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Board approves rezoning first reading, insurance renewals, grant and contracts in voice votes
Summary
At its meeting the Gatlinburg Board approved Ordinance 26-43 (first reading), insurance renewals for medical, dental and life/disability, Resolution 1031 to raise the asset capitalization threshold, a TDOT mass transit operating grant of $526,001.25, an agreement with Fly Group Inc for automated license plate readers, and an estoppel certificate for a long-term lease assignment.
The Gatlinburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a series of routine and policy items by voice vote during its regular session.
Ordinance 26-43 (first reading): The board introduced and approved proceeding with Ordinance 26-43 to reclassify Parcel 76.02 (tax map 108) at 759 Buckhorn Road from R-1 (low-density residential) to C-5 Craft Commercial District. Staff reported the planning commission reviewed the proposal on Sept. 30, 2025, and no public opposition was received at this meeting.
Employee insurance renewals: Staff recommended staying with Blue Cross Blue Shield for both the medical and dental plans for the 2026 plan year. For medical coverage, staff outlined continuing the HRA approach and offered a network-tier option (from 'network P' to 'network S') that staff said would reduce costs; staff reported an estimated premium increase of about 26.1% for the recommended medical approach. For dental, staff reported an 8% price increase and estimated the city’s budget allocation would rise from roughly $151,000 to $163,000 while keeping existing benefits. For life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, the transcript references continuing with the existing carrier (referred to in the transcript as "USAbel") and staff said that carrier quoted no premium increase.
Resolution 1031 (asset capitalization threshold): Staff proposed raising the city’s asset capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 to align depreciation practices with peer governments and recent price changes; the board approved the resolution.
TDOT operating grant for mass transit: Staff presented an operating grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation for FY25–26 to support mass transit payroll and operations; staff stated the grant amount is $526,001.25 and recommended acceptance. The board approved accepting the grant.
Agreement with Fly Group Inc (ALPR cameras): The board approved contracting with Fly Group Inc to cover a second contract for the remaining six automated license plate reader cameras, bringing total contracted units to 12. Staff said six cameras are already under contract and the additional six will restore the full set; staff described the system as valuable for locating stolen vehicles and missing persons.
Estoppel certificate and lease assignment: Staff explained a requested estoppel certificate tied to a 1961 99-year ski-lodge lease and said the lease has been assigned multiple times; the current lessee was referred to in the transcript as both "Overland LLC" and "Overt Venture LLC." Staff asked that the city manager be authorized to execute the estoppel certificate; the board approved that authorization.
In all cases above the actions were recorded as motions, seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting record does not include roll-call vote tallies.
