Nov. 1, 2023

City seeking public input on Horizon 2045 comprehensive growth plan

The Johnson City Planning and Development Services Department is embarking on a comprehensive planning initiative that will guide how our community will grow in the next 20+ years. Over the next two decades, Horizon 2045 will be used as the framework to direct decision-making related to a variety of important topics, such as development, investments in infrastructure, zoning, and preservation of community character.

“Horizon 2045 will become the comprehensive plan that steers the City well into the future,” said Senior Planning Consultant Whitney Hodges. “The data we collect will craft a framework for moving forward together as a community, and public input is an integral part of that process.”

The first Community Input Meeting will be held between 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Langston Centre, 315 Elm St. The public can drop in during this time period to discuss the City’s future with Horizon 2045 organizers.

For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncitytn.org/horizon2045.

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Nov. 1, 2023

City to hold informational event to introduce various volunteer options

The City of Johnson City will host an informational event to introduce prospective volunteers to a variety of boards and committees. SERVE. ALL. OUT. will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at Langston Centre, 315 Elm St.

SERVE. ALL. OUT. will give board representatives the opportunity to explain the roles and responsibilities of their respective boards. At the close of the event, participants will have gained some knowledge about many of the volunteer boards that serve the City.

“The City has numerous opportunities for community members to participate, and we want those interested to find the best fit for their expertise, interest and ability,” said Special Events Manager Lindsey Jones.

The Johnson City Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for appointments to the following volunteer boards and committees. All appointments are scheduled to be made in January 2024.

• Board of Building Codes: Hears and decides appeals and variances to the Johnson City Building Code, questions of code interpretation, oversees examinations of contractors to perform work in the community, and recommends code changes.
• Two appointments licensed in the following areas of expertise: commercial building and architecture; each for a three-year term. City residency required.
  
  
• Board of Dwelling Standards and Review: Determines action regarding substandard housing and/or commercial structures within the city limits.
• Three appointments, each for a three-year term. City residency required.
  
  
• Civil Service Commission: Addresses Police and Fire employees’ civil service matters and certifies entry level and promotional rosters.
• Two appointments for a two-year term. One position must be nominated by and represent the Police Department. The second position must be nominated by and represent the Fire Department. City residency required.

• Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors: The CVB is to showcase the uniqueness of and develop increased civic interest in Johnson City as an attraction to tourists, visitors and individuals; to solicit special events to take place in Johnson City; to promote the distinctive resources of Johnson City; and to increase the economic contribution of tourism in order to grow Johnson City and relieve the burdens of government.
• One appointment, for an 18-month term. Applicants for this position must be directly associated with tourism, hospitality, entertainment, retail, finance, or special events. City residency or employment within the municipal limits required.

• Golf Advisory Board: Recommends policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in operation of golf courses.
• Five appointments, one with a two-year term and four with a three-year term. City residency required.
  
  
• Historic Zoning Commission: Considers conservation zoning to ensure preservation of historical structures.
• One appointment for a five-year term. City residency required.
  
  
• Johnson City Housing Authority: Establishes policy and procedures governing the operation of the Housing Authority.
• One appointment for a five-year term. City residency required.

• Johnson City Senior Services Advisory Council: Makes recommendations on matters affecting planning, support, and programming for the Senior Center.
  • Four appointments, one for a one-year term and three for a three-year term. City residency required.
    
    
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Makes recommendations regarding recreation services and facilities.
  • One appointment for an 18-month term. City residency required.
    
    
• The Senior Foundation Inc. - Johnson City Board: Responsible for supporting and participating in special events and assisting in fundraising efforts to benefit Senior Center operations, services, and/or capital improvements.
  • Six appointments, each for a three-year term. Washington, Sullivan, Unicoi, or Carter County residency required.
    
    
• Washington County Board of Equalization: Responsible for reviewing tax assessment roll, hears complaints and appeals of taxpayers within their jurisdiction.
  • Two appointments, each for a two-year term (to begin in April 2024). City and Washington County residency required.

Any citizen interested in serving may submit an application online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/boards. The deadline for applications is Thursday, Nov. 30. Applications are kept on file for one year. Descriptions of each board and committee may be found online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/boards_and_committees.

Boards with open appointments are listed above. In order to give participants a comprehensive understanding of volunteer options, most boards, even those without openings, will be represented at SERVE. ALL. OUT.

Registration is not required to participate. Please call 423-434-6019 for more information.

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July 7, 2023

Johnson City announces new department leaders

Assistant City Manager Steve Willis recently announced promotions and a new hire to lead City departments.

