City Council

City of Murfreesboro if - 1 fflru - . .-·, c ~·t_yo.f City Council - Regular Session ~fl .~ 1 1 I L ._. Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm MURFREESBORO 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, July 17, 2025. Proper notice of this meeting was published in the Murfreesboro Post on Tuesday, June 26, 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 from this meeting. City Staff Attendance Darren Gore, City Manager Adam Tucker, City Attorney Erin Tucker, City Recorder/ Chief Financial Officer Raven Bozeman, Executive Assistant Angela Jackson, Executive Director of Strategic Services Cary Gensemer, Deputy Chief of Police Holly Smyth, Principal Planner Jennifer Tag, Assistant City Attorney Jim Kerr, Transportation Director Kyle Lingo, Fleet Services Assistant Director Mark McCluskey, Fire Chief Matt Jarratt, Information Technology Director Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director Michael Bowen, Chief of Police Michael Nevills, Communications Mike Browning, Public Information Officer Russell Gossett, Solid Waste Director Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager Other City Staff Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McFarland called the meeting to order. Mr. Wright commenced the meeting with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 1 of 14 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. Ceremonial Items Proclamation. Tennessee Soccer Club (TSC) Murfreesboro Girls Soccer Team. Shane McFarland presented a Proclamation to TSC Murfreesboro Girls Soccer Team and Coach Billy Lewis who has exemplified excellence, teamwork, and determination and achieved an undefeated 2024-2025 season capturing the Division 1 State Championship and the TSSA Regional Championship. Mayor Shane McFarland, on behalf of the entire City Council, proclaimed July 17, 2025, as a day to honor and recognize the accomplishments of TSC Murfreesboro 2012 Girls Soccer Team. Consent Agenda The Consent Agenda was presented for approval with Council Communications and corresponding documents for the following items: 1. Purchase of Westlaw Subscription from Thompson Reuters (Legal) 2. Patterson Park Outdoor Improvements Contingency Allowance Allocation (Project Development) 3. Reeves Rogers Administration Addition Final Change Order (Project Development) 4. Mandatory Referral for Abandonment of a Sanitary Sewer Easement East of Florence Road (Planning) Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. 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 Old Business Ordinance s. Ordinance 25-0-26 Amend City Code, Chapter 4, Alcoholic Beverages (2nd and Final Reading) (Finance). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-26 amending the Murfreesboro City Code, Chapter 4, Alcoholic Beverages, Section 4-8, regarding retail liquor certificate of City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 2 of 14  compliance term expiration" which passed its first reading on July 10, 2025, was offered for passage on second and final reading. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-26 on second and final 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 Land Use Matters 6.Ordinance 25-OZ-21 Rezoning Property along Old Lascassas Road (1st Reading) (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director, presented a Council Communication to amend the City Code regarding rezoning of approximately 14.81 acres located along the east side of Old Lascassas Road, east of its intersection with Hazelwood Street. A public hearing was held previously on June 26, 2025. The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-OZ-21 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 14.81 acres located along Old Lascassas Road from Single-Family Residential Fifteen (RS-15) District and Single-Family Residential Ten (RS-10) District to Planned Commercial Development (PCD) District (Lascassas Storage PCD); Patterson Company, LLC, applicant, [2025-406]" was offered for passage on first reading. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-OZ-21 on first reading. 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 7. Ordinance 25-0-20 Amending the Zoning Ordinance- School and Institutional Group Assembly Uses (1st Reading) (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director, presented a Council Communication to amend the City Code regarding the Zoning Ordinance City Council Meeting M inutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 3 of 14 Sections 7, 9, 19, and 27 and Chart 1 (including Chart 1 endnotes) primarily regarding school and institutional group assembly uses. A public hearing was held previously on June 26, 2025. The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-0-20 amending Murfreesboro City Code Appendix A, Zoning, Sections7, 9, 19, 27, Chart 1, Chart 1 Endnotes and Chart 2 Endnotes, pertaining to school uses, City of Murfreesboro Planning Staff, applicant [2025-802]" was offered for passage on first reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-0-20 on first reading. 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 8. Plan of Services, Annexation, and Zoning for Property Along Yeargan Road (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director, presented a Council Communication regarding a Plan of Services and Annexation for approximately 13.74 acres located along the north side of Yeargan Road east of its intersection with Ashley Drive. A public hearing was held previously on June 26, 2025. Sa. Resolution 25-R-PSA-22 Plan of Services and Annexation (Planning). The resolution titled, "RESOLUTION 25-R-PSA-22 to adopt a Plan of Services for and to annex approximately 13.74 acres located along Yeargan Road (Tax Map 124, Parcel 03508), and to incorporate the same within the corporate boundaries of the City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Shane Dewayne Beard, applicant(s)[2025-501J" was offered for passage on its first and only reading. