Metropolitan Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026
Metropolitan Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026
The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Metropolitan Courthouse. Vice Mayor Henderson presided, with 35 members present and 6 absent. The meeting featured a major address from Mayor Freddie O'Connell regarding the city's response to Winter Storm Fern, along with the adoption of storm-related relief measures, routine appointments, and consideration of resolutions and ordinances.
Mayor’s Address
- Mayor O'Connell presented a detailed recap of the city's response to the January 25–26 winter storm, which he described as the worst in the modern era and the largest NES power outage in history. He highlighted the activation of the Emergency Operations Center, more than 50 warming locations, a transportation hotline, expanded shelter capacity, hardened pump stations, and debris removal with support from NDOT, TDOT, and the Tennessee National Guard. The Winter Storm Recovery Fund raised over $2 million, and $750,000 in ARPA funds (matched by $250,000 from the Titans) was directed to an emergency housing assistance program. He announced ongoing relief measures: water bill credits, waived permit fees, rent relief for Farmers Market vendors, and property tax relief. A 2026 Winter Storm Response Commission was created, with Vice Mayor Henderson and Pro Tem Porterfield serving.
Consent Calendar
- Resolutions approved (29-0): RS2026-1787 (extending Chapter 5.11 provisions), RS2026-1788 (grant for shelter animals), RS2026-1789 (in-kind grant for library programs), RS2026-1790 (grants for library positions), RS2026-1791 ($48,000 settlement – Hayes), RS2026-1792 (GovCIO contract), RS2026-1793 (in-kind grant for MNPD digital resources), RS2026-1794 (cooperative purchasing with New Way Trucks), RS2026-1795 (sewer main acceptance – Kidd Road), RS2026-1796 ($53,954.40 settlement – Wardlaw), RS2026-1797 ($135,000 settlement – MasTec), RS2026-1798 (FEMA assistance – removed, voted separately), RS2026-1802 (Walter Hunt tribute – removed, voted separately), RS2026-1803 (Lunar New Year – removed, voted separately).
- Ordinances on second reading (approved with re-referral): 30 contracts for technical and engineering services (items 27–56), plus BL2026-1258 (Hydromax contract amendment), BL2026-1259 (Canebrake Phase 2B sewer), BL2026-1260 (WMN Regency Hills sewer), BL2026-1261 (The Pike Phase 1 water/sewer).
- Ordinances on third reading (approved): BL2025-1188 (traffic direction authority), BL2025-1192 (rename Roehrig Court to Magnolia Shores), BL2026-1196 (Nissan Stadium gas pipeline relocation), BL2026-1197 (host city agreement with Japan Football Association), BL2026-1198 (Operation Stand Down Tennessee office license), BL2026-1200 (electric easement), BL2026-1201 (café lease at 3021 Lealand Lane), BL2026-1202 (greenway conservation easement – Main Street Land Trust), BL2026-1203 (greenway conservation easement – Domain Timberlake), BL2026-1205 (MNPD–Care.com agreement), BL2026-1236 (rename alleys), BL2026-1237 (abandon alley), BL2026-1238 (encroachments at 616 Ewing), BL2026-1239 (abandon easement – Cleghorn), BL2026-1240 (Reynolds Road sewer), BL2026-1241 (Martin and Gray sewer), BL2026-1242 (Baptist World Center sewer), BL2026-1243 (Vanderbilt water/sewer), BL2026-1244 (Antioch 15 sewer), BL2026-1245 (Anderson Road sewer), BL2026-1246 (DuPont settlement funds).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Donn Connard (owner of Fine and Pico salon) expressed frustration with the city's changing interpretation of a state law allowing accessory wine service. She stated that after a year-long approval process, a violation was issued and a stop-work order placed, costing her business 50% of revenue. She asked what small businesses should do when rules change after approval.
- Betsy Phillips (manager of Fine and Pico) explained that the business structure, design, and branding were reviewed and approved. She argued that the accessory use definition is based on license structure, not aesthetics, and that no operational changes were made. She emphasized community support and the desire to preserve neighborhood character.
- Paul Phillips (manager of the accessory wine portion) clarified that Pico is not a separate business; all sales and compliance operate under the salon's license. He stated that no citations or safety issues have occurred and that the only issue is a reinterpretation of the term "patron."
- Stephen Ryder spoke in support of RS2026-1800 (public housing study), noting that Nashville has not utilized its Faircloth Amendment allocation and that the John Henry Hale Homes replacement did not meet one-for-one requirements. He thanked the sponsors for pushing MDHA and the Planning Department.