April Norris, Parks and Recreation, and Will Righter, Planning and Development Services, were promoted to directors of their departments effective July 1. Both have held the positions in an interim capacity since February.

“April and Will are tremendous assets to the City who contribute a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Willis. “They are committed to teambuilding, which is something our administration feels is important in a strong leader.”

On July 3, David Eidson became Information Technology director. In this role, Eidson and the IT Department will support City staff by providing technological solutions to business operations.

“With over 30 years of IT experience, we feel confident David can lead the IT Department with creative and innovative solutions,” said Willis. “Hiring a skillful leader like David who can keep pace with technology was important as we considered applicants.”

April Norris was named Parks and Recreation director. Norris joined the City in October 2021 as assistant director for Parks and Recreation. Previously, she worked for eight years with the City of Bristol in human resources, risk management, purchasing, and parks and recreation.

Norris holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from King University.

Will Righter was named Planning and Development Services director. Righter joined the City in May 2018 as a planner. He has held positions as planner II and development coordinator. Prior to joining the City, Righter worked in supervisory roles in manufacturing for nine years.

Righter served as a Field Artillery Capt. in the U.S. Army. Additionally, he earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from East Tennessee State University.

David Eidson was named Information Technology director. Eidson has over 30 years of IT experience. For the past 12 years, he served as division IT director for Taylor Corporation.

Eidson earned a bachelor’s degree in physics/math from Longwood University and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for computer engineering.

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Feb. 1, 2023

Johnson City Regional Planning Commission to hold workshop Wednesday

The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission will hold a workshop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Administrative Conference Room of the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St., to discuss open space.

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Jan. 24, 2023

Johnson City Regional Planning Commission to hold workshop Wednesday

The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission will hold a workshop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Administrative Conference Room of the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St., to discuss residential zoning districts.

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May 6, 2021

Planning Commission schedules meeting to discuss restructuring subcommittees

The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission will meet to discuss restructuring subcommittees. This meeting will be held Tuesday, May 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room of the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St.

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May 4, 2021

Housing and Community Development Advisory Board to hold special called meeting

The Housing and Community Development Advisory Board will hold a special called meeting Thursday (May 6) at 2 p.m. to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Community Development Block Grants and Emergency Solutions Grants budgets. This meeting will be held in the Media Room of Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St.

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Feb. 19, 2021

City and Haven of Mercy to return to court March 1 following emergency hearing

Chancellor John Rambo presided over an emergency hearing held Friday, Feb. 19 and will allow residents of the Haven of Mercy who lived at the property on or before Feb. 10 to remain at the residence until March 1, when the matter returns to court.

The Board of Dwelling and Standards Review issued the order to vacate and close 123 W. Millard St. on Jan. 28. This morning’s decision came following an appeal filed on behalf of Haven of Mercy Ministries, Inc. and Rodney S. Walter claiming proper notice to vacate was not provided to the occupants of the Haven of Mercy. All other orders of the BDSR remain in place.

“Determining who is an occupant of the Haven of Mercy is a difficult thing to do since all residents share the same address and the residency may change day to day,” said City Attorney Sunny Sandos. “Given the uniqueness of the ever-changing state of occupancy of the residents, all notices were provided to the owner of the building.”

All notices and orders were sent by certified mail to all legally interested parties (those with any financial, contractual, or legal right to bring action on behalf of the property). 

Chancellor Rambo issued this order to allow time for him to adequately review the complete records of the case, to include the Jan. 28 BDSR hearing and the City’s written records, to ensure proper notice was delivered before making a final ruling on the request for injunction.

At this time, the City has removed any device which would restrict access to the Haven of Mercy for the return of the approved residents.

“The Chancellor made clear that he wanted his order to reflect that the City of Johnson City and the BDSR has made considerable efforts and plans to address as much as possible regarding the immediate needs of the residents of the Haven of Mercy,” said Sandos.  

The BDSR’s Jan. 28 decision to temporarily close the building which houses Haven of Mercy was the culmination of a nearly yearlong process of City employees working with the property owner to bring the property into compliance with City fire and building codes. The members of the BDSR were compelled to issue the order to protect the lives and safety of the people who reside in the building as well as the first responders who may be called to the property in the event of a medical, fire or police emergency.

Johnson City Housing Authority Executive Director Richard McClain coordinated with the Salvation Army, Johnson City Downtown Day Center, Frontier Health - Turning Point, Manna House, Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homelessness, ETSU Quillen College of Medicine and others to provide the residents of Haven of Mercy with medical, mental health, and crisis care as well as clothing and sleeping assignments. This group is currently assisting approximately 30 men who voluntarily left Haven of Mercy on the evening of Feb. 18 as well as those who vacated the property this morning.

