City Council

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Members

Structure

The City Council is the governing body of the City of Bristol. The Council consists of 5 members, 3 of whom are elected from 3 council districts by the eligible voters of the city at large and 2 of whom are elected to at-large seats by the eligible voters of the city at large. Council members are elected on a non-partisan basis for a staggered 4 year term of office.

Mayor

Annually in January, the City Council selects 1 of its members to serve as mayor for a 1 year period and 1 of its members to serve for a 1 year period as Vice-Mayor. The Mayor presides at all meetings of City Council and is the ceremonial head of the city, but has no other executive or administrative powers or duties. The Vice-Mayor serves in the absence or disability of the Mayor. As the legislative body of the city, the council is responsible for approving the appropriation of money and the collection of taxes; the approval of bonds and notes; and the enactment of laws (ordinances).

Meetings

  • 6:00 p.m.
  • 1st Tuesday of every month, unless otherwise advertised
  • Slater Community Center
    325 McDowell Street
    Bristol, TN 37620
  • See highlights from City Council's most recent business meeting here, or click subscribe to receive future highlights via email.

Work Session Meetings

  • 6:00 p.m.
  • 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, unless otherwise advertised
  • Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex
    104 8th St
    Bristol, TN 37620

Agendas & Minutes

Detailed agenda packets, including supporting documentation related to specific agenda items, for all City Council meetings and work sessions may be viewed through the Community agenda management system. Please note that this system has replaced the former BoardDocs platform.

Agendas are provided prior to each meeting or work session, while minutes are available following approval at City Council's next business meeting. To view basic agendas and meeting minutes, once approved, for City Council and other boards and commissions, you may also visit the Agenda Center.

Opportunities for Public Comment During City Council Meetings

There are several opportunities for public comment during City Council’s Meetings. 

During the Appearance of Citizens portion of the Agenda, the public may address City Council on any matter that is not on the agenda for formal consideration, or is on the Consent Agenda.  A sign-up sheet is provided at the entrance to the Slater Center Auditorium, and those wishing to speak during the Appearance of Citizens are asked to sign up.

City Council holds Public Hearings on certain Agenda Items.  Any member of the public may address Council during a Public Hearing on the Agenda item to which the Public Hearing pertains.  Anyone wishing to address City Council during a Public Hearing should approach the lectern when the public hearing is opened by the Mayor, or indicate their desire to speak by raising their hand or responding affirmatively.  

During City Council’s consideration of individual ordinances and resolutions that do not have a public hearing associated with them, the Mayor will ask the audience if any member wishes to address City Council on that item.  Those wishing to speak should approach the lectern at that time, or indicate their desire to speak by raising their hand or responding affirmatively.

Strategic Planning Report

In early 2024, City Council along with senior City staff participated in a strategic planning session that was facilitated by the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS). The purpose of this session was to set goals for 2024 and beyond. A report detailing this session and its outcomes may be viewed here.