City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL,TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 7,2020 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Margaret Feierabend on Tuesday, July 7,2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Slater Community Center. 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 other members of City staff. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Mayor Mahlon Luttrell introduced Matt Cross, Pastor of SURFChurch and Team Chaplain for the Bristol Pirates, to give the invocation. Councilman Chad Keen led the pledge of allegiance. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR: Mayor Margaret Feierabend explained the City Charter requires City Council to select one of its members to serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor each year at the first meeting in July. Mayor Feierabend asked for a motion for nomination of a Council member to serve as Mayor for the coming year. Councilwoman Lea Powers made a motion to nominate Vice Mayor Mahlon Luttrell as Mayor. Councilman Vince Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to nominate Councilman Turner as Vice Mayor. Mayor Luttrell seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote. A brief recess was taken for a reception to recognize the new Mayor and Vice Mayor. The meeting was called back to order by Mayor Luttrell at approximately 7:28 P.M. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND / OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Parks and Recreation Month - Councilwoman Powers read the proclamation designating the month of July 2020 as Parks and Recreation Month. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman, Mr. David Akard, III was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Bristol Tennessee Police Department Accreditation - Mayor Luttrell commended the Police Department on receiving the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation(TLEA)program accreditation and asked Officer Jody Camper to accept the award and speak to the significance of this recognition. Officer Camper thanked the City for recognizing the reaccreditation of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD). He has been with the department since 2008 and was recently appointed as the new accreditation manager after the loss of Lieutenant Keith Feathers, whom he assisted with the  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 2 of 15 accreditation process the past five years. When the horrible incident happened in Minnesota, he realized the officer involved was doing things that do not comply with the established standards and training of the BTPD. To his understanding, there is only one agency in Minnesota accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.,(CALEA)and it is a dispatch center. Across the nation, there is currently a lot of uncertainty in the law enforcement community about the future. The best defense against this uncertainty is professionalism. The BTPD has been both TLEA and CALEA accredited for the last several years and this is the fourth consecutive award from TLEA. Bristol was the leader in the TLEA accreditation process with Bristol becoming the pilot agency and the first to meet all the standards for the state accreditation. Since then, staff has served as mentors and assessors to other agencies throughout the state and as chair of TLEA. By being state and nationally accredited, the BTPD is already ahead of the challenges nationally and will continue to set the example for other law enforcement agencies to follow. Bristol First Award Program - The City has over 340 full and part-time employees serving the community on a daily basis. Frequently, there are employees that go above and beyond their normal duties. The Bristol First Award program was established to recognize these efforts. Mr. Jon Luttrell, Director of Community Relations, was in attendance to announce the latest recipients. The actions demonstrated by the two recipients occurred in March, but the recognition was postponed until it could be done in a 'live' meeting rather than during an electronic meeting so they could be properly acknowledged. Dr. Martin Dotterweich nominated the employees due to the kindness and consideration beyond their normal duties of solid waste collection shown to his fifteen-year-old son who has autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Dotterweich had instructed his son to retrieve their refuse cart after it had been emptied by the City. His son went out to watch the truck in action. The City employees invited him to load the cart to be emptied and showed him how it worked. His son enjoyed the interaction. Later in the week these two employees returned with a shirt, hat, and a vest for his son who was very pleased to receive them. The nomination by Dr. Dotterweich stated this was an act of kindness and consideration far beyond their ordinary duties and exemplifies the spirit of service, consideration, and generosity that make Bristol a great place to live. Mr. Cody Sawyers and Mr. Joe Wyatt, of the Public Services Solid Waste Division of Development Services were presented with the Bristol First Award. PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: Mike Nidiffer, 402 Shady Brook Drive in the Tennessee Hills Subdivision, addressed the Beaver Creek Trail. He feels the City should have communicated with the residents prior to reaching this stage of the proposed trail. Residents of several neighborhoods are signing a petition against the trail. He has been told the proposed trail is to be located mostly in the floodplain which cannot be used for anything else. However, the main concern is a trail located along Beaver Creek violates the property rights of quiet enjoyment and privacy of the residents living in Fairacres, Sunnybrook, Tennessee Hills, and Valley Hills Subdivisions. Would City Council members want a public walking trail in their back yard? He consulted a state right-of-way appraiser who likened this trail to a pedestrian highway and confirmed that nearby homeowners could incur significant damages. Is this expense the best utilization of $2.4 million? What revenues will be generated to offset this type ofexpenditure? Can the City guarantee the final cost will not exceed $2.4 million? How much of the $2.4 million is currently allocated for right-  City Council Meeting July 7,2020 Page 3 of 15 of-way acquisition? Will the City