Oak Ridge council approves first‑reading rezoning and a package of ordinances, resolutions and contracts

Oak Ridge City Council voted on a set of ordinances, resolutions and contract actions at its April meeting. The meeting produced a mix of routine municipal business, emergency contracts and a first reading of a major rezoning.

Key outcomes at a glance:

- Rezoning (first reading): Council approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone the 375‑acre parcel at 350 Powerhouse Road from FIR to IND‑1 with a 600‑foot RG‑1 buffer (Planning Commission recommendation). The item will return for the required second reading and public hearing.

- City attorney evaluation and contract: Council approved the evaluation committee’s recommendation for an increase to the city attorney’s base salary (a 4.88% raise to a base salary reported in the packet as $188,801.60), a three‑year contract extension through January 2033, a $1,500 bonus and reimbursement of specified personal phone/internet expenses (city owed $6,930). The committee also recommended a $260 per month stipend payable in installments per the packet.

- Consent agenda: The consent agenda passed without objection.

- Abandonment and right‑of‑way items: First reading was held and passed on the ordinance to abandon a portion of Badger Avenue conditioned on certain requirements; a substitute ordinance to abandon a portion of Boulevard for industrial park marketing was approved on second reading after Planning Commission recommendation was added to the substitute language.

- Zoning and sign code changes (final adoption): Council approved amendments to sign regulations (eliminating certain wall‑sign height restrictions and allowing internal direct illumination outside residential districts) following a public hearing.

- Other ordinances adopted (second reading): Ordinances including changes to animal registration fee authority and three separate infrastructure acceptance ordinances for sections of The Preserve at Clinch River (accepting streets/infrastructure for perpetual maintenance) were approved on second reading.

- Personnel policy: Council amended the city personnel plan to clarify which employees are required to reside in city limits (ordinance amendment approved).

- Naming resolution: Council approved a resolution to name the Grand Ballroom at the Oak Ridge Conference Center after Edwina Crow; family and community members spoke in support.

- Emergency/contract actions: Council authorized a contract with Bradston Inc. (Knoxville) for repair of a failed sewer force main along the Bethel Valley Road ramp in an amount not to exceed $195,000 and approved a contract increase for FM Sylvan Inc. (HVAC services) by $100,000 to raise the not‑to‑exceed amount to $150,000 to cover unplanned catastrophic repairs, including a chiller replacement at the Civic Center.

- Pelissippi Blueway MOU: Council authorized a memorandum of understanding to plan and promote a Clinch River water trail (Pelissippi Blueway). The MOU passed 6–0–1; Council member Smith abstained due to substantial personal involvement with the project.

- Student appointment: The council elected Jolly Givens as the student representative to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board; the appointment runs through June 30, 2026.

Most routine items passed unanimously or without recorded opposition. Several items — notably the rezoning and right‑of‑way abandonments — will return to Council for required additional readings or follow‑up work by staff. The packet and minutes provide full motions, substance and the planning commission materials that were referenced during debate.