City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL,TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 2020 CALL TO ORDER: The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Mahlon Luttrell on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was held electronically via Zoom. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Mablon Luttrell, Vice Mayor Vince Turner, Couneilwoman Margaret Feierabend, Councilman Chad Keen, and Couneilwoman Lea Powers. Others Present: City Manager William Sorab, City Attorney Danielle Smith, City Recorder Tara Musick, Director of Development Services Tim Beavers, and other members of City staff. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Rev. Dan Gray, pastor of Addilynn United Methodist Church, gave the invocation. Mr. Rush Powers, President / CEO of Burke Powers and Harty, led the pledge of allegiance. DISCUSSION OF NECESSITY FOR CONDUCTING ELECTRONIC MEETING: City Attorney Danielle Smith explained the requirements for holding an eleetronie meeting. The electronic meeting is necessary to protect public safety, health, and welfare due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Vice Mayor Vinee Turner motioned to continue the meeting electronically and Couneilwoman Lea Powers seconded. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND / OR CHANGES: None. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Bristol Tennessee Police Department CALEA Accreditation - City Manager Bill Sorah congratulated the Bristol Tennessee Police Department for their reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which is a national accreditation. The CALEA assessors performed a comprehensive inspection of the department in March 2020. The inspection was followed by a hearing before the Commission via teleconference concerning the results. This is the eighth accreditation of our Police Department by CALEA beginning in the 1990s and is very appropriate, especially in today's world with the scrutiny of law enforcement agencies. Not every community has a certified department of law enforcement. Bristol is very fortunate in that the department is not only nationally eertified, but state certified as well. It is through these types of professional peer review that excellence in law enforcement practices is known in the community and is a standard of conduct that our Police Department expects of each and every member. The value of that commitment cannot be overstated. Police Chief Blaine Wade thanked Council for their support of the department. Bristol First Awards - Historically, this award has been presented to recipients during the formal, in- person, meetings of City Council. The Bristol First Award program began approximately six years ago to recognize employees that go the extra mile. This year has been different, but we still have employees throughout the COVID year that have gone that extra mile and we want to take time to recognize them.  City Council Meeting December 1,2020 Page 2 of 11 The City held a ceremony in a virus-safe environment of the gymnasium at Slater Center on November 18"^ to recognize these individuals. These recipients were presented with their awards and a luncheon will follow once it is safe to do so. Jon Luttrell, Director of Community Relations, was present to list the award recipients and provide details of their nomination. Mr. Luttrell stated that prior to November of this year, 45 employees had been recognized for their achievements, special contributions, and dedication to public service since the Bristol First Award was established in 2014. These awards were originally established to recognize City employees for their service to the public, leadership, service to other City employees, efficiency, creativity, and inventiveness. Nominations are accepted from City employees, elected officials, and community members throughout the year. An additional six recipients were acknowledged at the small ceremony on November 18'^ attended by Mayor Luttrell, City Manager Sorah, the recipients and their supervisors. Mr. Luttrell listed the recipients and gave information on the nominations. In May,Police Officer Kevin Frederick was nominated by a community member who witnessed Officer Frederick give someone who appeared to be homeless a pair ofshoes from the trunk of his vehicle while also showing them respect, compassion, and empathy. In June Officer Frederick was nominated, along with fellow Officers Frederick Gold and Detective Christopher Odle, by a local pastor. A member of his church passed away from natural causes on the patio of her home. These officers were nominated for their exemplary level of compassion, respect, and professionalism during their investigation as well as the care and concern for the family members who arrived shortly thereafter. In July, a downtown business owner nominated Larry Mottem from Public Works to express his deep gratitude. While operating a street sweeper on State Street, Mr. Mottem found a bank deposit bag in front of a neighboring business and promptly turned the hag and the contents over to the Police Department who retumed it to the appropriate, and thankful, owner. In August, Police Officer Adam Dye nominated fellow Officers Tianna Macias and Chesney Roark for going the extra mile to make the birthday of a local child a memorable one. A local resident contacted Officer Dye about the possibility