[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6569603,"mediaKeyId","3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4","parentId",3623377,"title","Oak Ridge council approves transit contract award after residents press for oversight, app and extended hours","audioSeconds",2653,"startMs",1570000,"endMs",4223000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4&start=1570&end=4223","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4/thumbnail_1570000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6569603/Tennessee/Oak-Ridge-council-approves-transit-contract-award-after-residents-press-for-oversight-app-and-extended-hours","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569603-65e8afece09a65b635c34804c0d47d9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096288&Signature=Ivp6nWvT1oKCQvUGGeR9u1vvfAirn0YYkQsMfO4XlkVx663hErLlV1ISI6ruExn1H3XS~qbPNqcc4e0cMyx6l5umeGG7N1y4d9ONjK1RkufSFzgaYZDk9MfdQwhcxx2ix2zoZtUvmqQQcnNerpyHiXnE8MVA6GosMyxeQleEU~9Z6vwG3DxRdDpsYIIgyzljXDeW-8WXfCs0Zz~Dma0g3~v4XI-sXkcNAq-YtirYiS6AbVPQgImVudhFkz6tqFMeFRtKYZX3yKP5xCeDv9dwjfl~zv64dJXSnwLa9QeVqMASlniCDuqwWa2tZyic1fcGKqnjFJnIMumSArpZLma0DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Ridge City, TN","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","Oak Ridge City Council on May 12 approved a one-year contract not to exceed $230,000 with East Tennessee Human Resources Agency (ETHRA) to operate the city's public transit system, contingent on state grant funding, and added new conditions after extensive public comment and council discussion. The council also authorized up to a 90-day extension of the existing ETHRA agreement while the city negotiates the new contract.

The motion as amended requires the city manager to negotiate the contract terms with ETHRA, incorporate public feedback gathered at the May 12 meeting and elsewhere, and bring the final contract back to City Council for approval before execution. Council voted unanimously to approve the amended resolution.

Councilmanic and staff discussion emphasized three recurring themes: clearer city oversight of the transit provider, improved rider communications (including software and a mobile application), and a review of operating hours. City staff said the proposed contract is for one year with nine renewal options and that the anticipated state allocation is roughly $213,125 with an 80% reimbursement rate; the local match would come primarily from the restricted-use state share of the petroleum products tax.

During the meeting, multiple Oak Ridge transit riders and disability advocates urged stronger city supervision and faster, more reliable service. Marion Wildgrouper, who identified herself as unable to rely on transit for all trips, told council she has “donated many, many hours” working with mobility advocates and said the city needs a staff member responsible for the program. Margaret Jones, who uses a wheelchair and said she has been stranded by unreliable service, described difficulty scheduling medical trips and inconsistent dispatcher communications.

Resident speakers and disability advocates asked for: (1) a designated city staff person to receive rider feedback and manage contract performance, (2) better rider-facing technologies (a tracking app and real-time updates), (3) shorter notice requirements for rides than the current 24-hour booking window, (4) consideration of expanded hours and Sunday service, and (5) meaningful performance metrics and reporting tied to the contract.

City staff told the council the RFP process included public input from an ad-hoc transportation study group and the Disability Advisory Board, and that that input shaped the RFP's provisions for quarterly performance meetings and an improved rider-feedback mechanism. Staff said ETHRA had proposed software improvements and that the city expects to require improved platforms and rider feedback channels in the negotiated contract.

Several council members pressed for more firm commitments in the contract and for the city manager to return the negotiated contract to council for ratification. Councilmember Smith requested that ETHRA provide a clear operational plan that distinguishes Oak Ridge Transit from ETHRA's other services so riders and staff are not confused by differing policies. Councilmember Dodson urged inclusion of a mobile application in the contract. Councilmember Hammond asked for an interim memorandum to council detailing which public suggestions were accepted or rejected in negotiations.

