City Council

City of Murfreesboro City Council - Regular Session Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 6:00 pm City Council Chambers T E N N E S S E E 111 West Vine Street Murfreesboro, Tennessee MINUTES The City Council of the City of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, met in regular session at its regular meeting place in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 6:01 p.m . on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Council Members Present Mayor Shane McFarland - Presiding Jami Averwater Madelyn Scales Harris Austin Maxwell Bill Shacklett Shawn Wright Kirt Wade was absent and excused f rom this meeting. City Representatives Present Darren Gore, City Manager" Adam Tucker, City Attorney Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager Amanda DeRosia, Interim Finance Directo r Randolph Wilkerson, Human Resources Director Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director Brad Barbee, Principal Plar'!ne r Russell Gossett, Solid Waste Director Chris Griffith, Public Infrastructure Executive Director Michael Bowen, Police Chief Steve Jarrell, Deputy Police Chief Jim Kerr, Transportation Director Mark McCluskey, Fire Chief Russ Brashear, Transportation Assistant Director Cathy Smith, Purchasing Director Mike Browning, Public Information Officer Raven Bozeman, Executive Assistant Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McFarland called the meeting to order and commenced the meeting with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ceremonial Items STARS Award for December 2024. Randolph Wilkerson, Human Resources Director, presented the STARS Award for the month of December upon Ronnie Johnson, Public Works Technician II of the Street Department. The STARS award purpose is to recognize City employees that go above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. Johnson's exceptional service as a 22-year City City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 1 of 8  . employee has been noticed and appreciated not only by his department but also by employees in other areas throughout the City. Public Comment on Actionable Agenda Items Mayor McFarland asked if there were any registered speakers for public comment on actionable agenda items. Amanda DeRosia, Interim Finance Director, indicated no one had registered to speak and moved to the next item on the agenda. Consent Agenda The Consent Agenda was presented for approval with Council Communications for the following items: 1. Mandatory Referral for Dedication of an Electric Easement along Hemlock Drive (Planning}. 2. Contract with TOOT for FY25 Preventive Maintenance Expenses (Transportation} Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Maxwell seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion yvas passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Old Business Ordinance 3. Ordinance 24-0-46 Amendment to Ethics Code (Second and Final Reading} (Legal). The ordinance titled "ORDINANCE 24-0-46 amending the Murfreesboro City Code, Chapter 2. Administration, Article XV. Ethics Code, Section 2-324(A) regarding annual disclosures" which passed its first reading on December 19, 2024, was offered for passage on its second and final reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Ordinance 24-0-46 on second and fi nal reading. Mr. Maxwell seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright , Shane McFarland Nay: None New Business Land Use Matters City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 2 of 8  4a. Public Hearing rezoning property along Joe B Jackson Parkway (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Dire·ctor, presented a Council Communication regarding a rezoning for approximately 4.8 acres located along the south side of Joe B. Jackson Parkway, east of Elam Farms Parkway, from Heavy Industrial (H-I) District to Commercial Highway (CH) District. Notice of public hearing was published on December 31 , 2024, in the Murfreesboro Post. Mr. Blomeley stated that a public hearing was required on the matter and stated that representatives of the applicant were available for questions, if Council had any. Mayor McFarland initiated a public hearing, welcoming comments on the rezo ning and provided instructions for those wishing to speak. Despite sufficient time for input, no attendees expressed a desire to speak on the matter. Consequently, Mayor McFarland concluded the public hearing. 4b. Ordinance 24-0Z-45- Rezoning property along Joe B. Jackson Parkway (First Reading) (Planning). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 24-OZ-45 amending the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as heretofore amended and as now in force and effect, to rezone approximately 4.8 acres located along Joe B. Jackson Parkway from Heavy Industrial (H-1) District to Commercial Highway (CH) District; Athena Hospitality Group, applicant, [2024-418]" was offered for passage on its first reading. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve Ordinance 24-OZ-45 on first reading. