The Johnson City Planning Commission met to consider the preliminary plat for Seminole Fields, an 11‑lot single‑family subdivision owned by Grace Fellowship Church of Johnson City. Staff recommended approval with an alternate sidewalk design; commissioners voted unanimously to approve the plat and the variance. The meeting also included remarks marking Commissioner Getz's final appearance.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of Commissioner Getz's final meeting and personal remarks of appreciation.
•Applicant proposed to delete the short segment and provide a pea‑gravel trail and a concrete sidewalk that connects to Seminole Drive.
•Questions from commissioners focused on retaining walls, pedestrian access for bus riders, and cul‑de‑sac turning radius.
•Staff presented Seminole Fields preliminary plat: 11 lots, 1.66 acres open space, pea‑gravel trail, sidewalk variance due to topography.
•Topography would require a retaining wall to install standard five‑foot sidewalks in a short stretch.

Decisions

•Commission approved the alternate sidewalk design as part of the preliminary plat approval.
•No formal personnel actions taken.
•Preliminary plat approved with alternate sidewalk design; motion passed unanimously.

Directions

•Applicant to submit construction plans and any off‑site easement documentation if needed.
•Review construction plans and any required easement documentation during permitting.

Nov

WC/JC Animal Control Board Meeting Agenda 11.10.26 (PDF)

The Animal Control Board was scheduled to meet Nov. 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Johnson City to receive updates on the spay-and-neuter clinic, hear a financial report, and get reports from staff, the foundation and the Humane Society, according to the agenda.

Nov

Budget Committee Agenda 11.10.26 (PDF)

The Washington County Budget Committee was scheduled Nov. 10, 2026, to consider multiple FY27 budget amendments and spending authorizations, including re-budgeting Frontier Trail funds and capital projects for school buses, water-line installation, and courthouse audiovisual upgrades.

Discussion Points

•Final project cost for Johnson City-managed water-line projects was approximately $2.17 million vs. initial $3 million authorization.
•Multiple departmental budget amendments presented, including Frontier Trail re-budgeting and several grant budgetings.
•Request to use capital funds for TLC renovation and courthouse AV replacements; vendor quote provides technical scope for Courtroom 7 upgrade.

Directions

•Approved amendments were to be forwarded to the County Commission as resolutions.
•Approved at committee level to be forwarded to Commission as resolution
•Funding was re-budgeted into FY27 Capital Projects Fund; no further committee action required as expenditures had been previously authorized.

Nov

Johnson City Board of Commissioners Meeting 11-05-2026

Johnson City Commission met Nov. 5, 2026. The commission approved several grants and routine contract closeouts, heard a voluntary annexation request, extended an Industrial Development Board MOU for payment-in-lieu-of-tax pilots, considered a rezoning request for a church addition, approved conveyance of city property for a Culver's, and took public comment on police surveillance and neighborhood safety concerns.

Discussion Points

•Best said the change order paid invoices for guardrails damaged in accidents and that staff tries to group repairs to save money.
•Carrier explained the grant purpose: purchase of Magnet Forensics to download digital evidence from devices.
•Carrier said outfitting costs average about $10,000 per vehicle; the vehicles will likely be SUVs but final make/model to be specified later.
•Commissioners confirmed the grant requires no city match and that routine maintenance costs can be absorbed.
•Commissioners expressed interest in a work session to review the Flock camera program and citizen concerns.
•He noted legal safeguards (owner permission or search warrant) and that Magnet Forensics does not access data on the vendor side and downloaded evidence is stored internally.
•He said the department seeks insurance reimbursement where possible and coordinates with state T‑DOT on state roads.
•LaMotte detailed an unpermitted camper with an electrical hookup submerged during flooding and said six months of tickets produced no coordinated action.
•Lane explained notification and customer guidance for private property owners when pressure changes occur.
•Lane noted the work replaced more than 9,000 feet of galvanized pipe and that the program began in 2009 and has removed over 21 miles total.
•Major Carrier explained the need to replace nine 2016–2017 patrol vehicles with ~100,000 miles.
•No public comments were offered at the hearing.
•Pearson explained the addition would displace seven parking spaces; the church plans to expand an off‑site gravel lot and pave it to replace parking.
•Pearson said the annexation would allow the property owner to seek a second driveway connection and R2 zoning if annexed.
•Public commenter described alleged misuse of surveillance and limited public records access for non‑residents.
•Staff confirmed receipt of photos and an upcoming Nov. 9 multi‑department meeting to try to resolve the issue.
•Staff found the rezoning consistent with Horizon 2045 policies for the downtown transitional area.
•Staff noted notices were mailed and the property posted; no feedback was received and Planning Commission would review the request next.
•Steadman noted remedies for non‑performance and multi‑entity review requirements including CPA/auditor reviews.
•Steadman summarized several pilots — LPI ($7M investment, 331 jobs), Lapconnect (400 jobs by year five), From Laboratories ($27M, 294 jobs to date) — and explained MOU criteria.
•Willis said there were no changes since first reading and staff recommended approval.

