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City of Knoxville · City Council

Regular meeting — September 22, 2020

On September 22, 2020, the City of Knoxville, TN City Council recorded 23 published decisions. Each links to its place in the official minutes.

Official minutes (PDF) →

Our summary — not the record

Plain-language summary

The City Council met and approved several ordinances related to zoning changes and property acquisitions for streetscape and drainage projects. They also approved resolutions honoring individuals, accepting donations for parks and police programs, and authorizing contract amendments for infrastructure work, including the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park Project. Additionally, an ordinance to fund an environmental literacy program was approved on first reading.

Quotes are copied word-for-word from the official minutes linked on this page.

Absent: Lynne Fugate (all 23 recorded votes)

Everything taken up, in order

12-b · item history →

Ordinance to rezone property at 0 Nickle Road from RN-1/HP to RN-2/HP

An Ordinance to rezone property located at 0 Nickle Road, from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood)/HP (Hillside Protection) District to RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood)/HP (Hillside Protection) District, Randy Susong, BLD Properties, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0 Consent) (File No. 8-G-20-RZ) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Deferred Deferred 8-0-0-1

Motion to postpone ordinance 12-b for two weeks

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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Add a resolution of appreciation for Knox County Board of Health and Health Department

Motion to: add a resolution of appreciation for the Knox County Board of Health and Knox County Health Department

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to add this resolution to the agenda

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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O-138-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to close Herman Avenue and authorize quitclaim deeds to adjacent owners

An Ordinance to close Herman Avenue between Timothy Avenue and Rutledge Pike from the southwest corner of Parcel 070 LC 001 to the midpoint of Parcel 070 MC 016, and authorizing the Mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners, Wade Lovin, MBI Companies, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0 Consent) (File No. 8-A-20-SC) (Sixth District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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O-139-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to amend Central City Sector Plan for 2724 Western Avenue from Open Space to General Commercial

An Ordinance approving the request of Wade Lovin for Alliance Funeral Group, LLC for an amendment to the Central City Sector Plan from Open Space to General Commercial for property located at 2724 Western Avenue. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 7-F-20-SP) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 6-2-0-1

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — No Janet Testerman — Aye
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O-140-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to approve One Year Plan Amendment for 2724 Western Avenue from Open Space to General Commercial

An Ordinance approving the request of Wade Lovin for Alliance Funeral Group, LLC for a One Year Plan Amendment from Open Space to General Commercial for property located at 2724 Western Avenue. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 7-D-20-PA) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 6-2-0-1

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — No Janet Testerman — Aye
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O-141-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to rezone 2724 Western Avenue from OS to C-G-1 (General Commercial)

An Ordinance to rezone a portion of property located 2724 Western Avenue from OS (Parks and Open Space) District to C-G-1 (General Commercial) District zoning, Wade Lovin for Alliance Funeral Group, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 7-H-20-RZ) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 6-2-0-1

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — No Janet Testerman — Aye
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O-142-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to amend Northwest County Sector Plan for 942 Piney Grove Church Road

An Ordinance approving the request of Piney Grove Condominium Association for an amendment to the Northwest County Sector Plan from Medium Density Residential to Medium Density Residential/Office for property located at 942 Piney Grove Church Road. (Planning Commission Approved 15-0) (File No. 7-C-20-SP) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

The minutes do not clearly record the outcome.

O-143-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to approve One Year Plan Amendment for 942 Piney Grove Church Road

An Ordinance approving the request of Piney Grove Condominium Association for a One Year Plan Amendment from Medium Density Residential to Medium Density Residential/Office for property located at 942 Piney Grove Church Road. (Planning Commission Approved 15-0) (File No. 7-B-20-PA) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

The minutes do not clearly record the outcome.

O-144-2020 · item history →

Ordinance to rezone 942 Piney Grove Church Road from RN-3 to RN-5

An Ordinance to rezone property located at 942 Piney Grove Church Road / Parcel ID 106 J D 039 from RN-3 (General Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-5 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, Piney Grove Condominium Association, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 15-0) (File No. 7-E-20-RZ) (Third District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

The minutes do not clearly record the outcome.

