Our meeting by acknowledging that this meeting is being held on the unceded stolen land of the Cherokee Shawnee and UC people, and to remind you all that no one is illegal on stolen land that was built by stolen labor.

And with that, we have our first presentation of the evening, a proclamation from Council Member Emily Benedict that should leave everyone feeling warm and furry.

A proclamation recognizing Doug the Puck on the occasion of his twelfth birthday.

Council member, you are recognized.

Here's a proclamation recognizing Doug the Pug, as you said.

So whereas Nashville is home to many remarkable individuals whose creativity, generosity, and spirit leave a lasting impression upon communities, both near and far, and whereas among those cherished local figures is Doug the Pug, born May twentieth, twenty fourteen, a canine companion whose joyful presence and unmistakable personality have delighted millions across the globe, and whereas through a social media presence spanning millions of followers, Doug has become widely recognized for his playful costumes, uplifting content, and appearances alongside celebrated entertainers, public figures, and cultural icons, all while proudly representing Nashville on an international stage, and whereas beyond his fame as a beloved internet personality, Doug has helped demonstrates the meaningful bond between humans and animals, using this platform to encourage kindness, laughter, compassion, and connection during times when such comforts are often needed most.

Whereas through the work of the Doug the Pug Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 2020, Doug and his family have supported people facing serious illnesses by helping facilitate therapy dog visits and moments of comfort, hope, and companionship.

And whereas it is fitting that we recognize Doug the Pug not only for his cultural impact and accomplishments, but also for the happiness and encouragement he has brought to countless people around the world, proving that even the smallest pause can leave an enduring mark.

And now therefore, I Emily Benedict, District 7 council member of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County, along with the undersigned members of council, do hereby recognize Doug the Pug on the occasion of his birthday and extend sincere appreciation to Doug and his family for the joy, compassion, and canine charm they continue to share with the people of Nashville and the world.

Oh my god.

One second, and council member, after the photo, we will give Doug the opportunity to give a few remarks.

Sniff the mic, Doug.

Is that a little snorts?

In all seriousness, um, my name is Leslie Mosier.

I have had the honor of a lifetime of doing Doug the Pug as a full-time job for the last 11 years, and I fully believe that we would not have 18 million followers and have had the immensely amazing experience if it weren't for this incredible city supporting us every step of the way.

So we are incredibly grateful.

Doug spread so much joy, and this is an incredible way to kick off his birthday celebration.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much, and happy birthday to uh Mr.

Puck.

We also appreciate that Doug showed up in a tuxedo for this occasion, custom designed in London, England, wow, thank you so very much.

Thank you so much.

And we also have, in addition to uh Doug and Co.

Doug and Franz, we do have additional special guests with us today.

I want to take a moment to recognize and welcome the members of Starbucks Workers United who are here with us to visit, and we have a uh welcome message.

Do you want me to take a look at the you all are recognized?

Hi, sorry, I'm gonna fix this speaker real fast.

Um hi, my name is Lindy.

I'm a lifelong Nashvillean.

Also been a fan of Doug the Pug for a considerable amount of years, um, and a Starbucks worker of more than six years.

Over those six years, I worked my way up from barista before eventually leaving store management.

I'm back to being a ship supervisor now.

I've seen this company from nearly every angle, and what became impossible to ignore is just how much Starbucks relies on the labor of green Apron workers while giving us less and less in return.

The Barises are the face of this billion dollar company.

We are the ones making the drinks, calming angry customers, running floors understaffed, and keeping stores afloat every single day.

And yet workers are still struggling to get enough hours, struggling to pay rent, and struggling to access basic stability.

Starbucks may be leaving Seattle for Nashville, but wherever they go, workers will be organizing and fighting for something better.

Recently, Starbucks announced plans to build a corporate headquarters here in Nashville.

Around that same time, CEO Brian Nichols stopped by a nearby store 10 minutes away from mine for a polished little photo op.

But noticeably absent from that visit were the union stores and organizing workers across the city.

I think that says everything.

Because Starbucks doesn't want to actually meet their workers behind the smiling advertisements and carefully curated branding.

They want Nashville's culture.

They want our labor.

They want our growth, our tourism, and our tax breaks.

They don't just want workers to have power.

And while executives pose for cameras, baristas are being pushed harder than ever before.

Workers are dealing with impossible drive-through times, severe understaffing, increasingly complicated drink builds, and now disciplinary threats over not writing one word on a cup.

As if forced positivity written in Sharpie is somehow gonna fix burnout, poverty wages, or exhaustion.

And despite that, workers are still organizing anyway.

Across the country, we've grown our union by thousands and won nearly 700 elections because Baristas are demanding what Starbucks still refuses to give us.

A fair contract, real protections on the job, and dignity at work.

The long hollow pike store in Goodlitzville recently won their union election.

Last week, workers in Johnson City organized too.

And those victories matter because they prove something corporations hate hearing.

Starbucks only works because we do.

Nashville was not built by CEOs.

It was not built by billionaires flying in for press tours and ribbon cuttings.

This city was built by workers, by the people pouring the coffee, driving the trucks, cooking the food, cleaning the buildings, stalking the shelves, and surviving in a city that becomes more expensive every day while corporations make record profits off of our labor.

So if Starbucks wants to make Nashville its home, then workers are gonna make sure the city hears our voice too.

And no matter how many corporations move here chasing profit, workers in this city are going to continue organizing, continue fighting, and continue demanding dignity.

Because the city belongs to the people who keep it running.

Today we're asking Metro Council and the people of Nashville to stand with Starbucks workers and call on Starbucks for a fair union contract.

No contract, no coffee.

Thank you all so much.

Thank you all so much for being here today.

Uh, colleagues, if anyone has any announcements, um, please go ahead and get in the queue.

Uh first I see Council Member Styles.

Councilmember Styles, you are recognized.

Thank you very much.

First, I wanted to thank everyone that participated this past weekend in our first all Antioch cleanup.

It was really great.

We had a really good time, and we're gonna do it again Saturday, October 3rd.

So there will be information about that because even if you don't live in Antioch, maybe you want to help us come on out and clean it up.

And then I also wanted to make a reference, um, because I think I'm I'm probably gonna be leaving shortly, and I won't be here to talk about it.

I did have a resolution regarding the energy board and lack of confidence in how they have handled uh Storm fern.

It's been deferred a meeting.

It's unfortunate.

I don't think the report is gonna tell us anything we don't already know.

We weren't prepared.

People failed, and our constituents would like to hear about accountability.

They don't want to read a white paper.

We will, but they won't.

And we have made them wait long enough.

And delaying legislation where we can hold people accountable, I think is negligent on our part.

So I want to be sure that I got that out before I leave.

Thank you.

Next, we have Councilmember Heel.

Councilmember, you're recognized.

My apologies.

Councilmember Coopin is next, and then we will have Councilmember Hill.

Think you're gonna have to give me some of those tickets to make up for that.

I don't know.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Bretem.

Um couple of quick couple quick things.

Um the ended board meeting, first board meeting for our midtown business improvement district is Wednesday, June the 3rd at the Erictson, 4 to 5 30 p.m.

Really excited about that.

We've sat most of the board members and are working on budgets and all that great stuff.

Um also, obviously, very exciting news today.

Um, hearing about a Super Bowl coming to Nashville in 2030.

Um I've talked about this a lot today, and so on posting and things like that.

We'll be continuing to talk about it.

It's really important to me that this event is not just another event that fuels downtown, but is something that the entire city can benefit from small businesses, local residents, workers, et cetera.

Um, so uh, you know, it it's in early stages, but if people have any suggestions or ideas, please reach out to me.

I want to make sure that this is something that all corners of Nashville um really benefit from and really get to be a part of.

Um and then just uh for tomorrow, there is an event that the NCBC is putting on a community celebration tomorrow.

It's at 6 30, uh streets open.

There's music at 7 30 and a live broadcast at 8 o'clock.

Um, so thank you to the CBC and everyone who worked hard on this effort.

And again, uh let's this is a real opportunity, I think, to show to show our city that we can do things differently and really make it uh impactful to all.

Thanks.

Thank you, Councilmember Coopin.

Uh, next we have Council Member Heal, you're recognized.

Uh thank you, man.

Pro Tim.

Uh, with this weekend being uh Memorial Day weekend, I'm going to continue what I think is my 20 year and I go to the Veterans Cemetery at Macquarie Lane.

Uh there's an old military uh tradition that you place a coin on the headstone to show that someone came by.

Uh I'll be there this weekend, uh Monday at 9 a.m.

at the Mill Tennessee Veterans.

If anybody wants to come with me, you're welcome to be here.

I'll have a handful of rolls of uh coins to uh place on headstones and uh remember this is a weekend that we honor those who gave all.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Next we have Councilmember Prepti.

Councilmember Prepti, you're recognized.

Uh I believe Councilmember Swara was ahead of me.

Um, so I I'm sorry, everybody will get a chance.

So you already know.

You go ahead and I got you next council member.

Okay, thank you, Madam Vice Mayor or uh or Madam Pro Tim.

Um first and foremost, this uh I want to speak on a rather solemn moment for our nation.

Um, over the past 24 hours, we've seen more details come out about the shootings that took place in San Diego.

Um, and I just want to say to every single person who's affected by this tragedy, um, in particular to our Muslim American uh community members that my heart breaks for you all.

Um, to be targeted for who you are is unconscionable at a bare minimum.

Um, and so I just wanted to say to every member of the community who's been who's been affected by this tragedy that we see you, we stand with you, and that we will continue doing everything that we can in this city to make sure regardless of where you come from, how you pray, who you love, that you are welcomed, that you are loved, and that you are protected.

Um, thank you.

I I also want to say on a happier note, um, that tomorrow, uh May 20th, is my nephew Atticus's 12th birthday.

Um, so wanted to say on behalf of the Metropolitan Uh County Council of Nashville and Davison County, happy birthday, Atticus.

Thank you.

Happy birthday, Atticus.

We may have a little song before it's all over with.

Councilmember Sora, you're recognized.

Thank you, my number Tim, and thank you, uh, Councilmember Prep Tit for your comment.

That was one of the things I was going to speak to.

I'd actually even plan to play a little message that I got earlier in the week last week.

Uh a very nice message left for me by someone.

Um, and I spent all of today, even talking to folks online that would justifying that the people that died actually deserved it.

You don't even know me.

And so for that, I did I do appreciate what uh Councilmember Preptic said.

And I will continue to say that for all of us, it is very important that it should not matter who the perpetrator is, it should not matter who the victims are.

Every time we see any of these things, we should always, always confirm them.

Nobody deserves to be gone down or killed like that.

And it should not matter who the victims are.

And so I will continue to do that.

And I hope that we all do that as well.

And my prayers uh goes to the people of San Diego, that community over there, and I'm gonna continue to pray for them.

Uh uh, the the the the shooter too, the family are dealing with things.

So I'm gonna continue to pray that the good Law Comfort and hold all of them and give them peace and tranquility uh like no one else can.