Decisions

•Change order approved
•Final payment approved
•First reading approved
•Grant accepted
•Grant accepted; vehicles to be specified and procured
•MOU renewed for one year
•Ordinance approved on second reading
•Request to proceed approved

Directions

•Commission directed staff to follow up and coordinate building, electrical, fire marshal and police divisions.
•Staff to explore scheduling a work session between December and mid‑December and gather community input.

Nov

HEW Committee Agenda - 11.5.26 - updated (PDF)

Washington County Health, Education & Welfare Committee is scheduled to meet November 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse first-floor conference room. The agenda includes a library report with Gray Branch opening and statistics, a County Attorney overview of environmental court and a request to approve citations for two properties, and an environmental cleanup report.

Discussion Points

•County Attorney request approval to issue citations for two properties in Jonesborough (addresses listed).
•October minutes show a motion to approve the request and record the vote, but the packet does not include citation text or penalty amounts.
•Report cites an estimated value of services ($3,621,693.34) using the county service-area population (66,256).
•Report documents Gray Branch expansion, staffing changes, continuing education total (316 hours) and comparative circulation/attendance figures.

Nov

County Owned Property Agenda 11.5.26 (PDF)

The Washington County County Owned Property Committee is scheduled to meet November 5, 2026, to review past work on county-owned property, set goals for the coming year and consider new business; the agenda also explains how members of the public may provide comment in person.

Discussion Points

•Discussion to set committee goals for the coming year
•Opportunity to raise items under New Business
•Review of previous work on county-owned property

Nov

Employee Comp & Benefits Agenda 11.5.26 (PDF)

Washington County Employee Comp & Benefits Committee is scheduled to consider selecting a vendor and approving a management contract for the county employee health clinic at its November 5, 2026 meeting. Staff provided a vendor evaluation comparing Premise Health, Ballad Health and Symbol Health, but the packet lists no costs.

Discussion Points

•Staff framed the trade-off as continuity (Premise) vs. local brand presence (Ballad) vs. cost containment (Symbol).
•Staff provided comparative evaluations of three vendors (Premise Health, Ballad Health, Symbol Health).

Nov

CIA Committee Agenda 11.5.26 (PDF)

The Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural Committee is scheduled to consider a staff recommendation for a moratorium on text amendments to the Washington County Zoning Resolution at its Nov. 5, 2026, meeting, and will also hear an appointment recommendation for the Brightridge board and an update on the Appalachian Producers Cooperative.

Discussion Points

•County Staff recommendation for a moratorium on text amendments to the Washington County Zoning Resolution until the Zoning Resolution update project is complete.

Nov

Public Safety Committee Agenda 11.5.26 (PDF)

The Washington County Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet Nov. 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to hear routine reports from public-safety agencies, consider a Sheriff's Office budget amendment for a FY 20262027 TCI grant and a list of surplus items, and discuss possible county policies on "White Flag" and "Red Flag" procedural operations requested under new business by the Salvation Army.

Discussion Points

•Agenda lists a Salvation Army New Business item described as "Discussion and possible action regarding county policies and support for White Flag and Red Flag procedural operations."
•Budget amendment for FY 2026-2027 TCI grant listed but no dollar amount provided in packet.
•Detailed November 2026 surplus inventory presented with vehicles, electronics, and appliances; some items marked "To Scrap."
•Packet contains no draft policy language, estimated costs, or staff recommendation for this item.

