Bristol public meetings in 2025

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board approved a $2.2 million tax equivalent payment and authorized the purchase of $1.4 million in equipment, including routers and network upgrades. The board also voted to amend a contract with FiberWise Networks for internet circuits in Atlanta and Ashburn.

• Approval of In Lieu of Tax Resolution ($2,188,601.01)
• Approval of Purchase of WiFi Routers ($379,200)
• Approval of Purchase of ONTs ($1,008,000)
• Approval of Backbone Upgrade ($1,001,160)
• Amendment of Wholesale IP Services Agreement with FiberWise ($10,000 installation fee)

Industrial Development Board

The board voted unanimously to table Resolution 25‑3, which would approve a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑tax (PILOT) incentive for Meade Tractor Corporation’s proposed corporate headquarters on West State Street. Members discussed revising the Economic Development Incentive Policy to clarify definitions of corporate headquarters, employment requirements, and qualifying thresholds. The meeting also included a financial report, updates from local partners, and a presentation on New Market Tax Credits.

• Resolution 25‑3 tabled: PILOT incentive for Meade Tractor Corp headquarters (75% abatement, $6,000 for 5 years) on West State Street/Grove Park Road SDA
• Financial Report – Month ending November 30, 2025: ending balance $83,958.18, deposits and disbursements detailed
• Presentation on New Market Tax Credits by Regions Bank (Don Kieffer, Stephen Ross)
• Updates: Bristol Industrial Site inventory; Career Connections Week served 870 students; Shelby Street lot design complete, pending grant funding
• Adoption of 2026 Industrial Development Board meeting calendar

The board unanimously approved the November 24, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report for the month ending November 31, 2025. A motion to lift Resolution 25-3 from the table and place it on the January 2026 agenda was passed unanimously. The 2026 meeting calendar was adopted by acclimation.

• Approved November 24, 2025 minutes and financial report (unanimous)
• Lifted Resolution 25-3 to the January 2026 agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted 2026 meeting calendar by acclimation

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission’s Dec 15, 2025 meeting agenda lists five new‑business items: a final plat for Fox Meadows Phase 6, a condominium plat for Farm Meadows, a rezoning request in Sullivan County, a text amendment for a data‑center moratorium in Sullivan County, and a Hudson Terrace surety extension. Additional items under Other Matters include a discussion of permitted uses in Business Zones, a City Council update, a training update, and a site‑plans and subdivisions report. The commission will review and possibly act on these items at the meeting.

• Final Plat – Fox Meadows, Phase 6
• Condominium Plat – Farm Meadows
• Rezoning – Sullivan County
• Sullivan County Text Amendment – Data Center Moratorium
• Hudson Terrace Surety Extension

The commission approved the final plat for Fox Meadows Phase 6 and accepted a $578,905 surety bond. It also approved the Farm Meadows condominium plat with conditions on the minor plat and storm‑water updates. Additionally, the commission sent an unfavorable recommendation on a rezoning request at 3076 Weaver Pike and a favorable recommendation for a four‑month data‑center moratorium. It approved a $499,359 surety bond extension for Hudson Terrace and recommended a six‑month moratorium on permanent campgrounds.

• Approved final plat for Fox Meadows Phase 6 and accepted $578,905 surety bond (motion carried)
• Approved Farm Meadows condominium plat subject to minor plat and storm‑water conditions (motion carried)
• Sent unfavorable recommendation to Sullivan County Commission for rezoning at 3076 Weaver Pike (motion carried)
• Sent favorable recommendation to Sullivan County Commission for four‑month data‑center moratorium (motion carried)
• Approved surety bond extension for Hudson Terrace subdivision at $499,359 (motion carried)
• Recommended six‑month moratorium on permanent campgrounds to City Council (motion carried)

City Council

The City Council will discuss zoning changes for industrial and business properties and the regulation of certain birds. The body is also reviewing several resolutions regarding grant funds, property donations, and city contracts.

• Resolution 25-192: Reimbursement for municipal projects not to exceed $10,000,000
• Ordinance 25-28: Zoning map change to B-3 (General Business) for 1241 Virginia Avenue
• Ordinance 25-26: Regulation of roosters, peafowl, and guinea fowl
• Resolution 25-196: Building demolition bid for 7 23rd Street, 501 Lark Street, and 9210 Bay Street
• Ordinance 25-27: Amendment to industrial zone uses and residential buffer requirements

The Bristol City Council met on December 2, 2025, called to order by Mayor Vince Turner. The council conducted roll call, an invocation, and recognized a citizen for a rescue at Middlebrook Lake. No agenda additions, presentations, or votes were recorded, and no substantive actions were approved or denied.

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will consider Resolution 25-3, which proposes payment‑in‑lieu of tax (PILOT) incentives for a new facility by Meade Real Estate. A presentation on New Market Tax Credits will be given by Don Kieffer of Regions Bank. Updates from state and regional partners will be heard, and the board will discuss the status of the Shelby Street Lot litigation.

• Resolution 25-3 – approval of PILOT incentives for Meade Real Estate facility
• Presentation: New Market Tax Credits – Regions Bank, Don Kieffer
• Partner updates: State of TN (Lynn Tully), NETWORKS (Clay Walker), BTES (April Eads), BTCS (Deidre Pendley)
• Discussion of Shelby Street Lot project litigation and upcoming trial
• Consent agenda: approval of October 27, 2025 minutes and October financial report

The board approved the October 27, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report for the month ending October 31, 2025 with a 6‑1 vote; Jason Booher abstained. The board then unanimously voted to table Resolution 25‑3, which would have approved a payment‑in‑lieu of tax (PILOT) for Meade Tractor Corporation’s proposed corporate headquarters. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved October 27 minutes and financial report (6-1, 1 abstention)
• Tabled Resolution 25-3 PILOT request for Meade Tractor Corp (unanimous)

Emergency Communications Board

The Emergency Communications Board will review financial reports and an audit presentation. The body will also discuss the purchase of furniture and maturing CDs.

• Audit presentation
• Purchase of furniture
• Maturing CDs
• Treasurer’s Report for September and October 2025

The board approved the minutes from the September 17 meeting and both the September and October treasurer’s reports. An audit with an unmodified opinion was accepted. The board also approved a $40,815.80 furniture purchase and renewed two CDs totaling $420,563.28 for 18 months at 3.65%. All motions carried with six yes votes and one abstention.

• Approved September 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September treasurer’s report (6 yes, 1 abstain)
• Approved October treasurer’s report (6 yes, 1 abstain)
• Accepted audit with unmodified opinion (6 yes, 1 abstain)
• Approved $40,815.80 furniture purchase, excess covered by state revenue (6 yes, 1 abstain)
• Renewed two CDs totaling $420,563.28 for 18 months at 3.65% (6 yes, 1 abstain)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review zoning amendments and a specific rezone request. The body will also discuss a tax freeze program and a Public Works Department analysis report.

• M-2 Zoning Ordinance Amendment
• Rezone request for 1241 Virginia Avenue
• Property donation from Kevin Carney
• Tax Freeze Program
• Public Works Department Analysis Report

The council met on November 18, 2025, to discuss several agenda items but took no formal action on any of them. All items were reviewed without a vote or decision. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 P.M.

Planning Commission

The Bristol Tennessee Municipal-Regional Planning Commission will meet to discuss site plans, rezoning requests, and a text amendment regarding industrial district setbacks. The agenda also includes discussions on campgrounds and training sessions.

• Planned Business District Site Plan – 850 Meadowview Road
• Rezoning – 1241 Virginia Avenue
• Text Amendment – Industrial Districts
• Residential Orientation Deviation Request - 200 Bellebrook Road
• Discussion – Campgrounds

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the October 20, 2025 minutes. It adopted a conceptual site plan for a single‑family home at 850 Meadowview Road and approved a residential orientation deviation for 200 Bellebrook Road. Commissioners voted to send a favorable recommendation to City Council to rezone 1241 Virginia Avenue from R‑2 to B‑3. They also approved a text amendment to the M‑2 industrial zoning ordinance and changed future meeting dates for 2026.

• Approved agenda (with addition of Junkyard Ordinance discussion)
• Approved October 20, 2025 Planning Commission minutes
• Approved conceptual site plan for single‑family dwelling at 850 Meadowview Road
• Sent favorable rezoning recommendation for 1241 Virginia Avenue (R‑2 to B‑3); Kelly Graham abstained
• Approved text amendment to M‑2 industrial zoning ordinance and forwarded to City Council
• Approved residential orientation deviation request for 200 Bellebrook Road
• Changed 2026 Planning Commission meeting dates to Jan 26 and Mar 23

MPO Executive Board

The Executive Board will discuss safety performance targets for 2026 and the FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program. The meeting includes updates on planning studies and a grant application for MERIT technical assistance.

• Safety Performance Measures (PM1) Targets for Calendar Year 2026
• FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program
• MERIT Technical Assistance Grant Application
• MPO and Partner Planning Studies Updates
• Calendar Year 2026 Meeting Dates

The Executive Board approved the minutes from the August 7 and September 23, 2025 meetings. It adopted the Safety Performance Measures targets for 2026 for both Tennessee and Virginia. The FY 2026‑2029 Transportation Improvement Program and a MERIT Technical Assistance Grant application were approved. The board also set the 2026 meeting schedule to bimonthly on the second Thursday of odd months.

• Approved August 7, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 safety performance measure targets (Resolution 25-14 & 25-15) (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026‑2029 Transportation Improvement Program (Resolution 25-16) (unanimous)
• Approved MERIT Technical Assistance Grant application (Resolution 25-17) (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule: bimonthly on second Thursday of odd months (unanimous)

Power Board

The board approved buying two bucket trucks from Altec, Inc. for $418,712. It also approved an addendum to the IBEW labor agreement covering travel for professional development. The board rescinded and tabled the Wholesale IP Services Agreement pending additional information. Finally, the board adopted the proposed 2026 meeting dates.

• Approval of purchase of two bucket trucks from Altec, Inc. for $418,712
• Approval of IBEW Agreement Addendum for approved travel related to professional development
• Rescission and tabling of the Wholesale IP Services Agreement with FiberWise Networks
• Adoption of proposed 2026 meeting dates
• Safety report noting 275,587.76 safe working hours from Jan 12 2024 to Oct 31 2025

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will approve the August 28, 2025 minutes and review presentations on the Bristol Skatepark, Catie’s Playground, Steele Creek Park improvements, and the Aquatic Center. New business includes electing officers, discussing daily operations and programming, reviewing grant opportunities, and addressing facility maintenance and fee structures.

• Election of Officers
• Bristol Skatepark Presentation
• Catie’s Playground Presentation
• Steele Creek Park Improvements
• Fees and Charges review

City Council

The Bristol City Council will hold a public hearing and then adopt Ordinance 25-22, designating the newly annexed Sweet Knobs Trail – Shawn Hunt Property as R‑1A low‑density single‑family residential. The meeting also includes first readings of ordinances to abandon portions of Whitaker Drive and Buena Vista Drive, to rezone 1 Crestpoint Drive as B‑3 general business, and to regulate keeping roosters, peafowl, and guinea fowl. Several resolutions will be considered, including a financial contribution to support airline service recruitment at the Tri‑Cities Airport and authorizations for various city contracts and appointments.

• Ordinance 25-22 – zoning Sweet Knobs Trail property as R‑1A (public hearing and adoption)
• Ordinance 25-24 – abandon unopened portions of Whitaker Drive and Buena Vista Drive as public right‑of‑way
• Ordinance 25-25 – designate 1 Crestpoint Drive as B‑3 (general business) zoning
• Ordinance 25-26 – regulate keeping roosters, peafowl, and guinea fowl within the city
• Resolution 25-179 – establish a financial contribution to support recruiting additional airline service at the Tri‑Cities Airport

Mayor Vince Turner called the meeting at 6:00 p.m. on November 4, 2025. Vice Mayor Lea Powers presented a proclamation designating November 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday, which was accepted by the council. No other substantive actions, approvals, or votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Proclaimed November 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday

Sewer Oversight Committee

The committee will review a proposed Capital Improvement Plan for wastewater treatment plant upgrades through 2030. Members will also receive updates on TDEC Director’s Order findings and wastewater treatment plant capital projects.

• Proposed FY26 replacement of #1 & #2 Bar Screen for $950,000
• Proposed FY26 replacement of #1 Main Lift Station Pumps for $700,000
• Proposed FY26 automation of Dissolved Oxygen control for $750,000
• Proposed FY27 replacement of #1 Biosolids Dump Truck for $250,000
• Proposed FY28-FY30 replacement of Primary Clarifier mechanical components totaling $690,000

The committee approved the minutes from the March 21, 2025 meeting. It selected Inframark to provide sampling and analysis, to be billed on a separate invoice. The members also accepted and funded the 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

• Approved March 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Selected Inframark for sampling and analysis, billed separately (unanimous)
• Accepted and funded 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)

City Council

The council will vote on Resolution 25-175, which authorizes the city to apply for a 2025 TDOT planning grant. The agenda also lists routine items such as call to order, roll call, and citizen appearances. No other substantive actions are noted.

• Resolution 25-175 – authorize application for a 2025 TDOT planning grant

The council adopted Resolution 25-175 authorizing the city to apply for the 2025 TDOT Planning Grant. The grant can provide up to $250,000, with a potential city match of $25,000. The application deadline is October 31, 2025. The resolution passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Approved Resolution 25-175 to apply for 2025 TDOT Planning Grant (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss several infrastructure projects and economic agreements. The body will review requests for qualifications for an aquatics facility and Steele Creek Park, as well as a rezone request for Crestpoint Drive.

