City Council

City of Murfreesboro City Council - Regular Session Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm City Council Chambers T E N N E S S E E 111 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 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 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Proper notice of this meeting was published in the Murfreesboro Post on Tuesday, Apri l 29, 2025. Council Members Present Mayor Shane McFarland - Presiding Jami Averwater Madelyn Scales Harris Austin Maxwell Bill Shacklett Kirt Wade Shawn Wright City Staff Attendance Darren Gore, City Manager John Tully, Assistant City Attorney Erin Tucker, City Recorder/ Chief Financial Officer Amanda DeRosia, Finance Director Melanie Joy Peterson, City Clerk Raven Bozeman, Executive Assistant Angela Jackson, Executive Director of Strategic Services Brad Hennessee, Facilities Maintenance Director Cathy Smith, Purchasing Director Cary Gensemer, Deputy Chief of Police Craig Tindall, Special Counsel Daniel Owens, Finance Director of Murfreesboro City Schools Doug Swann, Water Resources Finance Director Greg McKnight, Executive Director of Development Jamie Bigelow, Deputy Chief of Fire Rescue Jim Kerr, Transportation Director Kevin Jones, Building and Codes Director Kevin Gentry, Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust Chairman Kyle Lingo, Fleet Services Assistant Director Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director Michael Bowen, Chief of Police Michael Nevills, Communications Mike Browning, Public Information Officer Nate Williams, Executive Director of Recreational Services Randolph Wilkerson, Human Resources Director Raymond Hillis, Executive Director of Public Works Robert Holtz, Community Development Director Russ Brashear, Assistant Transportation Director City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 1 of 10  Russell Gossett, Solid Waste Director Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager Scott Elliott, Manager of Project Development Trey Duke, Director of Murfreesboro City Schools Valerie Smith, Water Resources Director Vickie Ordonez, City Court Clerk Other City Staff Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McFarland called the meeting to order. Mr. Maxwell commenced the meeting with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment ·on Actionable Agenda Items Mayor McFarland asked if there were any registered speakers for public comment on actionable agenda items. Erin Tucker, City Recorder/ Chief Financial Officer, indicated no one had registered to speak. Consent Agenda The Consent Agenda was presented for approval with Council Communications and corresponding documents for the following items: 1. Murfreesboro Transit Center Contingency Allowance Allocation CCF 10 (Project Development) 2. Mandatory Referral for Abandonment of a Portion of a Detention Pond Easement Along Elmcroft Avenue (Planning) 3. Mandatory Referral for Dedication of an Electric Easement along Lebanon Pike (Planning) 4. Retail Liquor Certificate of Compliance - Apple Liquor & Wine (Finance) 5. Agreement with Heritage Cleaners for Uniform Cleaning Services (Police) 6. Amendment Four to the Grant Contract (Police) 7. NetMotion Complete and Cohesity Archive Maintenance Renewal Agreement (Police) 8. Agreements for Car Wash Services for City Vehicles (Police) Mr. Maxwell made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Old Business Ordinance City Council M eeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 2 of 10  9. Ordinance 25-0-16 Modifying City Court Fees (2nd and Final Reading) (City Court). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-16 amending the Murfreesboro City Code, Chapter 2, Administration, Article I. In General, Section 2-13, regarding City Court costs" which passed its first reading on May 1, 2025, was offered for passage on second and final reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-16 on second and final 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None New Business Land Use Matters 10. Amending the PID Zoning for Property Along Joe B Jackson Parkway (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director, presented a Council Communication and documents regarding amending the Plan_ned Industrial Development (PID) zoning of approximately 151 acres located along Joe B. Jackson Parkway, Richard Reeves Drive, and Logistics Way. A public hearing date was set by the City Manager and notice of public hearing was published on April 29, 2025, in the Murfreesboro Post. Mr. Blomeley stated that a public hearing was required on the matter. 10a. Public Hearing Amending the Zoning on 151 Acres. Mayor McFarland initiated a public hearing, welcoming comments on amending the PID zoning 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. 10b. Ordinance 25-OZ-15 PID Zoning for property along Joe B Jackson Parkway (1st Reading). The ordinance titled, " ORDINANCE 25-OZ-15 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 amend the conditions applicable to approximately 151 acres in the Planned Industrial Development (PIO) District (Parkway Place PID) located on along Joe B. Jackson City Council Meeting M inutes M ay 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 3 of 10 Parkway, Richard Reeves Drive, and Logistics Way, as indicated on the attached map, Swanson Development, LP, applicant [2025-404)" was offered for passage on its first reading. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-OZ-15 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Ordinance 11. FV26 Budget Public Hearing and Related Ordinances (Administration}. Erin Tucker, City Recorder / Chief Financial Officer, presented a Council Communication and documents regarding the proposed FY26 Budget information and consideration of ordinance adopting the FY26 Budget. A public hearing date was set by the City Manager and notice of public hearing was published on May 13, 2025, in the Murfreesboro Post. Ms. Tucker stated that a public hearing was required on the matter. lla. Public Hearing Adoption of Proposed FV26 Budget. Mayor McFarland initiated a public hearing, welcoming comments on adoption of the proposed FY26 Budget 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. llb. Ordinance 25-0-09 (1st Reading}. The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-09 adopting a budget and appropriations ordinance providing for appropriations out of the general and special funds of the City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, of certain sums to defray the current, necessary and special expenses of said City for Fiscal Year 2026 (hereafter " FY2026"), and for other purposes" was offered for passage on its first reading. Mr. Wade made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-09 on first 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6 :00 pm Page 4 of 10  11c. Ordinance 25-0-10 {First Reading). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-10 providing for the levy and collection of a tax for the year 2025 upon all property, real, personal and mixed, within and subject to the jurisdiction of the City of Murfreesboro that is now taxable under the laws and Constitution of the State of Tennessee and the Charter of said City, and for the interest and costs to be added to such taxes after certain dates" was offered for passage on its first reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-10 on first 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 11d. Ordinance 25-0-19 (1st Reading). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-19 amending the Murfreesboro City Code, Chapter 18, Licenses and Ad Valorem Taxes, Article I, Section 18-1, regarding when real and personal property taxes become past due and delinquent" was offered for passage on its first reading. Upon becoming effective, this ordinance will change the delinquent property tax date from January 1 to March 1, following the tax due date. Mr. Maxwell made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-19 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 12. Ordinance 25-0-17 FY26 Water and Sewer Rate (1st Reading) (Water Resources). Valerie Smith, Water Resources Director, presented a Council Communication and documents requesting Council to approve a water and sewer rate adjustment ordinance in the FY26 budget to maintain cost of service recovery through FY28. The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-17 amending Chapter 33, Water Resources, Section 33-1 of the Murfreesboro City Code, dealing with water resources rates and charges." was offered for passage on its first reading. City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 5 of 10  Vice Mayor Shacklett made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-17 on first reading. Mr. Wade seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 13. Ordinance 25-0-01 Sponsorship (Administration). Craig Tindall, Authority Administrator, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve and adopt an ordinance to establish the parameters for the Sports Authority as it develops its marketing plan for advertising, sponsorship, and name rights agreements. The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-01 amending the Murfreesboro City Code, Chapter 21.5, Parks and Recreation, Article I. Murfreesboro Sports Authority, Section 21.5-1 establishing permission to secure advertising, sponsorship and naming rights for Parks and Recreation facilities and programs." was offered for passage on its first reading. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-01 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Resolution 14. Resolution 25-R-22 Approve Use of Tax-Exempt Bonds for VUMC (Administration). John Tully, Assistant City Attorney, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve Resolution 25-R-22 representing the statutorily required approval of debt issued by the Health and Educational Facilities Board of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee to fund the purchase by Vanderbilt University Medical Center of a Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter to be based at the Murfreesboro Airport. The resolution titled, "RESOLUTION 25-R-22 approving the issuance of tax-exempt revenue bonds or other tax- exempt debt by the Health and Educational Facilities Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee for the benefit of Vanderbilt University Medical City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 6 of 10  Center and to finance, among other things, the acquisition of a helicopter or other aircraft to be based at the Murfreesboro Airport." was offered for passage on its first and only reading. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-22. 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 15. Resolution 25-R-19 Unclaimed Property Request (Finance). Amanda DeRosia, Finance Director, presented a Council Communication regarding an annual request to the State to return unclaimed property remitted by the City. The resolution titled " RESOLUTION 25-R-19 requesting unclaimed balance of accounts remitted to State Treasurer under Unclaimed Property Act (2024 Report Year)" was offered for passage on its first and only reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-19. 