[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6585710,"mediaKeyId","5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362","parentId",5601255,"title","Kingsport resident urges local scrutiny of AEP rate changes and TPUC filing","audioSeconds",182,"startMs",474000,"endMs",656000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362&start=474&end=656","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362/thumbnail_474000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585710/Kingsport/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Kingsport-resident-urges-local-scrutiny-of-AEP-rate-changes-and-TPUC-filing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585710-8be8f3c29fa08aaead5424f8b893a6d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151837&Signature=DNxNvCDM4v-GloZwqw7eP9-XDVEx1rKNRjSKFT7gZbCOtvYwZjERTNwTGtOxeP-x1hXGj8AOLOMRmd39S1DSBJUOaF-1onkHyq7l8nHB1f0Yt4SLGW0rphfQj2SldgWst3j2K0o0UjcuLIQTwdQnN0wpFlMnSeDFbuCT7JVVTCbVhX8HYpGyHS6HRzw~dDA-JDEnect8iaOn6a1DdR671AQJnAkyhZv8B24feYdg6v6Q2lx~LU2fb6s6AevdFn3Cih9SevUdDaPIxITqowJIm3J~WHsP8zHDwf9G7RFsaUguEQCs~~aNeHBl-Vx3g2aTf90RUnnTx2CmezlOqDL-4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kingsport, TN","date","2025-08-19T23:54:39.463Z","article","Tim Sanders of 1213 Bloomingdale Pike told the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen during public comment on Aug. 19 that residents should scrutinize proposed rate changes from American Electric Power (AEP) and the company’s filing with the Tennessee regulatory commission.

Sanders said a March 28, 2025 petition filed with the Tennessee regulatory commission includes proposed new charges for a Targeted Reliability Plan (TRP) and Major Storm (MS) charges and that those charges are on file with the Tennessee regulatory agency in Nashville. “This is us. I'm a part of Kingsport,” Sanders said, arguing that the tariff surcharge is effectively a tax and that residents will see increases in property, water and sewer rates as a result.

He urged more local discussion and transparency so residents can review filings locally rather than relying on a Nashville office to hold records. Sanders said he will continue the conversation in future meetings.

What happened at the meeting
The board took no formal action during the public‑comment period on the AEP matter; the item was a citizen comment. The City Manager acknowledged the public‑comment rules and encouraged residents to speak before or after meetings as well as at the podium.

Context and next steps
Sanders referenced filings with the Tennessee utilities commission and used the meeting podium to ask the board to press for more detailed local explanations of proposed tariff changes. The transcript does not show a response from individual board members beyond the City Manager’s reminder about the public comment process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BMA Meeting 8/19/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Kingsport resident used the public‑comment period to urge local officials and residents to pay attention to a proposed AEP tariff filing with the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, raising concerns about local rate impacts and transparency.","taxTitle","Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee","taxId",3934,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585712,"Votes at a glance: Kingsport passes multiple ordinances and resolutions, including school HVAC funding and developer reimbursement",84,2768000,2852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362&start=2768&end=2852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362/thumbnail_2768000.jpg","/articles/6585712/Kingsport/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Kingsport-passes-multiple-ordinances-and-resolutions-including-school-HVAC-funding-and-developer-reimbursement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585712-98e7f5510bdfc6d12482b33a38d376bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151837&Signature=G7I576lePQWZZDUAOAuLCAKx5CizM7WQsnikpvWtXzRkYy4H99E2gPS9pEL5Mo6sjPQr399tMzY2HNAOvgeY1IMvsqv7dffGhAiV2kAiJX4KB2wySqEyZ2bdjo3XKKQD9WpeL6G36RI32bKgh4KgBnvozAS84ledh0aSpyVRgZZqWTjJPJgBNP7w53Wu4T5UGqgtiR~bAGfNzQpAXzjGl4NjqXJ65Eo~ryPXf0XmSiMuq7RN1EJmGgNRCB4rdmlMlHNIXiynfY8WoZDKhkm1m2OPMqr5wCgRrk6FU7t31n3VlvK~osrYHk8Tctl8Jjh8uQLOCbQcBvsmRkORIQU28A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kingsport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Aug. 19 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions addressing zoning, city and school budgets, developer reimbursements, equipment purchases and public‑art donations. Most items passed unanimously, 7–0.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of minutes: The board approved the Aug. 5 work session and Aug. 5 business meeting minutes (motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman Cooper). Vote: 7–0.