• Breeze Airline Minimum Revenue Guarantee
• Crestpoint Drive Rezone Request
• Library IT Interagency Agreement
• Aquatics Facility Request for Qualifications
• Steele Creek Park Request for Qualifications

The Bristol City Council met on October 28, 2025 for a work session. Council members and city staff discussed a range of agenda items, including a revenue guarantee for Breeze Airline, library IT agreements, public space projects, and economic development incentives. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded for any item. The meeting adjourned at 8:39 P.M.

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will meet to approve minutes and financial reports, discuss updates on economic development incentives, and hear reports from local partners including the State of TN and NETWORKS.

• Approval of September 22 and October 9 meeting minutes
• Financial reports for month ending September 30, 2025
• Discussion of Economic Development Incentive Policy update
• Updates by local partners: State of TN, NETWORKS, BTES, and BTCS
• Public comment on any matters of IDB business

The Industrial Development Board approved the September 22, 2025 regular meeting minutes, the October 9, 2025 called meeting minutes, and the financial reports for the month ending September 30, 2025 by unanimous vote. No other motions were adopted; staff presented policy updates and partner reports without a board decision. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

• Approved September 22, 2025 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 9, 2025 called meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial reports for month ending September 30, 2025 (unanimous)

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will meet to conduct preliminary investigations and a public hearing. The board is reviewing progress reports on specific property conditions.

• Progress report for 931 Hill St.
• Future progress reports scheduled for January 2026 for 1500 5th St., 902 Windsor Ave., 120 Shankel Mill Rd., and 7 23rd Street
• Discussion on trash and debris

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting. It added five properties—931 Hill Street, 902 Windsor Avenue, 1500 5" Street, 120 Shankel Mill Road, and 7 23" Street—to the agenda for the January 22, 2026 meeting. The board directed staff to investigate 1232 Windsor Avenue for overgrown yard, debris, and a dilapidated structure and to conduct a title search on that property. It also requested an update on the demolition of 931 Hill Street at the January 22, 2026 meeting.

• Approved June 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Added 931 Hill Street to Jan 22, 2026 agenda
• Added 902 Windsor Avenue to Jan 22, 2026 agenda
• Added 1500 5" Street to Jan 22, 2026 agenda
• Added 120 Shankel Mill Road to Jan 22, 2026 agenda
• Added 7 23" Street to Jan 22, 2026 agenda
• Directed staff to investigate 1232 Windsor Avenue and conduct title search
• Requested update on demolition of 931 Hill Street at Jan 22, 2026 meeting

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and a second reading for Ordinance 25-23. This ordinance proposes to amend the annual budget and tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.

• Ordinance 25-23: Amendment to the annual budget and tax rate for FY 2025-2026

The council adopted Ordinance 25‑23, which changes the property tax rate from $1.87 to $1.845 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The amendment had been approved on first reading on October 7, 2025 and was approved again on second reading at this meeting. Finance Director Hollie Verran will issue the revised tax information within three weeks to one month.

• Approved Ordinance 25‑23 amendment to tax rate (second reading)

Planning Commission

The Bristol Municipal‑Regional Planning Commission will consider several land‑use actions, including a rezoning of 1 Crestpoint Drive from M‑2 (General Industrial) to B‑3 (General Business). The agenda also includes a rezoning of 1465 Bristol Caverns Highway from A‑1 to B‑3, a text amendment to industrial district regulations, a right‑of‑way abandonment for Whitaker Drive and Buena Vista Drive, and surety extensions for Fox Meadows, Avoca Bend, and Hudson Terrace.

• Rezoning – Crestpoint Drive: change from M‑2 to B‑3
• Rezoning – 1465 Bristol Caverns Highway: change from A‑1 to B‑3
• Text Amendment – Industrial Districts: updates to M‑1 and M‑2 zones and setbacks
• Right of Way Abandonment – Whitaker Drive & Buena Vista Drive
• Surety Extensions – Fox Meadows, Avoca Bend, Hudson Terrace (surety $1,083,918)

The commission elected Andrew Snyder as Vice‑Secretary. It approved a favorable recommendation for rezoning Crestpoint Drive and an unfavorable recommendation for rezoning Bristol Caverns Highway. The commission adopted a 50‑foot setback for properties adjoining residential districts in M‑2 zones and approved the abandonment of Whitaker and Buena Vista Drives. It also approved street naming in Farm Meadows and surety bond extensions for several subdivisions.

• Elected Andrew Snyder as Vice‑Secretary (motion carried)
• Approved sending a favorable recommendation to City Council for rezoning Crestpoint Drive (motion carried)
• Approved sending an unfavorable recommendation to Sullivan County Commission for rezoning Bristol Caverns Highway (motion carried)
• Adopted 50‑ft setback for properties adjoining residential districts in M‑2 zones, retaining 30‑ft setback for non‑residential areas (motion carried)
• Approved right‑of‑way abandonment on Whitaker Drive and Buena Vista Drive (motion carried)
• Approved street renaming in Farm Meadows to Dalton Drive, Danae’s Loop, and Becky’s Way (motion carried)
• Approved surety bond extensions for Fox Meadows, Avoca Bend, and Hudson Terrace subdivisions (motion carried)

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board approved a $875,362.59 reimbursement to TVA for a new substation, authorized the purchase of a $322,050 bucket truck, and moved the next meeting to November 13th.

• November Board Meeting moved to November 13th
• TVA Delivery Point Agreement approved ($875,362.59)
• Purchase of three-phase reclosures approved ($322,050)
• Purchase of replacement bucket truck approved ($288,846)
• Wholesale IP Services Agreement approved ($34,400/month)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development Advisory Committee will vote to approve the 2025‑2029 Five‑Year Consolidated Plan. The committee will review the September 2025 CDBG & HOME staff monthly report and consider the submitted 2024 CAPER. A Bristol housing update will be presented, and no new business is scheduled.

• Approval of 2025‑2029 Five‑Year Consolidated Plan
• CDBG & HOME Staff Monthly Report – September 2025
• 2024 CAPER – submitted
• Bristol Housing Update
• Public Comment Period

The Community Development Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting, with all present members voting in favor. No other actions were taken; the public comment period received no remarks and the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 PM.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous vote)

NE TN/VA HOME Consortium

The HOME Consortium Board will approve minutes from July, elect a Vice-Chair and Secretary, and discuss HUD reports and a CHDO RFP. The next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2025.

• Election of Vice-Chair and Secretary
• Approval of July 8, 2025 minutes
• HUD 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan allocation
• HUD 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
• CHDO RFP Project Discussion and Vote

The board approved the July 8, 2025 meeting minutes with unanimous consent. A motion to retain Ellen Tolton as Vice‑Chair and Tyler Gillenwater as Secretary also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Retained Ellen Tolton as Vice‑Chair and Tyler Gillenwater as Secretary (unanimous)

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will consider Resolution 25-2, which authorizes the issuance and sale of special assessment revenue bonds for the Hideaway at Fox Meadows Phase 2 project. The resolution covers all matters related to the bond issuance. No other agenda items involve decisions.

• Resolution 25-2 – approve issuance of special assessment revenue bonds for the Hideaway at Fox Meadows Phase 2

The Industrial Development Board unanimously approved Resolution 25-2, authorizing the issuance and sale of special assessment revenue bonds to fund $223,295 in sewer infrastructure for 27 lots in Hideaway at Fox Meadows Phase 2. The bonds will be collected through special assessments similar to property taxes, and Ardent Development Group will act as both developer and lender. The board noted this is the first agreement in the state under the Residential Infrastructure Development Act (RIDA).

• Approved Resolution 25-2 authorizing $223,295 sewer bonds for Hideaway at Fox Meadows Phase 2 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on annexing a property at 140 Sweet Knobs Trail and imposing a temporary moratorium on data centers. The body will also consider adopting the 2026 budget and tax rate, approving software and equipment purchases, and awarding a contract for solid waste repairs.

• Public hearing on annexing 140 Sweet Knobs Trail
• Public hearing on temporary moratorium on data centers
• First reading of budget and tax rate amendment
• Resolution to purchase demographics software from Placer.AI
• Resolution to award solid waste unit repairs to MHC Kenworth

The Bristol City Council met on October 7, 2025. Mayor Vince Turner presented a proclamation honoring the Bristol Motor Speedway, which was accepted by Adam Rust, Vice President of Events and Operations at BMS. Councilman Matthew Slagle presented a proclamation designating October 19‑25, 2025 as Teen Driving Safety Week, received by Samuel Jones and Katie Sapikas. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The Bristol Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission will approve the August 28 minutes, discuss updates on the skatepark, Catie’s Playground, the Melrose Center, and the Aquatic Center, and elect new officers. The commission will also review fall programs, sponsorships, senior activities, athletic leagues, grant opportunities, and facility maintenance issues such as White Top Creek Park and pickleball courts. Fees and charges for park services will be considered before the meeting adjourns.

• Election of Officers
• Bristol Skatepark Update
• Catie’s Playground Update
• White Top Creek Park facilities discussion
• Review of Fees and Charges

City Council

The Bristol City Council meeting on September 30, 2025 will include a vote to select a candidate to fill a vacant council seat. The agenda also lists standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, public comment, and adjournment.

• Selection of a candidate to fill a vacant seat on City Council

Councilman Mark Mutton resigned effective September 2, 2025, creating a vacancy for the East District seat. The council approved an application process for interested candidates, reviewing eleven applicants and reaching consensus on three candidates. No formal vote tally was recorded for the approval.

• Approved application process to fill East District council vacancy (consensus, no vote tally recorded)

City Council

The Bristol City Council will discuss several items, including water tank capital maintenance, a Placer.ai software contract, and the Sullivan County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. It will also consider annexations of the Sweet Knobs Trail and Highway 11E, and review council applications. The meeting concludes with comments from the City Manager and council members.

• Water Tank Capital Maintenance
• Placer.ai Software
• Sullivan County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Sweet Knobs Trail Annexation
• Highway 11E Annexation

The City Council work session discussed several items but took no formal action on any of them. Topics included water‑tank capital maintenance, Placer.ai software, the Sullivan County multi‑hazard mitigation plan, Sweet Knobs Trail annexation, Highway H‑E annexation, and a review of council applications. The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

MPO Executive Board

The Bristol MPO Executive Board will hold a special meeting to take attendance, hear public comments, and consider several program amendments. The primary decision is the adoption of Resolution 25-10, approving Amendment #7 to add a $200,000 capital project for Bristol Tennessee Transit preventive maintenance, funded $160,000 by federal FTA 5307, $20,000 by the state, and $20,000 locally. The board will also review Amendment #8 to the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program and two amendments to the FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program.

• Adopt Resolution 25-10 approving Amendment #7 to add a $200,000 transit capital project (funding: $160k federal, $20k state, $20k local)
• Consider Amendment #8 to the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program
• Consider Amendment #2 to the FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program
• Consider Amendment #3 to the FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program
• Public comment on agenda items and transportation planning issues

The Bristol MPO Executive Board unanimously approved Amendment #7, allowing the City of Bristol, TN to treat certain preventive‑maintenance costs as capital expenses. The board also approved Amendment #8, adding three specific roadway projects to the FY 2023‑2026 TIP. In addition, the board approved two Unified Planning Work Program amendments that fund a new bus‑route feasibility study and document the Highway 394 Corridor Management Plan.

• Approved FY 2023‑2026 TIP Amendment #7 (Resolution 25‑10) – unanimous voice vote
• Approved FY 2023‑2026 TIP Amendment #8 (Resolution 25‑11) – unanimous voice vote
• Approved FY 2026‑2027 UPWP Amendment #2 (Resolution 25‑12) – unanimous voice vote
• Approved FY 2026‑2027 UPWP Amendment #3 (Resolution 25‑13) – unanimous voice vote

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board of Bristol, Tennessee will hold its annual meeting on September 22, 2025. Board members will vote to fill the officer positions of Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and Vice‑Secretary/Treasurer and will authorize new check signers. The agenda also includes a presentation by Junior Achievement about its Mobile Biz Town program, a discussion of the FY 2026 Program of Work, and updates from local partners such as the State of Tennessee, NETWORKS, BTES, and BTCS.

• Election of Board Officers (Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, Vice‑Secretary/Treasurer)
• Authorization of new check signers for the Board
• Junior Achievement Mobile Biz Town presentation by April Eads
• Discussion of the IDB FY 2026 Program of Work
• Updates from local partners: State of TN IRIS grant, NETWORKS, BTES, BTCS

The Industrial Development Board unanimously approved the August meeting minutes and financial report. Board members were unanimously elected to officer positions and authorized as check signers. The board also unanimously approved up to $30,000 in funding for the Junior Achievement Mobile BizTown program.

• Approved August 25, 2025 meeting minutes and financial report (unanimous)
• Elected Raj Venkataraman as Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Logan McCabe as Vice Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Jeff Jones as Secretary/Treasurer (unanimous)
• Elected Jason Booher as Vice Secretary/Treasurer (unanimous)
• Authorized current check signers: Raj Venkataraman, Logan McCabe, Jeff Jones, Tom Anderson (unanimous)
• Approved funding up to $30,000 for Junior Achievement Mobile BizTown program (unanimous)

Emergency Communications Board

The Emergency Communications District Board will review August 2025 financials, discuss operations and equipment, address maturing certificates of deposit, and handle the resignation and election of the Treasurer. The meeting also includes citizen presentations and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Review of receipts, expenditures, bank reconciliations, and Treasurer’s Report for August 2025
• Report on daily operations, personnel, and equipment statistics
• Discussion of maturing certificates of deposit
• Consideration of Treasurer resignation and election of a new Treasurer
• Citizens and delegations presentation

The board approved the September 17 minutes and the September financial report. It authorized Ms. Key to find the best rate and terms for about $2.4 million in maturing CDs. The board elected Nick Fugate to replace the resigning treasurer, David Ring.