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 16. Resolution 25-R-18 City Schools FY25 Budget Amendment #10 {Schools). Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools, presented a Council Communication regarding amending the FY25 General Purpose Fund. The resolution titled, "Resolution 25-R-18 amending the Fiscal Year 2025 (hereafter "FY2025") Murfreesboro City Schools Budget (10th Amendment)" was offered for passage on its first and only reading. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-18. Ms. Scales Harris seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None On Motion City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 7 of 10  17. Approval of the FV26 MCIT Charitable Distributions (Administration). Kevin Gentry, Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust Chairman, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve the recommendations of the Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust (MCIT) Trustees for the Trust's FY26 charitable distributions to charitable organization serving the Murfreesboro community. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the FY26 MCIT Charitable Distributions. Mr. Wade seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 18. FY25 Annual Audit Contract {Finance). Erin Tucker, City Recorder/ Chief Finance Officer, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve the contract with Jobe, Hastings & Associates and authorizing the Finance Director to sign the State's electronic contract as the City's representative. The proposed fee for the audit is $176,500, plus $12,000 for State required chart of accounts crosswalk for a total of $188,500 included in the Finance Department FY26 operating budget. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the FY25 Annual Audit Contract with Joe, Hastings & Associates, and authorizing the Finance Director to sign the State's electronic contract as the City's representative. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Ja.mi Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 19. Murfreesboro Transit Center Contingency Allowance Allocation CCF 11 (Project Development). Scott Elliott, Manager of Project Development, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve Change Directive No. 11 for the Murfreesboro Transit Center contract contingency allowance. The amount of the increased expense, $210,724, is accommodated in the contingency allowance with no change in the total contract amount of $17,845,843. City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 8 of 10  Ms. Averwater inquired about how this request affected the contingency funds, whereafter Mr. Elliott explained. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the Murfreesboro Transit Center Contingency Allowance Allocation CCF 11. Mr. Wade seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion w as passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwater, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Board and Commission Appointments 20. Pension Committee (Mayor). Mayor McFarland presented a Council Communication proposal regarding the appointment of the following to serve on the Pension Committee. • Alan Bozeman, Term expiration June 1, 2028 Mr. Wade made a motion to approve the appointment. 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Licensing 21. Beer Permits (Finance). Erin Tucker, City Recorder/ Chief Financial Officer, presented a Council Communication regarding Beer Permits. The following were offered for approval: Regular Beer Permits • San Marcos Taqueria 2, 206 North Thompson Lane (Restaurant, New Location) • El Toro, 1006 Memorial Boulevard (Restaurant, Ownership Change) Special Event Permits • Kennerly Family History Group, 405 South Maney Avenue (May 31, 2025, Appreciation Celebration) • Kennerly Family History Group, 405 South Maney Avenue (June 28, 2025, Appreciation Celebration) • Kennerly Family History Group, 405 South Maney Avenue (July 25, 2025, Kennerly Family Block Party) • Kennerly Family History Group, 405 South Maney Avenue (September 29, 2025, 17th Annual Family Party) City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 9 of 10  Applicants met requirements for the Beer 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. Wade made a motion to approve the Beer Permits and Special Event 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, Kirt Wade, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Payment of Statements No payment of statements was presented. Other Business Spring Fling. Vice Mayor Shacklett commended the Parks and Recreation Department . and Murfreesboro Police Department for their support and work for Spring Fling. Staff Appreciation. Mr. Maxwell commended staff for their hard work on the Budget. Memorial Day and Bill Alan Week. Mayor McFarland recognized and thanked all of those who have given their lives and to requested citizens remember their service and sacrifice on Memorial Day. He also thanked City police officers, veterans, those who provided their commitment to service. Mayor McFarland reminded everyone that this week is Bill Alan Week. Bill Alan is the longest living veteran in the City of Murfreesboro at 100 years old. Adjourn There being no further business, Mayor McFarland adjourned this meeting at 6:28 p.m. SHANE MCFARLAND MAYOR ATTEST: ER'.fi?-ruCKER ~ CITY RECORDER/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER APPROVED BY COUNCIL: J V\ Vl.-e.. $ ~ 2.-S City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 10 of 10