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City presents stormwater capital projects, annual report and revised stormwater ordinance; condemnation of a parcel eyed to keep project on schedule
Summary
City engineers presented a multiyear stormwater capital program, the MS4 annual report, and a rewritten municipal stormwater ordinance that would adopt updated TDEC water-quality standards and new permit types.
City engineers and the stormwater division presented a multi-year capital improvement program and an updated stormwater ordinance to the Gallatin City Council, detailing projects intended to reduce downtown flooding and improve stormwater management.
Courtney Hopkins, the city—s stormwater coordinator, presented the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) annual report and summarized permit responsibilities, education efforts and monitoring. Hopkins said the city is inventorying stormwater control measures and that technicians tracked about 130 active construction sites during the fiscal year. "Our stormwater project manager, Ryan Fort, reviewed over 720 plans," Hopkins said.
Engineering director Nick Tuttle reviewed a list of planned capital projects, including a Center Street to Anthony Street drainage mitigation, Bly Avenue stormwater components tied to streetscape work, North Council Avenue improvements, and a proposed berm at Triple Creek Park intended to reduce downtown flooding. Tuttle said staff would seek right-of-way and easement acquisitions for several projects and aim to move some projects into construction in 2026–2028, depending on right-of-way and permitting.
One item drew particular attention: the American Legion Post 17 stormwater improvement, funded in part with a $500,000 ARPA contribution from the county. Tuttle said the city has attempted to negotiate acquisition of a small parcel from a neighboring property owner (a church) to complete a detention expansion. Staff reported they have been unable to reach agreement on price despite multiple offers and are preparing to refer the matter to the city attorney to begin condemnation if no voluntary settlement is reached. "Our next logical step is to turn that over to our attorney's office for condemnation," Tuttle said, adding that condemnation would allow the project to proceed toward its grant deadline.
Council members asked about schedule risk and whether condemnation would delay grant spending. Tuttle said condemnation would allow possession quickly and keep the project on schedule to meet the spending deadline; otherwise the city risks losing the ARPA funds.
The council also reviewed a full repeal-and-replace of Chapter 18 of the municipal code — the stormwater ordinance — designed to align with the state—s 2022 MS4 permit and Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation rules. Proposed changes included: adoption of the state's 80% total suspended solids (TSS) removal water-quality standard table; creation of a residential infill development permit pathway (modeled on Nashville—s process) for smaller projects; a new mass-grading permit type; and a supplemental permit for rock-crushing operations to require dust-control best management practices.
After Q&A the council approved the ordinance update on the first vote, with a unanimous roll-call for the motion to proceed. Staff said the ordinance will proceed through required public hearing and second-reading steps before final adoption.
Why it matters: The city's stormwater program and planned projects address recurring flooding and drainage problems in parts of downtown and near low-lying neighborhoods; staff told council that meeting funding deadlines and acquiring right-of-way are time-sensitive tasks.