• Approved September 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report for September (yes vote by all members)
• Authorized Ms. Key to seek best rate and terms for about $2.4 million maturing CDs (yes vote by all members)
• Elected Nick Fugate as treasurer, replacing David Ring (yes vote by all members)

Power Board

The Essential Services Board approved a contract for engineering services to develop a pad‑ready site for the South Bristol Substation. It reviewed safety metrics, reliability data and financial performance, including electric sales and broadband customer counts. The board also noted a decrease in TVA residential fuel costs for October 2025 and received a CEO update on FEMA reimbursement claims and an upcoming ribbon‑cutting ceremony.

• Approval of $173,395 contract with Mattern and Craig for engineering a pad‑ready site
• Safety report: 249,410.26 safe work hours Jan 2024‑Aug 31 2025; distracted‑driving meeting held
• Reliability report: August 2025 average outage 2.365 minutes; YTD average 41.408 minutes
• Financial report: Electric sales 81 MWh (July) and 78 MWh (August); 17,950 total broadband customers
• TVA fuel cost decrease to $0.02139 per kWh for residential customers in October 2025

Planning Commission

The Bristol Tennessee Municipal-Regional Planning Commission will meet to discuss a proposed two-year moratorium on data processing centers and an annexation request for the Sweet Knobs Trail property. The agenda includes approval of minutes and reports from officers and committees.

• Discussion on industrial zoning and data processing center moratorium
• Annexation request for Sweet Knobs Trail property (Parcel ID 068 009.00)
• Approval of August 18, 2025 Planning Commission minutes
• Reports of officers and committees
• Unscheduled comments from the public

The commission approved the plan of services for the Sweet Knobs Trail annexation, changing the recommended zoning to residential (R‑1A). It approved the final subdivision plat for Fox Meadows Phase 5B, including a surety estimate of $1,083,918. The commission voted to return the proposed text amendment for industrial zones to staff for further review.

• Approved plan of services for Sweet Knobs Trail annexation with R-1A zoning (motion carried)
• Approved final subdivision plat for Fox Meadows Phase 5B and surety $1,083,918 (motion carried)
• Sent industrial zones text amendment back to staff for further review (decision)
• Approved August 18, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved agenda as presented (motion carried)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development Advisory Committee will hold public hearings on the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and the 2026 One-Year Action Plan. The committee will also review old business items, including the CDBG & HOME monthly report and the 2025‑2029 Five‑Year Consolidated Plan. New business will address the 2024 CAPER again. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Public Hearing – 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
• Public Hearing – 2026 One-Year Action Plan
• Old Business – CDBG & HOME Monthly Report
• Old Business – 2025‑2029 Five‑Year Consolidated Plan
• New Business – 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

The committee elected Steve Willinger as Chair and Alexander Brumlik as Vice‑Chair by unanimous voice vote. The members also approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting, again by unanimous voice vote. No public comments were received on the CAPER or the 2026 Action Plan during the public hearing.

• Elected Steve Willinger as Chair (unanimous voice vote)
• Elected Alexander Brumlik as Vice‑Chair (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a temporary moratorium on data centers and several zoning changes. The body is also deciding on the election of a Vice Mayor and the process for filling a vacant council seat.

• Ordinance 25-20: Temporary moratorium on the establishment of data centers
• Ordinance 25-19: Zoning change to M-2 for 308 Glenwood Road
• Ordinance 25-18: Zoning of newly annexed BTES Property as M-2
• Resolution 25-159: Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
• Resolution 25-153: Proposed annexation of 140 Sweet Knobs Trail

Council members reviewed the city charter requirement to appoint a replacement for the East district seat vacated by Councilman Mark Mutton. The City Manager presented a draft application process and timeline, but the council did not vote on any specific method. No formal resolution or appointment was adopted.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will review the conceptual design and public input for the Bristol Skatepark. The body will also discuss updates on the Baseball Stadium, Catie’s Playground, Melrose Center, and the Aquatic Center.

• Bristol Skatepark conceptual design review
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant
• White Top Creek Park facilities and maintenance
• Partnerships with City School System, Junior Vikings Football, and The Civitan Club
• Nature Center staff review

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission approved a motion to support sending a letter for the BCBS grant application, which could fund a $600K‑$700K play‑structure, fitness equipment and pavilion at Friendship Park. The commission also approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were taken; remaining items were informational updates.

• Approved June 5, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved support for BCBS grant application by sending a letter (motion passed)

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will meet to conduct preliminary investigations and a public hearing. The board is scheduled to review progress reports for six specific property addresses.

• Progress report for 764 Oakwood
• Progress report for 1500 5th Street
• Progress report for 7 23rd St
• Progress report for 931 Hill Street
• Progress report for 902 Windsor Avenue and 120 Shankel Mill

The board rescinded all previous orders for 764 Oakwood and closed the case after the property met code requirements. It also approved moving forward with demolition of 931 Hill Street as previously ordered. Additional progress‑report motions for several properties were carried, and the September 25, 2025 and December 4, 2025 joint meetings were cancelled. Future meetings were scheduled for October 23,2025 and January 22, 2026.

• Rescinded all previous orders for 764 Oakwood and closed the case (motion carried)
• Approved demolition of 931 Hill Street and set progress report for October 23,2025 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 1500 5' Street for January 22, 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 902 Windsor Avenue for January 22, 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 120 Shankel Mill Road demolition for January 22, 2026 (motion carried)
• Cancelled September 25, 2025 meeting and the November/December joint meeting scheduled for December 4, 2025 (motion carried)
• Scheduled Better Property Board meetings for October 23,2025 and January 22, 2026 (motion carried)
• Requested progress reports on 1215 5"* Street, 102 East Cedar Street, and 1048 Pennsylvania Avenue for October 23,2025 meeting (motion carried)

City Council

The Bristol TN City Council will hold a work session to review several policy items including a tax freeze program, a proposed junkyard ordinance amendment, a data center moratorium, and a rezoning request for 308 Glenwood Road. The meeting will also cover budget amendments for the waterworks fund and a potential second social worker position.

• Tax Freeze Program review
• Junkyard Ordinance Amendment discussion
• Data Center Moratorium consideration
• Rezone of 308 Glenwood Road
• Fiscal Year 2026 Waterworks Fund Budget Amendment

The Bristol City Council held a work session on August 26, 2025, called to order by Vice Mayor Vince Turner at 6:00 PM. Vice Mayor Turner, Councilwomen Rae Akard, Margaret Feierabend, and Lea Powers attended; Mayor Mark was absent. Staff members presented and the agenda items—including a tax‑freeze program, municipal court costs, a junkyard ordinance amendment, a data‑center moratorium, and others—were discussed but no formal action was taken. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will consider authorizing a signature for a Brown Edwards engagement letter. The meeting also includes presentations from Junior Achievement and updates from local partners including BTES and Bristol Tennessee City Schools.

• Authorization of Brown Edwards engagement letter signature
• Overview presentation by Junior Achievement Director Fredrik Axelsson
• Welcome for Dr. Sheila Morgan Osborne of Bristol TN City Schools
• Updates from State of TN, NETWORKS, BTES, and BTCS

The board approved the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report for the month ending July 31, 2025 by unanimous vote. It also approved the Brown Edwards audit engagement authorization, allowing Tom Anderson to sign, again unanimously. No other actions were taken.

• Approved July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report for month ending July 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Brown Edwards audit engagement authorization for FY 2025 (unanimous)

Emergency Communications Board

The Board of Directors will meet to review financial reports and bank reconciliations from July 2025. The meeting includes a report on daily operations, personnel, and equipment statistics.

• Review of July 2025 receipts, expenditures, and bank reconciliations
• Treasurer's Report for July 2025
• Operations and equipment report covering daily operations and personnel

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting. They also approved the Treasurer's report for July, with all seven members voting yes. No other actions were taken.

• Approved July 16 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report for July (7-0)

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board approved the purchase of equipment from Siemens Energy Inc. and updated its Identity Theft Prevention Policy. The board also reviewed financial reports and noted a decrease in September fuel costs for residential customers.

• Approved $647,556 purchase of 12 regulators from Siemens Energy Inc.
• Approved annual Identity Theft Prevention Policy
• Residential fuel cost for September 2025 decreasing to $0.02420 per kWh
• Reported 18,039 total Fiber customers as of June
• Reported average of 19.969 customer outage minutes for July 2025

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a request to rezone 1.93 acres at 308 Glenwood Road from residential to general industrial for a proposed data processing center. The body will also review a subdivision plat and a subdivision waiver.

• Rezoning request for 308 Glenwood Road from R-2 to M-2
• Final Subdivision Plat for Fox Meadows Phase 5-A
• Subdivision Waiver for Stills
• Discussion on Industrial Zones
• Discussion on Sweet Knobs Trail Annexation

The commission voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to the City Council on rezoning 308 Glenwood Road. It approved the final subdivision plat for Fox Meadows Phase 5‑A with a surety of $1,135,352. It also approved a subdivision waiver for the Andrew Stills property on Weaver Pike. Finally, it adopted a recommendation for a two‑year moratorium on data processing centers and will forward it to the City Council.

• Sent unfavorable recommendation to City Council on rezoning 308 Glenwood Road (motion carried)
• Approved final subdivision plat for Fox Meadows Phase 5‑A and surety $1,135,352 (motion carried)
• Approved subdivision waiver for Andrew Stills property on Weaver Pike (motion carried)
• Recommended a two‑year moratorium on data processing centers to City Council (motion carried)

City Council

The City Council will discuss requesting the Tennessee General Assembly to amend the city charter regarding departments, education, and elections. The body is also deciding on the annexation and zoning of properties on Highway 394 and the Walter L. Harber property.

• Public hearing on annexing Bristol Tennessee Essential Services property on Highway 394
• Zoning of Walter L. Harber property as R-2 (Single-Family/Duplex Residential)
• Resolution 25-86 to dispose of surplus real property at 511-515 Melrose Building
• Resolution 25-103 awarding a bid for bulk asphalt products to Summers-Taylor Inc
• Resolution 25-147 to join the Tennessee State-Subdivision Opioid Abatement Agreement

The Bristol City Council met on August 12, 2025, called to order by Mayor Mark Hutton. After roll call and an invocation, a presentation was given on the 2025 Rhythm & Roots Reunion poster. No agenda items were approved, denied, or tabled, and no votes were recorded.

City Council

The City Council will hold a called work session to review proposed changes to the City Charter. The meeting also includes time for comments from the City Manager and City Council members.

• Proposed changes to City Charter

The Bristol City Council met for a work session on August 7, 2025. An agenda item on proposed changes to the city charter was discussed, but the minutes record that no formal action was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will review facility designs and a public meeting for the skate park. Members will also discuss facility user fees and funding opportunities, including a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant.

• Skate park facility designs and upcoming public meeting
• Review of facility user fees
• Blue Cross Blue Shield grant
• Maintenance and updates for White Top Creek Park
• Partnerships with City School System, Junior Vikings Football, and The Civitan Club

MPO Executive Board

The Bristol Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Board will discuss staff-recommended project selections and funding for the 2025 Call for Projects. The board will also consider amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program and the Unified Planning Work Program.

• FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program – Amendments 5 and 6
• FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program – Amendment 1
• 2025 Call for Projects staff-recommended project selections and funding
• Tennessee Statewide Partnership Program update
• MPO and partner planning studies updates

The board unanimously approved two Transportation Improvement Program amendments: adding $13,500,000 in NHPP funds for preventive maintenance and adding $24,000 in FTA 5307, $4,800 State, and $1,200 Local funds for a Mountain Lynx Transit HVAC project. The FY 2026‑2027 Unified Planning Work Program was amended to reflect an increased FTA Section 5303 allocation of $50,500.59. The board also adopted the 2025 Call for Projects selections for FY 2026‑2029 funding.

• Approved TIP Amendment #5 adding $13,500,000 NHPP funds (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved TIP Amendment #6 adding $24,000 FTA 5307, $4,800 State, $1,200 Local funds (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved Amendment 1 to FY 2026‑2027 UPWP to reflect $50,500.59 FTA funding (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25‑09 adopting 2025 Call for Projects funding selections (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote, unanimous)

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will meet to discuss a memorandum of understanding regarding site development grant funds. The meeting also includes presentations on TVA power and high school AP exams.

• IDB Resolution 25-1: Memorandum of Understanding with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services for site development grant funds
• TVA Power presentation by Chris Quillen
• Tennessee High School A/P Exams presentation by Deidre Pendley

The board unanimously approved the June 23, 2025 meeting minutes and the June financial report. It then approved Resolution 25-1, authorizing a memorandum of understanding with BTES to act as fiscal agent for a site development grant. The resolution passed with five members voting yes and one member abstaining.

• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes and financial report (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-1 authorizing MOU with BTES for site development grant (5 yes, 1 abstain)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review items including a tax freeze program and BTES matters. The body will also address council policies, procedures, and updates to the city charter.

