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City of Knoxville · City Council

Regular meeting — April 4, 2023

On April 4, 2023, the City of Knoxville, TN City Council recorded 28 published decisions. Each links to its place in the official minutes.

Official minutes (PDF) →

Our summary — not the record

Plain-language summary

The Knoxville City Council met on April 4, 2023, approving several resolutions related to contracts and grants. They also advanced several zoning changes on first reading, including changes for properties on Washington Pike, Dowell Springs Boulevard, North Middlebrook Pike, and Western Avenue. An ordinance to appropriate funds for a youth program through T3 Corp was also approved.

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

Absent: Janet Testerman (all 26 recorded votes)

Everything taken up, in order

Approve minutes of the March 21, 2023 Regular Meeting

Motion to: approve the minutes of the March 21, 2023 Regular Meeting of City Council

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

approve the minutes of the March 21, 2023 Regular Meeting of City Council

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 — Absent
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Approve minutes of the March 22, 2023 Special Meeting

Motion to: approve the minutes of the March 22, 2023 Special Meeting of City Council

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

approve the minutes of the March 22, 2023 Special Meeting of City Council

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 — Absent
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12-i · item history →

Ordinance to change zoning at 7700 Pinner Drive from RN-1 to RN-2

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of property located at 7700 Pinner Drive from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District, T. Dean LaRue, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 12-0 Consent) (File No. 3-J-23-RZ) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

postpone Ordinance 12-i for two weeks

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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R-96-2023 · item history →

Resolution approving Certificate of Compliance for Casey's #4046 wine license

A Resolution approving the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance to CGS Stores LLC d/b/a Casey's #4046 relative to its application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Retail Food Store Wine License.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 8-0-0-1

approve the consent items

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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R-97-2023 · item history →

Resolution approving Certificate of Compliance for Casey's #4206 wine license

A Resolution approving the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance to CGS Stores LLC d/b/a Casey's #4206 relative to its application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Retail Food Store Wine License.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 8-0-0-1

approve the consent items

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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R-98-2023 · item history →

Resolution approving Certificate of Compliance for Casey's #4212 wine license

A Resolution approving the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance to CGS Stores LLC d/b/a Casey's #4212 relative to its application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Retail Food Store Wine License.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 8-0-0-1

approve the consent items

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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R-99-2023 · item history →

Confirm appointments of Ben Ream and Dennis Murphy to Better Building Board

A Resolution confirming the appointment of Ben Ream and Dennis Murphy to the Better Building Board of the City of Knoxville.(Requested by Mayor Kincannon)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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 — Absent
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O-55-2023 · item history →

Appropriate $5,000 from Community Empowerment to T3 Corp for youth program

An Ordinance appropriating the sum of $5,000.00 from the Community Empowerment budget and donating same to T3 Corp to support its Mentoring and Inspirational Speaker program that empowers youth to overcome traumatic experiences.(Requested by Office of Community Empowerment)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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 — Absent
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O-56-2023 · item history →

Change zoning of properties on Francis, Old Amherst, and Helmbolt Roads from AG to RN-2

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of property located at 0 and 1817 Francis Road, 0 Old Amherst Road, and 0 Helmbolt Road from AG (Agricultural) District to RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District, Huber Properties, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 11-0) (File No. 10-R-21-RZ) (Council District 3)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 7-1-0-1

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Tommy Smith

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 — Absent
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R-100-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to award West Hills Community Association $550 micro grant for pickleball tournament

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the West Hills Community Association to award a micro grant in the amount of $550.00 to support the West Hills Dogwood Pickleball Tournament.(Requested by Office of Neighborhood Empowerment)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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 — Absent
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R-101-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to contract with Willis Towers Watson for risk consulting services

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Willis Towers Watson Southeast, Inc. to provide professional brokerage and risk management consulting services for all property and casualty coverage for all City operations and Knoxville Area Transit operations for a period of five years at an annual cost not to exceed $115,000.00 for the first and second years, $120,000.00 for the third year, $125,000.00 for the fourth year, and $130,000.00 for the fifth year.(Requested by Employee Benefits & Risk Management Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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R-102-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to contract with Southern Constructors for Kingston Pike project

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Southern Constructors, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $2,199,974.00 for the Kingston Pike Complete Connections Project.(Requested by Department of Engineering)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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R-103-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to amend Bank of America contract to extend banking services term

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend Contract No. C-18-0262 with Bank of America to extend the term for comprehensive banking services to provide time for the procurement and completion of a new banking services contract.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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 — Absent
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R-104-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to accept donation of firefighter boots and facepieces from First Responder Institute

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept and express appreciation to the First Responder Institute for donating used firefighter boots and HT Full Facepieces to the Knoxville Fire Department for an approximate value of $12,125.00.(Requested by Knoxville Fire Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Tommy Smith · 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 — Absent
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R-105-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to amend agreement with CAC for Lead-Safe & Healthy Homes projects

