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Home›Counties›Hamilton County›Meetings›Hamilton County Commission Voting Session — 2025-05-07

VOTING SESSION

Hamilton County Commission Voting Session — 2025-05-07

16 agenda items, 16 approved, 0 rejected.

May 7, 2025

MEETING SUMMARY

Approved

Rejected

Tabled

Total Items

Attendance roll pending

AGENDA & VOTES

FREE PREVIEW

ITEM 1·INFRASTRUCTURE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 1 STATE OF TENNESSEE ) Regular Meeting COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) May 7, 2025 BE IT REMEMBERED that on this 7 th day of May 2025, a Regular Meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners was begun and held at the Courthouse in the City of Chattanooga, in the County Commission Room, when the following proceedings were held, to wit: -- Present and presiding was the Honorable Jeff Eversole, Chairman. County Clerk Bill Knowles called the roll of the County Commission, and the following, constituting a quorum, answered to their names: Commissioner Chip Baker, Commissioner Greg Beck, Commissioner Mike Chauncey, Commissioner Joe Graham, Commissioner Lee Helton, Commissioner Steve Highlander, Commissioner Warren Mackey, Commissioner David Sharpe, Commissioner Gene- o Shipley, and Chairman Jeff Eversole. Commissioner Ken Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent -1. Also in attendance were members of County Mayor Weston Wamp's administrative staff, County Attorney Rheubin Taylor, and County Auditor Chris McCollough. Attached hereto is a copy of the Public Notice for this meeting, which was published in a local newspaper and made a matter of record of this meeting. Time Code Position 0:13 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 2 Commissioner Shipley introduced Ed Alexander, Stanley Heights Baptist Church, to offer the invocation. Commissioner Shipley led in the pledge to the flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ON MO…

vote

ITEM 10·CONTRACTS

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-9 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF ROBERT ROBERTS, LLC FOR THE JUVENILE COURT ADDITION PROJECT AMOUNTING TO $2,152,964.00, FOR HAMILTON COUNTY JUVENILE COURT AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN ANY CONTRACTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION. Commissioner Baker, Member of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 525-9 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Graham, to adopt Resolution No. 525-9. Time Code Position 25:15 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 15 There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 11·CONTRACTS

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-10 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SOFTWARE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FROM ESRI, INC., FOR ONE (1) YEAR, BEGINNING JUNE 9, 2025, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2026, FOR THE GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT AMOUNTING TO $116,025.00, AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN ANY CONTRACTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION. Commissioner Baker, Member of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 525-10 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. Time Code Position 26:21 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 16 ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Beck, to adopt Resolution No. 525-10. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 12·PUBLIC SAFETY

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-11 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH A TERM BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $201,000 WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES. Commissioner Baker, Member of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 525-11and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. Time Code Position 27:10 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 17 ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Shipley, to adopt Resolution No. 525-11. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 13·INFRASTRUCTURE

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-13 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND HOMELAND SECURITY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT IF AWARDED A 2025 NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD SAFETY FIRST GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000.00 (FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS). Commissioner Baker, Member of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 525-13 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. Time Code Position 28:06 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 18 ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Beck, to adopt Resolution No. 525-13. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 14·INFRASTRUCTURE

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-14 A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO NORTH WEST UTILITY DISTRICT, BAKEWELL UTILITY DISTRICT, AND HIXSON UTILITY DISTRICT FOR FIRE HYDRANT INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE AMOUNTING TO A TOTAL OF $125,000.00 FROM THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN ANY CONTRACTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION. Time Code Position 28:53 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 19 Commissioner Baker, Member of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 525-14 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Helton, seconded by Commissioner Shipley, to adopt Resolution No. 525-14. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 15·CONTRACTS

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR DISASTER

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-17 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT TO APPLY FOR A GRANT ADMINISTERED BY THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR FUNDS FROM THE UNITED STATES Time Code Position 29:41 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 20 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR DISASTER RELIEF RELATED TO THE 2020 EASTER TORNADOES. Commissioner Baker, Member of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 525-17 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Highlander, to adopt Resolution No. 525-17. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 16·BUDGET

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Time Code Position HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 21 Without objection, Commissioner Mackey asked for Resolution Nos. 525-15 and 525-16 to be read together. RESOLUTION NO. 525-15 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE HIGHEST AND BEST BID FOR CERTAIN PARCELS OF PROPERTY ACQUIRED BY HAMILTON COUNTY THROUGH PREVIOUS DELINQUENT TAX SALES AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE DEEDS CONVEYING SAID PARCELS TO INDIVIDUALS LISTED HEREIN BELOW. RESOLUTION NO. 525-16 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATIVE TO A RELEASE AND TERMINATION OF REVERSIONARY RIGHT AND RESALE PROVISION ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2121 WILSON STREET, IDENTIFIED AS STATE TAX MAP NO. 136M-C-003, AS OWNED BY THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA. Commissioner Mackey, Chairman of the Delinquent Tax Property Committee, provided details regarding Resolution Nos. 525-15 and 525-16, and stated the Delinquent Tax Property Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON …

APPROVED

ITEM 2·INFRASTRUCTURE

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. ORDER OF DESIGNATION An Order of Designation was recorded, designating Nathan Janeway or Todd Leamon to sit as the County Mayor’s representative on the Chattanooga Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission meetings for FY25 and FY26. Time Code Position 0:39 15:16 15:57 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 3 ORDER OF REAPPOINTMENT County Mayor Wamp submitted for the record an order appointing Sean Sims to the Union Fork-Bakewell Utility Board of Commissioners for a term beginning May 7, 2025, and ending May 6, 2029. Chairman Eversole stated, without objection, he would like to add Resolution No. 525-18 to the agenda as a late item. There was no objection. Commissioner Sharpe stated several weeks ago, Commissioner Mackey initiated the recognition of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Mocs Men’s Basketball Team for their historic 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship and acknowledged Coach Dan Earl for his outstanding leaders…

vote

APPROVED

ITEM 3·PUBLIC SAFETY

FILE THE BONDS OF HAMILTON COUNTY 911 EMERGENCY

APPROVED

ITEM 4·GENERAL

CHAIRMAN OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY EMPLOYEE APPEALS BOARD FOR A

APPROVED

ITEM 5·GENERAL

CASEY SMITH TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTRICAL

APPROVED

ITEM 6·BUDGET

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Time Code Position 17:49 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 9 RESOLUTION NO. 525-4 A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT ROSE E. DECOSIMO TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR A THREE-YEAR (3) TERM BEGINNING JUNE 26, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 26, 2028. ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to adopt Resolution No. 525-4. In response to Commissioner Mackey’s question, Commissioner Baker stated they are meeting quarterly and working closely with Chris Glad. He noted they have staggered terms and are still in good standing. In response to Commissioner Sharpe’s question, Commissioner Baker stated when commissioners appropriate travel discretionary monies, the funds will now come straight from the Finance Department to the organization receiving them. Commissioners will no longer be able to take the funds to organizations themselves. There were no questions from the audience. Time Code Position 18:12 19:05 19:42 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULA…

APPROVED

ITEM 7·BUDGET

THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY DOLLARS ($2,640.00) FROM GENERAL FUND

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Without objection, Chairman Eversole asked for Resolution Nos. 525-5 through 525-7 to be read together. RESOLUTION NO. 525-5 A RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE MOUNTAIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500.00) FROM GENERAL FUND TRAVEL DISCRETIONARY MONIES, AS ALLOTTED TO DISTRICT TWO. RESOLUTION NO. 525-6 A RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE MOUNTAIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) FROM GENERAL FUND TRAVEL DISCRETIONARY MONIES, AS ALLOTTED TO DISTRICT TWO. Time Code Position 20:51 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 11 RESOLUTION NO. 525-7 A RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE WALDEN'S RIDGE EMERGENCY SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY DOLLARS ($2,640.00) FROM GENERAL FUND TRAVEL DISCRETIONARY MONIES, AS ALLOTTED TO DISTRICT TWO. ON MOTION of Commissioner Mackey, seconded by Commissioner Highlander, to adopt Resolution Nos. 525-5 …

APPROVED

ITEM 8·BUDGET

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Time Code Position HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 12 RESOLUTION NO. 525-8 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF ONE HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($140,000) TO CURT DEARING AND ATTORNEYS, MIKEL & HAMILL, PLLC, FOR FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to adopt Resolution No. 525-8. Commissioner Graham stated that all the resolutions were discussed during last week’s Agenda Preparation Session and are now being voted on. He noted several constituents who had never attended a meeting were in the audience and wanted them to understand the process. There were no questions from the audience. Time Code Position 22:04 23:01 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 13

APPROVED

ITEM 9·BUDGET

MAY 7, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Smith was absent. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 525-12 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM WALDEN SECURITY, RONNIE BARNES, AND STEVE HOLMES TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY VETERAN'S TREATMENT COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,200 TO PURCHASE 300 CHALLENGE COINS AND TO AMEND THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S FY25 REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Sharpe, to adopt Resolution No. 525-12. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience. Time Code Position 23:26 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2025 14

APPROVED

Hamilton County Commission Voting Session — 2025-05-07

AGENDA & VOTES

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MAY 7, 2025

MAY 7, 2025

MAY 7, 2025

MAY 7, 2025

MAY 7, 2025

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR DISASTER

MAY 7, 2025

MAY 7, 2025

FILE THE BONDS OF HAMILTON COUNTY 911 EMERGENCY

CHAIRMAN OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY EMPLOYEE APPEALS BOARD FOR A

CASEY SMITH TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTRICAL

MAY 7, 2025

THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY DOLLARS ($2,640.00) FROM GENERAL FUND

MAY 7, 2025

MAY 7, 2025

DOCUMENTS

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