In response, the council amended the resolution to direct the manager to (1) negotiate additional contract terms reflecting public input and (2) return the finalized contract to council for approval; the amendment also authorized a temporary extension of the current ETHRA contract by up to 90 days to avoid interruption of service while negotiations proceed. The amended motion passed unanimously.

City staff said the contract award is contingent on receipt of the Tennessee Department of Transportation grant funding and that the city will provide a memorandum to council summarizing how public input was incorporated prior to execution of the agreement. Staff also said the city web page links to ETHRA's Oak Ridge Transit page and that the current service hours run roughly 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays but that the RFP includes costed options for expanded hours.

The May 12 debate and the council amendment reflect sustained community concern about transit reliability, access for riders with disabilities, and the need for clearer city oversight and customer-service pathways. Councilmembers and disability advocates said they want to see measurable performance monitoring, timely rider-response mechanisms and clearer public information about service hours, booking rules and complaint channels.

Council vote: unanimous; council directed the city manager to negotiate contract terms, incorporate public input, return the final contract to council for approval, and authorized a current-contract extension up to 90 days if necessary.

Looking ahead, city staff said they will provide council with a memorandum before final contract execution summarizing negotiated terms and which community recommendations were adopted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oak Ridge City Council Meeting\tMay 12, 2025 - 7:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Oak Ridge City Council on May 12 approved a one-year contract not to exceed $230,000 with East Tennessee Human Resources Agency (ETHRA) to operate the city's public transit system, contingent on state grant funding, and required the city manager to return the negotiated contract to council for final approval.","taxTitle","Oak Ridge, Anderson County, Tennessee","taxId",62219,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6569583,"Votes at a glance: Oak Ridge council actions on contracts, ordinances and capital projects",4250,470000,4720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4&start=470&end=4720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4/thumbnail_470000.jpg","/articles/6569583/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Oak-Ridge-council-actions-on-contracts-ordinances-and-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569583-6ea8ccf15b9d6363e27a6db64fcdd28b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096288&Signature=jvcMpunXtftxPbeXPhxo9GuCE1YHOhA4uD9awBewBQo9YUWbuFiNdqDjgH83Phb8JKhc8bmU8lktITU-zbGJeEc-kW6K~ayJa75DU2GQXKznhKjo22d4fymRigpcsvNKBd1OI1ZiHnBdfzeatoJuaAeFn1ueuCZOSeLFXlYIIvr9GjP4EERZpDyCFVcL26-w3X05sBK8HR~IeFcysWvMYoxzMG4MCpfA0ho31pH1XMZn4SvdmHtb0~guAfGzIcos0ViXW3Y2wGOkleEeOb9HJ6hCOk6Z3BKsBFZfghwMyOlGm6B4lfYOamfde7yGBvB~oxQFnZsAKIEfvNIDPjpQAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge City Council on May 12 voted on a slate of ordinances and resolutions covering contracts, capital projects, administrative updates and budget items. Below is a compact summary of formal votes and outcomes recorded during the meeting. Where the transcript did not specify an individual mover or seconder, the entry lists the motion as recorded during the meeting.

Votes at a glance (selected items):

- Consent agenda: Adopted by voice vote; items D, L, P and Q were pulled for discussion and moved to regular resolutions before action. (Outcome: adopted; recorded as unanimous.)

- Ordinance (Title 13, slum clearance): Approved on first reading (see separate article). (Outcome: approved on first reading, unanimous.)

- Ordinance amending personnel plan to change \"personnel director\"/\"personnel department\" to \"human resources director/department\": Approved on first reading. (Outcome: approved on first reading, unanimous.)

- Ordinance abandoning portion of Badger Avenue right-of-way (final reading): Approved on second and final reading. Staff said maintenance remains the developer's responsibility and the right-of-way will remain publicly accessible. (Outcome: approved on final reading, unanimous.)

- Rezoning (350 Powerhouse Road): Deferred pending remediation of outstanding code violations at the applicant's site. (Outcome: deferred, unanimous.)