9-h · item history →

Ordinance to rezone 1549 and 1541 North Sixth Avenue from C-N to I-G

An Ordinance to rezone property located at 1549 and 1541 North Sixth Avenue, from C-N (Neighborhood Commercial) District to I-G (General Industrial) District, Thomas Gray Brandon, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0 Consent) (File No. 8-M-20-RZ) (Fourth District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Deferred Deferred 8-0-0-1

Motion to postpone the ordinance for two weeks

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-266-2020 · item history →

Resolution honoring the life and memory of Judge Pamela L. Reeves

A Resolution honoring the life and memory of the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and expressing sincere condolences to her loved ones upon the occasion of her passing.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-267-2020 · item history →

Resolution to honor the memory of Mary "Bee" DeSelm

A Resolution to honor the memory of Mary "Bee" DeSelm and to express the Council's condolences to her family upon the occasion of her passing.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-268-2020 · item history →

Resolution to amend contract with Charles Blalock & Sons for Urban Wilderness Gateway Park Project

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend Contract No. C-19-0313 with Charles Blalock & Sons, Inc. for the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park Infrastructure Project, increasing the contract amount by $422,310.92 for a new contract total of $3,739,666.32 and extending the date of completion to January 31, 2021.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-269-2020 · item history →

Resolution to acquire property for Sevier Avenue Streetscapes Project

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents on behalf of the City of Knoxville necessary to acquire property in fee simple and for easements by purchase, or by condemnation if necessary, as part of the Sevier Avenue Streetscapes Project for a total amount not to exceed $350,000.00.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-270-2020 · item history →

Resolution to execute agreement with Morgan Contracting Inc. for Sevier Avenue Drainage Improvements

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Morgan Contracting Inc. for the Sevier Avenue Drainage Improvements Project for an amount not to exceed $714,128.00.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-271-2020 · item history →

Resolution to execute agreement with Cannon & Cannon Inc. for small cell utility services

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Cannon & Cannon Inc. to provide professional services for small cell utility permit review and construction inspections for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-272-2020 · item history →

Resolution to execute agreement with Ziggurat Development for Third Creek Greenway Bank Slope Stabilization Project

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Ziggurat Development, LLC for the Third Creek Greenway Bank Slope Stabilization Project for an amount not to exceed $31,189.57.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-273-2020 · item history →

Resolution to execute agreement with Ziggurat Development for fire suppression system installation

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Ziggurat Development, LLC for an amount not to exceed $179,303.16 for the installation of a fire suppression system in the Compactor Building at the Solid Waste Transfer Facility located at 1033 Elm Street.(Requested by Public Service Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-274-2020 · item history →

Resolution to execute agreement with Ziggurat Development for Compactor Building Push Pit Repair Project

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Ziggurat Development, LLC for an amount not to exceed $33,000.00 for the Compactor Building Push Pit Repair Project at the Solid Waste Transfer Facility located at 1033 Elm Street.(Requested by Public Service Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-275-2020 · item history →

Resolution expressing appreciation to 2K Foundations for donation to Cal Johnson Park

A Resolution expressing appreciation to 2K Foundations for the donation of improvements at Cal Johnson Park with an estimated cost of $100,000.00, and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to accept said donation.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-276-2020 · item history →

Resolution expressing appreciation to Knox County Health Department for donation of outdoor fitness equipment

A Resolution expressing appreciation to the Knox County Health Department for the donation, with an estimated value of $55,000.00, of outdoor fitness equipment and installation at Danny Mayfield Park and Paul Hogue Park, and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to accept said donation.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-277-2020 · item history →

Resolution to accept donation from Knoxville Wholesale Furniture Company for Police Officer Wellness Program

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept and express appreciation to Knoxville Wholesale Furniture Company for its donation of $25,000.00 to be used to enhance the Knoxville Police Department's Officer Wellness Program, and authorizing the Mayor to execute any documents necessary to accept the donation.(Requested by Knoxville Police Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-278-2020 · item history →

Resolution authorizing Industrial Development Board to accept payments in lieu of taxes from Greystar Development East, LLC

A Resolution authorizing the Industrial Development Board of the City of Knoxville to negotiate and accept from Greystar Development East, LLC payments in lieu of ad valorem taxes with respect to real property located at 2120 and 2112 Cumberland Avenue, 817 South 21st Street, and 2101, 2109, 2113 and 2119 Lake Avenue, and finding that such payments are deemed to be in furtherance of the public purposes of the Board as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 7-53-305.(Requested by Office of Redevelopment)

Split Adopted 7-1-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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R-279-2020 · item history →

Resolution thanking Knox County Board of Health and Health Department for COVID-19 service

A Resolution of the Council of the City of Knoxville thanking the Knox County Board of Health and the Knox County Health Department for their dedicated service in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.(Requested by Council Member Lauren Rider)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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12-a · item history →

Ordinance appropriating $15,000 from Community Empowerment Budget to SEEED

An Ordinance appropriating the sum of $15,000.00 from the Community Empowerment Budget and donating same to Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) to continue environmental literacy education and job training for underserved communities.(Requested by Office of Community Empowerment)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Absent Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
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