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an amendment to Agreement No. C-22-0479 with Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee providing gap funding for Knoxville Lead-Safe & Healthy Homes projects to expand the eligibility requirements of the agreement to include owner-occupied units and to correspondingly provide additional funds in an amount not to exceed $19,167.00, for a new contract amount not to exceed $43,667.00 in Community Development Block Grant funding.(Requested by Housing and Neighborhood Development Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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R-106-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to contract with Accela, Inc. for cloud-based work order management system

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a three-year agreement with Accela, Inc. to upgrade the current work order management system and convert it to a cloud-based, remotely-hosted software management system in an amount not to exceed $1,339,915.06.(Requested by Information Technology)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Tommy Smith · 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 — Absent
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R-107-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to apply for FTA grant for electric bus charging equipment at Knoxville Station

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 in the amount of $3,600,000.00 on behalf of Knoxville Area Transit for Low or No Emission Grant Assistance (Section 5339(c)) for fiscal year 2023, with a City match of up to $900,000.00 to purchase and install electric bus charging equipment at Knoxville Station for a total project amount of $4,500,000.00.(Requested by Knoxville Area Transit)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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R-108-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to apply for FTA grant for bus and bus facilities for Knoxville Area Transit

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 in the amount of $3,600,000.00 on behalf of Knoxville Area Transit for Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Assistance (Section 5339(b)) for fiscal year 2023, with a City match of up to $900,000.00 to purchase and install electric bus charging equipment at Knoxville Station for a total project amount of $4,500,000.00.(Requested by Knoxville Area Transit)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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R-109-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to join Tennessee State-Subdivision Opioid Abatement Agreement amendment

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Knoxville, to execute all documents necessary to join the State of Tennessee and other local governments in amending the Tennessee State-Subdivision Opioid Abatement Agreement and approving the related settlement agreements.(Requested by Law Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Seema Singh · 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 — Absent
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R-110-2023 · item history →

Authorize Mayor to contract with Appalachian Mountain Bike Club for trail maintenance

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Appalachian Mountain Bike Club for the professional natural surface trail maintenance services at select parks within the City to ensure proper, routine maintenance of the City's natural surface trails for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.(Requested by Department of Parks and Recreation)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Charles Thomas · 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 — Absent
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a. · item history →

Amend Capital and Operating Budgets for FY 22/23, transfer surplus funds

An Ordinance to amend the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget, both as approved by Ordinance No. O-56-2022 for Fiscal Year 22/23 and to transfer surplus, excess, or unencumbered funds between various units and funds as reflected in the various funds and budgets of the City of Knoxville.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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b. · item history →

Close Henry Chiles Street between Deane Hill Drive and Anderson Drive

An Ordinance to close Henry Chiles Street between Deane Hill Drive and Anderson Drive, subject to 2 conditions, and authorizing the mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners, Central Baptist Church of Bearden, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 12-0 Consent) (File No. 3-A-23-SC) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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c. · item history →

Close portion of Anderson Drive between Henry Chiles Street and its western terminus

An Ordinance to close a portion of Anderson Drive between Henry Chiles Street and the western terminus of Anderson Drive, subject to 2 conditions, and authorizing the mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners, Central Baptist Church of Bearden, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 12-0 Consent) (File No. 3-B-23-SC) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

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 — Absent
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d. · item history →

Adopt the 2023 One Year Plan by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission

An Ordinance to adopt the One Year Plan dated 2023 as prepared by the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission for the City of Knoxville. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0) (File No. 3-A-23-OYP) (All Districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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e. · item history →

Change zoning at 4614 Washington Pike from RN-1 to RN-2

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of property located at 4614 Washington Pike from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Victor Jernigan, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-1) (File No. 1-D-23-RZ) (Council District 4)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Adopted no recorded vote

amend the ordinance for RN-1 zoning to remain for the one-hundred sixty-foot deep from Washington Pike of the parcel and the rezoning of RN-2 would apply to the back-half

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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Adopted no recorded vote

approve the ordinance as amended

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Tommy Smith

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f. · item history →

Change zoning at 4628 Washington Pike from RN-1 to RN-4

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of property located at 4628 Washington Pike from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-4 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Victor Jernigan, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 1-E-23-RZ) (Council District 4)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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 — Absent
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g. · item history →

Change zoning at 0 Dowell Springs Boulevard from OP to RN-5

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of a portion of property located at 0 Dowell Springs Boulevard from OP (Office Park) District to RN-5 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Dowell Springs Company, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-1) (File No. 3-B-23-RZ) (Council District 3)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Seema Singh · 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 — Absent
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h. · item history →

Change zoning at 0 North Middlebrook Pike from AG to I-G

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of property located at 0 North Middlebrook Pike from AG (General Agricultural) District to I-G (General Industrial) District, Christos Christopoulos, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 12-0 Consent) (File No. 3-G-23-RZ) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Andrew Roberto · 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 — Absent
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j. · item history →

Change zoning at 5600 Western Avenue from RN-1 to INST

An Ordinance to change the base zoning of property located at 5600 Western Avenue from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to INST (Institutional) District, River’s Edge Christian Academy, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 12-0 Consent) (File No. 3-N-23-RZ) (Council District 3)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Moved by Seema Singh · 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 — Absent
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