Board approves rezonings, ARPA spending plan, fireworks contract and leases; airport board appointment tabled

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen took several formal actions at its meeting, approving two zoning map amendments on first reading, finalizing the city’s ARPA spending plan for fiscal years 2022–2026, authorizing a fireworks contract and approving an annual lease for storage while directing staff to propose a permanent facility for Parks and Recreation. The board also encountered a tie in appointing a member to the Tullahoma Airport Authority and voted to table that appointment; a separate appointment to the Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation was filled.

Key votes at a glance - Ordinance 16-44 (rezoning: 310 South Anderson Street from General Commercial C-2 to Neighborhood Commercial C-3): Passed on first of two readings, vote recorded as 6–0. Motion by Alderman Bird; second by Alderman Wilson. - Ordinance 16-45 (rezoning: 0 Kings Lane from High Density Residential R-3 to General Commercial C-2): Passed on first of two readings, vote recorded as 6–0. Motion by Alderman Glick; second by Alderman McGee. - Resolution 2020 (finalize American Rescue Plan Act spending plan, FY2022–2026): Approved, vote recorded as 6–0. Staff reported most items purchased; a fire truck remains in production and is expected in early 2026. - Tullahoma Airport Authority appointment (five-year term through 02/27/2030): Initial paper-ballot vote resulted in a 3–3 tie between Ralph Bard and Tom Gillard. The board voted to table the appointment; motion to table recorded as unanimous. - TAEDC appointment (unexpired term ending July 2026): Kevin LeMay was appointed. Recorded votes show LeMay receiving the majority of board votes; other nominees were Troy Reynolds and Carla Smith. - Pyro Shows Inc. contract for Independence Day fireworks, $28,875: Approved, vote recorded as 6–0. Board members discussed cancellation and penalty clauses prior to approval. - Swanson Development LP annual lease for storage ($2,475 per month): Approved with an amendment directing staff to return with a proposal and budget options to build a permanent Parks & Recreation facility; amendment and final motion carried 6–0.

What the approvals mean The two zoning ordinances were approved on their first reading and will return for a second reading before final adoption. The ARPA spending plan resolution reiterated items already on the city list and confirmed reporting to state authorities; city staff said the funds must be spent by December 2026. The fireworks contract and the monthly storage lease were approved as presented, though the lease vote included a board directive that staff prepare a plan and budget for a permanent facility to replace ongoing leased storage.

Airport appointment and TAEDC selection Paper ballots were used in the airport-authority selection. The tie vote prompted discussion about holding the matter until a later meeting; the board voted to table the appointment. In the TAEDC selection, the board appointed Kevin LeMay after voting by roll call; recorded votes were read into the record.

Ending: The board concluded the meeting after approving the consent agenda items that remained, moving two consent items to new business and directing staff to return with follow-up plans on capital and facility items.