of some of the officers driving by her home that day as her son with autism was celebrating his birthday. The shift officers of the day happily did so along with some of the members of Fire Station 3. However,in addition, it was later discovered Officers Macias and Roark had also purchased a gift, a birthday card, and gathered baseball cards from the officers to include with the gift for the birthday boy. PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Ordinance 20-16- An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Bristol, Tennessee by Designating Certain Property as B-IB (Neighborhood Shopping / Commercial District)- 1741 and 1745 King College Road. City Manager Bill Sorah said this item is a public hearing in advance ofconsideration on second reading later on the agenda for proposed rezoning of 1741 and 1745 King College Road. Staff received an application for the rezoning of 1745 King College Road which is the former site of the Comerstone Chapel. The request is for rezoning from R-3 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-IB  City Council Meeting December 1,2020 Page 3 of 11 (Neighborhood Shopping / Commercial District). The property at 1745 encompasses 2.81 acres. During staffs research of the zoning of adjacent properties, it was noted that the property at 1741 King College Road, located immediately to the west of the subject property, had a split zoning designation of R-3 and B-IB. Staff approached the owner of this property and after conversation, they also felt it appropriate to rezone this 0.16 acres as B-1B. This matter was approved by Council on first reading at the November 10'^ meeting and was the subject of further discussion at the November 24'*' work session. This matter also received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission at their October 19'*^ meeting. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, further explained the request and began by presenting pictures and maps showing the location and current zoning of these parcels and the surrounding area, as well as the Future Land Use Map of the same area. She detailed the permitted uses for R-3 and B-IB zones. The required public notice was given and letters were sent to the adjacent property owners with a comment form they could return to the City. To date, staff has received no responses in opposition to the request. Due to the zoning of the adjacent parcels and agreement with the Bristol Future Land Use Plan and Policy, staff recommends approval of the request. In addition, the Planning Commission also unanimously forwarded a favorable recommendation for approval. Councilman Chad Keen had requested during the work session the sign placement be adjusted and it was. He said he also hiked the property as he was concemed with how deep it went into the residential area at the back. There is a good buffer and he spoke with the new owner about the proposed use and considers it a good fit for the community. The public hearing was then opened to public comment. Mr. Walter Flynn, 21217 Ebony Lane, Abingdon, Virginia called. He is the trustee and property caretaker of Cornerstone Chapel. He spoke on behalf of Cornerstone Chapel, stating it is unfortunate the church building had to close. However, repurposing of the property to a Christian children's counseling center goes along with the heart and mission of the church to minister to children. They believe this to be an appropriate use of the property, a proper and safe location for the proposed counseling center, an asset to the community, and most importantly beneficial to the children of the area. He also mentioned the opportunity for sponsorship of children without insurance that are in need of counseling services. Ms. Laura Martorano, 116 Fox Hall Circle, Bristol, Tennessee called. She is the potential new owner of the property at 1745 King College Road and owner of Sunny Path Counseling. She spoke concerning her business which is a private practice group specializing in mental health counseling for children, adolescents, and families. They provide one-hour weekly sessions working one-on-one with the families or the individuals. Tennessee ranks last in our country in access to mental health care for our youth. She started this practice with a vision of improving the mental health of the youth in the community through early intervention by providing access to quality specialized mental healthcare. COVID has increased the demand for mental healthcare, especially for the youth, causing their Johnson City location to reach maximum capacity with a waiting list. The property at 1745 would provide a safe location with outdoor land use and allow hiring of additional counselors enabling them to serve more children and families in the community. There was no other public comment and the public hearing was closed.  