- Rezoning along Blakely Drive: The board approved an ordinance to rezone parcels on Blakely Drive from R‑1B residential to A‑1 agricultural after a presentation from planning staff and a positive planning commission recommendation. Vote: 7–0.

- Zoning text amendment — religious assembly: The board amended Chapter 114 of the code to add religious assembly as a principal use in M‑1, M‑1R and MX zoning districts, following a staff presentation and planning commission recommendation. Vote: 7–0.

- Budget adjustments and ordinances: The board approved multiple budget adjustment ordinances, including amendments to fiscal 2025 budgets (final adoption) and fiscal 2026 budgets (first and final readings for various items). Votes: 7–0 on the various ordinances. The packet noted retiree health insurance stop‑loss receipts and other fund movements; specific dollar amounts appear in the city’s budget amendment summary in the meeting packet.

- Washington Elementary HVAC: The board approved an ordinance to amend school general purpose and general projects funds to fund replacement of the Washington Elementary School HVAC system, using existing fund balance pending expected bond proceeds. Staff noted a bid opening scheduled the following day and return to the board for contract award on Sept. 16. Vote: 7–0.

- School donation: The board approved acceptance of a $25,000 donation from Melissa’s Hope Foundation to be used at both John Sevier and Dobyns‑Bennett high schools. Vote: 7–0.

- Developer reimbursement — Brickyard Village Phase 1: The board approved a resolution authorizing reimbursement of materials agreement funds to Brickyard TN LLC related to Brickyard Village Phase 1; packet listed the reimbursement as $108,330.93. Vote: 7–0.

- Equipment purchase — Ditch Witch JT5 horizontal drill: The board approved a resolution to purchase a Ditch Witch JT5 horizontal drill through a cooperative purchasing agreement for use by public works; staff said delivery could be two to three months. Vote: 7–0.

- ESRI enterprise license agreement: The board approved a three‑year enterprise license agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) for GIS software used by multiple city departments. Vote: 7–0.

- Hansen CIS change order: The board approved change order No. 3 to the Hansen Customer Information System contract to add vendor support for migration tasks. Vote: 7–0.

- AI pilot: The board approved a no‑cost, six‑month AI pilot tied to the Hansen CIS (see separate coverage). Vote: 7–0.

- Park renaming: The board approved renaming Riverview Park to Jack Pierce Senior Park at Riverview; family members attended the meeting. Vote: 7–0.

- Contract bid actions and donations: The board rejected all bids for irrigation pump upgrades for Cattails at MeadowView to rebid the work; approved acceptance of a Rotary sculpture donation (“Unselfish Service Above All”) to be installed near Fire Station 2; and approved a reimbursement and easement consent in consent agenda items (Tennessee State Museum grant application, five storm drain art murals, and a right‑of‑way easement with Kingsport Power Company). Votes: 7–0 on each consent/resolution item.

The board conducted roll calls on several final readings; recorded roll calls showed all seven members voting yes on the final appropriations and adoption items.