• BTES Annexation
• BTES Site Development Grant Request
• Tax Freeze Program
• Charter Update
• Ordinance Amendment signing

The July 22, 2025 work session was convened by Mayor Mark Hutton and attended by council members and city staff. The agenda covered an ordinance amendment, BTES annexation, a site‑development grant request, a tax‑freeze program, council policies, a legislative update, and a charter update. No formal actions or votes were taken on any item.

Tree City Board

The Tree City USA Board is meeting to review FY25 initiatives and the Urban Forestry Management Plan. The board will also discuss tree cover data resources and city tree mapping.

• FY25 Board Initiatives
• Urban Forestry Management Plan discussion
• Tree Cover Data Resource
• City Tree Mapping

The board unanimously approved the April 2025 meeting minutes. The board agreed that the 2026 Tree Keepers program, Arbor Day event, the management plan and city tree maps will be priorities for the fiscal year, and Mendy suggested adding an Earth Day component. Jeremy Stout agreed to contact Robin Feierabend about possible collaboration. The board will vote on adopting the Urban Forestry Management Plan at the October meeting.

• Approved April 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Set 2026 Tree Keepers, Arbor Day, management plan, and city tree maps as board priorities (unanimous)
• Agreed to consider adding an Earth Day component to 2026 initiatives
• Assigned Jeremy Stout to contact Robin Feierabend for possible collaboration
• Planned vote on internal adoption of Urban Forestry Management Plan at October meeting
• Directed passing of downtown and memorial tree maps to Department of Community Relations for integration
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss the annexation of approximately 85.31 acres on Highway 394 for the South Bristol Substation. The body will also hold an annual election for its officers.

• Public hearing on Plan of Services for Highway 394 annexation (85.31 acres)
• Election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary
• Special use Permit for Lakeview Street
• Subdivision Waiver Request for Stills
• Text Amendment regarding Signs

The commission elected new officers, approved an amended Plan of Services for the Highway 394 annexation, granted a special use permit for 750 Lakeview Street, approved a subdivision waiver for the Still property, and adopted a text amendment to the sign ordinance. It also authorized staff to present an amended M‑2 zoning ordinance to City Council.

• Elected Jason Booher as Chairman (motion carried)
• Elected Kelly Graham as Vice‑Chairman (motion carried)
• Elected Tekai Shu as Secretary (motion carried)
• Elected Matt Slagle as Assistant Secretary (motion carried)
• Approved amended Plan of Services for Highway 394 annexation (motion carried)
• Granted Special Use Permit for 750 Lakeview Street with internal‑storage condition (motion carried)
• Approved Subdivision Waiver for Andrew J. Still property (motion carried)
• Approved Text Amendment to the Sign Ordinance (motion carried)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. The board will also receive a training update regarding current hours status.

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice-Chair
• Election of Secretary
• Training Update – Current Hours Status

The Board approved the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. Wesley W. Walker was elected Chairman, Kelly Graham was elected Vice‑Chairman, and Dustin Goforth was elected Secretary. All three motions were carried.

• Approved May 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Wesley W. Walker as Chairman (motion carried)
• Elected Kelly Graham as Vice‑Chairman (motion carried)
• Elected Dustin Goforth as Secretary (motion carried)

Emergency Communications Board

The Emergency Communications District Board of Directors will meet to elect officers and review June 2025 financial reports. The board will also receive reports on operations, personnel, and equipment.

• Officer elections
• Review of June 2025 receipts, expenditures, and bank reconciliations
• Report on daily operations and personnel
• Discussion of a maturing CD

The board elected Matt Austin as Chair, Blaine Wade as Vice‑Chair, David Ring as Treasurer, and Adam Dye as Secretary, each with all members in favor and no opposition. The board approved the June 18 meeting minutes with yes votes from all six members. The Treasurer’s report for June was also approved with unanimous yes votes. No new business or discussion items were presented.

• Elected Matt Austin as Chair (all in favor, no opposition)
• Elected Blaine Wade as Vice‑Chair (all in favor, no opposition)
• Elected David Ring as Treasurer (all in favor, no opposition)
• Elected Adam Dye as Secretary (all in favor, no opposition)
• Approved June 18 minutes (yes votes from Austin, Brumlik, Dye, Ring, Wade, Wampler)
• Approved Treasurer’s report (yes votes from Austin, Brumlik, Dye, Ring, Wade, Wampler)

Power Board

The Board conducted its annual election of officers and reviewed financial and reliability reports. The CEO announced a decrease in the August 2025 monthly fuel cost for residential customers.

• August 2025 residential fuel cost decreasing to $0.02700 per kWh
• Receipt of $15,338 refund from the Tennessee Department of Unclaimed Property
• Election of Erin Downs (Chair), Jason Booher (Vice Chair), Doug Harmon (Secretary), and Clayton Dowell (Treasurer)
• Award of a grant to develop a pad-ready site adjacent to the South Bristol Delivery Point
• June 2025 average of 4.463 customer outage minutes

City Council

The City Council will consider the adoption of the annual budget and tax rate. The meeting includes public hearings and votes on land annexation and the purchase of real property. Members will also make appointments to several city boards and commissions.

• Ordinance 25-15: Annual Budget and Tax Rate for FY 2025-2026
• Resolution 25-73: Purchase of real property at 260 Midway Medical Park
• Resolution 25-70 & 25-71: Annexation and Plan of Services for Walter L. Harber property on Beaver Creek Road
• Resolution 25-72: Acceptance of Centre Pointe Drive as a public street
• Ordinance 25-16: Zoning of newly annexed Walter L. Harber property as R-2 (Single-Family/Duplex Residential)

The City Council adopted a proclamation designating July 2025 as Parks and Recreation month. Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend presented the proclamation and Director Mike Mains accepted it. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Designated July 2025 as Parks and Recreation month (proclamation)

NE TN/VA HOME Consortium

The Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium will review project statuses for homeownership and rehabilitation. The board is scheduled to vote on the reallocation of HOME-ARP funds from HUD and the handling of recaptured funds.

• Vote required for HOME-ARP reallocation from HUD
• Vote required for recaptured funds
• Public notice to accept CHDO applications for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 set-aside funds
• Review of 2025-2026 rehabilitation allocations, including $206,206.44 for Johnson City and $175,647.34 for Kingsport
• Review of 2025-2026 homeownership allocations, including $20,000.00 for Washington County

The board approved the April 8, 2025 minutes without amendment. It approved a public notice to accept CHDO applications for 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026 funding. The board allocated an additional $6,024 from HUD to the Supportive Services HOME‑ARP contract. It also authorized Kingsport to use 2021 program‑income funds from other jurisdictions and return them later.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public notice to accept CHDO applications for 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026 (unanimous)
• Allocated additional $6,024 HUD funds to Supportive Services HOME‑ARP contract (unanimous)
• Authorized Kingsport to use 2021 program‑income funds from other jurisdictions and return them (unanimous)

Better Property Board

The board will conduct public hearings for properties at 2910 Bay Street and 501 Lark Street, where staff are requesting demolition orders. The meeting also includes progress reports on several other properties to monitor repair compliance.

• Public hearing for 2910 Bay Street (staff requesting demolition based on 60.6% repair assessment)
• Public hearing for 501 Lark Street (staff requesting demolition based on over 50% repair assessment)
• Progress report for 902 Windsor Avenue
• Progress report for 120 Shankel Mill
• Progress report for 616 6th Street

The Better Property Board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. It voted to demolish the structures at 2910 Bay Street (60.6% damage) and 501 Lark Street (90.6% damage). The board also approved receiving progress reports on 902 Windsor Avenue and 120 Shankel Mill at the August 28, 2025 meeting, rescinded the demolition order for 616 6" Street, and cancelled the July 24, 2025 meeting, setting the next meeting for August 28, 2025. All motions were carried.

• Approved May 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Demolish 2910 Bay Street – motion carried
• Demolish 501 Lark Street – motion carried
• Receive progress report on 902 Windsor Avenue on Aug 28, 2025 – motion carried
• Receive progress report on 120 Shankel Mill on Aug 28, 2025 – motion carried
• Rescind demolition order and close case for 616 6" Street – motion carried
• Cancel July 24, 2025 meeting and set Aug 28, 2025 meeting – motion carried

City Council

The Bristol City Council is holding a special called meeting to conduct a first reading of a new ordinance. This ordinance concerns the adoption of the annual budget and tax rate for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.

• First reading of Ordinance 25-15 regarding the annual budget and tax rate for FY 2025-2026

The Bristol City Council met on June 24, 2025 for a special session called by Mayor Mark Hutton. The agenda was limited to the first reading of Ordinance 25‑15, which would adopt the city’s annual budget and tax rate for FY July 1 2025 – June 30 2026. No votes or formal actions were recorded; the council only heard a citizen’s comment on the proposed tax increase. The meeting was otherwise procedural.

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will discuss the Border Region Retail Tourism Development District and the May 1, 2025 Hiring Expo. The meeting includes a presentation from BRIDGE and updates from local partners including NETWORKS, BTES, and BTCS.

• Report on Border Region Retail Tourism Development District
• Report on May 1, 2025 Hiring Expo
• BRIDGE presentation by Executive Director John Rose
• Updates from local partners NETWORKS, BTES, and BTCS
• Approval of April 28, 2025 meeting minutes and financial reports

The Industrial Development Board approved the March 24, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report for the month ending March 31, 2025 with a unanimous vote. Reports were given on the Border Region Retail Tourism Development District, the May 1 hiring expo, BRIDGE initiatives, and local partner updates. No other motions or votes were recorded.

• Approved March 24, 2025 meeting minutes and March 31, 2025 financial report (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings and a second reading to adopt the annual budget and tax rate for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The council is considering a property tax rate of $1.92, which exceeds the certified rate of $1.5397.

• Ordinance 25-13: Annual Budget and Tax Rate for FY 2025-2026
• Proposed property tax rate of $1.92 (certified rate is $1.5397)
• Ordinance 25-14: Amendment to appropriation of funds and budget for FY 2024-2025
• Resolution 25-69: Agreement with Commonwealth of Virginia for FY 2026 Federal Highway Administration Metropolitan Planning Funds

The council heard a presentation of Ordinance 25-13, which proposes the FY 2026 budget of $155,339,488 and a tax rate increase. The budget includes a 4.1% overall increase, with specific allocations for municipal government, schools, police, fire, and the public library. No vote or formal adoption was recorded in the minutes.

Emergency Communications Board

The Board of Directors will review May 2025 financial reports and operational statistics. The meeting includes discussions on budget amendments for FY25 and an inter-local agreement.

• FY25 Budget Amendments
• Inter-local Agreement
• Maturing CD
• May 2025 Treasurer's Report

The Emergency Communications Board approved the May meeting minutes and the Treasurer's report. It adopted the Interlocal Agreement for the new budget year, approved FY25 budget amendments, and authorized placement of a maturing CD worth $210,087.56. The board also nominated Eddie Wampler as Interim Vice‑Chair.

• Approved May meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report (5-0)
• Approved Interlocal Agreement for FY25 (5-0)
• Approved FY25 budget amendments (5-0)
• Authorized placement of maturing CD funds $210,087.56 (5-0)
• Nominated Eddie Wampler as Interim Vice‑Chair (5-0)

Beer Board

The Bristol Tennessee Beer Board will meet to review a temporary on-premises application. The board will also review minutes from the May 21, 2025, meeting.

• Temporary on-premises application for Thunder Mountain Events at 190 N Raceway Villa Dr

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board of Directors approved a new optional pricing schedule for residential customers based on peak and off-peak hours. The board also approved a contract renewal for telephone switch support and reviewed financial and reliability reports.

• Approved optional Residential Time-of-Use schedule with on-peak hours (5 AM to 11 PM) and off-peak hours (11 PM to 5 AM)
• Approved $109,354 contract for Metaswitch annual support and extended hardware warranty
• Reported July 2025 residential fuel cost decrease to $0.02796 per kWh
• Reported May 2025 average customer outage minutes of 5.644
• Reported 209,759.01 safe working hours from January 12, 2024, to May 31, 2025

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider an annexation request for Beaver Creek Road and a condominium plat for Chadworth. The body will also review infrastructure acceptance for Centre Pointe Drive and discuss annexation for Highway 394.

• Annexation of Beaver Creek Road
• Condominium Plat Approval for Chadworth
• Street and Public utility Infrastructure Acceptance for Centre Pointe Drive
• Annexation discussion for Highway 394

The commission voted to send the plan of services for the Beaver Creek Road annexation to the City Council. It also approved amendments to include a traffic light at the Beaver Creek Road and Highway 394 intersection and to state that no streetlights are needed on Beaver Creek Road. The commission approved the condominium plat for Chadworth and forwarded a recommendation to the City Council to accept Centre Pointe Drive as a public street.

• Motion carried to send Beaver Creek Road annexation plan of services to City Council
• Motion carried to amend plan to add a traffic light at Beaver Creek Road & Highway 394
• Motion carried to amend plan to state no streetlights needed on Beaver Creek Road
• Motion carried to approve the Condominium plat for Chadworth
• Motion carried to forward recommendation to City Council to accept Centre Pointe Drive

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a called work session to discuss the Fiscal 2026 Budget.

• Fiscal 2026 Budget

The council met for a work session on June 12, 2025, with the Fiscal 2026 Budget on the agenda. No formal actions were taken on any agenda item. The meeting was adjourned at 2:46 P.M.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will discuss updates on several facility projects and review new business regarding programs, community partnerships, and funding. The meeting includes a review of policy and procedures for the Slater Center and athletic leagues.