City Council Meeting December 1, 2020 Page 4 of 11 APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: Mr. Don Griffin, 405 Crestfield Drive, Bristol, Tennessee called with concerns about opportunities for public comment. In attending previous meetings, the public was allowed to comment on various items prior to Council taking action. He expressed appreciation for the public hearing this evening and continued by stating there were six ordinances at the last Council meeting with only the one presented this evening for public hearing. He expressed his concern for lack of comment opportunities by the citizens of Bristol. Vice Mayor Turner asked Mr. Griffin which particular issues from the last meeting were of concern and Mr. Griffin replied the one for public hearing this evening, the right-of-way issue (R-O-W abandonment), one of the other four was regarding beer and alcohol delivery and the others dealt with codes. City Manager Sorah explained by statute there are certain items that require a public hearing such as rezoning that was held earlier this evening prior to second reading later on the agenda. Other items include any type of zoning text amendment, one of which is on this agenda and if approved, will be scheduled for public hearing. By statute, other issues requiring a public comment opportunity are any type of budget ordinances, budget amendments, and similar types of ordinances. There are other ordinances that do not require a public hearing such as amendments to the beer ordinance and amendments to the building codes, all of which were on the agenda from last month. The City follows the requirements for public comment which are afforded through formally advertised public hearing. Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend added she has served on Council for many years and several years ago the only opportunity for public comment was during the appearance of citizens or through a public hearing. However, a few years back an opportunity for public comment was added for eaeh agenda item which has been successful. Since the pandemic has required the meetings change to an electronic format instead of in-person it has become more difficult to do so for every item, but public comments are welcomed during the 'Appearance of Citizens' portion of the agenda. She thanked Mr. Griffin for his interest in the Council meetings and his concern for public involvement. APPOINTMENTS: None ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 20-18 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 309(R-E District) of the Zoning Ordinance The City Manager summarized the R-E District (Residential Established Neighborhood) was originally adopted in 2009. Over the past several months. Development Services staff and the Planning Commission have reviewed the provisions guiding development in the R-E District specifically looking at the definitions and ambiguity included in the original ordinance. This effort was to provide clarity in the interpretation of the existing language contained in the ordinance. The Planning Commission concluded their review during their November 16'^ meeting and unanimously recommended the proposed revisions to address concerns related to clarity of definitions and interpretations and eliminate areas of ambiguity. City Manager Sorah asked Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, to detail the proposed revisions. He then said in reference to the concerns Mr. Griffin mentioned earlier, this is a text amendment to the zoning ordinance so if approved on first reading the issue will be placed on the January 5, 2021 agenda for a public hearing and second reading.  City Council Meeting December 1, 2020 Page 5 of 11 Ms. Young restated this task is something the Planning Commission has been working on for several months. She presented slides listing the changes and then summarized the main points which are to update the purpose, update the permitted use and special use permitted lists, clearly define the residential front fa9ade and what constitutes residential front fafades for structures in the R-E District, and to articulate the requirement of a build-to range. The last point is something new for the R-E District and is a build-to range for the front fa9ade of the structure rather than what is typically referred to as a setback. Ms. Young then provided detailed information on each change. Councilwoman Feierabend commended the planning staff and Danielle Smith, City Attorney, for the major work they did on this ordinance in addition to the efforts of the Plarming Commission. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve Ordinance 20-18 and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded. The ordinance then passed unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance 20-19- An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Bristol, Tennessee by Designating Certain Property as B-IA (Limited Business / Institutional)- 837 Hill Street City Manager Sorah said staff has received a request for the rezoning of property located at 837 Hill Street. The property, comprised of 0.18 acres, is owned by Wallace Properties Management Group, LLC and is currently zoned R-E (Established Residential). The owner requests the property be rezoned to B-1A (Limited Business / Institutional). There is currently a residential structure located on the parcel. If the rezoning request is approved, the structure will be demolished and the parcel will be incorporated into the existing inventory parking area located at the comer of Hill Street and 9th Street. The rezoning request was considered by the Bristol Regional Planning Commission during their November 16"^ meeting and received a favorable recommendation. If approved, a public hearing and second reading will be scheduled for the January 5, 2021 meeting. Cherith Young, Planning Services Manager, presented the current zoning map and associated information as well