Metropolitan Council Regular Meeting – August 6, 2024
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Metropolitan Council Regular Meeting – August 6, 2024
The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County met on August 6, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Metropolitan Courthouse. The 40-member council addressed a wide-ranging agenda including appointments, confirmations, a nomination, multiple public hearings on zoning changes, a contentious charter amendment debate, and numerous resolutions. The meeting began with proclamations recognizing BAPS and Caribbean American Heritage Week.
Consent Calendar
The consent agenda was adopted in a single vote (35‑0). It included:
- Resolutions: RS2024-610 (Bonded Filter contract amendment), RS2024-611 (fleet electrification grant application), RS2024-612 (claim settlement $22,500), RS2024-613 (historical commission grant), RS2024-614 (cybersecurity grant), RS2024-615–618 (affordable housing grant amendments for Mary Queen of Angels, Clark UMC, Thistle Farms, and Habitat for Humanity), RS2024-619 (Healthy Start Initiative grant), RS2024-620 (HIV/AIDS grant amendment), RS2024-621 (nutrition & transportation services grant), RS2024-622 and RS2024-623 (Homeless Management Information System and Coordinated Entry grants), RS2024-624 (library grant), RS2024-625 (Celebrate Nashville cultural event contract), RS2024-626 (forensic science grant), RS2024-627 (property damage claim settlement $22,635.97), RS2024-628 (Healthy Built Environment grant for Antioch Pike Tactical Urbanism), RS2024-629 (Dickerson Pike Pedestrian Crossing grant application), RS2024-630 (Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program grant application), RS2024-631 (personal injury claim settlement $140,000), RS2024-632 and RS2024-633 (sewer main abandonments), RS2024-634 (water main abandonment amendment), RS2024-635 (property damage claim settlement $40,750), RS2024-641 (street naming Lawsons Ridge Drive), RS2024-642 (150th anniversary of Arlington United Methodist Church), and RS2024-643 (partnership with Constellation Energy Resources).
- Bills on Second Reading: BL2024-470 (no-solicitation list amendment), BL2024-471 (Public Defender‑Lipscomb agreement), BL2024-473, 474, and 475 (utility and sewer easement changes).
- Bills on Third Reading: BL2024-391 (food truck vending permit program), BL2024-418 and BL2024-419 (320 multi‑family units on Central Pike), BL2024-442 (Comcast contract amendment), BL2024-443 and BL2024-444 (greenway conservation easements), BL2024-445 (biosolid pellets contract), BL2024-446 (easement abandonment), and BL2024-447 (sewer mains in Williamson County).
Public Comments & Testimony
Six registered speakers addressed the council:
- Alex Cohn spoke in support of RS2024-638, condemning the July 2024 verbal assault on children by a Nazi hate group, and called for stronger enforcement of laws against hate acts.
- Julie Coner, a child of Holocaust survivors, also supported RS2024-638 and urged the council to re‑evaluate ordinances to prevent public displays of anti‑Semitism and intimidation.
- Nicole Williams supported the charter amendment resolution (RS2024-559), particularly the proposal to lower the age of candidacy, and criticized the potential deferral, arguing voters can handle multiple ballot issues.
- Trent Bench supported lowering the age to run for council, stating that young people can serve as effectively as other citizens.
- Derek Bozeman, pastor and vice president of Nashville Peacemakers, thanked the council for RS2024-638 but requested continued action and better police training when engaging hate groups.
- Herberto Sanchez of North Nashville spoke on behalf of his community in support of RS2024-638, asking for laws to prevent terrorist hate groups from forming and for better protection of children.
Additionally, during the public hearing on BL2024-476 (Arts Commission criteria), Davy Tucker from MHRC expressed support, noting the legislation addresses recommendations from a Title VI report.
Appointments and Confirmations
Appointments:
- The Benefit Board (Christy Pruitt‑Hayes), Electric Power Board (Clifton Harris), Hospital Authority Board (Dr. Arie Nettles), Short‑Term Rental Appeals Board (Julie Caputo), and Sports Authority Board (Victoria Crawford, Russell Pulley) were re‑referred to the Rules, Confirmations, and Public Elections Committee for interviews.
- The Farmers Market Board appointment (Patricia Tarquino) was deferred one meeting by voice vote.
Confirmations:
- Mayra A. Yu was confirmed to the Arts Commission (voice vote; Councilmember Sepulveda abstained due to a conflict of interest).
- Kim Sansom was confirmed to the Procurement Standards Board (voice vote).
Nominations:
- Councilmember Allen nominated Jerry Pentecost for the Auditorium Commission vacancy. The nomination was referred to the Rules Committee for an interview on August 20, 2024, with an election scheduled for September 3, 2024.
