Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025
Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025
The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County convened for its 23rd and final meeting of 2025 to honor cultural institutions and community figures, conduct elections and confirmations, and deliberate on significant public safety and zoning legislation. The meeting featured resolutions recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry and the life of Elmer Denzel Irwin, owner of Santa's Pub, as well as the 20th anniversary of the International Black Film Festival. A major portion of the evening was dedicated to a contentious debate regarding a downtown public safety grant, leading to a one-meeting deferral to January 20, 2025. The Council also advanced housing and zoning adjustments, including the adoption of the Capital Spending Plan and amendments to the Midtown Business Improvement District, while renaming South Street to King Hollands Avenue.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of the minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting.
- Election of Emma Elliott to the Contract and Compliance Board (27 votes) and Stuart Huffman as the runner-up (5 votes).
- Election of Carrie Adams to the Human Relations Commission (Voice vote).
- Confirmation of four appointees: John B. Schrader and Tanisha Westbrook (Community Review Board), Bruce Pierce (Equalization Board), and Dr. Courtney Pitts (Hospital Authority).
- Approval of resolutions honoring the Grand Ole Opry, Elmer Denzel Irwin, and the International Black Film Festival.
- Approval of various grants, leases, and ordinances not requiring individual committee review or subject to unanimous committee recommendation.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Lindsay Lee expressed full support for Resolution 2025-1712 (opposing The Boring Company's tunnel) and highlighted accessibility concerns for people with disabilities, stating the project is likely a “massive, expensive, dangerous violation of the ADA.”
- Craig Bardo (Party for Socialism and Liberation) expressed position in opposition to Resolution 2025-1659 (downtown surveillance MOU), arguing it is a response to displacement caused by council policies rather than a public safety solution, and warned that the working class is finding itself.
- Nader Daguerre voiced opposition to surveillance, stating it is an introduction to political repression and does not solve social problems, urging the council to prioritize local community needs over tourism safety.
- Deluvio Palazzolo (Black Alliance for Peace) strongly denounced the downtown surveillance MOU, describing the language as “weapons and wallets” and “manifestations of war” intended to eradicate people deemed a “blight.”
- Stephen Watts argued that the MOU process lacked due process and council oversight, calling the resolution a “ticking time bomb” and an ultra vires action.
- Eureya Rodriguez requested a one-meeting deferral of the downtown surveillance MOU to allow for community input, stating the current language undermines the democratic process.
- Austin Forsyth, a former employee of the Department of Emergency Communications, expressed support for Resolution 2025-1655, describing a documented pattern of toxicity and mistreatment within the department.
- Sean Whitzel (Nashville Organized for Action and Hope) requested a deferral of the surveillance resolution for a public hearing, citing concerns that security is being defined by technology rather than human-centered approaches.
- Michelle Flynn opposed the surveillance MOU, drawing a biblical parallel to King Herod’s surveillance and warning that the measure divides the community rather than keeping everyone safe.
- Elliot Perry (President of the Home Builders Association) expressed opposition to the zoning heights bill (2025-1006) regarding its restrictive height limits, arguing they would remove product from the market and make affordable family homes impossible to build.
- Nick Wisnowski expressed support for renaming Railroad Court to Magnolia Shores, citing unanimous homeowner consensus and the need to resolve confusion caused by discrepancies in spelling and pronunciation.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2025-1659 (Downtown Surveillance MOU): Council members debated a $15 million grant application involving the Nashville Downtown Partnership (NDP), Mayor’s Office, and Nashville Metropolitan Police Department. Key speakers raised concerns about lack of transparency, absence of a public hearing, and the inclusion of surveillance technology without specific limits. Councilmember Sepulveda introduced late-filed amendments to remove specific software (LeoSite and FiveCast), while Councilmember Tombs amended the resolution to require compliance with Metro Code 13.08.080, mandating a public hearing for future surveillance acquisitions. Despite multiple amendments and support from Councilmember Nash for the amended version, the majority of the Council felt further time was needed for due process.
- Deferral Motion (Surveillance MOU): A motion to defer the resolution to January 20, 2026, with a public hearing, was introduced by Councilmember Welsh. Councilmembers Porterfield, Swara, Koopin, Hill, and others spoke in support of the deferral, emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust and ensure community input. Councilmembers Huffman, Nash, and others argued for immediate oversight to prevent the spending of funds without council control. A previous question was called and failed. A motion to defer passed with 19 votes in favor and 17 against.
- Resolution 2025-1655 (DEC Reforms): A resolution calling for reforms within the Department of Emergency Communications was adopted as substituted after members read testimony from a dispatcher regarding sexual harassment and retaliation. The vote was 35 in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention.
- Capital Spending Plan (CSP) Resolution: The $531.925 million Capital Spending Plan was adopted with 33 votes in favor and 2 abstentions. Amendments to reallocate funds from the East Bank project to a new library (Councilmember Bradford) and to redirect funds for the Global Mall (Councilmember Stiles) were rejected by the Council.
- Ordinance BL 2025-1006 (Zoning Heights): The ordinance amending zoning regulations to simplify conditions for two-family dwellings and address height restrictions passed on its third reading with 25 votes in favor and 6 against. Amendments to delay the height reduction portion until February (Councilmember Koopin) and require a progress report (Councilmember Druffel) were accepted, while a motion to defer the entire bill by Councilmember Welsh failed.
Key Outcomes
- Election Results: Emma Elliott elected to the Contract and Compliance Board; Carrie Adams elected to the Human Relations Commission.
- Surveillance MOU: Resolution 2025-1659 is deferred one meeting to January 20, 2026, with a requirement for a public hearing at that time.
- Zoning Bill: Ordinance BL 2025-1006 (Height and Two-Family Dwelling) passed on third reading with amendments.