• Updates on Skate Park, Baseball Stadium, Catie’s Playground, Melrose Center, and Aquatic Center
• Discussion of Nature Center staff and educational training
• Partnerships with Bristol City School System, Appalachian Literacy Foundation, and Little League
• Policy and procedures for the Slater Center and athletic leagues
• Grant and private funding for LPRF and Office of Outdoor Recreation Master Plan

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission approved the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting after a motion by Clyde Downs and a second by David Shumaker. No other formal actions or votes were recorded. The commission discussed ongoing projects such as the skate park, baseball stadium, Steele Creek Park playground, and upcoming grant applications.

• Approved March 6, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Clyde Downs, seconded by David Shumaker, passed)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on water and sewer rates and zoning changes for residential structure orientation. The body is also considering the annual budget and tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.

• Ordinance 25-13: Annual Budget and Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Ordinances 25-8 and 25-9: Rates for water and sanitary sewer services
• Ordinance 25-10: Zoning requirements for the orientation of residential structures
• Resolution 25-62: Rescinding authority for a stadium operating agreement with Boyd Sports, LLC and Bristol, Tennessee City Schools
• Resolution 25-68: Purchase of ten 2025 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles

The Bristol City Council met on June 3, 2025. No agenda items were added or changed, and no votes or approvals were recorded. The mayor discussed the timing of teacher bonuses and the council's role in fiscal responsibility.

City Council

The City Council is holding a called work session to discuss the Fiscal 2026 budget and bond requirements. No other formal actions are listed on the agenda.

• Fiscal 2026 Budget and Bond Discussion

The Bristol City Council met for a work session on May 30, 2025. The agenda listed a discussion of the Fiscal 2026 Budget and Bond, but the minutes state that no formal action was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 4:02 P.M.

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss several infrastructure and staffing items. The meeting includes reviews of the FY 2026 budget and a request for annexation along Highway 394.

• Highway 394 Annexation Request
• FY 2026 Budget
• Second Police Department Social Worker
• County Public Health Clinic Building
• Melrose Facility and Baseball Stadium

The council met for a work session on May 22, 2025, with Mayor Mark Hutton presiding. Council members and city staff discussed a Highway 394 annexation request, a second police department social worker, a county public‑health clinic building, the Melrose facility and baseball stadium, and the FY 2026 budget. No formal actions or votes were recorded.

Power Board

The Board approved the 2025-2026 Business Plan and reviewed financial reports for electric, broadband, and telephone units. The meeting included updates on outage data and a request to annex the Bristol South Industrial property for economic development.

• Approval of the 2025-2026 Business Plan
• June 2025 residential fuel cost increase to $0.02886 per kWh
• Reported $721,000 increase in April Electric Sales due to a billing cycle shift for 6,000 customers
• Reported net loss of approximately $73,000 in the Telephone Business Unit
• Request to the City of Bristol to annex the Bristol South Industrial property

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will conduct public hearings regarding 501 Lark Street and 2910 Bay Street. The board will also review progress reports for three additional properties.

• Public hearing: 501 Lark Street
• Public hearing: 2910 Bay Street
• Progress report: 1500 5th Street
• Progress report: 7 23rd Street
• Progress report: 902 Windsor Avenue

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting. It voted to postpone the public hearings for 501 Lark Street and 2910 Bay Street to June 26, 2025 to allow proper newspaper notice. The board also set future progress‑report dates for 1500 5" Street (August 28, 2025) and 902 Windsor Avenue (June 26, 2025). No action was taken on the progress report for 723" Street.

• Approved April 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed public hearing for 501 Lark Street to June 26, 2025 (motion carried)
• Postponed public hearing for 2910 Bay Street to June 26, 2025 (motion carried)
• Scheduled progress report for 1500 5" Street on August 28, 2025 (motion carried)
• Scheduled progress report for 902 Windsor Avenue on June 26, 2025 (motion carried)
• No action taken on progress report for 723" Street

Emergency Communications Board

The Emergency Communications District Board of Directors will meet to review April 2025 financials and operational statistics. The board is scheduled to conduct a second reading of a budget proposal and discuss a raise synopsis.

• Second reading of budget proposal
• Discussion of raise synopsis
• Review of April 2025 receipts, expenditures, and bank reconciliations
• Report on operations, equipment, and personnel

The board approved the minutes from the April 16 meeting unanimously. It also approved the transfer of two First Horizon Bank CDs to INSBank, Nashville, with all four voting members in favor. The Treasurer’s report for April was approved, and the FY26 budget proposal was accepted by the board.

• Approved April 16 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of two First Horizon Bank CDs to INSBank (yes votes: Dye, Meares, Wade, Brumlik)
• Approved Treasurer’s report for April (yes votes: Brumlik, Dye, Ring, Wade)
• Approved FY26 budget proposal (yes votes: Brumlik, Dye, Ring, Wade)

Beer Board

The Bristol, Tennessee Beer Board will meet on May 21, 2025, to review a single off-premises alcohol license application. The board will also receive minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting and allow public comment on agenda items.

• Review off-premises alcohol license application for On The Way Market at 1620 Weaver Pike

The board reviewed and approved the minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting. It then approved an off‑premises beer permit for On The Way Market at 1620 Weaver Pike, Bristol, TN. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:07 pm.

• Approved minutes from April 16, 2025 meeting (as read)
• Approved off‑premises beer permit for On The Way Market (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a new building setback variance and revisit two deferred administrative appeals. The body will also review minutes from March and April 2025 meetings.

• BZA2025-05: Building Setback Variance for 208 2nd Street
• BZA2025-02: Administrative Appeal for 4890 Highway 394
• BZA2025-03: Administrative Appeal for 1798 Sweet Knobs Trail
• Approval of March 20, 2025 and April 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Training Update regarding current hours status

The board approved the March 20 and April 17, 2025 meeting minutes. It denied two administrative appeals—one for Highway 394 and one for Sweet Knobs Trail—each with a 4‑0‑1 vote. It also approved a 20‑foot setback variance for the property at 208 2" Street with a 4‑1 vote.

• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Approved April 17, 2025 meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Denied Highway 394 administrative appeal (4-0-1)
• Denied Sweet Knobs Trail administrative appeal (4-0-1)
• Approved 20‑foot setback variance for 208 2" Street (4-1)

MPO Executive Board

The Bristol TN/VA MPO Executive Board will meet to consider the adoption of the FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program and the FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program. The board will also vote on an updated Metropolitan Planning Area boundary and receive updates on SMART SCALE and the TDOT 10-Year Plan. Public comment will be taken before any actions.

• Approval of updated Metropolitan Planning Area boundary
• Adoption of the FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program
• Transportation Improvement Program for FY 2026-2029
• SMART SCALE update: CTB local meeting and consensus funding scenario
• TDOT 10-Year Plan update

The board approved the November 14, 2024 meeting minutes and elected Ambre Torbett as chair and Philip McCall as vice‑chair for the 2025‑2026 term, each by unanimous voice vote. It adopted the Safety Performance Measures (PM1) targets for Tennessee and Virginia (Resolutions 25‑01 and 25‑02) and the Pavement, Bridge, and System Performance Measures (PM2‑3) targets for Tennessee (Resolution 25‑03), all with unanimous approval. No other substantive actions were taken; the carbon‑reduction funding reallocation was deferred for future discussion.

• Approved November 14, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Elected Ambre Torbett as Chair for 2025‑2026 term (unanimous)
• Elected Philip McCall as Vice‑Chair for 2025‑2026 term (unanimous)
• Adopted TN and VA Safety Performance Measures (PM1) targets (Resolutions 25‑01 & 25‑02) (unanimous voice vote)
• Adopted TN Pavement, Bridge, System Performance Measures (PM2‑3) targets (Resolution 25‑03) (unanimous voice vote)

City Council

The Bristol City Council will hold public hearings on a zoning map amendment for three Bellebrook Road properties and on a Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan. First readings will be introduced for ordinances setting new water and sewer rates, as well as several zoning text amendments. The council will also vote on resolutions adjusting solid waste fees, approving a stadium operating agreement with Boyd Sports, and setting an annexation public hearing.

• First reading of Ordinance 25-8 fixing water rates and Ordinance 25-9 fixing sanitary sewer rates
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 25-7 to rezone 247, 251, and 261 Bellebrook Road to R-2 (Single Family & Duplex)
• Resolution 25-48 amending solid waste collection and disposal fees
• Resolution 25-50 authorizing a stadium operating agreement with Boyd Sports, LLC for Tod Houston Baseball Field
• Resolution 25-51 setting a public hearing on annexation of the Walter L. Harber property on Beaver Creek Road

The Bristol City Council met on May 6, 2025, called to order by Mayor Mark Hutton. Two ordinances were added to the first‑reading portion of the agenda. The meeting also featured an invocation, the pledge of allegiance, and recognitions for the Communiversity youth program. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Added two ordinances to first‑reading agenda (no vote recorded)

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission will discuss updates on several facilities and review programs and events. The body will also address community partnerships and various grant and private funding sources.

• Updates on Skate Park, Baseball Stadium, Catie’s Playground, Melrose Center, and Aquatic Center
• Review of Office of Outdoor Recreation Master Plan, LPRF, and BlueCross Healthy Place Grant
• Discussion of partnerships with Bristol City School System, Appalachian Literacy Foundation, and Little League
• Policy and procedure reviews for The Slater Center and athletic leagues
• Review of Nature Center staff and educational training

City Council

The Bristol City Council holds a work session to discuss the 2025 bond, utility and solid waste rate study recommendations, property acquisitions (LC King Property and Clinic Building), and several agreements. Items also include a residential orientation requirement, RV/boat storage in B-3 zoning, a temporary special use permit, and the Beaver Creek Road annexation request. No final votes are expected at this work session.

• 2025 bond discussion
• Utility and solid waste rate study recommendations and communication strategy
• LC King Property acquisition
• Clinic Building purchase
• Beaver Creek Road annexation request

The Bristol City Council met on April 29, 2025 to discuss a range of agenda items, including a bond discussion, utility rate study, water system survey, and several development proposals. The meeting was purely informational and no votes or approvals were recorded. The session adjourned at 8:33 P.M.

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will receive presentations from the UT Center for Industrial Service and the TVA Energy Right Program. The board will also receive updates from local partners including NETWORKS, BTES, and BTCS.

• Presentation by Mark Sebby, UT Center for Industrial Service Solutions Consultant
• Presentation by Adam Borden, TVA Energy Services Consultant
• Confirmation of Wilmington Trust contact information
• Updates from state and local partners (TNECD, NETWORKS, BTES, BTCS)

The Industrial Development Board approved the March 24, 2025 meeting minutes and the March 2025 financial report with a unanimous vote. The board also unanimously approved the Wilmington Trust contact‑information form. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved March 24, 2025 meeting minutes and March financial report (unanimous)
• Approved Wilmington Trust contact information (unanimous)

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will hold a regular meeting to review preliminary investigations for two properties (501 Lark Street and 2910 Bay Street) and receive progress reports on five ongoing cases. No public hearings, trash/debris items, or old business are scheduled. The meeting is largely procedural, focusing on updates and upcoming reports.

• Preliminary investigations for 501 Lark Street and 2910 Bay Street
• Progress reports on 616 6th Street, 764 Oakwood Street, 931 Hill Street, 7 23rd Street, and 902 Windsor Avenue
• Future progress reports set for 1500 5th Street (May 22) and 120 Shankel Mill (June 26)
• Approval of minutes from March 27, 2025
• Unscheduled public comments allowed

The Better Property Board approved the March 27, 2025 minutes unanimously. It moved to hold public hearings on May 22, 2025 for 501 Lark Street and 2910 Bay Street, both cited as dilapidated. The board also approved progress‑report updates for several properties, setting future report dates in May and July 2025.

• Approved March 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for 501 Lark Street on May 22, 2025 (motion carried)
• Scheduled public hearing for 2910 Bay Street on May 22, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 616 6* Street at July 24, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 764 Oakwood Street at July 24, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 7 23rd Street at May 22, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved progress report for 902 Windsor Avenue at May 22, 2025 (motion carried)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review the Fiscal 2026 Budget Overview and multi-year financial models for the General, Solid Waste, Waterworks, and Stormwater funds. They will also discuss the Strategic Plan, private/non-profit funding, and ordinance reading dates. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion session.

• Fiscal 2026 Budget Overview
• Multi-Year Financial Models: General Fund, Solid Waste Fund, Waterworks Fund, Stormwater Fund
• Private/Non-Profit Funding discussion
• First and Second Read Dates for ordinances
• Fiscal 2025 Recap

The Bristol City Council met for a work session on April 22, 2025 at the Steele Creek Park Nature Center. Mayor Mark Hutton called the session and council members and city staff attended. The agenda covered a strategic plan overview, fiscal 2025 recap, fiscal 2026 budget overview, multi‑year financial models, private/non‑profit funding, and first and second read dates. No formal actions or votes were taken on any item.

Tree City Board

The Bristol TN Tree City USA Board will meet to discuss the Urban Forestry Management Plan, review FY25 initiatives including the Tree Keepers program, and consider the 2025 Arbor Day proclamation. A new TUFC contact, Alex Bremner, will be introduced. The meeting includes a public comment period.