Rules of Procedure
- Councilmember Benedict withdrew her proposed amendment to Rule 13 (filing deadlines and emergency items).
- Councilmember Suara’s proposed amendment to Rule 28.1 (requiring public comment speakers to be Davidson County residents or workers) was deferred two meetings for further refinement to avoid burdening homeless or undocumented residents while still excluding out‑of‑town hate groups.
Discussion Items
Charter Amendment Debate (RS2024-559): The council debated whether to place four charter amendments on the November 2024 ballot. Each amendment required 27 votes to be added to the resolution.
- Charter Amendment 1 (Finance Director Vacancy): Proposed designating an eligible officer to temporarily perform the finance director’s duties. Councilmember Weiner moved Proposed Amendment 2 (formatting changes), which was adopted (voice vote). The committee reported 4‑3 in favor. Charter Amendment 1 as amended was adopted by roll call (34‑5‑0), adding it to the resolution.
- Charter Amendment 2 (Fire Department Employment): Withdrawn by the sponsor.
- Charter Amendment 3 (Lowering Age for Council Service to “Qualified Voter”): Councilmember Rutherford proposed substituting the age requirement with “qualified voter.” Proposed Amendment 3 (formatting changes) was adopted (voice vote). However, the motion to adopt Charter Amendment 3 as amended failed to reach 27 votes (10 yes, 28 no, 1 abstain).
- Proposed Charter Amendment 4 (No September Council Meetings): Councilmember Toombs proposed eliminating regularly scheduled council meetings in September. The committee had voted 2‑5 against, but the council adopted it (32‑6‑1).
- Final Resolution: After adding Amendments 1 and 4, Councilmember Capp moved to defer the entire resolution to January 20, 2026. The deferral motion passed (23‑16‑1), so no charter amendments will appear on the November 2024 ballot.
Zoning Bills with Notable Debate:
- Pettus Road / Warbler Way Development (BL2023‑56, 57, 58, 59): The developer (Kevin Estis) highlighted eight community meetings and 95% support; several homeowners from Warbler Way opposed, citing promised open space and traffic concerns. The bills passed second reading (voice votes).
- East Bank Subdistrict (BL2024‑452): Architect Craig Clark opposed the zoning, arguing height transitions should step down toward the river. Sponsor Kupin defended the process. The bill passed second reading.
- Nesbitt Lane (BL2024‑454/455): A representative from Legacy South spoke in support, emphasizing all for‑sale housing. Approved second reading.
- Mt. View Road (BL2024‑458/459): Residents opposed, citing traffic, speeding, and flooding; one speaker claimed 85–90% disapproval. Sponsor Harrell countered that the project includes traffic calming and other benefits. Passed second reading.
- Antioch Elementary School (BL2024‑466): School board member Cheryl Mays supported, detailing overcrowding: 115.1% cluster capacity and 624 new students projected. The bill passed second reading with re‑referral to committees for third reading.
Other Resolutions:
- RS2024-570 (donation for pocket park) adopted as substituted (31‑0).
- RS2024-636 (report on zoning notice) indefinitely deferred (rule 8.2).
- RS2024-645 (late resolution condemning all political violence) adopted (27‑0).
- RS2024-637 (condemning attempted assassination of former President Trump) adopted (30‑3‑1).
- RS2024-638 (condemning verbal assault on children) adopted (35‑0; all affirmative listed as co‑sponsors).
- RS2024-639 (honoring Bernice Johnson Reagon) adopted (33‑0).
- RS2024-640 (honoring Randy Rayburn) adopted (34‑0).
- RS2024-644 (25th anniversary of Robert’s Western World) adopted (35‑0).
- Late bill BL2024-495 (adoption of 2024 International Mechanical Code) passed first reading after suspension of rules.
Key Outcomes
Votes of Note (recorded votes):
- Consent Agenda adopted: 35‑0.
- RS2024-609 (beer permit exemption): 32‑0.
- RS2024-570 (donation): 31‑0.
- RS2024-637 (condemning assassination attempt): 30‑3‑1.
- RS2024-638 (condemning hate group assault): 35‑0.
- RS2024-639 (honoring Reagon): 33‑0.
- RS2024-640 (honoring Rayburn): 34‑0.
- RS2024-644 (Robert’s Western World): 35‑0.
- RS2024-645 (condemning all political violence): 27‑0.
- Charter Amendment 1 (as amended): 34‑5‑0.
- Proposed Charter Amendment 4: 32‑6‑1.
- Deferral of charter resolution to Jan 20, 2026: 23‑16‑1.
- BL2024-317/318 (Buena Vista Pike, reducing units from 46 to 40): 32‑0.
- BL2024-344 (Music, Film & Entertainment Commission): 32‑0.
