City Council

CLARKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION JUNE 15, 2017 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER A special session of the Clarksville City Council was called to order by Mayor Kim McMillan on Thursday, June 15, 2016, at 4:35 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 106 Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee. A prayer was offered by Councilwoman Wanda Smith; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Bill Powers. ATTENDANCE PRESENT: Richard Garrett (Ward 1), Deanna McLaughlin (Ward 2), Ron Erb (Ward 3), Tim Chandler (Ward 4), Valerie Guzman, Mayor Pro Tem (Ward 5), Wanda Smith (Ward 6), Geno Grubbs (Ward 7), Jeff Henley (Ward 9), Mike Alexander (Ward 10), Bill Powers (Ward 11), Jeff Burkhart (Ward 12; arrived 6:36 p.m.) ABSENT: David Allen (Ward 8) MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor McMillan held a moment of silence in honor of Fort Campbell soldiers Sgt. Eric M. Houck, Sgt. William M. Bays, and Cpl. Dillion C. Baldridge who were killed recently in northeastern Afghanistan. CITY ATTORNEY RECOGNITION Mayor McMillan announced City Attorney Lance Baker had been elected President of the Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association. PUBLIC HEARING: FY18 BUDGETS There were no comments regarding the proposed FY18 City of Clarksville budgets. INPUT FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER There was no objection to allowing CFO Laurie Matta to answer questions from the City Council during this meeting without a vote to go into public session. IDB/KROGER ECONOMIC IMPACT PLAN RESOLUTION 36-2016-17 Approving an economic impact plan submitted by the Montgomery County Industrial Development Board on behalf of Kroger Limited Partnership Councilman Grubbs made a motion to adopt this resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. There was no objection to conducting a public session. Mr. Baker introduced Attorney Tom Trent, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLC, retained by Kroger, who briefly explained Kroger Company’s new marketplace concept. Mr. Trent said this would be the State’s eighth development of its kind, and the third in Middle Tennessee. The marketplace would have features not offered by traditional Kroger stores and would employ 200 to 250 new part time employees. Mr. Trent said the $24 million investment would act as a catalyst for additional development. In response to Councilwoman McLaughlin’s question, Chris Miller, Kroger Corporation, said the site plan had been approved by the Regional Planning Commission. Street Department Engineer Jack Frazier said a traffic study had been completed. Mayor McMillan said the Industrial Development Board had conducted public hearings. There was no objection to reverting to special session. Councilman Alexander made a motion to postpone action on this resolution to the July regular session to allow more time for review of the proposed plan. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Chandler, Erb, Garrett, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, Smith NAY: Grubbs, Powers NOTE: Councilman Burkhart was not present for this vote. The motion to postpone this resolution to the July regular session passed. CODE AMENDMENT/TWO RIVERS COMPANY ORDINANCE 76-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the Official Code relative to the Central Business Improvement District (Two Rivers Company) Councilwoman Guzman made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Chandler.  Councilwoman Guzman made a motion to allow input from Ms. Matta. The motion was seconded by Councilman Chandler. A voice vote was taken; Councilman Alexander voted “nay.” The motion passed. Ms. Matta said the adoption of this ordinance would not dissolve the Central Business Improvement District/Two Rivers Company, but would all the organization to comply with less stringent accounting rules as a stand-alone non-profit agency instead of a government entity. She said any finding as a result of an audit of the CBID/TRC would become the City’s liability if the organization is not separate from city government. Ms. Matta said an audit finding could cause the City to lose grants and have a negative effect on its bond rating. There was no objection to allowing Attorney Dan Huffstutter, retained by TRC, to offer comments and answer questions. Mr. Huffstutter said the City could expect a letter soon from the State Comptroller stating the TRC is a jointly governed organization and not a separate component unit. There was no objection to reverting to special session. Councilwoman McLaughlin made a motion to postpone action on this ordinance to the next regular session. The motion was seconded by Councilman Alexander. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Erb, Garrett, McLaughlin, Smith NAY: Chandler, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McMillan, Powers NOTE: Councilman Burkhart was not present for this vote. The motion to postpone to the July regular session failed. Following discussion, Councilwoman Guzman made a motion to postpone action on this ordinance indefinitely. The motion was seconded by Councilman Chandler. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Chandler, Erb, Garrett, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, Powers, Smith NOTE: Councilman Burkhart was not present for this vote. The motion to postpone indefinitely passed. RECESS The City Council recessed at 5:35 p.m. and reconvened at 5:48 p.m. EMPLOYEE WAGE INCREASE Human Resources Director Will Wyatt summarized the most recent compensation study. He noted that this study did not include position reclassification, but did say classifications should be reviewed every three years. Mr. Wyatt said the study shows the City is competitive in compensation and benefits. In response to Councilman Chandler’s question, he said the consultant recommended 360 employees receive more than a 1.5% increase as a result of time-in-position review. Mr. Wyatt said this study did not include Gas & Water or Department of Electricity employees.  In response to Councilwoman Smith’s question, Mr. Wyatt said nation-wide studies show pay-for-performance plans for government employees are failing and noted the consultant said the City should wait at least three years before considering this type of plan. FY18 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUDGET ORDINANCE 69-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget Community Development Councilman Alexander made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. There was no discussion. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garret, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading passed. FY18 PARKING COMMISSION BUDGET ORDINANCE 70-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget for the Clarksville Parking Commission Councilman Powers made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. There was no discussion. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garret, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading passed. FY18 CLARKSVILLE TRANSIT SYSTEM BUDGET ORDINANCE 71-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget for Clarksville Transit System Councilman Grubbs made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. There was no discussion. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garret, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading passed. FY17 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICITY BUDGET ORDINANCE 72-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget for Clarksville Department of Electricity  Councilwoman Guzman made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. In response to Councilman Alexander’s question, Mayor McMillan said a 1.5% general wage increase was being proposed for CDE employees. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garret, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading passed. FY18 GAS & WATER BUDGET ORDINANCE 73-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget for Clarksville Gas & Water Councilman Grubbs made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Powers. In response to Councilman Burkhart’s question, Chief Financial Officer Fred Klein said the department was analyzing the feasibility of additional shifts to reduce the costs of overtime. He said this budget did not include funding for the redundant gas line because it had been determined too expensive. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garret, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading passed. FY18 INTERNAL SERVICE FUND BUDGET ORDINANCE 74-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget for the City of Clarksville Internal Service Fund Councilman Grubbs made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Guzman. There was no discussion. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garret, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading passed. FY18 GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET ORDINANCE 75-2016-17 (First Reading) Amending the FY17 Budget and establishing the FY18 Budget for the City of Clarksville General Government Councilman Chandler made a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burkhart. Councilwoman McLaughlin made a motion to divide the question by having separate votes on funding for the proposed athletic complex and for the proposed performing arts center. The motion was not seconded. AMENDMENT #1: ATHLETIC COMPLEX Councilwoman McLaughlin made a motion to delete $6.5 million for athletic complex land acquisition. The motion was seconded by Councilman Alexander. Councilman Alexander said city-wide street improvement should be a priority. Councilman Powers said a complex would be an asset that would offer opportunities to all sports enthusiasts and felt the City had the financial capability to start the development. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Erb, McLaughlin NAY: Chandler, Garrett, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McMillan, Powers, Smith The motion to delete $6.5 million for athletic complex land acquisition (Amendment #1) failed. NOTE: Following the vote, Councilwoman Smith said she voted in error and indicated her intent to vote for this amendment. AMENDMENT #2: FORT CAMPBELL BOULEVARD Councilwoman McLaughlin made a motion to add $250,000 to the Regional Planning Commission’s budget for a design overlay for Providence Boulevard/Fort Campbell Boulevard. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. Councilwoman McLaughlin said this roadway currently had numerous vacant commercial properties and said the time was ideal to add an overlay that would encourage and improve future development along this route. Councilman Powers, Councilman Grubbs, and Councilwoman Guzman felt this proposal was too significant to consider during the budget project. Councilman Chandler said these properties could be improved through legislation and community development resources. Councilman Burkhart said traffic control and added signalization at intersections could help generate interest in new developments. Councilwoman McLaughlin asked Mayor McMillan to seek options for improvements to depressed 41A properties. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Erb, Garrett, McLaughlin, Smith NAY: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Grubbs, Guzman, Helley, McMillan, Powers The motion to add $250,000 for Fort Campbell Boulevard design overlay (Amendment #2) failed. AMENDMENT #3: TWO RIVERS COMPANY Councilwoman McLaughlin made a motion to add $150,000 for the Two Rivers Company. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. Upon no objection to going out of session, Tammy Kilgore, Housing & Community Development, said the department did not have a façade program in place. There was no objection to reverting so special session. The following vote was recorded:  AYE: Erb, Garrett, McLaughlin, Smith NAY: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McMillan, Powers The motion to add $150,000 for Two Rivers Company (Amendment #3) failed. AMENDMENT #4: FROSTY MORN BUILDING Councilwoman Smith made a motion to add $1.5 million for demolition of the Frosty Morn Building located at 645 Frosty Morn Drive. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman McLaughlin. Councilwoman Smith said despite some recent improvements overseen by the Building & Codes Department, the property had been an eyesore for more than thirty years. In response to Councilman Alexander’s question, Ms. Matta said the land was currently appraised at $281,400. Following discussion, Councilman Burkhart called for the question. The question was seconded by Councilman Garrett. A voice vote was taken; the motion to cease discussion passed. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Smith NAY: Alexander, Burkhart, Chandler, Erb, Garrett, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McLaughlin, McMillan, Powers The motion to add $1.5 million for demolition of the Frosty Morn building (Amendment #4) failed. AMENDMENT #5: PERFORMANING ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER Councilwoman McLaughlin made a motion to delete $1,515,000 for a Performing Arts Center. The motion was seconded by Councilman Garrett. In response to Councilwoman McLaughlin’s question, Mayor McMillan said the City was in the process of negotiating with the owners of the nearby bonding company. She said although the Roxy Board of Directors had already indicated a willingness to sell the theater building, no agreement had been reached regarding the Roxy’s use of a new facility. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Burkhart, Erb, Guzman, McLaughlin, Smith NAY: Alexander, Chandler, Garrett, Grubbs, Henley, McMillan, Powers The motion to delete $1,515,000 for a Performing Arts & Conference Center (Amendment #5) failed. AMENDMENT #6: NON-PROFIT AGENCIES Councilman Burkhart made a motion to delete $50,000 for non-profit agencies. The motion was seconded by Councilman Erb. Councilwoman Smith, Councilman Powers, and Councilman Chandler expressed support for this funding. Councilman Burkhart said citizens can donate to agencies of their choice and the City should not spend tax dollars for this purpose. The following vote was recorded:  AYE: Alexander, Burkhart, Erb, Grubbs, Guzman, McLaughlin NAY: Chandler, Garrett, Henley, Powers, Smith The motion to delete $50,000 for non-profit agencies passed. AMENDMENT #1: ATHLETIC COMPLEX Councilwoman Smith made a motion to reconsider Amendment #1 to delete funding for the proposed athletic complex. The motion was not seconded; no action was taken. Councilman Alexander called for the question on the main motion. The question was seconded by Councilman Powers. A voice vote was taken; Councilwoman Smith voted “nay.” The motion to cease discussion on ORDINANCE 75-2016-17 passed. The following vote on the main motion was recorded: AYE: Alexander, Chandler, Erb, Garrett, Grubbs, Guzman, Henley, McMillan, Powers NAY: Burkhart, McLaughlin, Smith The motion to adopt ORDINANCE 75-2016-17 on first reading as amended, FY18 General Government Budget, passed. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.