Kingsport aldermen approve rezoning, budget adjustments and multiple procurement resolutions in unanimous votes

The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Dec. 2 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering land use, the city budget, fleet replacements and professional services.

The most consequential vote was approval of an owner-initiated rezoning request for 3938 Eaststone Drive. Planner Jessica McMurray said the request would change the parcel from an A-1 agricultural district to B-3 highway-oriented business, noting the city’s 2030 future land-use plan designates the site for retail and commercial use. Alderman George moved to approve the ordinance; Alderman Phillips seconded. The planning commission had recommended approval after the applicant agreed to restrict heavy-equipment access to Stone Drive to address neighbors’ traffic and safety concerns. The ordinance passed 5-0.

On a second reading, the council approved a budget-adjustment ordinance for several fiscal‑year‑2026 funds. Vice Mayor Duncan moved approval and Alderman George seconded; the body adopted the ordinance on a roll-call vote, 5-0.

Council also authorized the purchase of two 2026 Ford Maverick all‑wheel‑drive vehicles from Lonnie Cobb under the Tennessee state contract for use by street maintenance and wastewater staff. The city manager said delivery is estimated about six months after the purchase order is issued. Alderman George moved the resolution; Vice Mayor Duncan seconded. The measure passed 5-0.

The board approved a contract amendment to continue Raftelis’s role supporting the customer-information system (CIS) billing implementation. Staff said the utility CIS go‑live is projected for April; the amendment authorizes $136,900 for an additional 584 consulting hours to complete data conversion and implementation tasks. Vice Mayor Duncan moved the extension; Alderman Phillips seconded. The resolution passed 5-0.

Finally, council awarded a rebid for replacement of the irrigation pump system at the Cattails at Meadowview Golf Course to GRC Civil Services Inc., with work scheduled in 2026 and staff to return with a funding strategy. Alderman Phillips moved approval; Vice Mayor Duncan seconded; the vote was 5-0.

Two routine items were approved on the consent agenda: an amendment to the Tennessee Department of Transportation contract for the Brickyard bicycle‑pedestrian bridge project, and renewal of the Voya stop‑loss insurance contract for 2026. Vice Mayor Duncan moved the consent agenda; Alderman George seconded, and the items were approved unanimously.

The meeting record shows the mayor instructed the city attorney to publish the adopted ordinance and resolutions as required. The council adjourned after brief communications and holiday announcements.

Votes at a glance - Rezoning (3938 Eaststone Drive): Motion by Alderman George; second by Alderman Phillips; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Budget adjustment ordinance (FY26) — second reading: Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman George; outcome: approved, 5-0 (roll call recorded). - Purchase — two 2026 Ford Mavericks (fleet): Motion by Alderman George; second by Vice Mayor Duncan; outcome: approved, 5-0; estimated delivery ~6 months after PO. - Raftelis contract extension (CIS implementation): Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman Phillips; amendment value: $136,900 for 584 hours; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Meadowview irrigation pump replacement (GRC Civil Services Inc.): Motion by Alderman Phillips; second by Vice Mayor Duncan; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Consent agenda (TDOT Brickyard bridge amendment; Voya stop-loss renewal): Motion by Vice Mayor Duncan; second by Alderman George; outcome: approved, 5-0.

Next steps: staff will publish ordinances as required and return with a financing/funding strategy for the Meadowview irrigation project prior to work in 2026.