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 5. Sewer Allocation Variance - Greenland Drive - Mixed-Use Development (Planning). Brad Barbee, Principal Planner, presented a Council Communication regarding a proposed development request for add itional density above the sewer allocation ordinance's zoning allowance for the proposed mixed-use development located along the north side of Greenland Drive across the street from the MTSU campus. The property is proposed to be zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD) District, which only allows four single family units (sfu} per acre. Approval of the va riance would allow a higlier sfu equivalent density of approximately two sfu's for the proposed mixed-use development. Mr. Barbee requested Council approve the variance. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the sewer allocation variance. Vice Mayor Shacklett seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 3 ot 8  Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None On Motion 6. Rollins Brush and Limb Contract Renewal (Solid Waste). Russell Gossett, Solid Waste Director, presented a Council Communication regarding a contract renewal with Rollins d/ b/a REC Pro, for brush and limb collection and requested Council approve the renewal in the amount of $727,350. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the contract with Rollins d/b/ a REC Pro. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 7. Construction Contract for Blackman/Manson/Burnt Knob Intersection (Engineering). Chris Griffith, Public Infrastructure Executive Director, presented a Council Commu nication regarding a construction contract for the Burnt Knob, Blackman . and Manson traffic im provement project and requested Council approve the contract pending legi:!l review. The Contract Bid opening was conducted on January 16, 2025, and had six bidders. Council was provided with bid results and a letter of recommendation from the City's Consultant. Staff reviewed the bid results and recommended Council accept the lowest responsible qualified bid from Hawkins & Price, LLC. Mr. Griffith recommended Council accept the bid from Hawkins & Price, LLC with an additional 5% contingency. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the contract with Hawkins & Price, LLC, subject to legal approval. Vice Mayor Shacklett seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Mayor McFarland announced construction for Veterans Park should st art around Feb ruary or March of 2 025. 8. Purchase of Radio Equipment from Motorola (Police). Steve Jarrell, Deputy Chief of Police, presented a Council Communication rega rding the purchase of rad io equipme nt from City Council Meet ing Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page4 of 8  Motorola and requested Council approval of the purchase of thirty portable radios, fifteen mobile radios, two base radios and various supporting equipment and accessories. This equipment is available for purchase through the current contract with Motorola for a total cost of $396,914. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the radio equipment purchase from Motorola. Mr. Maxwell seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 9. Amendment No. 1 to CentralSquare Solutions and Support Agreement for CAD Software {Police). Steve Jarrell, Deputy Chief of Police, presented a Council Communication regarding an Amendment No. 1 to CentralSquare Solutions and Support Agreement for CAD software. Murfreesboro Police Department has reached the maximum number of mobile licenses provided in the contract. With the anticipated growth of the department over the next few years. it will be more cost-effective to move to an unlimited CAD Mobile Site License subscription instead of individual licenses. Deputy Chief Jarrell requested Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with CentralSquare. Year two of the five-year contract will increase by $9,207. Mr. Maxwell made a motion to approve Amendment No. 1 w ith CentralSquare. Ms. Averwater seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 10. Purchase of Police Vehicles from Alan Jay Automotive (Police). Steve Jarrell, Deputy Chief of Police, presented a Council Communication regarding the purchase of two new unmarked police vehicles and requested Council approve the purchase from Alan Jay Automotive. The cost of this purchase will be $73,880. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the purchase from Alan Jay Automotive. Mr. Maxwell seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 11.Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Agreement with Federal Highway Administration (Transportation). Jim Kerr, Transportation Director, presented a Council City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 5 of 8  Communication regarding the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Agreement with Federal Highway Administration and requested Council approve the SS4A Grant Agreement between the City and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ms. Scales Ha rris made a motion to approve the Grant Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ms. Averwater seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Mayor McFarland announced the City will be producing new informational CityTV segments to inform and update the public about City and TDOT (State) road projects including Choice Lanes and City interchanges. Jim Kerr, Transportation Director, informed Council he received notification that the TOOT contractor plans to open Highway 99 as a five-lane cross section by noon on January 17, 2025. Phase three will start construction in January for Cason Lane through Veterans Parkway. 12. Purchase Contract with CBI for Transit Center Furniture (Transportation). Russ Brashear, Transportation Assistant Director, presented a Council Communication regarding a furniture order for Murfreesboro Transit Center and requested Council approve the Contract with CBI Workplace Solutions and authorize staff to adjust the order up to 5% for potential changes in the order from back ordered, delayed, or out of stock items or similar issues. The recommended ordertotals $197,284. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the contract with CBI Workplace Solutions and to authorize staff to adjust the order up to 5% for potential changes in the order from back ordered, delayed, or out of stock items or similar issues. Ms. Averwater seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 13. Resolution 25-R-01 Public Entity Partners Safety Grant (Human Resources). Randolph Wilkerson, Human Resources Director, presented a Council Communication regarding Resolution 25-R-01 to accept Public Entity Partner's (PEP) 2024-2025 Judy Housley Safety Partners Matching Grant. The resolution titled, "RESOLUTION 25-R-01 authorizing the City of Murfreesboro City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 6 of 8  to participate in Public Entity Partners Safety Partners Matching Grant Program" was offered tor passage on its first and only reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-01. Ms. Averwater seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Board and Commission Appointments No board and commission appointments were presented. Licensing 14. Beer Permits (Finance). Amanda DeRosia, Interim Finance Director, presented a Council Communication regarding Regular Beer Permits and Special Event Beer Permits. The following were offered for approval: Three Regular Beer Permits for two name/ownership changes for a restaurant located at 211 West Main Street and 161 o Bradyville Pike, a new location for a restaurant located at 1733 Saint Andrews Drive. Three Special Event Beer Permit for Children's Museum Corporation, Discovery Center at 502 Southeast Broad Street on March 7, 2025, and May 2, 2025, and 1471 Avellino Circle on June 6, 2025, was presented for approval. Applicants met requirements for the permits and were recommended for approval pending final building and codes inspections for the regular beer permits and special event permit issuance for the special event beer permits. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the permits. Ms. Averwater seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Payment of Statements No payment of statements was presented . Other Business Ms. Averwater recognized City staff for their work in recruitment and staffing efforts in the Fire Rescue Department and Murfreesboro Police Department. Mayor McFarland recognized the attendance of Leadership Rutherford. City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 7 of 8  Mayor McFarland announced the Water Resources Department opened their new building at 316 Robert Rose Drive recently. He thanked staff and Council members for their hard work in achieving cost savings for taxpayers due to repurposing an existing City-owned building and giving the department room to grow. Mayor McFarland announced Council would have an executive session regarding pending litigation following the adjournment of the Regular Session Council Meeting. Mr. Maxwell requested Council members evaluate the need for addit ional baseball fields within the community. He stated there are currently 32 100-acre tracts that are undeveloped in Rutherford County, with approximately 13 in the City limits and 19-20 within the City's urban growth boundary. He encouraged Council members to consider how they might address the growing need for baseball fields. Mayor McFarland mentioned there is also a 120-acre site on Highway 96 that may be a consideration. Mayor McFarland acknowledged it is rivalry week for Middle Tennessee State University men's and women's basketball teams. Each team plays Western Kentucky this Saturday. The women's team plays at 2:00 p.m. and the men's team plays at 6:00 p.m. He encouraged everyone to come out and support our local University. Adjourn There being no further business, Mayor McFarland adjourned this meeting at 6:35 p.m . iHANE MCFARLAND MAYOR ATTEST: P-~_Q, TUCKER ----- CITY RECORDER/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER APPROVED BY COUNCIL, ~ \ ) l ~ ,dlCi;:;ti City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 8 of a