Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - May 21, 2024
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Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - May 21, 2024
The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County met on May 21, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Metropolitan Courthouse. The meeting included elections, confirmations, nominations, public hearings, resolutions, and ordinances on multiple readings. Key actions included adopting a resolution supporting MNPS’s decision not to arm teachers, passing a resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, and deferring several zoning items.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Multiple resolutions and ordinances on second and third reading, including budget-related items, grants, contracts, and zoning changes. Items removed from consent were taken up separately.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dan Horwitz (Rabbi, Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville): Spoke in support of Resolution RS2024-475 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, noting rising anti-Semitism.
- Jason Sparks (Jewish community member): Supported the resolution, emphasizing the importance of community support.
- Annie Claver (River Queen Voyages): Spoke in favor of Resolution RS2024-351 regarding the Cumberland River, highlighting the need for riverfront activation and safety.
- Andrew Ostrowski (River business owner): Supported the same resolution, advocating for water taxis and river access.
- Catherine Bennett (Community Resource Center): Supported Resolution RS2024-476 recognizing Period Poverty Awareness Week, citing the need for period products.
- Steve Ryder (citizen): Expressed concerns about RS2024-351, stating it was overly broad and could restrict river access.
- Elizabeth Doros, Josh Goldberg, Aaron Witis, and Reven Freedman (Jewish community members): Spoke in support of Jewish American Heritage Month, sharing personal experiences of anti-Semitism.
- James Cisco (leaseholder): Opposed a zoning change (BL2024-227) at 4000 Andrew Jackson Parkway, citing flood risks and community opposition.
Discussion Items
- Election to CATV Special Committee: Allen Williams was elected to fill a vacancy.
- Appointments and Confirmations: Multiple appointments to boards and commissions were confirmed unanimously, including Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Board of Health, and others.
- Rules of Procedure Amendment: Council adopted a substitute amendment to Rule 43.4, exempting zoning bills on public hearing from automatic deferral after 60 days.
- Late Resolution RS2024-478: Council adopted a resolution condemning white supremacy and recent hateful displays, reaffirming commitment to protect all residents.
- Resolutions on Public Hearing: Four short-term rental distance exemptions (RS2024-382 through RS2024-385) and a beer permit exemption (RS2024-445) were adopted after public hearings.
- RS2024-351 (Cumberland River Analysis): Adopted with an amendment, requesting a comprehensive analysis of safety, housing, and cleanliness along the riverfront.
- RS2024-416 (Forensic testing agreement): Approved after clarification.
- RS2024-434 (Honoring Berdelle Campbell): Approved unanimously.
- RS2024-455 (School purchase): Deferred one meeting to allow for proper process (ordinance needed).
- RS2024-460 (Celebrate Nashville contract): Deferred.
- RS2024-467 (Aerial encroachment for Morgan Wallen’s bar): Failed after debate over Wallen’s behavior.
- RS2024-472 (Stormwater easements): Deferred.
- RS2024-473 (MNPS firearms policy): Adopted with Rule 12.3, co-sponsors added.
- RS2024-475 (Jewish American Heritage Month): Adopted.
- RS2024-476 (Period Poverty Awareness Week): Adopted.
- RS2024-477 (Harvey Milk Day): Adopted.
- Bills on First Reading: BL2024-187 (zoning) was substituted and passed; other first-reading bills passed.
- Bills on Second Reading: BL2024-183 (fireproofing) withdrawn; BL2024-343 and BL2024-344 deferred; BL2024-349 (street renaming) deferred; BL2024-354 and BL2024-355 (contracts) passed with late amendments.
- Bills on Third Reading: BL2024-271/272 and BL2024-317/318 (zoning) deferred.
Key Outcomes
- Elected: Allen Williams to CATV Special Committee (voice vote).
- Confirmed: 10 appointments to various boards/commissions unanimously.
- Adopted Resolutions: RS2024-478 (anti-white supremacy); RS2024-351 (Cumberland River analysis); RS2024-416, 434, 473, 475, 476, 477; four short-term rental exemptions; one beer permit exemption.
- Deferred Items: RS2024-455, RS2024-460, RS2024-472, RS2024-474, BL2024-343, BL2024-344, BL2024-349, BL2024-271/272, BL2024-317/318, and others.
- Failed: RS2024-467 (aerial encroachment) – 30 no votes.
- Withdrawn: BL2024-183 (fireproofing) – to be refiled.
- Next Meeting: June 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. with budget hearings.
Meeting Transcript
Hi everyone. It's uh Tuesday, May 21st. We'll go ahead and start the announcement period. Uh, we have two presentations, but because of traffic, uh, neither one of them is here yet. So when they do get here, just sign that to me, and then we'll we'll go to the presentation. In the meantime, you know that to be able to save time, we will go ahead and uh start with the announcement. And and colleagues, if you would um use the screen to get in the queue, so I I can make sure that I don't miss anyone. Thank you. Miss Olivia, you're recognized. I just wanted to say that I'm back talking again. Woo! And you all may write a resolution to get me to set up because I may never stop talking ever again. But I just want to let everybody know that the 30 days is over and I'm back talking. All righty, welcome back. Thank you, Madam Pro Tim. Uh, just a reminder that next Tuesday, is it next Tuesday? Yes, next Tuesday, May the 28th, at 6 p.m. is the uh monthly district two community meeting, same location, community room at the William D. Boldenhamer building, which is where the North Precinct is. Uh, six o'clock. Uh, you can attend via Zoom if you don't want to attend in person. The Zoom link is Tiny URL.com backslash capital D two Capital M, Capital A, Capital Y, 28. So D2, May 28th. Uh TH. I'm sorry, May 28th. Uh, is the link for the Zoom. There's also a Facebook live. So just once again, Tuesday, May 28th, monthly district two community meeting, six o'clock. Thank you. Oh, you ready? All righty. Uh, so we will actually go ahead and uh do the first presentation. And this is by Councilmember Benedict, RS 2024, 379, uh, recognizing the lesbian day of visibility. Councilmember, you recognize pronounced for us. Oh, okay. So it's not Councilmember Benedict. Oh, I'm sorry, I think we got the next up. I should have known. Yes, yes, yes, that's correct. Yes. Thank you, Pro Tim. All right, Councilmember Offman. This is a resolution recognizing. Thank you. Thank you, Pro Tim. Tonight we are here to honor the McGavic High School Wrestling Team with a proclamation. Uh, we had a very successful season uh that involves one state champion uh from District 14. So just gonna read this off. Uh, and I've got my colleagues from Donaldson Hermanage Old Hickory with me that are gonna help me with this. Whereas the McGavic High School Wrestling Team participated in the 2024 State Wrestling Championship and demonstrated outstanding dedication, skill, and discipline throughout the season.
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