City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL,TENNESSEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 2,2023 CALL TO ORDER; The City of Bristol, Tennessee City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Vince Turner on Tuesday, May 2,2023, at 7:00 P.M. in the Slater Center Auditorium. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Vince Turner, Vice Mayor Mark Hutton, Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend, Councilman Mahlon Luttrell, and Councilwoman Lea Powers. Others Present: City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, City Recorder Mary Lee Williams, Director of Community Development and Planning Cherith Young, Director of Parks and Recreation Terry Napier, Fire Chief Mike Carrier, Police Chief Matt Austin, Director of Finance Hollie Verran, Director of Community Relations Jon Luttrell, IT Manager Greg Cross, Public Services Manager Wes Ritchie, Utility Services Manager Will Witcher, Director of Operations Dave Wilson, Community Development Specialist Christina Blevins, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Velma Witte, and other members of City staff. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Mayor Mark Hutton gave the invocation and Councilwoman Lea Powers led the pledge ofallegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND / OR CHANGES: None PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Apraxia Awareness Day - Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend read a proclamation designating May 14,2023,as Apraxia Awareness Day. Ms. Skye Waller, a volunteer with Apraxia Kids, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Ms. Waller is also the mother of a five-year-old son who was diagnosed with Apraxia at age four. Apraxia is a neurological disorder so there is no cure, but therapy can be very beneficial. She thanked Council for including the proclamation on the agenda this evening to bring awareness ofthis disorder which will help our community become more inclusive. National Travel and Tourism Week - Councilwoman Powers read a proclamation designating May 7- 13, 2023, as National Travel and Tourism Week. Explore Bristol Executive Director Mr. Matt Bolas and Creative Director Mr. John Scott along with Executive Director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA) Ms. Alicia Phelps were in attendance to accept the proclamation. Mr. Bolas thanked Council for the recognition and for their support of tourism. Children's Mental Health Acceptance Day - Vice Mayor Hutton read a proclamation designating May 11, 2023, as Children's Mental Health Acceptance Day. Ms. Heather Barham, Care Coordinator with System of Care Across Tennessee (SOCAT), and Ms. Ashley Arnold, Family Support Specialist with SOCAT Survivor Connections program were in attendance to accept the proclamation. Ms. Arnold provided information about how they support the children in the community.  City Council Meeting May 2, 2023 Page 2 of 11 WJHL Day-Councilman Mahlon Luttrell read a proclamation designating May 24,2023,as WJHL Day. News Channel 11 Anchor Kelly Grosfield was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Ms. Grosfleld invited everyone to join them on May 24"^ as they broadcast live all day from downtown Bristol, Tennessee. Economic Development Week - Mayor Turner read a proclamation designating May 8-12, 2023, as Economic Development Week. Mr. Matt Garland, Economic Development Specialist, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Mr. Garland listed some ofthe projects that have come to fruition and thanked Council for their support. National Police Week - Vice Mayor Hutton read a proclamation designating May 14-20, 2023, as National Police Week. Chief Matt Austin of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Chief Austin was honored to accept the proclamation on behalf of the men and women who daily serve and protect this community and he thanked them for their service and thanked Council for the recognition of that service. Emergency Medical Services Week- Councilwoman Powers read a proclamation designating May 21- 27, 2023, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Lieutenant Nathan Johnson of the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Lt. Johnson thanked Council and the City for the recognition. National Public Works Week- Councilman Luttrell read a proclamation designating May 21-27, 2023, as National Public Works Week. Mr. Russell Whitaker, Fleet Maintenance Superintendent, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Mr. Whitaker stated the men and women in Public Works often work behind the scenes and he thanked Council for recognizing the service they also provide to the commxinity. Drinking Water Week - Councilwoman Feierabend read a proclamation designating May 7-13, 2023, as Drinking Water Week. Mr. Mark Quickel, Water Plant Superintendent, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Mr. Quickel thanked Council for recognizing the hard work of the Water Plant and Utility Services staff to provide safe and reliable water for the health and consumption of the community. Sanitary Survey - Mayor Turner acknowledged the City of Bristol recently received a rating of 98 out of 100 from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Supply, for the latest sanitary survey of our water system. This rating is one of the highest in the state. The Mayor specifically recognized the Director of Utility Services Will Witcher, Water Plant Superintendent Mark Quickel, Utility Maintenance Superintendent Frank Neal, Utility Construction Superintendent don Venable, and the entire Utility Services Division for a job well done. Mr. Witcher explained a little about the Sanitary Survey and the process and noted this survey was delayed due to the pandemic. In addition, this score