Kingsport council approves rezoning, grants, budget adjustments and multiple resolutions

The Kingsport City Council on Jan. 20 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering zoning, budget adjustments, grant awards and intergovernmental agreements.

The council unanimously or near‑unanimously approved most items on the agenda, including a rezoning request along Brookside Drive, appropriation of a $25,181 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award for public safety equipment, budget amendments across multiple funds, and a TDOT right‑of‑way conveyance for rock slide mitigation along I‑26.

Votes at a glance (each item was read into the record and put to a vote): - Ordinance to rezone property along Brookside Drive from M‑1 (Light Manufacturing) to B‑3 (Highway Oriented Business) to accommodate a new church; motion by Vice Mayor Duncan, second Alderman Mays; motion carried (aye recorded). - Ordinance appropriating $25,181 from the U.S. Department of Justice (Edward Byrne Memorial JAG) for purchase of gas masks and in‑car video cameras; motion by Alderman George, second Alderman Phillips; approved 7‑0. - Budget ordinance amendments (first reading) adjusting revenues and allocations across multiple funds (including payment‑in‑lieu and landfill tipping fees); motion by Alderman Phillips, second Alderman George; approved 7‑0. - Second and final reading rezoning (Tax Map 105, parcels 193 & 194) from A‑1 (Agricultural) to R‑1C (Residential); motion by Vice Mayor Duncan, second…