[5:13] like to call the Bristol City Council meeting September 1st, 2026 to order. Uh

[5:18] Mary Lee, would you call the role? >> Yes, sir. Fire Robin

[5:22] » here. >> Graham

[5:23] » here. >> Powers here.

[5:25] » Akard here. Turner >> here. Welcome everyone this evening and

[5:30] uh thank you for attending. Uh there are two opportunities to speak on matters of

[5:34] city business this evening. Uh first attendees are invited to speak regarding

[5:39] one public hearing item and I will announce when this opportunity is open.

[5:43] Uh if your comments relate to that subject of the hearing uh please speak

[5:49] at that time. Uh and there was no need to sign up for that. Uh second will be

[5:54] our appearance of citizens which got the signup sheet here um for any other

[6:01] matter you would like to speak on of city business. Um right now I'd like to

[6:05] ask police chief Matt Austin if he would lead us in our invocation and pledge of

[6:10] allegiance.

[6:18] Good evening. Let us pray. Father God, we thank you

[6:23] for this day. We thank you for the many blessings that you give to us each day.

[6:28] Lord, we thank you most of all for the gift that you have given to us through

[6:32] the the victory that you've given through us for the sacrifices of your

[6:35] son. We come here tonight, Lord, that we come together to do the work for the

[6:40] city that has granted us the uh the positions, Lord, to to to to have the

[6:46] wisdom to to have a discussion about the things that are going to um help with

[6:53] the the the hopes, the dreams, the well-being of all those that call this

[6:58] city home. Lord, we ask that you grant this council the wisdom to be able to

[7:04] hear, to discuss, Lord, and to to have the vision that is beyond in just

[7:10] themselves, but to look to do the greater good for the entire community.

[7:14] Lord, we we won't fail to praise you and honor you and grant you all the w all

[7:19] the glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

[7:24] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

[7:30] to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with

[7:36] liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Chief.

[7:42] » Mr. Slegel, are there any additions this evening?

[7:46] » No, Mr. Mayor, there are none. >> Okay. First, we have three proclamations

[7:51] this evening. Uh the first one is a proclamation for Child Pastor Safety

[7:56] Week. Buckle up for life. First, uh, this is designating September 20th

[8:02] through 26, 20th to the 26th of 2026 as child passenger

[8:09] safety week. And Councilwoman Fire Robin will read this proclamation and fire

[8:14] Captain Steve Hicks and police officer JC McCrae will be accepting.

[8:18] » I'm happy to read it, but I don't have a copy of it

[8:21] » here. >> It's not on there.

[8:26] And it's not on our agendas, which I don't know if that was oversight or

[8:31] anything, but it's not >> it's not on mine

[8:34] » on my digital agenda.

[8:44] » Whoever is receiving it can go ahead and come on up and then I'll join you in

[8:47] just a minute.

[8:51] [clears throat]

[8:55] Great. Thank you. >> Where whereas children are our future

[9:00] and it's the responsibility of parents and caregivers to keep Americans

[9:04] children safe. Whereas Tennessee child restraint laws restrict that all

[9:08] children ages eight and younger be buckled up in a car seat or booster

[9:13] seat. And whereas more than 127,000 children were injured in car crashes in

[9:19] 10 2024. According to the National Highway Safety Administration and

[9:24] according to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form database, 73.7 of all

[9:31] car seats checked by child passenger safety technicians in 2025 were

[9:36] incorrectly installed and used. Whereas research shows when installed and used

[9:43] correctly, child safety seats decrease the risk for injury in classes by 71 to

[9:48] 82% for children when compared to seat belt use alone. And whereas uh research

[9:56] shows booster seat can you can reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% for

[10:02] children ages four to eight. Whereas parents and guardians must make sure

[10:07] that children ages 13 and under always ride in the back seat, buckled up and

[10:12] properly installed child safety seats and a rearfacing child seat should never

[10:18] be placed in front of a motor vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag. And

[10:23] whereas children riding in the right front seat for their age and size can be

[10:27] accomplished by a car seat inspection that ensures the safety of a child while

[10:32] traveling. And whereas the city of Bristol, Tennessee encourages parents

[10:36] and caregivers to implement best practices for traveling safely with

[10:41] children. And whereas the city of Bristol, Tennessee is committed to

[10:46] working closely with our partners and safety advocates such as Buckle Up

[10:51] Appalachia to help make choices that will keep children alive and safe.

[10:56] Therefore, be it resolved that the mayor of Bristol, Tennessee, does hereby

[11:00] proclaim the week of September 20 through 26 as child passenger safety

[11:06] week in Bristol and September 26, 2026 as seat check Saturday. We

[11:13] encourage all citizens to help reduce injuries and the tragic loss of life by

[11:19] buckling up themselves and their children every trip, every time.

[11:27] » [applause]

[11:37] » This was

[12:01] Hello, I'm Officer McCrae with the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department.

[12:04] Um, I just wanted to say a few words and um say thank you to our city council for

[12:11] uh uh having us get this proclamation. Um,

[12:17] we're super excited to continue to ensure the safety of our uh, young ones

[12:22] in our community and the uh, safety of others. Um,

[12:27] as the police department and as the fire department, we take child safety very

[12:32] seriously um, in our community. I will also add that we do have

[12:40] technicians readily available um at the police department and at the fire

[12:44] department uh on almost I believe almost all of our shifts. Um, and if you are in

[12:51] need of any kind of installation or just a basic seat check to ensure your

[12:57] child's safety, uh, to make sure you let one of us know, whether it be at the

[13:01] police department or a fire department, or call our non-emergency number, and

[13:05] we'll be able to make sure that we get those little ones and buckled up safely.

[13:10] Um and um

[13:17] we encourage everybody uh that has little ones to come on by at any time,

[13:23] any point uh to get your seat checked as well. So, thank you so much. I really

[13:28] appreciate it and um we hope you all have a good rest of your evening. Thank

[13:33] you. >> Thank you so much.

[13:36] [applause]

[13:39] » All right. Next, uh, we have a proclamation designating, uh, suicide

[13:44] prevention awareness month. Uh, Vice Mayor Powers will read the proclamation.

[13:48] Miss Corey Johnson, the Northeast Regional Director of Tennessee's Suicide

[13:53] Prevention Network, will be accepting the proclamation.

[13:57] » Thank you, Mayor. Whereas suicide is a tremendous form of suffering and one of

[14:01] the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience.

[14:05] with more than 1,200 lives lost in Tennessee each year and an estimated 25

[14:10] attempted suicides for each suicide death. And whereas suicide is the 11th

[14:15] leading cause of death in Tennessee, the third leading cause of death among youth

[14:20] and young adults ages 10 to 24, as well as the fourth leading cause of death of

[14:25] adults ages 35 through 44 and the eighth leading cause of death for adults ages

[14:31] 45 to 54. Whereas suicide prevention has been declared a state priority by

[14:36] Governor Bill Lee in the Tennessee legislature. 988 suicide and crisis

[14:41] lifeline provides 247 free and confidential support for people in

[14:46] distress prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best

[14:51] practices for professionals in the United States.

