The Chattanooga Fire Department has formed a 20-person wildland fire team.
Instructors from the Tennessee Division of Forestry taught team members how to cut fire breaks and deal with wind-driven brush fires, as well as survival techniques and other tactics.
The team is able to respond as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group Type 6 response crew and deploy locally and regionally to assist with wildfire suppression. They are also a deployable asset for the state of Tennessee.
The team’s equipment includes five brush trucks with pumps and tanks, a UTV equipped for wildland firefighting and hauling injured patients, fire-fighting tools and uniforms.
“The implementation of the Wildland Fire Team is another bucket list item for the Chattanooga Fire Department,” Fire Chief Phil Hyman says. “Our department strives to be progressive while maintaining the highest level of service for our citizens.”
City Council approves new sign ordinance
The Chattanooga City Council recently voted to approve the first comprehensive update to the city’s sign ordinance in more than 25 years.
Mayor Tim Kelly’s administration developed the changes in collaboration with the Land Development Office, the Regional Planning Agency and local businesses, artists and community members.
The updated ordinance aims to modernize regulations in response to advancements in technology, changes in the city’s landscape and new federal requirements.
“This proposal brings clarity and fairness to the process while ensuring our city remains visually vibrant and welcoming,” says Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “With these updates, we’re striking a balance between supporting small businesses and public art while preventing signage that diminishes the quality of life for Chattanoogans.”
The updated ordinance “simplifies enforcement, ensures clarity for businesses and reflects industry standards,” notes a news release from Kelly’s office.
The ordinance also accounts for the transition of sign-related appeals from the now-disbanded Board of Sign Appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
In addition, over 50 new and updated definitions have been added to remove ambiguity, making it easier for businesses, sign companies and enforcement teams to understand and comply with regulations.
Other changes:
• The new ordinance separates off-premises signs (Section 3A) from on-premises signs (Section 3B).
• Businesses have additional options for sign placement and approval –including administrative modifications. City staff can now approve a 10% variance on any sign regulation without the involvement of the Board of Zoning Appeals. For example, if the ordinance requires a sign to be placed 30 feet from a designated area, a 10% variance would permit placement up to 3 feet closer or farther.
• A master sign plan clause allows real estate developers to develop a sign plan for major developments that allow creative and flexible signage across the developments.
• New tables and visuals help to clarify sign types, size restrictions, lighting allowances and placement guidelines, making compliance easier to navigate.
• Businesses can now place signs on building walls with public entrances – not just those facing the right of way – improving visibility from parking lots, pedestrian areas and other access points.
• Murals may now display anything except a business name, logo or trademarked image.
• Sandwich board signs will now be allowed under specific conditions.
‘Michelin Guide’ reviewing local restaurants
Chattanooga’s culinary scene is now under consideration for inclusion in one of the world’s most prestigious dining recognitions as Michelin and Travel South USA are launching the “MICHELIN Guide American South.”
This new regional guide, set to debut in 2025, will showcase the culinary excellence of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The guide’s anonymous inspectors are already in the field, making reservations and seeking out the South’s best culinary experiences.
Erik Niel, chef and owner of Easy Bistro, Main Street Meats and Little Coyote, says he’s thrilled to know ‘MICHELIN Guide’ is considering Chattanooga.
“MICHELIN Guide” inspectors evaluate restaurants based on five universal criteria: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personality as expressed in the cuisine, and consistency across visits and throughout the menu.
“MICHELIN Guide” has been a trusted resource for travelers seeking world-class dining experiences since its inception in the early 1900s.
GPD closing Cadek Conservatory of Music
GPS previously assumed ownership of the Cadek Conservatory of Music from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, offering lessons on the school’s campus and later at The Bright School and McCallie.
In a decision approved by the school’s board of trustees, GPS will conclude its partnership with Cadek and close the program at all locations May 30.