Skip to content
CivicSeat City of Knoxville, Tennessee
Coverage How we know Sign in Join

City of Knoxville · City Council

Regular meeting — October 20, 2020

On October 20, 2020, the City of Knoxville, TN City Council recorded 24 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 ordinances related to various city code amendments, including zoning, flooding, stormwater, and smoking regulations. They also approved emergency appropriations for two community organizations and amended contracts for infrastructure projects. Additionally, the council confirmed a committee appointment and rezoned several properties.

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

Absent: Amelia Parker (1 of 23 recorded votes)

Everything taken up, in order

Approve October 6, 2020 meeting minutes

Motion to approve the minutes of the October 6, 2020 Regular Meeting of City Council

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the minutes of the October 6, 2020 Regular Meeting of City Council

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Absent Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

12-b · item history →

Amend zoning code regarding internally illuminated signs in Institutional District

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, to approve an amendment to Article 13.9 creating a new subsection to 13.9.F.5 to address standards for internally illuminated signs in the Institutional District, City of Knoxville, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 9-B-20-OA) (All districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Deferred Consent Deferred 9-0-0-0

Motion to postpone Ordinances 12-b and 12-c for two weeks

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →
Deferred Deferred 9-0-0-0

Motion to postpone

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

12-c · item history →

Amend zoning code regarding signs in Institutional District

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, Article 13.9 by amending subsection 13.9.F and creating new subsection 13.9.G to address standards for signs in the Institutional District. (File No. 9-B-20-OA)(Requested by Councilmember Roberto)

Deferred Consent Deferred 9-0-0-0

Motion to postpone Ordinances 12-b and 12-c for two weeks

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →
Deferred Deferred 9-0-0-0

Motion to postpone

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

12-d · item history →

Appropriate funds to SEEED, Inc. for HVAC replacement

An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $8,150.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to SEEED, Inc. to be utilized toward HVAC replacement.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Smith, Roberto, Singh, Rider, Thomas, Testerman, and Parker)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the consent items

Moved by Lynne Fugate · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →
Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve ordinance

Moved by Lynne Fugate · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

12-e · item history →

Appropriate funds to Girl Talk, Inc. for mentoring programs

An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $2,450.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Girl Talk, Inc. to be utilized toward mentoring and providing community and school based programs.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Smith, Roberto, Singh, Rider, Thomas, and Testerman)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the consent items

Moved by Lynne Fugate · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →
Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve ordinance

Moved by Lynne Fugate · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-295-2020 · item history →

Confirm Bryan Berry to Public Property Naming Committee

A Resolution confirming the nomination of Bryan Berry to serve on the City of Knoxville Public Property Naming Committee.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-150-2020 · item history →

Amend flooding regulations in Knoxville City Code

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Chapter 12, to clarify flooding regulations and remove certain unnecessary language.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-151-2020 · item history →

Update stormwater and street development standards

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Chapter 22.5, Articles I and II, to update the stormwater and street development standards and remove certain unnecessary language.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-152-2020 · item history →

Amend smoking regulations on City-owned playgrounds

An Ordinance to amend Chapter 20, Article III, Sections 20-52 and 20-61 of the Knoxville City Code, relative to smoking on the grounds of City-owned playgrounds.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-153-2020 · item history →

Amend zoning code transition rules for planned districts

An Ordinance to amend several articles of the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, to address transition rules associated with previously approved planned districts, City of Knoxville, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 4-A-20-OA) (All districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Andrew Roberto

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-154-2020 · item history →

Add pre-school/kindergarten as special use in Parks and Open Space District

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, to approve an amendment to Article 9.2 Use Matrix Table 9-1 to add pre-school/kindergarten as a special use in the Parks and Open Space Zoning District, City of Knoxville, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0 Consent) (File No. 9-A-20-OA) (All districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 8-1-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-155-2020 · item history →

Rezone 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)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-156-2020 · item history →

Rezone 4355 Crouch Drive from RN-1 to RN-4

An Ordinance to rezone property located at 4355 Crouch Drive, from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-4 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, John Hancock, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0 Consent) (File No. 9-B-20-RZ) (Fourth District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

O-157-2020 · item history →

Rezone 0 N. Gallaher View Road from O to OP

An Ordinance to rezone property located at 0 N. Gallaher View Road, from O (Office) District to OP (Office Park) District, Taylor D. Forrester on behalf of Concord WP COL, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0 Consent) (File No. 9-G-20-RZ) (Second District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-296-2020 · item history →

Amend curb cut project contract with Design and Construction Services Inc.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend Contract No. C-20-0151 with Design and Construction Services Inc. for the 2020 Curb Cut Project, increasing the contract amount by $68,752.38 for a new contract total of $378,138.88 and extending the date of completion to October 31, 2020.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Janet Testerman

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-297-2020 · item history →

Amend Cumberland Avenue intersection improvements project contract

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend Contract No. C-19-0292 with Southern Constructors, Inc. for the Cumberland Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, increasing the contract amount by $29,107.34 for a new contract total of $1,924,565.75 and extending the completion date to October 23, 2020.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-298-2020 · item history →

Apply for grant funding from Tennessee Department of Transportation

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to file a grant application with the Tennessee Department of Transportation in the amount of $3,462,800.00 to provide funding to Knoxville Area Transit for Fiscal Year 2021 urban transit assistance, and if such application is approved, to authorize the Mayor to execute any and all documents to accept such a grant award.(Requested by Knoxville Area Transit)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Charles Thomas · seconded by Andrew Roberto

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-299-2020 · item history →

Execute amendment to Lakeshore Park Conservancy management agreement

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Management Agreement with Lakeshore Park Conservancy adopting and approving the 2020 Master Plan prepared by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-300-2020 · item history →

Execute partnership agreement with Tennessee RiverLine

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a partnership agreement with the Tennessee RiverLine to offer economic opportunities and public health benefits to communities, urban and rural, and enhance the stewardship of the Tennessee River Landscape for an amount not to exceed $750.00 annually from the Parks and Recreation Grants and Benevolence Fund.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

R-301-2020 · item history →

Apply for and accept grant from State Farm for Teen Driving Program

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and accept a grant award in the amount of $30,000.00, with no required local match, from State Farm Insurance Company to benefit the Knoxville Police Department's Teen Driving Program, T.R.A.C.K. (Training, Responsibility, Action, Confidence, Knowledge).(Requested by Knoxville Police Department)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →

12-a · item history →

Amend sign area limitations in Office Park District

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, to approve amendments to Article 13.9.E to address limitations on the maximum sign area in the Office Park District, City of Knoxville, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 5-A-20-OA) (All districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to amend the ordinance

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Lauren Rider

Follow & discuss this decision →
Split Adopted 7-1-1-0

Motion to approve the ordinance on first reading amended

Moved by Janet Testerman · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Abstain Lynne Fugate — Aye Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye Janet Testerman — Aye
Follow & discuss this decision →
Report inaccurate data