[14:54] And whereas Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council has been appointed to

[14:59] coordinate the implementation of the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide

[15:02] Prevention. And whereas the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, also known

[15:06] as TSPM, is a grassroots collaboration of Tennessans and organizations working

[15:12] to eliminate the stigma of sui of suicide,

[15:16] educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce

[15:20] the rate of suicide in our state. And whereas TSPN encourages all Tennessans

[15:26] to become trained and play a role in suicide prevention to support quality of

[15:30] life. And whereas everyone can play a role in suicide prevention by learning

[15:35] and sharing the risk and warning signs, decreasing the stigma as means to

[15:40] promote helpseeking by talking about suicide using safe messaging and sharing

[15:44] the available resources. And whereas we as a council encourage all Tennessans to

[15:49] take the time to inquire as to the well-being of their family, friends and

[15:54] neighbors, a simple phone call, a text message, a handshake, or a hug may go a

[16:00] long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer.

[16:05] Therefore, be it resolved that the mayor of Bristol, Tennessee, hereby proclaim

[16:09] September 2026 as suicide prevention awareness month. And we urge all

[16:14] citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and compassion around

[16:18] all people affected by this tragedy, the first day of September, 2026.

[16:27] [applause]

[16:52] Thank you all uh so much, council members, Vice Mayor Powers, Mayor

[16:56] Turner, for continuing to support tsp. Uh I know we've received this

[17:01] proclamation from Bristol City for several years, and we're just really

[17:04] appreciative of your work and the things that you all do and just recognizing it.

[17:08] I'm going to pull out some notes so I don't miss this. Um, as Vice Mayor

[17:13] Powers mentioned, um, based on our most recent data, over,200 Tennessans died by

[17:19] suicide, um, annually. That's typically around the number what it's been the

[17:23] past few years. We have seen a lot of progress and we've seen a lot of work

[17:28] that's um, really helped people become more comfortable talking about things

[17:33] that we struggle with. We know that suicide does not discriminate. It

[17:37] affects people of all ages, all races, all uh demographics, socioeconomic

[17:42] classes. Um and we also know that suicide is the most preventable form of

[17:47] death. Um people that die by suicide, attempt survivors have repeatedly told

[17:52] researchers that oftentimes they don't really have a desire to die. They just

[17:57] are struggling with some problem, some pain that just seems insurmountable to

[18:02] them. And so we know that if we continue to work and recognize that suicide is is

[18:07] happening around us, recognize that there's help available. The 988 Suicide

[18:11] and Crisis Lifeline, which is located, our location is located in Johnson City

[18:16] at Turning Point Crisis Walk-in Center, um is a really great resource. If we

[18:21] continue to work to let people know that there are resources available, um we

[18:25] know that lives can be saved. Um, as they mentioned, I'm the Northeast

[18:28] Regional Director for the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. So, I have

[18:31] the privilege to cover the eight counties here in Northeast Tennessee.

[18:35] Um, our mission at ESPN for the past 25 years has been to reduce suicide related

[18:40] deaths, behaviors, attempts, and the stigma surrounding suicide. We provide

[18:45] lots of nocost and lowcost training, education resources and we also help

[18:50] with something called post vvention which is providing support for families,

[18:54] organizations, communities, schools um after a suicide death. Um again, I just

[19:00] want to thank you all so much for recognizing September as suicide

[19:03] prevention awareness month, for continuing to support the efforts that

[19:07] we have in Northeast Tennessee. Um and for for mentioning the things that are

[19:11] important. Um, a little bit of hope can go a really long way when somebody's

[19:15] struggling. So, like they said, uh, it is not a small thing to share a hug or a

[19:20] smile or just a phone call or just say, "Hey, how are you today?" It can really

[19:25] be the smallest things that actually save someone's lives. Thank you all

[19:28] again and thank you all for being here and I just appreciate you all a lot.

[19:32] » Thank you. [applause]

[19:37] » All right. Lastly, we have a proclamation designated national uh

[19:42] senior center month. Uh council mgram will read the proclamation and parks and

[19:47] recreation programmer Denise Bourne will be accepting the proclamation. Thank

[19:52] you, Mayor. Whereas odor adults are valued members

[19:57] of our communities whose wisdom, experience, talents, and contributes

[20:02] enrich the city of Bristol and strengthen the quality of life for

[20:06] citizens of all generations. And whereas senior centers are more than places to

[20:13] gather. There are vibrant community hubs that provide opportunities for older

[20:17] adults to remain active, connected, engaged, and independent. And whereas

[20:24] the Slater Community Center serves adults aged 50 and older in Bristol and

[20:29] the surrounding communities by providing a welcoming environment that encourages

[20:34] healthy and active aging. And whereas the Slater Community Center provides

[20:40] opportunities for older adults to stay active physically, mentally, socially

[20:45] while building friendships, learning new skills, and discovering new interest and

[20:50] remaining connected to their community. And whereas senior centers affirm the

[20:57] dignity, self-worth, and independence of older adults by recognizing their

[21:02] experiences, skills, knowledge, and continued contributions to the community

[21:07] in which they live. And whereas during September,

[21:12] the Slater Community Center will celebrate Senior Center Month with a

[21:17] theme, discover your senior center, offering e activities and events that

[21:23] invite both current members and those who have never visited to connect,

[21:28] explore, engage, and discovered all the center has to offer. Therefore, be it

[21:33] resolved that the mayor of Bristol, Tennessee, does hereby proclaim the

[21:39] month of September, 2026 as Senior Center Month in the city of

[21:45] Bristol, Tennessee, and encourages all citizens to recognize the important

[21:50] contributions of older adults and to acknowledge the dedicated staff,

[21:55] volunteers, community partners, and participants in the senior in in the

[22:01] Slater Community center. We work together to enhance the well-being and

[22:06] quality of life of the older citizens throughout our community. Signed by the

[22:11] mayor, Vince Turner.

[22:15] [applause]

[22:44] Hello. Thank you so much for your support for our senior center and we

[22:48] truly value your support and everything it does for us. It helps make our job a

[22:51] lot easier. We hope to reach as many seniors in our community as we can. and

[22:55] they're such a vibrant and important part of our community. And we really

[22:59] hope that by honoring them this month, we can show

[23:05] them how important they are to our community. And so we've planned so many

[23:08] exciting opportunities this month for the seniors to participate, the members,

[23:12] and we also welcome those that aren't members yet and don't know about us to

[23:16] come try us out and take a tour and let us show you what our community at the

[23:19] Slater Center is all about. >> Thank you.

[23:23] » [applause] >> So, mayor, can I just say that when

[23:28] using the term community, I think is really important. And I've heard from

[23:33] lots of people over the years that um that's what they value the most about

[23:38] being here is the community that they have with lots of other people. So,

[23:43] thank y'all for creating that community for for people. So, thank you.

[23:49] » All right, we have no presentations tonight. So, next we have our board of

[23:53] education report. Dr. Tudtor.

