Kingsport board approves library contract, multiple transportation and budget measures in 7-0 votes

The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a series of ordinances and resolutions on Aug. 5, including a $6.845 million construction contract for renovations to the Kingsport Public Library, agreements with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for resurfacing projects, and several budget adjustment ordinances. All formal votes recorded that evening passed unanimously, 7-0.

Why it matters: The measures advance long-planned capital projects, allocate grant and insurance settlement dollars, and secure funding and contracts that staff said will enable improvements to streets, utilities and downtown assets. The library contract and the Meadowview Parkway resurfacing agreement were among the highest-cost items discussed.

Most consequential approvals

- Kingsport Public Library construction contract: The board awarded the construction contract for library repairs and renovations to Burwell Construction Inc., with the low bid reported in the meeting at $6,845,000 and an estimated 450-day schedule. City staff described the project as the result of years of planning and community input and said the renovated facility will expand children’s and teen areas and position the library as a regional asset.

- Meadowview Parkway resurfacing (TDOT): The board approved an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to resurface Meadowview Parkway, with staff estimating a total project cost of $1,500,000. City staff and board members discussed that about 80% of the funds come from federal pass-through dollars administered by TDOT and that, although the project is “ready” in the local files, the expected timeline to bid and construct could be about two years.

- Budget ordinances (first and second readings): The board approved several budget-adjustment ordinances on first and second readings. Staff said adjustments reflect insurance claim settlements for damaged property, project closeouts (for example moving funds from an old Stone Drive sidewalk project to a Main Street improvement project), acceptance of donations, and reallocation of ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) funds. One item noted a $23,000 assignment for an ESG-funded homeless outreach worker tied to a donation from Debbie Wagner.

- Professional services amendment (CDM Smith): Council approved Amendment No. 1 to a professional services agreement with CDM Smith to perform a force-main surge analysis for the Cooks Valley sewer lift station; staff said the work is funded with American Rescue Plan funds and is part of the South Fork sewer-shed capacity study.

- Thomas Construction contract (concrete work): The board approved awarding contract(s) for concrete replacement work in Area 17 to Thomas Construction Company, Inc.; staff cited an earlier planning estimate for concrete work in the program at approximately $1,500,000.

Other approvals and administrative items

- Vehicle purchase: Approved purchase of one 2023 AutoCar ACX64 with NewWave body (sanitation vehicle) to replace a unit with roughly 137,000 miles.

- Urban SDK renewal: Renewed a three-year license for the Urban SDK traffic-analytics platform; staff reported a local share of a little over $8,000 and that roughly 85% of the cost is covered by federal or state funding formulas.

- TDOT planning funds for the MPO: Authorized the mayor to accept federal and state planning funds for the Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MPO) totaling more than $1.3 million with the local match budgeted.

- Rock salt purchase and cooperative bids: Authorized participation in cooperative purchasing bids (with the City of Knoxville and other entities) and use of a state contract for bulk rock salt for fiscal 2026.

- Bays Mountain Park agreements and grants: Approved an MOU for a resident caretaker at Bays Mountain Park and authorized application for a $100,000 Tennessee Tourism Enhancement grant (30% local match) to upgrade the dilapidated floating bridge at Bays Mountain Park.

- Lease and cultural support: Approved a one-year lease agreement with Kingsport Theater Guild, Inc. for space at the Kingsport Renaissance Center.

What the board said: City staff repeatedly emphasized that many of the projects rely on federal pass-through dollars and that timelines and costs can lengthen between award and construction. On Meadowview Parkway, staff and board members discussed the lag between project planning and construction and the risk of inflation increasing final costs; one member noted that federal pass-through funding makes larger projects feasible despite cost escalation.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- Appointment: Bryant Rutledge to Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee — Motion by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Ordinance (first reading): Fiscal 2025 budget adjustment (insurance settlements, project closeouts) — Motion by Alderman George, second by Alderman Cooper; outcome: approved on first reading, voice vote recorded, 7-0. - Ordinance (first reading): Fiscal 2026 budget adjustments (includes $23,000 ESG allocation tied to a donation) — Motion by Alderman Phillips, second by Alderman George; outcome: approved on first reading, 7-0. - Ordinance (second/final reading): Fiscal 2025 budget adjustment — Motion by Alderman George, second by Alderman Cooper; roll-call recorded; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Ordinance (second/final reading): Zoning amendment (Tax Map 46B, Parcel 13 and portion of Parcel 12, Tyson Lane) — Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan, second by Alderman George; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Ordinance (second/final reading): Zoning text amendment amending membership of Board of Zoning Appeals — Motion by Alderman George, second by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Amend professional services agreement with CDM Smith for force-main surge analysis (Cooks Valley Lift Station) — Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman Mays; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Purchase one 2023 AutoCar ACX64 with NewWave body (sanitation truck) via Sourcewell cooperative — Motion by Alderman George; second by Alderman Cooper; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Accept federal/state planning funds for the Kingsport MPO (total > $1,300,000; local 15% match) — Motion by Alderman Baker; second by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Award debt/contract to Thomas Construction Co., Inc. for Area 17 concrete (phase 4) — Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman George; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: TDOT agreement for Meadowview Parkway resurfacing (total estimated $1,500,000; 80% federal pass-through) — Motion by Alderman Baker; second by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Amendment separating Meadowview Parkway from Ore Bank Road project (TDOT PIN 136057) — Motion by Alderman Mays; second by Alderman Cooper; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Three-year renewal for Urban SDK platform (local share ≈ $8,000) — Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman Mays; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: MOU for Bays Mountain Park resident caretaker (chief ranger Weniger referenced) — Motion by Alderman George; second by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Award construction contract for Kingsport Public Library to Burwell Construction Inc. (low bid $6,845,000; 450-day schedule) — Motion by Alderman Baker; second by Alderman Cooper; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Award purchase contracts for rock salt for fiscal 2026 (cooperative purchasing) — Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman George; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: Apply for and accept Tennessee Tourism Enhancement Grant ($100,000 grant; 30% match) for Bays Mountain Park floating bridge — Motion by Alderman George; second by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 7-0. - Resolution: One-year lease with Kingsport Theater Guild, Inc. for space at the Renaissance Center — Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman Mays (record shows second by an alderman); outcome: approved, 7-0.

Context and next steps: Several projects approved that night remain in pre-construction or design phases and will require later administrative steps (contracts, TDOT coordination, bidding). Staff repeatedly noted that federal pass-through funding increases the city’s ability to fund major resurfacing and downtown projects but also adds procedural steps that affect timelines.

Ending: The board concluded the meeting after a series of routine recognitions and communications about recent events in Kingsport, including the Main Street rebuild award from the Tennessee Municipal League and upcoming downtown activities.