- Michelle Flynn spoke on education funding, noting that Nashville public school students receive $4,400 per student while voucher students get $7,300, creating a gap. She also reported a morning incident involving the kidnapping of three Latino individuals, calling for an end to such attacks, and urged opposition to a state bill requiring Nashville to become a 287(g) city (immigration enforcement).
Discussion Items
- Appointments & Nominations: The Rules, Confirmations, and Public Elections Committee interviewed 14 appointees/nominees. Most were re-referred to the next meeting. For the Sports Authority, Daniel (Russ) Pulley was deferred to April 7, 2026 (vote approved by voice). For the Transportation Licensing Commission, nominations of Michael Hayes and Jerrett Webb were withdrawn after a motion to suspend rules to allow a one-meeting deferral failed (multiple objections). Only Manaen Hall remains for the March 3 election. Greenways and Open Space Commission: nominations were taken – Councilmember Parker (nominated by Toombs) and Councilmember Hancock (nominated by Vo) – election at March 3 meeting.
- Confirmations (unanimous 7-0 each): Marcus Booth (Contract and Compliance Board), Don Cusic (Historical Commission), Laura Rost (Historical Commission) – all confirmed.
- Rules of Procedure Amendment (Rule 13.4): Deferred by rule to next meeting.
- RS2026-1783 (Employee grievances): Sponsored by Styles. Substitute adopted (voice vote) and resolution adopted as substituted (31-0). The substitute updates language to include electronic filing and tracking of complaints.
- RS2026-1798 (FEMA assistance for Winter Storm Fern): Sponsored by Preptit. Adopted 31-0. Preptit noted the urgent need for federal aid after the storm, which caused over 200,000 power outages and loss of life.
- RS2026-1799 (Eviction proceedings): Sponsored by Suara et al. Substitute adopted (voice vote) and resolution adopted as substituted (31-0). The substitute changed from urging a pause on evictions to supporting the General Sessions Court's creation of a Winter Storm Housing Support Docket.
- RS2026-1800 (Public housing study): Deferred to March 3 meeting (mandatory by rule).
- RS2026-1801 (Terminate NES CEO): Deferred to March 3 meeting (mandatory by rule).
- RS2026-1802 (Walter Hunt tribute): Adopted 28-0. Gamble moved to apply Rule 12.3 (all affirmative votes as co-sponsors). Unanimous.
- RS2026-1803 (Lunar New Year 2026): Adopted 30-0. Vo noted traditions (Bánh Tét, red envelopes) and the Year of the Fire Horse.
- Late Resolution RS2026-1804 (Waive permit fees for storm repairs): Adopted 28-0. Toombs moved to suspend rules; three committee reports (Rules, Budget, Govt Ops) all recommended approval.
- Late Bill BL2026-1294 (Water/sewer bill credit for storm): First reading approved (voice vote). Rules suspended; Toombs moved approval.
- BL2025-1114 (Annual employee surveys): Deferred to March 3 (mandatory by rule after Govt Ops recommended deferral).
- BL2026-1253 (NECAT transfer to library): Second reading passed (voice vote). Committee reports: Budget & Finance (8-0), Arts & Parks (5-0), Govt Ops (3-1-1).
- BL2026-1254 (Algorithmic pricing disclosure): Deferred one meeting (voice vote). Cortese explained the bill requires retailers using dynamic pricing to disclose it. Govt Ops took no action due to loss of quorum.
- BL2026-1255 (Sandwich board signs): Deferred two meetings to March 17 (voice vote). Committees (Budget & Finance, Transportation & Infrastructure) recommended deferral.
- BL2026-1256 (Landscape architects for infill plans): Second reading passed as amended (voice vote). Technical amendment adopted; Evans-Segall moved approval.
- BL2025-1147 (Access Management Manual): Deferred to March 3 (mandatory by rule after Planning & Zoning recommended deferral).
- BL2026-1204 (Parks Board waiver – Brick Church Pike): Third reading passed as amended (31-0). Toombs moved to suspend rules for a technical amendment; amendment adopted; final passage as amended.
Key Outcomes
- Adopted Resolutions: RS2026-1783 (employee grievances), RS2026-1798 (FEMA assistance), RS2026-1799 (eviction support docket), RS2026-1802 (Walter Hunt tribute), RS2026-1803 (Lunar New Year), RS2026-1804 (waive permit fees for storm repairs).
- Bills Passed on Third Reading: BL2025-1188, BL2025-1192, BL2026-1196, BL2026-1197, BL2026-1198, BL2026-1200, BL2026-1201, BL2026-1202, BL2026-1203, BL2026-1205, BL2026-1204 (as amended), and numerous sewer/easement ordinances.
- Consent Agenda: 29-0 approval of routine items (including 30 engineering service contracts with re-referral).
