City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL,TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 4, 2020 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Margaret Feierabend on Tuesday, February 4, at 7:00 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: Reverend Roy Hull, Associate Pastor at State Street United Methodist Church, gave the invocation and Police Officer Clint Hull, son of Reverend Hull, led the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND / OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: There were no official recognitions on the agenda. However, Mayor Feierabend recognized students from Tennessee High government class and asked for each student to introduce themselves. Mr. Cross is the class teacher. PRESENTATIONS: Bristol Loves Recycling - Jon Luttrell, Director of Community Relations, and Wes Ritchie, Public Services Manager, discussed the importance of recycling. Several ways of reducing waste or recycling on a personal level were given. The four drop off recycling centers offered by the City are at Avoca and Holston View Elementary Schools, on Broad Street near Steele Creek Park, and near the transit garage on Blackley Road. It is important for only the proper items to be recycled. The addition of improper items to the recycling bins causes the load to be contaminated incurring additional costs and can lead to the load being taken to the landfill instead of a recycling center. Examples of acceptable recyclables were given along with a review of the numbering system on plastics and which of those are recyclable in this area. Cardboard can be recycled here, but since packing materials such as styrofoam blocks or peanuts are not recyclable in this area they must be removed. If they are not removed prior to placing the cardboard boxes in the recycling bin they will contaminate that load. A 'Bristol Loves Recycling' campaign PSA was presented and different aspects of the campaign were discussed. Councilman Vince Turner asked what, if any, is the difference between what their home recycling service(Revolution Recycling)accepts versus what the City accepts. Mr. Ritchie said they should accept the same items. It depends on what the sorter allows, but only #1 and #2 plastics are accepted in our  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 2 of 10 local area. Mayor Feierabend asked what people should do if the bins at the drop-off sites are overflowing. Mr. Ritchie replied that the bins are checked every morning and on weekends by City crews, but occasionally they reach capacity between times. The signage at each site list a phone number in case there are any issues, but lately there have not been many calls. Most of the time there is still space to receive more items but the bins may fill very quickly during holidays. PUBLIC HEARING: None. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: David Shumaker, Columbia Road, owner of the building at the comer of Shelby and Street does not like the planters on 6^^ Street as they are bulky concrete and resemble barricades. He would like to see them replaced with something more inviting that would not detract from the overhead lighting and decorative street lights. APPOINTMENTS: Beer Board - City Council addressed the vacancy of two seats on the Beer Board for a term of office ending January 31, 2024. Several Council members spoke in favor of both applicants. Mr. Jason Booher and Mr. Craig Kistner were unanimously appointed to the Beer Board to serve a term of office ending January 31, 2024. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 20-2 - An Ordinance to Change the Date of Municipal Elections to Coincide with November Elections City Manager Bill Sorah briefly reviewed the ordinance while Mr. Jason Booher ofthe Sullivan County Election Commission came forward to give further details. The current date of the municipal elections was discussed at the Council work sessions in November 2019 and January 2020. The impetus for the shift in election dates was the desire to increase voter turnout and reduce the local cost of elections. If approved on first reading this evening, Ordinance 20-2 would be considered on second reading at the March Council meeting. The proposed ordinance will move the date of municipal elections from May in odd numbered years to November in even numbered years. This will impact the election of members serving on both the City Council and Board of Education as well as the Juvenile Court Judge and Clerk. If approved, it would shift the next municipal election date from May 18, 2021 to November 8, 2022. As embodied in the ordinance, those elected would take office in January of the following year. The November 2022 election will involve candidates elected from the east, south, and west districts. The next at-large election of candidates will shift from May of2023 to November of 2024. Mr. Jason Booher discussed this year being the lOO"^ anniversary of women's right to vote and the role that Tennessee played in that achievement. He then continued by stating that Public Chapter 1008 was adopted in 2010 by the Tennessee General Assembly thus giving the City the opportunity to amend the charter to change the election date to an August or November generally scheduled election date without going through a private act. As previously stated, doing so would move the next scheduled election date of May 18, 2021 to November 8, 2022. This would also extend the terms of those currently in office  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 3 of 10 which is permitted by the statute adopted in the Tennessee General Assembly. Since 2010, several cities have changed their election days and Mr. Booher