And so um, but on a happier note, um, I want to announce two things.

One this Saturday, uh, Councilmember Tasha Elise is hosting uh a program about legacy and aging well.

Uh uh, what that means is how people can prepare for retirement, but also have a financial legacy and build generational wealth uh for their family.

This program will be done in partnership with the mayor's office, the National Center for Empowerment, uh, the United Way, and they also have other people, and I will be participating on a panel uh with us.

So if you're in South East, uh please do come out and join.

If you have people that are elderly, please encourage them to come.

There will be people on staff that will give them free advice.

There'll be a lot of resources that will be shared again.

I'm just going to support it's uh council member Tasha Ellie's uh program.

Uh, the other thing that I wanted to share also is that I started my budget conversation this last Sunday uh with the mayor's budget, and then this next Sunday will be every Sunday now uh from 3 to 4 p.m.

And thanks to the vice mayor, and I I'm gonna I'm gonna let her announce that that later, but uh she did do something very great that allow us to be able to uh meet online as council member to be able to be part of a conversation, something we've not been able to do.

And so, based on our effort, uh uh we can do that to some extent now, but I later announced that, but I'm letting all of you know that you can join online uh if you so choose.

And this Sunday we'll be talking to the chair of the MMPS uh budget, uh Dr.

Bethina Nibel Makini.

So I hope you all will join us for that.

Thank you, and thank you, Madam Pro Tem.

Thank you so very much, Council Rosora.

Next we have Council Member Voe, you are recognized.

Thank you so much, Pro Tem.

Um we have a lot going on in District 17, as always.

Um this Thursday, May 21st, the Snap community uh will be having a meeting and they'll be discussing um various updates in the community, um, from end dot updates um and some projects.

So if you would like to join that, that's from 6 to 7 30 p.m.

and that's virtual.

Um and then next week, um next Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30.

I'm having a community meeting um at 3rd and Mildred, just discussing um noise and business and changes happening there.

So that will be happening at 3rd in Mildred.

People, everyone is welcome.

Um, and then on May 30th, the Chestnut Hill Neighborhood Association is having their annual barbecue at Dudley Park from 12 to 3.

It is free, and everyone is welcome.

And um, also tomorrow, I forgot this tomorrow, Browns Creek.

They're with the they'll be doing a walk and talk at Fair Park with Cumberland River Compact from 5 30 to 7.

So if you want to learn more about Browns Creek, please join that.

Um, and I want to make sure that y'all know that my town hall save the date is Saturday, June 13th at United Record Pressing.

That will be from 3 to 4 p.m.

Um, and then um uh a great project that's happening in the community um in partnership together, the National City Cemetery and the William and Edmondson home site.

They are gonna be doing a uh rock painting together as part of the Inslave Memorial Project on June 6th from 10 to 11 30 a.m.

if anyone would like to participate.

Um, and I want to make sure that anyone in the community um is aware that June 8th is um Japan, um, their national team will have their open training day.

And so the community can come and get free tickets, um, and that will be happening at Geodis Park um at six o'clock.

So um I also want to just take this moment to congratulate National Soccer Club.

Um, they've had two huge milestones um just this uh past few days on May 13th, they had their hundredth win milestone.

Um so yes, huge win.

Um, congratulations, and also want to congratulate Honey Mukhtar, who hit his over 100th goal um on May 17.

So, congratulations, Hani, and all the great things happening in District 17, thanks.

Thank you, Councilmember.

We only have a few more minutes, colleagues.

So, if we could just keep that in mind with the number of announcements we have to make.

Councilmember Ewing, you're recognized.

Even understanding what you just said, I'll be very quick.

Um, on June 6th, I wanted to give as much of advanced notice as possible that there will be a um community drop-off on the 7th of June, 8 to 12 at Bellevue Middle School, $5 per vehicle.

Um, we're accepting uh items for shredding, furniture, electronics, etc.

So look that up on um on the Bellevue community uh websites, the various websites.

Um, also I just wanted to wish um Councilmember Hill, who is out of the room, a happy, happy, happy birthday.

So happy birthday to Councilmember Hill.

Thank you so very much, Councilmember.

Councilmember Gamble, you're recognized.

I would like to announce that there will be a district three quarterly meeting this Thursday, May 21st, 6 p.m.

at the Madison uh precinct in on Maya Drive, 400 Maya Drive.

We'll have a public safety update from Deputy Chief Greg Blair and also discuss proposed projects on uh West Old Hickory Boulevard in Mulberry Down.

So want to invite everyone in District 3 and anyone who wants to come and hear about things going on in District 3 uh to attend our district three quarterly meeting on this Thursday, May 21st, 6 p.m.

Madison Police Precinct.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Gamble, Councilmember Harrell, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Proteam.

Um, so District 8, we have two developer meetings coming up uh dealing with uh potential uh developments that are coming to our district.

Um May 21st uh at 6 p.m.

virtual.

Uh we'll be discussing 5995 Mount View Road, and on May 28th at 6 p.m.

virtual, uh, we will be discussing four four one Maxwell Road, 6 p.m.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Harrill.

Council Member Sepulveda, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Pro Tem.

Uh, real quickly, um, Nashville LC is number one in MLS, which Council Member Vowe forgot to say.

Um, this Saturday.

Well, yes, this Saturday, May 23rd.

Um, the Union's Veterans Council of Middle Tennessee, uh, with the AFL CIO will be placing flags at Headstones at the Nashville National Cemetery, and you could RSVP.

It will be from 8 to 12 p.m.

It is also labor lunch this Thursday at 11 30 at uh homegrown tap room.

Thank you, Councilmember Sepulveda.

Uh, last call for any final pressing announcements.

All right, seeing none, the announcement period is closed.

This is the ninth meeting of twenty twenty-six and the sixty-first meeting of the current term of the Metropolitan Council of Nashville in 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.

He is the guest of District Sixteen Council Member Jenny Welsh.

Welcome, Mr.

Watts and friends.

You are recognized.

And friends.

Black bodies, this city purchased and owned.

People owned by the Nashville government.

When a white minister named Amos Dresser carried anti-slavery pamphlets through Nashville in 1835, he was seized by an unelected group of Nashville business leaders and political leaders and lashed 20 times on this very square.

His crime was possessing sundry pamphlets of a most violent and pernicious tendency that could cause an insurrection or rebellion amongst the slaves.

Many have observed that we in the South have inherited from our centuries of slavery a culture that punishes whoever acknowledges harm, usually far more harshly than those who inflict it.

We have not overcome that inheritance yet, but we're working on it.

Today we come together inspired by a promise that holds us, those of us appointed to carry a people's message.

The promise reads, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

For the God who listens, thank you for hearing us.

I praise you because you are worthy and we receive you in this room.

I share in your joy every time a council member fights for the least of these.

Many in this room have forgotten that you live most clearly in the faces of our neighbors who do not provide us with what you need with what we need.

And I confess I have not loved my neighbor as myself.

I have loved them incompletely and only when they live up to my expectations.

We have no ignored each other and so have lost sight of you.

And in your mercy, you are able to use that too.

All loving one is the people's money is traded and people's lives are debated.

I pray for divine protection over us all.

The people's money is the people's labor, which is the people's bodies, which is the people's lives.

And so much that has been built by the people has been withheld from us all the same.

But you are not the God of leftovers, and you have called us to share in your name.

And even if the people's money and power is kept from us today, we know that our hands, our feet, our hearts, our minds, our labor, our will, our power, you will return it to us tomorrow.

All the money that today is moved around in circles to feed people's importance, elections, campaigns, ego, capital, will tomorrow be taken to feed the poor.

No matter what this legislative body chooses today, you have promised tomorrow the people's money will be shared freely with the people, which just means that will be given right back to you.

I am grateful that you have given us the freedom to choose our own way, and I pray over this council.

But whether or not this council chooses to live up to your name today, we receive you and we receive your tomorrow.

Whether or not our electeds do your will, we are the people, and we are your people, and we welcome you in this room.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, uh, Mr.

Watts and friends.

Welcome, Council and Community Members.

As we segue from what I had been thinking, uh, when I make my notes for this evening, might be an unusual invocation.

I wanted to remind everyone that an invocation is a solemnizing of our proceedings and does not have to be a religious prayer.

An invocation may be a poem, spoken words, or a song.

And even though it is most frequently uh been a Christian prayer in this chamber, it does also bear reminding after the events on the National Mall on Sunday and as our country celebrates its 250th year that we are not and we're never a quote Christian nation.

Though many people in state and federal leadership and the social media managers that support them are trying to make people believe that to be true.

Our founders established a secular government to prevent religious persecution and sectarian conflict and to protect the freedom of religion.

I have asked this council to be thoughtful in making sure that a diversity of our city's faith traditions are represented through this invocation opportunity.

The First Amendment to the Constitution, in addition to securing the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and petition for all people within the United States, secures the freedom of religion, the right to practice any religion or no religion, and specifically prohibits the government from establishing a national religion.

We began this council term with a Muslim prayer as our invocation.

And our hearts are with our local Muslim community after the tragic events in San Diego, where two teenagers killed three people at an Islamic center yesterday.

Authorities have said that these young people shared a broad hatred toward people of different religions and races.

As elected officials, it is very important that we spend time and stand with our neighbors of all races, religions, and creeds.

Members of this council and I have enjoyed Iftar dinners at Nashville's Mosques, Passover Satyrs at the Jewish Community Center, attended celebrations of the Lunar New Year, and celebrated wholly at the Hindu Temple and with an invocation in this chamber earlier this term.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month.

It is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and it is Haitian Heritage Month.

And we happily have Council members representing all those communities.

Diversity is this city and our nation's strength.

As we ponder the recent violence in San Diego perpetrated by two young people, taught to hate others online by malicious and fear-mongering adults, we also want to lift up all the many bright and kind young people here in Nashville and across the United States that are making a positive difference in their communities and graduating from middle school, high school, and college this month.

Municipal Auditorium, right around the corner from City Hall has been the site for several MNPS graduations these last few days, and has been wonderful to see families celebrating and taking photos of their kids in their caps and gowns on the public square.

Thank you to educators, staff, and administrators at all Nashville schools.

May is bike month in Nashville.

1,100 Nashvilleans, including five council members, the mayor and me, joined the Tour de Nash ride organized by Walkbike Nashville on Saturday.

And if the weather holds out, I am looking forward to joining kids and parents for a bike bus ride to school in East Nashville tomorrow morning.

Very few things bring me as much joy as seeing young people able to safely bike the streets that belong to them.

There will be three more open streets events in downtown this summer.

You can easily rent an e-bike, uh e-bike bicycle from a kiosk downtown and explore various routes without cars.

I invite all Nashvilleans to try and replace at least one car trip with a bike ride this month.

Friday is bike to work day, so you could give that a try or see if you can bike to the park, school, the library, or your favorite local restaurant.

Biking is fun or should be, and it needs to be much safer in Nashville with a meaningful and functional connected network as soon as possible.