is a testament to the highly dedicated thirty-four full-time staff members working together to bring safe and reliable water to the community. While the City has great drinking water, the greatest asset is the staff and he thanked Council for their recognition. Communiversity: Youth in Public Service - Mayor Turner stated the City wishes to recognize twenty- four Tennessee High School students for participating in and graduating from the inaugural Communiversity; Youth in Public Service program. The purpose of this program is to encourage participants to be part ofthe community and take an active role because the youth oftoday are the leaders oftomorrow. The students, their families, the school system, and the City staff are to be commended for  City Council Meeting May 2, 2023 Page 3 of 11 working together, learning, and striving to ensure Bristol continues to be not only a good but a great place to live. Director of Community Relations Jon Luttrell explained the program beginnings, purpose, and activities, and detailed some of the hands-on experiences of the students as they learned more in-depth about each of the City departments. Mr, Luttrell recognized various City staff, school staff, and other members ofthe community for their efforts in bringing this program to fruition, ensuring it met curricular goals, and was a worthwhile use of student time away from the classroom. He then recognized each of the students that completed this first Youth in Public Service program of the Communiversity. PRESENTATIONS: None BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON REPORT: Director of Schools Dr. Annette Tudor welcomed the new City Manager, Kelli Bourgeois, to the community. She expressed appreciation for everyone that worked to make Communiversity a positive experience for the students and specifically acknowledged Jon Luttrell, Director of Community Relations for the City of Bristol, Tennessee. She also thanked Councilwoman Feierabend for attending some ofthe recent school board meetings and work sessions and noted that she requested Dr. Tudor provide some information to Council concerning a quarterly newsletter they have been sending to the families. The next newsletter will be sent out later this month and will be shared with Council. They will be revealing another apprenticeship program this week and it will be with Seaman Corporation. There will be a total of nine students that will be receiving their associate degree from Northeast State Community College next week, one week prior to graduating from Tennessee High School. There are only three weeks of school left for this school year and Dr. Tudor listed several of the upcoming end of year events. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Ordinance 23-5 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance to add Full-Service Restaurants and Limited-Service Eating Places as Uses Permitted by Special Use Permit in the R-3(Multifamily) District City Manager Kelli Bourgeois explained that during the January and February meetings of the Planning Commission a discussion was held concerning the potential of establishing a fUll-service restaurant in the Country Club area. The Planning Commission considered options and unanimously voted to forward a favorable recommendation to add food service uses as a Special Use Permit in the R-3 (Multi-family) zone. Cherith Young, Director of Community Development and Planning, reviewed the proposed changes in the ordinance. She reiterated this ordinance does not address a specific piece of property, but rather any R-3 zone throughout the City. The proposed amendment would add food service uses as a Special Use Permit in R-3 districts, however, anyone desiring to do so would have to apply for a Special Use Permit that would be reviewed by the Planning Commission for approval. In addition to the usual requirements for a Special Use Permit, the amendment contains some additional criteria for the Planning Commission to review when considering an application for the purpose of adding a food service to an R-3 zone. The amendment also mandates the property under consideration must be located on an arterial road so it cannot be back in a residential neighborhood. At their March 20*"^ meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to Council.  City Council Meeting May 2,2023 Page 4 of 11 Rebecca Kaufmann, 6038 Old Jonesboro Road, expressed concern the potential site at the old country club is not a commercial site but residential. If a restaurant were to be built at that location to include residents walking down to get a beer, there are no sidewalks on Old Jonesboro Road and only one pedestrian crosswalk which is faded and not well marked and therefore unsafe. This would bring an increase in traffic. During race weeks,there is a significant increase in trash thrown out in this area which she says the City does not remove, but the residents of Tara Hills do. The 35 mile per hour speed limit is not obeyed and this would only exacerbate the problem. Ann McAllister has lived in one ofthe townhouses in Tara Hills since 1993. She feels the traffic on Old Jonesboro Road has become unbearable and instead of 35 miles per hour, is more like 45 and continues to increase. The end of March she was hit from behind while trying to make a right turn onto Galway Road at her home. The line oftraffic,behind and in front of her was continuous. She had to make a sudden stop due to someone turning in front ofher and the driver behind her ran into her vehicle. There are private residences all around where this restaurant is being planned. She is concerned about outdoor dining and music along with alcohol being served right next to the pool where young people congregate. Also of concern to her is the increased traffic. Adam Whitson, one of the people