provided some related data. A bill was introduced last year to require municipalities to move their election date. That bill was moved to TACER for a study. The results of the study were released and he discussed the concerns of TACER such as lengthy ballots, voter confusion and resistance to change, voter fatigue, and partisan races mixed with non-partisan races. The benefits include an increase in expected voter turnout by 13% to 55% (based on previous elections and historical data) and lower costs to the City by $13,000-$15,000 which is the cost of holding a standalone election. When an election is held while schools are in session there is a disruption of classes. Changing the date would mean one less day that voting would take place in the schools. Early voting availability will increase from 7 days to 12-14 days. Councilman Turner asked if the cost would go from $13,000-$15,000 to zero cost to the City or a minimal cost. Mr. Booher said there may be nominal costs for which he would be required to ask the City for reimbursement, but otherwise there would be none. The major cost of labor and programming the voting machines along with cost ofsupplies for the election would be included in the general election cost and therefore not City responsibility. Councilman Chad Keen asked if any new apps would be implemented in the upcoming elections and Mr. Booher replied no. Councilman Turner motioned to approve and Councilman Keen seconded. Councilman Keen commented that in addition to saving money and encouraging a larger voter turnout, changing the date would allow newly elected Council members the opportunity to be a part ofthe budget process as it begins in January. Councilwoman Lea Powers said the voting process would be more concise and streamlined. Increased voter turnout is a positive along with reduced costs and less disruption to the schools. The ability to vote is a privilege and should be less confusing for all voters regardless of their level of involvement. Vice Mayor Mahlon Luttrell said he was initially apprehensive about local issues being overshadowed by the issues of a national election, but he now thinks this is the right direction to take. Mayor Feierabend said there are advantages to the change such as the reducing the need to close schools and other positives previously mention. However, she is concerned about local issues getting lost and the partisan issue. She also likes the fact that the Bristol, Tennessee municipal election is parallel to the Bristol, Virginia municipal election. If this ordinance passes she would like the extra money to be used at Council discretion. The ordinance passed on first read by majority vote as follows: Councilman Keen Yes Councilwoman Powers Yes Vice Mayor Luttrell Yes Councilman Turner Yes Mayor Feierabend No  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 4 of 10 Ordinance 20-3 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 216 (Billboard and Sign Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to Outdoor Advertising Structures City Manager Sorah mentioned this item was discussed at the January 21^^ work session. Outdoor advertising structures are more commonly referred to as billboards and the Planning Commission has discussed this matter over the past several months. At their January 13'^ meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to amend the existing ordinance to prohibit the installation of new billboards but also allow for existing billboards to be maintained or converted a digital medium. If Ordinance 20-3 is approved on first reading, since this is part ofthe zoning ordinance, a public hearing will be scheduled for the March 3'"'^ meeting of City Council and the matter will be considered on second reading. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, was present to further detail the issue. Ms. Young explained the 'big picture' items this ordinance provides. Currently, if there are two billboards less than 2,000 feet apart only one can have a digital message. The proposed ordinance removes the separation requirement between digital outdoor advertising signs for existing billboards. It maintains minimum standards for the replacement and maintenance of existing billboards. It also prohibits new billboards. A lot of the changes relate to the location requirements. Currently, the ordinance sets forth some location requirements for new billboards that make it very difficult to site a new billboard as the location standards are very particular. The Planning Commission did an analysis of the existing ordinance in comparison to that ofthe other local communities and found that most of the surrounding communities prohibit new billboards. The prohibition of new billboards is first on the list of changes proposed by the Planning Commission. The second item provides stipulations for replacement of billboards such as structure, animation of the sign, and maximum height. They also requested the addition of the definition of Nit to the zoning ordinance which is a technical term for measuring luminance of a digital display. Ms. Young stated the Planning Commission discussed this matter over a period of several months and voted unanimously (9-0) to forward a favorable recommendation to Council to add the definition of Nit to Section 203 Definitions and to add the revised Section 216 E to the Bristol Tennessee Zoning Ordinance. Councilman Turner asked if the proposed changes such as height, painting, etc., would apply to current billboards or would they be grandfathered in. Ms. Young explained the current signs can be maintained as they are, but the trend is people are converting to digital display and replacing the structure and signboard itself. The