But for now, that safety often comes in numbers, so invite a friend to join you and a reminder to everyone that is driving, slow down and pay attention.

Bikes and the people biking make cities better for everyone.

All right.

Without objection, we will suspend the calling of the roll and ask the clerk to please record the names of the members present throughout the meeting.

I want to recognize Councilwoman Olivia Hill, whose birthday is this evening.

So happy birthday to her.

Thank you for spending your birthday with us.

Is there a motion for approval of the minutes in the meeting of May 7th, 2026?

All right.

There is a motion properly seconded without objection.

And seeing no one seeking to be recognized for a change to the minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of May 7th are approved.

Mr.

Clerk, are there any messages from the mayor?

There are no messages from the mayor.

All right.

Thank you, Mr.

Clerk.

Okay.

We're gonna roll right into our agenda.

The first is section E elections.

We have three elections this evening.

And though only two of them are contested, they are all three loaded uh in your desktop voting system.

Um and so uh first among those will be uh item E one.

Uh this is an election um for the East Bank Development Authority to fill one vacancy to that authority with a term expiring June 30th, 2030.

Um, Mr.

Clerk, will you please open the vote?

If ITS could assist Mr.

Rutherford, please.

Sometimes we have some technical difficulties.

That's okay.

Mr.

Clerk are all votes in.

Do you seek to vote?

Okay.

All right, please show the vote.

I think we know what the results are gonna be on this one.

Council has elected Nathaniel Carter with thirty-four votes.

Congratulations.

Thank you for your willingness to serve.

We're gonna have two more elections.

So, council members, if you could wait till we dispose of all these elections, and then we'll thank Mr.

Carter and uh the others who are elected and those who put themselves forward.

Next is agenda item E two.

This is an election to fill one vacancy on the property standards and appeals board with the term expiring April 7th of 2030.

Uh there are two nominees, uh Grafton Brittle, uh by councilmember Koopin and Roger Farmer by Councilmember Evans.

Uh Mr.

Clerk, would you please open the vote?

Council members, uh, this election requires 21 votes by ordinance for a person to be elected.

Okay, Ms.

Lee, are you seeking to vote?

No worries.

Okay, with all votes in, Mr.

Clerk, if you would please show the vote.

Council has elected Roger Farmer with uh 21 votes uh in favor uh and 13 votes uh to Grafton Brittle.

Um congratulations uh to Mr.

Farmer, and um we appreciate uh Mr.

Biddle putting himself forward.

Thank you.

All right.

Um we now will move to E3.

Um this is an election to fill one vacancy on the short-term rental appeals board uh with a term expiring August 31st of 2027.

The nominees are Diamond Bell, nominated by Councilmember Toombs and Kevin Griffith, nominated by Councilmember Kuppen.

Uh Mr.

Clerk, if you would please open that vote.

Again, this requires 21 votes uh for election pursuant to the ordinance.

With all votes in, Mr.

Clerk, please show the vote.

Council has elected Diamond Bell with 26 votes in favor and eight votes to Mr.

Griffith.

We appreciate putting himself forward.

Um we want to thank and congratulate Nathaniel Carter, Roger Farmer, and Diamond Bell.

Um, and again, thank you to everyone who put themselves forward.

We appreciate your willingness to serve our city.

All right, we're moving into section F of our agenda, appointees and nominees.

This portion of the agenda shares all persons who were scheduled to appear before the rules confirmations and public elections committee for an interview this evening.

Referrals back to the committee will be by rule as part of the council's two meeting process for elections and confirmations.

No votes will be taken by the body in this section of the agenda, other than for deferrals.

Chair Cash, uh brief report, please.

Uh no vote totals necessary, simply the names of those interviews and for which board, commission, committee, or entity.

And if a person uh in the appointment and confirmation process was unable to attend your committee this evening, you can also share at what meeting they will next appear.

Go ahead, Chair.

Okay, for the fire and building code appeals board.

We uh interviewed Ilka Hanlser and um i don't see the name of the other one.

Tim, I'm sorry, Tim Pro.

And then for Board of Health, uh Dr.

Jeffrey stovall for traffic and parking commission tom sturdivant for transportation licensing commission um erica penley and annie claver um julila hack was withdrawn okay and then that's it for that okay um uh julila hawk will be uh withdrawn um uh from nomination uh consideration all right um next is section g confirmations uh chair you're recognized again for your committee report on the appointees in the second step of your committee's two meeting process this time with vote totals please and a consolidated motion for the confirmation of those persons or first for a deferral motion if there are any go ahead sir airport authority appointment of Marcus Schute junior for term expiring April 5th 2032 air uh six to zero zero airport authority appointment of Steve Schwartz for term expiring April 5th 2032 also six to zero to zero bicycle and pedestrian advisory commission appointment of Winston Wright uh for term expiring April sixteenth twenty thirty six in favor zero against zero not voting farmers market board appointment of Sylvia Marcella Gomez for a term expiring May 5th 2031 six to zero to zero historic zoning commission reappointment of elizabeth mayhall for a term expiring 2031 six to zero to zero midtown central business improvement district board of director andrew cook um for a one year term approved six to zero to zero the tourism and convention commission reappointment of civil brown for a term expiring June 30th 2039 six to zero zero tourism and convention commission reappointment of Mark Hayes for term expiring June 30th 2029 approved 600 and I move approval all right um there is a motion to confirm uh all of these eight appointees uh properly seconded does anyone wish to remove an item from this consolidated motion for purposes of an individual abstention or no vote okay um uh mr bradford please remove uh g one and g2 from the consent okay um okay so at this juncture um there is a motion uh to confirm uh now six appointees in a consolidated motion items G3 uh through uh G8 uh okay um all in favor of uh these confirmations please say aye aye okay um now we will go back uh to G1 and G two uh G1 uh is the appointment uh uh or rather the confirmation of uh of the appointment of Marcus Shute Jr.

uh to the airport authority for a term expiring uh April 5th 2023 uh all in favor please say aye any voting no any abstaining mr bradford do you seek to abstain okay okay yes sir sir you don't get to speak on an abstention that's I pulled my so I could speak on these okay we have moved to the vote um well then let's move to the next one and I want to speak on that one all right sir so are you recorded as a abstention then on Mr.

Shute okay all right um uh yes okay you are a yes on Mr.

Shute okay all right um so council has confirmed uh the appointment of uh Marcus Shoot.

Um colleagues, we will go back through at the end of this section of our agenda to thank all those persons who have been confirmed.

Um, but the remaining uh item on uh this agenda is G2 uh for the airport authority.

Uh this is the the appointment of uh Steve Schwartz uh for a term expiring uh April 5th, 2032.

Um I do not typically ask for discussion on these, but to Mr.

Bradford's point, um I will recognize you.

Go ahead, sir.

Thank you, Vice Mary, and we have spoken on these before in the past.

Um I wanna thank my colleagues for taking this opportunity uh for me to speak.

Y'all know that I've been fighting for a long time to get representation from my district on the airport authority, and so I want to take this opportunity to celebrate and thank the administration for finally making that happen, not just for my community, but for district twenty as well.

These are two communities that I have to deal with the impact of airport operations, and so now these communities are gonna have a seat at this table.

And so I want to celebrate the fact that now these communities are gonna finally be heard when it comes to matters of the airport.

And so that's move for approval.

All right, is there any further discussion on um the uh confirmation vote on the appointment of uh Mr.

Steve Swartz?

Seeing none, all in favor, please say aye.

Any voting, no or abstaining.

All right.

Uh council has confirmed the appointment of Steve Swartz.

So to all our confirmed appointees, if you chose to return to the council chamber this evening, which is not required.

Uh, but if you are here, do please stand as I call your names.

Council has confirmed to the airport authority, Marcus Schute.

They have also confirmed Steve Swartz.

Council has confirmed the bicycle and pedestrian advisory commission, Winston Wright.

Council has confirmed to the Farmers Market Board, Sylvia Marcella Gomez.

Council has confirmed to the historic zoning commission the reappointment of Elizabeth Mayhall.

Council has confirmed the Midtown Business Improvement District Board of Directors, Andrew Cook, and then lastly to the tourism and convention commission.

Council has confirmed the reappointment of Dr.

Sybil or rather Sabrill Brown and Mark Hayes.

All right.

Thank you all very much.

Congratulations.

We appreciate your willingness to serve.

All right, we are moving right into section H of our agenda.

This is our public comment portion.

Again, thank you to everyone who was confirmed or elected this evening.

Members of the public who are Tennessee residents wishing to speak may sign up at the table for public comment outside of the council chamber from 5 to 6 p.m.

on the day of a council meeting.

Public comment is limited to 20 minutes total at council meetings, and each speaker is allowed up to two minutes to speak.

Persons speaking on agenda items must be prioritized to comply with state law.

We have one person who has signed up uh for public comment uh this evening.

That is uh Ryan Adcock, um, speaking on agenda item uh 42.

Um this is the operational uh budget ordinance um 137.

Uh is Ryan Adcock present?

Please go ahead and come forward.

You're recognized.

I will note for the public that the operational budget will have its very own public hearing that will be uh later.

Um but this is on first reading on our agenda.

Go ahead, sir.

Thank you so much.

Uh Ryan Adcock, Government Affairs Director for Greater National Realtors.

Um, just coming out tonight, making sure that our voices heard, our association's voices heard on the matter of the Barnes Fund uh in the budget.

Um few weeks ago, our 2026 president for Greater National Realtors, Jack Gaughan wrote a piece in our weekly column addressing the Barnes Fund, and I just wanted to take a quick moment to reiterate reiterate those words.

We'll let the council know that Greater National Realtors is supportive of uh 32 or excuse me, 30 million dollars being placed in the budget for the Barnes Fund this upcoming year.

Affordable housing is currently the top strategic initiative for the Greater National Realtors Board of Directors.

And as an association that is dedicated to the idea of homeownership, our realtor members see firsthand just how hard it's become for their clients to reach that dream.

Nashville's strong local economy has made it an appealing place to start a career, raise a family, put down roots, and our success on those fronts has also created some challenges, particularly when it comes to affordable housing.

And unfortunately, the supply of afford available housing has not kept pace with the demand driven by our continued growth.

This combined with higher interest rates means that the path to home ownership has become increasingly difficult for many residents in Nashville, particularly working households earning under a hundred thousand dollars annually.

This includes many of the people who keep our city running, such as first responders, educators, and service industry workers.

And as residents continue to face all these challenges, how the city responds moving forward will determine whether Nashville remains accessible to the very people who have helped fuel its growth and success.

Metro National Use Unified, excuse me, Metro Nashville's unified housing strategy recommends a minimum annual investment of $30 million to support the development and preservation of affordable housing.

This level of funding represents a meaningful and strategic investment in the future of our city.

And by continuing to invest in programs like the Barnes Housing Trust Fund, the council can take important steps towards increasing housing opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring more residents have a pathway to homeownership and the long-term stability it provides.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Um, all right.

Uh that concludes our public comment.

