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City of Knoxville · City Council

Regular meeting — September 17, 2024

On September 17, 2024, the City of Knoxville, TN City Council recorded 26 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, including changes to zoning laws and funding for infrastructure projects. They also confirmed appointments to city commissions and committees. An attempt to add an emergency ordinance was defeated, and one zoning change was approved by a narrow margin.

From the minutes

“Councilmember Roberto”
“Parker Bartholomew, 5406 Summitridge Ln”
“Thomas Krajewski, 1319 Southgate Rd”
“Larry Silverstein, 708 Sheffield Dr”
“William Zayets, 1556 Robinson Rd”
“Leland Hume, 6902 Haverhill Dr”
“R. Bentley Marlow, 322 Douglas Ave”
“Parker Bartholomew, 5406 Summitridge Ln”
“Larry Silverstein, 708 Sheffield Dr”
“Leland Hume, 6902 Haverhill Dr”
“Larry Silverstein, 708 Sheffield Dr”
“Clarence Hill, 718 Broome Rd”
“Councilmember Rider, Mr. Marlow, and Councilmember Fugate”
“R. Bentley Marlow, 322 Douglas Ave”
“Nathaniel Shelso, 237 Deaderick Ave”
“Hannah Freeman, Knoxville”
“Vice-Mayor Smith, Ms. Freeman, Mayor Kincannon, and Councilmember Thomas”
“Tom Ruggles,”
“Councilmember Parker”
“Councilmember Parker”
“Wayne Kline, 445 S Gay St”
“Taylor Forrester, 1111 N Northshore Dr”
“Ken Bowman, 9515 Bluegrass Rd”
“Mike Stevens, 9506 Clingmans Dome Dr”
“Mr. Kline”
“Councilmember Rider”
“Joshua Wright, 608 W Hill Ave”
“Kathleen Goldsby, 608 W Hill Ave”
“Daniel Sanders, 920 Volunteer Landing Ln”
“Ben Hudgins, 530 Means St Atlanta, Georgia”
“Patrick Kassin, 505 Courtland St Atlanta, Georgia”
“Taylor Forrester, 1111 N Northshore Dr”
“Mr. Sanders”
“Councilmember McKenzie and Mr. Clabo”

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

Absent: Amelia Parker (5 of 25 recorded votes)

Everything taken up, in order

R-240-2024 · item history →

Approve Certificate of Compliance for SRJ, LLC d/b/a Broadway Wine and Liquor

A Resolution approving the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance to SRJ, LLC d/b/a Broadway Wine and Liquor relative to its application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for a license to operate a liquor store in the City.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the consent items

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Andrew Roberto

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-241-2024 · item history →

Approve Certificate of Compliance for The Bargain Barn Inc. d/b/a Grocery Outlet #04

A Resolution approving the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance to The Bargain Barn Inc. d/b/a Grocery Outlet #04 relative to its application to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Retail Food Store Wine License.(Requested by Finance Department)

Unanimous Consent Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the consent items

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Andrew Roberto

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-242-2024 · item history →

Confirm appointment of Reverend Reneé Kesler to Historic Zoning Commission

A Resolution confirming the appointment of Reverend Reneé Kesler to the Historic Zoning Commission.(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 Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-243-2024 · item history →

Appoint Clarence McDowell to Knoxville Golf Course Advisory Committee

A Resolution appointing Clarence McDowell as the Fifth District representative on the Knoxville Golf Course Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 17, 2027.(Requested by Councilmember Thomas)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Charles Thomas · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-112-2024 · item history →

Amend City Code to increase nonconsensual tow rates

An Ordinance amending chapter 26, Article IV, §26-228, §26-302 and §26-410 of the Knoxville City Code increasing nonconsensual tow rates and clarifying the definition of vehicle class and storage fees.(Requested by Administration)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Gwen McKenzie

