SNAP suspension relief, $7.3 million violent crime grants

An entrance to the Food City at 1375 Broad St. showing accepted forms of payment, including funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (Photo/William Newlin)

See the full Nov. 18 meeting agenda here

SNAP suspension relief

Council approved three resolutions providing relief for Chattanoogans impacted by the recent federal suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Congress voted to reopen the federal government last week, and SNAP participants in Tennessee will receive full payments this month.

One resolution will pause water shut-offs due to unpaid sewer fees until Jan. 15. Another urges EPB not to cut service due to unpaid bills and to be flexible about non-payment while the federal government transitions from the shutdown. The third provides $200,000 to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

Violent crime prevention grants

The chief of police was approved to apply for two three-year $2.9 million state grants to target violent crime. Both grants are part of programs included in the state budget with funding amounts already earmarked for specific local governments.

For example, the state’s “Downtown Public Safety Grant” has $4.4M available for Chattanooga. Along with CPD’s $2.9M application, the Downtown Chattanooga Alliance would apply for the other $1.5M.

Among other things, the $7.3M total can go toward police equipment, investigative units, community partnerships and downtown safety plans.

$500K for downtown retail

Council approved a $500,000 agreement with River City Company to incentivize renovations to downtown commercial properties and attract new national and local retailers.

Through the program, River City will reimburse half of a property owner’s renovation costs. The agreement also funds a consumer analysis and inventory of vacant and underused properties.

New planning agency director

Mayor Kelly received approval to appoint Karen Rennich as executive director of the Regional Planning Agency. Rennich is currently interim director and has served as RPA deputy director for more than 14 years.

She replaced Dan Reuter, who resigned this summer.

A joint city-Hamilton County organization, the RPA creates land use plans and proposes zoning and development policies. The agency also analyzes rezoning requests for the Regional Planning Commission, which must approve requests before sending them to Council and the County Commission.

$40.3M bond issuance

The city was approved to issue $40.3 million in municipal bonds to help pay for projects in the city’s last two capital budgets.