• Discussion of Urban Forestry Management Plan
• FY25 Board Initiatives (Tree Keepers Recap)
• 2025 Arbor Day/Arbor Day Proclamation
• New TUFC Contact – Alex Bremner

Planning Commission

At its April 21, 2025 meeting, the Bristol Tennessee Planning Commission will consider old business including a text amendment to update the Sullivan County fee schedule and a review of the Residential Orientation Ordinance. New business items include an annexation on Beaver Creek Road, a subdivision waiver for continuous lot width on Egypt Road, and two text amendments: one for a special use permit for RV and boat storage in the B-3 district and another for a temporary use section for temporary commercial uses. The commission will also receive updates from the City Council and staff training.

• Text Amendment – Residential Orientation Ordinance Review
• Annexation – Beaver Creek Road
• Subdivision Waiver – Continuous Lot Width, Egypt Road
• Text Amendment – Special Use Permit for RV & Boat Storage in the B-3 District
• Text Amendment – Temporary Use Section for Temporary Commercial Uses

The Planning Commission adopted option three to amend Chapter 2 of the zoning code, adding a residential orientation requirement for all residences. It sent an unfavorable recommendation to Sullivan County on a fee‑schedule amendment and a favorable recommendation to the City Council on a special‑use permit for RV and boat storage in the B‑3 zone. The commission also approved a waiver for a subdivision on 861 Egypt Road, sent the Beaver Creek Road annexation plan of services to the City Council, and approved a favorable recommendation for a temporary‑use amendment to the zoning code. A motion to reconsider the RV/boat storage recommendation was denied.

• Amended Chapter 2 of the Zoning Code to add residential orientation requirement (unanimous)
• Sent unfavorable recommendation to Sullivan County on fee‑schedule amendment (5‑1‑3)
• Sent plan of services for Beaver Creek Road annexation to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved waiver for 861 Egypt Road subdivision (unanimous)
• Sent favorable recommendation to City Council for RV & boat storage special‑use permit (5‑2‑1)
• Sent favorable recommendation to City Council for temporary‑use amendment (5‑4)
• Denied motion to reconsider RV & boat storage recommendation (4‑4‑1)
• Approved agenda and corrected minutes (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to discuss a building setback variance for a property located at 117 3rd Street. The board will also receive a training update regarding current hours status.

• Building setback variance request for 117 3rd Street

The board voted 4‑0 to approve a 15‑foot side‑yard building setback variance for the lot at 117 3rd St, allowing a roughly 30‑foot wide building on the narrow M‑2 industrial zone. The motion to approve the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes was deferred to the next regularly scheduled meeting. No other business was taken.

• Approved 15‑ft side‑yard building setback variance for 117 3rd St (4‑0)
• Deferred approval of March 20, 2025 minutes to next meeting

Emergency Communications Board

The Emergency Communications District Board of Directors will meet to review financial reports for February and March 2025. The board is scheduled to conduct a first reading of a budget proposal and discuss future growth and current legislation.

• First reading of budget proposal
• Review of February and March 2025 receipts, expenditures, and bank reconciliations
• Report on operations, equipment, and personnel
• Discussion of credit card policy

The board approved the corrected minutes from the February 19 meeting unanimously. It also approved the Treasurer’s financial reports for February and March, adopted the revised credit card policy, and accepted the FY26 budget proposal (first reading) with a correction to the projected revenue. All motions passed with roll‑call votes of Brumlik, Dye, Elliott, Ring, Wampler, and Wade in favor and Meares absent/excused.

• Approved February 19 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February Treasurer’s report (passed; Brumlik‑yes, Dye‑yes, Elliott‑yes, Meares‑a/e, Ring‑yes, Wampler‑yes, Wade‑yes)
• Approved March Treasurer’s report (passed; Brumlik‑yes, Dye‑yes, Elliott‑yes, Meares‑a/e, Ring‑yes, Wampler‑yes, Wade‑yes)
• Adopted corrected credit card policy (passed; Brumlik‑yes, Dye‑yes, Elliott‑yes, Meares‑a/e, Ring‑yes, Wampler‑yes, Wade‑yes)
• Adopted FY26 budget proposal (first reading) with correction (passed; Brumlik‑yes, Dye‑yes, Elliott‑yes, Meares‑a/e, Ring‑yes, Wampler‑yes, Wade‑yes)

Beer Board

The Bristol Tennessee Beer Board will consider six applications for beer permits at its April 16 meeting. Applications include both off-premises and on-premises licenses for locations across the city and nearby Bluff City. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and take public comment.

• 394 Tobacco and Beer, 3847 Highway 394, Bluff City, TN — off-premises application
• Bristol Tobacco and Vape, 1107 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, TN — off-premises application
• Kickback Jacks of Bristol, 509 Pinnacle Parkway, Bristol, TN — on-premises application
• Tru by Hilton West Bristol, 51 Centre Pointe Dr, Bristol, TN — on-premises application
• Village Food Mart and More, 1807 King College Rd., Bristol, TN — off-premises application

The Bristol Beer Board met on April 16, 2025, approved the minutes from the January 15 meeting, and then approved six beer permit applications. Each motion passed unanimously, covering both on‑premises and off‑premises permits for businesses on Highway 394, Bluff City Hwy, Pinnacle Parkway, Centre Point Dr, King College Rd, and Weaver Pike. No old business was discussed and the next meeting is set for May 21, 2025.

• Approved off‑premises beer permit for 394 Tobacco and Beer at 3847 Highway 394, Bluff City (unanimous)
• Approved off‑premises beer permit for Bristol Tobacco and Vape at 1107 Bluff City Hwy (unanimous)
• Approved on‑premises beer permit for Kickback Jacks of Bristol at 509 Pinnacle Parkway (unanimous)
• Approved on‑premises beer permit for Tru by Hilton Bristol West at 51 Centre Point Dr (unanimous)
• Approved off‑premises beer permit for Village Food Mart and More at 1807 King College Rd (unanimous)
• Approved off‑premises beer permit for Weaver Market at 2117 Weaver Pike (unanimous)

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board of Directors met on April 16, 2025, and approved a resolution to reclaim $22,508.65 in unclaimed property from the state, as well as a $430,170 purchase of a new highline digger derrick truck. The board also received reports on safety, reliability, and financial performance, including a decrease in the May 2025 residential fuel cost to $0.02745 per kWh.

• Approved resolution to refund $22,508.65 in unclaimed property from the state
• Approved purchase of a DT65E digger derrick truck on a 2025 AWD Freightliner chassis from Altec, Inc. for $430,170
• May 2025 residential fuel cost decreases to $0.02745 per kWh, down from $0.03138 in April
• Reported 183,769.06 safe working hours from January 2024 to March 2025
• Broadband net income over budget at $3,592,200 year-to-date

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development Advisory Committee will consider approving the Draft 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan for CDBG and the Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium, along with the 2025 Annual Action Plan. The committee will also receive updates on CDBG-CV funding, monthly staff reports, and a Bristol Housing update.

• Approve Draft 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan for CDBG & HOME Consortium
• Approve Draft 2025 Annual Action Plan with estimated $225,502 in CDBG funds and $1,057,104.78 in HOME Consortium funds
• CDBG-CV funding update for Salvation Army touchless faucets and soap dispensers
• Bristol Housing update: new CEO Regina Edwards, roof repairs, Housing Choice Voucher application opening April 8
• CDBG, HOME, and HOME-ARP staff report for March 2025

The committee approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting with a voice vote, all present in favor. No other actions were voted on. The next CDAC meeting is set for September 9, 2025.

• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote, unanimous)

NE TN/VA HOME Consortium

The Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium Board will discuss and potentially approve the Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2025-2029), which sets funding priorities for affordable housing and community development. They will also hear updates on homeownership and rehabilitation projects across member jurisdictions, and consider a request from Eastern Eight CDC to extend a contract and convert a rental unit from 3 to 2 bedrooms.

• Discussion and possible action on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for CDBG and HOME funds
• Request from Eastern Eight CDC to extend the Lilly Street rental project contract to Dec 31, 2025 and convert to a 2-bedroom home
• Project status reports for homeownership and rehab/reconstruction across Bluff City, Bristol (TN/VA), Johnson City, Kingsport, Sullivan County, Washington County
• HOME-ARP project update: BVHRA rental construction on Moore St, Bristol VA, with construction agreement signed
• Public hearing on agenda items before board action

The board approved the April 8 minutes without amendment. It approved a public notice to accept CHDO applications for 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026 funding. The board allocated an additional $6,024 from HUD to the Supportive Services HOME‑ARP contract and authorized Kingsport to use 2021 program‑income funds from other jurisdictions, with all motions passing unanimously.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public notice to accept CHDO applications for 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026 (unanimous)
• Approved allocation of $6,024 HUD funds to Supportive Services HOME‑ARP contract (unanimous)
• Approved Kingsport use of 2021 program‑income funds from other jurisdictions and return of those funds (unanimous)

City Council

The council will hold public hearings on updating sign regulations and allowing auto repair in industrial districts. First readings include amendments to sewer discharge limits and a zoning map change for Bellebrook Road. Resolutions include authorizing up to $10 million in general obligation bonds and supporting airline service recruitment at Tri-Cities Airport. The consent agenda includes contracts for sewer study, generator purchase, and various bids.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 25-4 to update sign regulations.
• Public hearing on Ordinance 25-5 to allow automotive repair in industrial districts.
• First reading of Ordinance 25-7 rezoning 247, 251, and 261 Bellebrook Road to R-2.
• Resolution 25-34 authorizing up to $10,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
• Resolution 25-37 supporting regional efforts to recruit airline service at Tri-Cities Airport.

The council adopted proclamations designating National Library Week (April 6‑12, 2025), the Cameo Theatre’s 100th anniversary, and April as Donate Life Month. No other agenda items were acted upon, and no votes were recorded.

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will conduct a public hearing regarding 120 Shankle Mill Road. The board will also review progress reports for five specific properties.

• Public hearing: 120 Shankle Mill Road
• Progress report: 764 Oakwood Street
• Progress report: 2210 W State Street
• Progress report: 7 23rd Street
• Progress report: 931 Hill Street and 902 Windsor Ave

The Better Property Board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting. It voted 4‑0 to demolish the unsafe, abandoned building at 120 Shankel Mill Road. The board also approved several progress‑report motions for properties on Oakwood Street, West State Street, 7 23 Street, Hill Street, and Windsor Avenue, all set for the April 24, 2025 meeting.

• Approved February 27, 2025 minutes with clerical correction (unanimous)
• Demolish main structure at 120 Shankel Mill Road (4‑0)
• Progress report on 764 Oakwood Street scheduled for 4/24/25 (4‑0)
• Rescind demolition order on 2210 West State Street (4‑0)
• Progress report on 7 23 Street scheduled for 4/24/25 (4‑0)
• Progress report and demolition quotes for 931 Hill Street scheduled for 4/24/25 (4‑0)
• Progress report and damage summary for 902 Windsor Avenue scheduled for 4/24/25 (4‑0)

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will discuss the audit engagement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The meeting also includes updates on industrial properties and reports from local partners including NETWORKS and BTES.

• Audit engagement for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, with Brown, Edwards and Company, LLP

The Industrial Development Board approved the February 24, 2025 meeting minutes and the February 2025 financial report, with a unanimous vote. The board also approved the Brown Edwards annual audit contract for FY25, valued at $11,473, unanimously. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved February 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 2025 financial report (unanimous)
• Approved Brown Edwards FY25 audit contract $11,473 (unanimous)

Sewer Oversight Committee

The Bristol, Tennessee–Virginia Regional Wastewater System Oversight Committee will meet to discuss old and new business, including an Inframark contract amendment, updates on TDEC Director's Order, a Notice of Violation, and establishment of a standing quarterly meeting date. The committee will also consider the FY2026 budget and receive reports on plant operations, industrial monitoring, and finances.

• Inframark Contract Amendment (Old Business)
• Update on TDEC Director's Order and LDA Contract
• Notice of Violation (New Business)
• BOD and TSS sampling discussion
• FY2026 Budget consideration

The Sewer Oversight Committee approved several items, including an amendment to the Inframark contract that raises the annual maintenance cap from $120,000 to $400,000 and extends the contract to June 30, 2027. The committee also approved a Master Service Agreement with LDA Engineering for flow‑monitoring work, set quarterly meeting dates for the remainder of 2025, and adopted a sampling schedule for BOD and TSS testing. All motions were passed unanimously.

• Approved Inframark contract amendment (maintenance cap $400,000, extended to 6/30/27) – unanimous
• Approved Master Service Agreement with LDA Engineering for flow monitoring – unanimous
• Approved standing quarterly meeting dates (June 20, Sep 19, Dec 19) – unanimous
• Approved BOD and TSS sampling schedule (5‑7 days at $1,340 per day) – unanimous
• Approved FY26 operating and capital budget discussion – no vote required
• Approved minutes from Dec 5, 2024 meeting – unanimous

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hear three new business items: a request for a 15-foot front-yard setback variance to build a dwelling at 1001 Cedar Side Place, an administrative appeal of a staff interpretation regarding a temporary tent sale at 4890 Highway 394, and an administrative appeal at 1798 Sweet Knobs Trail. The board will also receive a training update on current hours status.

• BZA2025-01: Variance request to reduce front-yard setback from 35 to 20 feet at 1001 Cedar Side Place due to a spring and steep topography
• BZA2025-02: Administrative appeal of staff interpretation for temporary tent sale permitted use at 4890 Highway 394 (B-3 zoned, 20.70 acres)
• BZA2025-03: Administrative appeal at 1798 Sweet Knobs Trail (no details provided in agenda)
• Training update on current hours status for board members

The board approved a variance reducing the front yard setback from 35 ft to 20 ft at 1001 Cedar Side Place, voting 3‑0. The administrative appeals for 4890 Highway 394 and 1798 Sweet Knobs Trail were each deferred until the Planning Commission decides on possible zoning ordinance changes, with votes 2‑1‑0 (one abstention). The meeting also unanimously approved the September 5, 2024 minutes.

