Metro Council Rundown (9/17/24)

APPOINTMENTS AND NOMINATIONS OF NOTE

  • President Pro Tempore Vote: Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda was appointed as the council’s new President Pro Tempore for one year, beating out Councilmember Russ Bradford.
  • Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency Board: Former Councilmember Colby Sledge was appointed to the board for a term expiring in January, 2027.
  • Contract Compliance Board: Councilmember Sean Parker nominated Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda for the council’s non-voting member on this board. Sepulveda created the Contract Compliance Board earlier this year. Councilmember Hancock nominated Councilmember Jennifer Frensley Webb for the position.

RESOLUTIONS

  • The Racism Crisis: (Passed) a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Nashville and Davidson County.
  • United Against Hate Week: (Passed) a resolution recognizing September 21st through 27th, 2024, as United Against Hate Week.
  • Paying Penance: (Deferred Two Meetings) authorizing the Metro Law to settle Jonathan Saad's suit against Metro in the amount of $150,000. The claims are based on events that occurred during his tenure on the Metro Arts Commission. The resolution was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee.
  • CRB Proposed A New MNPD Sexual Misconduct Policy: (Passed) requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department implement the CRB’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.
  • Changing Requirements for the Hospital Authority: (Passed) a resolution modifying the requirements for a seat on the Board of Trustees of the Hospital Authority to allow for a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist on the board, per request of the mayor.
  • Cemetery Provision Plan: (Passed) accepting a grant to provide a comprehensive, countywide Cemetery Preservation Plan (Phase IV) for Davidson County. 
  • Tax Breaks For Multi-family Housing: (Passed) authorizing the MDHA to accept a payments in lieu of taxes (“PILOT”) agreement for a multi-family housing project located at 1622 Rosa Parks known as Inspiritus. The abatement equals $569,705.
  • Housing Rehab: (Passed) authorizing $26,234,615 in grants from the Barnes Fund for nonprofits to construct and rehabilitate affordable or workforce housing.
  • COVID Disparities: (Passed) makes changes to increase a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from $1million to $3 million to address COVID-19 health disparities in the Nashville area.
  • Federal Transportation Dollars: (Passed) accepting a $10 million Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve the safety of vulnerable road users along the Nolensville Pike corridor and continue to improve safety along the Stage I corridor by deploying sensing, analytics, and interventions to identify safety issues.

BILLS ON SECOND READING

  • BL2024-469 (Deferred two meetings) A bill monitoring the support or affiliation MNPD officers and emergency service workers have with hate groups and paramilitary gangs.
  • BL2024-476 (Passed) passed as amended regarding the membership of the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and the process for approving the criteria for awarding funds.
  • BL2024-509 (Passed) One of four public safety bills put forward by Mayor O’Connell in response to hate group demonstrations and high political tensions, this bill would restrict the solicitation or distribution of handbills on private property to daylight hours.
  • BL2024-510 (Passed) One of four public safety bills put forward by the mayor, this bill would prohibit people from wearing disguises in public places.
  • BL2024-511 (Passed) One of four public safety bills put forward by the mayor, this bill would create buffer zones to maintain public safety around public buildings and parking lots.
  • BL2024-512 (Passed) One of four public safety bills put forward by the mayor, this bill would prohibit the placement of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings over a highway.
  • BL2024-513 (Passed) This bill would allow NDOT to set time limits for passenger and freight loading zones.

BILLS ON THIRD READING

  • BL2024-483: (Passed) A bill canceling the Gallatin Pike Urban Design Overlay along Gallatin Pike.
  • BL2024-484 & 454: (Passed) A zoning bill to permit up to 119 multi-family residential units at 7088 Burkitt Rd.
  • BL2024-491: (Deferred One Meeting) A zoning bill to allow Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay District extend to properties located at 1712 A, B, and C Arthur Avenue. This bill was disapproved by the Planning Commission, and will need 27 votes to pass on third reading.