who brought the idea of a potential restaurant at the former Bristol Country Club to Council,feels he is not the only one that would benefit from this possibility. He feels the City as whole would benefit. He just returned from a trip to Charlotte and there are residential areas with apartment buildings, restaurants, bars, breweries, and coffee houses on lower floors. He does not desire to bring more traffic to the area. It is not a Quaker Steak and Lube, but an upscale place that would fit the country club area. He wants to bring in a crown jewel and not a thorn in the side to the community. Mark Byington, 5833 Old Jonesboro Road, grew up in the country club area and there was always a restaurant and bar. He along with a lot of others are looking forward to having that amenity in the neighborhood again to keep from having to drive across town. There are some traffic issues, and the Police are doing a great job of trying to slow people down. Several of the residents are looking forward to getting something back in the area again. There were no other comments, and the public hearing was closed. Resolution 23-38-A Resolution Adopting a Community Development Block Grant Action Plan and Approving the Submission of the Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Request CDBG Grant Funding and HOME Funding in 2023-2024 The City Manager asked Community Development Specialist Christina Blevins to present this item to the public. Ms. Blevins presented the 2023-2024 Action Plan for two of our four current federal programs. This is the fourth year ofthe consolidated five-year plan. Ms.Blevins gave some background information on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program which was created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)and explained how it works. Ms. Blevins then gave some history on the HOME Consortium and stated the City of Bristol, Tennessee is the lead entity for this grant. The 2023-2024 Action Plan identifies the use of $223,363.00 in funds and $1,292,819.00 in HOME funds during the coming fiscal year. The funds will be utilized to address the goals established in the Five-Year Plan in conformity with federal program objectives in the areas ofhousing rehabilitation, neighborhood redevelopment, acquisition, relocation, public facilities, and public service in low to moderate income areas of the community. She gave a breakdown of the percentages of grant monies received by each member of the Northeast Tennessee Southwest Virginia HOME Consortium and how the public can receive a copy ofthe plan for their review and comment.  City Council Meeting May 2,2023 Page 5 of 11 There were no comments, and the public hearing was closed. APPEARANCE OF CITIZENS: None. APPOINTMENTS: Community Development Advisory Committee - City Council addressed the vacancy of two seats on the Community Development Advisory Committee. Councilwoman Feierabend spoke on behalfofall the candidates. The vote was as follows: Councilwoman Feierabend Raymond Hill and Shauna Nefos-Webb Councilman Powers Raymond Hill and Shauna Nefos-Webb Vice Mayor Hutton Raymond Hill and Benjamin Marshall Mayor Turner Raymond Hill and Shauna Nefos-Webb Councilman Luttrell Raymond Hill and Shauna Nefos-Webb Raymond Hill and Shauna Nefos-Webb were appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee to serve a term of office ending April 30, 2026. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A. First Reading of New Ordinances: None B. Second Reading of New Ordinances: Ordinance 23-4- An Ordinance to Abandon a Portion of Odessa Drive as Public Right-of-Way City Manager Bourgeois mentioned this request for abandonment ofright-of-way(R-O-W)is for a small portion of a lot that Dr. and Mrs. Tom Green own and have been working through the process for a few months. Cherith Young, Director of Community Development and Planning, stated Dr. and Mrs. Green own and reside at the property located at 105 Odessa Drive and also own the lots surrounding three sides of the cul-de-sac. Ms. Young presented pictures of the R-O-W, the cul-de-sac, and the surrounding properties and supplied additional information concerning the request. Since the cul-de-sac is no longer necessary for street access and no other property owners are affected,the request is for the City to abandon that property to the line ofOdessa Drive. The abandonment ofthe R-O-W was considered by the Planning Commission during their February 20^*^ meeting and received a unanimous vote for favorable recommendation to Council. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve Ordinance 23-4 and Councilman Luttrell seconded. There was no discussion, and the ordinance was approved by unanimous roll-call vote. Ordinance 23-5 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Ordinance to add Full-Service Restaurants and Limited-Service Eating Places as Uses Permitted by Special Use Permit in the R-3(Multifamilv) District Staffsummarized this issue during the public hearing earlier on the agenda. Vice Mayor Hutton motioned to approve,and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend thanked Ms.Kaufmann and Ms. McAllister for expressing their concerns which she believes are valid concems. As things develop, she would like their suggestions to be considered. Also, as this area has grown over the years, she would like there to be a study to determine current traffic flow, potential safety issues, and possible  City Council Meeting May 2,2023 Page 6 of 11 pedestrian and bicycle access. She hopes with attention given to some of these issues this could be a positive development for our community. Vice Mayor Hutton also thanked the residents for voicing their concerns. He lives in the nearby community ofForest Hills,and he has received comments from others about the same issues, but otherwise