- Resolution approving TDOT maintenance contract for state highways in the city (annual reimbursement $171,621.07 for FY26): Approved. City staff clarified the contract covers routine maintenance on state-owned roads within the city but not major paving projects, which are state projects. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution awarding contract to CMG HealthWorks for employee medical evaluations, drug/alcohol and hazmat testing (not to exceed $75,000 for FY26): Approved after staff explained CMG submitted the lowest compliant bid and is the incumbent provider. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution adopting bylaws and rules for the Arts, Culture and History Alliance advisory board: Approved with a minor language correction noted in the bylaws. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution writing off court fines and costs for citations over 10 years old and authorizing city manager to establish debt forgiveness programs as determined appropriate: Approved. Staff said fines/court costs older than 10 years are outside the statute of limitations for collection and will be written off; the underlying offenses will remain on records. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution awarding contract for operation and management of Oak Ridge Transit to East Tennessee Human Resources Agency (ETHRA) in an amount not to exceed $230,000, contingent on TDOT grant funding: Approved as amended to require the city manager to return the final negotiated contract to council for approval and to permit up to a 90-day extension of the current ETHRA contract to avoid service interruption. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution awarding contract to Stansell Electric Co. for traffic signals and sidewalks under the Signal Timing Optimization Program and the Multimodal Access Project (not to exceed $4,795,536) and approval of a $450,000 contingency for both projects: Approved. Staff explained the scope includes signal replacements and sidewalks along Oak Ridge Turnpike and the work sequence and delivery timelines. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution rescinding earlier resolution and authorizing CDM Smith for construction engineering and inspection services for CMAQ Phase 2 (not to exceed $361,800): Approved; staff said inspection fees are grant-eligible and local program rules require an independent inspection firm for complex projects. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution amending professional services with Kimberly Horn & Associates for multimodal inspection/engineering at Oak Ridge Turnpike and S. Illinois Avenue (increase $116,300; new total $415,100): Approved. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution authorizing purchase of traffic control equipment from Transportation Control Systems (not to exceed $261,960): Approved; these are the signal controllers for the CMAQ project. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution amending prior resolution to increase purchase price for a generator at the water treatment plant by $208,365 (new not-to-exceed $1,200,000), to be purchased with Water Works funds: Approved. Staff explained ARPA and SRF funding interactions. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution awarding contract to PRI of East Tennessee for as-needed pavement repair and patching (not to exceed $300,000): Approved (on-call contract for larger repairs; staff uses in-house crews for small potholes). (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution approving updated ARPA spending budget: Approved; staff summarized projects funded and changes. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolutions authorizing on-call architectural services agreements with Design Innovation Architects and Clark Nexsen and a professional-services agreement with Davenport & Co. for municipal financial services (multi-year, not-to-exceed amounts listed in agendas): Approved. Staff said these are master-services agreements to speed delivery of small projects and provide advisory services. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

- Resolution transferring a DOE parcel request at East Tennessee Technology Park from the Industrial Development Board to the City of Oak Ridge: Approved to consolidate contiguous parcels for marketing and sale. (Outcome: approved, unanimous.)

Many of the items above were discussed briefly in committee or work sessions before council action. Several measures were described by staff as grant-funded or reimbursable through state and federal programs. Council recorded unanimous votes on the items summarized here.

