OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - September 16, 2025

Metropolitan Council — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
BodyNashville, Tennessee
SessionMetropolitan Council
DateTuesday, September 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:25:17

Transcript — Verbatim
0:46

I would like to acknowledge to open up our meeting by acknowledging that the land on which we gathered is the occupied heritage, unceded territory of the Cherokee Shiny and the Yuchi people.

1:00

I would also like to acknowledge Mexican Independence Day, which marks the beginning of Mexico's fight for freedom from Spain in 1810, and wish everyone a happy Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October the 15th.

1:18

We will go ahead and open up for announcements.

1:21

Are there any council members that would like to be recognized for announcements?

1:25

Councilmember Kimbrough, you're recognized.

1:29

Thank you, Pro Tim.

1:31

Um I would like to announce that on next week, August 25th at 5 30, District One will have a community meeting regarding rezonings at the Word of Life Church on Clarksville Pike.

1:46

Thank you.

1:47

Thank you so very much, Councilmember Kimbrough.

1:50

Are there any other council members that would like to be recognized?

1:54

Councilmember uh Vo, are you asking to be recognized?

1:58

So I can't.

1:59

Oh, here's the queue over here.

2:00

Just get in.

2:01

All right, Councilmember Benedict, you're recognized.

2:03

Thank you, Pro Tem.

2:04

Um good to see you up there.

2:06

Uh so a couple things.

2:08

One is next Wednesday, the 24th.

2:11

We're having a tactical urbanism meeting to talk about that for the residents of Sunny Mead Drive in Englewood.

2:18

And then um from our former school board member Jill Spearing up in District Three.

2:24

Um, she is has put together an event called Music Can Heal the World.

2:29

It's um a gathering for children's safety and better gun laws.

2:33

That's Thursday, September 25th at 5 p.m.

2:36

at the Children's Memorial Garden at Centennial Park.

2:40

So please bring lawn chairs and open hearts.

2:44

Thank you, Councilmember Benedict.

2:45

Councilmember Harill, you're recognized.

2:48

Thank you, Program.

2:49

Um, I have two things.

2:50

Um tomorrow, Wednesday, September the 17th, we will be having the final Cain Ridge Antioch planning study meeting.

2:58

Uh it will be a virtual meeting.

3:00

Um, the link is posted on National.gov.

3:03

It's also posted on my socials.

3:05

Um that is again Wednesday tomorrow the 17th at 6 p.m.

3:10

Um also our monthly district community meeting is September the 29th at 6 p.m.

3:16

Hamilton United Methodist Church.

3:20

Thank you.

3:21

Thank you so very much, Councilmember Harrell.

3:24

Councilmember Gad, you are recognized.

3:31

Oh, thank you so much, Speaker Pro Tim.

3:34

Um Porterfield.

3:35

Um, I am actually wanted to uh raise attention to um one of our colleagues this evening um who may not make it um to us this evening as um councilwoman at large Zolfat Swara is receiving uh an award for her work around the eviction right to council, and um she's been working on that for many years now and has uh it's tonight receiving uh a first ever award around it um called the let's see here, the Bill Cole Impact Award.

4:10

And um, I just want to make our um um our colleagues aware of that, and so when we see her next for her the work on the eviction right to council, we can all congratulate her.

4:22

Thank you so very much.

4:24

May I ask can I so on a personal point here?

4:27

Um I know my spouse is not watching tonight, uh, but today is our wedding anniversary.

4:32

So yay.

4:34

Congratulations, Councilmember Gayett.

4:37

Wishing you many member, many, many more.

4:39

Councilmember Welsh, you're recognized.

4:42

Thank you, uh Pro Tem for recognizing me.

4:45

Um, this is a little bit of a of uh point of personal privilege.

4:48

Um I am a volunteer at the Heimerdinger Foundation.

4:52

And for those of you who do not know, the Heimerdinger Foundation was founded by the family of Mike Heimerdinger, who was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans who died of cancer back in 2010.

