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Record of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Regular Meeting - October 9, 2025

Metropolitan Council — Thursday, October 9, 2025
BodyNashville, Tennessee
SessionMetropolitan Council
DateThursday, October 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:43:44

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0:00

October 9th.

0:01

This is the 18th meeting of 2025 and the 47th regular meeting of the current term of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County.

0:10

Will all members of the council, as well as the public, please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.

0:20

The invocation is being offered this evening by Pastor Brian Hockett.

0:24

Pastor Hockett leads Vornigan Church on West Trinity Lane and is the guest of District 2 Councilmember Quante Tombs, who is celebrating her 15th anniversary this evening.

0:36

So congrats to her and her husband, DeAngela.

0:45

Father God, we thank you for today.

0:48

We thank you for your son.

0:49

We thank you for your spirit, and we thank you, Father God, for each council member that's here today.

0:54

We thank you for each serving leader.

0:56

We thank you for each citizen.

0:58

And we thank you for the purpose and the plan that's meant to go forth in this meeting tonight.

1:02

We pray your word that actually says that we don't have to do things in our own understanding, but in all our ways we can acknowledge you.

1:08

And you would direct our path.

1:10

We pray for that guidance tonight.

1:12

We pray for that strength.

1:13

We pray for that grace and the weight of these decisions, dear father.

1:16

And this thank you that you are leading guiding and we are trusting you.

1:20

In Jesus' name, we pray and we thank you.

1:22

Amen.

1:25

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands.

1:33

One nation, God.

1:42

Thank you, Pastor Hockett.

1:48

Welcome, Council members and members of the community to a Thursday meeting due to the special primary election on Tuesday.

1:57

Congrats to those victors, and thank you to everyone who put themselves forward in the two races.

2:03

Thank you to our election commission staff and volunteers, and thank you to all the voters.

2:09

The deadline to register to vote for the December 2nd special election for Congressional District 7 is November the 3rd.

2:19

October is domestic violence awareness month.

2:22

As of October 1st, 7,061 survivors of domestic violence have been identified by Metro Nashville Police in Nashville just since January 1st of this year.

2:35

Eleven members of our community died at the hands of their abuser in the last year.

2:41

And I thank council members for gathering to remember them this past weekend, as well as honor all the community partners who are working to both lessen and end these tragedies.

2:52

According to the CDC, about one in three women and one in four men in the United States report having experienced severe physical violence from a partner in their lifetime.

3:04

We encourage all members of our community to be aware of and for council members to please share the supportive services of Metro's Office of Family Safety.

3:14

Also regarding our families and public health and safety, I want to thank the Metro Public Health Department for partnering with us for a third year on a pop-up vaccination clinic to fight flu.

3:26

As of right now, 68 folks were vaccinated this evening.

3:31

That is down from last year.

3:32

We had 85 folks vaccinated last year.

3:36

This is again our third uh annual time to do this.

3:40

And as elected officials, um, and sadly, with vaccine skepticism and misinformation on the rise, it is important that we set a positive example by listening to the guidance of public health experts.

3:53

There will be another fight flu day hosted by uh Metro Health at three sites across the city on October 21st.

4:01

So please be on the lookout for that.

4:03

Council members, I attended the Think Tennessee Policy Forum last week and brought back some resources from that that are on your desk.

4:10

Also on your desks is a memo regarding the general sessions court judicial vacancy, and I'm going to share the key points of that memo here for the public's awareness.

4:22

Right.

4:23

Um, on September 19th, 2025, Governor Bill Lee appointed Judge Jim Todd to fill the vacancy created in Criminal Court Division 3 by Judge Cheryl Blackburn's retirement.

4:33

Notice of Judge Todd's appointment and the resulting vacancy in the General Sessions Court was received by me and the Metro Council office on September 25th.

4:42

Vacancies occurring on the general sessions court are to be filled by the council, and any person so appointed shall serve until a successor is elected at the next general election.

4:52

The next general election is scheduled for August 6th of 2026.

5:00

Rule 49 of the council rules of procedure provides the process for filling vacancies of public officials.

5:04

I uh am announcing this vacancy at the October 9th meeting of the council.

5:10

At least four weeks must pass before the election to fill the vacancy occurs.

5:15

November 18th, 2025 is the first council meeting date following the four-week period.

5:22

As it relates to nominations, all nominations must be in writing, signed by the nominator and filed with the Metro Clerk by 4 p.m.

5:30

on October 16th here at the Historic Courthouse and City Hall, suite 205.

5:36

Candidates will be required to appear before the rules, confirmations and public elections committee of the council on November 4th to be interviewed to ensure that the candidates meet the required qualifications.

5:48

And then lastly, as to the election, this will be held as the first agenda item at the November 18th council meeting in accordance with council rules uh 48.2 and 48.3.

6:02

Okay.

6:03

Um we appreciate uh judge Todd and Judge Cheryl Blackburn's service to Nashville.