[23:59] » Good evening everyone. It's good to see you all. Um, feeling a little bit old. I

[24:04] didn't realize I was a senior citizen. I'm over 50. So, [laughter]

[24:07] I need to check out the Slater Center. Um, I wanted to begin by thanking you

[24:11] all for recognizing suicide prevention awareness month with a proclamation. As

[24:16] you all know and are aware, mental health of our students is one of our top

[24:19] priorities. We uh partner with Frontier Health and other agencies to support our

[24:24] educators so that our students mental health needs are are taken well care of.

[24:28] Um as you know, we also have therapy dogs. So we got our fourth therapy dog

[24:32] this year that um he it's our first male started at Fairmont at the beginning of

[24:37] the school year. We're also now in the process of securing our fifth therapy

[24:41] dog who will be assigned to Holston View. So hopefully that'll happen this

[24:45] fall and they'll get their dog in the spring. Um the speaking of therapy dogs,

[24:50] I wanted to let you know a couple of important dates. First of all, we're

[24:53] recognizing our therapy dogs before the VT week uh before the VT game on

[24:58] September 18th. This year, Tennessee High School hosts that game which is on

[25:02] um September 18th. We also are going to have a community pep rally similar to

[25:08] last year when Virginia hosted they had a pep rally in Cumberland Park. We are

[25:13] having a pep rally in partnership with the city. Thank you for that. at

[25:16] Anderson Park. That will be on Thursday, September 17th from 5:30 to 6:30. That's

[25:21] hosted by Tennessee High School's um their kind of parent organization called

[25:25] Vikings United. Um also want to let you know about celebrating Hannesfield

[25:30] Elementary School's homecoming. That is their 100 year of existence is this

[25:36] school year. So we're super excited about Hannesfield Elementary School

[25:39] being 100 years old. That will happen actually on September 19th, that same

[25:43] weekend from 1 to 3 PM. Former students, staff um are are invited back to

[25:49] celebrate that milestone, tour the school, tell stories obviously of their

[25:53] time at Hannesfield, and check out artifacts and things. So, that should be

[25:56] a fun time. Um the seven 74th annual Music in the Castle is October 3rd. I

[26:03] won't see you again until after that event has happened. So, I wanted to let

[26:05] you know about that. And then our third annual athletic hall of fame is that

[26:10] same Sunday, October 4th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. You all are welcome to attend

[26:14] any of those events. That's all I have unless you have questions for me.

[26:19] » Thank you so much. >> Thank you.

[26:23] » All right. We have one public hearing on tonight's agenda. It's the amendment of

[26:26] the appropriation of funds the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 through

[26:32] June 30th, 2027. This public hearing is now open and

[26:39] Holly Von, our finance director, will present.

[26:57] Good evening, mayor and city council members. Um, tonight the public hearing

[27:01] is for ordinance 2614 to amend the uh budget for fiscal year 2027.

[27:07] The first reading was at the meeting in August and tonight's the public hearing.

[27:11] Um, the general fund is proposed to increase to 40,890,297.

[27:18] It's an increase of $22,518 and it's available to be covered in fund

[27:24] balance. The capital equipment fund is proposed to increase to2,626,813.

[27:32] That's an increase of $4,413 for a piece of equipment. And that will

[27:37] be transferred from the general fund to cover to cover that in capital projects.

[27:41] So that will also increase that transfer to $424,413.

[27:47] And the capital facilities fund is proposed to increase to 42,824,500.

[27:54] And that's a $270,000 increase and it is to be used for an

[28:00] improvements at the current animal shelter facility and that has already

[28:05] been made by donations into the police benevolent fund and then that will be

[28:09] transferred into the capital facilities fund to pay for those expenditures.

[28:13] » Okay. >> And then that's this will be on second

[28:15] reading later on the agenda. >> Okay.

[28:19] » Thank you. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address

[28:24] council on this matter? Seeing none, this public hearing is now

[28:30] closed. Next, we have our appearance of citizens

[28:34] um opportunity to speak on any matters of city business that is not was not

[28:40] currently under the public hearing portion. Um, we had a signup sheet and I

[28:46] had one person, Denise Oberry.

[28:52] » Thank you. >> Good afternoon. My name is Denise Oberry

[28:58] and I live at 2400 Broad Street. Uh, Steven Herride and I reside there. Um,

[29:04] we requested the abandonment for the alleyway connected to 24th Street

[29:09] between Broad and Anderson. We own both the Broad Street and the

[29:14] Anderson Street side. The reason we're requesting this is for two primary

[29:19] reasons. Number one, theft and trespassing

[29:24] is a big issue. Our last theft was on June 20th and we've had many, many

[29:30] thefts uh and bad situations. We love the Bristol Police Department and they

[29:36] take good care of us. Uh and the other is possible future incorporation between

[29:42] our Broad Street property and the Anderson Street property.

[29:47] That is something that we would like to have done. That's our main motive. So we

[29:52] appreciate you considering that tonight and thank you for your time.

[29:57] » Okay. Thank you.

[30:01] Is there anyone else that would like to address council?

[30:07] All right, we have one appointment this evening uh

[30:11] to the Industrial Development Board and we have one candidate uh for one

[30:15] position uh Miss Nancy Cook. Would anyone like to speak on Miss Cook's

[30:21] behalf? >> We both can go ahead. You go first.

[30:26] » Nancy has uh is previous is currently serving on the Industrial Development

[30:30] Board. uh she is constantly well informed and uh very engaged with the

[30:37] industrial development board. So for that reason I'll be supporting Nancy

[30:41] Cook this evening. >> Um yeah ditto I've worked with Nancy on

[30:45] various things and I just thrilled that she is on our um industrial development

[30:51] board. She's retired civil military and I think she works hard to uh do a great

[30:59] job. And I'm looking back there at Tom and um she keeps him straight for any of

[31:04] the materials that come out and agendas etc. Um and she takes it very seriously,

[31:10] ask lots and lots of questions. Um so which helps everybody participating, not

[31:17] just answers her questions. So I'm thrilled that she still is um going to

[31:21] serve.

[31:27] Councilwoman Fire Robin has Nancy Cook. Vice Mayor Powers has Nancy Cook.

[31:34] Councilman Graham has Nancy Cook. And Councilwoman Akre has Nancy Cook. And

[31:38] Mayor Turner has Nancy Cook. Thank you.

[31:43] Right. Next, we have one ordinance on consideration tonight is ordinance

[31:47] 26-15, the abandonment of a portion of alley

[31:50] located between Anderson and Broad Street. Mr. Ross Peters, the director of

[31:55] planning services, will present. Thank you, Mayor Turner. And good

[32:00] evening. Uh up for consideration on first reading

[32:04] tonight is uh is this request for uh an abandon of alleyway between Broad Street

[32:10] and Anderson Street from 24th Street. Um as you can see on the map located on the

[32:16] screen, that area is highlighted and hatched in red. Um, and this item was u

[32:24] was considered uh for a recommendation at our planning commission meeting back

[32:28] on August 17th. Uh, the property owners uh Steven Herod and Denise Oberry uh

[32:34] were the requesters of this abandonment. Um, on the screen before you, uh, I've

[32:40] got some photos prepared. Uh, this is an an aerial drone shot, uh, showing

[32:46] showing the area there. Um in in red is that is the strip where the alleyway um

[32:53] is located. Um it does end there in the approximation of of Hensley Street there

[33:00] near close to the top right of the screen.