- Appointments Confirmed: Marcus Booth, Don Cusic, Laura Rost.
- Appointments/Nominations Deferred or Re-referred: Most appointees re-referred; Daniel Pulley deferred to April 7; Michael Hayes and Jerrett Webb withdrawn.
- Deferrals to March 3, 2026: RS2026-1800 (public housing study), RS2026-1801 (NES CEO), BL2025-1114 (employee surveys), BL2025-1147 (Access Management Manual), and Rules of Procedure amendment.
- Deferral to March 17, 2026: BL2026-1255 (sandwich board signs).
- First Reading Passed: All introduced bills, including late bill BL2026-1294 (water/sewer credit).
- No Opposition: Most votes were unanimous, with no recorded "no" votes on final actions (only one committee vote had a "no" on BL2026-1253).
Meeting Transcript
For continuing to have that history live out in real life. We truly appreciate it. So at this moment, we're gonna read the resolution and then we'll have uh Chair Montree uh Jones Holmes to come and say a homes Jones, I'm sorry, uh to come and say a few things for us. Resolution number RS 2025 1622, a resolution recognizing the Jefferson Street Historical Side for its work towards the economic and cultural revitalization of historic Jefferson Street in North Nashville. And whereas the Jefferson Street Historical Society was established to amplify preserve and protect the rich cultural, educational, and musical heritage of historic Jefferson Street and its 90 black-owned businesses and whereas Jefferson Street is longs to does a beacon of black excellence and entrepreneurship, home to triving businesses, churches, universities, and music venues that define generations of Nashville's cultural identity and whereas the Deferson the Jefferson Street Historical Society as a group of merchants, residents, and advocates work together to preserve the shared history of the community and create a sustainable future for it by promoting cooperative economic efforts and whereas the society has worked to evoke preservation guidelines to provide an improved presentation of historic Jefferson Street and aims to preserve and protect the street's culture and commerce and community and whereas the society's effort not only honor the past but also inform the present, inspiring ongoing revitalization throughout North Nashville and whereas it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize the commitment of the Jefferson Street Historical Society, which exemplifies community-driven leadership, civic engagement, and its dedication to preserving Nashville shared heritage and now therefore be it resolved by the council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Section One, the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the Jefferson Street Historical Society for its commitment to revitalization of Jefferson Street in North Nashville. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much, everyone. We appreciate it on this day, Mardi Gras Day and other places. Perfect day to celebrate, but we appreciate the validation. Validation is very important because we like you are doing the community work right on the street uh for our people, with our people every day, and so it's important to uh get this support. Um validation that Jefferson Street's legacy and culture and its contributions are vital to Nashville. Uh it's not just a history moment, it's a moment that happens and it's making new history every day. We're proud of our 128 parcels, our 90 black owned businesses, uh three HBCUs, our two historic banks, our two uh uh Matthew Walker, we gotta count that, uh two union uh uh hospitals. So we're we're appreciative of this moment. We thank Councilman uh Brandon Taylor, and we also thank Councilman Cooper and the Black Caucus and the Minority Caucus and the Women Caucus and anybody who said everybody there by caucus who said that they would put their name on this thing, and we appreciate it because we are working hard and we love to continue to work alongside you all to transform and amplify historic Jefferson Street. Thank you so much. We're coming here. We're gonna come to L Danielle first, please. Yes, we appreciate you. We appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you all so very much. And now that we've had that presentation, I'm gonna go ahead and open up the announcement period. I want to open up by acknowledging that this meeting is being held on the unseated stolen land of the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Yuchi people, and to remind you all that no one is illegal on stolen land built by stolen labor. With that, do we have any council members that would like to be recognized for the announcement period? Uh first in the queue. I see council member uh Sorora, followed by Councilmember Toombs. Councilmember Sorora, you're recognized. Can I raise my hand? All right, we're gonna go to Councilmember Toombs first, and then we'll go to Councilmember Sora. Councilmember Toombs, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Pro Tim. Uh, just a reminder on Monday, February the 23rd at 6 30 p.m. is the monthly district two community meeting in the William D. Boldenhamer building, which is one moment, Councilmember Toombs. We are in our announcement period, everyone. We cannot hear the announcements, so appreciate if y'all go in the hallway. Thank you so much. We appreciate y'all being here. Councilmember Toombs, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Pro Tim. Uh, a reminder again for the monthly district two community meeting will be next Monday, February the 23rd at 6 30 p.m. in the William D. Bodenhamer building. That's the building that houses the North Precinct. We will be meeting in the community room. There's also a Zoom link uh that you can reach out to me and get that link or look on my Facebook page or my newsletter for that link, as well as the meetings are always um live streamed on Facebook. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember.
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