as the Future Land Use Map of 837 Hill Street and the surrounding area. Included were pictures of the parcel and the vacant structure. She also detailed the permitted uses of the current R-E zoning and of the proposed B-1 A zoning. Public notification of the rezoning request was given through signage placed at 837 Hill Street and adjacent property owners received letters of notification with a comment sheet that could be retumed to the City. Staff received two comment sheets both of which were in favor of the rezoning. In addition, one phone call was received just inquiring about the rezoning and was neither in support of or opposition to the request. Due to the zoning of the adjacent parcel being in agreement with the Future Land Use Plan and Policies, staff requests approval of the proposed rezoning. At their November 16"^ meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to City Council. Vice Mayor Tumer motioned for approval ofthe ordinance and Councilman Keen seconded. Ordinance 20-19 passed on first reading unanimously by roll call vote. B. Second Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 20-16 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Bristol, Tennessee by Designating Certain Property as B-IB (Neighborhood Shopping / Commercial District)- 1741 and 1745 King College Road This item was summarized during the Public Hearing portion earlier on this Agenda. Councilman Keen motioned to approve the ordinance and Councilwoman Powers seconded. Councilwoman Powers  City Council Meeting December 1,2020 Page 6 of 11 expressed her appreciation for the comments made by Mr. Fiynn and Ms. Martorano. Recognition of the need for mental health counseling is very important at this time and it is very sad Tennessee is lagging behind in this issue. She feels this will be a welcome addition to our community. Councilwoman Feierabend concurred. Additional comments were made that decisions concerning rezoning should follow the property and not the proposed use by the owner as the use may change over time as owners change. There were no further comments, a roll call vote was taken, and Ordinance 20-16 passed unanimously on second reading. Ordinance 20-17 - An Ordinance to Abandon an Unopened Portion of Leona Street as a Public Right-of-Way The City Manager mentioned this request is from Mr. Kenneth Dunn, owner of property located at 800 East Mary Street and 801 Leona Street. He is seeking the abandonment of an unopened right-of-way (R-O-W) which divides his two properties. When Leona Street was originally platted in 1943, it was platted as a T-shaped roadway. The section to the north was never developed, remaining unopened and the roadway was developed in an L-shape. Mr. Dunn owns the property surrounding the unopened R- 0-W in its entirety and he is requesting abandonment of the R-O-W to allow for a combination of the two parcels to enable the construction of a single-family residence. David Metzger, Transportation Engineer, presented additional information conceming the request including slides of the property, the R-O-W, and surrounding area. The request has gone through the typical abandonment research process. Normally, the City retains utility and stormwater easements in the former R-O-W for current and potential future utilities. After discussing the issue with City staff and checking with local public utilities agencies, it was determined for this particular situation the southernmost fifteen-feet of the proposed abandoned R-O-W is the only area where the City needs to retain utility easements. This would allow Mr. Dunn to construct the single-family residence he desires at this particular site. If the City retained the utilities per the normal process, Mr. Dunn would not be able to do so. The request was considered by the Planning Commission at their October 19'*^ meeting and they voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to City Council. This includes retention of the fifteen-foot utility easement on the southern part of the R-O-W. The request was considered by Council on first reading at the November 10"^ meeting and was passed unanimously. This is not an ordinance that requires a public hearing and since Mr. Dunn is the only adjacent property owner with property actually touching this R-O-W, no additional public comment was sought at this time. If the ordinance is passed on second reading and becomes effective a subdivision plat, which is already being developed, must be completed before a building permit can be issued. Councilwoman Feierabend motioned for approval of the ordinance and Councilwoman Powers seconded. Ordinance 20-17 passed on second reading unanimously by roll call vote without further discussion. C, Resolutions: Resolution 20-111 - A Resolution Endorsing the Joint Legislative Policy of the Tri-Cities for the 2021 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly City Manager Sorah explained the accompanying resolution endorses the Joint Legislative Policy of the Tri-Cities for the 2021 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. The legislative policy has been jointly developed to provide a unified position regarding key legislative initiatives affecting the communities of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. This policy was discussed in depth during the November 24"^ work session.  