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-PSA-22 on first and only 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 8b. Ordinance 25-0Z-22 (First Reading) (Planning). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-02-22 amending the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Murfreesboro, City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 4 of 14  Tennessee, as heretofore amended and as now in force and effect to zone approximately 13.26 acres along Yeargan Road as Single-Family Residential Ten (RS-10) District, simultaneous with annexation; Shane and Dewayne Beard, applicant(s) [2025-405]" was offered for passage on first reading. Vice Mayor Shacklett made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-02-22 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, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None New Business Land Use Matters 9. Plan of Services and Annexation for Property Along Lebanon. Pike and East Jefferson Pike (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director, presented a Council Communication regarding a Plan of Services and Annexation for approximately 827 acres located along Lebanon Pike and East Jefferson Pike, including one parcel (Tax Map 46, Parcel 03403}, an approximately 4,900 foot long segment of Landfill Road ingress/egress easement, and an approximately 6,000 foot long segment of Lebanon Pike (US 231/SR 10) right-of-way. Notice of public hearing was published on June 24, 2025, in the Murfreesboro Post. Mr. Blomeley stated that a public hearing was required on the matter. Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager, provided Council with information on why City administration was requesting Council approve t he annexation. 9a. Public Hearing for Plan of Services and Annexation for 827 acres (Planning). Mayor McFarland initiated a public hearing, welcoming comments on the plan of services and annexation and providing instructions for those wishing to speak. The following individuals addressed the Council: 1. Shawn McGowan, 538 Dallas Ct, Murfreesboro, spoke in favor of annexing the property into the City. 2. Dr. Jeremy Aber, 3315 Yorkshire Cou rt, Murfreesboro, spoke in favor of annexi ng the property to have better oversight of the landfill. City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 5 of 14  3. Susan Allen, Nelson Lane, Murfreesboro, President of Rutherford Neighborhood Alliance (RNA), stated members of the RNA urge Council to vote in favor of the annexation and reviewed how the landfill is destroying the environment. 4. Eric Myers, 7324 Appomattox Drive, Murfreesboro, spoke in favor of getting more eyes on this area of the County. 5. Candida Layne, 2883 Sulphur Springs Road, Murfreesboro, Chairwoman of Rutherford County Stockham Chapter, spoke in favor of the annexation and is in support of Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act. 6. Mac Nolen, 831 Allen Road, Murfreesboro, spoke in regards to the Jackson Law and why the law was put in place for the citizens of each county. 7. Cynthia Allen, President of the Stones River Watershed Association, spoke in favor of the annexation due to the continuous issues and drinking water standards. 8. James Farley, 5111 General Eisenhower Drive, Murfreesboro, spoke in favor of the annexation and the City's legal action taken with the landfill. Mr. Farley reviewed contamination in the water. 9. Laura Clark, 911 Netherland Drive, Murfreesboro, spoke in favor of the annexation to add another official voice. Ms. Clark is in support of the Waste to Jobs Act. Ms. Clark thanked the City for the opposition of the landfill expansion. 10. Melissa Farley, 5111 General Eisenhower Drive, Murfreesboro, spoke in favor of the annexation and reviewed potential property value in the future if the landfill closed. 11. Jeremy Aber, 3315 Yorkshire Court, Murfreesboro, registered but did not speak. Despite sufficient time for input, no other attendees expressed a desire to speak. Consequently, Mayor McFarland concluded the public hearing. Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Wright stated their support for the annexation of the property. Mayor McFarland provided clarification on what the annexation would provide, and reviewed BFl's letter sent to Council members. Mayor McFarland stated a settlement has been proposed and will be reviewed on July 31, 2025, at the City Council Regular Session. City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 6 of 14  Vice Mayor Shacklett emphasized that it is the City government's responsibility to act in the best interest of its citizens. He encouraged residents to continue sharing their input and feedback 9b. Resolution 25-R-PSA-23 Plan of Services and Annexation (Planning). The resolution titled, "RESOLUTION 25-R-PSA-23 to adopt a Plan of Services for and to annex approximately 827 acres located on the south side of East Jefferson Pike near Lebanon Pike, including approximately 809.09 acres {Tax Map 46, Parcel 3403}, an approximately 4,900-foot segment of Landfill Road ingress/egress right-of-way easement, and an approximately 6,000-foot segment of Lebanon Pike {US 231/SRl0) right-of-way, and to incorporate the same within the corporate boundaries