6:08

So thank you to them both.

6:10

All right.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use██████████████████████████████████34%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Public Engagement████████8%
International Relations█████5%
Miscellaneous█████5%
Arts And Culture███3%
Environmental Protection███3%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Community Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - October 9, 2025

The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County met in regular session on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Historic Metro Courthouse. The meeting covered a wide range of legislation including zoning changes, affordable housing grants, public safety grants, and resolutions. The agenda included public hearings on multiple zoning bills, a consent agenda, and final readings on several ordinances. A notable resolution denouncing genocide in Gaza was withdrawn by the sponsor.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (34-0) a large consent agenda including:
    • Grants from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and others for recovery courts, victim witness coordinators, traffic safety, and mental health transport.
    • Cooperative purchasing master agreements for IT services, elevators, facility assessments, hazardous waste disposal, grounds maintenance, plumbing supplies, and solar lighting for various departments.
    • Barnes Fund for Affordable Housing grants: RS2025-1522 ($5,458,000), RS2025-1523 ($9,750,000), RS2025-1524 ($6,328,415.10) to nonprofits for constructing and rehabilitating affordable housing.
    • Second and third amendments to grant contracts with Habitat for Humanity, Urban Housing Solutions, and Woodbine Community Organization.
    • Lease agreements, infrastructure project acceptances, and various other routine items.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Public Comment Period: 10 speakers addressed Resolution RS2025-1547 (denouncing genocide of Palestinian people). Speakers expressed both support and opposition. One speaker urged adoption, stating over 67,000 people killed, including 20,000 children, and that billions of U.S. tax dollars should be invested locally. Others opposed, arguing the resolution was divisive, that the ceasefire was near, and that Israel's actions were defensive. A Jewish community member thanked the council for safety measures, while an anti-Zionist Jewish speaker supported the resolution. One speaker opposed the lease agreement for Commerce Center Park (BL2025-1011), stating it should remain a public park and referencing ongoing litigation.
  • Public Hearings on Specific Bills:
    • RS2025-1509 (beer permit waiver for Maggie's Place): One speaker in favor.
    • RS2025-1510 (STR permit waiver at 1050 E. Trinity Lane): One speaker opposed, citing housing crisis.
    • BL2025-1033 (self-storage at Charlotte Pike): Multiple speakers – applicant representatives (in favor, citing 95% occupancy and planned improvements) and adjacent property owner/neighbor (opposed, citing easement restrictions, noise, vibration, and a lawsuit filed that afternoon).
    • Other bills (e.g., BL2025-1020, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1036, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1043, 1044, 1045, 1046) had no public speakers.

Discussion Items

  • Appointments and Confirmations: Seven appointments to boards and commissions were confirmed unanimously, including Michael Cousin and Megan Godbey to the Action Commission, Van Pinnock to the Auditorium Commission, Weston Iler and Morgan Miller-Wallace to the Board of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Examiners, and Kaitlyn Jones to both the Historical Commission and Historic Zoning Commission. The appointment of Karina Aguirre to the Airport Authority was withdrawn; Shannone Raybon to the Procurement Standards Board was re-referred.
  • General Sessions Judicial Vacancy: President Henderson announced a vacancy due to Judge Jim Todd's appointment; nominations due October 16, election November 18.
  • Zoning and Land Use Bills:
    • BL2025-909 (Commercial Compatibility Overlay): Passed on second reading as substituted, with appreciation for sponsor Taylor's work.
    • BL2025-958 (Electric Vehicle Charging Facility): Passed on second reading, establishing new land use standards.
    • BL2025-1005 (Residential Neighborhood and Residential Limited districts): Deferred to November 4 to allow more community engagement; planning department scheduling regional meetings.
    • BL2025-1033 (self-storage at Charlotte Pike): Passed on second reading despite opposition and pending lawsuit; sponsor Horton noted it is amendable on third reading. Three members abstained.
    • Multiple other zoning bills (e.g., BL2025-1020, 1021, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, 1045, 1046) passed on second reading without controversy; many were SP amendments with no unit count changes.
  • Resolutions:
    • RS2025-1545 (condemning political violence): Passed unanimously; Councilmember Suara urged consistency in action against all forms of political violence.
    • RS2025-1547 (denouncing genocide) was withdrawn by sponsor Welsch due to the ceasefire announcement; she stated the importance of calling things by their name.
    • RS2025-1548 (honoring Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James) passed with all affirmative members as cosponsors.
    • RS2025-1552 (Hispanic Heritage Month) and RS2025-1553 (International Lesbian Day) passed with similar cosponsor provisions.
  • Bills on Second Reading: BL2025-995 (vegetative growth/intentional landscaping) passed as amended with NDOT oversight. BL2025-1047 (motor vehicle noise) passed as amended, clarifying exemptions for emergency vehicles. BL2025-1048 (fence regulations) passed with two amendments (housekeeping and visibility requirements).