use eminent domain for right-of-way acquisition? Does the City have the authority to amend residential subdivision covenants? Have all available avenues been explored to connect Rooster Front Park and Bristol Motor Speedway? Is Steele Creek Park a more viable option? He is not opposed to the proposed trail, just the proposed location. He believes it would be better received situated in a park-like setting rather than to invade residential neighborhoods in south Bristol. Councilman Chad Keen stated this trail project is only in the beginning stages. He asked City Manager Bill Sorah ifthere would be an opportunity for public comment at a later time. The City Manager replied he was correct. The master plan was presented to Council a couple of years ago and recently the preliminary report on the initial phases was presented. Before the project moves forward the City will solicit input from the public as to the status of the project and how it moves forward. This project is in the embryonic phase. Councilman Keen asked ifthe property owners will be contacted by letter or some other method. The City Manager confirmed it would be through written notification from City staff inviting them to a public meeting for comment along with notifying the general public of the meeting and the project as there will be other residents interested in the trail that are not property owners along the route. The pandemic situation will dictate when it is possible to have a large live gathering. APPOINTMENTS: Better Property Board - City Council addressed the vaeancy of one seat on the Better Property Board. Councilwoman Feierabend spoke on behalf of the candidate. Ms. Pamela Offield was unanimously appointed to the Better Property Board to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2023. Board of Code Appeals- City Council addressed the vacancy ofone seat on the Board ofCode Appeals. Councilwoman Powers spoke on behalf of the candidate. Mr. Daniel Witcher was unanimously appointed to the Board of Code Appeals to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2025. Community Development Advisory Committee- City Council addressed the vacancy oftwo seats on the Community Development Advisory Committee. Councilwoman Feierabend spoke on behalf of both of the candidates. Mr. Raymond Hill and Dr. Shauna Nefos-Webb were unanimously appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee to serve a term of office ending April 30,2023. Emergency Communications / 911 Board - City Council addressed the vaeancy of one seat on the Emergency Communications/911 Board. Councilwoman Powers spoke on behalfofthe candidate. Mr. Dwayne Honaker was unanimously appointed to the Emergency Communications / 911 Board to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2024. Health and Educational Facilities Board - City Council addressed the vaeancy of one seat on the Health and Educational Facilities Board. Councilman Keen spoke on behalfofthe candidate. Mr. Randy Kennedy was unanimously appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Board to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2026. Library Board - City Council addressed the vacancy ofone seat on the Library Board for an unexpired term ofoffice ending December 31,2020. Councilwoman Powers and Councilwoman Feierabend spoke on behalf of the candidate. Ms. Anne Rife was unanimously appointed to the Library Board to serve an unexpired term of office ending December 31, 2020. Parks and Recreation Commission - City Council addressed the vacancy of three seats on the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term of office ending June 30, 2023. The vote was as follows:  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 4 of 15 Vice Mayor Turner Ronda Baker, Susi Chandler, and Curtis Rutherford Councilwoman Feierabend Ronda Baker, Susi Chandler, and Curtis Rutherford Councilman Keen Brandon Ayers, Susi Chandler, and Curtis Rutherford Councilwoman Powers Ronda Baker, Susi Chandler, and Curtis Rutherford Mayor Luttrell Ronda Baker, Susi Chandler, and Curtis Rutherford Ms. Ronda Baker, Ms. Susi Chandler and Mr. Curtis Rutherford were appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2023 with Ms. Chandler and Mr. Rutherford each receiving five votes and Ms. Ronda Baker receiving four. Planning Commission - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Planning Commission for the Urban Growth Area and two seats inside the corporate limits, all for a term of office ending June 30, 2023. Councilwoman Feierabend spoke on behalf of Mr. Tekai Shu, Mr. Joel Staton, and Ms. Katherine Stigers. The vote was as follows: Vice Mayor Turner Tekai Shu(UGA),Jason Booher, and Joel Staton Councilwoman Feierabend Tekai Shu(UGA),Joel Staton, and Katherine Stigers Councilman Keen Tekai Shu(UGA),Jason Booher, and Mark Byington Councilwoman Powers Jason Booher and Joel Staton Mayor Luttrell Tekai Shu(UGA), Mark Byington, and Joel Staton Mr. Tekai Shu(UGA applicant) received four votes, Mr. Joel Staton received four votes, and Mr. Jason Booher received three votes. Mr. Shu, Mr. Staton, and Mr. Booher were appointed to the Plarming Commission to each serve a term of office ending June 30,2023. Power Board - City Council addressed the vacancy of one seat on the Power Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2024. Councilwoman Powers spoke of behalf of the candidate. Mr. David Akard, III was unanimously appointed to the Power Board to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2024. Tree Board - City Council addressed the vacancy of two seats on the Tree Board for a term of office ending June 30,2024. Councilwoman Feierabend spoke of behalf of all three candidates. The vote was as follows: Vice Mayor Turner Brandon Ayers and David Hacker Councilwoman Feierabend Brandon Ayers and David Hacker Councilman Keen Brandon Ayers and David Hacker Councilwoman Powers Brandon Ayers and Susan Tanner Mayor Luttrell David Hacker and Susan Tanner Mr. Brandon Ayers and Mr. David Hacker each received four votes and were appointed to the Tree Board to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2024. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 20-9- An Ordinance Amending and Restating the Future Land Use Plan and Policy City Manager Bill Sorah stated Ordinance 20-9 considers on first reading the adoption of the Future Land Use Plan and Policy. The Bristol Regional Planning Commission recently concluded the development ofthe Comprehensive Plan for the City. An element ofthat process included the evaluation  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 5 of 15 and development of the City's Future Land Use Plan and Policy. The development of the Future Land Use Plan included a collaborative process ofcommunity input and assessment ofcommunity needs. This document is a critical component of the City's Comprehensive Plan due to its role in guiding development decisions of both the Planning Commission and City staff. The proposed Future Land Use Plan and Policy was adopted by the Bristol Regional Plarming Commission during their June 15"^ meeting and they forwarded to Council a unanimous recommendation for adoption. If Ordinance 20-9 is approved on first reading a public hearing and second reading will be scheduled during the August 4"^ meeting. Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, summarized the Plan will update and refresh the existing Plan that was adopted in 2013. The proposed Plan is updated in its design, it provides additional language, and provides introduction and explanation pages to help people understand what the Land Use Plan is. The Policy language is updated, additional land use descriptions and images have been included, the Future Land Use Map has been revised, and an inset map has been included for clarity. Councilwoman Feierabend motioned to approve the ordinance and Councilman Turner seconded. Councilwoman Powers expressed appreciation to City staff for doing a good job. The document is informational, easy to read, and she encouraged everyone to look at it once it is approved and placed on line. Ordinance 20-9 was approved unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance 20-10 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance by Adding a New Chapter 4A (Design Standards) and Making Other Conforming Changes The City Manager summarized Ordinance 20-10 has been an item at a couple of work sessions and a fairly extensive project for the Planning Commission as they worked through design standards for several months prior to making a recommendation to City Council. These Design Standards are specific to commercially zoned property. The new Design Standards encourage and enhance the aesthetic appearance and appeal of our community by promoting quality building design and construction practices. They will apply to all business districts as well as the commercial overlay of the Volunteer Parkway and State Route 394. All new commercial construction and major renovations will be required to adhere to the new standards. The Planning Commission approved the proposed Design Standards and forwarded a favorable recommendation to City Council. Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, presented additional information. Ms. Young stated the Planning Commission has worked on design standards in some way at every Planning Commission meeting since 2018 and approved the standards in their final form on December 16, 2019. City Council has discussed the standards in a couple of work sessions beginning with December 2019 with the most recent discussion at the work session on June 23, 2020. The time lapse between the discussions with Council was due to COVlD-19. A few ofthe key elements ofthe proposed ordinance include implementation of the Design Standards at the staff level as part of the site plan building permit review process. During this review process staff will ensure the project meets the Design Standards and if there should be an appeal on any decision, it would be referred to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Design Standards utilize a menu of architectural features so there will be options and flexibility in meeting the standards. These standards will apply to all business districts, all B Districts, but they do not apply to industrial districts, residential structures, or single-family and duplex residential structures that are located in the business districts. They will apply to larger projects so they will apply  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 6 of 15 to brand new construction and to improvements of 50% or greater of the footprint of the existing building. Existing prohibition of some building materials is being carried forward such as unpainted / unfinished concrete masonry block, no single sheet, corrugated, or ribbed panel metal siding, and limited use of wood such as to only what would be necessary to keep the integrity of historical design. The number of features chosen from the menu of architectural features is based upon the size of the project and includes items such as arches, accent materials, varying roof lines, columns,and dormers along with several others. For projects under 50,000 square feet three of architectural features will be required for the faqade facing the street and faQades adjacent to the street will have two features. For projects over 50,000 square feet, the facade facing the street will have five architectural features and the fa9ades adjacent to the street will have three. The proposed ordinance includes the addition of several definitions to the current zoning ordinance and the removal of Section 408,replacing it with Chapter 4A which includes the list of architectural features and therefore, contains all of the Design Standards. If Ordinance 20-10 is approved on first reading, a public hearing and second reading will be considered on August 4"^. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve the ordinance and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend thanked staff and the Plarming Commission for the very thorough work on this task. The booklet is easy to understand and the standards include options that will fit different budgets and needs ofthe developers in the community. Councilwoman Powers continued by saying the purpose of this document is not to make things more difficult, but to make it easier to do business. Keeping it at the staff level means the Planning Commission or City Council do not always have to be involved. If there are issues, they would go to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The goal of the Design Standards is to improve flow and ease of doing business. This will also help elevate and maintain property values for all property owners. Mayor Luttrell said he came into this project at the end and he appreciates all the hard work and talent of staff. There was no further discussion and