City Council R 265 260929

At the September 30, 2026 Knoxville City Council meeting, council approved several purchasing and funding items. It authorized an agreement with Asset Health for city employee wellness-program technology and support at an estimated $55,000 annually, an agreement with Employee Network Incorporated for employee assistance services (amount not stated), and an agreement with Roadway Solutions LLC for the 2026 citywide guardrail replacement program, capped at $75,000 annually. An agreement with Tennessee Guardrail Incorporated for the same program was also presented; its amount and the vote details are unclear in the transcript. Council approved applying for a $300,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant, with no local match required, to support the Knoxville Police Department’s Forensic Unit and gun-crime investigations. The grant prompted public comment and council discussion about oversight, accountability, and local violence-prevention priorities.

Council also approved a resolution to revise financial mechanisms for redeveloping abandoned, blighted, and vacant properties using remaining Empowerment Zone proceeds and future federal funding. Other actions included initiating Planning Commission review of a possible historic overlay for the Lions View area, confirming committee appointments, and denying an appeal seeking zoning exemptions for a proposed housing use at 1406 Wallace Street. No contract award or procurement action was identified in connection with that appeal.