the comments he has received have been favorable about the potential of a restaurant on that side oftown. Mayor Turner wanted to assure the public that City staff, the Planning Commission,and this Council have diligently considered the proper way to welcome this business to the City ofBristol. The original proposal was located across from Holston View Elementary School and was rejected by the Beer Board. The proposed business being discussed is a restaurant, not a bar or just a brewery. Yes, they want to brew beer, but to do so they must exist as a restaurant that serves meals and not just snacks. Brewing beer on the premises does not make it different from any of the other numerous restaurants serving alcoholic beverages in the City, including the one that is currently operating on the same property. As to this particular property, to rezone it as commercial would allow establishment of a number of businesses without any additional rules or guidelines for how they operate. Amending the zoning ordinance to allow a restaurant only through the process of a Special Use Permit will enable the Planning Commission to adopt additional rules and requirements governing how the restaurant must operate including hours, noise, lighting,fencing,and other requirements. The decision to amend the zoning ordinance instead ofrezoning the property allows for the continued use of the property in the same manner it has operated over several decades. The current restaurant on the property serves beer in the same manner as the proposed new restaurant. The duty of Council is to ensure that Bristol encourages and supports businesses and that business only be regulated to the extent necessary to protect the general welfare ofthe public. Councilwom^ Powers added that she also serves on the Planning Commission, and they have diligently looked at this situation. She thanked the residents for bringing their concerns forward as it gives opportunity for Council to go back and look at not only how to enhance this area for business, but how to toher enhance the residential area to make it safer. A crosswalk is a good idea. Trash along the roadway IS unacceptable and is the responsibility of the City to remove. She agreed with the Mayor that approaching this as an amendment to the existing zoning instead of rezoning is very limiting as to what can be on that property. Change can be hard, but change can bring about better situations. There was no further discussion and the ordinance passed unanimously by roll call vote. C. Resolutions: Resolution 23-38- A Resolution Adopting a Community Development Block Grant Action Plan and Approving the Submission of the Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Request CDBG Grant Funding and HOME Funding in 2023-2024 Staff summarized this issue during the public hearing earlier on the agenda. Councilwoman Feierabend motioned to approve, and Vice Mayor Hutton seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend thanked Ms. Blevins for the work she does for the community. There was no additional discussion and Resolution 23-38 passed unanimously by roll call vote. Resolution 23-39- A Resolution Approving Settlement Agreement with 714 Shelby GP Mayor Turner stated he would abstain from voting on this resolution and requested Vice Mayor Hutton to preside over this portion of the meeting. City Manager Bourgeois thanked City Attorney Danielle Smith  City Council Meeting May 2, 2023 Page 7 of 11 and Economic Development Director Tom Anderson for the work they did and working through the mediation to get to the settlement agreement that is now before Council for consideration. She asked City Attorney Smith to present this matter to Council. The City entered into a development agreement with 714 Shelby GP in August of2021. The City believes that 714 Shelby GP is in breach of that agreement as they have not been able to complete the project they agreed to complete as described in the development agreement. 714 Shelby GP would likely dispute that characterization as they probably feel they should be allowed to complete a project. They presented a project to Council and Council was not interested in pursuing that particular project. There is a dispute between the parties to the development agreement as to who is right and who is wrong and what remedies that everyone might be entitled to. Counsel presented a settlement agreement in December of 2022 that would have settled this matter for $585,000 with the property transferred back to the City with all plans and all claims between the parties would be released. City Council did not take action on that agreement. After a couple of months,the 714 Shelby GP asked for mediation under the agreement. The City Attorney along with the Interim City Manager Tom Anderson attended the mediation on April 13"^. The result is an agreement similar to the one presented to Council in December of 2022, but at a price of $400,000. The City will pay $400,000 in exchange for a release of all claims by 714 Shelby GP against the City and by the City against 714 Shelby GP,the property would be transferred back to the Industrial Development Board(IDE)which would hold the property in trust for the City. If Council wants to retain control ofthis property and resolve this dispute quickly without incurring additional legal fees, the City Attorney would recommend entering into this settlement agreement. If Council desires to achieve a different goal, this settlement agreement would not be the right way to get there. If you do not want to pay any money at this time, you should not agree to this settlement agreement. Approving this settlement agreement will cap the costs with respect to the development agreement without incurring additional legal fees or court costs, it returns the property to the City almost