5:03

The Heimerdinger provides meals for people undergoing active cancer treatment in Davidson and Williamson County.

5:38

So if you are interested in the in the Heimerdinger Foundation, either as a potential client or if you are interested in volunteering, you can get in touch with me at Ginny as in Gin and Tonic dot Welsh at Nashville.gov, and I can tell you how to get in touch with Heimerdinger.

5:53

Um it's a great program.

5:54

So if you need it in any in any capacity, um don't hesitate to ask.

5:59

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████████32%
Pending Litigation██████████████14%
Zoning and Land Use█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Disability Rights███████7%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Workforce Development███3%
Public Transportation███3%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting - September 16, 2025

The Metropolitan Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Historic Metro Courthouse. The meeting included an invocation, pledge, and announcements. The council approved minutes of the September 2 meeting, heard a message from Mayor Freddie O'Connell, and addressed a full agenda of elections, appointments, public comments, consent items, and individual discussions on resolutions and ordinances. 37 members were present.

Elections

  • Historical Commission (25-082): The Council elected Betsy Phillips to fill a vacancy with a term expiring August 10, 2029. The vote was 23 in favor (Phillips) to 11 in favor (Phil Claiborne).

Appointments and Confirmations

  • Confirmations (unanimous): Camille Greer (Arts Commission), James Lasater (Board of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Examiners and Appeals), Bradley Pinson (Employee Benefit Board), and Marina Ntoupi (Fire and Building Code Appeals Board).
  • Appointees and Nominees: Several appointees were re-referred for further consideration. The reappointment of Shannone Raybon (Procurement Standards Board) was withdrawn.

Public Comments

  • Manon Hall: Spoke in strong support of WeGo Journey Pass, advocating for automatic enrollment and a higher income limit (300% of federal poverty line).
  • Ashley Massey (age 16): Urged support for Resolution RS2025-1504 (Cameron's Law), sharing her personal experience with six rare diseases and the need to restore the orphan drug tax credit to 50%.
  • Dr. Cynthia George: Supported Resolution RS2025-1503 (disability audit), emphasizing the need to assess accessibility for people with disabilities.
  • Steve Ryder: Opposed agenda item 53 (BL2025-1011) regarding leasing of Commerce Center Park, arguing the park is valuable public space and the terms are not in the city's best interest.
  • Shannon Foster (General Manager of Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel): Read a letter from Dolly Parton expressing support for the hotel and museum project and the associated lease agreement.
  • Michelle Jackson: Spoke in strong support of the disability audit, sharing personal experiences with her brother who has intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Sam Petula (Executive Director of Music City Construction Careers): Thanked council for supporting the MC3 pre-apprenticeship program and introduced program participants.

Consent Agenda

  • The Council approved the consent agenda en bloc by a vote of 33-0. The consent agenda included:
    • Resolutions: RS2025-1477 (Juvenile Court grants), RS2025-1480 (Opioid abatement amendment), RS2025-1481 (Pension overpayment waiver), RS2025-1482 and RS2025-1484 through RS2025-1486 (Cooperative purchasing agreements), RS2025-1483 (Contract and Compliance Board deadline extension), RS2025-1487 through RS2025-1495 (Various grants for health, emergency management, police, transportation, parks, etc.), RS2025-1496 ($50,000 donation for infrastructure), RS2025-1497 through RS2025-1499 (Aerial encroachments), RS2025-1500 (Auma products contract), RS2025-1501 and RS2025-1502 (Sewer service agreements), RS2025-1507 (Bisexual Awareness Week recognition).
    • Ordinances on Second Reading: BL2025-1003 (Alarm system registration transfer to Fire Department), BL2025-1004 (2024 International Fire Code and NFPA 101 adoption), BL2025-1010 (Temporary construction easement for Autumn Lake Apartments), BL2025-1012 through BL2025-1018 (Various sewer and water main easements).
    • Ordinances on Third Reading: BL2025-796 (Zoning change at 107 East Campbell Road), BL2025-874 and BL2025-875 (Kings Lane SP for 48 units), BL2025-882 and BL2025-883 (Solley Drive SP for 55 units – removed for separate discussion), BL2025-946 (Zoning change at 41 Rachel Drive), BL2025-948 (Environmental court hearing notices and fines), BL2025-976 through BL2025-995 (Various zoning changes and SPs), BL2025-996 (Encroachments along 2nd Avenue North), BL2025-998 through BL2025-1002 (Sewer main acceptances).