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-113-2024 · item history →

Amend Zoning Code to add Commercial District Design Standards in C-G-1

An Ordinance to amend the Knoxville City Code, Appendix B, Zoning Code, Article 5.4, Table 5-2, to add Commercial District Design Standards in the C-G-1 (General Commercial) Zoning District and clarifying the applicable design standards for residential structures, Knoxville-Knox County Planning, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 5-B-24-OA) (All districts)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-114-2024 · item history →

Amend Northwest City Sector Plan for 962 N. Gallaher View Road

An Ordinance approving the request of Homestead Land Holdings, LLC for an amendment to the Northwest City Sector Plan from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential for property located at 962 N. Gallaher View Road, leaving any special purpose land use classifications unchanged. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 7-C-24-SP) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 5-4-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — No Lynne Fugate — No Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — No Andrew Roberto — No Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-115-2024 · item history →

Approve One Year Plan Amendment for 962 N Gallaher View Road

An Ordinance approving the request of Homestead Land Holdings, LLC for a One Year Plan Amendment from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential for property located at 962 N Gallaher View Road, leaving all special purpose land use classifications unchanged. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 7-D-24-PA) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 5-4-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Lauren Rider · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — No Lynne Fugate — No Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — No Andrew Roberto — No Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-116-2024 · item history →

Change zoning for 962 N. Gallaher View Road from RN-1 to RN-4

An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 962 N. Gallaher View Road from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-4 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, leaving all special purpose and overlay districts unchanged, Homestead Land Holdings, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 7-I-24-RZ) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Split Adopted 5-4-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Seema Singh · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — No Lynne Fugate — No Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — No Andrew Roberto — No Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-117-2024 · item history →

Change zoning for 5303 Jacksboro Pike and 3225 Essary Drive to RN-2

An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 5303 Jacksboro Pike and 3225 Essary Drive from RN-1 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District, Kokila Estates, LLC, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 14-0) (File No. 7-D-24-RZ) (Council District 4)(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 Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-118-2024 · item history →

Change zoning for 1214 Callaway Street from RN-2 to RN-4

An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 1214 Callaway Street from RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) District to RN-4 (General Residential Neighborhood) District, R. Bentley Marlow, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 9-5) (File No. 8-E-24-RZ) (Council District 6)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Seema Singh

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-119-2024 · item history →

Change zoning for 6504 Deane Hill Drive from I-G to O

An Ordinance to change the base zoning classification of property located at 6504 Deane Hill Drive from I-G (General Industrial) District to O (Office) District, DD Development Ventures Corporation, Applicant. (Planning Commission Approved 13-0 Consent) (File No. 8-I-24-RZ) (Council District 2)(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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Appeal by Jeremy Greenhouse regarding LES compliance at 1307 Galway Street

A Resolution approving the appeal by Jeremy Greenhouse, on behalf of Liquid Environmental Solutions ("LES"), of the Board of Zoning Appeals' decision to uphold the Zoning Administrator’s determination that LES is not in compliance with Article IV Section 2.3.2.B.3.k of the 2017 City of Knoxville Zoning Ordinance, for property located at 1307 Galway Street, thereby reversing the Zoning Administrator's determination. BZA file No. BZA-24-0049.(Requested by Plans Review & Inspections)

Deferred Deferred 9-0-0-0

Motion to postpone the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Debbie Helsley

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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Appeal by William Burton regarding townhouse height in Northshore Town Center

A Resolution approving an appeal by William Burton, thereby overturning the decision of the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission to grant a special use application filed by Mike Stevens Homes to increase the maximum height of a townhouse in Northshore Town Center Master Plan in RN-3 (General Residential Neighborhood), C-R-2 (Regional Commercial), C (Former Planned District), and HP (Hillside Protection Overlay) Districts, for property located at 9426, 9430, 9434, and 9438 Horizon Drive. (Planning Commission File No. 7-D-24-SU) (Planning Commission approved 10-1) (Council District 2).(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to deny the resolution

Moved by Andrew Roberto · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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Appeal by Overlook Owners Association regarding certificate of appropriateness

