Dear Friends of Mountain Creek 

A BIG and Special thanks to everyone who joined us last night in the City Council Chambers!  We had a strong showing which was recognized by Chairman Ken Smith and it carried the day AGAIN! 

Following discussions in support and opposition, Councilman Henderson questioned staff personnel and clarified (quite impressively) how the 2002 housekeeping measure was inadequately executed thereby strengthening the "for the ordinance” position.  In the subsequent vote, there were a total of six “Yes” votes for the ordinance including Chip with support from the following five councilmen: 

JERRY MITCHELL,  (District 2)      (423) 643-7187         jmitchell@ chattanooga.gov 

KEN SMITH           (District 3)       (423) 643-7188        kensmith@chattanooga.gov 

RUSSELL GILBERT  (District 5)       (423) 643-7183       rgilbert@chattanooga.gov 

ERSKINE OGLESBY, JR. (District 7) (423) 643-7180       eoglesbyjr@chattanooga.gov 

ANTHONY BYRD        (District 8)    (423) 643-7182       abyrd@chattanooga.gov 

Council members Berz and Ledford “abstained” as they did at the resolution roll-out in April and Councilwomen Coonrod unexpectedly voted “No”. 

At this point, we are requesting that everyone and especially those who contacted the council prior to this meeting contact the five supporting Council members again and thank them with a brief and positive sentence or two note encouraging them to continue to support the ordinance to “right the previous council’s wrong”. 

Second Reading 

After the meeting I learned that the process will require a “second reading” of the ordinance at the next City Council Meeting on October 16 at 6 PM.  Between now and then we expect “the opposition” to be attempting to influence the council members who supported Chip. This is another reason why contacting the supporting Council members is important now (because Pratt will be). 

It is vital that as many as possibe return AGAIN next week for this “second reading” and vote.  If you were unable to attend last night, please make every effort to attend on October 16.  We also now understand from Councilman Henderson that there will be a third meeting to “ratify” the ordinance but that attendance at that third session is not so vitally important. 

We understand that for many supporters it is a challenge to attend rush hour meetings downtown. The FOMC sincerely and greatly appreciates your perseverance and support.  

Thanks again for supporting the Friends of Mountain Creek at the Quarry!