Approve minutes of the June 15, 2021 Regular Meeting
Motion to: approve the minutes of the June 15, 2021 Regular Meeting of City Council
City of Knoxville · City Council
Regular meeting — June 29, 2021
On June 29, 2021, the City of Knoxville, TN City Council recorded 53 published decisions.
Official minutes (PDF) →The clerk’s minutes record no speakers at the public forum. A sign-up count, not a measure of overall public opinion.
Our summary — not the record
Plain-language summary
The City Council met and approved multiple ordinances and resolutions, including the allocation of funds to various community and educational initiatives, amendments to the zoning code, and agreements for city services and infrastructure projects. Key decisions included authorizing the city to accept significant federal grant funding and to establish an interlocal agreement with the Knoxville Utilities Board for low-income internet services.
From the minutes
“The Mayor announced that there were sixteen persons signed-up to speak to this matter.”
Quotes are copied word-for-word from the official minutes linked on this page.
Absent: Amelia Parker (1 of 53 recorded votes)
Everything taken up, in order
Postpone Resolutions 11-ab and 11-ac to August 10, 2021 meeting
Motion to: postpone Resolutions 11-ab and 11-ac to the August 10, 2021 meeting
Appropriate $3,750 from Community Improvement Fund to Knox Education Foundation
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $3,750.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Knox Education Foundation to be utilized toward the Community School initiative.(Requested by Councilmembers Smith, Roberto, Singh, Fugate, and Testerman)
Appropriate $3,200 from Community Improvement Fund to Canvas Can Do Miracles
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $3,200.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Canvas Can Do Miracles to be utilized toward operating expenses.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Roberto, Singh, Fugate, Testerman, and Parker)
Appropriate $6,150 from Community Improvement Fund to Fulton High School
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $6,150.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Fulton High School to be utilized toward purchase and repair of athletic equipment.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Singh, Rider, Thomas, Fugate, Testerman, and Parker)
Appropriate $4,450 from Community Improvement Fund to Metro Drug Coalition
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $4,450.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Metro Drug Coalition to be utilized toward the Recovery Housing Fund.(Requested by Councilmembers Singh, Fugate, Testerman, and Parker)
Appropriate $4,600 from Community Improvement Fund to West Hills Elementary
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $4,600.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to West Hills Elementary School Wolf Pack Foundation to be utilized toward an all-inclusive playground.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Roberto, Singh, Fugate, Testerman, and Parker)
Appropriate $4,150 from Community Improvement Fund to The Mend House
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $4,150.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to The Mend House Sober Living Community for Men to be utilized toward operating expenses.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Singh, Fugate, Testerman, and Parker)
Appropriate $1,250 from Community Improvement Fund to Knox Heritage
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $1,250.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Knox Heritage, Inc. to be utilized toward a UV protective coating to studio and gallery skylights.(Requested by Councilmembers Singh, Rider, Fugate, and Testerman)
Appropriate $3,073.87 from Community Improvement Fund to Legacy Parks Foundation
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $3,073.87 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Legacy Parks Foundation acting as fiscal agent on behalf of South Woodlawn Neighborhood Association to be utilized toward welcome signs.(Requested by Councilmembers Smith, Singh, Rider, Fugate, and Testerman)
Appropriate $500 from Community Improvement Fund to Girl Scout Council
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $500.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, Inc. to be utilized toward program supplies for the Girl Scout Outreach Program.(Requested by Councilmembers Singh and Testerman)
Appropriate $1,156 from Community Improvement Fund to UUNIK Academy
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $1,156.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to UUNIK Academy, Inc. to be utilized toward the 2021 STEAMI Summer Institute project.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmember Parker)
Appropriate $4,200 from Community Improvement Fund to SEEED, Inc.