Discussion Items

  • RS2025-1478 (Board of Equalization compensation): Council Member Benedict introduced a late substitute resolution that increases pay for the Metro Board of Equalization (MBOE) and requests three operational changes: paying members from the Finance Department (not the Assessor's budget), having the Metro Clerk hold recordings, and directing General Services to find a new meeting location to improve public perception of independence. The substitute was approved (35-0), and the resolution as substituted was adopted (35-0).
  • RS2025-1479 (Alan Dosky settlement - $70,000): Council approved a settlement of civil rights claims for $70,000 (vote 35-0). Council Member Porterfield expressed concern over the student's experience of being handcuffed without questioning.
  • RS2025-1503 (Disability audit): Council adopted a resolution urging a citywide disability audit to evaluate accessibility and inclusivity, as requested by the Mayor's Council for People with Disabilities. Approved unanimously (35-0).
  • RS2025-1504 (Cameron's Law): Council adopted a resolution supporting federal legislation to accelerate rare disease innovation by restoring the orphan drug tax credit. Approved unanimously (31-0).
  • RS2025-1505 (Property tax freeze for disabled): Council adopted a resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to include people with disabilities in the Property Tax Freeze Program. Approved unanimously (33-0).
  • RS2025-1506 (TPAC/War Memorial anniversaries): Council adopted a resolution recognizing the 45th anniversary of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the centennial of War Memorial Auditorium. Approved with Rule 12.3 (34-0).
  • Late Resolution RS2025-1508 (Comcast settlement - $260,000): After extensive debate, Council approved a $260,000 settlement with Comcast regarding disputed franchise fees. The vote was 25 in favor, 3 against (Kimbrough, Welsch, Sepulveda), and 6 abstentions (Evans-Segall, Cortese, Benedict, Harrell, Vo, Lee). Metro Legal explained that an expert's miscalculation and uncertain legal grounds made the settlement advisable; the tolling agreement expired September 30.
  • BL2025-954 (Sightseeing vehicle regulation): Passed on second reading as substituted, 33-0 (with two abstentions). The substitute separates party buses from seated sightseeing vehicles and tightens alcohol restrictions.
  • BL2025-1008 (Voluntary Attainable Housing Incentive Program): Deferred to November 4, 2025, to align with related RL zoning district.
  • BL2025-1009 (KIPP Nashville lease): Approved on second reading (one no vote, three abstentions). The lease renewal allows Metro Schools to charge market rate.
  • BL2025-1011 (PNH Properties lease): Approved on second reading as amended (amendment by Evans-Segall requiring public access when no private events, insurance updates, reduced termination costs). Vote was voice; several council members voted no.
  • BL2025-1019 (3M settlement funds): Approved on second reading as amended (amendment by Toombs).
  • BL2025-908 (Beer/cigarette market regulations): Passed on third reading as substituted and amended (vote 33-0). The substitute removes residential buffer, and a late amendment adds a 500-foot distance requirement in downtown code areas.
  • BL2025-949 (Notice of violation for subsequent Title 17 violations): Approved on third reading as amended (amendment by Gamble outlining administrator discretion for elderly/long-term residents). Vote 33-0.
  • BL2025-987 and BL2025-988 (Nolensville Pike SP for 273 units): Approved on third reading as amended (amendment by Cortese requiring traffic calming in Sugar Valley neighborhood). Vote 32-0.
  • BL2025-862/863 (Trinity Lane SP for 17 units): Deferred to October 9, 2025.
  • BL2025-882/883 (Solley Drive SP for 55 units): Deferred to October 21, 2025.
  • BL2025-995 (Intentional vegetative growth): Deferred one meeting to October 9, 2025.
  • BL2025-837 (Minimum parking elimination for bar/nightclub): Withdrawn.