Zoning Approvals: All 21 zoning bills on public hearing passed second reading; most were by voice vote. Indefinite deferrals: BL2024-271/272 (Homestead Road). Other third‑reading approvals occurred on consent or via recorded votes.
Other Actions:
- Rule 13 amendment withdrawn; Rule 28.1 amendment deferred two meetings.
- BL2024-426 (grading permit/drainage plan) passed second reading as amended.
- BL2024-441 (algae/moss regulation) deferred two meetings.
- BL2024-468 (city code section 2.24.250) deferred one meeting.
- BL2024-472 (easement abandonment) passed second reading as amended.
- BL2024-490 (SP amendment on Old Hickory Boulevard) passed first reading after suspension of rules.
The council adjourned after completing the agenda. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
All right. So it's all good six Tuesday. Welcome to the announcement period. We have two presentations. The first one is uh a proclamation recognizing the BAPS Day. Uh Customer Basley, he recognize. Thank you very much. Today we'll be honoring BAPS. Okay. Um I've got my friend Mr. Patel here as well as others, and uh here we go. Whereas BAPS Swamarayan Santhia is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better living. And whereas Pramuk Swami Miraj established the first BAPS Hindu Mandur in the United States of America on August 4th, 1974 in New York City, and whereas over the last or whereas 2024 marks fifty years of service and faith in the United States for BAPS, and whereas over the last fifty years, BAPS has grown to over one hundred mandars across the United States. And whereas these mandars offer a welcoming and spiritual space for thousands of families, as well as worship, fellowship, communal meals, education, and activities for young and old, creating a true home for BAPS followers, and whereas uh BAPS Mandir's offer youth activities that encourage and mold young people to live lives of integrity and character that reflect Bob's ideals, and whereas Bob's Mandir's bring pramaka, Swami, Miraja's words, and the joy of others lies our own to life through support for those in need, through a variety of community efforts such as health fairs, food drives, or disaster relief work, and whereas following in this example of Mahanta Swami Maharaj, the volunteers of BAPS have time and time again answered the call to serve humbly, selflessly, and inspirationally, and whereas Bops Munders have a storied history of helping immigrants in the United States retain their connection to their faith, but fully embrace and join in American civic life. Oh, really? There you go. Where's it at? It's in Mount Julia. Councilmember Lee, you're recognized. Yes. Okay, I am looking for the president to come up here too. Yes. This is a proclam uh proclamation recognizing Nashville Caribbean Heritage Week 2024. And do you have the little things? Okay, do you have enough to give everybody? No. Okay. So we got so we will get them. We will get them out. Um you were first. Oh, sorry, yeah, I did. So whereas, since our nation's founding, generations of immigrants have helped build this country, and the prosperity and opportunity that draws so many to Nashville would not be possible without the contributions and legacies of Caribbean Americans and downtown. Whereas the Caribbean and West Indies diaspora consists of all countries and islands of many dialects, including English, Spanish, and French speaking to the south of Florida and within the confines of Central and South America. And whereas since 2004, the month of June has been nationally observed as Caribbean American Heritage Month during the week of June 23rd, 2024 to June 29th, 2024, Nashville celebrates the extraordinary leaders and achievements of our Caribbean American residents. And whereas Nashville and Davidson County has seen a significant increase in the Caribbean and West Indian population over the last 10 years, with this invaluable growth, we have observed more social and entertainment events, food, cultural, and community services being introduced. And whereas there are over 30,000 residents of Caribbean and West Indian Heritage in our Middle Tennessee area, of which approximately 12,000 are in Davidson County. Whereas it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council represent recognizes June the 23rd, 2024. June 29th, 2024 as Caribbean American Heritage Week in Nashville. And now therefore, I Antonette Lee, District 33, Councilmember of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Council, do hereby celebrate and recognize June the 23rd, 2024 through June the 29th, 2024 as Caribbean American Heritage Week in Nashville. Signed this 23rd day of June, but we're celebrating it now. And there is a jet a jerk festival in August, and the card is back here, and we hope all of you will go. So I am going to say congratulations to Ahmad. And I know I'm gonna say your last name wrong, so I'm gonna ask you to say it, please. C say and he is the president. We have a large Caribbean group in our area, and he is the president of the group. And so this is the recognition. Thank you so very much. And if you would like to say a word or two, and talk about this too. Well, on behalf of the um National Caribbean community, we'd like to express our gratitude for all the help, all the assistance, or the desire to make this happen because it's speaks highly of Nashville and what we're trying to do. And on August 17th, we would like to see everybody at the jerk festival come out and get some good jerk chicken, good curry chicken, and listed some good regular music, good so good music, just a good island Caribbean vibes.
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