Nov

Public Works Agenda 11.5.26 (PDF)

The Washington County Public Works Committee is scheduled to meet November 5, 2026, to assign term lengths for previously recommended BZA appointments and to consider two road-naming proposals: one behind the Slaughterhouse and one off Bailey Bridge.

Nov

HEW Committee Agenda 11.5.26 (PDF)

The Health, Education & Welfare Committee is scheduled to consider a library report with branch reopening statistics and service-value estimates, a county attorney report requesting citations for two properties, and several administrative reports at its Nov. 5, 2026 meeting at 1:00 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse conference room.

Discussion Points

•Gray Branch expansion and opening dates and statistics
•Library reported estimated value of services and usage metrics
•Oct. 8 minutes show HEW Committee approved and moved the resolution to the full Commission
•Oct. 8 minutes show HEW Committee moved to approve and advance the item to the Commission
•Recovery Court presented Resolution No. 26-10.08 regarding 'Baby Doe' opioid litigation funds
•Staff completed 316 continuing-education hours
•Zoning Office presented proposed 2024 IRC revisions

Nov

Rules Committee Agenda - 11.5.26 - updated (PDF)

The Washington County Rules Committee is scheduled to consider proposed revisions to the Board of Commissioners' Rules of Procedure on Nov. 5, 2026, including changes to public-comment rules and committee election/agenda procedures. The meeting is set for 8:00 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, First Floor Conference Room.

Discussion Points

•All committee recommendations and actions to be reduced to a written report for submission to the Board
•Allow electronic meeting sign-up through mayor’s office/communications director up to two hours before meeting
•County Attorney to prepare resolutions upon committee request
•If officers are not elected within 21 days, Board Chair will call the committee and serve as temporary chair
•Limit public comment to matters germane to agenda items or Board jurisdiction
•Permit committee chairs to limit total public-comment time to 20 minutes for 60-minute meetings
•Require committees to elect chair, vice-chair and secretary from membership upon appointment
•Require sign-in sheet 30 minutes prior listing name, address, subject and resolution reference
•Set three (3) minutes per speaker; chair may extend; member objection can trigger an immediate vote to stop a speaker

Nov

Board of Zoning Appeals Agenda 11.3.26 (PDF)

The Washington County Board of Zoning Appeals was scheduled Nov. 3, 2026, to consider a variance request by property owner John J. Richard to allow an accessory structure in the front yard at 240 Pleasant Valley Road; county staff recommended denial, citing lack of hardship and visibility concerns.

Discussion Points

•Petitioner requested variance to allow an accessory structure in the front yard of 240 Pleasant Valley Road; materials noted construction completed without a building permit (SEG 046).
•Staff concluded topography and property dimensions did not constitute the physical hardship required for a variance under Article IX and TCA 13-7-109 (SEG 048, SEG 051).
•Staff raised visibility concerns because the structure sits near a sharp curve on Pleasant Valley Road and is approximately 20 feet from pavement (SEG 057).

Nov

Regional Planning Commission Agenda 11.3.26 (PDF)

At its Nov. 3, 2026 meeting, the Washington County Regional Planning Commission considered a staff-recommended rezoning for 176 Moulton Road in Fall Branch and a proposal to impose a moratorium on third-party text amendment requests to the county zoning resolution while the code update is completed.

Discussion Points

•Packet provided no draft ordinance language, start/end dates, or enforcement details.
•Petitioner requested A-1 zoning to allow additional accessory structures on a 10.0-acre lot.
•Proposal would pause third-party initiated text amendment requests until the county completes a zoning resolution update project.
•Staff noted utilities (public water available; no public sewer), access via shared driveway, and a small floodplain area (approx. 0.01 acre) near Horse Creek.

Oct

Oct 26, 2026 - Washington County TN Commission Meeting - PT. 1

The Washington County Board of Commissioners met in regular session. The board approved a rezoning request to allow a second dwelling on a property, confirmed appointments to two task forces, accepted a proclamation for Family Court Awareness Month, heard a mayor's update on a bridge project and budget recognition, and received routine reports from the schools, elections and county staff.