proposed ordinance states the existing billboards can be replaced to accommodate the digital medium but the replacement structure must meet the new criteria. The existing traditional billboards can be kept as they are as long as they are maintained and in good condition. Councilman Turner then asked if the City is wanting the current billboards to be upgraded to digital and expressed concern about all the billboards on Volunteer Parkway converting to digital. Ms. Young stated that currently there are fifteen billboards on the Volunteer Parkway. Under the proposed ordinance there would only be fifteen billboards in those same locations. As long as those signs are maintained they can remain. If someone wished to replace it with digital medium they could under these provisions. They can be replaced with the same type of board as there is no mandate to change to digital when a board is replaced. If they wanted to remove the existing billboard and replace it with a different type ofsign they would still have to comply with the ordinance. As long as the existing sign is maintained and is in good shape it can continue to exist. The general sign code addresses the issue of maintenance and if a sign is abandoned, it must be taken down. Councilwoman Powers asked if all of the current billboards could be switched to digital and Ms. Young confirmed they could.  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 5 of 10 Mayor Feierabend is on the Planning Commission and said the Commission looked at no new billboards but did not look at all the billboards converting to digital. The proposed ordinance could be sent back to the Commission to request a way to limit the number of digital billboards. Councilman Turner said the existing ordinance addresses the issue through the requirement of a 2,000-foot separation between digital billboards. However, the proposed ordinance would remove that requirement. Councilwoman Powers asked what precipitated the discussion and Tim Beavers, Director of Development Services, replied someone wanted to place a digital billboard within 2,000 feet of an existing one. He went on to say that during these discussions the Planning Commission was concerned about restricting the total number of billboards, but did not express any concern about the number of digital boards. Councilman Turner expressed that prior to making a decision he would like to look at each ofthe existing billboards and their surroundings to get an idea of the impact if they all converted to digital. Councilwoman Powers asked if there was a sense of urgency to this matter and Ms. Young replied the person making the request would like to move forward. Councilman Keen commented that most of the billboards are lit if they are not digital. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to defer the item until the questions of Council have been answered. The City Attorney, Danielle Smith, stated a motion to approve the ordinance needed to be made first. Councilwoman Powers then rescinded her motion. Mayor Feierabend suggested the item be sent back to the Planning Commission along with the concerns of Council. She said simply obtaining the answers to the questions of Council may not provide enough information. Councilman Turner asked if the location of the requested digital billboard could be made known. Ms. Young said it is the sign behind the Old Lighthouse Diner on West State Street and less than 2,000 feet from the digital sign at the Japanese restaurant. Mayor Feierabend asked the City Attorney as to the proper way to proceed. Attorney Smith said a motion is needed to discuss and take action on the item, whatever that action is going to be. Mayor Feierabend then asked for a motion on the proposed ordinance. There was no motion. City Manager Sorah explained since there was no motion and no second, the issue dies and it can be communicated back to the Planning Commission that City Council would like to have additional information that can be presented to Council at the next work session, or a subsequent work session when the information is available. Councilman Turner asked what are surrounding areas doing concerning this issue. One of the billboards he was concerned about is the one behind the Bristol sign, but it is in Bristol, Virginia so he would like to know how they are addressing the issue of billboards. Ms. Young said Bristol, Virginia was included in the research and they prohibit new billboards, however, she is unsure about their regulations concerning digital medium and will have to review the information before she can answer that question. Councilwoman Powers said the Joint Planning Commission needs to meet to discuss this type of conjoined issues. City Manager Sorah stated the meeting ofthe Joint Planning Commission is scheduled for February 24^^.  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 6 of 10 Adoption of Ordinances(Second Reading): Ordinance 20-1 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 50(Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Code of Ordinances Related to Outdoor Lighting City Manager Bill Sorah stated this ordinance was presented for first read last month and is presented for second read this evening. He summarized that Ordinance 20-1 amends Section 50-31 of the City's Code of Ordinances, which contains regulations related to the use of outdoor lighting. The lighting regulations apply to all commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties. The regulations deal with the amount of light level that is permitted at the property line of the adjacent property. The developers of Center Pointe 74 have requested an amendment ofthe regulations to allow for an exception to be applied to