Chattanooga council approves package of zoning changes, code updates and purchases; grant funds recycling truck

Chattanooga City Council on Dec. 9 approved a set of ordinances and resolutions covering zoning map amendments, changes to city code related to audit committee procedures and whistleblower protections, several appointments, and a series of purchases and grant actions.

The package included votes to: close and abandon a sanitary sewer easement on Volkswagen Drive; amend Chattanooga City Code provisions tied to audit‑committee procedures and to whistleblower protections; approve multiple rezones and an alternate rezoning for property on Shallowford Road; confirm form‑based committee and hearing‑officer appointments; and authorize staff to apply for a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation grant for an automated recycling truck with a $420,500 grant request and a required 50% city match of $210,250.

Why it matters: the council’s actions change zoning designations for a set of properties across districts, update oversight and whistleblower processes in code, and commit the city to pursuing state grants and contract adjustments that have near‑term budgetary implications.

Key votes at a glance - Sanitary sewer easement closure (Volkswagen Drive): motion passed by voice vote. (Caption read; motion approved.) - Ordinance amending audit committee code (item 8a): approved by voice vote. - Ordinance updating whistleblower protections (item 8b): approved by voice vote. - Multiple rezones (planning cases including Ravinia Lane, Barton Avenue, Hickson Pyle and others): motions passed by voice vote. - Shallowford Road rezoning (alternate version, Stone Creek/Yurby Concrete): council approved the alternate rezone subject to conditions read into the record; applicant explained the request limits uses to light‑industrial support functions. - Rezoning at 1309 Chamberlain Avenue (item J): approved with conditions the council read into the record (30‑foot height limit, 8‑foot west setback, retain existing structure, no front driveways) and site plan attached. - Item K alternate (removing parking language; adding special exception permits for a reception facility and a stand‑alone drive‑through): approved; parking provisions deferred for separate consideration. - Resolutions authorizing economic development subleases/leases (temporary skate park at 3937 St. Elmo Ave; Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association lease renewal): approved. - Fraud prevention policy amendment: adopted. - Appointments and confirmations (form‑based code committee and multiple hearing officers): confirmed. - Public Works: change order #1 for the Chattanooga Skate Park contract increased the contract by $94,000 to $326,500; motion passed. - Grant authorization: council authorized staff to apply for a TDEC solid‑waste grant of $420,500 to purchase an automated recycling truck and to authorize the city’s 50% match of $210,250 if awarded; motion passed. - Purchases: council approved a four‑year blanket agreement for refuse and recyclables transport (estimated up to $775,000 annually) and an increase to wastewater generator maintenance agreements. The council also approved a sole‑source purchase of an Airworks underwater drone for the police department for $24,898.

Council members generally approved the items by voice vote with no roll‑call tallies read into the record. During discussion Council staff repeatedly said alternate ordinance language had been prepared and that site plans and condition language had been provided for the official record.

Council statements and select quotes Madam Chair (reading the record): "We have a motion on the floor to approve with a proper second."

On the underwater drone purchase the chair described the equipment as useful and — in informal remarks — said it was "rad" and emphasized safety gains for underwater recovery and rescue operations. Alan Jones, the applicant’s consultant on the Shallowford Road rezoning, summarized his client’s use: "My client, Yurby Concrete, is a concrete finishing company. They are not a concrete producer." That explanation was offered to distinguish the proposed activity as light industrial support and to frame traffic/operational impacts.

What’s next: Several planning items will appear in upcoming meetings with alternate ordinance language or additional conditions included in the record; the council also signaled additional committee work on parking and other planning matters.

Sources: City clerk and staff readings and motions, applicant presentation by Alan Jones (Stone Creek Consulting), council voice votes recorded in meeting minutes.