Discussion Points

•Board identified missing names in packet for the water task force and discussed adding them to avoid bringing it back later.
•Clerk acknowledged and recorded the comment in the meeting record.
•Comptroller recognition for timely budget passage.
•Mayor and members proposed adding the names and specifying the mayor's fractional membership.
•Mayor stated funding split: 75% FEMA, ~20% state; expected TDOT to cover remaining balance.
•Petitioner described intent to build a retirement home and an accessory dwelling unit.
•Planning staff said planning commission unanimously recommended rezoning to A-1 as compatible with the lot size and farming uses.
•Resident alleges published minutes misstate make-up of planning commission and mislabel a former commissioner.
•TDOT requested additional test drillings for Corby Bridge; county engineers completed design.

Decisions

•Both resolutions adopted; water task force resolution adopted as amended.
•Resolution 26 10 01 approved by voice/roll call vote (15-0).

Directions

•Clerk to update public minutes and record amended resolution language.
•Mayor and engineering staff to pursue TDOT approvals and bidding this winter if possible.
•Staff to review the written minutes and packet to confirm correct member names and titles.

Oct

Oct 26, 2026 - Washington County TN Commission Meeting - PT. 2

Washington County Commission considered a series of routine FY27 budget amendments and committee reports, approving multiple resolutions including budget amendments for sheriff equipment and capital projects, authorizing surplus-property sales, and electing notaries; commissioners also flagged local food insecurity and set a strategic planning date.

Discussion Points

•Chair introduced the notary appointment resolution; no names were given on the record.
•Commissioner Cutshall cited Second Harvest anniversary attendance and county food insecurity statistics.
•Commissioner Edens described the resolution as authorizing surplus property disposition via GovDeals.
•Commissioner Edens said the amendment was requested by the sheriff's office to record insurance recovery for damaged deputy cruisers.
•Commissioner Fitzgerald summarized Public Works resolutions and specifically referenced capital funding for water projects and $500,000 FY27 figures.
•Commissioner Tucker introduced several grant-related budget amendments and a benefit item for retirees.
•He suggested relevant committees contact Second Harvest CEO Rhonda Chaffin for possible assistance or coordination.
•No award amounts were stated on the record.
•No public comment or amendments were recorded.
•One commissioner noted hiring a new crew to speed implementation.
•Other commissioners requested a later, fuller update on project processes and timelines.

Decisions

•No formal motion; request for committee follow-up noted.
•Resolution 26-10-12 approved (15 yes).
•Resolution 26-10-13 approved (15 yes).
•Resolution 26-10-24 approved (15 yes).
•Resolution authorizing capital funds approved (15 yes).
•Resolutions 26-10-19, 26-10-20, 26-10-21, 26-10-23 approved (15 yes).

Directions

•Staff to provide an update on project selection/expansion and timeline.

Oct

October Commission Agenda 10.26.26 (PDF)

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners packet for Oct. 26, 2026 included rezonings, multiple budget amendments and capital spending requests, school capital projects (buses and roof work), appointments to task forces, and several grant and surplus-property actions.

Discussion Points

•Addition of cardiometabolic (Teladoc) and digital MSK/PT (Hinge Health) programs recommended by consultant.
•Approval requested for two additional water-line projects in unincorporated areas: Baskette Road and Frank Stanton Road.
•Authorization request: up to $800,000 for design, engineering and contracted services for DCHS New and Old Annex roofs.
•Department estimates $15,000 additional cost; requests $15,000 from fund balance for total $368,000 expense.
•Detailed line-item increases and offset shown in resolution text.
•ECIP revision for FY27–FY31 accompanies the request.
•Funding requested: up to $500,000 from capital projects fund line 171‑95900‑309.
•Planning commission recommended approval (7‑0).
•Projected 2027 self‑funded medical/Rx cost: $8,920,046 (‑3.9% from estimate).
•Public Safety and Budget committees recommended consideration and approval.
•Recommendation to maintain 90% county / 10% employee premium split and hold employee contributions.
•Recommended by HEW and Budget committees.
•Requested use of $58,500 of restricted eCig funds for Correctek & Kalleo electronic inmate medical records maintenance and inmate mattresses/clothing.
•Request to authorize up to $1,100,000 from Education Capital Projects Fund (177‑95100‑729) for seven propane buses.
•Request to rezone 19.2-acre parcel from R‑1 to A‑1 to allow two single‑family dwellings.
•Staff noted public water/sewer adjacency and absence of mapped flood hazard.
•TDEC non‑matching grant awarded for $353,000 to acquire equipment.
•Use remaining Baby Doe reserve of $30,552 for Recovery Court program expansion and participant supports.