Next is section I of our agenda, uh, rules of procedure.

Um council member uh prep T has re proposed an amendment uh to rule of procedure uh 46 uh regarding uh the council meetings uh throughout the year and the scheduling of those.

Uh council member prep T, you're recognized, sir.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

Before getting committee report, um, just want to provide a uh with some quick context about the conversation that we had um in the rules committee.

We had a very uh uh productive conversation about what this this uh particular rule change could mean for um for this council body and and uh potential future council bodies um and from that that conversation um I do anticipate um some changes to to this uh proposed rule change and so with that I will now ask for my committee report.

Uh Chair Cash uh for the report of the rules confirmations and public elections committee.

Go ahead, sir.

Rules voted for a one meeting deferral, six in favor, zero against zero not voting.

Okay.

Um and with that, we we treat it like uh legislation.

So um with rule eight, no, we don't, not rule eight point one.

We can't apply it.

All right.

Point of order.

Okay, um, go ahead, sir.

Just uh uh the automatic deferral applies to ordinances and resolutions, not to not okay.

I appreciate the clarification.

So it's back to you, Mr.

Prep T to please make a motion, sir.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

With the committee report, and I do move for a one-meeting deferral.

Okay, it's properly moved and seconded.

Is there any discussion on this one meeting deferral of this proposed amendment to Rule 46?

Okay, seeing none, all in favor of the one meeting deferral.

Please say aye.

Any voting no or abstaining?

All right, this will be deferred.

Uh one meeting to the first meeting in June.

All right, on then next to Section J.

This is a resolution on public hearing.

It is agenda item one, resolution 2026-1964.

Sponsor Vo.

This is a resolution exempting Momotaro, middleman, and a la Vita, located at 519 Houston Street or Houston Street, um, from the minimum distance requirements for obtaining a beer permits.

All right, um, Miss Vaux, uh, would you please ask for your committee report?

Please first, ma'am.

Go ahead.

I'm sorry, ma'am, go ahead.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Committee reports, please.

Um, for the report of the government operations and regulations committee, Chair Hill, you're recognized.

I think the manager vice Mayor, we recommended approval.

Five in favor, zero against zero not voting.

Okay, all right.

Now it's back to you, um, Ms.

Vowe, uh, to open your public hearing, ma'am.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

I like to open the public hearing.

Okay.

Um I'm gonna declare the public hearing open.

Um I will also share that Spanish interpretation services are provided for all Metro Council public hearings.

Council office team member Karina Valdez is here as the interpreter.

Uh Ms.

Valdez, will you please share how you can help if someone should need it?

Okay, uh gracias.

We appreciate you.

I also share whenever we have a public hearing, even if it is only one resolution on that public hearing, that for those wishing to speak this evening as part of public hearings, you please do state your name, but it is not required for you to provide your exact address if you do not wish to do so.

Okay, um, again, the public hearing is open.

Um would all members of the public that are here in support of this resolution, please raise your hand.

Thank you.

Uh would all members of the public hear in opposition to this resolution, please raise your hand.

Seeing no one here in opposition to the persons here in support seek to be recognized or to speak, Ms.

Bo, they are shaking their head no, and so with that, I will declare the public hearing closed, and it's back to you for a motion on your bill.

Thank you, vice mayor, move to approve.

All right.

There's a motion to approve.

Is there a second?

Okay, is there any discussion on this resolution?

Seeing none, all in favor, please say aye.

Any voting no or abstaining?

All right.

Uh you have adopted this resolution.

Next is agenda item, or rather section K.

Um, this is our consolidated consent agenda.

All resolutions and second and third reading ordinances on this agenda are included on the consent agenda if recommended for approval unanimously by all committees to which the item was referred.

Items on the consent agenda will be voted on at a single time.

The item number along with the resolution and ordinance number of the items on the consent agenda will be read by me.

And then members of the council may remove any item from the consent agenda by request before the consent agenda vote is taken.

All right.

The first item uh proposed for the consolidated consent agenda is agenda item five, resolution 2026-1962.

Agenda item seven, resolution 2026-1965.

Agenda item eight, resolution 2026-1966.

Agenda item nine, resolution 2026-1967.

Agenda item 10, resolution 2026-1968.

Agenda item 11, resolution 2026-1969.

Agenda item 12, resolution 2026-1970.

Agenda item 13, resolution 2026-1971.

Agenda item 14, resolution 2026-1972.

Agenda item 15, resolution 2026-1973.

Agenda item 16, resolution 2026-1974.

Agenda item 17, resolution 2026-1975.

Agenda item 18, resolution 2026-1976.

Agenda item 19, resolution 2026-1977.

Agenda item 20, resolution 2026 dash 19780.

Agenda item 21, resolution 2026-197981.

Agenda item 224 Resolution 2026-1980.

Agenda item 23, resolution 2026-1981.

Agenda item 24, resolution 2026-1982.

Agenda item 25, resolution 2026-1983.

Agenda Item 29 Resolution 2026-1987.

Agenda Item 30 Resolution 2026-1988.

Agenda Item 32 Resolution 2026 dash 1990.

And then last among the resolutions proposed for consent is Agenda Item 41, Resolution 2026-199.

First among those is Agenda Item 57.

Agenda item 58, Ordinance BL 2026-1369.

Agenda Item 65 ordinance BL 2026-1376.

Among those is Agenda Item 66, Ordinance BL 2026-1296.

Agenda item 73, ordinance BL 2026-1340.

Agenda item 74, ordinance BL 2026-1341.

Agenda item 75, ordinance BL 2026-1342.

Agenda item 76, ordinance BL 2026-1343.

Agenda item 77, ordinance BL 2026-1344.

Agenda item 78, ordinance BL 2026-1347.

Agenda item 79, ordinance BL 2026-1348.

Agenda item 80, ordinance BL 2026-1349.

Agenda item 81, ordinance BL 2026-1350.

Agenda item 82, ordinance BL 2026-1351.

Agenda item 83, ordinance BL 2026-1352.

Agenda item 84, ordinance BL 2026-1353.

Agenda item 85, ordinance BL 2026-1354.

Agenda item 86, ordinance BL 2026-1357.

Agenda item 87, ordinance BL 2026-1363.

Agenda item 90, ordinance BL 2026-1366.

Agenda item 91, ordinance BL 2026-1367, and that is the last item proposed for the consolidated consent agenda.

Do any items need to be removed from the consent agenda?

If so, members please join the queue to request that.

Thank you.

Number 39, the first 25th anniversary.

Okay.

Ms.

Styles has requested uh that agenda item 39.

Uh resolution 2026 1997 be removed from consent.

It has been removed.

Um, council member tombs, you're recognized.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Go ahead, Miss Timbs.

Thank you, madam vice mayor.

Item number 38.

Okay.

Um Ms.

Tombs has requested the removal of agenda item 38.

This is resolution 2026 1996, and it has been removed from consent.

Um, councilwoman Suara, you're recognized.

I'm sorry, go ahead.

Okay, it's okay.

Item number 37, 1995, please.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

It's the 94, item number 36.

Okay, so uh agenda item 36, Miss Wara has requested to be uh removed.

That is resolution 2026-1994.

It has been uh removed from consent.

I also have a note um go ahead, Ms.

Vowe.

You're recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Can we also remove agenda item number 40?

Okay, um agenda uh item number 40.

This is resolution 2026-1998.

Um, it will be removed uh from consent.

Um, I do have a note about agenda item sixty, perhaps, having received an abstention.

Okay.

Okay, all right.

So um agenda item uh 88.

Um received a no vote in committee.

Um, okay.

Uh that is ordinance uh BL 2026-1364 uh sponsors Bradford Tombs Horton and Hill.

Um and that will be removed uh from consent.

Are any uh other members seeking uh to be recognized to remove an item uh from the consent agenda?

All right, um uh Mr.

Clerk, are all committee reports in for the items on the consent agenda?

Yes, all committee reports are in.

Thank you, Mr.

Clerk.

Members, is there a motion for approval of the consent agenda?

Okay, um uh there is a motion in a second.

All in favor, please say aye.

All right, council has passed all items on the consent agenda.

Um, we will now go uh back through uh in agenda order um uh for items that were not on consent.

First among those, among our resolutions, is agenda item two um uh that is uh resolution uh 2026-1926 sponsors tombs, guide and welsh.

This is a resolution accepting the terms of a cooperative purchasing master agreement with for the record limited for courtroom audio and visual equipment service and storage for the state trial courts.

Um uh Ms.

Toombs uh you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor withdrawal.

Okay.

Uh agenda item two, uh resolution 1926 has been withdrawn.

Next is agenda item three, resolution 2026-1954, sponsor styles.

This is a resolution expressing a lack of confidence in the performance and leadership of Electric Power Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for its failures during winter storm burn.

Uh Ms.

Styles, you are recognized.

Thank you.

Committee reports, please.

All right.

Uh first for the report of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Vice Chair Uh Ewing, you're recognized.

The Transportation and Structure Committee originally had a motion to indefinitely defer.

This was superseded by a motion to amend the motion to defer one meeting.

Nine in favor, zero against, zero not voting.

Okay, so that was a one meeting deferral.

Um, all right, for the report of the rules, confirmations and public elections committee.

Chair Cash, you're recognized.

One meeting deferral, seven in favor, zero against zero not voting.

Okay, so per uh rule eight point one, um, that is a mandatory deferral uh without discussion.

That item has been deferred.

One meeting uh to the first meeting in June.

Next is agenda item four.

This is resolution 2026-1961, sponsor uh tombs, coupon Welsh and Bradford.

A resolution reducing the local sales tax on the sale of groceries.

Um council member tombs, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

Um I have conflicting notes on here, but I I think I have it right.

Um committee report, budget and finance voted to recommend a two meet and deferral 11 in favor of zero against zero not voting.

I show to defer to the second meeting in June to track with the budget.

Okay, special counsel is nodding that that is correct.

Okay, we're both, I guess we're both right.

That's just a different way of saying the same thing.

Okay, got it.

Um, okay, uh deferring to the second meeting uh in June that will be on what date?

16th.

June the 16th, okay.

And so as not to create confusion, we do have that CIB meeting in between there.

So um, move to defer to the to June 16th meeting.

Got it.

Um is there a second for that motion?

All right, is there any discussion on that motion?

Seeing none, all in favor, please say aye.

Any voting, no or abstaining.

All right, uh, this resolution will be taken up at the meeting of June 16th.

Next is agenda item six, resolution 2026-1963, sponsor Coupen.

This is a resolution approving the fiscal year 2027 Central Business Improvement District Budget and accepting previous Central Business Improvement District Budgets.

Uh council member coupen, uh, you are recognized, sir.

Thank you, Madam President.

Committee reports.

For the report of the budget finance committee, Chair Toombs, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

Budget and Finance Voter to recommend a one meeting deferral, 11 in favor, zero against zero not voting.

All right.

Mr.

Koopin, by Rule 8.1, that is a mandatory deferral of one meeting without discussion.

Okay.