the ordinance was approved by unanimous roll call vote. B. Second Reading of New Ordinances: None. C. Resolutions: Resolution 20-41 - A Resolution Approving the Rescission of a Development Agreement with A.G. Commercial, G.P, and Authorizing Entry into a Purchase and Sale Agreement Related to the Property Located at 714 Shelby Street City Manager Bill Sorah detailed Resolution 20-41 which formally rescinds Resolution 19-102 authorizing the City to enter into a development agreement with A.G. Commercial, G.P. for property located at 714 Shelby Street. In addition. Resolution 20-41 approves the sale of property located at 714 Shelby Street to A.G. Commercial. A.G. Commercial proposes a mixed use development comprised of commercial, office, and residential property valued at $16,800,000. The improvements will include the construction of approximately 28,000 square feet of retail and office space on the first floor and a total of approximately sixty units of studio and one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors ofthe development. A.G. Commercial, G.P. will purchase the property from the City for a sum $1,030,353.64. This will equal the costs incurred by the City to acquire the property, demolish existing structures, and secure Brownfield Agreements for redevelopment ofthe property. The agreement does contain conditions that  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 7 of 15 the developer successfully obtains financing at acceptable interest cost and the developer is successful in obtaining tax increment financing from the respective governing bodies. Resolution 20-41 provides the City with an opportunity to recover its investment in the property and allows the developer to seek tax increment financing to advance the TheSevenH project. The project, once complete, will provide a catalyst for the continued revitalization of our Downtown community. Councilman Keen motioned to approve Resolution 20-41 and Vice Mayor Turner seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend said this is a great project. Councilwoman Powers commented that having seen the proposed project they know it not only meets but exceeds all of the Design Standards and she expressed appreciation to the developers for inclusion of details such that it will blend in well with the other architectural aspects of the buildings downtown. There was no further discussion and the resolution was approved by unanimous roll call vote. Resolution 20-42 - A Resolution Approving the Downtown CBD Redevelopment District - TheSevenH Building Project Tax Increment Financing Amendment and Recommending that the Same be Approved by the Board of Commissioners of Sullivan County The City Manager stated Resolutions 20-41 and 20-42 pertain to the same project. Resolution 20-42 approves the use of Tax Increment Financing for TheSevenM project. The project, located on the site of the former Bristol Products and Coyne Laundry properties, is proposed as a mixed use development comprised of commercial, office, and residential properties with an estimated value of $16,800,000. The primary sources of funding for the project is an investment of $14,800,000 from the developer and tax increment based debt in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000. The tax increment debt will be amortized over a not to exceed period of twenty years. Bristol Housing Board of Commissioners conducted a publie hearing and formally considered the redevelopment plan on June 24, 2020. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the redevelopment plan. Mr. Joel Conkin, attorney for Bristol Housing, reviewed the terms of the redevelopment plan. This property is currently owned by the City and producing zero revenue dollars. With the TIP for the new project, it will generate about $4,000 in taxes due to the debt service set aside for the City as required by Tennessee law. The remaining taxes will be sent to Bristol Housing to pay the amortization of the debt. This project will bring approximately 100 additional residents into the downtown area which will help to revitalize the Central Business District(CBD). Mr. JJ Gillenwater and Mr. Blair Jones, two partners of A.G. Commercial, gave a brief presentation. They have been working toward this project for around three years. They will build a three-story, 85,000 square foot building. The ground level will be commercial space with residential above and the development will include approximately 170 parking spaces. The firm is comprised of local people, local general contractors, and local tradesmen. In addition to being completely new construction, amenities of the project include lit parking, outdoor terraces for each loft, ADA accessible units, pet friendly, adding greenspace to downtown, urban 'super-ette' type grocery store for downtown, retail, and offices. Artist renderings of the project were presented. Vice Mayor Turner motioned to approve Resolution 20-42 and Councilwoman Powers seconded. There was no further discussion and the resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote.  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 8 of 15 Resolution 20-43 - A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Real Property (Cortrim 12.366 acres) City Manager Sorah explained in April of 2012, the City purchased the site ofthe former Aurora Casket Plant. The property was initially acquired as a potential site for a new middle school. The 12.366 acre tract was acquired at a purchase price of $63,260. Due to insufficient acreage, the property was eliminated as a potential middle school site early in the site selection process. Over the past two years, the City has had several conversations with prospective developers regarding potential uses of the property, which is zoned R-3(Multi-Family Residential). Early this year, a formal Request for Proposals was issued soliciting proposals for development of the property. Moore Development, LLC,submitted the lone proposal to utilize the property for the development of patio homes. This type of residential development was identified as a housing inventory need by the real estate community in the May 2020 Housing Study. The proposed use is consistent with the existing zoning of the property. This item was presented to Council at the June 23'^'' work session. The sale of this property will recover the initial acquisition cost to the City. Mr. Rick Armstrong of TCI Group made a brief presentation. TCI