of the City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, City of Murfreesboro Administration department, applicant [2025-502]" was offered for passage on its first and only reading. Vice Mayor Shacklett made a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-PSA-23 on first and only 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 10. Amending the PCD Zoning for Property Along Dejarnette Lane (Planning). Matthew Blomeley, Assistant Planning Director, presented a Council Communication and documents regarding amending the PCD zoning of approximately 23.7 acres located along the north side of Dejarnette Lane. On June 4, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on this matter and voted to recommend its approval subject to the following conditions: 1} The required buffer along the eastern boundary of areas B & D shall be a Type B buffer with a 6'-tall privacy fence in addition to the standard buffer plantings. The minimum height of all trees planted in this buffer shall be 8' at the time of planting.; 2) The required buffer and fence along the eastern boundary of areas B & D shall be designed so as not to conflict with any existing or proposed utilities or infrastructure and, if located in easements, appropriate permission from the easement holder(s} shall be secured.; City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 7 of 14  3) Drive-in restaurants and restaurants with drive-thrus shall not be permitted on areas B &D. A public hearing date was set by the City Manager and notice of public hearing was published on June 24, 2025, in the Murfreesboro Post. Mr. Blomeley stated that a public hearing was required on the matter, but first introduced Clyde Roundtree, of Huddleston-Steele Engineering, LLC, who presented a PowerPoint presentation on the request. 10a. Public Hearing for Amending the PCD zoning on 23.7 acres (Planning). Mayor McFarland initiated a public hearing, welcoming comments on amending the PCD zoning and providing instructions for those wishing to speak. The following individuals addressed the Council: 1. Darlene Schlicher, 706 Middleton Lane, concerned about an artisan brewery near her residence and feels the fence near the tree line how it will affect it. Despite sufficient time for input, no other attendees expressed a desire to speak. Consequently, Mayor McFarland concluded the public hearing. Mr. Blomeley stated he is unsure how the fence will affect the tree line; the applicants and/or engineer could propose to preserve the tree line prior to second reading. Chris McGuire, Huddleston Steele Engineering, stated there should be no issue preserving the tree line that is parallel to the sewer easement. He will speak with the applicant to verify the easement and provide an exhibit prior to second reading. Ms. Averwater requested Mr. Roundtree provide the information to the homeowners prior to the next reading. Mayor McFarland requested the use of properties be reviewed prior to second reading. 10b. Ordinance 25-OZ-24 (First Reading) (Planning). The ordinance titled, "ORDINANCE 25-OZ-24 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 23. 7 acres in the Planned Commercial Development (PCD) District (DeJarnette Place PCD) located along DeJarnette Lane as indicated on the attached map, Swanson Developments, LP, applicant [2025-407]" was offered for passage on first reading. City Council Meeting Minut es July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 8 of 14  Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve Ordinance 25-02-24 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 On Motion 11. Contract Renewal Timekeeping Software (Information Technology). Matthew Jarrett, Director of Information Technology, presented a Council Communication and documents requesting renewal of City-wide timekeeping software with UKG and requested Council approve the contract in the amount of $128,368.44. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the contract with UKG. 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, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 12. Donation of Used Equipment to Jackson Fire Department (Police}. Cary Gensemer, Deputy Chief of Police, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve the donation of sixty expired body armor sets and ot her used equipment that are no longer in use to the Jackson Fire Department. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the donation to the Jackson Fire Department. Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by the following vote: Aye: Jami Averwat er, Madelyn Scales Harris, Austin Maxwell, Bill Shacklett, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 13. State SRO Program Grant and School MOUs (Police). Cary Gensemer, Deputy Chief of Police, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve the application for the Statewide SRO grant and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Murfreesboro City Schools and Rutherford Collegiate Prep school. The total State award is $1,050,000 which will be City Counci l M eeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 9 of 14 used to offsetthe FY26 salaries and benefits ofthe SROs currently on staff with the Murfreesboro Police Department. Mr. Maxwell made a motion to approve the application for the State SRO Grant and School MOUs. 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, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Mayor McFarland announced that the Murfreesboro Police Department's School Safety Division received the Model SRO Agency Award from the National Association of School Resource Officers, recognizing its creative and innovative approach to school-based policing in Murfreesboro City Schools. 