Kingsport board approves rezoning, budget shifts and multiple resolutions; creates MediView task force

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Kingsport met Dec. 16 and approved a package of routine and policy items, including the final adoption of a rezoning on Easton Drive, a set of budget adjustments and several resolutions intended to save money or clarify city processes.

The most consequential vote was the final adoption of an ordinance rezoning a portion of Parcel 112.20 along Easton Drive from A-1 Agricultural to B-3 Highway-Oriented Business. Alderman George moved the measure and Vice Mayor Duncan seconded; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval. “The ordinance is approved,” Mayor Montgomery said after the vote.

Why it matters: the rezoning clears the way for highway-oriented business uses on property along Easton Drive, changing development possibilities and permitting for that parcel.

Board members also approved a first-reading budget adjustment ordinance to move funds among community development, police, paving and utilities so the city can provide matching dollars for MPO paving projects. Alderman George moved the budget ordinance and Alderman Phillips seconded; the board approved the reading and moved the item forward.

The board passed an ordinance amending the general purpose school fund and project budgets to fund architectural services for a new elementary school and to replace a fire alarm system at Robinson Elementary. Vice Mayor Duncan moved the measure and Alderman Baker seconded.

Votes at a glance - Reappoint municipal judge Russell Atkins: motion by Alderman Cooper, second by Vice Mayor Duncan; outcome — appointed (voice vote, unanimous). - Appoint Laura Barnett to the Board of Zoning Appeals: motion by Alderman Baker, second by Alderman Phillips; outcome — appointed (voice vote, unanimous). - Budget adjustment ordinance (first reading) — moved by Alderman George, second by Alderman Phillips; outcome — approved on reading. - School fund budget amendment — moved by Vice Mayor Duncan, second by Alderman Baker; outcome — approved. - Final adoption, Easton Drive rezoning — moved by Alderman George, second by Vice Mayor Duncan; outcome — adopted (roll call: unanimous). - Resolution authorizing Kingsport City Schools to change phone provider (United Data Technologies via TIPS) — moved by Alderman Cooper; outcome — adopted (staff said this will save the district about $12,000 a year). - TDOT amendment for North Eastman/Clinchfield resurfacing (MPO funds): moved by Alderman George, second by Vice Mayor Duncan; outcome — adopted (7–0); staff said reallocating $440,000 in MPO funds to let city crews self-perform sidewalk/ADA work could yield savings. - Resolution requesting private act to amend the city charter (elections, tax deadlines, budget publication): moved by Alderman Phillips, second by Alderman Baker; outcome — adopted (7–0); staff will forward the request to state legislators. - Resolution approving lease/transfer steps for Academic Village properties (Northeast State/TBR): moved by Alderman Baker, second by Alderman George; outcome — adopted (7–0); staff estimated about $50,000 in average annual city costs for those properties and discussed reversion terms if properties cease higher-education use. - Resolution creating MediView (MeadowView) task force: moved by Vice Mayor Duncan, second by Alderman Cooper; outcome — adopted (7–0). - Consent agenda (five items: PHA plan consistency certification; two Tennessee Arts Commission grant applications; letter supporting Warriors Path crosswalk; property insurance renewal with Travelers): moved by Vice Mayor Duncan, second by Alderman George; outcome — adopted (7–0).

Annexation update and staff reports Planning Manager Ken Weems gave the annual plan-of-services update for two annexations. He said Fieldcrest now has water service and sanitary sewer is under construction; staff expects Fieldcrest to fall off the plan of services by next year. Cherry Knoll still requires water, sewer and street lights when development occurs; staff recommended holding the public hearing and provided details to the board.

Academic Village and MeadowView issues City staff presented a resolution to proceed with continued leases and eventual transfer of several Academic Village properties to Northeast State and the Tennessee Board of Regents, emphasizing that transfers would keep parking available for public use evenings and weekends and that the state institutions plan to continue investing in downtown programs. Aldermen asked about annual maintenance costs (staff cited about $50,000) and reversion if a property later ceases higher-education use.

The board also approved a MediView (MeadowView) task force to study long-term strategy and near-term subsidy options, including whether the city can reduce its subsidy ahead of 2027 agreement deadlines. Alderman Baker and others emphasized that the convention-space subsidy, rather than hotel operations, is central to the fiscal challenge.

Public comment and other business During public comment, Tim Sanders urged the board to avoid overly restricting comment time and encouraged more exchange between elected officials and residents. The meeting included a year-in-review and several recognitions tied to the city’s "Christmas in Kingsport" program.

What’s next Most items that required only approvals were adopted at the Dec. 16 meeting; some items (notably the budget ordinance and school fund ordinance) were advanced as readings or amendments in line with the city’s process. The city manager and staff will proceed with the steps authorized by the resolutions that will require subsequent administrative or legislative follow-up (e.g., state private-act work with legislators and lease conveyance negotiations with the Tennessee Board of Regents).