget when you can plan ahead. B. Bristol Tennessee - Virginia Joint Planning Commission: Mayor Feierabend introduced the topic of a Joint Planning Commission. She stated that joint planning was a way to meet quarterly to discuss join initiatives. She asked if there was interest to form a Joint Commission again and if the bylaws should be amended. She discussed the previous performance, composition of the commission, and other positions that attended the meetings on a regular basis as well. Mayor Osborne said that he believes that it is a good idea and a worthwhile endeavor. He does believe that the makeup of the commission needs to be looked at. Vice-Mayor Hartley also said that he believes that it is good to have a joint vision and a great idea. Councilwoman Powers requested that each City review at a work session so questions could be asked. Vice-Mayor Hartley replied that the City of Bristol, Virginia City Council could meet and discuss at their October work session. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Feierabend introduced the topic of historic preservation and historic zoning. Planning Scrvices Managcr Chcrith Young providcd a presentation on the topic. Ms. Young discussed the definition of historic preservation. Historic preservation is the endeavor to save, preserve, and protect the places where history happened. Neither City has historic zoning in place. She reviewed the National Register of Historic Places and the tax credits available. Both cities have held historic awards programs. The City of Bristol, Virginia has held one for six years and the City of Bristol, Tennessee has held one for two years.  Called Joint City Council Meeting October 15,2019 Page 4 of 4 Ms. Young discussed developing a local historic zoning program. State codes currently dictates how they are established. There is a design committee within Believe in Bristol which is advisory in nature. The City has received a grant to develop design guidelines in20l9 with a 40o/o match requirement. The project should start in November 2019 and conclude in May 2020. The grant term ends September 2020. Ms. Young then detailed the benefits of historic zoning which includes stabilization, pride, tax incentives, preservation, protection, and tourism. Councilman Keen asked which districts will be focused on. Ms. Young replied that the focus of the grant will be the three districts on the Tennessee side. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Powers requested quarterly meetings of both Councils. Mayor Osborne said that it has been awhile since a joint meeting was held. He stated that we are one City and we should be looking for ways to work together. Mayor Feierabend discussed the United States Census and the departure of the Director of the Bristol Public Library. She also requested that both cities pass proclamations for adverse childhood experiences. There being no further business, the meeting was adjoumed at l:32 p.m. by both mayors i/rr4.r,*/fuñ.M "M{garet Feierabend, Mayor ø* l. Vtu'*Z TaraE. Musick, City Recorder