That will be taken up at the first meeting in June.

Okay.

Next is.

Agenda item 36, resolution 2026-uh 1994.

Sponsor Swara, Porterfield, Voe Tombs, Taylor, Welsh, Cupin, and Benedict.

This is a resolution denouncing the Tennessee General Assembly for enacting a redistricting plan that defy divides and dilutes congressional representation of residents of Memphis and Shelby County.

Councilmember Suara, you are recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Committee reports, please.

For the report of the rules, confirmations and public elections committee.

Chair Cash, you're recognized.

We voted to approve.

Six in favor of zero against zero not voting.

All right.

Uh back to you, Miss Swara, for a motion.

I move for approval with a brief comment.

Okay, go ahead, ma'am.

Uh, thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

I rise today with a heavy but determined heart to speak about what has happened to the people of Tennessee, uh, particularly the people of Memphis and Nashville under the newly drawn Republican redistricting maps.

Uh in Tennessee, the new Republican drum maps dilutes the political power of black voters in Memphis and continues to fracture the unified voices of Nashvilleans.

Uh I think it's very important.

Uh we uh we received an email probably earlier today about somebody arguing that this only is it's only about Memphis and that we should focus on on Nashville.

And I think it's important for people to realize that this does impact Nashville too.

Uh uh one, we know what it feels like when our congressional street was divided into three.

Instead of having an office downtown by the library to go talk to our congressman, we don't even know none of our current people representing Nashville lives in Nashville.

So we know what that is, but it's not only that.

With this new map, almost everybody in Nashville, at least some of us, I know I did.

My my congressional map change, my district change.

And so this does impact Nashville.

And this is something that as Nashvilleans we should speak up for, but also uh uh again diluting black power, diluting black voters in Memphis is something that I think we all should speak up about.

These maps were not drawn to reflect the people, they were drawn to control the people.

They were drawn because the protections that once prevented racial gerrymandering have been stripped away by the very court and trusted to uphold them.

What we are witnesses is not simply a political maneuver, it is a direct attack on the fundamental promise of American democracy, that every person's vote should carry equal weight.

Yet in this moment, um, we should not feel that this is the end of the story.

We have to continue to show up.

We have to continue to vote.

Black people in Nashville and in Tennessee.

I've never waited for permission.

We have always organized, we have always matched and we've always voted through barriers, far greater than on fair maps.

And so, um, colleagues, I ask that as we continue to talk about, I've seen many of you show up when Miss Nash was here.

Uh, I've seen you show up for Juneteenth and Black Sub-Liberation and Black History, but we cannot continue to celebrate that legacy of John Louisa Nash and the people that fought for uh civil rights in Nashville by undermining the things that they bled for.

They fought for those three.

So sad that everything that they put their lives on the line for.

When I thought about Ms.

Frankie, we're going to talk about that now.

The day that I found that she passed, I'm thinking I'm glad some of them are not even around to see what's going on to everything that they work for.

So this is not about partisan, this isn't about party, this is about democracy.

This is about making sure that people of Memphis and Nashville have the right to pick the people that they want and not what the politicians want.

So with that again, I renew my motion.

Uh, and I ask that, yes, it's already been done.

Somebody will get up and say it doesn't matter.

They've done it.

Yes, but it does matter that we tell our people that we do not accept it.

We do not think is right, and that we denounce it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Wara.

Next in the queue uh is uh Councilmember Porterfield, Madam Pro Tim.

You're recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

I stand in support of this resolution and will ask my colleagues to also uh vote in support of this and consider uh signing on as a not only am I a lifelong Tennesseean, but I'm originally from Memphis.

So, you know, this has a double impact.

Um, being from Memphis, seeing the impact on my home city, as Councilman Rosora already said, this also impacts Nashvilleans.

My congressional district changed.

We saw after the redistricting, um, our district was cracked like an egg, and our silently democratic district was uh our vote in power was diluted into three different districts.

So Nashville definitely understands the impact and the real life implications of what this looks like.

Um, but um I also just wanted to note that Memphis was not a voting rights act district, and a lot of people think that um that that this district was drawn because of the voting rights act.

Um, if you go on to the government website and you look to see how congressional districts should be drawn, uh it talks about not only population equality, but it talks about compactness.

And that was a compact district where black voting power was consolidated because Memphis is a predominantly black city.

So this district was not uh drawn because of the voting rights act.

So to um to be so haphazardly uh in acting after the gutting of the voting rights act to to come so quickly, um, there's no way to get meaningful community engagement.

And um it was just uh very uh I can't even say frustrating because it was beyond frustrating, it was beyond uh infuriating.

Um instead of doing things that can help everyday Tennesseans like ending the grocery tax, expanding access to abortions and health care, as rural hospitals close down across our state, as we don't uh get our fair share of dollars for public education, as we're not expanding access to affordable housing, instead of doing the things to help the people of Tennessee, our state legislators decided to bully and to take away or to attempt to take away and to dilute the black vote in power in Memphis.

So this does have an impact on everyone.

We all should be speaking out about it.

Um but the last thing that I want to say is that uh Tennessee is setting a precedent.

Not only are you seeing this here in Tennessee, you're seeing this all across the South.

Um but we should be leading the nation for good things instead of leading the nation as um on the race to the bottom, and that's what we're seeing right now.

Uh, but we're also setting a precedent when it comes to speaking up, speaking out and resisting.

And we're seeing other states following that and looking at what the people in Tennessee did.

Um, and the people showed up and made sure that their voices were heard.

We're gonna keep showing up.

We're also gonna show up at the polls.

So this is just a reminder that everyone needs to check their voter registration uh status, and we will see what happens at the midterms.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh next, uh Councilmember Prep T.

You're recognized, sir.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

I rise in support of this legislation and thank the sponsor for bringing it.

Um, and reflecting on the events of the special session.

Um, I was struck by the way that it affected me.

Because I can recall in 2017-2018, um, when I was in law school, um, whenever during the first Trump administration, whenever um he he made a comment about nations like the one that my family is from, um, part of the language calling them shithole nations.

And I distinctly remember feeling as if these institutions and this country that I have invested myself in, don't care about people with faces like mine.

And that's the exact feeling that I had while up at the state legislature during the special session.

What this is, what those what the Tennessee General Assembly did is nothing short of state-sponsored racism and diluting the power and saying to people with faces like mine, you don't belong in the state, your voice doesn't matter, and we don't care.

To the to the feet to the people who who genuinely believe that, I say to you that African Americans in this country have outlasted every single system of oppression that this country has ever thought of.

And we are not going anywhere.

We are going to continue this fight, despite the fact that at every turn in history, African Americans have fought and died to make this country better, but we are hated for it.

We are going to continue because we know that the arc of justice, that the arc of history always bends towards the righteous.

We are righteous in this fight.

We are not going to end, we are not going to stop, and we are going to continue to stand up for the rights of every single Tennessean, regardless of what anybody says.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Preptee.

Next is Councilman Koopin, your recognizer.

Thank you, Madam President.

I rise um in support of this resolution and um and condemning what happened here.

Um this was a dereliction of duty, this is anti-democratic, it was racist.

Um, and as my colleague said, it is um oppressing black and brown voices in our state.

Um there are Republicans I have spoken to who also know better and knew it was wrong and still went on with it, and that's that's terrifying to me.

Um, this is this is crossed so many lines.

Um, and I I never thought that I would see elected officials stand on an on a floor uh and remark that um, well, it's not racist.

We're just doing this so we get the result of the election we want.

We want more Republicans.

Um, that to me is that's not democracy changing the uh rules in the middle of an election, mid-election, mid-cycle, um, saying, you know, we don't like the way this is going, we're gonna change it to get a different result.

That's what happens in a dictatorship.

That's what happens with in author authoritarian uh governments.

That's not democracy.

Um people that are doing this know better, they should know better.

Um it has no place here.

We will continue to fight back.

There are five congressional districts now within 45 minutes of Nashville.

Um, so it's not over.

November's a long way away.

I hope people will join me in knocking doors and making calls and getting the vote out.

Um, you know, they have they may have won uh this battle, but we'll win the war.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Uh next, uh Councilmember Ewing, your recognized man.

Thank you.

Um, as just one voice of one white person, I just want to say that we have to gather ourselves and and not make this a fight and something that only the black and brown communities have to fight.

This is the fight.

This is the fight of everyone who believes in democracy, everyone who is against racism, everyone who believes in good over evil, because what we saw was not just wrong, it was evil.

And if anyone has any doubt that this wasn't about racism, just look at what happened.

The first amendment that the reason we have the first amendment is to guarantee the right to free speech.

That is what those of us who showed up at the Capitol at Cordell Hall and the Capitol building, that is what we were doing.

It is enshrined in our constitution.

We all took an oath to support that constitution.

And in retribution for that action, the pictures and the profiles of those legislators, those professional people who were doing their job and defending their constitution, were taken off of the website.

It's an outrage, and we should all be offended.

We should all be standing up, we should all be shouting out and not letting this go.

This is all of our fight, and we have to fight it and keep going until it's won.

Thank you, Ms.

Ewing.

Next, uh, Councilmember Cortez, your reconnaissance.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

The Tennessee GOP supermajority is the clearest example of what happens when power is protected and accountability is destroyed.

Extreme gerrymandering is not just a political issue.

It is an economic weapon used against working people.

When politicians pick their voters instead of voters picking their politicians.

Government stops serving the people and starts serving itself.

A government unaccountable to voters will fail Tennesseans of every party every time.

My heart breaks for Memphis because this is not leadership.

It is the destruction of protections that lifted communities up.

Now voices are being silenced and representation is being stripped away to protect the comfort of the political class.

These politicians do not govern.

They protect their position, serve their donors, and send the bill to working families who can no longer afford groceries, rent a doctor's visit, or a full tank of gas.

You cannot gerrymander your way out of $5 eggs.

You cannot gerrymander your way out of a broken health care system, and you cannot gerrymander your way past voters who are tired of being lied to.

This ends when voters decide it ends, and new leaders are rising.

Leaders who cannot be bought, cannot be controlled, they're not afraid to take the fight straight to the donors who fund this horrendous behavior.

Thank you.

Uh Councilmember Swara.

Do you seek to be recognized?

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

I just want to echo what Councilmember said and asked we're not going to do the 12.3, but I hope that everyone will consider emailing the clock to add their name.

When we talk about the heroes of Tennessee, uh, as a student of the movement, I talk about the civil rights movement, but we also talk about the story of Tennessee giving women the right to vote.

And one of those heroes of the story is everybody who was a Republican who changes votes at the last minute to be able to give women the right to vote.

So it does not matter what body you belong on or belong to.

It's about doing what is right, and this is morally right.

And I hope everyone in this room will consider thinking about the impact of this and adding their name to the legislation.

Thank you.

All right.

Um seeing no uh further discussion, uh, we will move to the vote.

Um to uh Miss Suarez Point.

Uh any member may, in the course of a meeting, email Metro Clerk at Nashville.gov if they want to be added as a sponsor to any legislation.