[33:04] Um this is a picture taken from 24th Street looking down what would be uh

[33:10] that unnamed alleyway there highlighted in red uh to give a to give an idea what

[33:15] that looks like from the 24th Street side. Uh these are some photos taken

[33:19] within that uh unnamed alleyway uh there behind uh 2400 Broad Street and uh and

[33:26] beyond uh showing uh some of uh of the mature trees and some of the fences and

[33:33] uh accessory structures that are located in that area with within this abandoned

[33:39] uh with this abandonment request. Uh part of any uh rightaway abandonment

[33:45] request uh staff uh analysis looks at uh different components. Uh zoning is is

[33:52] one of those components. Uh the area that uh that we're looking at tonight is

[33:57] zoned R2. Um and there are 26 partals that uh that are adjacent or adjoining

[34:04] to this alleyway. Um and so uh under this analysis the proposed abandonment

[34:11] uh is consistent with that of the joining properties with that zoning

[34:14] there. Uh under the terrain uh we do look at terrain um and part uh part of

[34:21] this uh this alley is part of that second section of the old Delaney

[34:25] addition to Bristol uh dating all the way back to 1930. Um and and it appears

[34:31] that uh many of these uh adjacent parts uh have improvements such as fences and

[34:36] accessory structures as shown in those photos a little bit earlier.

[34:41] Uh infrastructure and assets uh are are also looked. We did not find any

[34:46] city-owned assets or infrastructure within within this alley abandonment

[34:50] request. Uh and those are the items such as uh listed on the screen like fire

[34:55] hydrants or sidewalks or any physical improvements that may be there and none

[34:59] were found. Uh utilities are also looked at. Um and we do send out letters to all

[35:06] the local uh utility companies to uh identify any type of assets that may be

[35:12] within that rideway such as uh gas lines or power lines or cable lines, telephone

[35:17] lines, uh anything of like that nature. uh and uh and the utility companies came

[35:23] back with with nothing uh nothing there located. Um and so therefore utilities

[35:28] easements would not need to be reserved uh because of the of the infrastructure

[35:33] not there. Um, again with this type of request, a public notification is made

[35:39] and we do send out letters uh notifying all the adjacent property owners of this

[35:43] request. And we did receive uh five comment letters uh in favor of the

[35:49] abandonment uh from those folks that we sent out the letters to. Um, we also

[35:53] received two comment letters uh that uh that they were neither for or against um

[36:00] the request. And we did receive one phone call uh in favor of that. Um

[36:07] planning commission recommendation from that August 17th, 2026 meeting. uh

[36:12] planning commission did vote 6 to2 to send a favorable recommendation to

[36:15] council uh to wait for the completion of alley network study prior to deciding on

[36:21] this alley abandonment request and these are the anticipated next steps

[36:26] of of the process. >> Anyone have any questions for Mr.

[36:32] Peters? I actually do of um I guess maybe

[36:38] Danielle could help with this of where we have these alleys like this with

[36:44] these trees of from a liability standpoint from the city of

[36:51] in these alleys that we have right now that are filled with trees and they're f

[36:55] filled with brush whatever it may be and those fall on someone's structure then

[37:00] there's some is there some liability there for the

[37:05] That is actually a question that would be really complicated. It would depend

[37:08] on the facts of of the case that comes before us. So [clears throat] I think

[37:13] that that I wouldn't really want to answer that yes or no right now without

[37:17] having an actual case in front of us to to address.

[37:20] » Right. >> I mean there's always the potential of

[37:22] being sued. >> Yeah.

[37:24] » Well, I can I will say that from I have own personal

[37:28] dealing with of an abandoned. It's an unincorporated alley on a piece of

[37:35] property that I have that there was a dead tree and we I called and they came

[37:43] and it was dead and having to and I'm say that in these situations if they're

[37:50] and this may be something whether I guess we have to go out and maintain

[37:56] those trees if especially if we have someone

[38:00] they're if they're head of

[38:04] » Sure. Yes. It's a case byase situation. Um um you know a lot of these uh

[38:10] unimproved alleyways or unnamed alleyways as this um do have those

[38:16] situations arise from time to time with a dead or dying or falling tree. And so

[38:21] it's a case by case. We we do have some things in place, I think, policy-wise

[38:25] that u our our crews can go out and and remove those if need be if if it's

[38:32] wanted.

[38:36] So, um, we did talk a little bit and I appreciate the planning commission's,

[38:40] uh, recommendation and obviously this looks like it's one that should be

[38:45] closed, but the amount of staff time it takes to do these and we've had several

[38:50] alley requests recently and if the study is going to do some of that homework,

[38:57] um, that waiting till that study's done and let the study that we're paying for

[39:04] take their time and their money to be able to do this study to come back

[39:09] rather than our having our staff um with all the work that's done. It's a lot to

[39:16] do it thoroughly. So, I would support the planning commission's recommendation

[39:21] that's to wait till the alley study's done and I would hope that we won't take

[39:27] on other alleys again till it's done. Is that my corre is that they voted to wait

[39:35] » six to their recommendation was to wait on the alley network study.

[39:38] » Yes, >> I think that's wise.

[39:40] » So I guess that other so you brought that up. I think with the alley study

[39:45] that we're having it's going to be the same process of

[39:50] going through that we will be even if the study comes back and says we should

[39:54] abandon this alley. It's going to go through the same process of notifying

[39:59] all of the uh houses that are along that alley. So the as far as

[40:05] » they may have done the pictures and all that. Sorry.

[40:08] » Yeah. >> Um they may have the pictures and what's

[40:10] there and all that. That would be helpful.

[40:15] » Ross, I've got two questions about this. Um

[40:18] » sorry. >> The um aerial that you show where the

[40:22] alleyway stops abruptly. >> Yes. Why does it stop abruptly? And then

[40:28] segueing into uh as you look at this, is there any way in the world we're ever

[40:34] going to open this thing up for through traffic?

[40:37] Um so yes, so uh from our research, um like I spoke about that Delaney

[40:43] subdivision plat that created that alley from 1930. Um the the plan at that point

[40:49] was uh to have a cross street which is now known as Hinsley Street would have

[40:56] crossed that block and that alleyway would have intersected and made that

[41:00] connection um at some point. >> Can you pull that aerial up?

[41:03] » Sure. >> If you don't mind. Thank you, sir.

[41:07] » That one. So, Hinsley Street that you see there kind of at the top right

[41:11] corner of uh of the screen would continue from the right side of the

[41:16] screen to the left side at the at the top [clears throat] of that red red

[41:19] line. Um that's what was originally planned from that 1930 subdivision plat.