City Council Meeting December 1,2020 Page 7 of 11 The 2021 Policy includes sixteen (16) policy objectives grouped into the seven subjeet areas of Emergency Powers, Urban Growth and Planning, Education, Local Revenue, Public Safety and Elealth, Public Transportation, and an administration element dealing with electronic meetings. The Cities of Kingsport and Johnson City will be reviewing this document and consider it formally during the month of December. Any item not approved by each of the three goveming bodies will be removed from the policy document prior to submittal to the legislative delegation Vice Mayor Turner said he does not agree with the items pertaining to Emergency Powers and taxes under Local Revenue and asked how Council should proceed with the resolution in view of his objections. The City Manager replied this situation is not uncommon with a document of this nature and suggested if there is a desire by the majority of Council to remove a particular item then it should be removed. If the majority of Council does not desire to remove the item an individual Council member ean still vote in opposition to approving the document as a whole. He suggested Council as a whole diseuss any issues and then decide how they wish to proceed. Councilwoman Feierabend requested the City Manager address the two issues of coneem to Vice Mayor Turner. He then detailed HB-0007 deals with issues centered around metro health departments and the county mayor. Currently, in metro counties the health director has the authority to declare a public health emergency as in the current pandemic, but also other health-related issues such as polio, tuberculosis, and other easily spread disease and take whatever action is deemed appropriate. HB-0007 would remove that authority and vest it with the county mayor. The legislation provides it is to include consultations with the health department officials, but the ultimate authority to make the decision would be vested with the mayor for that metro health department. As Council is aware, the structure of the six metro health departments in Tennessee, which includes Sullivan County, differs from the other 89 health departments that are under the Tennessee Department of Health. Councilwoman Feierabend asked if the state health department has that authority for the other 89 health departments and the City Manager replied yes. The mayors in the 89 only have the authority that was granted to them by the governor, such as the mask mandates, but the mayors or the health department directors in the metro departments already have that authority. As to the concern of Vice Mayor Turner regarding Local Revenue, the City Manager explained any of these items, especially those where the City lacks the statue authority to move forward, the request is simply for the ability to do what some of the neighboring states have the ability to do. Any efforts to actually implement the particular revenue stream would require an action by the local goveming body which would include the opportunity to debate and vet that particular issue at that time. One specific issue is the prepared meal tax which is levied by several neighboring states as well as Sevier County and the included municipalities. The balance of the State of Tennessee does not have that ability. This particular objective of the proposed policy is for that decision to be left to the local goveming bodies of the counties from Sullivan County to Shelby County and to the officials elected to represent them. Councilman Keen said he also does not agree with the item conceming Emergency Powers, but thinks the system the City put in place this past spring provides checks and balances. Council gave authority to the City Mayor and City Manager to issue an emergency order, but that order must be presented to the entire Council within 72 hours for their review and discussion. He is not sure he agrees with either process as he feels there should be opportunity for more discussion between elected officials and staff, but one is political and the other bureaucratic. While there are some items in this document with which he disagrees, he agrees with the policy overall and thus thinks Council should pass this resolution. Ifthe entire policy were rejected, then it would go back to Kingsport and Johnson City to be vetted again.  City Council Meeting December 1, 2020 Page 8 of 11 Vice Mayor Turner said that was his concern with the tax revenue streams. As to the Emergency Powers, officials elected by the people sometimes have to make decisions that are not popular, but that is their job and should not be put off on someone else. The elected officials need to make those decisions. Councilwoman Powers stated she feels the say way about HB-0007 and the Emergency Powers. In terms of public health, at the beginning of this pandemic it was all about the physical health and everything shut down as well as following other guidelines. We then leamed it is also about mental health as there was an increase in physical and emotional abuse. In addition, the shutdown ofthe economy created food fragility in some cases due to job loss. The physical health, mental and emotional health, and socioeconomic health are all part of these type of decisions and who should have authority to make the decision as to how we work our way through that. This area was very fortunate in that while the authority for the decision rested with one, it