• Approved 15‑ft front‑yard setback variance for 1001 Cedar Side Place (3‑0)
• Deferred administrative appeal for 4890 Highway 394 pending Planning Commission decision (2‑1‑0, one abstention)
• Deferred administrative appeal for 1798 Sweet Knobs Trail pending Planning Commission decision (2‑1‑0, one abstention)
• Approved September 5, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

This is a work session of the Bristol City Council, so no votes are expected. The council will discuss the FY26 Draft Capital Improvement Plan, a proposed Bellebrook Rezone, and an agreement with Boyd Sports and Bristol Tennessee City Schools regarding the city stadium. Other topics include stormwater and refuse rates, a charter amendment, and a sign ordinance update.

• Discussion of FY26 Draft Capital Improvement Plan
• Bellebrook Rezone Request
• Boyd Sports, BTCS, and City Stadium Agreement
• Stormwater and Refuse Rate Study
• Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park MOU

The March 20, 2025 city council work session was held at 5:00 p.m. in the Ewell Easley Municipal Annex. Council members and city staff reviewed ten agenda items, including the FY26 Draft Capital Improvement Plan and a charter amendment. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded on any item. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a plat of correction for the Avoca Bend Subdivision and a rezoning request for Bellbrook and Wessex. The body will also review a concept plan for Old Jonesboro Rd. and discuss the Sweet Knobs Trail / Highway 394.

• Plat of Correction for Avoca Bend Subdivision on Avoca Road with a $110,000 surety estimate
• Rezoning request for Bellbrook and Wessex
• Concept Plan for Old Jonesboro Rd.
• Discussion regarding Sweet Knobs Trail / Highway 394
• Review of Residential Orientation Pattern

The Bristol TN Planning Commission voted 4-2 to send a favorable recommendation to City Council for rezoning properties at 247, 251, and 261 Bellebrook Road from R-1A to R-2, despite an earlier motion for an unfavorable recommendation being denied. The Commission also approved the Avoca Bend Subdivision plat revision, keeping the $110,000 surety bond, and discussed but took no action on residential orientation patterns, a concept plan for Kyte Subdivision, and property issues on Highway 394.

• Approved agenda with change to hear residential orientation first (unanimous)
• Approved February 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Avoca Bend Subdivision plat revision, keeping $110,000 surety bond (6-0)
• Denied motion for unfavorable rezoning recommendation for Bellebrook Road (4-2)
• Carried motion for favorable rezoning recommendation for Bellebrook Road to City Council (4-2)
• Requested staff study residential orientation patterns for April 21 meeting
• Requested staff develop solutions for Highway 394 properties for April 21 meeting

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board approved two major expenditures: a $405,573 contract with Siemens for seven substation voltage regulators and a $1,976,838 contract with Baker's Construction for grade-work at the Bristol Industrial Park pad-ready site. The board also reviewed financial reports showing increased electric sales due to colder temperatures and a broadband net income over budget at $3.1 million despite customer losses. No public comments were received, and the February minutes were approved.

• Approved $405,573 purchase of seven voltage regulators from Siemens Energy Inc.
• Approved $1,976,838 grade-work bid from Baker's Construction for Bristol Industrial Park pad-ready site
• Reported 171,177.81 safe working hours with no TOSHA violations
• Reported 3.852 average customer outage minutes for February 2025
• Reported broadband net income over budget at $3,106,500; fiber customers down by 57, cable by 163, telephone by 80, internet by 28

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development Advisory Committee will hear public comments, approve minutes, and receive updates on CDBG-CV funding and CDBG policies. Staff will present the 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan, along with a monthly report on CDBG, HOME, and HOME-ARP programs. The committee will also discuss a Bristol housing update.

• 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan updates
• CDBG-CV funding updates (old business)
• CDBG Policy and Procedures update
• CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP Staff Monthly Report – February 2025
• Bristol Housing Update

The Community Development Advisory Committee approved updates to the CDBG Policy and Procedures, which allow case-by-case hardship exemptions from homeowner's insurance requirements for applicants with financial difficulties. The committee also approved the minutes from the January 14 and February 11, 2025 meetings. Staff reported that the CDBG-CV grant for the Salvation Army is on track to close by June 2025, and the 700 Moore Street HOME-ARP environmental assessment is complete.

• Approved the January 14 and February 11, 2025 meeting minutes as written.
• Approved updates to the CDBG Policy and Procedures, including hardship exemptions for homeowner's insurance requirements.
• Received updates on CDBG-CV funding for the Salvation Army, with quotes being reviewed and grant expected to close by June 2025.
• Noted that the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan are in progress, with a draft expected in April.
• Noted that the project at 103 Basswood Drive is posted for bidding, closing March 19.
• Noted that the HOME-ARP Environmental Assessment for 700 Moore Street is complete, with a contract expected in March.
• Noted that Bristol Housing's new CEO is Regina Edwards, succeeding retired Steve Scyphers.
• Noted that Housing Choice Vouchers open April 8, limited to 200 applicants.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will review department goals, staffing, and budget for capital projects and equipment. The body will also discuss the aquatic facility, including research and an LPRF Grant.

• Discussion of LPRF Grant for aquatic facility
• Review of capital projects and equipment budget
• Updates on Skate Park, Baseball Stadium, Steele Creek Park Playground, and Melrose Center
• Review of department goals, objectives, and staff
• Discussion of partnerships with Bristol City School System, Bristol Public Library, and Little League

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission approved the January 2, 2025 meeting minutes. They discussed ongoing projects including the skate park (RFQ complete, Pillar Design recommended), Catie's Playground (lease agreement settled, design phase), and the baseball stadium (design phase). No formal votes were taken on these items; they were discussion updates.

• Approved minutes of January 2, 2025 meeting (motion by Shumaker, second by Parks)
• Skate park RFQ complete; Pillar Design recommended for master plan and design (discussion)
• Catie's Playground lease agreement entered; moving to design phase (discussion)
• Baseball stadium design in progress; drawings expected in May (discussion)

City Council

The council will hold a public hearing and vote on Ordinance 25-2, a budget amendment for the current fiscal year. They will also give first reading to ordinances updating sign regulations (Ordinance 25-4) and allowing automotive repair in industrial districts (Ordinance 25-5). Other actions include adopting a street abandonment near Vance Drive, changing regular meeting times to 6:00 PM via Resolution 25-25, and approving consent agenda items such as equipment purchases, a commercial lease, and a grant application for an aquatic center.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 25-2 (budget amendment for FY 2024-2025)
• First reading of Ordinance 25-4 (update sign regulations, new zoning chapter)
• First reading of Ordinance 25-5 (allow automotive repair in industrial districts)
• Adoption of Ordinance 25-3 (abandon unopened street near Vance Drive)
• Resolution 25-25 (change City Council meeting and work session time to 6:00 PM)

The Bristol, TN City Council met on March 4, 2025, and issued a proclamation designating March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included only the proclamation, a report from the Board of Education, and routine procedural items.

• Proclaimed March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will hold a preliminary investigation at 120 Shankle Mill Road. The board will also receive progress reports on properties at 2210 W State Street, 723rd Street, 931 Hill Street, and 902 Windsor Ave. No public hearings or trash/debris items are scheduled.

• Preliminary investigation of 120 Shankle Mill Road
• Progress report on 2210 W State Street
• Progress report on 723rd Street
• Progress report on 931 Hill Street
• Progress report on 902 Windsor Ave

The Bristol Tennessee Better Property Board voted unanimously to rescind a repair order for 7 23rd Street, found the owner noncompliant, and ordered demolition within 90 days due to the structure being unfit for habitation. The board also scheduled a public hearing for 120 Shankel Mill Road on March 27, 2025, and set progress reports for several other properties.

• Approved minutes from January 23, 2025, with clerical correction (unanimous)
• Moved 120 Shankel Mill Road to public hearing on March 27, 2025 (4-0)
• Rescinded repair order for 7 23rd Street (4-0)
• Ordered demolition of 7 23rd Street within 90 days (4-0)
• Scheduled progress report for 2210 West State Street on March 27, 2025 (4-0)
• Scheduled progress report for 7 23rd Street on March 27, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued 931 Hill Street to March 27, 2025, for progress report (4-0)
• Continued 902 Windsor Avenue to March 27, 2025, for progress report (4-0)

City Council

The Bristol City Council holds a work session to discuss a rate study, an airport update, and a Brightspeed right-of-way access agreement. They will also review proposed amendments to the M-2 zoning ordinance and the sign ordinance, consider a grant application for an aquatic facility, and address regulations on junk vehicles. No final votes are expected at this work session.

• M-2 Zoning Ordinance Amendment
• LPRF Grant – Aquatic Facility
• Brightspeed R-O-W Access Agreement
• Fire Building Exhaust Quote
• Volunteer Parkway and State Street Gateway Sign

The Bristol City Council held a work session on February 25, 2025, to discuss 15 agenda items, including a rate study, airport update, zoning amendments, and budget calendar. No formal votes or decisions were made; the session was for discussion only. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 P.M.

• No formal action taken on any agenda item
• Discussed rate study, airport update, and Brightspeed R-O-W access agreement
• Reviewed fire building exhaust quote and CALEA accreditation
• Discussed M-2 zoning ordinance amendment and sign ordinance final review
• Reviewed junk yard/inoperable vehicle regulations and LPRF grant for aquatic facility
• Discussed Volunteer Parkway and State Street gateway sign and reappraisal timeline
• Reviewed school/city meetings and communication and 2026 budget calendar
• Discussed council meeting time

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will discuss and possibly approve funding for a proposed Hiring Expo scheduled for May 1, 2025, at Bristol Motor Speedway. The board will also receive a presentation on Foreign Trade Zone opportunities from Tri Cities Airport Director of Business Development Mark Canty and hear updates from local economic development partners including TNECD, NETWORKS, and BTCS. Routine items include approval of January meeting minutes and the January 31 financial report.

• Funding for proposed Hiring Expo on May 1, 2025 at BMS (Bristol Motor Speedway)
• Foreign Trade Zone presentation by Mark Canty, Tri Cities Airport Director of Business Development
• Consent agenda: approval of January 27, 2025 meeting minutes and January 31, 2025 financial report
• Updates from partners: Lynn Tully (TNECD), Michael Parker (NETWORKS), Deidre Pendley (BTCS)

The Industrial Development Board approved the consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes and financial reports, unanimously. The board heard the FY24 audit presentation, which reported no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were informational updates.

• Approved consent agenda including Nov 25, 2024 and Dec 19, 2024 minutes and financial reports (unanimous)
• Heard FY24 audit presentation; no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses reported

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board approved the purchase of a substation property for $330,000 and awarded tree-trimming contracts totaling $324,314.92. Directors also adopted the 2024 Residential Growth Advancement Program guidelines and discussed an optional residential time-of-use rate. TVA monthly fuel costs for residential customers will increase to $0.0312 per kWh starting March 2025.

• Approved purchase of substation property for $330,000 to eventually relieve load on Shelby Street and King College substations
• Awarded three tree-trimming contracts totaling $324,314.92 to W. A. Kendall and Company, Xylem Tree, and Asplundh for eight circuits
• TVA fuel cost for residential customers increases to $0.0312/kWh in March 2025; sample 1,000 kWh bill rises from $24.69 to $31.20
• Adopted 2024 Residential Growth Advancement Program guidelines
• Discussed developing an optional residential time-of-use rate

Emergency Communications Board

The Emergency Communications Board will vote on purchasing computers for the Backup PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) as new business. They will also review financial reports for January 2025, discuss future growth, and hear updates on current legislation. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and a report on operations and equipment.

• Purchase of computers for Backup PSAP (Item 6A)
• Financial reports: receipts, expenditures, bank reconciliations, treasurer's report for January 2025
• Discussion of future growth
• Update on current legislation
• Approval of minutes from January 15, 2025

The board approved the January treasurer's report and financial statements. A new credit card policy is being drafted following an audit recommendation, with the attorney reviewing it. The board also discussed purchasing new computers for the backup PSAP and noted a roof leak.

• Approved January 15, 2025 meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved January treasurer's report and financials (6-0, with 2 absent/excused)
• Discussed draft credit card policy; attorney to review and report back
• Discussed purchase of 2 Dell microcomputers with monitors for backup PSAP

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss whether to rezone 208 2nd Street to B-3 or amend the M-2 district ordinance to allow automobile repair. The body will also address a withdrawn rezoning request for Glen Street.

• Discussion of rezoning 208 2nd Street from M-2 (General Industrial) to B-3 (General Business) for an automobile repair business
• Proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance to allow Automobile Repair and Maintenance by right in the M-2 District
• Withdrawal of rezoning request RZZ24-618 for 1101, 1103, and 1105 Glen Street
• B-3 zoning discussion
• Review of Site Plan and Subdivision Plats Report

The Bristol Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow automobile repair and maintenance as a permitted use in the M-2 District, sending it to City Council for final approval. The commission also approved the agenda and January minutes, and noted the withdrawal of a rezoning request for properties on Glen Street.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Rezoning request RZZ24-618 for 1101, 1103, 1105 Glen Street withdrawn by applicant
• Amended agenda to add M-2 zoning discussion item (unanimous)
• Recommended amending Zoning Ordinance to allow automobile repair/maintenance in M-2 (4-1, Snyder opposed)

MPO Executive Board

The Bristol TN/VA Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Board will elect officers, adopt safety and pavement performance targets, and discuss updates on the Carbon Reduction Program, planning studies, and the metropolitan planning area boundary. A key item is the staff-recommended funding scenario for SMART SCALE transportation projects.