Key Outcomes

  • Confirmed Appointments: 7 board/commission members confirmed.
  • Grants & Contracts: Approved over $21 million in Barnes Fund affordable housing grants; accepted multiple state and federal grants for public safety, mental health, and infrastructure.
  • Zoning Approvals (Second Reading): Passed 16 zoning bills, including rezonings, specific plan amendments, historic overlays, and cancellation of PUDs.
  • Final Readings (Third Reading) :
    • BL2025-862 (West Trinity Lane rezone): Passed 27-0-1 as amended, allowing owner-occupied short-term rentals.
    • BL2025-863 (companion materials restriction): Passed voice vote.
    • BL2025-954 (entertainment transportation vehicles): Passed 27-1-0.
    • BL2025-1009 (KIPP Nashville lease): Passed 26-2-0.
    • BL2025-1011 (PNH Properties lease): Passed 26-1-1.
  • Deferrals & Withdrawals:
    • BL2025-703/704 (historic landmark overlay) deferred to December 4.
    • BL2025-1005 deferred to November 4.
    • BL2025-1022/1023 (McGavock Pike) deferred to November 4.
    • BL2025-727 (Gwynn Drive) withdrawn.
    • RS2025-1547 withdrawn.
    • RS2025-1533 and RS2025-1534 (homeland security grants) deferred one meeting by rule.
    • BL2025-1050 (Riverfront Amphitheater agreement) deferred one meeting.
    • BL2025-1072 (sandwich board signs) passed first reading and deferred to January 20, 2026 public hearing.

Meeting Transcript

October 9th. This is the 18th meeting of 2025 and the 47th regular meeting of the current term of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County. Will all members of the council, as well as the public, please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. The invocation is being offered this evening by Pastor Brian Hockett. Pastor Hockett leads Vornigan Church on West Trinity Lane and is the guest of District 2 Councilmember Quante Tombs, who is celebrating her 15th anniversary this evening. So congrats to her and her husband, DeAngela. Father God, we thank you for today. We thank you for your son. We thank you for your spirit, and we thank you, Father God, for each council member that's here today. We thank you for each serving leader. We thank you for each citizen. And we thank you for the purpose and the plan that's meant to go forth in this meeting tonight. We pray your word that actually says that we don't have to do things in our own understanding, but in all our ways we can acknowledge you. And you would direct our path. We pray for that guidance tonight. We pray for that strength. We pray for that grace and the weight of these decisions, dear father. And this thank you that you are leading guiding and we are trusting you. In Jesus' name, we pray and we thank you. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, God. Thank you, Pastor Hockett. Welcome, Council members and members of the community to a Thursday meeting due to the special primary election on Tuesday. Congrats to those victors, and thank you to everyone who put themselves forward in the two races. Thank you to our election commission staff and volunteers, and thank you to all the voters. The deadline to register to vote for the December 2nd special election for Congressional District 7 is November the 3rd. October is domestic violence awareness month. As of October 1st, 7,061 survivors of domestic violence have been identified by Metro Nashville Police in Nashville just since January 1st of this year. Eleven members of our community died at the hands of their abuser in the last year. And I thank council members for gathering to remember them this past weekend, as well as honor all the community partners who are working to both lessen and end these tragedies. According to the CDC, about one in three women and one in four men in the United States report having experienced severe physical violence from a partner in their lifetime. We encourage all members of our community to be aware of and for council members to please share the supportive services of Metro's Office of Family Safety. Also regarding our families and public health and safety, I want to thank the Metro Public Health Department for partnering with us for a third year on a pop-up vaccination clinic to fight flu. As of right now, 68 folks were vaccinated this evening. That is down from last year. We had 85 folks vaccinated last year. This is again our third uh annual time to do this. And as elected officials, um, and sadly, with vaccine skepticism and misinformation on the rise, it is important that we set a positive example by listening to the guidance of public health experts. There will be another fight flu day hosted by uh Metro Health at three sites across the city on October 21st. So please be on the lookout for that. Council members, I attended the Think Tennessee Policy Forum last week and brought back some resources from that that are on your desk. Also on your desks is a memo regarding the general sessions court judicial vacancy, and I'm going to share the key points of that memo here for the public's awareness. Right. Um, on September 19th, 2025, Governor Bill Lee appointed Judge Jim Todd to fill the vacancy created in Criminal Court Division 3 by Judge Cheryl Blackburn's retirement. Notice of Judge Todd's appointment and the resulting vacancy in the General Sessions Court was received by me and the Metro Council office on September 25th. Vacancies occurring on the general sessions court are to be filled by the council, and any person so appointed shall serve until a successor is elected at the next general election. The next general election is scheduled for August 6th of 2026. Rule 49 of the council rules of procedure provides the process for filling vacancies of public officials. I uh am announcing this vacancy at the October 9th meeting of the council.

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