If readers want original agenda references or staff memos for any specific resolution or ordinance, staff presentations and the city clerk's minutes record the motions, conditions and staffing follow-up directions.","Council approved multiple resolutions and ordinances on contracts, sidewalk and signal projects, grants, ARPA spend plan and administrative items; many measures passed unanimously. This roundup lists each formal action taken at the May 12 meeting and the vote outcome.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6569587,"Roan Alliance reports job growth, new festivals and large investments in county economy",134,294000,428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4&start=294&end=428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4/thumbnail_294000.jpg","/articles/6569587/Tennessee/Roan-Alliance-reports-job-growth-new-festivals-and-large-investments-in-county-economy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569587-77b3522ebbaeaff3c6713cb312901bf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096288&Signature=F81L~Eafk-w99ZGmuXKW4IDwhKbmaaeXXLl7o4K0-UNxAnT5EGAbXjKt-OHrklqL0-X5wcq0fCP55qCUoAs~g8JF73087oM42QVfNokFiPblLx-cm3xR0L4KHPPxO4hTe6pZI5Qmfr-4q1wsfO-G2phPwb758URkRUKXM8JUHrWEfy0VSQHLn1ELguAFzNa5QZShSA1obyemPcCCvt~7iur4vgFJEeWx1zciUcYZigtPPANwFgpMiw~HvHu5yFxPfGNXaAOiPCO6pmDrh9SKqgdXV7hHg1jfNHP5Im9Hjz1XJK1lId7dMR8KbYCknJqmMgZ6T~3OosjwIge6pqnjvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Justin Snow, president and CEO of the Roan Alliance, presented the Roan Alliance's 2024 annual report to Oak Ridge City Council on May 12 and highlighted tourism events, workforce convenings and major economic-development announcements across Roane County.

Snow summarized key 2024 accomplishments: a new tourism marketing campaign called \"Win in Roan,\" more than 30 ribbon-cuttings handled by the Chamber, and the county's first Jeep Festival, which the report said drew roughly 800 attendees. He noted the Tennessee Bass Nation and Youth State Open at Tom Fuller Park attracted about 250 votes (transcript phrase), and the Alliance convened over 60 industry and education leaders at a workforce-focused \"Connect Roane\" summit at Oak Ridge's Emergency Response Training Facility.

On business expansion and job growth, Snow said Roane County had 11 consecutive years of net job growth. He cited two headline investments: a manufacturer (Prodomet) announced a $25 million expansion in Rockwood projected to create 250 jobs, and a company referred to in the presentation as \"Toronto\" announced plans to build a uranium enrichment facility in Oak Ridge that Snow said would create more than 300 jobs and be the state's largest investment.

Snow said the Roan Alliance purchased advertising and editorial placements in Site Selection magazine to raise regional visibility for Oak Ridge and Roane County and included materials on local firms such as Trisox, Kairos Power and Hirano in those pages.

Council thanked Snow for the report; no action was required.","Justin Snow, president and CEO of the Roan Alliance, presented the organization's 2024 annual report to Oak Ridge City Council, citing 11 consecutive years of net job growth, a $25 million expansion in Rockwood and an announced uranium enrichment facility project expected to create more than 300 jobs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6569593,"Oak Ridge approves first reading of slum-clearance code change allowing recovery of remediation costs on property tax bills",203,513000,716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4&start=513&end=716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4/thumbnail_513000.jpg","/articles/6569593/Tennessee/Oak-Ridge-approves-first-reading-of-slum-clearance-code-change-allowing-recovery-of-remediation-costs-on-property-tax-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569593-4f15e7462ce4b460a8deb819f7c5bf5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096288&Signature=l-uxGDtiNxqG0LIjrEfz7wbsAziGlEHT1t4f5iqH9OL51BX8aTJjJe0l9w~66-a8Um1Z~FeH3XBujGvQl2SlbI1iY6kEIVFIBqH9a6jPUry3h~~~nuFwhEdD0id5bY7LUclCUIRcqNmMEX738gSfeFlVbWmZaGifePt57b3W36cxknLatamA7Dp7Ab4FdsnN1Sgcq2yVRAAbhpxs9epcBF7dJLaqzoRIfueoJSwdbsoqVGgdgKrZHh4Zxw-XBzgKxIRBXOle2ejNNAaBc8h-T5WUNLyPini19HPKHi2cPyIlGfQdoU8R8X0lJT1i46GBXLqha98gkTfJ28dJhC~-oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge City Council on May 12 approved on first reading an ordinance adding a new chapter 7, titled \"slum clearance,\" to Title 13 (Property Maintenance) of the city's code. The new provision expands enforcement tools available to the city, including an option to place reimbursement of remediation costs on the property tax roll.