Group represents and are involved with the Moore Development site. This development will contain approximately forty-four patio homes similar to the configuration of the Cottages at Feathers Chapel. This will be an intergenerational type development which will help to exist / coexist with King University students and residents who are at or near retirement age. This can help grow ties within the community. As soon as the contracts are approved by all parties and financing is in place the project will move forward which is anticipated to be in about one year. Councilwoman Powers commented this project fits well with the project on East Cedar Street and the sidewalk / stormwater project on Virginia Avenue. This project continues a lift to this section of our community. Vice Mayor Turner thanked the Economic Development staff for the hard work in conjunction with the project. Councilman Keen motioned to approve Resolution 20-43 and Councilwoman Powers seconded. As there was no further discussion,the resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote. Resolution 20-44 - A Resolution Approving the Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan City Manager Sorah mentioned the City's consultant. Design Workshop, Inc. of Asheville, North Carolina, presented the contents of the document to City Council during an electronic work session on April 28"^. Resolution 20-44 formally adopts the City's Comprehensive Plan. The key elements of the document will be used to guide financial, infrastructure, community development, and planning decisions for years into the future. In accordance with statute,the Bristol Regional Planning Commission reviewed the Comprehensive Plan and conducted a publie hearing on Monday, June 1S"'. Following completion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to forward a favorable recommendation to City Council for formal adoption of the plan. Ms. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, provided further details of the plan and the process. It is the result of approximately two years of collaboration beginning with a kick-off meeting with City Council and the Plarming Commission. This was followed by community meetings and meetings with a community advisory committee, multiple stakeholder meetings with a variety of groups around town, three rounds of community meetings, on-line participation activities, surveys, opportunity for public comment, and a mapping exercise. Design Workshop, Inc., took all of this community input, reviewed all the existing plans and studies the City has, and compiled it into the Comprehensive Plan document.  City Council Meeting July 7,2020 Page 9 of 15 The document is centered around seven themes with an action plan matrix at the end of the document which sets forth all the goals and objectives ofthe chapters and is a tool that can be used to track progress and priorities. When the consultant presented this plan to Council in the spring, they also provided some points on how to use and implement the plan. The first step is formal adoption of the plan, followed by tasking a person to oversee it and help educate the different departments in the City as to what it as, go through the action plan matrix and prioritize the items according to City Council, and provide an annual report ofthe plan and the accomplishments during the year. The consultant general planning practice is to evaluate the plan every five years and do an update every ten years. Councilwoman Powers commended staff on a job well done. She requested a letter of completion and a copy of the Comprehensive Plan be sent to all of the participants of the community advisory committee for their information and in appreciation of their involvement in the process. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve Resolution 20-44 and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded. There was no further discussion and the resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote. Resolution 20-45 - A Resolution Approving Amendments to the Community Development Block Grant Citizen Participation Plan City Manager Sorah summarized Resolution 20-45 and 20-46 are both related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security(CARES)Act. The City received funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)passing through the Community Development Block Grant to address social and financial impacts stemming from the COVID-19 virus. In order to allocate these funds, the Community Development Block Grant Plan must be amended. An element of that is the Citizen Participation Plan, which was originally approved by City Council in 1997. Due to the urgency of being able to get these funds distributed to those in the community who need it the most, HUD has allowed communities to amend their Citizen Participation Plans to provide for virtual hearings and a five-day comment period for proposed amendments. The City Manager requested Community Development Specialist Christina Blevins give further details on this resolution as well as Resolution 20-46. Ms. Blevins commented this has been a relatively quick process for the grants division. The City has been impacted by COVID-19 and she is glad these funds have become available to assist various groups throughout the community. Amending the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) is a way to speed up the process ofgetting funding to those in the greatest need. The changes in the CPP include virtual hearings as an allowed method for community participation when necessary for public health reasons, provide a five-day notice of comment period for proposed amendments necessary to expedite the use of funds regarding the coronavirus, make minor edits that do not change current citizen participation policies, include provisions relative to the Consolidated Planning Process and participation waivers under the CARES Act, and include provisions relative to the CDBG and other U.S. funding available under the CARES Act. The City's Community Development Advisory Committee conducted a public hearing on June 9"^ and advertised a five-day comment period according to plan requirements. No public comments were received and the committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation of the amendments to City Council. Councilman Keen motioned to approve Resolution 20-45 and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded. There was no further discussion and the resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote.  