BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN WORK SESSION

KNGSPORT EE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN WORK SESSION MINUTES Monday, March 17, 2025 at 4: 30 PM City Hall, 415 Broad Street, Montgomery - Watterson Boardroom Board of Mayor and Aldermen Mayor Paul W. Montgomery, Presiding Vice Mayor Darrell Duncan Alderman Morris Baker Alderman Gary Mayes Alderman Betsy Cooper Alderman James Phillips I. CALL TO ORDER 4: 30 pm by Mayor Montgomery. II. ROLL CALL by City Recorder Travis Bishop. Absent: Alderman Colette George III. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Inventor Center Update - Brandon Harrell Ms. Harrell presented this item, pointing out this is the only maker space in the Tri- Cities. The facility allows entrepreneurs to build their ideas and grow their businesses. She highlighted partnerships, programs and classes that are offered. There was some discussion as she answered questions from the board. 2. KEDB / Networks Update - Craig Denison, Clay Walker Mr. Denison gave an update on the progress of KEDB projects since June of last year as well as the upcoming challenges they face in the next couple of years. Mr. Walker talked about Networks, noting project activity has slowed down, which is typical during an election. He noted a challenge is low workforce participation in the region. 3. Outdoor Recreational Grant- Tyler Wicks, Kitty Frazier Tyler discussed this item, noting it isn't usual to be allowed to apply for a second grant with as a current recipient, but the state has made an exception. He talked about the ongoing improvement projects at Bays Mountain Park and those that would be compatible with this grant. Kitty then talked about the second phase of this item which would focus on opportunities to build momentum at Brickyard Park, particularly the Miracle Field. There was considerable discussion. Page 1 of 2  BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN WORK SESSION MINUTES Monday, March 17, 2025, at 4: 30 PM Kingsport City Hall, 415 Broad Street, Boardroom IV. REVIEW OF BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA IX. 2 Consideration of an Ordinance to Amend the FY 2025 the General Purpose School Fund and General Projects Fund Budgets ( AF- 70- 2025) Alderman Mayes expressed concerns regarding the fund balance within the school budget. Some discussion ensued. XI. 11 Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Fifth Asset, Inc. Doing Business as DebtBook ( AF- 68- 2025) City Recorder Travis Bishop provided details on this cloud- based program to better manage debt payments. Alderman Baker relayed a comment from a citizen regarding animal control and asked for clarification from the City Manager. Alderman Mayes commented on reporting of the strategic plan to avoid confusion by the public. Mayor Montgomery thanked Mr. Harshbarger, who was in attendance, for feeding over 100 public safety employees from police, fire and EMS last week. The mayor also commented on the strategic plan vision statement and the importance of the contribution and collaboration of city staff. There was considerable discussion. V. ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Projects Status Report 2. Sales Tax Report VI. ADJOURN Seeing no other business for consideration, Mayor Montgomery adjourned the meeting at 6: 14 p. m. AN T 41)JY4C3 PAUL W. MONTGOMERY Deput . ft + der Mayor Clti' Page 2 of 2