• Officer elections for the Executive Board
• Adoption of Safety Performance Measures (PM1) targets for TN and VA
• Adjustment of Pavement, Bridge, and System Performance Measures (PM2-3) targets for TN
• Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary Update
• SMART SCALE Staff Recommended Funding Scenario

The Bristol MPO Executive Board unanimously approved resolutions adopting Tennessee and Virginia's safety performance targets (PM1) and Tennessee's pavement, bridge, and system performance targets (PM2-3). The board also re-elected Ambre Torbett as Chair and Phillip McCall as Vice-Chair for 2025-2026. No other substantive decisions were made; the board discussed but deferred action on reallocating Carbon Reduction Program funds and received updates on planning studies and projects.

• Adopted TN and VA safety performance targets (Resolutions 25-01, 25-02) unanimously
• Adopted TN pavement, bridge, and system performance targets (Resolution 25-03) unanimously
• Re-elected Ambre Torbett as Chair for 2025-2026 unanimously
• Re-elected Phillip McCall as Vice-Chair for 2025-2026 unanimously
• Approved November 14, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously

Community Development Advisory Committee

The Community Development Advisory Committee will discuss updates to the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Annual Action Plan. The meeting includes reports on CDBG, CDBG-CV, HOME, and HOME-ARP funding. Members will also receive a Bristol housing update.

• CDBG-CV funding updates
• Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan updates
• January 2025 staff monthly report for CDBG, CDBG-CV, HOME, and HOME-ARP
• Bristol Housing Update
• Guest presentation by Sarah Williams of Operation Hope

The Community Development Advisory Committee meeting on February 11, 2025, was called to order but no official meeting occurred because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

City Council

The council holds a public hearing and second reading vote on Ordinance 25-1 to rezone 333 and 337 Bluff City Highway to B-3 General Business. It also considers first readings of a budget amendment (Ordinance 25-2) and a street abandonment near Vance Drive (Ordinance 25-3), along with resolutions on special assessments for infrastructure, property sale for public purposes, and a donation agreement for Catie’s Playground. Several consent items cover fire station equipment, a Fourth of July fireworks display, pump station upgrades, and grant applications.

• Adoption of Ordinance 25-1: rezone 333 & 337 Bluff City Highway to B-3 (General Business)
• First reading of Ordinance 25-3: abandon an unopened street near Vance Drive as public right-of-way
• Resolution 25-10: policy on special assessments to fund public infrastructure improvements
• Resolution 25-12: authorize contract to purchase L.C. King property for public purposes
• Resolution 25-13: authorize agreements for donation of Catie’s Playground at Steele Creek Park

The Bristol, TN City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, was called to order with all members present. No substantive decisions were made; the agenda had no additions or changes, and no public hearings were held. The council introduced a new Economic Development Specialist and heard a report from the Director of Schools about a therapy dog.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review a 2025 budget amendment and a rezoning request for Glen Street. Members will also discuss a right of way access agreement with Brightspeed and a property acquisition for LC King.

• Rezone Request - Glen Street
• 2025 Budget Amendment
• Brightspeed Right of Way Access Agreement
• LC King Property Acquisition
• Shelby Street Multi Use Open Space Lot Engineering Proposal and Grant Acceptance

The Bristol City Council met in a work session on January 28 and 30, 2025, to discuss agenda items including a rate study, a sanitary sewer flow monitoring study RFQ, a rezone request on Glen Street, a sign ordinance update, a police department analysis, a 2025 budget amendment, a special assessment policy, and a county public health clinic. No formal action was taken during the sessions; the meetings were for discussion only.

• No formal decisions made; work session only

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will vote on a special use permit for Living Water Baptist Church to build a fellowship hall at 1806 Kentucky Avenue. They will also consider rezoning requests for properties at 1101–1105 Glen Street (from R-M to R-3) and at 384, 392, 396 Sinking Springs Road (Sullivan County). Other matters include a presentation on codes enforcement and a discussion of B-3 zoning.

• Special use permit for Living Water Baptist Church fellowship hall at 1806 Kentucky Avenue (public hearing, staff recommends approval with conditions)
• Rezoning request RZZ24-618 for 1101, 1103, 1105 Glen Street from R-M to R-3
• Rezoning request RZZ24-619 for 384, 392, 396 Sinking Springs Road (Sullivan County)
• Codes Enforcement Presentation
• Discussion of B-3 zoning

The commission deferred a rezoning request for 1101, 1103, and 1105 Glen Street until February 17, 2025, after hearing concerns about drainage and wetlands. It also approved a special use permit for Living Water Baptist Church and sent a favorable recommendation for a Sullivan County rezoning. A code enforcement presentation was given, and the commission noted the Glenn Street rezoning was already approved by City Council.

• Approved special use permit for Living Water Baptist Church at 1806 Kentucky Avenue (unanimous)
• Deferred rezoning request RZZ24-618 for 1101, 1103, 1105 Glen Street to Feb. 17, 2025 (7-2)
• Sent favorable recommendation to Sullivan County Commission for rezoning at 384, 392, 396 Sinking Springs Road (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved Dec. 16, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Industrial Development Board

The Industrial Development Board will hold a regular meeting to consider consent agenda items (minutes and financial reports) and hear a presentation on the FY24 audit from Brown Edwards. Local partners will provide updates on economic development, workforce, and education initiatives. No major decisions or votes are scheduled on the current agenda.

• Consent agenda includes approval of November 25, 2024 and December 19, 2024 meeting minutes
• Consent agenda includes financial reports for November and December 2024
• Audit presentation for FY24 by David Elkins of Brown Edwards
• Updates from state (Lynn Tully), NETWORKS (Clay Walker), BTES (April Eads), BTCS (Deidre Pendley)

The Industrial Development Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the November and December meeting minutes and financial reports. David Elkins of Brown Edwards presented the FY24 audit, reporting no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. The board also received updates on Hurricane Helene disaster funding, Partnership Park II development, and workforce initiatives.

• Approved November 25, 2024 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved December 19, 2024 called meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial reports for months ending November 30 and December 31, 2024 (unanimous)

Better Property Board

The Better Property Board will hold a meeting with no public hearings or preliminary investigations. The primary business is receiving progress reports on eight properties listed on the agenda. The board will also approve minutes from October 24, 2024, and hear unscheduled public comments.

• Progress reports on 2210 W State Street, 7 23rd Street, 1500 5th Street, 616 6th Street, and 764 Oakwood Street
• No public hearings or preliminary investigations scheduled
• No old business or trash/debris items on agenda

The Bristol Tennessee Better Property Board approved minutes from October 24, 2024, and took action on several property progress reports. It closed the file on 266 Indian Trail after confirming repairs meet codes, and continued monitoring of multiple properties with active permits or pending sales. No public hearings or preliminary investigations were held.

• Approved minutes from October 24, 2024 (unanimous)
• Closed file on 266 Indian Trail after repairs met codes (4-0)
• Continued progress report on 2210 West State Street to Feb 27, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued progress report on 723rd Street to Feb 27, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued progress report on 1500 5th Street to May 22, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued progress report on 616 6th Street to April 24, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued progress report on 764 Oakwood Street to March 27, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued progress report on 931 Hill Street to Feb 27, 2025 (4-0)

Power Board

The Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Board of Directors approved a new three-year labor agreement with IBEW Local 934, including wage increases tied to TVA rates. The board also received reports on a decrease in residential fuel costs for February, a net income loss in the electric business unit, and an update on FEMA reimbursement for Tropical Storm Helene expenses.

• Approved IBEW labor agreement covering 2025–2028 with wage increases: +7.3% (Feb 2025), +4.7% (Jan 2026), +4.0% (Jan 2027), tied to TVA lineman wages
• February 2025 TVA fuel cost for residential customers decreases to $0.02469/kWh, lowering monthly bills by roughly $0.31–$1.50 depending on usage
• Electric business unit reported a year-to-date net loss of $35,000 as of December 2024, with higher maintenance expenses from Tropical Storm Helene repairs
• Broadband services lost 66 fiber, 97 cable, 39 telephone, and 50 Internet customers in December 2024
• Discussed FEMA reimbursement claim for storm expenses and potential mitigation funding, plus progress on vegetation management nearing end of right-of-way phase

Beer Board

The Bristol Tennessee Beer Board will consider extending several temporary beer permits that expire in 2025, aligning them with city ordinance changes and moving their expiration to January 21, 2026. No new applications are pending. The board will also review minutes from November 2024 and take public comment.

• Extension of temporary off-premises permit for Machiavelli’s at 17 5th Street
• Extension of four off-premises permits for Earhart properties at 2745 Highway 11E (Permits #14-1083 through 14-1086)
• Extension of on-premises temporary permit for Bristol Regional Tourism DBA Explore Bristol at 1305 Bluff City Hwy
• Extension of off-premises temporary permit for The Last Lap LLC at 2800 Highway 11
• Extension of multiple on-premises permits for Believe in Bristol Inc. and Birthplace of Country Music Inc. at various locations

The Bristol Beer Board unanimously approved extending all listed temporary beer permits that expire in 2025 to January 21, 2026, to align with city ordinance changes. The motion was made by Mr. Rugel and seconded by Vice Chairman Downs. No other business was discussed.

• Extended temporary beer permits for Machiavelli's, Earhart locations, Explore Bristol, The Last Lap LLC, Believe in Bristol Inc., and Birthplace of Country Music Inc. until Jan 21, 2026 (unanimous)

Community Development Advisory Committee

The committee will review staff monthly reports for CDBG, CDBG-CV, HOME, and HOME-ARP programs for November and December 2024. Members will also discuss the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and receive a guest presentation from Family Promise of Bristol.

• Discussion of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan
• Review of CDBG, CDBG-CV, HOME, and HOME-ARP staff reports for Nov-Dec 2024
• CDBG-CV funding updates
• Bristol Housing update
• Guest speaker: Margaret Feierabend from Family Promise of Bristol

The committee approved moving the November 2025 meeting to Nov 4 due to Veterans Day, and approved the Nov 12, 2024 minutes. Staff reported on CDBG-CV and HOME projects, including ongoing work at 1117 Kentucky Avenue and a reconstruction at 2434 Windsor Avenue. No public comments were received.

• Approved November 12, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote, all in favor)
• Approved moving November 2025 meeting to Nov 4 (motion carried, all in favor)

NE TN/VA HOME Consortium

The Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium is meeting to review homeownership and rehabilitation project statuses. The board will discuss the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and provide updates on HOME-ARP funding and HUD grant surveys.

• Discussion of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan
• HOME-ARP funding update regarding the 700 Block of Moore St rental construction in Bristol, VA
• Review of $158,565.75 in 2024 CHDO funding
• Payment of $58,000.00 for rehabilitation at 230 Little Germany Rd in Washington County
• Payoff of $8,000.00 for homeownership at 117 Monarch Ct in Johnson City

The Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium board meeting on January 14, 2025, was called to order but no meeting was held because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made. The next board meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 10 AM.

• No decisions made due to lack of quorum

Tree City Board

The Board approved July 2024 minutes and discussed upcoming events and initiatives. Arbor Day is set for April 25, 2025 at Avoca Elementary School, and Tree Keepers will be held March 15 at the Nature Center. A management plan internship through Emory & Henry was introduced, and board members discussed potential new projects like electronic memorial tree donations and a downtown tree map.

• Approved July 2024 meeting minutes
• Arbor Day scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025 at Avoca Elementary School
• Tree Keepers event set for March 15, 2025 at the Nature Center
• Internship to develop a management plan for Steele Creek Park
• Discussion of Hurricane Helene damage to trees in Steele Creek Park and other city locations

The Bristol Tennessee Tree City USA Board approved the July 2024 minutes unanimously. They scheduled Tree Keepers for March 15, 2025, and Arbor Day for April 25, 2025, and noted the 2024 Tree City USA recertification was accepted. No public comments were made, and no other formal decisions were taken.

• Approved July 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled Tree Keepers for March 15, 2025 at Nature Center
• Scheduled Arbor Day for April 25, 2025 at Avoca Elementary School
• Noted 2024 Tree City USA recertification accepted

City Council

The Bristol City Council will organize by selecting a Mayor and Vice Mayor, then hold a public hearing and vote on a zoning map amendment for multifamily housing at Glen and Glendale streets. The council will also introduce a new ordinance for a business zoning change at Bluff City Highway and consider consent agenda items including software upgrades, cybersecurity grants, and transit safety plans.

• Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor for the new term
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 24-16 to rezone 1100/1102 Glen Street and 1044/1056 Glendale Street to R-3 (Multifamily)
• First reading of Ordinance 25-1 to rezone 333 and 337 Bluff City Highway to B-3 (General Business)
• Consent agenda: Resolution 25-1 awarding contract to ImageTrends, LLC for fire station reporting software; Resolution 25-2 contracting with Kimley-Horn for a Local Road Safety Plan; various cybersecurity grant resolutions

The Bristol City Council held its annual organizational meeting and unanimously selected Mark Hutton as Mayor and Vince Turner as Vice Mayor for the coming year. The selections were made by roll call vote with no other nominations. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Selected Mark Hutton as Mayor (unanimous)
• Selected Vince Turner as Vice Mayor (unanimous)