City Council Meeting July 7,2020 Page 10 of 15 Resolution 20-46 - A Resolution Approving the Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Funds to Organizations The City Manager yielded the floor to Ms. Christina Blevins to present the recommendations as to how the money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act should be spent. Ms. Blevins continued by stating the City of Bristol, Tennessee is classified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)as an entitlement city. As result, the City receives an annual allocation offunds to meet certain national objectives. This funding is made available by HUD through a special allocation to our Community Development Block Grant program. This funding is available to benefit to low and moderate-income families, aid in prevention of slums and blight, and address other eommunity needs resulting from the COVlD-19 virus. The CARES Act has provided additional grant funding in the amount of$115,966 to the City of Bristol to assist in addressing the impact ofthe COVID- 19 virus. The City's CDBG staff solicited proposals from various organizations providing community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Development Advisory Committee reviewed the grant requests and developed a recommended list of agencies to be funded by the CARES Act grant. In order for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce / Discover Bristol to receive funds, an additional waiver will need to be obtained from HUD by staff. This information was presented to Council at the June 23"* work session. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve Resolution 20-46 and Councilman Keen seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend asked about the additional waiver and Mr. Blevins further explained that process. She added that if a waiver was not obtained those particular funds will need to be reallocated. There was no additional diseussion and the resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote. Resolution 20-47 - A Resolution Approving an Application for a Certificate of Compliance for a License to Sell Alcoholic Beverages at Retail in the City of Bristol, Tennessee The City Manager provided information on Resolution 20-47 which authorizes the issuance of a Certificate ofComplianee to obtain a license for the retail sale ofalcoholic beverages at Belmont Package Store, located at 110 Belmont Drive. Staff has received a request from the current owner ofthe Belmont Package Store to transfer ownership to EKS Enterprises, Inc. Tennessee Code provides that before a transfer of an existing license may occur, the applicant must first obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the local governing body. EKS Enterprises, Inc., is owned by Paula Matzner, Charles B. Hunigan, Jr., and Elizabeth Matzner, who have collectively managed and worked at the current establishment in excess oftwenty years. The applicant appears to meet the requirements for the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance under Chapter 6, Article 1 of the City's Code of Ordinances. Belmont Package Store currently possesses one of five lieenses issued to retail alcoholie beverage stores within the city limits. The current City Code of Ordinances limits the number of retail alcoholic beverage stores to one per 5,000 persons residing in the City. Vice Mayor Turner motioned to approve and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded. Resolution 20-47 passed unanimously by roll call vote without discussion. Resolution 20-48 - A Resolution Confirming the Appointment of a Student Member to the Parks and Recreation Commission City Manager Sorah explained the Parks and Recreation Commission is comprised of twelve members with two members to be selected by Tennessee High School staff. Dr. Kim Kirk, Tennessee High Sehool  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 11 of 15 Principal, has recommended Miss Amy Shi, a rising junior, to serve in this capacity. The appointment of Miss Shi will be through the period of May 30, 2022. Councilwoman Feierabend motioned to approve the resolution and Councilwoman Powers seconded. Councilwoman Powers commented it is refreshing to have a student serve on the commission. Councilwoman Feierabend confirmed that the student positions are voting positions, which she feels is very important. Mr. David Akard, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, spoke in favor of student members. He feels it provides a great opportunity for the students to see how city boards work and having two student members instead of one provides a level of comradery for the students in the midst of a group of adults. That also provides some continuity as one student rolls off the commission when they graduate and a new one comes on as a rising junior. The students have been very interactive and it has been a good experience for everyone over the years. He recommended the possibility of adding student members to some ofthe other boards and commission ofthe City as appropriate. He commented it might be a way to inform and include students and create a desire to stay in the community. The resolution then passed unanimously by roll call vote. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Vice Mayor Turner made a motion for approval and Councilwoman Powers seconded the motion. The following items were approved by unanimous Council roll call vote: Minutes June 1, 2020 Called City Council Work Session Minutes June 2, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes June 9, 2020 Called City Council Meeting Minutes June 23, 2020 City Council Work Session Resolution 20-49 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Delivered Stone and Sand Resolution 20-50 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Stone and Sand on a Picked-Up Basis Resolution 20-51 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of In-Place Asphalt Resolution 20-52 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Bulk Asphalt Products Resolution 20-53 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Bulk Concrete Products Resolution 20-54 A Resolution Awarding Bid for the Purchase of Refuse Containers  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 12 of 15 Resolution 20-55 A Resolution Awarding Bid for the Purchase of Highway Salt Resolution 20-56 A Resolution Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of