Uh all in favor of this resolution, please say aye.

Any voting no, any abstaining.

Okay, um, Ms.

Webb, you will be recorded as an abstention.

All right, you have adopted this resolution.

Next is agenda item 37, uh resolution 2026-1995.

Sponsors Alan Gadd, Ewing Voe, Benedict Greg Cap, Coopin Evans, Cash Welsh, Evan Siebel, Evans Siegel, Drappel Nash, and Swara.

This is a resolution urging National Electric Service and the Electric Power Board to implement a temporary moratorium on recently announced vegetation management changes.

Uh, Ms.

Allen, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam chair.

Committee reports, please.

For the report of the rules, confirmations and public elections committee, Chair Cash, you're recognized.

We voted six in favor, zero against, and one not voting.

Okay.

All right.

Um uh back to you for a motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I'd like to move approval with a brief explanation.

Okay, go ahead.

Thank you.

Um, so this resolution simply uh acknowledges that utilities uh are important to Nashville, and that while electricity is one utility, our tree canopy is also another utility that it provides habitat for wildlife, stormwater retention, it reduces the heat island effect, it it increases our property values.

Um, and we also know that during the winter storm a lot of it fell apart and put us out of electricity.

So we all understand the need to um to respond to what didn't work during the storm and make changes.

Um, but there are a number of um neighborhoods that have been affected by the um very aggressive tree trimming policy that has been adopted subsequent to that, and this does not um ask NES to stop trimming or to slow down trimming.

It simply asks for an opportunity to re-look at the changes that have been made in the trimming policy and to give council members an opportunity to learn more about the data behind those changes and to ensure that each of those changes is relevant and um is gonna have an effect on ensuring that our electricity stays on.

So, um this is again, I just want to emphasize we are not asking them to slow down the trimming.

We understand that we don't want another outage like we had before, but we do want the opportunity to understand better why these changes have been made and perhaps to make some um changes to the way that that has been done.

So with that, I would ask my uh thank my fellow sponsors for this um and ask for approval.

All right.

Um uh there's a motion to approve, it's properly seconded, and we are on to discussion.

First in the queue is council member Nash recognize, sir.

Thank you, Madam President.

I I've ever since the storm occurred.

It's I've I've been uh kind of taken aback a little bit by the I think some kind of excessive response.

I think NES deserved a lot more grace than it was getting.

I understand that if it was out power for five days, but this was a perfect storm, far in excess of anything we'd had before.

Uh not only did we have the ice storm that broke trees and poles, we had that followed by days of of sub-freezing weather.

So I I get people's um uh anger and concern over it, but for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and I think maybe NES's response to what I thought was a bit of excessive concern and criticism of NES has resulted now in taking the most aggressive uh amount of tree trimming strategy for tree trimming.

Um I know at my house every three years there was a little green dot on my silver maple tree.

NES was coming around and they were clearing the line, but above the clearing, 15 feet or so, there was another branch that was over there.

Now, fortunately, it didn't fall, but other places did.

We had whole trees that fell down.

And I I'm not critical of NES, but I do think that we maybe want to look at that and and see if this is the appropriate reaction to uh our public's action.

And I support this bill.

All right, um, next in the queue is Councilmember Koopin, your recognizer.

Thank you, Madam President.

I also rise in support of this uh resolution, appreciate my colleague for bringing it, and I do appreciate NES um quickly continuing to respond to our concerns and coming to council and having special meetings and making changes.

Um, but I do think that we need to not stop but pause um our efforts here and make sure that that we understand what absolutely does need to be cut back, but preserve as much of the tree canopy as we can.

Um I've also had residents who have sure that they wish that they knew because now they're left with a half cut tree with the majority of it now leaning towards their home, and now they are afraid that during a windstorm um that tree may fall onto their home, which previously was not going to do, and um they don't have either the time or the resources right now to then cut the other side of that tree.

So again, communication, collaboration really important.

Um I appreciate the opportunity to slow down um and uh you know hopefully have NES look at this and look at the policies and make changes accordingly.

So stand in support and appreciate my colleague for bringing it.

All right, thank you.

Uh next in the queue is council member Benedict.

You are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

So um I was one of the first ones on this body to introduce legislation regarding NES's response to storm fern.

And I'm stru I'm I'm a co-sponsor of this bill because uh this resolution rather because um this is good policy.

I've deferred mine out.

Um we've watched others come before us and also get deferred.

This is one that I think is um collaborative, it is not accusatory, it is taking the approach of um, you know, let's let's be more strategic in how we're doing this.

I've asked for that, and what we're getting in response oftentimes is being told instead of being engaged with.

Here's a memo, here's information, this is what we're doing, rather than hey, this is what we're doing.

Do you think we should change anything?

Hey, this is what we're doing, and we'd love your input.

Hey, this is what we're doing, and since there's 35 districts and 40 council members, maybe you could collaborate with us to push this information out, and that communication.

And I hope that um that as the board looks at this, um, and a potential moratorium, they are looking at how we can help as a body communicate.

I or with my 20,000 constituents, they have hundreds of thousands of customers that they're trying to reach.

I have 20,000 constituents who look to me, and you do too, who look to you to get information to them for more strategic and um, in my opinion, responsible uh response from you know our power company, and I think that um, you know, again, this resolution strikes the right balance, in my opinion, to let the the board know that you know we need that type of communication and engagement, and your customers deserve it.

My constituents deserve it, and so I hope that that um message comes across as collaboration rather than telling pointing fingers or being told here's a memo, right?

Like it's great to receive information, but when you just throw information at me, that's not as helpful as when we sit down and have a conversation together and say this is going to be the approach.

Councilmember Benedict, can you help communicate this out?

Or council member Benedict, is there anything we could be doing differently that would help you and your constituents?

Um in Northern Englewood in particular, but in Madison as well, we have a tree canopy that was severely impacted by storm fern.

Um, and we're seeing a severe response.

Uh, and and you know, there's pictures all over the internet that I as I drive through my neighborhood, that is what I see as well.

So we did we could be doing better.

I think we just need some more collaboration, and I hope this comes through loud and clear.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh next is council member cash.

You're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

Yeah, the ideas has been in my district a lot the last month, um, cutting trees, and I've gotten a lot of responses to it.

I and I get that we have some trimming to do, that um we need some, you know, we we need to protect our wires.

I, you know, it uh I still maintain that trees are a an infrastructure in positive ways, and we need to we need part of what why we need a pause is because we need to look at this holistically and you know make sure that we're remembering all the ways that trees are helpful, you know, environmentally, stormwater-wise.

Um and I agree with uh council member Benedict.

A lot of this has to do with communication um in a number of different ways.

Like first, uh I I you know, when I've been getting feedback and concerns from my constituents, uh, and then I some of them, some of them I are get or just like, oh, I don't I don't want this to happen to my tree.

Some of them are there's a disconnect between the crews on the ground and NES leadership and what their policies are, and not all there's we not all the folks on the ground understand the rules.

I had um a constituent that had little bushes cut down, they were in within the 15-foot uh right-of-way, but they were not gonna grow anywhere near those wires, but they were cut down because they were told 15 everything in the 15 feet.

Um and there's just so there's communication between the leadership who understands the and creators of the policies and those doing the work on the ground, some of many of whom are from out of town.

Um I think it is uh there are trees going down with little notice.

Uh there's so they're the notification.

I think it's getting better, but the notification hasn't been there.

You know, when we had Google Fiber going all around the city, they had NDOT made them do door-to-door notifications seven days before they were gonna do the work.

And if and I know that if if NDOT if we told NDOT nope they did not notify seven days before they started the work, NDOT would start that clock all over again.

We need better notification.

People need to be able to know what's going on, be able to talk if it's a serious situation in terms of you know how it's gonna the level it's gonna impact the tree, they need the opportunity.

Customers need the opportunity to talk to them about it, have an opportunity to reach out to an arborist.

Um, and I we're getting lots of stuff, and these are complicated.

I am not an arborist, and I can't answer some of these questions or know what's right and wrong, so uh you we just need a pause so that we can all figure this out so that yes, there is proactive communication, not reactive communication.

Um, there's still plenty of work to do out there to trend these trees, and going by the old rules will will help for uh some time now.

So I really do wish that they could pause while we make these what we understand and make hopefully make some changes to them.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh next in the queue is council member Gadd.

You are recognized, ma'am.

Uh thank you so much.

Um I rise in support of the resolution today.

Uh, clearly a co-sponsor and appreciate the uh the lead sponsor for bringing this, and uh the incredible groups have reached out um with incredible concern.

Um so thank you to many of my constituents as well.

Um I know my district is not alone or unique, but I do stand and represent it about the incredible impact of uh the storm, the ice storm and the destruction of the tree canopy, and really what also happened is um many in my district were among some of the longest without power, and that has a lot to do with the uh lines that were down and uh the impact from the ice storm on the tree canopy.

So um, with that, constituents are also holding at the same time um the response, um the over-response, um, understanding of what remains as of our tree canopy, needing to be uh incredibly and respectfully um uh addressed by NES.

So, you know, the request here is very simple, it's to pause the blanket application of the 15-foot clearance rule that's being applied to every tree of every species in every neighborhood, regardless of whether that tree poses any meaningful risk to the power grid.

What we are asking, and what I'm asking is this treat our trees like the living biological systems they are, because here's what the science actually tells us, and what utilities across the country are all already know.

Not all trees are alike, not a willow tree grows fast and fails readily, an oak grows slowly and holds, a Bradford pair has weak branch unions, a bald cypress is structurally sound.

These are not opinions, they are biological facts and they matter when you're making pruning decisions.

Now, am I an arborist?

Have I known this?

No.

But over the last several weeks and months, I've learned a whole lot, and it's not taken me a whole lot of time to learn that.

For example, Seattle City Light, they know this.

They set different clearance for slow growing versus fast growing species, utilities in Texas, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, and yes, part of our own region all incorporate species characteristics into the vegetation management.

The point here is there's collaboration to be had, better communication, which is what we have all been crying for for a long time on lots of different aspects of uh NES.

So thank you for hearing.

Um, please pause, please do the right work.

Um reach out to any of us on this floor to talk about what collaboration is.

Um, and we'll be happy to to follow up.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Uh, next is council member Jennifer Campbell.

You're recognized, man.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Uh my area, as many of you know, was hit very hard by storm fern.

A lot of the damage that we had came from trees that were not cut back, and there are a lot of trees in our area.

In fact, during the uh post-fern discussions with NES, I talked about a uh resident senior who I helped try to help three days before the storm get limbs that were hanging over her NES line cut, and it didn't happen.

And of course, then the storm happened.

She was out of her house 10 extra days longer than everyone else because of that.

So I do appreciate and and uh understand that we do need pruning.

However, I do support the bill today because I feel like there needs to be more uh discussion, we need more data to make informed decisions about how the trees should be pruned and cut, and I think that hasn't been done.

I mean, just like the report that we're waiting for.