City staff explained the change does not create novel authority beyond state law but provides an additional administrative enforcement mechanism. \"It allows the city an additional enforcement mechanism for collection of the reimbursement of cost,\" the staff presenter said, and specifically permits placing those costs on a property's tax bill as an alternative to suing for collection.

Council discussion focused on process and applicability. Councilmember Smith asked why the city had not used the law previously; staff answered the city had slum-clearance references in property-maintenance sections but had not adopted the full tax-roll collection option. Staff said the provision applies to both residential and commercial properties and that existing due-process protections remain; Smith emphasized the ordinance includes administrative appeals.

A council question asked whether the tax-roll placement would be automatic; staff said the city would have options: file a lien and place the cost on the property tax bill or pursue collection through suit; the likely practice would be to place a lien and request payment once, then place it on the property tax bill if unpaid.

Council approved the ordinance on first reading unanimously. The matter will return for second and final reading before becoming enforceable under the code.","Council adopted on first reading a new code chapter titled \"slum clearance\" that allows the city to use an additional enforcement mechanism to recover costs by placing charges on property tax bills while preserving due process and appeal rights.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6569598,"Council defers rezoning at 350 Powerhouse Road after staff report lists unresolved code violations",116,927000,1043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4&start=927&end=1043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623377-b8d0324aebf949d1dd36d4038ae2e8b4/thumbnail_927000.jpg","/articles/6569598/Tennessee/Council-defers-rezoning-at-350-Powerhouse-Road-after-staff-report-lists-unresolved-code-violations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569598-7693a2ba8b1a091ee37dc4fcd06ca03a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096288&Signature=o4dWBkuoOz6Y7Jo1fvdvrmvE6mzpU4PcolKqxnMUtTgjXzpf1FZ~gCma-NABCkp0xcIXPyTi6TYrwMZii5CgDfc8uDx8ik4P0MjKMJl3NP0UcdhYzRmFc3KTf0WNl2XuAQfEdCx6z43G-ONcWQQRWJDb2Xf-pJYW-GjZ0cncK~W17gI6HWpeAB7Pu1FRLOIhZvUY5N-4SH5iPhTuERgtNOy0Ddrl-CduElVxLnrycW7ofhM8FT8wKhki1BMS1iQxRHh3s8pChXxfvirsBKRAGN6dmppISBJfdPzCS29VRyq2-Ip6FwmbkdOLN2orIKTag~cllTJZBFK-Jo217BPkzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge City Council deferred action on a zoning map amendment for a property at 350 Powerhouse Road after members raised outstanding code and safety concerns related to the applicant's site.

The ordinance would have changed about 3.75 acres at 350 Powerhouse Road from Federal Industry and Research District to Industrial District with buffer and residential open-space designations for adjacent areas, and required a public hearing. Councilmember Pesmire referenced a staff memo he requested showing unresolved code violations at the site, including debris, plumbing and restroom facilities unfit for occupancy, heating problems and an outstanding fire hazard analysis that may not yet have been reported to the council.

Citing those unresolved issues, a council motion to defer final action until the violations are remedied to staff's satisfaction carried unanimously.

Staff noted the rezoning request came from the property owner and that the developer had said some remediation steps would be taken; council said it preferred final action only after staff confirmed the code and safety issues were addressed. The matter will return to the council when staff reports the violations are resolved.","Council postponed a proposed rezoning of property at 350 Powerhouse Road after a council member requested deferral until outstanding safety and code issues on the applicant's site are remedied.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Ridge council approves transit contract award after residents press for oversight, app and extended hours

Votes at a glance: Oak Ridge council actions on contracts, ordinances and capital projects

Roan Alliance reports job growth, new festivals and large investments in county economy

Oak Ridge approves first reading of slum-clearance code change allowing recovery of remediation costs on property tax bills

Council defers rezoning at 350 Powerhouse Road after staff report lists unresolved code violations