What’s next
Several items will return for contract awards or additional board action after bid openings or follow‑up work: staff said the Washington Elementary HVAC bid opening was scheduled the following day and contract approval is expected at the Sept. 16 meeting; the Ditch Witch drill delivery timeline will be confirmed by staff; and staff will rebid the MeadowView irrigation pump project after further contractor outreach.","At its Aug. 19 meeting the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions on zoning, budgets, school HVAC funding, developer reimbursement, equipment purchases and several public‑art and easement items. Most items passed unanimously 7–0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585717,"Kingsport approves six‑month pilot of AI customer‑service tool, expands Hansen CIS support",480,1876000,2356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362&start=1876&end=2356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5601255-a235a6bcdb92ddec5d760bd92211f362/thumbnail_1876000.jpg","/articles/6585717/Kingsport/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Kingsport-approves-sixmonth-pilot-of-AI-customerservice-tool-expands-Hansen-CIS-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585717-8e6e362dc71f74bfc16896f002575ac5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151837&Signature=a~ehdC~2oUkg~V4Z4UNqnbtY-iCfHcv9Av4uQkI29XAcmKwnn5Dn4~QUqQ-W7diE4um5OOPcJqK3kbtgQpKfWcgTCQXpcAnhmjIQjdeephe5jLPrPXUKJUVsnuDlViNU555o2XelZEm7WZXpnFIHKZ8i4xMRd7wmLUMUX73HQA1Eq8BImUg5X6dJ4zlduxRwwCrMqgTScJELNiGIwm7tKPa6CJc~5F3b~U3-LZipDeueqe3tQRYDUlpgCX~KWiFdWb6B3~62YN0~12ma6AA3WS2Y-~bNwMQWIA0kOKN~vyFXKF~FN~~PzTE4-sm427R62MYY95-KI-ZFSfxdXLuxyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kingsport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Aug. 19 approved a six‑month, no‑cost pilot of a generative AI customer‑service tool tied to the city’s Hansen customer information system and approved a change order to bring two vendor staff on-site to help with the system migration.

City Manager introduced the items as part of the city’s strategic plan work on artificial intelligence and customer information systems. “This gives us an opportunity about 544 hours that we can work with this, see if we like it,” the City Manager said, adding the pilot is expected to run six months and “there is really no cost to the city to do a trial with this.”

The board approved a standalone statement of work for the AI pilot (listed in the packet under the vendor name cited in the meeting) and later approved change order No. 3 to the city’s Hansen CIS implementation contract to fund two Hansen personnel to assist with data migration and implementation tasks.

Why it matters: the city’s customer service operation handles utility billing and similar requests; the pilot is intended to automate common inquiries, provide multilingual support and reduce repetitive phone‑tree frustrations. Council members repeatedly emphasized the need to preserve access to human help and to ensure records created by the system remain subject to public‑records rules.

Discussion and safeguards
Alderman Phillips questioned whether AI‑generated records would be subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. The City Manager replied, “Anything that can be kept, anything that is recorded, lands on a hard drive or in a desk drawer, wherever it may be, yes. It is subject to that.” He added that if an interaction is not retained it would not be subject to records retention requirements.

Board members asked about accuracy, training and hours of operation. The City Manager said the vendor is scripting and training the system now and that staff will provide demos for the board: “as we get to a place where we can actually demo it, we'll have it set up, and we'll let you guys call in” to test it. He said the vendor intends the system to sense frustration and transfer callers to a human when needed.

Pilot scope and next steps
The pilot includes setup and training time (the packet referenced about 544 hours of setup), live operation for six months and vendor monitoring. If the city and vendor judge performance acceptable, staff may return to the board with a recommendation about continued use or contract expansion after the trial.

Board action
The board voted 7–0 to approve the AI pilot statement of work and 7–0 to approve change order No. 3 to the Hansen CIS contract for implementation support.

What’s next
Staff said they will continue training and testing, provide demos for the board and monitor the pilot’s performance and customer experience during the six‑month trial. The board’s discussion indicates ongoing oversight and an intent to reassess before any longer‑term purchase.","The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a no‑cost six‑month pilot of a generative AI customer‑service tool tied to the city’s Hansen customer information system and authorized a contract change order to bring two Hansen staff on-site for migration support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kingsport resident urges local scrutiny of AEP rate changes and TPUC filing

Votes at a glance: Kingsport passes multiple ordinances and resolutions, including school HVAC funding and developer reimbursement

Kingsport approves six‑month pilot of AI customer‑service tool, expands Hansen CIS support