ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

May 6

Written By Margaret Rodgers

KPSHA Annual Meeting April, 28, 2025, 6:30pm

**Introduction & Welcome**

Jay Schmid called the 2025 annual meeting of the KPSHA to order at approximately 6:40 PM.

Membership

JOIN KPSHA NOW

**Andrew Roberto**

Knoxville City Council, District 2, representative Andrew Roberto spoke next. He specifically wanted to address an upcoming vote by City Council involving the proposed removal of location restrictions for duplexes. He explained that the prior rules allowed duplexes to be built on the periphery of neighborhoods, whereas the newly proposed rule would eliminate the location requirement so that duplexes would then be allowed in the interior of neighborhoods.
Andrew explained that he added an amendment to the proposal to require new design guidelines for the conversion of single-family homes into duplexes. He explained that design guidelines currently exist for new construction of duplexes, but that no such standards exist if one were to convert a single-family home into a duplex, which may occur with the new proposal.
Andrew explained that, in his view, it would be cost-prohibitive to buy and tear down an existing single-family home in Sequoyah Hills to build a duplex, so he did not think this proposal would affect our neighborhood greatly. If you have any questions or comments you can contact Andrew at aroberto@knoxvilletn.gov

**Knoxville Police Department**

Officer Shawn Peoples of the KPD addressed crime and other police-related matters. He is the West District Community Liaison Officer for KPD. He encouraged people to “be a good witness” by watching for unusual activity in the neighborhood and reporting it.
He stated that he could assist with KPD putting a “property watch” on a location if there is an ongoing issue, such a parking problem. He cited as one example the ongoing issue with contractors parking vehicles in the median of Cherokee Boulevard, blocking the street. Officer Peoples also commented on crime trends, stating that there had been numerous vehicle break-ins in different areas of the neighborhood. He suggested not keeping any valuable items in your vehicle and making sure nothing is visible in your vehicle to tempt thieves.
With the popularity of home security systems and video doorbells, Officer Peoples stated that KPD had set up an email, propertycrimes@knoxvilletn.com, where citizens may email their video to assist officers with patrols and investigations. Officer Peoples is also available at speoples@knoxvilletn.gov via direct email.

**Trees Knoxville-Melissa Hinten**

Melissa Hinten from Trees Knoxville spoke next. She lives in the neighborhood. Trees Knoxville was founded in 2016, and Melissa was appointed its first Executive Director in May 2024. The organization runs a 4-week volunteer forester program to train those interested in learning more about trees (four Wednesdays). Melissa encouraged anyone interested to volunteer!
Last year, Trees Knoxville had more than 10 tree planting events, planted more than 800 trees, and gave away more than 500 trees in conjunction with Sequoyah Hills Realty. For more information, visit treesknoxville.org

**City of Knoxville’s Parks & Recreation**

Sharon Ely, Director of Knoxville’s Parks & Recreation Dept., spoke regarding the survey being conducted by the Parks & Rec to obtain public input as it develops its 10-year Master Plan. This survey is active NOW!! She emphasized the importance of participating in this online survey, which will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The survey includes an interactive map where you can indicate the location where you would like to see certain facilities, services, features, etc. Sharon explained that public feedback in this process will guide decision making, along with considerations regarding feasibility, cost effectiveness, practicality, etc.
However, if you do not make your thoughts known, you will miss your opportunity to weigh in as the 10-year Master Plan will be formulated and funding allocated.

CLick to go to Parks & Rec 10-year plan survey

Katherine Bike, Knox County Board of Education Representative

Katherine Bike addressed concerns about a recent policy change implemented by the Sequoyah Elementary School (SES) principal to permanently close and lock all gates along the fence that encloses the playground and field between Sequoyah Elementary School and the Sequoyah Branch Library. Katherine explained that she was surprised by the strength of the announcement issued by the principal at SES School.
She committed to liaison between SES and the community to find a resolution. Katherine stated that there may be room for a solution between SES and the community to avoid the area being closed to the public on weekends and during the summer. Numerous people from the crowd spoke in favor of reopening the gates. It was noted: (1) the extensive negotiations and community involvement in the original fence construction decisions; and (2) community fundraising that took place to pay for the upgraded fence and gates. Because of the community involvement, SES gained the entire space as “school grounds” rather than a small playground that ended at the natural ridge in the topography.
Katherine further noted that there is a new security chief for KCS, and she indicated that she would be speaking with him to find out more information and to determine the potential options for a resolution. She encouraged anyone with thoughts about the matter to contact the principal of SES if you are a parent of a current student, or contact Katherine Bike if you are not a parent of a current student. Contact Katherine at katherine.bike@knoxschools.org or text to 865-333-2551.

**KUB**

A representative from KUB spoke to update the neighborhood about the installation of their fiber internet service which is now available throughout the neighborhood. Several people in the audience spoke about their great experience after switching from other providers to KUB. The representative provided information regarding costs and how to request more information or schedule installation.

KUB Fiber Internet Service

KPSHA Year in Review

Board member Kaleigh McVety provided a summary of the many services and activities which KPSHA provided to the community this year, including: updating KPSHA’s bylaws; fighting for design improvements at the 1180 Keowee convenience store; expanding and improving special event offerings; rebranding KPSHA and adopting a newly designed logo; and revamping communication flows and improving our website sequoyahhills.org.
Kaleigh also provided a preview of the activities that we hope to accomplish in 2026, including: prioritizing community events; monitoring and communicating issues about zoning; and expanding beautification efforts beyond the Sunhouse and Panther fountain areas.

Election of KPSHA Board Members

KPSHA Secretary James Drysdale presented the slate of officers put forth by the Nominating Committee of the KPSHA Board of Directors for an up-or-down vote, as required by the KPSHA bylaws, as amended March 2025.

A motion was received to approve the nominations. The motion was seconded. There was no debate. A vote was taken. The motion passed unanimously. The slate of officers is elected. The slate of at-large members is elected. A complete list of the KPSHA board can be found on our website “contact us” . The 2025 annual meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:20 pm. Minutes submitted by James Drysdale, Secretary.

Click to see list of KPSHA board members