Oct

Johnson City Board of Commissioners Meeting 10-15-2026

Johnson City Commission met Oct. 15, 2026; commissioners approved minutes and several consent items, heard presentations on JC101 and downtown Main Street accomplishments, received updates on a wastewater plant reroof closeout and the Cherokee Street detention pond (substantial completion), and considered an ordinance to convey city property for a Culver's franchise. Public commenters raised concerns about data center regulations and a preliminary plat for Sexton Heights.

Discussion Points

•Call for clearer public education and a concrete plan to finish regulations before Dec. 31.
•Chief Bell and District Chief Sanders explained grant purpose and training content.
•Citizens praised staff performance on sinkhole repair and fire response.
•Commissioners asked about other grant projects and volunteer/staff roles.
•Commissioners asked about tax‑dollar expenditure outside acquisition; staff said about $100,000.
•Commissioners asked about typical collapse scenarios and local need; staff cited 8–10 events annually.
•Commissioners asked about volunteer recruitment, landlord engagement and parking concerns.
•Commissioners endorsed adding letters to packet.
•Commission was asked to note a prior promise by a commissioner to vote no without safety features.
•Franchisee timeline for construction and opening.
•Norris described grant purpose and facility needs.
•Price reduction rationale tied to cross‑access easement failure.
•Procurement explanation for separate school system benefits.
•Program accomplishments (grants, micro‑grants, events, mapping tools) and measured outcomes (vacancy rate, new businesses).
•Program structure and benefits; participants cited takeaways such as staff professionalism and technical infrastructure insights.
•Project history and acquisition cost ($2.5M); grant award of $3,386,665; final total project cost reported near $6,000,000 including acquisition.
•Project rationale and history; roof installed in 2011 required replacement.
•Rationale for multi‑year renewal to avoid a steep single‑year increase.
•Resident flagged perceived missing safety features for a bus stop on Antioch Road in the preliminary plat.
•Speakers urged leveraging UT Knoxville expertise and restarting a task force; commissioners acknowledged productive meetings with staff and experts.
•Staff highlighted long compliance record and repeated under‑budget performance.

Decisions

•Contract awarded to Delta Dental.
•First reading approved
•Grant acceptance approved
•Grant acceptance approved during consent agenda
•Informational update; no final action recorded tonight.

Directions

•Accept grant; proceed with design and use senior reserves to cover remaining cost.
•Accept grant; schedule training and report back on outcomes.
•Advance ordinance to next readings; finalize purchase agreement amendments.
•Bring formal closeout for commission action next meeting.
•Execute contract under negotiated three‑year term.
•Include recognition letters in future meeting packets.

Oct

Johnson City Regional Planning Commission Meeting 10-13-2026

The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission held a regular meeting that included public comment opposing a high-density proposal in the Knob Creek Valley corridor and approvals for several rezoning and subdivision requests, including a church expansion at 201 E. Watauga and multiple preliminary and final plats.

Discussion Points

•As‑builts have been bonded and the road extension has passed inspection; as‑built acceptance is the remaining administrative item.
•Driveway location and sight‑distance concerns addressed via turnaround design.
•Nearby homeowners argued the proposed 97‑home development will reduce property values and worsen traffic and drainage.
•No public infrastructure improvements required for this plat; public water and sewer available.
•Open space pockets were shown; details will be refined with construction plans.
•Phase 2 includes 7 lots with access via Strawberry Field Drive and Moss Creek Drive.
•Plat conforms to prior rezoning and binding concept plan.
•Public Works described traffic signal and lane improvements and the federal process for some signal work.
•Questions about adjacent MS‑1 zoning and precedent for rezoning churches were raised.
•Residents asked the commission to delay approvals and hold a public workshop before proceeding.
•Residents requested the developer fund or commission‑directed independent impact studies.
•Sewer capacity will limit initial buildout to 65 units until downstream improvements estimated by 08/01/2027 are complete.
•Sewer extension required to serve Lot 1; public water available.
•Shared driveway maintenance typically handled by private agreement; an easement will be shown on the plat.
•Square‑footage discrepancy in staff report clarified to 1,974 sq ft.
•Staff corrected the lot count to 222 and explained public water/sewer availability.
•Staff noted MS‑1 permits churches and a higher lot coverage (50%) versus RO‑1 (35%).