I guess there's a meeting on June 11th to talk about uh what happened during the storm, what were the shortcomings, what were the gaps before we make any decisions on accountability?

We need that same effort in this respect as well.

And so I uh support this notion of a temporary moratorium so that we can look at what is the best process or best way to go about addressing uh the tree trimming so that we don't have a disaster like we did uh a few months ago.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh okay.

No one else in the queue.

Um all righty.

Uh we will then uh move to the vote, um, seeing no uh further discussion.

Um all in favor of this resolution, please say aye.

Any voting no or abstaining?

Okay, Ms.

Webb, you're an abstention.

Okay.

Um, Mr.

Benton, you're also an abstention.

Okay, um uh council has adopted this resolution.

Next is agenda item 38, uh resolution 2026-1996.

Uh sponsors tomb, Sware, Spain, Coop and Cap, Porterfield, Taylor Vaux, Huffman, Evans Styles, Benedict Evan Siegel, Ewing, Welsh, Gamble, Wiener, Nash, and Gad.

This is a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Frankie May Keeling Henry, civil rights activist, freedom writer, educator, and beloved Nashville.

Uh Councilmember Timbs, you're recognized, ma'am.

Thank you, madam vice mayor committee report.

For the report of the rules, confirmations, and public elections committee chair cash.

1996.

1996 regarding Frankie May Keeling.

Henry.

Yep, uh, we approved six in favor, zero against zero not vote.

All right.

Um back to you, Miss Tims.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

Move for approval with a brief comment.

Okay, go ahead, ma'am.

Uh, so I am going to invoke Rule 12.3.

Uh, because I believe that the life of Miss Frankie May Keeling Henry deserves that.

Um, okay.

We've got a motion to approve with Rule 12.3 applied such that all those voting in the affirmative will be listed as co-sponsors properly seconded.

Go ahead.

As a um young student at Tennessee State University, uh, Miss Uh Keelan Henry got involved in the sit-ins uh in the 1960s.

Uh she was burnt with cigarettes.

Uh, she was a physically assaulted.

She was arrested and spent two weeks in jail.

Uh, because she was involved in the movement, her grades suffered.

She had to leave school.

So uh she made a tremendous sacrifice of herself for the betterment of everyone.

Uh, and as we think about the times that we're living in now with the gutting of the voting rights act, and we those rights that folks like Miss Henry fought for are being diluted and destroyed.

Um so I I think it is fitting to recognize her life, her services are actually this Saturday.

Um, and as a council, we should stand together and honor her and the work that she and others have done for us.

Um, I am going to schedule a more formal presentation at a later date because her family is interested in that, and they can come and uh receive uh our condolences and and our honor of um of Ms.

Henry.

So I renew my motion as well as that invocation of 12.3.

All righty.

Um thank you for those words.

We will now go on to discussion.

Um uh Ms.

Swara, you are recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor, and I want to thank uh the sponsor for this uh resolution and honoring um, uh an amazing individual.

Uh often when we talk about the story of the movement, we talk about the Geyser Laut.

But there's so many women that were involved, and one of them was uh Miss Frankie.

Uh, and she would never stop telling you the story about the cigarette button on her hand, and she would show you all of that.

Uh, she dresses so well.

She was a teacher, she did so much even after that.

Uh Ms.

Um, Miss Frankie's family would tell you how, because of a bravery, because she had the courage to to stand up and and to be arrested and to seats so we can all stand.

Uh, she was expelled.

She was not able to finish her degree in time.

It took her a long time to be even able to get a first degree.

Um, one of the things I love about Miss Frankie's story was that actually when they got arrested and she was in jail.

Our family were able to bail out and they'd come to get out of the jail, and she was like, no, I'm not going until we all we're all out.

Uh, and so there's so many stories of bravery in the movement.

Uh, and when you think about it, one of the reasons why it's part of my power to continue to talk about these people and honor them, is because I know without what they did, I would not be standing here.

We may still be at the back of the bus.

We may still be drinking from a different fountain.

But what they did was not just for the African American community, it's for all of us as a society.

It made us better.

It made us to be able to recognize uh the humanity in all of us and the contributions that everybody has done to make this city well.

It made Nashville the forced city in the South to be able to desegregate the long counter.

And if they did not do that, God knows what will happen.

And so uh Nashville is better for it, our country is better for it, and like Miss Jones Riley said, it's very, very sad to see that people that actually put their lives.

These people have to write their will before they actually go out because some of them did not know they were gonna come back.

You need to read those stories of their courage of all that they did uh for all of us to be here for all of us not to be able to take that for granted.

So I had the pleasure of getting to know Ms.

Frankie.

I'm so grateful that this city gave uh all of them a key to the city.

Uh in our first term, we were able to honor them.

We're lifting up their names, we're doing things to honor them.

Uh, I think uh many people did not know about Frankie or Nash or Lawson until we did the street naming, and and and I'm so glad uh that we're learning and we're talking about them and we continue to honor them for what they did.

It's it's an encouragement to me uh as I read their story, especially in times like this, that if they did what they did, if they could stand at their time, then I'm moved to do the same thing during my time.

So uh so much to say about Ms.

Frankie and all of them.

Uh, she did a time, she made the world better.

A legacy is great.

I hope that all of us, when our time comes, our legacy is as good as that.

And so with that, I move again for your approval and I support this.

Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Wara.

Um, discussion continues.

Next, an accused Councilmember Koopin.

Go ahead, sir.

Thank you, Madam President.

I got to meet uh Miss Frankie uh on one of the John Lewis marches.

Um and uh, you know, there's there's a few moments in my life I'll never forget, and and this was one of them when uh we were chatting and she was talking about um what she had done and who she who she had been and and how she'd impacted us.

Uh and and she turned over her arm and she showed me the cigarette burn.

She showed me the scar on her arm that she still carried um from when someone burnt her arm with a with a lit cigarette.

Um and it just it it grounded for me the fight, and it grounded for me this movement that we're still going through.

We're we're walking backwards and trying to fight forwards, and so um I just had to rise and say that I'll miss miss Frankie terribly.

She had a huge impact on history and also a deep impact on my own personal life.

Um, and I'll carry her her memory forward.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Cuban.

Next, Councilmember Gadd, you recognize.

Thank you so much, and thank you to my colleagues for bringing this forward and for uh making sure we enshrine the memory here.

I just felt like I can't only speak about trees tonight and not take a moment to um, even though I didn't rise to speak um in our uh resolution that was presented, um, condemning the acts of the state uh against black people and voters and disenfranchising black voters.

Um I felt like it was necessary to say thank you to all the uh black leaders.

I'm standing here because honestly, because of the work you've also done, um it is no secret that uh women's rights have come through because we have access because of the work and the labor of black women and uh people of color and uh black men and their incredible sacrifice.

Uh Ms.

Frankie is one of those um incredible leaders.

And um, as we honor her passing, and um in the last couple of uh weeks, seeing um racism rise so boldly and speak so plainly.

Um I hope we won't forget that the two are are absolutely connected.

Um the goal of the legislative actions at the state is to erase people like Miss Frankry, Miss Frankie.

It's to ensure that those voices are not heard, and so while she had this scare the scar on the outside that she was able to demonstrate the scars internally for so many um here, probably in this chamber as well, that we may not see um exist.

And um, I know I have every obligation to to rise up and speak.

So thank you for this legacy.

Um councilwoman tombs, thank you so much for making sure that we take this moment here, and then thank you to my colleagues for constantly um speaking up and speaking truth.

Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Gadd.

Uh, next is uh councilmember Porterfield.

Uh Madam Pro Tim, you're recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

I um rise in support of this resolution.

Thank you for everyone who um thank you to Councilmember Tools for bringing it and thank you to everyone that signed on.

Uh something that I just really want to contextualize for us is that um Miss Frankie Nealin Henry was a 19-year-old freshman at the Tennessee State University when she participated in the second wave of the Freedom Riders.

And so put this in perspective when the US government called Diane Nash about the Freedom Riders and said that someone was going to get killed, as uh council member um Sora alluded to Ms.

Nash said, sir, you should know we all signed our last wills and testaments last night before they left.

We know someone will be killed, but we cannot let violence overcome nonviolence.

And these were the actions of 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds that put their bodies on the line that signed their last wills and testaments to fight for the dignity and the equity of all people.

Um, and this was one of our leaders who did that.

So, you know, a lot of times when we think about what happened with the civil rights movement, we think about it as so far removed as it was so many generations ago.

But these are the people that are still with us today.

Um, Councilmember Sora has talked about, you know, we are losing some of those leaders, so we definitely want to give people their flowers while they're still here.

And we were very um honored to be able to acknowledge those civil rights leaders uh with the key to the city a few years ago when we um did some symbolic things to honor those leaders.

But um again, I just really wanted to reiterate that the that these were 19 and 20 year olds and just how um forward thinking she had to have been and how bold and brave to be a child and to put your body on the line to try to change this country and to believe in the concepts of democracy to that extent that you're willing to put your body on the line.

And a lot of people now ask uh or a lot of people now say what they would have done if they were around during that time, and we keep saying, like, what are you doing now?

We saw what she did, and we honor her for what she did.

Thank you.

All right, um, with no further discussion.

Uh, we will uh move to the vote.

All in favor, please say aye.

Any voting no?

Any abstaining?

All right, council has adopted this resolution.

Next is agenda item 39, resolution 2026-1997 sponsors Styles, Coopin Welsh and Bradford.

This is a resolution recognizing the Frist Art Museum on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.

Um, Councilmember Styles is uh no longer with us, Mr.

Koopin.

You're the next sponsor, it's in your district, sir.

Is there anything you want to say?

Or we can just move to a vote.

Okay.

All right.

Um, is there any discussion?

Um, I guess we need a committee report though, um, have it it having been taken off.

Um, so Mr.

Coopin, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President.

Committee here reports.

Okay.

Uh, Chair Cash.

Uh, we voted six in favor, zero against zero.

Not voting.

All right.

Okay.

Back to you for a motion, uh, Mr.

Koopin.

Thank you, Madam President.

Move approval.

Okay.

Is there any discussion?

Seeing none.

All in favor, please say aye.

Any voting, no or abstaining.

Okay.

Council has adopted this resolution as well.

Next is agenda item 40, resolution 2026-1998.

Sponsors vo Style Sware, Nash, Greg, Alan, Coopin, Huffman, Wiener, Johnston, Gad, Cap, Ewing, Welsh, and Bradford.

This is resolution recognizing May 2026 as older Americans month in Nashville and Davidson County and recognizing 50 forward for its 70th anniversary.

Councilmember Vowe, you're recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Committee's report.

Um, for the report of the rules confirmations and public elections committee.

Chair Cash, you're recognized.

We voted six in favor, zero against zero not voting.

Okay, back to you for a motion, Ms.

Bow.

Thank you.

Can I move to approve with a brief comment?

Uh yeah, go ahead, ma'am.

Thank you.

It's an honor for our chamber to celebrate older Americans month and recognize the 70th anniversary of 50 Ford.