An Emergency Ordinance of the Council of the City of Knoxville appropriating the sum of $4,200.00 from the Community Improvement (202) Fund and donating same to SEEED, Inc. to be utilized toward the Construction and Weatherization Boot Camp.(Requested by Vice Mayor McKenzie and Councilmembers Smith, Thomas, and Parker)
Confirm appointment of Darlene Gwaltney to Animal Control Board
A Resolution confirming the appointment of Darlene Gwaltney to the Knoxville Animal Control Board.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)
Confirm reappointment of Carolyn "K-Kin" Fairbank to Development Corp Board
A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Carolyn "K-Kin" Fairbank to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Development Corporation of Knox County.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)
Confirm nominations of Logan Higgins and Marité Pérez to Planning Commission
A Resolution confirming the Mayor's nomination of Logan Higgins and Marité Pérez, both contingent on state approval, to the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission, formerly known as the Metropolitan Planning Commission.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)
Amend Zoning Code Article 13 to include signage in INST District
An Ordinance to approve an amendment to the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, Article 13 to include signage in an INST (Institutional) District and to add a new section, INST (Institutional) District, 13.7.G, Knoxville-Knox County Planning, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 12-0) (File No. 5-A-21-OA) (All districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Approve FY 2022-2027 Knoxville Capital Improvements Program
An Ordinance to approve and adopt the FY 2022-2027 Knoxville Capital Improvements Program, including the FY 2022 Capital Improvements Budget, City of Knoxville, Applicant. (Planning Commission approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 5-A-21-OB) (All Districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Close sliver of Parkside Drive right-of-way
An Ordinance to close a sliver of the Parkside Drive right-of-way along the property line of 10865 Parkside Drive, and authorizing the Mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners, Dominion Turkey Creek, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 5-C-21-SC) (Second District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Close Whaley Street
An Ordinance to close Whaley Street from its intersection with Wrinkle Avenue to its northeast terminus point, and authorizing the Mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners, Bobby C. Smelcer, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 5-D-21-SC) (First District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Change zoning at 4507 Sevierville Pike from RN-1 to AG
An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 4507 Sevierville Pike from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to AG (Agricultural) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Eva Millwood, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 5-E-21-RZ) (First District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Change zoning at 2910-3000 Greenway Dr from RN-1 to RN-4
An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 2910, 2912, and 3000 Greenway Drive from RN-1 (Single Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-4 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Benjamin C. Mullins, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 8-5) (File No. 3-E-21-RZ) (Fourth District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Adopted
8-0-1-0
Amend Zoning Code to remove planned district designation at 3001 Knoxville Center Dr
An Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. O-107-2019, known and cited as "The City of Knoxville Zoning Code," to remove a previously approved planned district designation (C) from a portion of the parcel located at 3001 Knoxville Center Drive, Benjamin C. Mullins for ET Knoxville, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 5-A-21-SU) (Fourth District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Change zoning at 3415 Huron St & 0 Oswald St from I-H to I-MU
An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 3415 Huron Street and 0 Oswald Street from I-H (Heavy Industrial) District to I-MU (Industrial Mixed-Use) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Logan Higgins, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0) (File No. 5-K-21-RZ) (Fifth District)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)
Authorize Mayor to enter Sale and Ground Lease Termination Agreement
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Sale and Ground Lease Termination Agreement with respect to certain property located at 1515 Saint Mary Street, Knoxville, TN.(Requested by Administration)
Adopted
8-0-1-0
Extend Zoo Knoxville lease agreement for five years
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Fifth Amendment extending the lease agreement with the Knoxville Zoological Gardens, Inc. d/b/a Zoo Knoxville to supervise, manage and operate the Zoo for another five years, through June 30, 2026.(Requested by Administration)
Annex land abutting northern right-of-way of Callahan Drive
A Resolution to effect annexation of one parcel of land and a portion of a parcel of land abutting the northern right-of-way of Callahan Drive and to approve a plan of services for said area.(Requested by Economic and Community Development)
Annex tract of land northeast of Luscombe Drive
A Resolution to effect annexation of a tract of land northeast of Luscombe Drive and approximately 300 feet northeast of the intersection of Bardon Road and Luscombe Drive and to approve a plan of services for said area.(Requested by Economic and Community Development)
Amend contract for Urban Wilderness Gateway Project
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend Contract No. C-20-0173 with Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the Urban Wilderness Gateway Project, increasing the contract amount by $43,000.00 for a new contract total of $232,120.00, and extending the date of completion to December 31, 2022.(Requested by Department of Engineering)
Amend contract for First Creek Greenway - Broadway Streetscape Project
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend Contract No. C-18-0293 with Barge Design Solutions, Inc. for the First Creek Greenway - Broadway Streetscape Project, increasing the contract amount by $87,400.00 for a new contract total of $381,000.00, and extending the date of completion to July 21, 2023.(Requested by Departments of Engineering and Parks & Recreation)
Agreement with CDM Smith for Safer and Complete Streets Study
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. to provide planning, design, and related technical services for the Safer and Complete Streets Study for an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 with TDOT funding $200,000.00 and the City funding $50,000.00.(Requested by Department of Engineering)
Execute Air Rights Easement for pedestrian access at 400 W. Summit Hill Dr
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Air Rights Easement to allow a proposed pedestrian access structure at 400 W. Summit Hill Drive to span the public right-of-way of Strong Street Alley located between Wall Avenue and W. Summit Hill Drive.(Requested by Department of Engineering)
Execute Easement Agreement for utility features at 400 W. Summit Hill Dr
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Easement Agreement to allow proposed utility features at 400 W. Summit Hill Drive to encroach into the public right-of-way for Strong Street Alley.(Requested by Department of Engineering)
Accept ARPA funds of $42,453,411.00
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents on behalf of the City of Knoxville necessary to accept funds from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $42,453,411.00.(Requested by Finance Department)
