The council approved bringing forward an ordinance to designate the city as a broadband‑ready community to make LCUB (the utility board) eligible for a grant through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Jack Qualls, identified in the transcript as the economic development director, explained the grant would fund a mobile trailer with broadcasting equipment to offer free Wi‑Fi at community events and, when needed, in emergency situations.

Why it matters: The equipment described would be portable and could be deployed downtown, at sporting events, or during emergencies to provide free Internet access for residents and event attendees. The grant described in the meeting was a 100% grant with an approximate award size of $100,000.

Council action: A motion to approve submission of the ordinance and move forward with the application was made and seconded; roll call was taken and council advanced the application process.

Next steps: If the city is designated and the grant is awarded, LCUB would manage the trailer. Staff said the grant is 100% and would cover up to the amount described; further project and equipment details would follow as part of any grant award process.