City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL,TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 26,2021 The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council Work Session was called to order by Mayor Mahlon Luttrell on January 26, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting was held in the gymnasium of the Slater Center and electronically via Zoom. Present in person were Mayor Mahlon Luttrell, Vice Mayor Vince Turner, and Councilwoman Lea Powers. Councilwoman Feierabend and Councilman Keen and were present electronically via Zoom. Others present were City Manager William L. Sorah, City Attorney Danielle Smith, City Recorder Tara Musick, Director of Administration Mary Lee Williams, Director of Development Services Tim Beavers, Director of Economic Development Tom Anderson, Director of Community Relations Jon Luttrell, Director of Parks and Recreation Terry Napier, Fire Chief Mike Carrier, Police Chief Blaine Wade, Information Technology Senior Manager Shane Vamey, and other members of City staff. Discussion of Necessity for Conducting Electronic Meeting - Ms. Smith reviewed the legal requirements to conduct the meeting electronically. Councilwoman Powers made a motion to hold the meeting electronically due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Vice Mayor Turner seconded the motion. All council members voted yes to holding the meeting electronically. The agenda for the meeting included the following items for discussion, with no formal action being taken. 1. Discussion of 2021 Sullivan County Property Reappraisal Process Sullivan County Property Assessor Donna Whitaker and Misty Fischer presented the reappraisal process and pending appeals. 2. Discussion of Organizational Models for Convention and Visitors Bureaus Hospitality Tennessee Director of Tourism John Whisenant presented the three models for operating a convention and visitors bureau. 3. Fiscal 2022 Budget Discussions led by City Manager Sorah a. FY 2022 Budget Calendar b. Review of Statements and Key Themes for Fiscal 2022 c. Review of Fiscal 2021 Budget d. Historical Review of Revenues e. Historical Review of Expenditures f. Review of General Obligation Debt g. Review of Border Region Retail Tourism District Performance h. Capital Project Needs  City Council Work Session January 26, 2021 Page 2 of 3 i. Impact of Proposed Casino Development on Bristol, Tennessee presented by Planning Services Manager Cherith Young j. Special Event Discussion presented by Traffic Engineer David Metzger k. Employee Compensation Plan Discussion presented by Director of Administration Mary Lee Williams 1. Funding for BTCS and Public Library m. Non-Profit Funding Discussion n. City Council Goals Discussion 4. Planning Commission Items for Discussion presented by Planning Services Manager Cherith Young a. Proposed Amendment to Zoning Ordinance - B-3 (General Business District) b. Rezoning Request - 362 Blountville Highway The planning commission items were discussed prior to the non-profit funding discussion. In regards to non-profit funding. Mayor Luttrell requested to start the discussion with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Councilman Keen stated that he liked the development ofa strategic plan with the CVB and the City of Bristol, Virginia. Councilwoman Powers explained her position and stated that Council has requested changes in the structure of the CVB for two years and that no action had been taken though funding had continued. Mayor Luttrell stated that he wants to cancel the current appropriation agreement. Vice Mayor Turner stated that the City is not required to fund the CVB. Recent legislation has been introduced at the State level requiring payments to CVBs. Vice Mayor Turner stated that he does not like the position that the potential change puts us in. Councilwoman Powers is concerned about what will happen if the legislation is passed in Tennessee but not in the City of Bristol, Virginia and could the City become the full funder. Councilwoman Powers and Vice Mayor Turner mentioned terminating the agreement but continuing to finish funding the FY 2021 appropriation. Mayor Luttrell thinks we can do a better job and supports submitting a resolution. Councilwoman Feierabend thinks planning should be strategic and wants to leave the door open to our sister City. Councilman Keen requested a strategic plan which involved all partners. Councilwoman Powers says she agrees with a strategic plan after severability. The Mayor agreed with Councilwoman Powers. Vice Mayor Turner suggested to finish funding FY 2021 and then maybe not funding again. His biggest concern is the legislation. Councilwoman Powers stated that would give time to formulate a marketing plan and she requested the fourth quarter payment be paid in tandem with the letter. Councilwoman Powers requested the occupancy tax be suspended for an indefinite period of time to aid local hotels. The Mayor suggested the tax be suspended through the remainder of this fiscal year and then reviewed. Councilman Keen said that the City of Bristol, Virginia is working on the landfill and addressing the issue as fast as they can. He requested an update on how the grants to restaurants through Believe in Bristol has gone. Mr. Anderson replied that grants totaling $27,000 has been awarded.  City Council Work Session January 26, 2021 Page 3 of 3 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:31 p.m. by Mayor Luttrell. Mahlon Luttrell, Mayor Tara E. Musick, City Recorder