A Resolution approving an appeal by the Overlook Owners Association, Inc. of a decision of the Knoxville Knox County Planning Commission to uphold a decision of the Design Review Board to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new primary structure for property located at 0 W. Hill Avenue and 0 Locust Street, thereby overturning the decisions of the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board. (Planning Commission File No. 8-A-24-OB; Design Review Board File No. 4-D-24-DT) (Planning Commission denied 14-0) (Council District 6).(Requested by Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to deny the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Amelia Parker

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-244-2024 · item history →

Authorize grant application for $145,000 for Emergency Management Agency

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to file a grant application with the State of Tennessee, Department of the Military and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and, if approved, accept a grant in the amount of $145,000.00 which will reimburse the Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency budget for salaries and operating expenses for Fiscal Year 2025.(Requested by Emergency Management Agency)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Andrew Roberto

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-245-2024 · item history →

Execute agreement with CDM Smith for East Greenway Drive Bridge Repair

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. to provide professional engineering consulting services for the East Greenway Drive Bridge Repair Project in an amount not to exceed $70,400.00.(Requested by Engineering 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 — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Absent Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-246-2024 · item history →

Execute agreement with Gresham Smith for Boyd's Bridge Pike Bridge Repair

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Gresham Smith, Inc. to provide professional engineering consulting services for the Boyd's Bridge Pike Bridge Repair Project in an amount not to exceed $55,995.00.(Requested by Engineering Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Andrew Roberto

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Absent Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-247-2024 · item history →

Execute agreement for Western Heights Phase 3 infrastructure improvements

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Knoxville's Community Development Corporation for Phase 3 infrastructure improvements at Western Heights, in an amount not to exceed $4,200,000.00.(Requested by Housing and Neighborhood Development Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Gwen McKenzie · seconded by Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Absent Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-248-2024 · item history →

Execute quitclaim deed for property at 1209 Forest Avenue

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a quitclaim deed to Joseph S. Key II for one parcel of property located at 1209 Forest Avenue, Parcel ID No. 094-LM-011, within the limits of the City of Knoxville pursuant to the Homemakers Program for a contract sales price of $131,100.00.(Requested by Housing and Neighborhood Development Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Charles Thomas · seconded by Tommy Smith

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Absent Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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R-249-2024 · item history →

Execute agreement with Goodwill Industries for recycling services

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Goodwill Industries Knoxville, Inc. to provide all personnel and supervision necessary to provide recycling maintenance, customer assistance and educational services at five (5) area locations throughout the City for an annual contract price not to exceed $218,400.00(Requested by Public Service Department)

Unanimous Adopted 8-0-0-1

Motion to approve the resolution

Moved by Charles Thomas · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Absent Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-112-2024 · item history →

Amend Operating and Capital budgets for fiscal year 24/25

An Ordinance to amend the Operating and Capital budgets for fiscal year 24/25.(Requested by Finance Department)

Adopted no recorded vote

Motion to amend the ordinance

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Lynne Fugate

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Split Adopted 8-1-0-0

Motion to approve the ordinance (as amended)

Moved by unrecorded

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — No Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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O-52-2021 · item history →

Close unimproved alley from former McCarty Ave to Baldwin Avenue

An Ordinance to close an unimproved and unnamed alley from former McCarty Ave (closed by Ordinance No. O-52-2021) to Baldwin Avenue within City Block 25373, and authorizing the Mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners.(Requested by Engineering Department)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve on first reading

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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Close unimproved Dooley Street from former McCarty Ave to Baldwin Ave

An Ordinance to close unimproved Dooley Street from former McCarty Avenue (closed by Ordinance No. O-52-2021) to Baldwin Ave within City Block 25373, and authorizing the Mayor to execute quitclaim deeds to the adjacent property owners.(Requested by Engineering Department)

Unanimous Adopted 9-0-0-0

Motion to approve on first reading

Moved by Tommy Smith · seconded by Lauren Rider

Charles Thomas — Aye Lynne Fugate — Aye Debbie Helsley — Aye Amelia Parker — Aye Tommy Smith — Aye Andrew Roberto — Aye Seema Singh — Aye Lauren Rider — Aye Gwen McKenzie — Aye
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