Highway Pavement Marking Application Resolution 20-57 A Resolution Awarding Bids for the Purchase of Water and Sewer Supplies Resolution 20-58 A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Software Support for the Financial Software System Resolution 20-59 Resolution Authorizing Entry into Agreement with Nationwide Recovery Service, Inc., for Collection Services Resolution 20-60 A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Field Reporting Software Support Resolution 20-61 A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Software Support for Computer Aided Dispatch System Resolution 20-62 A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation Agreement with the Birthplace of Country Music, Inc., for the Operation and Support of the Bristol Country Music Museum Resolution 20-63 A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Believe In Bristol, Inc., for Funding Support Resolution 20-64 A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation Agreement with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce for Program Support in Fiscal 2021 Resolution 20-65 A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation Agreement with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce for Convention and Visitors Bureau Services Resolution 20-66 A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation Agreement with the Paramount Foundation, Inc.(Paramount Center for the Arts) Resolution 20-67 A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation Agreement with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee Resolution 20-68 A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation Agreement with Theatre Bristol Resolution 20-69 A Resolution Authorizing Payment in Support of the United Way of Bristol TN/VA in Fiscal 2021 Resolution 20-70 A Resolution Authorizing Payment in Support of the Bristol Public Library and Literacy Academy for Fiscal 2021  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 13 of 15 ■ Resolution 20-71 A Resolution Authorizing Payment in Support of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership for Fiscal 2021 ■ Resolution 20-72 A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Tri-Cities Regional Airport Foreign-Trade Zone No. 204 Financial Contribution ■ Resolution 20-73 A Resolution Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Bristol Tennessee City School System and the City of Bristol, Tennessee for the School Resource Offieer Program ■ Resolution 20-74 A Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Utilization of Federal Highway Administration Funds for the Bristol Metropolitan Planning Organization BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON REPORT: Dr. Tudor expressed her appreciation for approval ofthe school resource officer partnership. She talked about the school opening and the plan will be rolled out to the public tomorrow. The plan was developed collaboratively with Kingsport City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, and the Sullivan County Health Department and is modeled after a plan that metro Nashville public schools released a couple of weeks ago, but was modified for our community and will provide the basic framework. They conducted a survey of the families of the students to gauge their level of concern about returning in person resulting in 60% ofthe families want to return in person, 20% on-line, and 20% were undecided at the time ofthe survey a couple of weeks ago. The school system wants to open the schools to the students as that is the best plaee for them for a variety of reasons. However, they are also sensitive to families who are uncomfortable with that option for various reasons and therefore, will also offer an on-line option. The schools will open to students on August 3'"'' and will have on-line availability for the families who request that option. The process for opening will be guided by epicurve information from the Termessee Department of Health and based on the average number of cases per county per 100,000 residents over the last fourteen days. School administration is watching this information very carefully and will adjust the level of caution. Unlike on-line learning in the spring, the on-line option this school year will be required to meet speeific state laws and guidelines for attendsince, partieipation, grading, ete. Significant progress has been made at the new middle sehool. Currently, it is antieipated they will be able to occupy the renovated gym by Labor Day. The new buildings are beginning to go up and are now visible when you drive by. The school board has officially named it the Bristol Tennessee Middle School, which reverts back to old names. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah stated he is working with the Sullivan County Mayor to schedule an information session with Council and the three Bristol County Commissioners concerning the TIF financing and the Sullivan County element of that for TheSevenl4 project and will notify Council as soon as it is scheduled. He reminded Council of the work session July 28"^ at 11:00 A.M. and asked for Council input as to whether that meeting will be in-person or electronic. He then acknowledged Couneilwoman Feierabend and her serving as mayor for two consecutive terms. The first eighteen to twenty months of that tenure were filled with some pretty exciting things with  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 14 of 15 breaking ground on the new middle school and the new hotel downtown, more development at Exit 74, discussions about regionalism, Bristol Business Park completing one project and starting another, and a successful grant application for Partnership Park. Then things became really interesting about four months ago and he cannot think of a mayor more uniquely qualified to handle the pandemic than Margaret Feierabend. She has a graduate degree in public health which provided a strong background for the types of issues that the mayor needed to address during the pandemic. She led the community. Council, and staff in a very impressive manner and everyone is very appreciative of the time and effort she expended for the numerous Zoom and Webex meetings and the large volume of calls in working through the issues brought about by the pandemic. The calls included not only City issues, but issues in the community such as those presented earlier this evening by Christina Blevins addressing how to serve the underserved. She participated in multiple calls every week with the Governor's Economic Recovery Group which also required a lot of time and effort which she gave enthusiastically. Even though she will remain on Council,she will be missed by City staff as she transitions out ofthe role of mayor. Staff of Community Relations compiled a book of highlights from her term as mayor and a video acknowledging her leadership and commitment to the community and the residents. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Keen dittoed everything said by the City Manager and added that Councilwoman Feierabend is a really good person across the board. He thanked her for her service over the past two years and especially the last four months. He mentioned the Planning Department has been very busy and congratulated all the stafffor their accomplishments. Councilman Keen suggested the work session be held electronically. Councilwoman Feierabend agreed and said if possible it would be good to have an update by the health department. The other members concurred. Councilwoman Powers said there have been a lot of great things going on in Planning, Economic Development, Community Relations, Parks and Recreation, and safety entities. She continued saying it is interesting that while the world has taken a pause for COVID it seems that business has carried on as usual here at a very fierce pace and expressed her appreciation for all the work of staff. Councilwoman Powers also serves on the boards for the Rhythm and Roots and Birthplace of County Music and commented on the cancellation of the Rhythm and Roots Festival and the collaboration between the boards, the public health officials in both Termessee and Virginia, and the City Managers in making the decision. There was also a lot of analysis and study oftrends before coming to the conclusion that it was in the best interest of the public to pause the Festival this year realizing the case numbers here are currently going up and by September there are too many unknowns. The good news is the Festival for 2021 has already been set and the information is available on the website of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. She commented to Dr. Tudor that one of the main priorities of Council is for the children to return to school and mentioned the epicurve. She believes that wearing a mask is a choice and it should not have to be mandated as they should be worn out of consideration for one another in those situations. In the coming days everyone needs to be diligent in protecting one another so that our businesses can stay open and our schools can open. We must be cautious, wear our mask in public places, continue to social distance, continue to wash our hands, and be mindful this virus is still amongst us. Our children desperately need to go back to school. There are children that need the continuity and services that are provided by the school system which they cannot get at home. It is the responsibility ofthe community to work together as diligently as possible to ensure the safety of our total community, our school-aged children as well as the at-risk citizens. She encouraged everyone to be diligent so the community can remain open. She thanked Councilwoman Feierabend for her service to the community as mayor and congratulated Mayor Luttrell and Vice Mayor Turner.  City Council Meeting July 7, 2020 Page 15 of 15 Vice Mayor Turner thanked Councilwoman Feierabend for her service as mayor and thanked Council for their vote of confidence in him be electing him vice mayor. Mayor Luttrell acknowledged the service of Councilwoman Feierabend and pledged to do his best to follow in her footsteps to serve the citizens, employees, and businesses in our wonderful City. The community, state, and country have seen difficult times and there will be more. However, Bristol, Tennessee is a strong community and working together will make it even stronger. Councilwoman Feierabend thanked all the citizens of Bristol for trusting her in the role on City Council for the length of time she has been able to serve and thanked Council for their trust in her in the role of mayor for two consecutive terms. She expressed her appreciation to City Manager Bill Sorah who works hard to ensure all Council members are equally and fully informed to be able to make the decisions that impact the City and the community, and for taking the responsibility for what the City provides to enable the City to provide the best in municipal services. She thanked staff for their professionalism and readiness to go out ofthe way to help her as mayor and the group as Council by providing the information for Council to make the best decisions, communicate with, and provide transparency to the citizens. Council is proud of the work of staff, the face presented by staff to the community, and their attitudes. She looks forward to the new leadership of Council and mentioned the experience that Mayor Luttrell and Vice Mayor Turner bring with them to those new roles that will enable them to do the tasks well and work well together as a team. The last few months have brought a new learning curve and times that have been challenging. It appears that will continue for some time to come and there is no playbook for the current situation. She urged everyone to be mindful that we are all learning together as we go. The All-Star Race will be held later this month at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). There will be visitors and that decision was made at high levels with the understanding that BMS will be following stringent guidelines which, as Council understands, are in place and will be throughout. She urged all citizens, employers, employees, and businesses to follow the Tennessee Pledge Guidelines as they are the best defense we have and then thanked Councilwoman Powers for mentioning the safety precautions of wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing. Mask mandates are beginning to happen all across the state as that is the only way that city councils, county commissions, and mayors know to help protect their community. She encouraged everyone to do all the precautions to keep businesses open, front-line workers, first responders, health care workers, teachers, parents, children and themselves safe and healthy. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 P.M. ^ Mahlon Luttrell, Mayor Tara E. Musick, City Recorder