immediately, and puts the City in the position to seek other projects and thii^ further as how to best use this property and best incentivize any other project that comes along. If Council does not desire to accept this agreement, other options will need to be considered which would probably include a litigation option. Councilwom^ Feierabend motioned to approve, and Councilman Luttrell seconded. Councilwoman Feierabend said there was a lot of discussion about this matter, and she is very interested in getting this property back on the market. The City has been successful in ensuring other properties in the downtown area fit the community well and she looks forward to successful utilization ofthis property also. Couricilman Luttrell stated this is an issue that has been on-going for some time. This may not be the best solution and it is possible better decisions could have been made earlier on, but this is how things are at this point in time. In order to move forward, he is in favor of this agreement. Councilwoman Powers will vote to approve this resolution. Council and the City have grappled with this situation over the course of several years. This property represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for development and she is not willing to hand it over to happenstance. This is too important to the downtown and the historical district. The property will come back to the IDE, and she has great confidence in our staffthat it will be put back on the street and an appropriate development plan will make its way to us that is in keeping with the historical value and integrity. Given the price has been negotiated downward and that another parking lot is now available which is also needed, she will support this resolution to enable appropriate development of this property to move forward.  City Council Meeting May 2,2023 Page 8 of 11 Vice Mayor Hutton stated he will be the one dissenting vote as he does not like this at all He recognizes this is the best of a really bad situation. He was not on Council when the project first came about but was on the County Commission and had high hopes when he first heard about it. Maybe it is the right thing to do to get things moving forward, but he does not want to write a check for something he believes to be in default. He appreciates the City staff working diligently to make the best of a bad situation and he hopes things can move forward and something great will be on this lot. It is a golden opportunity, and it is unfortunate we are in the situation we are in. Resolution 23-39 passed with a majority roll call vote as follows: Councilman Luttrell Yes Councilwoman Feierabend Yes Vice Mayor Hutton No Councilman Powers Yes Mayor Turner Abstained Mayor Turner presided over the remainder ofthe meeting. Resolution 23-40- A Resolution Authorizing Entry into a Memorandum of Understanding Related to the Bristol Public Library The City Manager noted that a draft Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)was posted on BoardDocs which is between the Cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia for the Bristol Public Library. Work on this MOU document began under the previous City Manager Bill Sorah in conjunction with the Library Board and the draff being presented tonight is the result. The City of Bristol, Virginia voted to approve this MOU at their March 28, 2023 meeting. There are some items that our City Attorney would have had changed but are not of the significance to delay approval of the MOU at this point. They will be addressed at the five-year review and resolved at that time. This MOU memorializes the funding and maintenance responsibilities for the main library and the Avoca Branch. City Attorney Danielle Smith commented that this document was drafted in an odd way, and she did not really see it until after it had already been approved by other parties. There are some things she would have changed, but it is nothing that should stop Council from agreeing to it and supporting the library at this point. Councilwoman Powers asked ifthis is something that requires action this evening or can it be tabled until June so there is clarity of the concerns of the City Attorney. The City Attorney said it can be tabled or she can briefly speak about her concerns that this point. City Attorney Smith detailed her concerns which were to change the verbiage for the purpose of clarification. Councilwoman Powers stated she will not vote for anything going forward for which there are any reservations and that is not absolutely clear in its entirety. She then made a motion to table this item until the concerns of Council and City staff are addressed. Councilman Luttrell seconded. There was additional discussion about what the concerns were and the reasons why clarification was important. Councilwoman Powers emphasized the library has the full support of this Council. The purpose for tabling this matter is so Council can be sure things are worded clearly and concisely to help avoid issues or misunderstandings. The City Attorney pointed out the motion to table is still on the floor. The motion to table Resolution 23-40 was approved unanimously by roll call vote.  