Um, 70 years ago, this organization was founded in 1956 as a program for active seniors at the 50 Ford Knoll Center, and has become the premier nonprofit serving older adults in Middle Tennessee, um, serving over 20,000 seniors, children, and families.

And their work reminds us that aging is not something to fear, it's something to honor.

Older Americans month is important because it gives us the opportunity to recognize the generations who have built our neighborhoods, raised families, served our country, strengthen our communities, and paved the way for all of us.

In case you don't know, in Tennessee, the population will be 25% older adults by 2030.

Older adults are not just part of Nashville's story, they are the foundation of it.

So I just want to take this moment to let every older Nashville in know that they are valued here in our city, that they belong here, and that their wisdom, experience, and contributions um to shaping our future um in our city are acknowledged and valued.

So I just want to thank Sally and 50 Ford for 70 years of leadership, compassion, and service.

It was really great to be able to celebrate with them last week.

And um may we just celebrate happy older Americans month and congratulate um 50 Ford on seventy remarkable years, which is their platinum year.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Boe.

Um, all right, there is a motion to approve.

It's properly seconded, and we're on to discussion.

Um next in the queue is council member Bradford.

You're recognized, sir.

Thank you, ma'am.

Vice Mayor is rising in support of this, and to uh let my colleagues know to be on the lookout for next spring to rem and uh vote on the amazing ladies at 54 Donald Still Station who every spring put on one of the best fashion shows in the state of Tennessee.

I've never seen more vivacious or fashionable women in my entire life.

So I so please make plans come out next spring to Donaldson station for their fashion show.

Thank you, Mr.

Bradford.

Next in the queue is Councilmember Nash.

Uh you're recognized, sir.

Thank you, madam president.

As the oldest member of this council, I would like to say thank you to you all for recognizing.

And I I like vivacious older women.

Your spouse first among them, I'm sure.

Okay.

Uh next, Councilmember Ellis, you're recognized, ma'am.

Thank you, Madam President.

I rise in support of this resolution, but I also wanted to bring to the surface um as Councilmember Swarter has stated during the um announcements period on this coming Saturday.

Uh we are having a uh legacy planning event, uh, which is for older adults and is also for uh people of any age, helping them protect their uh assets.

Um, and also it's a service that um United Way has partnered with Metro Government uh for, and so I would invite you all out and all the wonderful ladies at 50 forward uh to get free one on one consultations about in the life documents and power of attorneys information, and also want to lift up that we'll be having a panel discussion with council member Swarr talking about the importance of uh protecting your assets and uh stavanoff uh gentrification, which is as we know Davidson County, the the highest rated.

Thank you, Miss Ellis.

All right, um uh seeing no one else seeking discussion.

Uh we'll move to the vote.

All in favor of this resolution, please say aye.

Any voting, no or abstaining.

All right, council has adopted uh this resolution.

All right.

Um, next, um, let's see for bills on introduction and first reading, Section M.

By rule, all items on first reading shall be voted on at the same time unless requested otherwise by a primary sponsor or by two other members.

Do any items need to be removed from the collective first reading vote?

Um uh council member Kimbo, you're recognized, ma'am.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

I'd like to remove item 52.

Okay, um item 52 um will be uh removed.

Uh do any other members um uh seek to be recognized?

All right, seeing none, is there a motion for approval of all the items remaining on first consideration?

Okay, properly uh moved and seconded without objection.

You have approved all items on first reading, uh, with the exception of uh agenda item 52.

Um sponsor Kimbrough.

This is ordinance uh BL 2026-1387, an ordinance to mend Title 17 of the Metro Code of Laws, the zoning ordinance of the Metro government by changing from RS 10 to R 10 zoning for property located at 1616 Ashton Avenue, approximately 540 feet west of Hydes Ferry Road.

This is 0.37 acres.

Uh Miss Kimbrough, you're recognized.

I'd like to re-refer this to planning.

Okay, so you would like uh maybe a motion to approve on first with a re-referral to the planning commission?

Yes.

Okay, is there a second for that motion?

Okay.

Is there any discussion on that motion?

Seeing none.

Uh all in favor, please say aye.

Any voting, no or abstaining.

All right, this has passed its first reading and will be uh referred to the planning commission.

All right, um, next is agenda item or rather section N.

This is a late bill, uh, sponsored coupon.

Uh, this is an ordinance to provide for the designation of public property within specified areas of downtown Nashville as a temporary special event zone during the time period beginning at 6 p.m.

on July 2nd, 2026 and ending at 1159 p.m.

on July 5th, 2026, relative to the use of these areas in conjunction with the 2026 July 4th celebration and related activities and events.

Uh Councilmember uh Koopin, you're recognized, sir.

Um, you'll need to suspend the rules given the late nature of request to the president.

I'd like to move to suspend the rules.

Okay.

Um there is a request uh to space to suspend the rules.

Um uh is there any objection?

Seeing none, but also Mr.

Cash, I need to get your report, sir.

Yep, we discussed the late nature of the bill and we voted five to zero zero that we should be properly permitted for the independence day before July 4th.

Okay.

Having re heard the report of Chair Cash now, is there any objection to the suspension of the rules to get this uh bill before us?

Seeing none, the rules are suspended.

So councilman Koopin, uh, you are recognized uh for a motion.

Thank you, madam president.

Move approval, please.

Okay, is there a second?

All right, is there any discussion on uh this uh ordinance?

Seeing none.

All in favor, please say aye.

Any voting no um or uh abstaining?

Okay, all right.

So this uh has passed, Mr.

It's first of three readings.

Okay, all right.

This is passed its first reading.

Um all right, so next are bills on second reading, um, section O of your agenda.

Uh agenda item 55 um ordinance B L 2026-1356 sponsors tombs, Evan Siegel, and Benton.

This is an ordinance amending chapter 2.24.1 or rather 225 of the Metro Code of Laws to modify appraisal requirements for certain real estate acquisitions made by the National Department of Transportation Multimodal Infrastructure, also known as NDOT, and for choose how you move projects.

Um Ms.

Tombs, uh budget and finance chair, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

Committee report, budget and finance voted to recommend a one meeting deferral, 11 in favor, zero against zero not voting.

All right, and for the report of the transportation infrastructure committee, Vice Chair Ewing, you're recognized.

Transportation and infrastructure committee also voted nine and nine in favor, zero against zero not voting to defer one meeting.

All right.

Um rule 8.1 will apply, such that that is a mandatory deferral uh without discussion.

Um this will be back on second reading uh at the first meeting in uh June.

All right, um next is agenda item 56 ordinance BL 2026-1662 sponsors Alan Ellis, Evan Siegel, Spain, Swara, and Huffman.

This is an ordinance requiring an annual review and an annual presentation to the budget and finance committee of the Metro Council from all boards, commissions, departments, and authorities offering tax abatement incentives.

Uh Ms.

Allen, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President.

Committee reports, please.

For the report of the budget and finance committee, Chair Tombs.

Budget and finance voted to recommend a deferral to the July 6th meeting.

11 in favor, zero against, zero not voting.

All right, I believe it is in fact the July 7th meeting.

Is that right?

Okay, so the first meeting in July is in fact on July 7th.

Okay, um, okay.

With that report in, it's back to you, uh Ms.

Allen first for a motion to get the bill before us, please.

Madam Chair, I would like to move for a deferral with a brief explanation.

Oh, okay, all right.

Um uh there is a motion to defer uh to the first meeting in July.

It's properly seconded.

Go ahead, ma'am.

And thank you if I can take a point of privilege uh since you mentioned bike move.

I just wanted to point out that I've gotten bike bingo and to challenge all my fellow council members to try to fill out your bike bingo cards while the month is still upon us.

So anyway, lots of fun in the Tour de Nash.

Now back to the business.

Um I have been working with a number of different departments and have a few more amendments that I will probably want to add to this, so I would like to um ask for deferral to the July 7th meeting, please.

All right.

Um, is there any discussion on that motion to defer?

Seeing none, all in favor, please say aye.

Any voting no or abstaining?

All right, this will be deferred to the first meeting in July.

Um that concludes our second reading items.

Um next is uh section Pills on third reading um that were not on consent.

Um that next one, and also the last not quite.

All right, second to last one.

Um agenda item 69, ordinance BL 2026-1326, sponsors Coupen and Evans.

This is an ordinance to amend title 17, the Metro Code of Laws, zoning ordinance of the Metro government to clarify the entitlements of properties which are adjacent or within rail corridors within 17.37, the downtown code, all of which is described here in.

Mr.

Coopin, you are recognized, sir.

Thank you, Madam President.

Committee, no, committee reports no.

Sorry.

Yep, you will need a committee report to planning and zoning.

Um for the report of the planning zoning committee, Chair Horton, you're recognized.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Uh, planning and zoning voted in favor of the amendment.

10 in favor, zero against zero not voting.

And we voted in favor of the bill as amended.

10 in favor, zero against zero not voting.

Alrighty.

Um, so it's back to you, Mr.

Koopin.

First for a motion to get the bill before us, please.

Okay.

Um, is there a second?

Okay, um, go ahead, sir.

Move the amendment, please.

All right.

Um, is there a second on the motion to amend?

Okay.

Anything you want to say on the amendment, sir.

Okay.

Um, any discussion on the motion to amend.

Seeing none.

All in favor of the amendment, uh, please say aye.

Any voting no or abstaining?

Okay, if you'd renew your motion.

Move as amended, please.

Alright.

Is there a second?

Any discussion on that?

Seeing none.

All in favor, please say aye.

Any voting no or abstaining?

All right.

This has passed its uh third and final reading uh as uh amended.

Okay, um, last item on our agenda.

Yep, is uh agenda item eighty-eight, uh, ordinance BL twenty twenty six-one three six four sponsors Bradford, Tombs, Horton, and Hill.

This is an ordinance approving a lease agreement between the Metro government and Hessel Properties GP for use of 74,374 square feet of office space located at one two eight three Murphy's borough Pike.

Uh, Mr.

Bradford, you're recognized, sir.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor.

I don't see that we need any more community reports on the move for approval.

All right.

Um, there is a motion to approve.

Is there a second?

Okay.

Um, is there any uh discussion on this ordinance on its third and final reading?

Seeing none.

All in favor, please say aye.

Any voting no?

Okay.

Um, okay, we by rule, we have to go on uh the board.

Uh Mr.

Clerk, uh, with a no vote on an ordinance that is on its third and final reading.

If you would please uh, sir, load the vote.

Colleagues, hang in real quick.

Everybody get your votes in, please.

With all votes in, Mr.

Clerk, please show the vote.

All right.

Um uh this ordinance has passed its third and final reading with thirty four thirty votes in favor and one vote against and one abstention.

That concludes this evening's agenda.

Our next council meeting will be Tuesday, June the second.

Budget hearings resume tomorrow, and the council office will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

Is there a motion to adjourn?

All right.

We are adjourned.

This has been a service of the Metro Nashville Network.

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