- Street Renaming: Ordinance BL 2025-1108 passed to rename South Street to King Hollands Avenue.
- Adopted Resolutions:
- 2025-1684: Honoring the Grand Ole Opry.
- 2025-1620: Honoring Elmer Denzel Irwin.
- 2025-1684 (Styles): Honoring the International Black Film Festival.
- 2025-1714: Honoring the 160th anniversary of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill.
- 2025-1655: Supporting reforms at the Department of Emergency Communications.
- 2025-1689: Approving the 12th amendment to the lease for Square Investment Holdings (Deferred to January 20, 2026, due to committee recommendation).
- 2025-1711: Urging the Office of Homeless Services to preserve housing funding.
- Consent Agenda: All items on the consent agenda were approved, except for items 37 (Resolution 1714) and 59 (Ordinance 1108) which were moved for separate action, though 1714 was adopted as part of the individual discussion and 1108 passed separately.
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned on January 20, 2026, scheduled for the first meeting of the new year. Special Counsel Margaret Darby was honored for her 25 years of service.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Today is December the 16th. I call this announcement period to order. We are going to start off with a resolution honoring the Grand Opry by Councilmember Greg, a resolution artist 2025-1684 honoring the 100th anniversary of the Grand O'Opry. Council Member Greg, you are recognized. Thank you, Madame Pro Tim. I am so excited to stand here tonight and celebrate the 100th birthday of the Grand Ole Opry. On November the 28th, the Grand Ole Opry officially celebrated its birthday. And it's been an incredible year-long celebration. What started back in 1925 as the WSM barn dance grew into something much bigger, a true American cultural institution. For artists stepping onto the Opry stage is the moment they dream about their entire careers. And becoming a Grand Ole Opry member, well, that's one of the highest honors in music. So tonight, we as the council stand here in honor one of Nashville's most treasured institutions, and that serves as the heart of the city's history and also is a global influence, not just in music, but what it represents to our city. So with that, Mr. Whereas the members of the Metropolitan Council are proud to recognize a legendary institution that has introduced country music, the city of Nashville, and the state of Tennessee to audiences worldwide. And whereas the show has stood as a cornerstone of American culture for a century, influencing the way we experience live performance and serving as a place of hope during society's darkest periods, and whereas the Grand Ole Opry began as a small WSMV uh WSM radio program called the WSM Barn Dance on November 28th, 1925, broadcasting 80-year-old fiddle player Uncle Jimmy Thompson as its first performer live from Nashville, National Life and Accident Insurance Company offices and where and whereas in 1928 the show was renamed Grand Ole Opry after the December 1927 show introduction by founder George D. Hay. For the past hour, we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opry. But from now on, we will present the Grand Ole Opry, followed by a harmonica performance of Pan American Blues by musician DeFord Bailey. presidents, world dignitaries, and countless fans to its stage, serving as both the cultural ambassador for Tennessee and a cornerstone of Nashville's identity as Music City USA and as a century of the opera is symbolizing enduring power of music to unite generations, honor tradition, and embrace innovative remaining live li living linked between past, present, and the future American culture and whereas it is fitting and proper for that the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County recognized the Grand Ole Opry for its extraordinary contributions to Nashville's cultural heritage, tourism, and creative economy, and to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville in Davidson County, we hereby go on recognizing go on record, recognizing the 100th birthday of the Grand Old Opry. And tonight we have Nicole Judd and Gina Kellner here with the Opry. Thank you all for having us. I've never gone through this before. This is quite an ordeal. Um, I I'll say for myself, I started working for the Opry um 26 years ago, and at the time we were celebrating our 75th anniversary, and uh I never dreamed I would make it to the hundredth, and it's just been such an incredible year. Um we are so blessed to it's it's a job, but it's a heart thing uh for us, and we're just so um so proud and thrilled for this treasure that we have in uh the Nashville community that's known throughout the world, and you can now hear it from throughout the world. Let's do a hundred more, shall we? Thank you so much. Congratulations, and we're gonna give you all the opportunity to take a picture. Thank you so much and congratulations. And now we will move into our second resolution honoring Elmer Denzel Irwin by Councilmember Vowe, a resolution artist 2025-1620, honoring the life of Elmer Denzel uh Denzel Irwin, the late owner of Nashville's Santos Pub. Council Member Vaux, you are recognized. Thank you so much, Pro Tim. Um, and thank you, everyone, for being here tonight, and most especially thank you to the Irwin family for allowing us to honor um the honor of sharing this moment with you. We are gathered not only to present a resolution but to celebrate a life that left an indelible mark on the city and on everyone fortunate to know Mr. Irwin. I'm certain like you, many of us have stories we could share about our visits to Santa's pub. It's a special place where my friends and I would exchange Christmas gifts in July and then sing karaoke. How fitting that we honor Nashville's Santa today during this holiday season. So resolution number 20 RS 2025-1620, a resolution honoring the life of Elmar Denzel Irwin, owner of Nashville's Santa's pub. Whereas on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at the age of 75, a true Nashville legend was lost in the passing of Mr. Elmer Denzel Irwin, the beloved and iconic owner of Santa's pub dive bar, located in the Wedgwood Houston neighborhood. And whereas after retiring from a 40-year career as a painter, Mr. Irwin opened his iconic eponymous Santa's pub in 2011, using the nickname given to him by his 21 grandchildren. Santa's pub is the kind of place where you're just as likely to see Ed Sheeran, Casey Musgraves, or Jelly Roll hanging out as you are a neighbor or friend, because it's a favorite among everybody in Nashville. And whereas since Santa's pub opened, Santa himself has been a familiar and constant presence behind the bar, reminding patrons of the rules of the bar. There's no cussing at Santa's. Irwin's family. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
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