Key Outcomes

  • Betsy Phillips elected to the Historical Commission.
  • Unanimous confirmation of four appointees to various boards.
  • The Council approved the consent agenda (33-0), including numerous grants, contracts, and zoning changes.
  • The Board of Equalization compensation was increased with administrative reforms to improve independence and transparency.
  • A $70,000 civil rights settlement was approved.
  • The Council passed resolutions supporting a disability audit, Cameron's Law, and property tax freeze expansion.
  • A controversial $260,000 settlement with Comcast was approved (25-3-6), despite objections over the reduced amount and lack of full information.
  • Several ordinances were passed on second or third reading, including regulations on sightseeing vehicles, beer/cigarette markets, and a traffic-calming amendment for a large development.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to acknowledge to open up our meeting by acknowledging that the land on which we gathered is the occupied heritage, unceded territory of the Cherokee Shiny and the Yuchi people. I would also like to acknowledge Mexican Independence Day, which marks the beginning of Mexico's fight for freedom from Spain in 1810, and wish everyone a happy Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October the 15th. We will go ahead and open up for announcements. Are there any council members that would like to be recognized for announcements? Councilmember Kimbrough, you're recognized. Thank you, Pro Tim. Um I would like to announce that on next week, August 25th at 5 30, District One will have a community meeting regarding rezonings at the Word of Life Church on Clarksville Pike. Thank you. Thank you so very much, Councilmember Kimbrough. Are there any other council members that would like to be recognized? Councilmember uh Vo, are you asking to be recognized? So I can't. Oh, here's the queue over here. Just get in. All right, Councilmember Benedict, you're recognized. Thank you, Pro Tem. Um good to see you up there. Uh so a couple things. One is next Wednesday, the 24th. We're having a tactical urbanism meeting to talk about that for the residents of Sunny Mead Drive in Englewood. And then um from our former school board member Jill Spearing up in District Three. Um, she is has put together an event called Music Can Heal the World. It's um a gathering for children's safety and better gun laws. That's Thursday, September 25th at 5 p.m. at the Children's Memorial Garden at Centennial Park. So please bring lawn chairs and open hearts. Thank you, Councilmember Benedict. Councilmember Harill, you're recognized. Thank you, Program. Um, I have two things. Um tomorrow, Wednesday, September the 17th, we will be having the final Cain Ridge Antioch planning study meeting. Uh it will be a virtual meeting. Um, the link is posted on National.gov. It's also posted on my socials. Um that is again Wednesday tomorrow the 17th at 6 p.m. Um also our monthly district community meeting is September the 29th at 6 p.m. Hamilton United Methodist Church. Thank you. Thank you so very much, Councilmember Harrell. Councilmember Gad, you are recognized. Oh, thank you so much, Speaker Pro Tim. Um Porterfield. Um, I am actually wanted to uh raise attention to um one of our colleagues this evening um who may not make it um to us this evening as um councilwoman at large Zolfat Swara is receiving uh an award for her work around the eviction right to council, and um she's been working on that for many years now and has uh it's tonight receiving uh a first ever award around it um called the let's see here, the Bill Cole Impact Award. And um, I just want to make our um um our colleagues aware of that, and so when we see her next for her the work on the eviction right to council, we can all congratulate her. Thank you so very much. May I ask can I so on a personal point here? Um I know my spouse is not watching tonight, uh, but today is our wedding anniversary. So yay. Congratulations, Councilmember Gayett. Wishing you many member, many, many more.

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