14. License Agreement with Middle Tennessee Electric (Police). Cary Gensemer, Deputy Chief of Police, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve a license agreement with Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) for the public safety camera system. This is a ten-year agreement with an annual fee of $40.34 for each camera plus the cost of any electrical usage. The total expense per year is not expected to exceed $50,000. These fees are budgeted for in the department's operating budget. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the license agreement with Middle Tennessee Electric. 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 15. Settlement for Right of Way and Easement Purchases for Bradyville Pike Widening Project Tract 10 (Transportation). Jim Kerr, Transportation _Director, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve funding for the settlement request of $20,000 based on recommendations by the Attorney General's Office for Tract 10 of the Bradyville Pike City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 10 of 14 Widening Project. The City has fulfilled its financial obligations for this project and the additional $20,000 will be fully funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the settlement request. 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, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 16. First Amendment Bulk Fuel Contrac~ {Fleet Service). Kyle Lingo, Assistant Director Fleet Services, presented a Council Commun ication requesting Council approve the First Amendment for bulk fuel purchase with Tri St ar Energy, LLC. The amount budgeted for FY26 is $3,000,000. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the First Amendment with Tri Star Energy, LLC. 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, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None 17. Purchase of Peterson Lighting Loader Grapple Truck (Solid Waste). Russell Gossett, Director of Solid Waste, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve the purchase of a Peterson Lighting Loader Grapple Tru ck from Environmental Products Group. The replacement cost is $223,929 funded w·ith the reallocated FY21 Bond Interest proceeds. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the purchase of a Peterson Lighting Loader Grapple Truck from Environm ental Products Group. 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 City Council Meeting M inutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 11 of 14 Board and Commission Appointments 18. Water Resources Board (Mayor). Mayor McFarland presented a Council Communication proposal regarding the reappointment of the following Water Resources Board members. • Kathy Nobles, Term expiration, June 30, 2029 • John R. Sant Amour, Jr., Term expiration June 30,2029 Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the appointments. 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 Vice Mayor Shacklett asked whether Council would establish a timeframe to notify the public of Board and Commission vacancies, allowing individuals time to apply for any new or upcoming appointments. Mayor McFarland agreed and explained where to submit applications and outlined the application process. Licensing 19. 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 Name of Name of Type of Type of Address Reason Applicant Business Permit Business Ownership/ Veterans Veterans 106 Veterans Off- Name Market, LLC Market Pkwy Premises Grocery/Market Change 2222 Medical Wilco Fresh Center Pkwy On- New Mex, LLC Surcheros Ste A Premises Restaurant Location 1720 Old M633 Group, Fort Pkwy On- Ownership LLC Crab Fever Ste C170 Premises Restaurant Change Special Event Beer Permits Date of Name of Applicant Type of Event Location of Event Event Charity Circle 08/08/2025 Summer Supper 2825 Cherry Blossom Ln Charity Circle 09/12/2025 Tailgate Fundraising 1506 Georgetown Ct MTSU Foundation 09/19/2025 Homecoming Party 116 N Walnut St City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 12 of 14  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. Ms. Averwater made a motion to approve the Beer Permits. 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, Shawn Wright, Shane McFarland Nay: None Payment of Statements No payment of statements was presented. Other Business Agreement for Technical Infrastructure Equipment. Matthew Jarrett, Information Technology Director, presented a Council Communication requesting Council approve agreement with CDW Government, LLC for the purchase of technical infrastructure equipment and associated services. The agreement total is approximately $300,000, which includes hardware, licensing, and associated services. This purchase is funded through FY25 Capital Improvement Plan {CIP} budget and does not require additional appropriations. Ms. Scales Harris made a motion to approve the agreement CDW Government, LLC. 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 Future Meetings. Darren Gore, City Manager, stated Council will not meet on July 24 and the next Council meeting will be held on July 31, 2025. Adjourn There being no further business, Mayor McFarland adjourned this meeting at 7:23 p.m. SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 13 of 14  SHANE MCFARLAND MAYOR ATTEST: UCKER C CITY RECORDER/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER APPROVED BY COUNCIL: -S-0''Ii 3\ )~ City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2025, 6:00 pm Page 14 of 14