Subgrantee agreement with East TN Community Design Center for CDBG funding
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a subgrantee agreement with the East Tennessee Community Design Center to provide an amount not to exceed $55,000.00 in CDBG funding for conceptual design and technical assistance for community improvement projects.(Requested by Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development)
Subgrantee agreement with Knoxville-Knox County CAC for CDBG funds
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a subgrantee agreement with Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee to provide an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 in CDBG funds for the Emergency and Minor Home Repair Program.(Requested by Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development)
Agreement with Neighborhood Housing Inc. for "Operation Backyard"
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Neighborhood Housing Inc. to provide an amount not to exceed $262,050.00 in Community Development Block Grant funding for the Minor Home Repair Program "Operation Backyard."(Requested by Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development)
Subgrantee agreement with Neighborhood Housing Inc. for KnoxWorx
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a subgrantee agreement with Neighborhood Housing Inc. for an amount not to exceed $216,105.00 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the KnoxWorx Workforce Development Program.(Requested by Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development)
Subgrantee agreement with HomeSource East TN for Homeownership Program
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a subgrantee agreement with HomeSource East Tennessee for $172,500.00 in CDBG-CV funds for support of the Homeownership Assistance Program.(Requested by Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development)
Agreement with Volunteer Ministry Center for outreach workers
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Volunteer Ministry Center to provide the services of two outreach workers to deliver direct outreach and engagement to unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness with a particular focus on reaching and serving unsheltered persons in an area around the intersection of Broadway and Magnolia Avenue, for a total annual contract price not to exceed $157,798.00.(Requested by Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development)
Apply for and accept FTA grant for transit system operating expenses
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and, if awarded, accept a grant from the Federal Transit Administration for Formula Urbanized Area Transit Grant Assistance in the amount of $1,432,610.00 with no local matching funds required pursuant to the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) to be used for operating expenses of the transit system and to replace lost revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.(Requested by Knoxville Area Transit)
Apply for and accept ARP grant for transit system operating expenses
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and, if awarded, accept a grant from the Federal Transit Administration for Formula Urbanized Area Transit Grant Assistance in the amount of $15,090,625.00 with no local matching funds required pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) to be used for operating expenses of the transit system and to replace lost revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.(Requested by Knoxville Area Transit)
Accept donation of Fountain City Park from Lions Club
A Resolution expressing appreciation to the Fountain City Lions Club for the donation of Fountain City Park, approximately 7.94 acres including the Fountain City Lake and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to accept said donation.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)
Manage $1.1M donation from GEM Community Development Group
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Donation Agreement and to execute any other documents necessary with Emerald Youth Foundation to provide management of the $1,100,000.00 donation from GEM Community Development Group that will provide improvements to Claude Walker Park and Ballfields.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)
Agreement with National Building Service for recreation center janitorial
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with National Building Service for janitorial services for various City recreation centers, for an annual cost not to exceed $147,960.00.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)
Agreement with National Building Service for park restroom janitorial
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with National Building Service for janitorial services for the outdoor restroom facilities located at numerous parks within the city limits for an amount not to exceed $54,834.00.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)
Express appreciation to the Tennessee RiverLine
A Resolution expressing appreciation to the Tennessee RiverLine for its work towards its vision for a continuous system of paddling, hiking and biking experiences along the Tennessee River's 652-mile reach from Knoxville, Tennessee to Paducah, Kentucky.(Requested by Parks and Recreation Department)
Apply for and accept 2022 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and accept the 2022 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant from the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs, in the amount of $142,948.00, with no required local match, for funding to upgrade the Knoxville Police Department's crime analysis capabilities, equipment, and necessary task force overtime as it relates to reducing violent crimes, gun-related offenses, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.(Requested by Knoxville Police Department)
Apply for and accept U.S. DOJ grant for de-escalation training
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and accept a grant award for $200,000.00, with no required local match, from the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services to be used for technology, instruction and equipment for de-escalation training for Knoxville Police Department officers.(Requested by Knoxville Police Department)
Apply for and accept U.S. DOJ grant for KPD Crisis Intervention Team
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and accept a grant award for $250,000.00, with no required local match, from the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services to be used for the expansion of the KPD Crisis Intervention Team to better respond to individuals in crisis in the community.(Requested by Knoxville Police Department)
Apply jointly with Knox County for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to apply jointly with Knox County for the 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award of $149,527.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice for improved operation of the criminal justice system, and if such application is approved, authorizing the Mayor to accept the grant award.(Requested by Knoxville Police Department)
Authorize KUB to provide broadband services
A Resolution authorizing the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) to provide broadband services to the fullest extent permitted by Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 52, Part 6, and otherwise applicable law.(Requested by Law Department)
Adopted
8-0-1-0
Interlocal agreement with KUB for low-income internet program funding
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) for the purpose of providing funding for KUB's community low-income internet program to pay for broadband internet service for eligible low-income households receiving broadband internet service from KUB and located within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Knoxville.(Requested by Administration)
Adopted
7-0-2-0