“It is unfortunate that we have arrived at this point but the City of Johnson City cannot and will not sit by and potentially let another tragedy like the fire at John Sevier unfold,” said City Manager Pete Peterson. “We are obligated to enforce these laws to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the occupants of the building.”

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Feb. 12, 2021

Board of Dwelling Standards and Review changes regular meeting time

The Johnson City Board of Dwelling Standards and Review will now meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except November and December) at 6 p.m. These meetings will be held electronically, pursuant to Executive Order 71 issued by Gov. Bill Lee on Dec. 22, 2020. There will not be a physical location in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Citizens may access the meetings via the City’s website at www.johnsoncitytn.org/streaming.

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Oct. 16, 2020

City kicks off public engagement period on five-year extension to 2020 Comprehensive Plan

The City’s Development Services Department is engaged in a review and assessment of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, also known as the Bridge Plan. Originally adopted by the City Commission in the mid-2000s, the Comprehensive Plan was intended to serve as a 15-year guide for the City of Johnson City and its surrounding areas. The review will result in an update of the document to provide guidance to decision-makers and leaders for an additional five-year period.

“The 2020 Comprehensive Plan is a well-written document and most aspects of it are still highly relevant today,” said Senior Planner Matt Manley. “With 2020 being a Census year, the Planning Division has proposed the Bridge Plan to serve as a transition document until that data can be made available and utilized as the baseline for a new, full-scale comprehensive plan.”

The review is being conducted by Planning Division staff as well as more than a dozen partner organizations.

“This process will result in some new language that will freshen up the document and make sure current issues and viewpoints are represented,” said Manley. “The primary focus for revisions will be at the action or task level with minor revisions to the policy level. The goals and objectives of the recommendations included in the original comprehensive plan will remain in place.”

Public input is a desired and integral part of the process. A schedule of public meetings, workshops and hearings have been put in place. The first meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. Members of the public who wish to participate remotely may call 646-558-8656. When prompted, they should enter the Meeting ID (839 1434 2641) and Passcode (640241). The meeting can be watched via live stream on the City website, www.johnsoncitytn.org/streaming, under “other public meetings.”

Additional public meetings, all held at the Municipal and Safety Building, about the Bridge Plan include:

Nov. 10, 2020 – Planning Commission Workshop
Nov. 16, 2020 – City Commission Workshop
Dec. 8, 2020 – Planning Commission Public Hearing
Dec. 17, 2020 – City Commission Public Hearing

More information about the 2020 Comprehensive Plan and the Bridge Plan can be found at www.johnsoncitytn.org/bridgeplan. For additional information or to submit written or verbal comments about the Bridge Plan, contact Matt Manley at mmanley@johnsoncitytn.org or 423-434-6059.

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Oct. 2, 2020

City seeking public comment on five-year extension to 2020 Comprehensive Plan

The City’s Development Services Department is engaged in a review and assessment of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, also known as the Bridge Plan. Originally adopted by the City Commission in the mid-2000s, the plan was intended to serve as a 15-year guide for the City of Johnson City and its surrounding areas. The review will result in an update of the document to provide guidance to decision-makers and leaders for an additional five-year period.

“The 2020 Comprehensive Plan is a well-written document and most aspects of it are still highly relevant today,” said Senior Planner Matt Manley. “With 2020 being a Census year, the planning division has proposed the Bridge Plan to serve as a transition document until that data can be made available and utilized as the baseline for a new, full-scale comprehensive plan.”

The review is being conducted by planning division staff as well as more than a dozen partner organizations.

“This process will result in some new language that will freshen up the document and make sure current issues and viewpoints are represented,” said Manley. “The primary focus for revisions will be at the action or task level with minor revisions to the policy level. The goals and objectives of the recommendations included in the original comprehensive plan will remain in place.”

Public input is a desired and integral part of the process. A schedule of public meetings, workshops and hearings have been put in place. The first meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St.

Other public meetings, all held at the Municipal and Safety Building, about the Bridge Plan include:

Nov. 10, 2020 – Planning Commission Workshop
Nov. 16, 2020 – City Commission Workshop
Dec. 8, 2020 – Planning Commission Public Hearing
Dec. 17, 2020 – City Commission Public Hearing

More information about the 2020 Comprehensive Plan and the Bridge Plan can be found at www.johnsoncitytn.org/bridgeplan. For additional information or to submit written or verbal comments about the Bridge Plan, contact Matt Manley at mmanley@johnsoncitytn.org or 423-434-6059.

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