properties of common ownership as part of a larger common development. There are several parcels under common ownership in that project, but the current regulations state that each parcel within that development would have to meet those light levels at the adjacent property even though the parcels are under common ownership. The developer has asked for relief and staff agrees that makes sense if it is a common ownership development and that it is an issue that should be addressed. The City Manager requested Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, present additional information. Ms. Young stated when a project goes through a site plan application and review they are required to submit a photometric plan for staff to review as one of the components of the application process. The lighting code currently has stipulations for certain light level limit at property lines, which varies depending on if the line is adjacent to commercial properties or right-of-way versus residential properties. However, the current code does not have any exception if there are multiple parcels within one project under common ownership such as the Pinnacle or Centre Pointe 74 and therefore, allows no relief from that property line requirement. The proposed ordinance provides an exception for property lines that are internal to a common development. At the right-of-way, the boundary, or perimeter of the project they would still have to meet the same lighting requirements as any other parcel. However, if they have a parcel line that cuts in between their buildings, parking lots, or landscaping internal to their development they would have some relief and not be held to that lighting requirement. The proposed ordinance adds an exception to be applied to internal properties of common ownership that are part of a larger common development. The amendment also includes the addition of a definition of'common development'. Councilman Turner made a motion to approve and Councilwoman Powers seconded the motion. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote. B. Resolutions: Resolution 20-8 - A Resolution Setting Public Hearings on the Proposed Annexation of Territory into the City of Bristol by Owner Consent and on the Related Plan of Services City Manager Sorah commented this is an unusual agenda item and is the first annexation since the City no longer has the ability to annex by ordinance. This is a process somewhat analogous to the process of issuing debt. If the City issues general obligation bonds, prior to approving a resolution to issue debt, the City must approve a resolution providing public notice of that intent. This resolution does the same thing. Mr. Tony Boyd, owner of property located at 1003 Highway 126, has requested the annexation of this property for the purposes of commercial development. The property contains 5.25 acres and is located approximately 180 feet southwest of the existing corporate limits on Highway 126. The annexation will also include approximately 434 feet of Highway 126 from the existing corporate limits southward to annexed property. Highway 126 is a state route currently maintained by the Tennessee Department of Transportation(TDOT). If annexed,the City will assume maintenance of this section of Highway 126 and  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 7 of 10 will be eligible to recover maintenance costs through the City's state highway maintenance agreement with TDOT. The annexation will require a Plan of Services, part of which will provide for the extension of sanitary sewer service. The in-house estimates are approximately $1,000.00 in material cost and the extension of the sewer service will be performed by in-house forces. The annexation request was considered by the Planning Commission at their January 13^^ meeting and is presented to City Council with a favorable recommendation. In terms of the process, if the resolution is approved tonight it will come back to Council at the March 3'"'^ meeting with another resolution to annex, a resolution adopting the Plan of Services, and first reading of an ordinance establishing the zoning designation of the property. The resolution to annex and a resolution adopting the Plan of Services require a public hearing next month. If those are approved, then the process goes forward. Due to the required process, the March Agenda may be somewhat out of traditional order so that if the resolutions for the annexation and adopting the Plan of Services are approved then Council can move to the first reading of the ordinance for the zoning designation. The City Manager requested Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, present detailed information on the property. Ms. Young provided a synopsis of the information provided to Council at their last work session. She presented slides showing the parcels subject to the annexation in conjunction with the current City limits, as well as the zoning of the same area. She then presented information detailing the annexation as well as the proposed Plan of Services. The Plan of Services listed the services the City would provide to the annexed property and the associated timeline. Ms. Young also summarized the current and proposed zoning of the area. Councilman Keen made a motion to approve and Vice Mayor Luttrell seconded. Mayor Feierabend expressed appreciation to Mr. Boyd for his confidence in the City services by requesting annexation of his property. She thanked him for living in and working to support the area over the years and helping the City grow and be a good place to live. As there was no further discussion, the resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote. Resolution 20-9- A Resolution