[41:24] Um for whatever reason that street was never uh finished or never built. Um and

[41:30] there's actually a home setting there uh today. Um if if that would have been uh

[41:36] if that street would have continued on and that street would have been built,

[41:39] then that alley would have connected 24th Street and what is known now as

[41:42] Hensley Street if that would would have taken place, but it did not. So that's

[41:47] why um that uh alley rightway does end what we could call midblock, if you

[41:53] will. It does not connect to another street because of that reason.

[42:00] » Do you ever see us using the alley for anything?

[42:04] um with with uh some

[42:09] improvement and some hard work possibly, but obviously with with all the things

[42:14] that are in place there, uh it would be a tall order to fill to to put it into

[42:19] to use. >> What's the upside for the city to uh go

[42:23] through there, clean it up, uh level the uh the platted right away that's through

[42:29] there, the alleyway that's through there? What would be the upside for the

[42:32] city? >> Um, as far as the city goes, I'm I'm not

[42:37] sure. It would probably it would probably favor uh those adjacent

[42:41] property owners more to give them access to the rear uh to rear of their lots or

[42:46] the to the rear of their homes uh where they do not have that now. Um that would

[42:51] probably be the biggest benefit if that if that could take place.

[42:55] » But of course, all the people that did respond said, "Yeah, they're in favor of

[42:59] closing the alleyway." >> Yes, we did. We did receive those five

[43:02] in favor to close. Yes.

[43:08] » So, I see three points. Number one, uh with the uh Hinsley Street not going all

[43:14] the way through, it does dead end and for it to actually be

[43:20] of greater use, it would be important that it be completely cleaned out

[43:24] because there is the potential for liability. So, we have a deadend alley

[43:29] and it's been brought to us and I would recommend to the planning commission

[43:34] that if we don't want to hear or see any more in regard to alleys that we have a

[43:40] moratorum until the alleyway study is complete or we're going to continue to

[43:44] have this. But back to my points, Hinsley Street is not a cutthrough.

[43:50] It is overgrown with the potential of liability.

[43:54] Um my experience has been that trees fall and whomever the property owner is

[44:01] at the time bear some liability. And uh the third thing is that we have had

[44:07] residents that have said that they would be in favor of the alleyway abandonment.

[44:13] So, having said that this, I would uh uh find myself in the position to vote to

[44:21] abandon the alleyway. And if we want to truly hold all of this off until the

[44:27] alleyway study can be complete, the planning commission would need to bring

[44:32] to us their recommendation based on staff's research as to the uh how and

[44:39] wise to that. But for that reason, I I'm going to support the alleyway

[44:44] abandonment.

[44:47] » Do I have a motion to take action on ordinance 26-15?

[44:56] I make a motion to approve ordinance 26-15.

[45:03] Is there a second? >> Second.

[45:05] » We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? Can I I'll I can

[45:11] do it as a separate but I want to make a motion for the moratorum for the

[45:15] planning commission. So, >> but uh can we have clarification as to

[45:19] what a yes vote would yield and what a no vote would yield?

[45:22] » A yes would be of abandoning the abandonment of the alley. Is that we

[45:29] are correct? >> Yes, because that's what you said first

[45:31] is verification. >> Right. Okay. So, we have a motion and a

[45:35] second. Further discussion. Mary Lee. >> Fire Robin.

[45:39] » Yes. >> Graham,

[45:41] » yes. >> Powers,

[45:42] » yes. >> Akard,

[45:44] » yes. >> Turner,

[45:45] » yes. >> All right.

[45:49] » We have one ordinance on second reading for consideration tonight. Ordinance

[45:54] 26-14 and the appropriation of funds and

[45:57] budget for the fiscal year July 1 through July 30th. This item was

[46:01] presented earlier uh during the public hearing. Are there any questions for

[46:06] Miss Varane on this matter? [clears throat] Do I have a motion to

[46:11] approve ordinance 26-14? >> Motion to approve resolution 26-

[46:18] 14. >> Have a motion. Second.

[46:20] » Second. >> Motion and a second. Any further

[46:23] discussion? I think it should be noted as Holly pointed out that the revenues

[46:28] that will be appropriated for the um animal center are through a donation

[46:35] » through the police the police fund. Yes. >> So I just want to make be sure that the

[46:40] public understands that this is not money that's being pulled from the

[46:44] general fund but rather monies that are being appropriated through donation.

[46:50] » Okay. Mary Lee,

[46:53] » Firero, Robin, >> yes.

[46:55] » Graham, >> yes.

[46:56] » Powers, >> yes.

[46:57] » Aker, >> yes.

[46:58] » Turner, >> yes.

[47:00] » I have two resolutions this evening. Uh, resolution 26-134

[47:06] entry into a grant contract with Tennessee Department of Transportation

[47:09] for surface transportation block grant. Uh, this item will be presented by Nate

[47:16] Mikaloosa. Was that >> Maka?

[47:18] » Maksa. Okay. Sorry. >> Thank you. No, no worries. Um, but

[47:22] » I actually hadn't then I totally butchered it when I said it. [laughter]

[47:25] So, >> well, um, once again, thank you for

[47:29] letting me be here. Uh, we've got a lot of, uh, awesome projects. Happy to talk

[47:34] about this project, um, in particular. Um so what what we have is a a contract

[47:41] that was presented um in which we were awarded

[47:46] um $59,52

[47:50] in our surface transportation block grant. Um, we worked um

[47:56] d this has some recent history, but in March of 2024,

[48:00] we had some public complaints, some concerns about safety um coming off of

[48:06] the Beaver Creek Road trying to enter uh 394. Um, this was brought about just

[48:13] with the recent construction and ending of phase three at the Fox Meadows

[48:19] development where as they've built out, a lot of folks have chose to reside

[48:25] there and it's becoming increasingly challenging to enter the highway safely.

[48:31] Um so [snorts] this this project in particular does align with our long

[48:35] range transportation plan um and has been incorporated [snorts] into our

[48:39] active tip. Um so with that being said, we we were able to receive this grant.

[48:47] Um so currently um in fiscal year 27, we do have $54,000 budgeted. Um this would

[48:55] help us in the design phase of the project. Um and we would need to uh

[49:01] budget u an additional $73,288

[49:06] um in fiscal year 28 to consider or to continue to move this project forward.

[49:12] Um this project also um covers our plan of services that was recently

[49:20] approved and adopted as part of the annexation of the of a small say 3.66 66

[49:26] acre lot on Beaver Creek Road where we um were to install a traffic light as

[49:32] part of the plan of services. So we're we're able to meet that with this

[49:37] project. So big win, right? Ultimately, so it's a

[49:42] exciting project. Uh what this resolution would do would authorize the

[49:47] mayor to formally uh enter into this contract and we would have support to

[49:51] move it forward. >> Great. Is there any questions?