Decisions

•Approved preliminary plat with infrastructure conditions.
•Commission recommended approval to rezone to MS‑1.
•Final plat approved.
•No formal action on the Knob Creek proposal recorded at this meeting.
•Preliminary and final plat approved.
•Preliminary plat approved.
•Preliminary plat approved; public improvements and permitting to follow.

Directions

•Applicant to include paving/parking improvements in site permit phase.
•Applicant to submit construction plans for staff review.
•Applicant to submit sewer extension plans and construction drawings for staff review.
•Developer to submit final as‑built documentation for staff acceptance.
•Require developer to complete lane improvements and necessary sewer upgrades before final plat approval for full phase buildout.
•Show and record access easement for shared driveway on the plat.

Oct

Johnson City Board of Commissioners Meeting 10-01-2026

Johnson City commission met Oct. 1, 2026 to approve proclamations and appointments, adopt a supplemental budget, review traffic-signal and winter-salt plans, receive a parks-and-recreation project update, and hear public concerns about Flock surveillance cameras.

Discussion Points

•Budget for salt is $175,000; typical usage ~1,500 tons but ranges from 1,000 to over 5,000 historically.
•City experienced late salt deliveries (order in late January arrived Sept. 1) and has replenished backup stocks.
•City opted for a $270,000 septic system at KeyFaw/Opry because sewer extension would cost ~ $2,000,000.
•City prefers state contract pricing (~$112/ton) but noted alternate quotes above $400/ton.
•Commenters presented records they said show large numbers of out-of-state agencies accessing Flock snapshots and alleged searches beyond license-plate queries.
•Contractors removed ~75% of deteriorated concrete and are installing new rebar and skimmer boxes.
•Eligibility follows state program rules (seniors, disabled, disabled veterans, surviving spouses).
•Estimated city cost about $131,838 (based on 2025 approvals).
•Governor Lee granted $5,000,000 for the First Frontier Trail; staff are building city segments with an Oct. ribbon-cutting planned.
•JCHA recommended Kara Coffey, who is a resident, to fill the seat vacated in July.
•Ordinance is a supplemental budget to 'true up' items approved during FY26 that were outside the original budget.
•Request for a full end-to-end review and for the city to pause or remove the system until review is completed.
•Resolution would match the highest state relief rate at $129 per eligible taxpayer.
•Rotary donated approximately $420,000 toward a bicycle playground; SORBA donated land.
•Staff estimate a 9–12 month timeline for repairs barring unforeseen complications.
•Staff explained amendment to TDOT agreement #250234 to fund upgrades and one new signal at Grama Station Road and Suncrest Drive.
•Staff identified site-specific constraints (sight distance at Pine and Walnut) that precluded removing some signals.
•Staff recommended approval and said there were no changes since the prior readings.
•Staff said upgrades are federal dollars, MPO added funds to cover increased PE/design costs.
•The diving board will be removed because the hopper no longer meets current code; staff said the pool can still support competitions without the diving board.
•The resident seat is required by HUD and the board has five members; vacancy affected quorum and fund disbursement functions.
•Willow Springs playground funded by LPRF grant (~$445,000) plus match; construction expected in October.

Decisions

•Appointment approved by roll call
•Ordinance adopted on third and final reading
•Resolution adopted by unanimous vote

Directions

•Commissioners to continue reviewing the issue; staff noted some access had already been limited to within Tennessee in response to concerns.
•Parks and rec staff will coordinate with schools and clubs for alternative practice times and extended facility hours.
•Staff to publish program information and assist applicants via city tax specialist.

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