in Support of Minor League Baseball City Manager Sorah gave a brief overview of Resolution 20-9. It formalizes City Council's support for Minor League Baseball(MiLB)and the continued operation of the Appalachian League of Professional Baseball. As Council is aware, Major League Baseball (MLB) has proposed to eliminate forty-two minor league teams. Among those teams is the entire Appalachian League. This has an impact on Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Greeneville in that five teams in our immediate area would be eliminated if this proposal moves forward. For decades,(MiLB) has provided wholesome family entertainment for our region, in addition to the economic impact. The campaign to save MiLB is now underway across our country. If approved, this will be forwarded to our state and federal legislators as well as the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Mr. Rob Manfred. The City Manager requested Vice Mayor Luttrell to give further information. The Vice Mayor said he was very pleased the Council and the City support the continuance of the Appalachian League. The loss of MiLB would have a large economic impact on the region in addition to not being able to attend professional baseball games, which is something a large segment of the population across the country has done all of their lives. It would be a travesty for it to be taken away. To move teams to different cites is one issue, but to eliminate forty-two teams across the country would be a tremendous loss in various ways. Congress and state legislatures are also voicing their support for keeping MiLB. At a more local level, 109 mayors across the nation thus far are also voicing their support.  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 8 of 10 Councilwoman Powers made a motion to approve and Vice Mayor Luttrell seconded. Councilwoman Powers continued by stating MiLB has been in Bristol since 1911 and is part of the fabric of our community. It would be most unfortunate for this to be eliminated from our quality of life and she feels the community wholeheartedly supports keeping MiLB here. As there was no further discussion, Resolution 20-9 passed unanimously by roll call vote. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. ■ Minutes January 7, 2020 City Council Meeting ■ Minutes January 13, 2020 Called Joint City Council Meeting ■ Minutes January 21, 2020 City Council Work Session ■ Resolution 20-10 A Resolution Awarding a Proposal for Pharmacy Benefit Management for City's Health Plan ■ Resolution 20-11 A Resolution Approving the Submittal of an Application to the U. S. Department of Homeland Security for Funding under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program ■ Resolution 20-12 A Resolution to Adopt Veterans Day as an Official City Holiday ■ Resolution 20-13 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Final Clarifier #3 Replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant ■ Resolution 20-14 A Resolution Authorizing the Emergency Repair of Water Treatment Plant High-Service Pump Motor Vice Mayor Luttrell requested Resolution 20-12 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Councilman Keen made a motion for approval of the Consent Agenda without Resolution 20-12 and Vice Mayor Luttrell seconded the motion. The remaining items were approved by unanimous Council roll call vote. At the request of Mayor Feierabend, the City Manager summarized Resolution 20-12 Adopting Veterans Day as an Official City Holiday. During the November work session. City Council recommended recognizing Veteran's Day on November 11"^ as an official annual City holiday. This action is to publically acknowledge the service, bravery, and sacrifice of all those who have served in the nation's military. Resolution 20-12 formally adopts Veteran's Day as an official City holiday and amends the City's personnel policies to reflect the holiday observance. Councilman Turner made a motion to approve and Vice Mayor Luttrell seconded. The Vice Mayor explained he pulled this resolution from the Consent Agenda as he felt it is so important to our community and to the ones who served that it deserved more recognition. He thanked all those who have and are serving and he is glad their service is being acknowledged. Mayor Feierabend stated this was not done previously as the numbers come into play and the days of vacation offered to employees are compared to other entities in the surrounding communities as well as  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page 9 of 10 other considerations. However, sometimes other things take precedence like the importance of proper recognition and giving our employees a day for remembrance of our veterans. As there was no further discussion, Resolution 20-12 was approved unanimously by roll call vote. BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON REPORT: Dr. Annette Tudor spoke in the absence of Dr. Sisk who is attending a superintendent conference in Nashville. They recognized School Board Appreciation Week last week and wanted to publicly thank the school board members for their service. In the past month, Dr. Sisk was able to tour BTES. They also had their annual industry day, for the 23*"^ year, sponsored by BTES with more than 80 teachers participating and more than 20 industry partners for this endeavor. Dr. Sisk met with the Bristol Tennessee City Schools Foundation. He started a student senate, which involves a president and vice president for each class along with career technical students, and a teacher advisory council. He met the new library director. The school board has enlisted the support of SCORE (State Collaborative On Reforming Education)to facilitate the strategic planning process for a new five-year plan. City Council and some staff will be asked to join focus groups to give feedback for which the school system would be very appreciative. There is a facilities tour scheduled for Council and some county commissioners on February 18^^ commencing at 7:45 a.m. at the Central Office. Dr. Tudor gave an update on the middle school construction noting that demolition of the gym is almost complete. The school system is investigating the prospect of bringing welding back to Tennessee High School and if things go well classes will be offered this coming fall. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah reminded Council of some dates for the month. • Thursday, February 6'*^ 5:30 P.M.- TDOT public meeting of multimodal corridor study of 1-40 and 1-81 at Northeast State • Tuesday, February 1 Noon - Annual Bristol First Awards Luncheon at the Bank Street Cafe • Tuesday, February 18'^ 7:45 A.M.- School facilities tour beginning at the Central Office • Tuesday, February 25'^^ 11:00 A.M.- City Council work session • Wednesday, February 26'^ 8:00 A.M.- Annual Coffee with the Mayors, Birthplace of Country Music Room at 620 State • Tuesday, March 3^'' 5:00 P.M.- Mr. John Campbell will be here to discuss the Launch Tennessee Program The Comprehensive Plan is ready to be presented and the consultant. Design Workshop, Inc., is requesting to do so February 26^^. If that date works for Council a Noon meeting will be scheduled for an approximately 90-minute presentation. Councilman Turner will not be available. March 5^^ was suggested as another possibility. The City Manager will communicate with Council to confirm a date after staff speaks with the consultant. The Joint Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for February 24'^ and the proposed time is 8:00 A.M. with the location yet to be determined. Mayor Feierabend is working with the chair ofthe Planning Commission on the logistics. This will be the inaugural meeting of that committee after not meeting for at least a dozen years.  City Council Meeting February 4, 2020 Page lOoflO CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Powers said she is often asked about how the City deals with non-profit organizations. One point to remember is a lot of the non-profits the City supports financially provide a return on the investment such as Believe In Bristol (BIB), Bristol Country Music, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Through their efforts of marketing and programming, there is a financial return to the City proper. There is a fine balance between the non-profits and the capital improvement plan. There are equipment needs and there is only so much money available. As such, the City has to be mindful that if money is spent in one area it reduces availability for a different area. The budget process for the next fiscal year is underway and everyone is working to find that balance. She commended staff for their diligence in the process. Entrepreneurial development investment has been discussed and Bristol is the area to really become involved with that effort through BIB and the co-worker space and City staff is working to expand that. Sullivan NETWORKS Partnership has taken a hard look at areas where we can work regionally and across state lines. Entrepreneurism is one and tourism is the second. She has visited the Sullivan County Commission and they are also looking at entrepreneurism based on the county mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force. Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion has announced half of its line-up and will announce the other soon. She thanked those who started the Festival as it is a large part of our identity. Councilman Keen thanked the Veterans. He went on to say the part of the reason for the redesign of 6'^^ Street was to help encourage entrepreneurism. There are two new businesses moving to 6'^ Street, many others are looking, and some building owners are looking to renovate or sell property for renovation that have been vacant and decaying for decades. He complimented staff on how nice 6'^ Street looks and that it is recognizable from both ends of the block as being a place where positive things are going on. Councilwoman Powers asked if there was a drainage issue on 6'^ Street and the City Manager replied to his knowledge there is no drainage issue. He went on to describe the basic design of the drainage flow in that area. Councilman Turner added there was a recent media article where the owner of the Angry Italian was happy with the current situation. Mayor Feierabend mentioned the Census and the need to participate. She also mentioned the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration and her appreciation to those who assisted with various events in the community. She mentioned the YWCA is scheduling activities for Black History Month as well as coordinating activities pertaining to the women's suffrage centennial. The Mayor mentioned the trip to Nashville the prior week and her appreciation to the legislators for meeting with Council and giving opportunities for some discussion in-person. Read Across America is February 28^^ which celebrates Dr. Seuss' Day and gives opportunity for the community to read with school students. The Governor of Tennessee is coming to east Tennessee. She mentioned the unusual closings ofsome ofthe local schools due to illness. She mentioned a few good ways to reduce risk of catching or spreading germs and encouraged those who are ill to please stay home to help stop the spread of illness. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. ^ ^ . Margaret^eierabend, Mayor Tara E. Musick, City Recorder