[49:57] » I just wanted to say as we listen to this and I know my husband said read

[50:02] about it in today's newspaper said that sounds good but how long things take

[50:07] that first off it's how long things take to get approved and money to be acquired

[50:12] etc. But also just the studies and the work and the engineering etc to make

[50:17] things happen. So, we can get excited about it, but it's still a year and a

[50:23] half away >> before we'll actually see a light at

[50:26] that intersection >> potentially. I mean, it seems like we

[50:30] have u so when it's when the state is running a project with us, there's

[50:37] always that fear of concern that it might take a longer than we we would

[50:41] like. But we're we're seeing, you know, um

[50:46] constant communication and engagement out of out of those offices. So that

[50:51] that's a good sign, you know, that it's not a stagnant project or, you know,

[50:56] rolling slowly. Um but yes, as much as we possibly can push the project, we

[51:02] would like to do so. >> Right. Great.

[51:05] » Thanks. >> Is there a motion to approve resolution

[51:07] 26-134? >> So moved.

[51:10] » Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Mary Lee,

[51:15] » Fire Robbin, >> yes.

[51:16] » Graham, >> yes.

[51:17] » Powers, >> yes.

[51:18] » Aker, >> yes.

[51:19] » Turner, >> yes.

[51:21] » Next, we have resolution 26-135, designate members of the city council to

[51:26] serve on city boards and quasi municipal and non-municipal agency. This item will

[51:32] be presented by our city manager, Matt Slake.

[51:35] » Thank you, Mayor Turner. Uh, slight error on the presentation there. the the

[51:40] resolution 26135 whereas a number of city boards quasi municipal and

[51:44] non-municipal agencies include a board seat to be filled by a member of Bristol

[51:48] city council whereas city council desires to assign the various board

[51:51] seats now therefore be it resolved the city of Bristol Tennessee that the

[51:55] following designations are made to boards and agencies so planning

[51:58] commission would be Lee Powers and Vince Turner sewer oversight Vince Turner Ray

[52:04] Akard Library board be Margaret Fire Robin power board Vince Turner Networks

[52:10] Solment Partnership, Lee Powers, Kelly Graham, Bristol Metropolitan Planning

[52:16] Organization, Ross Peters, Industrial Development Board, Lee Powers, Parks and

[52:21] Recreation Commission, Ray Akard, School Board, Ray Akre, City of Bristol,

[52:25] Virginia, Ray Akard. Sullivan County, Tennessee. Uh, all mayors, all members

[52:30] of council, uh, Vince Turner, Lee Powers, Ray Aker, Margaret Fire, Robin,

[52:34] Kelly Graham, Home Consortium, Margaret Fire, Robin, First Tennessee Human

[52:39] Resources Agency, Vince Turner, First Tennessee Development District, Vince

[52:43] Turner, Birthplace of Country Music, Lee Powers, Train Station Foundation Board

[52:48] to be Margaret Fire Robbin, Believe in Bristol, Lee Powers, Chamber of

[52:52] Commerce, Vince Turner, Homeland Security, District 1, Vince Turner,

[52:57] Rhythm and Roots, Terry Nap, here. Explore Bristol, Lee Powers and Kelly

[53:01] Graham, Sullivan County Health Department Health Council Margaret Fire

[53:05] Robbin and Tri Cities Airport Commission Vince Turner whereupon the mayor

[53:09] declared the resolution adopted his signature be below directed that the

[53:14] same be recorded. >> Is there a motion to approve resolution

[53:19] 26-135? >> Motion to approve resolution 26135.

[53:25] » Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Any further

[53:28] discussion? >> Mary Lee.

[53:30] » Fire Robin. >> Yes.

[53:32] » Graham. >> Yes.

[53:33] » Powers. >> Yes.

[53:34] » Akard. >> Yes.

[53:35] » Turn. [clears throat] >> Did you have something that you

[53:37] » I was just going to welcome Mr. Graham to the council since he uh this is his

[53:44] first formal meeting. He's been at a work session. So, um and that's why we

[53:48] had to do this second council. Oh, I missed all.

[53:52] » I watched it. >> I'd like to welcome you back to S.

[53:54] » I [laughter] watched it. I watched it. I watched it. I watched it and I would

[53:58] have voted on with you on [laughter] one of them. So, sorry I wasn't here. You're

[54:03] right. >> Okay. Next, we have the consent agenda.

[54:07] Mr. Segel, >> sir, we have the minutes of the August

[54:10] 4th, 2026 city council meeting. We have the minutes August 25th uh 2026 city

[54:16] council work session. We have resolution 26136

[54:20] is a resolution rescending resolution 25158

[54:24] and reauthorizing the purchase of a procore aiator for Steals Creek Golf

[54:28] Course through Sourcewell. Resolution 26137 is a resolution authorizing the

[54:33] purchase of a 2027 Kimworth T280 series dump truck with snowplow and salt

[54:38] spreader under the Sourcewell contract. 26138 is a resolution authorizing the

[54:43] purchase of bulk ice control rock under the salt bulk ice control rocks under

[54:48] the state contract. Uh resolution 26139 is a resolution awarding a bid for the

[54:54] purchase of bulk concrete products. Resolution 26140 is a resolution

[54:58] awarding a bid for sidewalk replacement to Jones Road and Bridge. Resolution

[55:02] 26141 is a resolution authorizing the

[55:06] temporary use of public property and public rideway by the birthplace of

[55:09] country music for the sale, distribution, and consumption of beer

[55:11] during rhythm and roots. 26142 is a resolution authorizing the temporary

[55:16] establishment of an open container area for the service and consumption of

[55:19] alcohol during Bristol rhythm and roots. 26143 is a res resolution authorizing

[55:25] entry into an agreement with data driven for configuration of a connection

[55:28] between records and systems authorizing payment of invoices associated with

[55:32] their services. 26144 is a resolution authorizing entry into an agreement with

[55:37] Bristol, Virginia relating to the sharing of assets following for forfeite

[55:41] proceedings. 26145 is a resolution authorizing entry into a memorandum of

[55:47] understanding [clears throat] related to the East Tennessee regional forensic

[55:49] facility and training program. 26146 is a resolution accepting a grant from

[55:55] the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security related to providing

[55:58] school resource officers and authorizing entry into a memor memorandum of

[56:02] understanding between the Bristol Tennessee city school system and the

[56:05] city of Bristol for the school resource officer program.

[56:09] Resolution 26147 is a resolution authorizing entry into a master

[56:13] agreement with Ross Fowler to provide professional design planning services

[56:17] and approving service order one relating to Steels Creek Park master plan and

[56:21] service order number two relating to Shelby Street master plan. Resolution

[56:25] 26148 is a resolution authorizing entry into a grant contract with the Tennessee

[56:30] Department of Transportation for service transportation block grant funds for

[56:34] volunte volunteer parkway signal grouping. 26149 is a resolution

[56:39] authorizing entry into [clears throat] a project agreement for the use of

[56:41] Commonwealth transportation funds for fiscal year 2027.

[56:45] » Great. Anyone like anything removed from the consent agenda? Do I have a motion

[56:51] to approve the consent agenda? >> Move to approve the consent agenda.

[56:55] » Motion second. >> Second.

[56:57] » Have a motion and a second. Mary Lee. >> F Robin.

[57:01] » Yes. >> Graham.

[57:02] » Yes. >> Powers.

[57:03] » Yes. >> Aker.

[57:04] » Yes. >> Turner.