City Council Meeting May 2, 2023 Page 9 of 11 Resolution 23-41 - A Resolution Approving Reversion of.11 acres of Steele Creek Park to the State of Tennessee(332 Alex Lane) City Manager Bourgeois commented a memorandum and supporting documentation was posted on BoardDocs for the reversion of.11 acres of Steele Creek Park to the State of Tennessee. This is regarding property at 332 Alex Lane. The property owner purchased the property with this issue in existence prior to their purchase. When they decided to sell the property, they realized a portion of their structure was built over the property line and into the park. When this portion of the park was quitclaim deeded to the City from the State of Tennessee, there was a condition that it was to be used solely for the purpose of public recreation and no other use would be allowed. In trying to work with the property owner and the State to ensure the remainder of the park is intact and unaffected, the solution was to have the portion of the property that was built over to revert to the State of Tennessee and the state can work with the property owner to transfer it to the owner of 332 Alex Lane. Resolution 23-41 provides for that reversion. The City Attorney did a lot of work toward finding a resolution to this issue and Director of Parks and Recreation Terry Napier was also actively involved in this project. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve, and Vice Mayor Hutton seconded. Resolution 23-41 passed unanimously by roll call vote. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilwoman Powers requested Resolution 23-46 be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. City Manager Bourgeois presented the remainder ofthe Consent Agenda to Council. ■ Minutes April 4, 2023, City Council Meeting ■ Minutes April 17,2023, City Council Special Called Meeting ■ Resolution 23-42 A Resolution Authorizing Payment to Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP for Legal Fees ■ Resolution 23-43 A Resolution Awarding a Proposal for Re-Insurance for the Self- Funded Health Insurance Plan ■ Resolution 23-44 A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Administrative Services Agreement for the City's Health and Dental Plans (Effective July 1, 2022) ■ Resolution 23-45 A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Administrative Services Agreement for the City's Health and Dental Plans (Effective January 1, 2023) ■ Resolution 23-46 A Resolution Expressing the City's Commitment to Match up to Twenty Thousand Dollars Toward a Small Community Air Service Development Grant Councilwoman Feierabend motioned to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Resolution 23- 46 and Councilman Luttrell seconded. The remaining items were approved by unanimous Council roll call vote.  City Council Meeting May 2,2023 Page 10 of 11 The City Manager summarized Resolution 23-46 is expression ofa commitment for a grant match towards a small community air services development. Kristi Haulsee Director of Marketing and Air Service Development at Tri Cities Airport gave a brief overview of this item. It is a U.S. Department of Transportation grant available for non-hub small airports and Tri-Cities Airport is applying for the grant this year which requires community matching funds. Tri-Cities is applying for service to Chicago which will greatly enhance the service they can provide to the community. Councilman Luttrell commented this is a huge step in creating additional tourism, both for people traveling from here to Chicago as well as bringing people from the Chicago area to our region. Councilwoman Powers added that through Explore Bristol, we know from our datapoints there is an incredible amount of interest in the Bristol area from Chicago and we are looking forward to seeing what airlines will pick this up. Councilwoman Feierabend mentioned there is also interest for people to fly from here to Chicago to pick up connecting flights as well. Ms. Haulsee stated there are approximately another one hundred connecting flights that can be made through Chicago. Councilwoman Powers motioned to approve Resolution 23-46 and Councilwoman Feierabend seconded and was passed unanimously by roll call vote. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Mayor Turner welcomed new City Manager Bourgeois. The City Manager thanked City Council, staff, and the community for welcoming her and helping her work through learning people and processes over the last couple of weeks. It has been a great start to what will hopefully be a long career here. The budget process is in full swing, and the day-long Council budget work session is May 16^*^. She congratulated the Communiversity graduates and thanked Community Relations Director Jon Luttrell and stafffor the work they did. It is fun to see high schoolers actually interested in local government and community and leadership. What a fun way to start this position here in Bristol. She thanked everyone for their patience with her through this meeting and she looks forward to future and smoother meetings. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Powers thanked everyone for working on all the events represented this evening and she looks forward to working through the budget process. She is thrilled Ms. Bourgeois is here. Councilman Luttrell concurred with Councilwoman Powers. Councilwoman Feierabend is thrilled Ms. Bourgeois is here and is out meeting people in the community. She commended stafffor their creativity and the success of Communiversity. She mentioned it has taken many years to get to this point and that a youth center was a component of the Ignite process in 1998- 1999. She would be interested to hear the suggestions of the Communiversity students for that project. She noted there was a split vote this evening which does not often happen, but disagreement can be good if people can discuss and listen to each other. She acknowledged the economic development team, the work and quality of what they do. There is a DEI Alliance Conference on May 12^^ with a focus on economic development. She acknowledged the passing of Wilhelmina Banks, a strong advocate in our community. Councilman Luttrell acknowledged the attendance ofCounty Commissioner David Akard and his support.  City Council Meeting May 2, 2023 Page 11 of 11 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 P.M. 'ince Turner, Mayor IjOlUl Mary Lee Williams, City itv Record( Recorder