Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary – February 12, 2026

The Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners met on February 12, 2026 at City Hall. Mayor Rusty Tinnin presided with Vice Mayor Jennifer Duncan and Commissioner Jesse Walker present; Commissioners Jimmy D. Anderson and Cisco Gilmore were absent due to illness. The meeting included a detailed recap of the city’s response to the Winter Fern/Ice Storm of 2026, a community branding update, extensive public testimony on the future of Pleasant Green Pool, and votes on multiple ordinances and resolutions. Key decisions included the approval of an election ordinance for two commission seats, adoption of an emergency services ordinance, an AI policy, and a resolution to keep Pleasant Green Pool open for the 2026 season with a reevaluation in September. A wildlife feeding ordinance failed due to lack of a second, and a resolution to establish an Infrastructure Development District for the Copper Valley development was deferred to a later meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Miliner (333 Moncrief Ave) recommended establishing an Infrastructure Development District (IDD) for the Copper Valley development to fund infrastructure improvements and mitigate impacts on existing homes.
• Doug Mabry (411 Moss Trail) raised concerns about speeding on Moss Trail, the future of Pleasant Green Park/Pool, and requested a turn signal on Rivergate Parkway at I-65 North.
• John Fey (407 Moss Trail) described Pleasant Green Park’s features and opposed Option 1 of the pool resolution, asking that any redevelopment be limited to park purposes. Mayor Tinnin clarified the park is not for sale and will remain city property.
• Rebecca Ramsey (305 Moss Trail) spoke in favor of keeping Pleasant Green Pool open, emphasizing its value for quality of life and suggesting expanded hours and swim lessons.
• Mary Duvall (155 Northcreek Blvd) relayed seniors’ requests to keep the pool open and thanked the city for storm response.
• Brian Lassiter (114 Joshuas Run), Kyle Frey (5402 Brick Church Pike), Stephanie Audain (271 Dartmoor Place), Jordan Slaughter (130 Stephanie Place) all expressed support for keeping the pool open.
• Jennifer Ryan (138 Wicklow Drive) asked about the proposed indoor aquatics center; City Manager Ellis replied that a feasibility study determined it was not viable at this time. She also inquired about a YMCA or enclosing the pool.
• Jama Gaines (420 Highland Heights Drive) urged passage of the wildlife feeding ordinance, detailing property damage, safety risks, and disease transmission from concentrated feeding.
• Darla Nickens Hunley (1005 Cynthia Trail) and Haley Hunley (809 Old Dickerson) expressed gratitude to the city and Mayor Tinnin for providing fuel, a generator, and overall storm response.

Discussion Items

City Manager’s Ice Storm Response Recap

City Manager Tim Ellis presented statistics on the response to Winter Storm Fern:

• 149.3 tons of salt used, 80 roadway miles treated, 51 roadways cleared of downed trees on January 25 alone.
• All roads passable within 16 hours (except those with downed power lines).
• Fire Department: 117 calls for service (Jan 24–27); Police: 320 calls (Jan 24–28).
• 45 in-person welfare checks, 220 phone welfare checks.
• Three warming shelters operated (Delmas Long Community Center, Faith Presbyterian Church, Point of Mercy Church).
• 335 hot meals served, 11 pallets of water distributed, two shower facilities established.
• Two volunteer recovery organizations (Inspiritus and GoodWorks) assisted with debris removal.

Community Branding Update

Steve Chandler of Chandlerthinks presented research findings for the Goodlettsville branding project. Over 1,000 people participated, including 467 resident surveys and input from 400 non‑residents. Key brand truths: Goodlettsville is seen as a peaceful, small suburb of Nashville; residents value its small‑town character and proximity to Nashville. The city currently has a fractured identity (Rivergate Mall association, ongoing road construction). The recommended strategy is to "claim and protect its small‑town character while embracing the perks of Nashville."

Commissioner Reports

• Mayor Tinnin praised the city’s storm preparation and response, stating no other Middle Tennessee city performed as well.
• Vice Mayor Duncan highlighted neighbor‑to‑neighbor help and commended staff.
• Commissioner Walker thanked all departments and reported on Goodlettsville Restaurant Week: 1,400 participants, 22 restaurants, an estimated $20,000 in direct spending.

Pleasant Green Pool Resolution (26-1316)

Extensive discussion occurred on three options: (1) cease operations and repurpose for park; (2) limited 2026 season only, then close; (3) continue full operations. Commissioner Walker expressed strong support for keeping the pool open and proposed ideas: a community focus group, outsourcing operations, or improved internal marketing. Vice Mayor Duncan urged reframing the question: "What amenities do we want?" and noted the pool’s emotional significance but asked at what cost the loss becomes unsustainable. Public Services Director Sarah Jennings detailed marketing efforts ($400 Facebook ad reached 33,000 people), staff constraints, and the difficulty of offering swim lessons due to lack of certified instructors. City Manager Ellis noted the pool is 77 years old and lifeguard wages doubled post‑COVID. After amendments, the board unanimously approved an amended Option 2: the pool will operate for the 2026 season with limited services (temporary concessions and lifeguard facilities), and the board will evaluate the season’s performance in September before deciding on 2027. The resolution passed 3‑0.

Wildlife Feeding Ordinance (26-1134)

Commissioner Walker made a motion to consider the ordinance; no one seconded it, so the ordinance died for lack of a second.

Copper Valley Infrastructure Development District (26-1319)

Vice Mayor Duncan moved to defer the resolution so that all five commissioners could vote on this important matter. The deferral passed 2‑1, with Commissioner Walker voting no.

Other Unanimous Approvals (all 3‑0)

• Ordinance 26-1132 (second reading): calling for November election of two commission seats.
• Ordinance 26-1133 (first reading): amending the standard building code.
• Ordinance 26-1135 (first reading): establishing Title 21 (Emergency Services), authorizing emergency powers for the City Manager.
• Resolution 26-1315: adopting an Artificial Intelligence Policy.
• Resolution 26-1317: ratifying the appointment of Rico Jones to the Board of Zoning and Sign Appeals (unexpired term of one year).
• Resolution 26-1318: authorizing the City Manager to waive certain fees related to ice storm recovery.
• Resolution 26-1320 (as amended): authorizing contracts for debris removal and equipment leasing without competitive bidding, per FEMA/TEMA guidelines.
• Resolution 26-1321: establishing emergency procurement procedures for future events.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 26-1132 (Election of commission seats) – Approved 3‑0.
• Ordinance 26-1133 (Building code amendment) – Approved 3‑0 (first reading).
• Ordinance 26-1134 (Wildlife feeding ban) – Failed for lack of a second.
• Ordinance 26-1135 (Emergency services title) – Approved 3‑0 (first reading).
• Resolution 26-1315 (AI Policy) – Approved 3‑0.
• Resolution 26-1316 (Pleasant Green Pool) – Approved as amended 3‑0. Pool to operate in 2026 with limited services; board to reevaluate in September 2026.
• Resolution 26-1317 (BZA appointment) – Approved 3‑0.
• Resolution 26-1318 (Fee waivers for ice storm) – Approved 3‑0.
• Resolution 26-1319 (Copper Valley IDD) – Deferred 2‑1 to allow full board participation.
• Resolution 26-1320 (Debris removal contracts) – Approved as amended 3‑0.
• Resolution 26-1321 (Emergency procurement procedures) – Approved 3‑0.
• Minutes of January 8 and January 15, 2026 – Approved 3‑0.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.