[57:05] » Yes. Right. Next to our city managers report.

[57:09] » Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, members of council. I just want to take a moment

[57:12] here to thank our council, our employees, and community for the support

[57:16] and encouragement I've received here in this first month. Um, one thing has

[57:20] become abundantly clear. Bristol has a incredibly talented group of employees

[57:24] who care deeply about this community. As we move forward, my focus will be on

[57:28] supporting those employees, strengthening our collaboration across

[57:31] the organization, and making sure we're focused on execution, accountability,

[57:34] and providing excellent service to our citizens. We have a lot of work, but

[57:38] excited about that work and capitalizing on Bristol strengths. Busy agenda for

[57:42] September. So, we've got coming up some events. Pepperfest September 5th. We

[57:47] obviously got Rhythm and Roots September 11th to 13th in partnership with our

[57:52] city schools. We've got Kim University beginning September 17th. We're looking

[57:55] forward to that. Uh Bristol Motor Speedway race weekend September 17th to

[58:00] 19th. Uh Bristol Sessions night September 18th 7 to9. Uh September 12th

[58:06] we've got our Dale Burns esports NFL flag football games. Those begin then as

[58:10] Dr. Tudtor mentioned September 17th looking forward to our VT game rally

[58:15] with the Bristol big screen night. Hopefully not getting rained out this

[58:18] time. Uh looking forward to that and appreciate the partnership with our

[58:21] school system on that. [clears throat] uh movie showing will be at 7:45.

[58:25] Uh last thing, don't forget the farmers market open every Wednesday uh 2 to 6. I

[58:30] want to also with that farmers market announcement say that our Bristol NO

[58:34] shared some information [clears throat] for the next round of public engagement

[58:37] on the Bristol Trolley service. Um so that will be a consultant team will be

[58:41] holding pop-up events there um at the farmers market and also at the

[58:45] birthplace of country music. Okay. Thank you.

[58:49] » All right. Next we have city council comments. Um

[58:56] I just have one of um Councilman Graham. We have a

[59:03] proclamation that you have with us. If you would care to read a proclamation

[59:08] for the 95th anniversary of the Paramount.

[59:12] » I'd be happy to. Last Saturday night, uh, the Paramount had a, um, party

[59:19] celebrating 95 years of being in existence. You were so kind as to draw

[59:24] up and sign a proclamation, which I'm now going to read into the record, and

[59:29] then I'll be presenting it to the executive board later this week.

[59:34] This [clears throat] is a proclamation rec recognizing

[59:37] the Paramount Bristol Paramount 95th anniversary.

[59:43] Whereas Paramount Bristol first opened its doors on February 20th, 1931 with a

[59:49] film it pays to advertise to a soldout audience eager to catch the first

[59:55] glimpse a glimpse of the theat's elegant interior. And whereas from its earliest

[1:00:01] days, the Paramount served as a culture cornerstone of downtown Bristol,

[1:00:06] presenting motion picture stage performances and community gatherings

[1:00:11] that enrich the artistic and social life of the re region. And whereas the

[1:00:16] Paramounts distinctive artesco art desk architect

[1:00:23] architecture, ironic marquee, and timeless design have made it one of

[1:00:28] Bristol's most cherished historical landmarks. And whereas the theater

[1:00:33] closed in 1979 amid the decline of downtown businesses and remained closed

[1:00:38] for more than a decade before community leaders and others which cherished

[1:00:44] memories took an interest in preserving and restoring the historical venue. And

[1:00:50] whereas the grand opening of the restored theater was celebrated with a

[1:00:54] formal event on April 26th, 1991, highlighted by a special performance

[1:01:01] from Bristol's native son, Tennessee Ernie Ford. And whereas the restoration

[1:01:07] and renewal prominence of the historical theater served as a catalyst for

[1:01:13] additional preservation efforts that helped establish downtown Bristol as a

[1:01:18] beloved gathering place for residents and visitors alike. And whereas

[1:01:23] Paramount Bristol today stands as a thriving performing arts center, hosting

[1:01:29] concerts, films, theater productions, educational programs, and special events

[1:01:34] that celebrate the arts, showcase local talent, welcome national performers, and

[1:01:40] attract visitors from across the region. And whereas the continued success of the

[1:01:46] Paramount reflects Bristol's unwavering commitment to the arts, culture,

[1:01:52] history, and vibrant community life. Now therefore, be it resolved that on the

[1:01:58] occasion of the 95th anniversary, Paramount Bristol is hereby recognized

[1:02:04] and on honored for its enduring contribution to the culture, historic,

[1:02:10] and economic viability of the city of Bristol, Tennessee, and for the

[1:02:15] continued purpose to enhance the lives of residents and visitors for

[1:02:19] generations to come. this 29th day of August signed by the mayor of Bristol,

[1:02:25] Tennessee, Vince Turner. Thank you, sir.

[1:02:30] [applause] >> All right.

[1:02:38] » I can go first. And I can just add um our um community relations have a

[1:02:45] fantastic film with the history of Paramount. We have a lot of our

[1:02:49] communities that are involved and um some of them started with involvement in

[1:02:55] theater Bristol and then when the paramount was uh potentially going to be

[1:03:00] destroyed um people stepped up and community stepped up and helped to fund

[1:03:06] that and the state stepped up. So we're thrilled that it's been 95 years since

[1:03:12] started. So, um, I wanted to, uh, thank our new city manager, U, Matt Slegel,

[1:03:20] for taking a week before he actually started to visit with our employees. I

[1:03:25] think that was perfect. It meant you didn't have, thank you, Brian. Brian's

[1:03:29] left. Um, didn't have the distraction of the everyday work. You were able to meet

[1:03:35] with the different departments, etc. I think that um is certainly beneficial to

[1:03:41] you as well as to our employees. So, I appreciate you're having the foresight

[1:03:46] and the time to be able to do that. So, I thank you for doing that.

[1:03:51] » Um also just hope that um the alleyways that will be discussed at planning

[1:03:57] commission and if it's appropriate to put a moratorum in that that comes back

[1:04:01] to us or at least a report of the discussion.