was a collaborative effort with many meetings and a lot of discussion back and forth. She agrees there does not seem to be any one single perfect path to follow, but we must be very careful when we begin to take decision making away from the people. People have a voice through elected officials and elections have consequences all of which should be kept in mind. Over the past twenty years, some civil liberties have been let go little by little, knowingly and unknowingly. She likened it to the previous discussion about rezoning issues in that zoning should follow the property instead of the property owner. She is concerned that while the people currently in the positions related to this legislation have made the best decisions possible given the pandemic situation, what about the future? The legislation does not necessarily follow the people in office. Will this legislation be the best path forward regardless of who is in the position? Councilwoman Powers feels a republic should err on the side of the people. In this type of decision we have learned public health encompasses more than just the physical health and an elected official should be strong enough to make the decision after collaboration with the scientists as well as economists. The voice of the people is through the elected official. Vice Mayor Turner concurred this is a policy issue and not a personal issue concerning anyone currently in these roles. Ele then made a motion to remove the item regarding Emergency Powers from this document. Mayor Luttrell stated he appreciated all ofthe discussion, but he felt all throughout the country the issues of the pandemic have been too politicized and as a country we could have been farther along if we had let the data speak for itself. He is opposed to removing this item from the document. Councilwoman Feierabend supports leaving the item in this document. Public health includes mental health and the other aspects mentioned by Councilwoman Powers. This country has not experienced a pandemic since 1918 and we have leamed a lot during this time period. She feels the better path is how the issue of Emergency Powers is stated in the Joint Legislative Policy. Councilwoman Powers continued she understands what the Vice Mayor is saying and she is very conflicted over this item, but is not going to ask for it be removed. However, she wants in-depth conversations and consideration of multiple aspects to take place in the future as they have in the recent past. Everyone needs to be mindful of the impact of the socioeconomic aspect also. While the State of Tennessee was the #5 hotspot in the nation a week ago and Sullivan County was the leading hotspot in the state at that time, she also feels people should be able to make decisions for themselves without things being forced on them. There was discussion about how the legislation was worded and that it does not include a process for making the decision by a team ofpeople knowledgeable in the field ofpublic health / medicine,economy, and others instead of giving the decision making authority to one person / position. A collaborative process was used in this region during the current pandemic, but other areas did not operate in that  City Council Meeting December 1, 2020 Page 9 of 11 manner and it might not be a collaborative effort here in the future thus potentially making things more politicized. The current wording is either one or the other and does not define the need for collaboration from multiple sources of expertise. Vice Mayor Turner withdrew his motion to remove the item concerning Emergency Powers from the document, but emphasized the need to remember policy outlast any office holder. He supports the remainder of the Joint Legislative Policy document, however, wants it noted he does not agree with the item concerning HB-007. Councilwoman Powers made additional comments concerning the revenue item and the need for some options to be available at the loeal level. Taxes are the main source of revenue for the City, although people should not be taxed just to be taxed. She has been on Couneil for over seven years and has seen the state take more and more control away from local entities. Having authority and more options returned to the local governments provides possibilities in case of a real need such as building a new school. Ifthere is not enough revenue, having some local authority could make a real difference. Options for local control of some things that directly impact the people who live in this area is important. There are some inequalities between different regions ofthe state and every step helps to bring things closer to being equal. Councilwoman Feierabend made a motion to approve Resolution 20-111 and Couneilwoman Powers seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend thanked everyone for working on this document where the region works together cooperatively each year to present a unified voice. The resolution then passed unanimously by roll eall vote. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager Sorah presented the Consent Agenda to Council. Councilwoman Feierabend motioned to approve and Vice Mayor Turner seconded. The following items were approved by unanimous Council roll call vote: ■ Minutes November 10, 2020 City Council Meeting ■ Minutes November 27, 2020 City Council Work Session ■ Resolution 20-112 A Resolution Authorizing the Purehase of Patrol Rated Sport Utility Vehicles ■ Resolution 20-113 A Resolution Approving the Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Funds(Round 3) BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON REPORT: Dr. Annette Tudor,Director ofSchools, said they are seeking Tennessee Promise mentors for high sehool seniors. More information is available on tnaehieves.org. Tennessee High Sehool and Tennessee On line senior students are now partieipating in the end of course exams for the first semester. Some Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes have been added to Tennessee Online Public Schools (TOPS) giving options to students across the state. In addition, esports has been added as a club and is in coordination with King University and East Tennessee State University and is working at the university level as well as high school. She thanked the students, their families, and staff for working together  City Council Meeting Deeember 1, 2020 Page 10 of 11 tirelessly during this rather unusual first semester. Given the unusual circumstances, it has been a rather successful semester. Mayor Luttrell asked Dr. Tudor when the new middle school will be opening and she replied next August. The new gymnasium is currently being utilized for physical education classes, band, and chorus. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Sorah reminded Council the Home Builders Forum is at 11:30 A.M. in the Slater Community Center Gymnasium December 2"''. Thursday, December 3'"'' is the Termessee Municipal League Distriet I virtual meeting at 10:00 A.M. and each Council member should have received an email requesting an R.S.V.P. to receive a Zoom log-in. Wednesday,December 9'^ is the NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership meeting whieh will probably be virtual. He will convey details as soon as possible. December 15'^ is the next work session and will held eleetronieally at 11:00 A.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Keen mentioned many business sectors, especially restaurants, are hurting during this pandemic. One ofthe sessions presented by the National League of Cities(NLC)during the virtual City Summit last month addressed this issue and noted that approximately one-sixth of the restaurants in the nation have closed and approximately 44% of all restaurant dining takes place outside nationwide. Councilman Keen asked for consideration of some of the suggestions made in the NLC session sueh as the City supplying tables, ehairs, tents, and umbrellas to restaurants that would help them be more noticeable and supply heaters to help encourage outdoor dining during inelement weather. The next three to four months will be hard on these businesses and he would like to explore various ways to provide some type of assistance to the local restaurants which could potentially assist other businesses indireetly such as advertising. Councilwoman Powers mentioned today is 'Giving Tuesday' and she encouraged everyone to support local nonprofit organizations and businesses, especially small businesses. This time of year can be a make-or-break issue for many businesses and community support can impact whether or not a business is still here next year. She expressed her gratitude for the exeellent work of Bristol Tennessee Police Department and all they do for the community. She thanked the Planning Division for the continuing work to move the City forward in development. She continued by thanking management staff, teachers, and Council members for all of their work and for working so well together. She reminded everyone to continue to wear masks, social distance, and do frequent hand washing to help keep everyone safe and then wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Vice Mayor Turner wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Councilwoman Feierabend commended the Police Department for consistently achieving national accreditation since the 1990s as well as the extra efforts of many of them, and other City employees, as recognized through the Bristol First Award. She expressed appreciation for the efforts of the City staff and employees, teachers and school staff, in addition to first-responders, safety personnel, front-line and other essential workers throughout the community such as medical, grocery store and pharmacy workers for continuing to provide services and neeessities to the community. Even though the health department is stretched beyond normal limits, they continue to provide exceptional service. While Council asks a lot of City staff, they always provide and exceed expectations. She asked that during this unusual and  City Council Meeting December 1, 2020 Page 11 of 11 difficult period for everyone to please be understanding, show grace, and exhibit a positive attitude toward eaeh other. Mayor Luttrell echoed the previous comments of Council, adding he is honored to be able to work with such talented City staff and employees. Everyone, at all levels, is dedicated and exhibits a 'can do' attitude for which he is thankful. He has spoken with local medical officials and everyone is stretched beyond the max and he asked everyone to please be respectful and work together to support each other through this difficult period. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 P.M. Ty\ Mahlon Luttrell, Mayor Tara E. Musick, City Recorder