[1:04:06] um the um car seat safety. Uh we so with Appalachin Promise Alliance, we have a

[1:04:15] grant from um Tennessee Highway Safety Office. Just got a new grant from

[1:04:19] Virginia Highway Safety Office. We went to a distracted driving conference and

[1:04:25] uh for a second time. We went last year uh went again this year and learned a

[1:04:30] lot. We've we learn a lot from the presentations that we give and about 50%

[1:04:35] of teen deaths are um teens thrown from the car when they don't have their seat

[1:04:40] belts on. Um also learned that Virginia, one of the groups um uh working in this

[1:04:46] field, a mom who lost a teen, they got Virginia to pass a mandatory seat belt

[1:04:53] law for the back seat, which apparently Tennessee does not have. So, I think

[1:04:57] it'd be great if if we all can support that in our legislature

[1:05:02] uh and see whether that's something that could happen. Uh next, I wanted to thank

[1:05:07] um our police department. This past week, we had a week ago Sunday, there

[1:05:13] was a shooting um in Bristol, Virginia. And um with Family Promise, we do a day

[1:05:20] center upstairs at the Salvation [clears throat]

[1:05:22] Army. And there's uh about a hundred people, most of whom are experiencing

[1:05:27] homelessness, who come every day for some kind of service. The biggest

[1:05:32] service that we offer is case management, trying to help them get back

[1:05:36] on their feet and get into housing. Um but one of the women who was killed was

[1:05:42] a regular visitor and guest at that um at a place to be day center. and Monica

[1:05:51] Tucker from our police department who uh is embedded in our police department and

[1:05:56] also is part of Frontier Health's crisis team. She came both Tuesday and

[1:06:01] Wednesday to be there and to help support some of the people who um knew

[1:06:08] the woman very well and cared about her and loved her. Um and also to help our

[1:06:14] staff and volunteers to cope. So really appreciate that we have that in our

[1:06:20] police department. And thank y'all for the work that is done. And just to

[1:06:25] remind us, we have um seven days a week, we've got somebody embedded. There's two

[1:06:31] two officers or two people who serve in that way. And I think it is incredibly

[1:06:38] help helpful for our citizens, all our citizens. Um I wanted to get political

[1:06:45] for a minute. It's political time and just wanted to ask if we can send a a

[1:06:52] letter or emails to all our candidates to tell them the laws about the signs

[1:06:58] and I'm seeing them pop up in rightways and that really just um bothers me a

[1:07:04] whole lot. So to let them know what happens when they're in the right of way

[1:07:08] and we may pick them up and they can be returned to people at the garage. but

[1:07:14] that we um have there's good reasons for it not to be in the rightway. So um

[1:07:19] wanted to do that and just to further just say something. I know there's a lot

[1:07:25] of stuff coming up with the election, but I wanted to just say that our

[1:07:29] election commission I think does a fantastic job. I think we all do think

[1:07:34] that and I think that they are they might be exemplary, but I also think

[1:07:39] across our country and our different cities and counties that our election

[1:07:44] officials are take elections very seriously and do great jobs with um

[1:07:51] taking care of our um right to vote and our elections. Uh farmers market, it's

[1:07:57] great on Wednesday. If y'all haven't seen Arnold from Mountain City, he has a

[1:08:02] beautiful display of vegetables and he's there on Wednesdays. He's not there on

[1:08:06] Sundays anymore. And lastly, the sessions and the one

[1:08:11] that's coming up on the 19th. I encourage Is it the 19th? Uh 18th, a

[1:08:17] true taste of Tennessee. We'll see what that is. Um but I've been to

[1:08:23] two of three, three of four, however many there's been. Anyway, I missed the

[1:08:29] first one and I've been to three. Um, they're fabulous. They're in the

[1:08:33] listening room space at the LC King building. I believe the cost is $27 for

[1:08:40] the 1927 is how that came about. Um, and Terry, how did they get the tickets?

[1:08:51] » Go to Bristol Sessions Nights. Just plug that in and it should come up and they

[1:08:55] can buy tickets. Um, so it's a very nice evening. Be careful if it's dancing

[1:09:01] music. You might your feet might start dancing and you might get pressured to

[1:09:08] dance. Um, anyway, uh, yes. So, it's fabulous.

[1:09:14] Uh, encourage people to attend. So, that's it. That's it.

[1:09:19] » I've got something just real quick. Did you

[1:09:23] » Okay. Um so many of the things that we've talked about tonight um are

[1:09:28] successful because they are volunteer driven. We have multiple boards and

[1:09:33] commissions that we are constantly reappointing to throughout the year. Um

[1:09:37] the Bristol sessions while it is driven by the city and staff there are

[1:09:42] volunteers there. Believe in Bristol with the pepper festival driven by

[1:09:47] volunteers. The birthplace of country music will be celebrating a hundred

[1:09:51] years this next year driven by volunteers and uh the festival itself

[1:09:57] Bristol Rhythm and Roots is driven by volunteers. Um our planning commission

[1:10:02] we we Ross does such a great job and staff does such a great job but the

[1:10:07] planning commission is made up of volunteers that are willing to share

[1:10:11] their time with us. Additionally, we have the industrial development board.

[1:10:16] Um, we've had great educational sessions there. Tom heads that up along with

[1:10:21] other staff members, Brea and Danielle. Um, so important because whereas we're

[1:10:27] not voting on a month-to-month basis, when it does come time to vote, we have

[1:10:32] to be educated and have a longstanding uh, education as to what it is we are

[1:10:38] voting for. Also made up of uh, volunteers. Explore Bristol has done an

[1:10:44] outstanding job. They have greatly improved uh our position in the state uh

[1:10:50] as in regard to tourism. We have been able to have a greater collection of

[1:10:55] occupancy tax dollars which uh is being brought to us by those that are out of

[1:11:01] town. So, it's not a burden on our uh local property taxpayers. We have a lot

[1:11:07] going on. If you see an opportunity to jump in and to volunteer, please do. We

[1:11:13] we just have a tremendous amount of activity that's that's uh taking place

[1:11:18] and it is done because of volunteers willing to give their time. Thank you.

[1:11:25] » You have anything else? >> Um Lee and I talked about changing the

[1:11:29] time of the uh the November work session. Is that is this an appropriate

[1:11:35] time to ask about changing it to a lunch session?

[1:11:39] It's November 17th and it's something we can take up in our work session in

[1:11:43] September. But uh we both have a conflict November 17th. So if we could

[1:11:48] move it to a lunchon meeting that day, >> make sure we add that.

[1:11:51] » That would be great. But we can pursue it further at work session.

[1:11:56] » That'd be great. I don't have anything else.

[1:11:59] » Okay. >> I I have one more thing. Um so today at

[1:12:03] health council um and Dr. Tutor serves on that as well. So, we chose to um what

[1:12:10] a year ago, year and a half ago to focus on CPR

[1:12:13] um and to try to get as many people trained. And now with CPR, there's a

[1:12:18] real fast how is it three minutes, five minutes, something like that. Uh lesson,

[1:12:24] brief lesson on CPR that's trying to get out the goal this year. Last year they

[1:12:29] trained about 3,800 people. Uh this year the goal is probably about 7,000. They

[1:12:35] think that they'll exceed that. They are booked for September. All different

[1:12:39] kinds of schools. They're in um Tennessee High and Tennessee Middle

[1:12:44] School. They're going to be at Rhythm and Roots. Check it out. And if you

[1:12:48] haven't had CPR recently, do it. Learn it. Uh and uh they also have recently

[1:12:56] gotten requests from Virginia High and Virginia Middle. So now they're going

[1:13:01] regional. They're excited about it. there's um different um groups in uh

[1:13:07] Virginia that hopefully'll take it on and work on it as well. So, that's been

[1:13:12] a huge success and it's because we decided to focus on it and then the ball

[1:13:17] started rolling with a whole lot of things happening. So, we're real excited

[1:13:22] about that. So, watch for it. >> All right. With that, we are adjourned.

Bristol Tennessee City Council Meeting - September 1st, 2026

Transcript